The Evolution of Davis Square

Map by L-Dopa

With all the talk of how the Green Line extension would spur development in Somerville and Medford, it’s easy to imagine the mini metropolises that might sprout up. But don’t expect an instant miracle: Davis Square got its T stop in 1984, but it took a couple of decades for it to grow into the hip ’hood it is now. Here’s a look at how that scene came to be.

THE OLD GUARD: 1914–1984
1 Somerville Theatre
2 Sacco’s Bowl Haven
3 Rosebud Diner
4 McKinnon’s Meat Market
5 Johnny D’s Uptown
6 Mike’s Food & Spirits

THE PIONEERS: 1985–1999
After the Red Line was extended to Davis Square in 1984, restaurateur Robert Gregory saw an opportunity in all the new foot traffic and opened the barbecue joint Redbones in 1987. In 1990, Harvard Vanguard unveiled a medical center, which drew a host of new visitors.
7 Redbones
8 Nellie’s Wildflowers
9 Harvard Vanguard
10 The Burren
11 Joshua Tree
12 Diesel Café

THE SETTLERS: 2000–2009
In the aughts, fine- dining restaurants like Diva (2000) and Orleans (2001) opened, as did specialty market Dave’s Fresh Pasta (2000) and hip T-shirt and arts shops Davis Squared and Magpie (both 2007). Tufts students rejoiced.
13 Diva Indian Bistro
14 Dave’s Fresh Pasta
15 Anna’s Taqueria
16 Orleans
17 J.P. Licks
18 Davis Squared
19 Kickass Cupcakes
20 When Pigs Fly
21 Magpie
22 Snappy Sushi
23 Artifaktori
24 Boston Burger Co.

THE NEWBIES: 2010–today
The openings of Posto (2010) and Foundry on Elm (2010) signaled the introduction of high-end (despite the economy). Best before-and-after shot: Last year, Found, a consignment shop loaded with designer digs, opened a block from Goodwill.
25 Posto
26 Foundry on Elm
27 The Boston Shaker
28 Found
29 Five Horses Tavern
30 Bike Boom