If you grew up in Somerville, chances are you probably grabbed a burger and a beer at the Rosebud and perhaps even attempted disco dancing at the Surrey Room after a few more beers.

When making your way through the entrance of the restaurant, your eyes immediately go to the dessert case where it’s filled with an array of old fashioned and enormous pies. A true feast for the eyes! When greeted, request a seat in the diner car section. The car is tastefully renovated in red and black and looks as if it were original. The back of the car is now open and flows into larger dining room and extends into what used to be the Surrey Room. There’s plenty of seating along with a room length bar that is well stocked with an extensive beer list on draft as well as bottles and cans. The whiskey choices are, let’s say, one of the largest I’ve ever seen in one place. There’s a cocktail section that has the old classics mixed with some unique and new style cocktails. They also provide a great wine list for the wine lovers out there.

The staff is knowledgeable and can make worthy suggestions. I’ve been here multiple times over the past few months and noted the food to be consistently very good.

The one appetizer that’s a must try is the smoked chicken wings. They are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and topped with an agave glaze. I would also recommend getting here on the early side to experience the St. Louis style ribs, (before they’re gone). They are smoky and moist with a hint of heat and just the right amount of sweetness. The smoked boneless pork chops are tender and smothered in a tangy mustard sauce served over cheesy grits with fresh and crisp broccolini. The smoked 1/2 chicken was full of flavor, juicy and very tender served with sweet potatoes, baby bok choy, and an earthy, mushroom gravy.

Looking for a weekend brunch with a Southern twist? They have that covered too. It’s a nice addition to the bustling brunch scene in Davis Square.

Although you won’t find any disco dancing going on here today, I’m sure you will want to make this a regular stop, as you reminisce about the good old days. Accompanied, of course, with some great barbecue. And yes, they have a bottomless cup of coffee to go with those great pies!

Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar
381 Summer Street (Davis Square)

Hours: Sun-Sat 5 p.m.–11 p.m. (Dinner)
Fri-Sat (Bar menu until midnight)
Fri 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (Lunch)
Sat-Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Brunch)
Bar open until 1 a.m.

Price Ranges Dinner Menu:
Appetizers $9.95–12.95
Sides $5–7
Sandwiches, Salads, Flatbreads $8.95–13.95
Entrees $16.95–24.95
Cocktails $10–12
Dessert $6-7

rosebudkitchen.com