Though it is named after a relatively homogenous summer escape site, Orleans Restaurant in Somerville’s famed Davis Square (http://orleansrestaurant.com) brings all of the neighborhood’s eclecticism to one place and does it all rather well!
From its seasonal menus to reliable specials like $10 lunches, 30-cent wings (Thursdays 4:30-close) and dollar oysters (Mondays 3-close; Tuesdays-Fridays 3-6), not to mention its 14 HD screens and 20 rotating taps, Orleans has all the numbers (and flavors) to make any day more fun and satisfying.
From the friendly longhorn-backed bar to the deep and cozy leather banquettes where you can almost get away from the fun buzz of the place, Orleans even has seating areas for every occasion and taste. But it is the diverse tastes that make it a great place to visit anytime you are in the area or anytime you want a good place to go for the game, a family meal, or pretty much any occasion at all.
Amng the score of suds are local faves like Sam Adams, Harpoon, and Somerville’s own Slumbrew, as well as Guiness, Yuengling, and ciders by Angry Orchard and Downeast. Orleans also offers full menus for Bourbon, Whiskey, and Scotch fans, and a respectable raft of red, rose, whites, and bubblies most of which are available by the bottle or glass. If you want more of a taste adventure, try one of their signature or seasonal cocktails, such as the Toasted Marshmallow (Pinnacle marshmallow vodka, creme de cocoa, Irish Cream, milk, nutmeg), Maple Mark (Maker’s Mark 46, maple syrup, lemon juice, ginger beer, Snow Capped Joe (Mt. Gay Black Barrel, Khalua, coffee, whipped cream), John Daly (Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, lemonade), or one of their famous housemade Sangrias.
On the solid side of the menu are such internationally-inspired (and authentically-prepared) portions as the Thai chili calamari, truffle gnocchi, jambalaya with Gulf scrimp, fried chicken Banh Mi, Kung Pao cauliflower, Jorge’s chili, ramen with Siracha broth, grilled kielbasa, falafel pita, hummus plate, and lamb Souvlaki. Among the (slightly) more traditional tastes are pizzas topped with everything from butternut squash and apples to ghost chili and salami, as well as the beer-battered fish and chips, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, grilled Reuben, house steak tips, and the Orleans burger with jalapeno pineapple salsa. For starters or (slightly) smaller appetites, there are also a set of healthy, hearty salads that include salmon, burrata, kale and quinoa. And for that touch more taste, try the spicy calamari, grilled corn, pole beans or hand-cut fries. When it is all said and done save a bit of room for such sweet treats as the peanut butter cup pie, crème brulee or pear and almond tarte tartin.
Though the flavors and recipes are all over the map, the Davis Square heart beats strongly in this neighborhood eatery that is worth leaving your neighborhood for. In an effort to hold even tighter to the great neighborhood vibe, Orleans is set to take over the legendary Jazz Brunch from the dearly departing Johnny D’s. This, in addition to Orleans’ established trivia Wednesdays, DJ Fridays, Karaoke Saturdays, Football Sundays, pro-sports TV packages, and an always-filled calendar of special events will keep even more people coming back for more!