Davis gained two terrific new spots in 2010: the pizza-and-pasta-focused Posto, and the brasserie-inspired Foundry. Both roll out top-notch food and drink in a chilled-out atmosphere, and bolster the area’s buzz by being packed most nights of the week. But Foundry’s extensive bar and wide-ranging menu (everything from burgers and croque-monsieurs to a seafood tagine and Vietnamese-style ribs, served with a locavore spin) give it the edge.

Foundry on Elm | 255 Elm St., Somerville, MA | 617-628-9999 | http://www.foundryonelm.com/