UNION SQUARE

By Dig Staff

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At the crossroads of Somerville Avenue, Washington Street and Prospect Street, the industrial roots of Union Square are making their way toward becoming one of the most fascinating — dare we say up-and-coming? — neighborhoods around Boston. With no-frills bars nose-to-nose with Portuguese businesses and comic book stores, not to mention a spectacular Saturday farmers market and vibrantly diverse residential community, this accessible-by-a-zillion-buses-but-not-one-subway area is one of Boston's best-kept secrets.

This Saturday between 3pm and 7pm, the square is going to transform into a old-time country fairground (well, as close as you can come in an urban setting), complete with music by Three Day Threshold, Lucky 57 and the incomparable Brother Cleve. Local vendors will be on hand hawking their wares, and Boston SkillShare will be sharing their skills in balloon animals, knitting and more.

While you're there, you'll need some sustenance, and you can't leave Union Square hungry—it's just not possible, especially with all the cheap and delicious goodies on display. The tamales and burros—note, not burritos—are the real deal at Cantina La Mexicana [247 Washington St. 617.776.5232. lataqueria.us]. Peruvian stalwart Machu Picchu [307 Somerville Ave. 617.628.7070. machupicchuboston.com] blesses stomachs 'round the block with perfectly prepared meats and fixings at little sister Charcoal Chicken & Grill [25 Union Sq. 617.623.7972]. Ronnarong [255 Washington St. 617.625.9296. ronnarong.wordpress.com], a new Thai hotspot, rounds out the international highlights.

Locals probably wouldn't know what to do with themselves if Neighborhood Restaurant [25 Bow St. 617.628.2151] ever disappeared, as endless praise of its cult-worthy brunch continues to fly. For coffee—and to cool your heels in a former bank—Bloc 11 [11 Bow St. 617.623.0000. bloc11.com] is a welcome haven.

Afterward, you might want to hang out for the extensive nightlife scene. Nestle into bar/restaurant The Independent [75 Union Sq. 617.440.6022. theindo.com] for cheeseburgers or fish & chips. Next door, Precinct [70 Union Sq. 617.623.9211. precinctbar.com] pours pints while local music acts jam in the rear. Around the corner, P.A.'s Lounge [345 Somerville Ave. 617.776.1557. paslounge.com] hosts bands of all types (like, under-the-radar best) in its minimalist grungy box with cheap PBR unironically poured from the adjoining bar.