The Pub is one of those places that isn't really special unless you live in the neighborhood, in which case it feels like the best bar in the city. Large, roomy (when there isn't a game), and friendly. At its core, Pub is a true townie bar in the middle of Ball Square, a neighborhood that is increasingly Tufts- and Davis-oriented (I am one of the guilty parties). That being said, it doesn't feel closed or unwelcoming, as townie bars sometimes do. You'll definitely see a number of students, although they don't overwhelm the place. Because it is located smack dab in the middle of Ball Square, the fact that it called itself "Powderhouse Pub" was always a bit of a mystery...it could as easily be "Magoun Pub" or "Winter Hill Pub." The fact that it's now simply called "Pub" is awesome...although it loses its pub veneer and becomes a full-on, multi-TV sports bar whenever there's a game. If you want to watch the Red Sox with people who have lived in Massachusetts for more than five minutes, this is the place to go. Otherwise, stop by when the [insert Boston-area sports team]s aren't playing. Food is mediocre-but-serviceable pub fare, except for the buffalo wings, which are excellent. Ask your server to throw them on the grill: nothing goes better with a beer at Pub than their grilled buffalo wings. Speaking of your server: the staff is generally nice. The primary bartender (a bald guy, you can't miss him) is a riot, and really fun to talk to. read more

Wow that was bad.. Not a good spot for dinner. Hard to believe this place is 4 stars. Slowwww service. Sit at the bar or expect to wait. Steak tips are good but everything else was subpar. Not one remotely healthy or low cal option on the menu. $2.50 for a soda refill.. :-/ They have few beers on tap but nothing impressive. A good spot to go with a friend for a beer for a game but not recommended beyond that read more

The Pub - The Pub - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

For an Irish pub, I think this bar lacked the drink selection to really capture my attention. They had a few beers on tap and only two types of cider. Personally, I feel like in this day and age with people becoming smarter beer drinkers you need to increase your variety of beer beyond Sam Adams, Coors and Bud Light. The food was mediocre. My girlfriend and my mozzarella sticks were not warm when we got them and our entrees took a while to come out. The server was nice enough, but I am really lacking a reason to come back here. read more

Two years ago I met up with a random guy (you all know him as the adorable Brian G.) and we ate chicken wings at the dumpfestival known as McFadden's. Soon, we broadened our horizons and became regulars at the Red Hat Cafe (mad props). Brian G (ever the adventurer), then introduced me to the wings at The Pub. $.35, I think they have 40 flavors, fried and then GRILLED (hello backyard bbq and no cleanup duty)....these things are a hit. The staff is ridiculously friendly. Amanda the waitress is awesome and Mark the bartender is attractive. They have FOOSBALL, which I will become good at someday. Definitely dudes in sweatpants and Ed Hardy shirts, which I do NOT care for, but you gotta take the good with the bad. Also, they have Keno. Also, I'm going to marry Brian's brother. read more

The honey sweet wings (I think that's what they're called?) with bleu cheese are the best wings I've ever had by a long shot. Fried then grilled. I've been here many times and never stray from the honey sweet wings. So ridiculously good. Also lots of TVs, tables, and pitchers so a great place to watch sports. read more

The Pub - Honey sweet wings (not sure if that's the right name?) comes with 10. - American Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Best chicken wings around! Gotta get them grilled after they douse them in the sauce of choice. YUM and MY! They sell buckets of Heineken Lights. YEAH! Townie bar owned by townies. Lotsa Tufts students go there. I'm not a huge fan but as long as they don't act like they are entitled then to each his own I say. Good place to watch a game. Beer towers are cool if your group is drinking drafts. Only CON is the service can be sketchy sometimes. It helps knowing your server or bartender's name. read more

The wings are great; I think everyone can attest to that. Beer prices are good. So there's reason to check this place out definitely. The issue clearly lies in the service. Decent service I'd give this place 4 or 5 stars. I waited almost a half an hour to get our check back from the waitress, and we could see her talking to someone for 15-20 minutes across the other side of the room and she was also on her phone. I mean, come on. If you're not going to do your job, at least don't make it that obvious to your customers. I had a couple of great, professional bartending experiences here, but one of the bartenders would rather not have random people show up during off-hours in the afternoon during the week, as my friends and I did just that, and his attitude was far from welcoming. read more

Lots of TV's. That's about all I can say about this place. The chicken wings were OK, but the mozzarella sticks were piss poor. The beer selection was good and they sell table kegs, but they had Harpoon Winter Warmer and Sam Adams Octoberfest in the front of their cooler... in early July. They have Keno, but the bartender would avoid taking my ticket because he'd rather serve people drinks (no tip vs. tip... can't really blame him I guess). The crowd on a Sunday afternoon was decent, mid-20's to late 50's, everyone seemed friendly enough. As was the bartender who might have felt a little overworked as I'm guessing there aren't usually 40-50 people in The Pub on a Sunday. I might be back for football if I'm in the area, but then again, why would I be in Cambridge during football season? read more

I can't compare it to the old PHP because I never made it there, but this is just a hangout bar. And while the renovations probably tried to veer it away from this, it also has a 'dive' kind of feel - but for all the right reasons. It's the kind of place you come to drink beer, watch a game, drink more beer, grab some food - and from the looks of the place, drink even more beer. It's clean, very well lit, and roomy. the staff was friendly, and while they goofed up a little on our order, the food was pretty solid, typical pub grub. The vibe of the crowd was very local, but not in the "you're not a local so you don't fit in here" sort of way (we've all been to those bars - where the music and talking stops when the stranger walks through the door.....) - so like I said, it's all the good aspects of that D word. Including, awesome tips - which I still swear are only found in places like this. I have no idea why, and I don't ask for the secret formula because I just want to know where they are so I can get them when I need a fix. and this is definitely going on the list of places with the 'best tips' Unlike Marc S, I didn't get the vibe that I could easily hang here with any of my more high maintenance friends who only drink mojitos, jofitos, and colitos - generally sh*t in stemmed glasses - so while they might mix a good one here, I usually associate those drinkers with places like Orleans or Temple Bar. This place ain't that. it's just a quintessential Boston sports pub - and for that, it gets good marks. definitely a good choice if you are in the hood. read more

Ohh Pub. I heart you. Great spot. I've been here quite a few times and I just really enjoy the vibe. The wait-staff. It's just a cool place to hang out and chill. Watch games or listen to music, karaoke and trivia nights. I haven't been super recently but I can't imagine it has changed much. read more

I was here a few weeks ago..It was my first time and most likely my last. -Services was slow and not very personable. -My burger tasted like microwaved leftovers. - Took 28mins to get my second beer. Normally I give 20% for tip, but because the service/food was soo horrible I only gave 3%. If I gave anything more, I would have felt bad for every other waiter/waitress that earned their tip. read more

My first review was based on one night, and my stance has drastically changed. I actually regret writing the first, as it sounds like I was having my period. After spending some time there(too much) I have found the staff and managment to be some of the best in the area. Quick to greet you with a smile and a pint. Certain nights are much more busy then others, but that is typical for the area. If you want to watch our local teams play I would highly recommend The Pub. Plenty of TVs and even more people rooting for 'the good guys.' They have actually made some additions to the place as well, which constantly shows they actually care about the place. Which is good to know, because it is one of the few in the area. Also, they have a nice foosball table!!! Only one I have seen in Boston, and there is always healthy competition. So do yourself a favor and get to The Pub...I'm going tonight to cheer on the Bruins! read more

The Pub hosted a memorial service I attended recently. I'd never been there before but they accomodated our large group really well. Everyone was really nice. Their pub fare is way better than average. Definitely recommend the fries (regular or sweet potato). The chicken fingers were really good. It takes longer than you'd think, but the food is definitely worth it. The foosball table is free, so that's pretty awesome. The Pub should add a dry-erase nearby for sign-up, otherwise the table gets dominated by one group. This is definitely a townie bar, you'll see a lot of regulars. read more

This place is the definition of a "Townie" bar - and that's a good thing. It's a great little spot that knows exactly what it is, doesn't try to do anything more, and embraces its niche. The clientele is an intriguing mix of hard-edged, craggy-faced, middle-aged locals during afternoons, early evenings and weekdays, and nod-your-head Tufts students and younger area bros and girls during the nights and weekends - they come to jump and scream to the DJ'd, bass-propelled club music that shakes the club during those hours. Pick your poison. Personally, I love going during when those hard-edged, craggy-faced, middle-aged locals are there and a game is on the television (it's a GREAT place to watch the Bruins), so you can hear them roll their aaahrs, yell at Tuukka Rask or Kevin Garnett, and talk about how the plumbing is out on the second floor of their house. It's a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Great group of bartenders working there, too - good dudes, all - and the owner, Froggy (you can't miss him) is an absolute pisser of a guy. Surprisingly good beer selection with plenty of stuff on tap (Natural Light is available, if you're a masochist) and the wings - cooked on the grill and slathered in sauce - aren't to be missed. Very, very good sandwiches, too; I'm a big fan of the steak and cheese, which is cooked to perfection and dripping with melted American. Add some peppers and onions to make it even awesome-r. There's always some good specials - check the board outside to see what they have in store. So, in summary - a great neighborhood bar that you're guaranteed to have a good time and some good wings at. You can do a lot worse. read more

This place is comprised of primates and goons. If you are looking for good food. You got lucky. Probably some of the best buffalo wings you'll fibd anywhere. I am tough to impress in that field as well. Food never disappoints. It's so good you end up enjoying the shenanigans of the fun loving wackos who fill the place up. Excellent food. read more

Great neighborhood pub. If you live in the area, check it out. Great place to stop for a bite to eat. Steak tip sub was grilled to perfection. Lots of TVs to watch the game. read more

Definitely some of the best wings in Boston. In terms of a ranking, I'd go (1) honey hot, (2) BBQ, (3) buffalo. The tater tots are a good kicker on top. In terms of beer, cheap bud / bud light / etc. is a given, they also usually have Sam, Sam Seasonal, and Harpoon IPA on tap. While I love this place any time of the year, its definitely a great place to watch a hockey game. Lastly, per some other people's comments, in general service is very good. The bartenders are friendly and pretty attentive. read more

Ended up here as Magouns was at capacity for the USA/England World Cup match. POSITIVES: Plenty of TVs, decent-ish food & friendly waitstaff NEGATIVES: Management & attitude At 4 in the afternoon the place was blaring shite pop music. At least 3 tables asked to turn down the music so patrons could enjoy the World Cup. The response was "no. we are trying to accommodate everyone." Yet, after the game ends and the place empties out - they turn off the music for a Red Sox game. It must have one of those must win mid-June epics. Bottom line: patriots not welcome at the Pub. read more

The Pub in Ball Square should be closed down. The food is a joke, warm beer on tap and couldn't get the bar tender's attention for at least ten minutes. This was on a Sunday afternoon, no crowd, no games on TV and no pretty girls to draw attention away from eager customers. No excuses! If your friends recommend this place, get new friends. As it's been said, this place sucks! This disappoints me too, because I never complain. It has to be done. If you're reading this, run far away. This place should be boycotted until they close forever. The folks running this business, should consider new careers! read more

This place is great for a low-key night with friends. It's nothing fancy, but hey, who wants fancy every day? Andy B. is right - the beer is cheap (I got $4 drafts) and while the selection is not all that extensive, they have a decent on-tap selection. The buffalo chicken wings are pretty great, too. I went with some friends for Trivia (Wednesday night at 8:30!). The trivia girl was fun and kept some of the regulars (read: drunk people yelling inappropriate but hilarious things) in line. She also had a pretty sweet playlist, lots of classics that you don't seem to hear too often anymore. The night we were there, the first prize trivia team won a 2 for 1 deal at Sunday River. I'm not sure if they usually find a prize like that or not, but I was definitely impressed that it wasn't just a gift certificate to the bar. My only complaint was the service. Our waitress was super friendly, but a little spacy. She took our beer orders and then went on break before bringing us the goods! She apologized (and talked our ears off a bit) later on, and in the meantime the bartender already had taken care of us. Part of the charm, I suppose, but like I said, it's definitely best for a low-key night. read more

We visited the Pub for my boyfriend's 31st birthday a few weeks ago with a group of friends. This is his favorite place in the Boston area for Wings and Keno. We had unbelievable shots (Girl Scout Cookie is to die for!!), and THE BEST Long Island I've ever had in my life; all courtesy of Tina. Not only does T make my boys smile, but she goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is happy and hydrated :) The service is always good, and the scene is a good mix of locals and college kids. If this place was in my 'hood, I'd be there every night! read more

I hadn't been to the old pub, but went with my boyfriend last night for dinner. We didn't expect anything fancy, for sure. When I read the other reviews for this place, someone said there were a bunch of beers on draught. But Bud, Coors, etc? No thanks. At least there was Sam Winter, but basically every bar in the area has some Sam on tap. For dinner, we ordered the cheeseburger and the steak tips, both with fries. The fries--delicious. Seasoned, crispy, salty, hot. Steak tips were okay, but maybe I'm not the biggest steak tips fan. They're char-grilled here. The cheeseburger was like what you'd get in your high school lunch line. Not very good. The music was top 40, which didn't really seem to fit in with the Somerville locals, and there seemed to be a TV for every person there. Would I go back? Eh, if it's snowing again. I'm curious about trivia night, though, on Wednesdays. read more

I think I'm just upset that I said I did not want extras on my burger and we kindly sent it back and it was the same burger with mayo just scraped off. I wish I was allergic so I could keel on to the floor so show what laziness causes. read more

1. Trivia Wednesdays. 2. $15 buckets of High Life 3. Buffalo wings (on the grill. and ONLY on the grill) I never frequented Pub when it was "Powderhouse Pub" - I was intimiated by the seeming "bro-i-ness" of the joint. But when my friend told me they had the best buffalo wings in the area I was all up ons. Pub is not a bro bar. Not on during the week, anyway. The crowd is a nice mix of locals, college kids and a few eccentrics peppered in for flavor. The atmosphere is pretty laid back and the service is always friendly. The food far surpasses the quality of On The Hill Tavern. Seriously. The wings. On the grill. Heavenly. I will say this though: if it's super busy and you order the wings on the grill - some of them might be a little burned - but this is the chance you take. And it is very much worth it. Just go already. read more

I love this bar. The wings are delicious, the beer is cheap, the patrons are awesome, and one can watch any and all sporting events your heart desires. It's the perfect balance for Somerville... Locals who have been coming here for years and the hipsters who just moved here. I'm sorry I ever doubted it. read more

Grilled buffalo wings are a must here! I'm actually salivating thinking about them. This is pretty much the only thing I eat here and I come for trivia on Wednesday. The trivia master is cool and she's play's a good mix of songs. I'm a fan mainly for the grilled wings that I was introduced by a Tufts alum that I worked with. You have to ask sometimes since it's not stated as an option on the menu. It's the only way I like to eat buffalo wings now. If you want a decent dinner though at a reasonable price, go to Pescatore's. Now for the people who came here before when it was called Powderhouse Pub, I miss that old dive decor. Now, it has bouncers and has a lot of TV's and no longer has that unique characteristic of a local dive bar. It's more of frat bar now but I don't mind the place and one could bring a girl here to grab a drink. Good place to watch sports since there are a lot of TV's and beer is cheap. read more

Awesome neighborhood bar. The buffalo wings are great, and they have good, cheap beers on tap. The foosball table and jukebox complete the package. The regulars are friendly, interesting people. read more

So the food is so-so and the beer selection is pretty weak, but if you stumble here on a Wednesday, you might just get your money's worth. Wednesday night is Trivia Night. That means 1 dollar drafts, 6 dollar pitchers, and a bunch of college students who think they know every answer to every question. Bring a few friends and dazzle them with your knowledge of celebrity siblings and US geography. read more

If you're looking for good or even some what decent service, this is not the place for you. The server told me my drink would "get there when it gets there" and never came back with my friends drink. After our first round we couldn't find her anywhere, asked a bar back to get her to come to her table... she never came. We ended up leaving after having to go to the bartender to close out our tab. Our waitress was clueless to it all. Think it may be time for her to retire. read more

Happened too be in th area on Friday,December 4th,stopped in late in the afternoon for a cold one and a bite.Typical townnie/regulars bar,but great for people watching,my bartender brought me a cold beer in a chilled glass,and i ordered wings on her recommendation,i was not disapointed at all.They were so so good.the best part of the atmosphere was watching and listening too the regulars,who constantly berate,ridicule and outright humiliate each other,but i guess thats what makes this place the best read more

Well haven't been here in over a year but went alot w my gf pain in my ass getting there by bus due to bridge closure shit/fuck

After waiting for our drinks for forty minutes our server came over said "they will come when they come" and the drinks never came. We eventually had to go to the bar to get drinks which began a whole other terrible process. When my friend asked for water they sneered and we overheard them say "if she wants fucking water she should go to the resevoir to get it. We don't have to serve her water". She never got the water and it took over an hour for everyone to finally be served the drinks we order when we arrived. read more

I have just recently starting coming to the Pub since moving too Somerville,probably been there 10 times over the last 3 weeks.The wings OMG they are the best,their burgers are tasty also,beer is always cold and priced just right.I have gone a few times for lunch hoping too see some specials but have seen the same 3 Chili,Chicken soup and Beef Stew,eeehhhh hopeflly over the winter they add a few more dishes as i have no issue coming here for lunch as i work from home.The staff is ok,Tom the evening bartender is awesome always behind the bar and ready with your next drink,not so on some Saturday and Sunday nights when i see the bartender outside smoking with no one behind bar.Sunday football is great good crowd and Eryn and I believe his name is OB (PEOPLE YELLING IT OUT) are perfect for that atmosphere,went in on a tuesday which is a no no as the Pub is overrun with Tufts students with one purpose,spoke with Joe who is manager and he informed me that every tuesday is like this,amazing night but the staff that night kept everything in order and under control.I bought my first Xmas gift also that night,a Hoodie. read more

Good wings..just enough flavor...really good service...some on street parking..hopping vibe

Saw a lot of reviews who were slagging the place because of the locals. Lets try to remember the transplants (like me) have pretty much overun every bar in the greater Davis Sq. area. Lets try not to knock one of the last bastions where a native son of the Hitsville can go to puke. And lets face it, I have a lot more in common with these old slugs that go to the Pub than I do with the saps and yuppies who go to Orleans and the Burren. I go here before I get my hair cut next door because I have a drinking problem. They actually do have a decent amount of beer despite what the other reviews say. They only have about 6 on draft but they have about 20 bottles and a can. And they have plenty that aren't some variation of Bud or Miller or something lite, like Wachussett Blueberry and Newcastle. Its a great place to go on late afternoons because they have the news on with the volume and lets face it, the news is generally a reason to drink. Would I go here for dinner? Probably not. Would I go here to drink a bucket of 5 Rolling Rocks for $10? Yup read more

Wow. My S/O moved to Somerville and we tried a bunch of restaurants anytime I was in town. This was by far my favorite! Sort of a dive bar but way cleaner. The wings are amazing no matter what flavor you get. We ended up moving back to Florida but I miss this place!!! It was just around the corner so we walked here for wings any chance we got. If I ever go back to the Boston area I will def go back here! Also, the owner or manager whoever it was is very nice and is usually there! Make sure to say Hi he's a nice guy. read more

Every time I'm here I find a new reason to not come back. Keep coming back because of the foosball and jukebox. Got punched a couple times by a bouncer on new years eve for no reason. Froggy and Stumbles are Great, think Froggy is gone now. Could be a fun time. College kids mixed with Medford locals makes this a very strange dive. read more

This is a great step up from the old Powder House Pub, I only tried one dish and it was wings so I will leave the food commentary for another time. The lighting improvements are fantastic, the new TVs are great, the floor and back area are so much better. I am saving the best for last, the ladies room is such an improvement that deserves it's own rating of 5. Great improvements and I might review to a five once I eat here again. read more

Might be 5 star but I'll need to try the food. The night I was there it was packed so I can't fully judge. First, it's a HUGE improvement over the old PHP. Beer prices are excellent and the selection is great. The TV's are everywhere which is good. It's clean and the bartenders were very efficient even on a jammed night. The crowd was a mix of 20's-60's and seemed a good mix of neighborhood and destination patrons. What I can say most about The Pub is it isn't the old Powder House Pub so give it a try. Hopefully I'll try the food next time read more

From the outside you probably think dive.. from the inside you definitely think dive... once you see the guys there every single day, you know it's a dive. But damnnnn those wings are legit. Food in gerneral is for real. Not what you would expect. read more