Somerville’s vibrant culinary scene continues to flourish with the arrival of Elm Street Taproom, the latest venture from Hawkeye Hospitality. Following a remarkable year for Somerville’s dining and drinking establishments, including the acclaimed Bow Market, Celeste, and Dakzen, Elm Street Taproom is poised to become a neighborhood favorite in Davis Square. Owned by Dylan Welsh, the restaurateur behind Worden Hall in Southie and the popular Five Horses Tavern chain, Elm Street Taproom opened its doors on Tuesday, January 8th, in the space formerly occupied by Joshua Tree.
Welsh’s connection to Davis Square runs deep. “It’s close to my first restaurant, which was my starting point,” he stated, referencing Five Horses Tavern. “I live a half mile from here and call Davis Square home. It’s cool to bring a neighborhood option here.” This personal investment underscores Welsh’s commitment to creating a welcoming and community-focused establishment.
A Beer Lover’s Paradise in Davis Square
Elm Street Taproom is set to impress beer enthusiasts with its extensive selection. Boasting 40 draft lines and 24 bottled options, the bar offers a diverse range of beers sourced locally, nationally, and internationally, with a strong emphasis on craft brews. For those seeking a unique and rewarding experience, Elm Street Taproom introduces Davis Square’s first-ever mug club. The challenge is straightforward, yet ambitious: patrons who sample all 64 beers on the menu will earn a coveted 22-ounce mug, one of 200 displayed above the bar. Mug club members can then enjoy any draft beer at the regular pour price, making it a truly rewarding perk for dedicated beer explorers.
To enhance the customer experience, Elm Street Taproom utilizes a customized app. “We had a customized app designed, which lets you see the current draft list and pick and choose which draft you want to try,” Welsh explained. This user-friendly technology allows guests to easily track their beer journey and explore the ever-changing tap list. “I’ve always wanted to have a mug club. I think it’s a cool asset,” Welsh added, highlighting his enthusiasm for this distinctive feature.
Shareable Plates and Sandwiches Take Center Stage
Moving beyond beverages, Elm Street Taproom’s food menu is thoughtfully designed for sharing and sampling. Divided into categories of snacks, shareables, and sandwiches, the menu encourages a communal dining experience.
“We tried to keep the food menu a little smaller this time around [compared to] Five Horses and Worden Hall,” Welsh noted. “At this location, we’re moving away from the entrées. I think the restaurant scene and the way people are eating out is heading in a different direction. Now, people like to experience different things on the menu.” Guests can expect a variety of enticing options, including a deconstructed steak and mashed potatoes designed for sharing, homemade onion rings, whipped feta served with Ritz crackers, Kung Pao duck, seven-layer dip, and nachos. For burger lovers, the menu features a four-ounce skinny burger patty, allowing for customizable orders of single, double, or even triple patties.
Elm Street Taproom, with its 122-seat capacity, initially launched with lunch and dinner service. Looking ahead, Welsh envisions expanding to brunch service, potentially incorporating a DJ to further enhance the weekend atmosphere.
Elm Street Taproom, located at 256 Elm St., Somerville, is open Mondays–Sundays from 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m. For more information, visit elmstreettaproom.com.
