Overcrowded neighborhood college bar where non gimme-any-drink-in-any-cup crowd gathers alike. Not sure if it this many folks are there every sat night or was it 2nd Saturday's. The live music was good and they knew how to put up a show even when their sound was pretty off. Would like to be back on a quieter time. Over all a fun place to be. read more

If you're not looking for a bit the old sod in America, you should be, and you'll find it at The Burren. In Ireland, the Burren is a region in County Claire described as a karst landscape of bedrock. It's where you'll find the Cliffs of Moher (beautiful) and Doolin, a village renowned as a centre of traditional Irish music. Its New World cousin has to be Davis Square in Somerville and The Burren its favorite son and purveyor of music seemingly 24/7. Yesterday (a Sunday afternoon) there were a Bakers's Dozen musicians in the front room adding to the most convivial atmosphere. With the lilt of Irish music in the air and a well-poured Guinness in your hand, you simply cannot be anything but happy at The Burren, surrounded by many like you, who have found there a bit of the Emerald Isle. read more

Friendly service, and a great drink selection. The menu isn't expansive but the choices are good and the food was great! Not a long wait at all and the food was delivered hot. The ambiance is a pub - perfect! read more

Was looking forward to brunch with Irish Breakfast and Eggs Benedict for our party. Hostess seated us at 2:09 pm. Fourteen guests in the restaurant. Waitress looked at us a few times but never approached the table to offer water, take order...wait, stuff that waitstaff in restaurants do? Thinking the waitress on duty around 2 pm is racist. How delightfully curious. Hostess was busy chowing down in the back and came out periodically to stare at guests. Bartender was working the bar, not observing the floor. After sitting at the table unattended for over 20 minutes, decided to leave. So glad we did - had a fabulous, expensive meal in the North End. Slainte - not. No craic to be had here. Sorry you hate Irish Americans. read more

one of the better spots for 20-somethings looking to have more than a few beers, especially after 10:00. don't sleep on it as a lunch spot though; calmer daytime energy & strong food are not to be ignored. It's The Druid's younger (and dirtier) cousin from Dublin. read more

The Burren - fFish and Chips Lunch - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Stopped in for a drink while waiting for dinner somewhere else on a rainy saturday. The had a New Orleans style band playing and the place was packed. My group was able to order a few beers and listen to the music (standing room only). The food coming out of the kitchen looked pretty good but we didn't have any. read more

The Burren - Live music - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I'm not gonna lie, the first time I walked into the Burren (late in the evening) I promptly walked back out. But I came again on a Saturday afternoon and had a lot of fun. The Burren is a great Irish bar. It features Irish beers on tap along with the local choices and other standard beers. Keep in mind that the bar will fill up as this is a popular spot. If you want to get into the back room you will need tickets for whatever live music is playing, typically something with an Irish bent. Overall the food was pretty good. I would say the best appetizer we had was the hummus platter with barley. The curry dip with fries also satisfied. Nothing on the menu was too crazy as it seems they specialize in comfort food that fits in with the pub setting. read more

This is a review for The Burren Back Room Music series. Tom Bianchi does a fantastic job booking eclectic and amazing acts. The best part...the shows are early! 7pm starts! It's GREAT on a weeknight that I can go out and support live music and not be dead tired in the morning when I have to go to work. The ticketing is easy and very reasonably priced. The whole Burren Back Room concert experience is wonderful. Keep up the great work, Tom! read more

Came for a concert on a Tuesday night - spent like 4.5 hours there with a large group. Had a fantastic time. Great food (burger, wings) and great service. Bartender dude was awesome. Looking forward to coming back! read more

Great Irish bar and restaurant in Davis Square! Reasonable prices for drinks and hearty menu items such as their Guinness beef stew. They offer live music in the back room on weekend nights which can get pretty rowdy but is a lot of fun when the bands play covers you want to hear. If that's not your scene, the front bar has live Irish music on weekend nights and Sundays. read more

I rarely write reviews for restaurants, but I felt the need to after a few experiences. The first thing I feel the need to mention is the general demeanor of the staff. They are all incredibly upbeat, sociable, and excited to deal with customers. For me, this is the hallmark of a great establishment. The next strength is the atmosphere. Upon entering, you're generally greeted with amazing music playing an ample amount of decibels over ambient conversation. About the drinks -- they come quick. Anyone who has worked in a bar is well aware of the challenge of timing. When it is busy, these guys are working hard to ensure every customer gets served on time. With the food, it is everything you can expect from a busy Irish bar and more. A good mix of American indulgences and Irish cuisine. I generally come hungry -- for both the reasonable prices and some of the obviously guilty pleasures. It's not five star, but that's not what I'm looking for. Snobs, go somewhere else. I happily return to this bar week after week. I bring my friends, I recommend it to others. The staff are seemingly happy to be here -- so am I. read more

America needs more places like this. If you're looking for an authentic environment filled with drink, music and fun, this place is for you. You're greeted with live sounds of Ireland and friendly faces. If you like beer of any kind, I'm sure they have it. Go check them out read more

I just went to a show in the Back Room, and I cannot say enough good things about this place. I've seen other bands play here, and it never disappoints. Drinks are great, food is amazing and service is terrific. You can't beat the prices on everything. If you're looking for something to do early in the day on a Sunday, it's a great place to spend the afternoon and listen to amazing musicians. After the show, head to front and enjoy more music with a large selection of beverages to choose from, read more

Me and the lads have a fantastic time. Sausage was bang off (in a good way!), the Burren Platter is perfect for either 4 to share or 2 big hearty boys. Also pretty affordable! Fun live music. read more

Quintessential Irish old school bar as if stepping into the old country. I wish I could give 6 stars for having the guts to remain NO TVs! Best Guinness and fish and chips this side of the Atlantic and great friendly neighborhood atmosphere. I the Burren! Full disclosure, I met my life partner here so I'm biased read more

The Burren - Booth seating - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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Lovely place and friendly staff. We had to wait for a while but it was worth it. Will visit again.

I'd been going to The Burren on Friday and Saturday nights in my 20's and 30's, but never even realized that they served food! Now that I'm in my 40's (how exactly did THAT happen?), and married to a British guy, finding Good Irish food is always on my radar. So the other day we tried this place for dinner and a beer or two (of course!) and it was really good! They have a great vegetarian section - unheard of for Irish food! I had a veggie pot pie and it was super flavorful, easily as good as its chicken counterpart. My partner had the bangers and mash and I don't think he said a word the entire time he was eating because he was so happy with the flavors rolling around on his tongue. We also had chips with curry sauce and he has not stopped talking g about them since. If you like Irish food, this place is authentic and I recommend it. read more

The Burren - Bangers and mash - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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The best place to be to celebrate St. Paddy's Day! We went on Saturday, the day before, and had an amazing time. They had a private show in the Back Room with singing, dancing, live band, etc. It was awesome! The tickets included a full on Irish meal of Corned Beef, Cabbage, Carrots, Mashed Potatoes, Bread/butter and cake for dessert. You could alternately have selected a Vegetable Shepherds Pie or Irish Beef Stew. The meal was great and the corned beef was tender, tasty and plentiful. A bargain for $25 a ticket! Then afterward we went to the bar and enjoyed drinks with a huge crowd and fantastic live music. They had two different groups performing with music going all afternoon into the evening. A fantastic time, lots of friendly people and truly a festive holiday celebration! read more

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Solid 4 stars for this place almost every time. The food is standard Irish pub fare, but done very well. Prices are reasonable. The beer list is solid and the staff are true Irish and very friendly. Only bad experience I have had was with the bouncers during my friend's gig here. We had been waiting in line for about half an hour to get in, and were abruptly cut by a large group of men who were then let in before us though the bouncers has seen. Otherwise solid place for burgers and beers. The live music here is amazing however! Great classic Irish music mixed with many other acts. They get some amazing touring talent coming through this place. We saw Nordic fiddlers. read more

What a great Irish Pub experience in downtown Somerville! Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, but it was raining this Thursday evening, so we decided to sit at the bar. The bartender (Harry) was a joy, and poured a great "Black and Tan" (lots of Guinness flowed that night). Although busy, his conversation was very engaging. Service was fast and friendly. Started off with a Mediterranean snack plate - delicious, but not too heavy to enjoy the entree. The shepherd's pie was as good as I ever had (now, THAT was filling!). It was great to have live music on a Thursday (and every) night - perfect song selection. Finished off with a perfect Irish coffee, and look forward to returning. Unfortunately, our primary home is down south, so our return will be next summer. Although we stay in Revere when we come up, The Burren will surely be our "go-to pub"! read more

Ordered takeout from here and was underwhelmed. I ordered the Guinness Beef Stew and Shepherds Pie and the flavor for both were very similarly bland. It came with a sad little slice of bread that was slightly stale. read more

The Burren - Guinness Beef Stew & Shepherds Pie - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Great Irish pub vibe, smithwicks, harp and guiness on tap, Guinness beef stew is great for lunch, Fish and chips as well

Attended a concert in the back room. Acoustics were great, and service excellent. Not sure what negatives others experienced, but our service and food was great - much better than expected. Fish and Chips, very healthy portion and absolutely fresh. Shepard's Pie was very tasty. Would definitely recommend and be going again. read more

I have been to the Burren twice during the Covid-19 pandemic. The first time, another patron threw up on the back patio under his table. The waiter discovered it while clearing the area and promptly hosed down the astroturf. Not sure why this happened- they don't serve pitchers. I came here again on a date last week and was enchanted by our Irish waiter. Though, I was a bit put off that we had to order two (2) appetizers for the table. This turned into quite a burden as I awoke the next morning to my date tapping on my window hours after his departure. Turns out, he had forgotten his leftover hommus in the to-go baggie on my desk. Pretty disturbing that he came back for old leftovers. read more

Haven't been to The Burren in a few years,used to be a great pub. Today wifey and I took a trip over I ordered Guinness it looked decent when it appeared ,taste was another story,it didn't have any. Head yellowed pretty quickly.Musicians were good although it felt like nobody was paying any attention.Next up was some apps The Margarita pizza was like the frozen last resort kind you keep in the freezer.Minus the fried shredded chicken. Steak frys and curry were good.Our waitress was very good and attentive. The place has really slipped ,maybe the pandemic has taken a toll or there is a change in ownership. it needs a reboot which I hope happens. read more

This entire experience was phenomenal. We had our dog sitting with us in their new outdoor dining area. It was perfect for furry friends and humans alike. The amazing waiter came over with waters for both of us and a dish of water for the dog without us even asking. We ordered some beers and decided to get a snack of chicken fingers. The honey mustard that comes with them is so delicious and tastes homemade! It was good to dip the fries and the chicken. Everything was exactly how we thought it was going to be and for a bill of $30 it was even better! read more

The Burren - Chicken Fingers & Fries - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Ordered spicy chicken and cheese nachos but the crazy thing is that they had no cheese at all, I guess they forgot....the chicken had no spice, tasted poached. Guacamole was surely from a container. My fiancé ordered the Burren burger, he said it was fair at best,it had an onion on it that should have been thrown in the garbage since it had the end included, see pic. The black bean burger was formed refried black beans I think. Didn't hold its shape when eating and fell apart into a mushy mess. I didn't finish because of the whole texture thing...I've had black bean burgers before none ever quite like this. There was also too much onion. Ciabatta roll was a bit stale. Was so looking forward to yummy food before we saw a great band. Very very disappointed. More a drinking establishment than a food establishment, maybe that's the idea, get drunk enough to not notice the food quality. read more

The Burren - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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My friend and I tried to go into the bar but they had a 5$ cover per person. We had $9.75 and they wouldn't let us in (apparently they don't take coins either), which I think is kinda crazy. Wish them well tho, maybe I'll get in one day haha read more

Very good omelette just wished it had cheese! Home fries were amazing, and hand sanitizer on every table read more

The Burren - Vegetarian Breakfast - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

This place rocks. Even through the pandemic the food is still on point. Can't wait for more live music!!! Irish music in the front, live bands in the back, great beer selection and awesome food. You'll never go wrong with this place! read more

Visited this restaurant today for lunch: great food and drinks...some Bailey's coffee along with one of the best shepherd's pie dishes I've had. Service and ambiance are great, and prices are reasonable for the location. Would return in the future. read more

Shoutout to the bartender who noticed I was having a bad day and gave me a drink on the house, along with a glass of water of course. Aside from this experience, my best friend and I would go to this bar all the time. Their burren cocktails are the only cocktails you need in your life. Unfortunately, I have never tried any of the food, but would love to if I move back to Boston! read more

Good to get a quick meal at, favorite place to get a drink at in Somerville, the live music is awesome

I like the burren. You come on the right nights and you have some awesome live music. The food is pretty decent, but you don't come here for the food, it's just a bonus. Great place for some drinks and a fun night out with friends. read more

A few of my friends and I (mid twenties) came to this bar on a quite Tuesday night and attempted to order a few drinks. After ordering our first round, one of the bartenders became very aggressive with us, making comments about our mothers and insulting us on a personal level. We began to leave the bar, and we where followed out of the door. I was told my mother "belonged in a sewer" and actively vow to never return to this establishment. across the street, you will find the Elm Street Taproom that has fantastic old fashions, and a great environment. It is worthy of your business, trust me from experience. The Burren, on the other hand, is not. read more

Worst bartender I've encountered in the last 15 years. Made fun of my girlfriend for holding her arm out when it was totally packed on a Friday night and hard to get a drink. He gave her several other checks and said "oh do you want to pay these?" Then when I commented on how rude he was (after happily serving me $200 worth of drinks with $40 of tips) signalled to the bouncer to remove us. If you have Irish friends that insist on this trash bar, suggest the Black Rose or some other normal place. I've been places all over the world and never experienced anything as awful. read more

Me and my friends went to get cash for the bar, and when we came back after the bouncer who didn't check our IDs the first time pulled us aside and said "we found a baggie when you dropped your cards" and pulled a bag of white substance from their podium. We wholeheartedly KNEW there was no baggies in our belongings and when we asked them to check any footage they had, they had no comment and said we were being irrational and they wouldn't let us in the bar. To be accused of having illegal substances when we have three witnesses to one is most certainly defamation of character. read more

We went to the bar for a friends bday and they had a cover, so we went to go get cash because they laughed at us and when we came back with cash the bouncers looked at us and accused us for having drugs and they pulled it out of their stash and all we did before was show them our IDs... they didn't want us in and they created a narrative against us read more

We always amazed and never disappointed when we visit The Burren in Davis Square. The menu is quaint yet full of Irish staples like fish and chips, curry chicken, Guinness stew, and a full Irish breakfast. Today the fish was plentiful and the Burren is alway happy to replace the chips with salad which was savery and large. There is always an Irish session on Sunday's so if you like Irish music a trip to The Burren is a must. read more

The best part of Ireland is sitting in a pub and listening to the traditional music. This is not the place for that. The people they have playing are great, but you can barely hear them over the woo girls and bros screaming for shots at the bar. If you want authentic Irish, go somewhere else. read more