4. Restaurants

Five Horses Tavern

400 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA, 02144
  • (617) 764-1655
  • Store is closed

Five Horses Tavern Menu

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  • John B.

    This place is just plain outstanding. I'm here for lunch on a Sunday. Good crowd, great bartenders. They have a great selection of scotch and whiskey. I got the 3 tacos for $12. They were: 1. Pork belly confit taco. Totally awesome. 2. The tuna sashimi w avocado taco.... Yum 3. And the toro furioso. Spicy but not too much to kill ya ( I removed the Satan peppers) This was the best lunch I've had in a long long time. If you like trying quality new foods and drinks, this is the place for you. Honestly I can't think of a better place to be right now. Hoo-rah J

    (5)

  • Jazzie F.

    +1 Service is Good. +1 Staff is Friendly. +1 Menu is Okay. +1 Beer List is Decent. -1 It costs too much.

    (4)

  • Stephanie G.

    This place is a welcomed addition to Davis Square! After a little bit of a rough start, the Five Horses Tavern is at such a good level of culinary and boozy enjoyment that I went there twice this week. There are generous servings of sides (both the jalepeno mashed potatoes and the mundane-sounding-but-amazingly-delicious tater tots), the food is fresh and the service is friendly and fast. Two dishes in particular are worth noting - the brussel spouts, which totally owned me tonight with their seared crispiness and pork belly - and the veggie burger. Wait! Don't roll your eyes because it's a veggie burger. *I just said I eat pork belly!* No but I'm serious, if, after a long/wonderful week of drinking, you find yourself at a bar (uhhhh for more drinking, obvi), then this veggie burger is a glorious gift. It's legit really good, like compressed vegetables and happiness. I am for it. Really excited for this place's continued success!

    (4)

  • Dan C.

    Ok. I know how pretentious it sounds to use the word "underwhelming", but for F's sake I can't think of a better word to describe this place! My exclamation doesn't stem from excessive hate for 5 Horses, rather I think I'm running out of yelp-able adjectives. Anywhoo... I came here looking for good atmosphere, good food and good beer. I ultimately got the beer part so I'll start there. The Good: Selection wise, I'm happy with another beer-centric bar popping up in Davis. As a city, Somervillians like me pride ourselves on our taste in beer, and this place certainly does deliver with an interesting and diverse selection. I was lucky enough to try an Allagash Black, which I'd surprisingly never seen before then. Point 5 Horses. The price per pint isn't exactly a stellar deal, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for a decent drink. Good beer is rarely cheap, Cheap beer is rarely good. The Bad: From street level, I did admire the new leather dim lighting and atmosphere of the bar and restaurant areas. All and all, I would consider this a snazzy date-ish type place at a glance. Inside though, the vibe took a turn on me. I'm no stranger to bars and I know lounge-type place HAVE to have music so people can avoid THE TERROR INDUCING SILENCE OF A SLOW BAR NIGHT, but I was really put off by the arena volume music that was standard at 5 horses for a weekend night. I seriously almost lost my voice screaming to my friends a few feet away from me. RESTAURATEURS! There's a fine line between entertaining background music and sexually abusing my eardrums with a speaker. It's UNNECESSARY! (Those shouts reflect the hint of tinnitus I left with at the end of the night) The OK Looking: Lastly the food, though not bad, was overall kind of bland. My date and I had the drunken wings and seared tuna tacos. Honestly, these both LOOKED amazing on our plates, but were surprisingly dull in flavor. All form, no function. Neither was remarkably expensive, so I shouldn't complain too much, but I feel like most of this place's culinary effort is spent on image than hands down tasty cooking. Though my hearing my have been ruined, I can't say my night was entirely. I'll give this place a rounded up 3 stars, but be advised. Water your hole here. Save dinner for another day.

    (3)

  • Annmarie A.

    I am loving 5 Horses! The menu is small but well executed, and the beer selection is phenomenal. The bartenders are great at offering something new to try, offering samples and suggestions based on what else you have ordered and what your preferences are. The FOH and waitstaff are very friendly, even going out of their way to seat us at one table so we could order some apps while we waited for some friends, and moving us to a bigger table once it opened up. The restaurant itself has a completely different feeling from the street-level front bar to the first story restaurant, and can get a bit overwhelming when its crowded. It is definitely set up as a restaurant, not a bar, so if you are at a table, you will end up surrounded by people by the end of the evening (on the weekends anyway). If they could solve that issue (moving tables, capping the number of patrons, having standing-designated sections...), they would be a 5 star joint, no question. Ok, who am I kidding. Anyone who has been there knows that there is one thing setting this place aside from anywhere else in Davis Square, Cambridge, or even all of Boston...the tater tots.

    (4)

  • Joshua M.

    Solid FOUR STARS. A lot of fatty artery-clogging comfort food done by a REAL good chef. This means that you get cornish hen fried chicken instead of...NORMAL fried chicken. It means the mashed potatoes have an amazing consistency. It means the pizza is GOURMET flatbread-oriented pizza (i hear that's all the rage in Davis SQ re foundry, FLATBREAD). Get the Popeye pizza, they PILE the FRESH spinach on that bad boy and the ricotta makes your tastebuds really goddamn happy. Oh you can get pork belly in the Mac and Cheese...niiiiiiiiiice! Decent enough beer selection. Ya know this is the gastropub era and they've gotta keep up with the other Joneses in Davis SQ. They make a solid old fashioned, but I think they could beef up their spirits (just a feeling, didn't actually test their spirits shortage in a controlled experimental study). The staff seem genuinely happy to be working there, which is always a good sign and makes for a better dining experience. The staff wearing flannel shirt thing is you know IT IS WHAT IS, IS, mang! I sense a bit of a "bad" attitude, a certain 'tude emanating from Upper Management. For now this is just a psychic feeling, so I won't say anymore than that. OK that's all folks. I hope Five Horses has many more succesful nights. And I will end with the fact that the CHEF makes some seriously awesome food here.

    (4)

  • Heather G.

    I visited this place once several months ago and had the buttermilk fried chicken appetizer. I haven't stopped thinking about it since. I keep dreaming of the day when I return to indulge once again (i.e. - when I reach my goal weight and think I can justify it...bad habits die hard, don't they?). They were truly delicious. The ambience here is lovely. Warm lighting, nice atmosphere. Very, very, very loud, though and a bit hard to find seating at the bar because it is so crowded. Even still, it was worth it. The staff was friendly and so were the other patrons. I'm not a beer drinker, but their wine was quite good too.

    (4)

  • Kate S.

    Have tried their cheese pizza and sticky wings. Neither were great and definitely not worth the money. Mushroom pizza is pretty good, but that's all I would order.

    (2)

  • Jim F.

    My experience at Five Horses Tavern was very memorable. The on-tap beer selection is varied and good, stressing craft-style beers, with a wider selection of high quality bottled beers. I think they are the new go-to place for beer in Davis Square. I didn't sample the food on my first visit, but it seems to be easy to make friends at the bar, and my bar companion said she tried the mussels and found them very good. Aside from the beer and the friendly atmosphere, what made my visit so memorable was that a former "friend" of mine came in and sat a few seats away at the bar, making herself loud and conspicuous so that I could not help but notice her. Her temporary companions eventually left, leaving her to finish her drink alone and pretend to be occupied with her iPhone, before skulking away alone as my new-found friend and I chatted away enjoying ourselves a few seats away. Priceless. Come for the beer, stay for the conversation and drama. Four stars for now, based on comments that others have made about the food. Service and atmosphere was everything I would hope for, so if I return and find the food worthy of a 5 star rating, I'll bump it up to 5. I definitely plan to come back ;^)

    (4)

  • Sarah G.

    I really wanted to this bar to better. I was really excited for this bar to open. But then I went...twice...gave it two chances and I really wish I had just spent my money elsewhere... First, I don't get their theme/decor. Why call yourself Five Horses Tavern, make your staff where plaid/checkered shirts, have horseshoes on your coasters, but then leave in the exact same upscale black leather booths as Sagra had there before? Why leave the same exact layout even as Sagra had? Oh and pad thai on your tavern menu? And raw tuna tacos? I kind of just felt like I walked into a slightly different version of Sagra, only not as classy. True they have that awesome beer tap chandelier when you walk in, but other than that, I don't think this bar has much going for it. Yes, they have a huge beer selection, but you won't find a beer on draft for cheaper than about $6. And no, they do not have coors light, bud light, or miller light--just budweiser and coors tall cans (these AWESOME and by awesome I mean obnoxious guys asked about all of those beers behind us, so now I know). But the bartender we had didn't even tilt her glass to fill up our beers--I had so much head on my beer she gave me I was shocked. The other bartenders definitely made better pours than she did, so guess we were out of luck there. Oh well. Lara and I also split their popeye pizza with spinach and goat and olives but it was pretty bland. I put red pepper flakes on it to try and spice it up, but it still wasn't anything special. Sam thing goes for their mac and cheese--it comes in a skillet which is cool, but also for melted cheese and breadcrumbs I was expecting it to taste well more cheesy and delicious. It was pretty good, but again nothing special. Which is pretty much how I sum up this bar. It is really nothing special. Really a 2.5 star place I say.

    (3)

  • Christopher D.

    This space was once the home of Sagra, an Italian-influenced restaurant suffering from identity crisis. Its new replacement, Five Horses Tavern, has purpose and definition that is evident the moment you sit down. With a simple and relatively small menu, this tavern is not trying to hook its customers with the usual enormous pub menu. Upon asking the bartender his recommendation, he was very quick to explain that the chef favors his fried chicken recipe. The fried chicken sandwich was cleanly made. The lightly fried and well spiced chicken breast is served on a rosemary brioche roll. The spice is just right, but what makes this dish pop is the simple (and pleasantly inventive) use of honey in place of the aioli one might find served on this kind of sandwich in any other Cambridge-area brew house. There is no presumption with sides from salad to tater tots (which, I might add, are perfectly fried and have no remnant frozen taste). At the heart of this new installment of the Davis Square area is the extensive beverage menu. The beer menu is the first thing patrons will notice with an enormous selection. Unlike many taverns, Five Horses has strayed away from labeling its beers as domestic and import, but rather provides a connoisseur's insight to common patrons by grouping beers by style. Although the usual "American sports venue favorites" are available, they are definitely not the focus. I was happily content to sip a German bitter that I have not only never had before, but have never even heard of (a very rare privilege in my case). For the liquor-lover, this place will not disappoint. The Five Horses Tavern has done the Davis area enthusiasts a big favor. Upon close inspection, patrons will notice that Smirnoff is missing from the vodka list, Jose Cuervo is nowhere to be seen among the tequilas, and the Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish whiskey selection is complete with an abundance of middle-shelf favorites that are sure to delight. The wine list, though short, has something for everyone and will not leave indecisive or less knowledgeable customers staring at a page for any length of time, nor will it disappoint the usual young middle-class crowd that Davis Square often draws. Tying the menu and beverage selection together is the newly renovated atmosphere that this restaurant provides, and central to that atmosphere is the service. The bartenders are staggeringly performance driven and take pride in their work. My server was apologetic when I had been left without a greeting for naught but a moment. Both servers I interacted with were friendly but not overbearing. One bartender was very enthusiastic about the beer selection, and even offered recommendations to the woman seated next to me when she ordered one of the more "common" bottled brews. He was happy to provide a sample and offered additional insight about the beer menu. The design of this tavern is not the confusing blend of sports bar, Italian bistro, Irish pub, and intimate dance hall that we saw from its predecessor. The fresh look is focused and very much aligned with the style of service and menu this new restaurant seeks to offer. Without a doubt, the Five Horses Tavern will work out any minimal kinks to become the five-star tavern Davis Square has been looking for.

    (4)

  • Lindsay O.

    I feel bad calling this place a "bait and switch" but that is truly how our group felt upon leaving the restaurant. 4 of us had dinner here on Saturday night. We thought the restaurant had a great vibe to it, and we were enticed by that amazing menu. The food sounded inventive and satisfying. Between the four of us, 1 person thought their entree was "just okay" (and that was the fried chicken and pork belly mac n cheese - so much butter and fat that it would've been hard for them to screw up this entree anyhow). Lobster rolls are a dissapointment when your favorite part ends up being the bread. My friend who ordered the soft-shell crab was bummed out by his teenie tiny crab (about 3 bites in total). I had the crab cakes, and the actual crab cakes were great and a good portion size, but everything else on that plate was bad. I couldn't eat the salad that came with it because it was overpowered by too much raw red onion, and the dressing had no flavor. We left the place severely dissapointed, never to return (okay, MAYBE for a burger and a beer...but that's it...) Only positive part of the evening was that we were seated immediately. When you can get a table that fast at 7pm on a Saturday, you should probably just turn around and go somewhere else.

    (2)

  • Meredith D.

    Oh yes, I'm goin' there. FIVE STARS after ONE VISIT. Opening night! Booyah, Yelp. So let's open up with: I'm Texan. Specifically, an Austinite. I like good beer. I like good food. Ever wonder why Austin has a reputation of being so active? It's because we're total porkers. We eat and drink whatever the hell we want, then hit the trail to fight back obesity. The New York Times even had an infographic on which cities spend the most on food. Austin was #1 in both eating out AND eating in. We spend more on food, even though we earn less. So, I believe I have sufficiently stated my case as a food aficionado... Was it really 5 star food? No. More like 3-4. By my standards. My Popeye pizza would have been amazing with some more olive oil and some red pepper pesto. It was bland and dry, but I saw the potential. The crust was perfect - chewy with just the right amount of crisp. The toppings were obviously fresh, local, and quality. My boyfriend, also a food-loving Austinite, got the Lobster/Pork Belly Pizza. All the ingredients were fresh and delicious. It seemed like it was lacking a little something (we're spice lovers and I am a cayenne addict, so that's probably just on us), but it was still a great dish. The beers. What a list! FINALLY. We have been dying for a place with a good selection that was closer than Bukowski's. Pricey, but then again, I'm still on Austin prices. From the list, it looked like a beer over 7 or 8% would come in a 12oz glass and fetch you around $10. :\ No comments on the wine list. I eschew wine at restaurants (well, depending on the meal). EVERY restaurant/bar hustles glasses for $10 from a bottle you can get at a liquor store for $13. No thanks. Now for the house list of mix drinks. Stop whatever you're doing and get a Horse's Neck. Its a great little cocktail, balanced with the perfect amount of angostura. We were so inspired, we went straight to Downtown Wine & Spirits and bought all the mixings for a party at home. About $70 for 2 entrees and 4 very nice drinks. The service was extremely friendly and timely - I didn't once feel neglected or awkward - and it was a BUSY night. Our server seemed really excited to work there, even telling us about new recipes they have planned for the menu. Five Horses, you'll be seeing us again very soon.

    (5)

  • Evangeline L.

    Meh, I just don't know, I just don't. I've visited this spot twice and perhaps I should have left it at once? Goodies: The first time we went (about a week after they opened) the service was excellent. Our waiter was helpful and fun and charming but not intrusive. The food was decent, not amazing but decent. I had the fried chicken salad and my sister the tacos. We were both satisfied. Great beer and wine list though!! Badies: Second time visiting the service was awful; she was no where to be found and her personality was NOT well suited for a restaurant job. Or maybe she was having a bad day. Either way it was irritating. My friend ordered the grilled wings and I some other kind and both of them were just mediocre. Very bland sauce but yummy crunchy wing. My friends were obviously not grilled though...they must have been fried or cooked the same exact way mine were. We asked our server about it and she confirmed that they were grilled. There is just no way man, no way. There's a big difference between grilled wings and fried wings and, as well all know, you can see it, especially when they are both in front of you to compare. Opinion: Needs to work out kinks and perhaps better train employees. Also, am hoping to see the menu revamped a little because, as of now, it leaves little to be desired. It's kinda all over the map with no real purpose.

    (3)

  • Anna F.

    Yes, please! Only been there twice but it hit the right notes. Not too many TV's- so it's possible to keep them out of your peripheral, decently priced, tasty and interesting eats (loved the sashimi tuna taco and the pumpkin soup was stellar!) and an excellent drink selection (yay bourbon menu!). Excellent place for a date. Sit by the fire sipping whiskey and nibbling their extensive starter offerings.

    (4)

  • Robby T.

    Have been to Five Horses twice now, once just for drinks and more recently for dinner. Wanted to give necessary props here. The place stays pretty busy on the weekend, but we didnt have to wait too long for a table for 5. A bit loud with chatter and music, but the decor and layout of the place is pretty cool with super comfortable (albeit, huge) seats. Rotating beer menu is a bit IPA heavy, but what beer menu isnt? Nice variety otherwise with some outside the box inclusions of interesting darker beers (see: pretty things babayaga, yum) and a fair amount of lagers. Prices are reasonable for what you're getting. The menu seems a bit limited upon first glance, but there are some really fun choices here. The theme is upscale pub food, but the kitchen ties in some fun and local twists. The fried chicken sandwich ($11) was great. Perfectly tender and flavorful and garnished with some local honey inbetween a fantastic roll. Add the tater tots and I was stoked. A friend next to me let me try his jalapeno mashed potatoes which were phenomenal. Everyone else seemed to be pleased with their food and we had a great time. I will definitely go back here to eat again!

    (4)

  • Brett L.

    When I heard Five Horses was opened by a former Bukowskis manager, I was hopeful that he or she had decided to improve upon their model (expanded the tap list and dropped prices). Unfortunately, outside of a bigger food menu, larger alcohol shelf and glitzed up surroundings, the prices are still too high and the tap selection was worse. Full disclosure, I did not have the food and cannot speak to it's quality. It was insulting enough to be asked to pay $7.50 for a 10 ounce IPA. Adding a salad was out of the question. If you're looking for a strong beer selection and a 16 ounce glass at a price that respects the fact that you may have student loans, go around the corner to the BBQ spot.

    (2)

  • Melissa Y.

    ok, let me start with the pros: The tuna tacos, lime chicken wings , and fried chicken salad were great. This chef knows fried chicken. great beer and decent wine list. cons: WAY TOO HOT inside. On one of the most humid nights we've had, no a/c on.Our poor bartender was mopping his brow with napkins while telling us about the menu. I was sweating while eating (never good) WHY NOT TURN ON TH A/C??!! We had given the hostess our name for a table, but ended up scoring seats at the bar about 25 mins later. When my husband went to tell her, she had neglected to write our name down on the list... and the music was WAY too loud, i could barely hear my husband next to me at the bar. i'll come back in the fall , hopefully it'll be cooler so they can keep the windows open with out it feeling like a crock pot in there.

    (3)

  • S D.

    I really loved my brunch here. It was delicious! I had the Good Morning Davis. DELISH! I also had the white bean hummus appetizer. Best I have ever had! I couldn't stop stuffing my face. My boyfriend had the hash, something I don't ever order, and I even liked them. The beer selection is endless, so if that's what you are looking for, here is the place. The food is also phenomenal. I was pleasantly surprised. It can be a bit crowded, so make sure to get their early or call ahead. I will definitely be back, and would like to try the South End location!

    (5)

  • Jaimee B.

    SO. GOOD. I don't understand how anybody would feel less than ecstatic about eating here. The entire staff is polite, funny, and efficient. The food is top-notch. And where else are you gonna get white bean hummus, potato tacos, and fried game hens at the same place? I'm such a fan. Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Leah B.

    My boyfriend is obsessed with their fried chicken sammy, and I love their brunch chimichanga (with goat sour cream!). The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the bartenders really know their vast selection of beers.

    (5)

  • Shani C.

    To start with, the beer list is great. I got the first thing I decided to order, but there were half a dozen or more other things I either know I would have loved or loved to try for the first time. Six months after my first review, I'm ready to bounce it up to 4 stars. The beer list continues to be great and some of the staff is really knowledgable about it (Scott Pilgrim look-alike, I'm looking at you) and can make good recommendations. I've stayed with the small plates / apps and they've all been great. I have a soft spot for the braised brussel sprouts.

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    We went on Friday evening to check out this new spot in Davis for an after work drink. I never went into this space when it was Sagra but I found the split level bar and seating to be pretty awkward. We were sitting in the corner of the lower bar portion and had the feet of the people at the upstairs bar right next to our head with no partition at all...not very pleasant. We also couldn't see to the upper bar so it was hard to flag down a bartender unless they came to bring something to the lower part. The drink menu was extensive and had a lot of variety in beer on tap and bottled. I thought the drink menu was pretty well organized and they had a lot of liquors as well (particularly in the whiskey category). We each tried a few beers and enjoyed the atmosphere in the bar overall. The main problem with the lower area is that the music plays from the back of the bar somewhere and the bass was turned up so high that all we could hear was thumping bass and couldn't tell what the songs were. It was pretty loud overall in the place but they were super busy so maybe that won't always be a problem. We also tried some of the food but didn't find it as successful as the drinks. The white bean hummus was well spiced and came with plenty of bread to scoop it all up but the burger was a pretty big disaster. Being a tavern, I expected Five Horses to have an excellent, well-crafted burger, and maybe they did but it was sure hard to taste the house-made toppings through all the overcooked, dry meat. I asked for a medium burger but got a completely desiccated well done patty instead. There were some pickled cucumbers and some kind of tomato jam on the bottom bun but there wasn't enough of the sauce to moisten it after biting through the dry meat. Hopefully the kitchen will get things sorted out so food comes as ordered. Overall this place is pretty decent for grabbing a drink but it has some layout flaws that detract from the overall experience. I would come again and try it in a few weeks and see if they've worked out the kinks.

    (3)

  • Face D.

    I'll bump them up a star solely on a recent visit I had there. The strawberry blonde bartender was extremely helpful, funny, and pleasant to talk to. My friends and I all agreed we wanted his babies. Granted, the door men do babysit you to finish your beer in a hurry, unlike any other bar I've been to. They might as well strap on a fake breast, and feed you from their nipple with the pressure they put on you to *hurry up* and finish. But, Five Horses McDreamy will keep me coming back. I wonder if I should purchase some flannel undergarments?

    (4)

  • Anna T.

    Went for brunch at FHT recently and all I have to say is Holy Bloody Mary! One of the best bloody mary's I have ever had in my life (I asked for it spicy and it was the perfect amount of heat to make me sweat out the liquor from the night before). I ordered the salmon breakfast and it was really good, but a little pricey for the size, in my opinion. Also, the place was packed with people from a road race that must have gone down in Somerville, so the service was a little spotty, but our waitress was really nice despite the crowd, which was a plus! Definitely worth it to check out the bloody mary's and the food is really good too; I will definitely come back here to check out more of their awesome menu!

    (4)

  • Nick M.

    This place has potential, but needs some work. I stopped in last Friday with my wife to check the place out. First off, it was busy, but not as busy as they were making it. There was a line of people out the door waiting just to get in -- I took a look inside (the windows were wide open) and I counted at least 7 empty chairs at the bar. People were walking by, asking the person at the front if this was the line to get in and the person at the door said "yup". Most people laughed and walked away, which I don't blame them and almost did myself. You can't claim you're at capacity when there's that many open chairs, nevermind standing room to occupy Once we finally got inside, we stood at the bar trying to get someone's attention. This failed miserably, but we were able to score some seats at the bar after a couple got up and left. Once we were seated at the bar, it took over 10 minutes for someone to notice that we were there and ask us what we wanted. This is terrible service in my opinion, regardless of how busy the place appeared to be It was also ridiculously hot in this place -- turn on the damn AC and shut the windows to the outside! The beer selection was decent; though not what I'd expect from a place claiming to be a craft beer bar. They had some beers that good (I went for the Ommegang BPA and my wife went for the Avery White Rascal), but I didn't see anything that stuck out as truly unique -- to be fair, I only had what was on tap and did not venture into the bottle selection, so perhaps there are more rare beers to try in that avenue Speaking of Ommegang, the bartender that served us beers needs a lesson in how to pour. This thing had over 1 inch of head on the glass and took several minutes to settle. I almost asked the bartender to re-pour it, but it took so long to get the drink that I let it go. That alone deserves 3 stars I'm not going to beat around the bush -- the food needs some work. $4 for bread and butter? Are you kidding me? Take the off the menu if you need to charge for that, or drop the price. I ordered a pizza, which was OK, and my wife ordered a salad, which she said was decent. There were some other options on the menu that stuck out as a little pretentious, but perhaps that was just me The layout sucks -- there's a little bar off to side for the Bourbon area; there's a bigger, but still too small area next to that as the main bar and there's a ton of seating on two different levels in the restaurant for dining. I think some of the tables need to go and the bar "area" should be bigger, as it is a tavern after all. People are going there for drinks and maybe appetizers; not a full on meal The website is a joke -- if you're going to just have the name of the place and links to facebook, etc, just point the domain name at your Facebook page. The "Full Web Presence Coming Soon" reminds me of Meadhalls's page. They've been open for months and it still says that. Put up useful content or point it at the social media page and call it a day. At the very least, put up some menus of the beers and food for people to look at All this being said, I'll likely visit in a month or so to see what improvements have been made. Hopefully the service is a little better next time, there won't be an unnecessary line, and the food selection is more on par with the clientele...

    (3)

  • Erica F.

    It's finally open! Everything looks wonderful. I was never a fan of Sagra (and am a big fan of Anything Tavern). So we'll see how it goes. 36 rotating draft beers and 80 craft bottles. Can't wait to try the food

    (3)

  • Chronic C.

    Five Horses Tavern (name inspired by owners love of Saratoga) had its soft opening this week and, so far so good. They have done a great job on the interior offering two bars and lots of great seating options in the bar area as well as the dining room. The decor is tasteful with an upscale feel. Gotta love the horseshoe shaped booth that sits high enough to require a chair rail to accomodate dangling feet! I can not comment on the food yet as I only had a beer. The menu appears to be a reasonably priced tight unit of standard tavern fare with subtle twists on flavors and presentation. I did note that there are a few items that break loose from the standards of burgers and wings, which is nice for those craving a little something different, for instance pad thai and a veggie platter. Knowing the owner from his days as manager of Bukowski tavern in Inman, i trust he will always deliver on the selection and quality of beers offered (yes, 36 taps).

    (3)

  • Ed M.

    Loved the beer selection, we stayed at our table after dinner for a few more just to get through a couple more, really enjoyed the beer list. The food was good as well, the pork belly tacos had to be tried and we really enjoyed those. It can be a little loud but overall it was a nice spot for dinner. With the two floors, two smaller bars and tables for people eating it doesn't seem to be a place you can just hang out for a drink with more than a couple people. Would definitely go back for dinner and drinks again though.

    (4)

  • Nitya D.

    So, the AC works now. But it's starting to feel like fall with slightly cooler weather. Super helpful (let's hope the heat works in the winter). But on a much more positive note...the jalapeno mashed potatoes! Oh my god I died and went to mashed potato heaven last night. They were in the top 5 mashed taters I've had in my life. Granted, they came as a side to the $9 grilled cheese sandwich (which was definitely not the star of that dish), but if they can be ordered as just a side I highly suggest ordering them. For anyone who likes a general combination of: potatoes, cheese, and garlicky-spicy deliciousness, this is an absolute must. Also, the 4 stars are ONLY for the mashed potatoes. My previous gripes still hold (except for the AC issue of course).

    (4)

  • Danielle C.

    This is our second time here with our two sons (3yrs and 9months). The staff has been super accommodating and quick to respond - always helpful with kids. They've got an extensive beer menu (also helpful with kids...ha ha). We have really enjoyed everything we have eaten here. Some stand outs: duck three ways, Mac and cheese with pork belly, wings appetizer, and Brie grill cheese. So far, all delicious and very decently priced. We'll certainly be back.

    (5)

  • Katie W.

    Bangin beer. Really good food -even a choice of vegan/vegetarian options. The people are super nice folks, especially the lovely doorman who works on weekend nights. He's happy to chat up anyone in line or help get a cab for people on their way out. Love it here!

    (4)

  • Sarah F.

    I wish I could give 2.5 stars. I've been here a few times and just don't know how to feel. I want to love it, but the food is mostly pretty lousy. I really want this to be my neighborhood beer bar, so I hope it gets better. Good: -Beer! Nice tap list that changes often. -I dig the atmosphere. The tap handle chandelier is rad and window into the walk-in beer freezer is a nice touch. -Service has been attentive and friendly, including nicely tending to a freak water glass breaking incident (so I'm clumsy). -Pork belly taco! No Good: -The menu is kind of all over the place. Pad thai, what are you doing here? -The food in general. Calamari came covered in chunks of cold, unripe, out of season mango - bad decision. The bread basket was tasty but small, and cost $4. And the chicken sammie was boooring. The accompanying tater tots were delicious, but duh, they're tater tots.

    (3)

  • Rob A.

    Visited for the first time this weekend for Sunday brunch, really enjoyed it and can't wait to get back. Service was outstanding; food is great upscale pub food, nice atmosphere, and excellent beer selection!

    (4)

  • Brandon M.

    Came in for brunch and I got the salmon breakfast. Amazingly small for $14. Left hungry. Won't be doing this again. A real pity, because I had their tuna tacos awhile back and they were pretty great for the price.

    (3)

  • Cole D.

    I think we've come to realize it really depends on the day you come. the Friday and Saturday night cooks are certainly better and they have stepped up their food since our previous visit. they are also rotating the menu much more. Still a great selection of beer, cocktails are good as well. The negatives about our last visit was them overlooking our reservation, luckily we were still seated immediately. Our server also forgot an appetizer which we ordered, but everything else was great. the tequila wings and the Duck ramen are awesome! the foghorn leghorn pizza is certainly different and amazing. i stay away from the tacos, they're still a bit plain in my opinion.

    (4)

  • Kate B.

    Great way to start 2013. Happily vegetarian/vegan friendly. Excellent beer list - felt like a sin to not have a drink, but *occasionally* I guess that has to happen. I'll forgive slow service as it was New Years morning and their computers went down. Will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • John M.

    Holy Hash batman! I am a brunch freak and this place was AWESOME!! clean and friendly environment

    (4)

  • Robert A.

    Great beer selection, that's if you can get a minimal amount of head on the beer, or if they notice that you need another. However they did save me $6 as they never asked me if I'd like another. Calamari was okay until we got to the lower half which was all fried peppers, but mango was a nice added touch. Pizza was doughy and sub par and would have been happier with a frozen kashi pizza. Maitre'd and manager was great in addressing the issues and hopefully they'll be better late if we choose to go back again, it's only 2 weeks old. Bottom line... Bartenders need to be more attentive!

    (2)

  • Michael H.

    Five Horses has a **great** beer selection. And the setting is nice. I always enjoy going here, and take my friends often. My only qualm is that the quality of the food seems to vary quite a bit. In my lifetime I've only ever had to send food back once, and it was here. But usually it's very good. But it seems to be totally hit or miss. Don't know what's going on in the kitchen...

    (3)

  • B C.

    As an out-of-towner, I really liked choosing from all the local draft options they had on tap. Their chicken fingers are enormous, along the lines of a Godzilla chicken's digits. Our waitress was attentive and friendly, and the setup was modern, large and comfortable. If I lived in the area, this would be a great place to relax for a Sunday lunch during a football game.

    (4)

  • Nick A.

    I was interested in this place because it took over the former Sagra (nothing special) spot, so I figured it had to be an upgrade, but this place also didn't impress. The food was not impressive and the prices we high for the portion size. The service was scattered and our waiter completely forgot about our table for at least 25 minutes at one point during the meal, I understand that they are busy, but typically a waiter will at least check-in once a while. All in all, not impressed, pretty much a new paint job and name on a previously non-impressive establishment.

    (2)

  • Erik P.

    Went here last weekend to catch up with friends over brunch. I had the veggie burger and boy it's a big one. The taste was amazing. Also, had my very first Bloody Mary experience. My friends really enjoy them (just not my thing). I would have been content with one of their beers (they have a good selection). I'd definitely want to come back here in a few weeks for brunch or just beers some random night.

    (4)

  • Brittany T.

    Great beer selection and really good food. There isnt much food to choose from, but everything is very good. It is hard to stand by the bar during the evenings as there isnt much space, but there is plenty of seating in the restaurant.

    (4)

  • Gerry G.

    Good food at reasonable prices. Also has fantastic draft and bottle beer selection...and they're happy to let you sample the drafts before you choose! We had the chili to start and then tried all of their tacos for the main meal. Lots of Vegetarian/Vegan options for those so inclined (I'm a carnivore). Enjoyed all the food that we ate. Service was very good and the ambiance was equally good for a romantic dinner as a group of friends out on the town.

    (4)

  • Mmd D.

    Wonderful wine & beer list and a fantastic menu!!! one of those places that makes all carnivorous and vegan friends possible to get together in a wonderful ambience! Super! I would suggest just to improve the service up a notch, but maybe I'm just an obnoxious Newyorker who wants everything, now! lollolol...definitely want to go back!

    (4)

  • Montgomery V.

    I don't know what the "cabal" behind the bar is up to, but $6.50 for a Heineken is total crazy-town.

    (1)

  • Sally S.

    DO NOT ORDER THE GRAZING PLATE!! Quite possibly the worst plate of food I have ever been served. Quinoa and vegetables prepared by someone who has never enjoyed either. Smothered in grease and vinegar and positively inedible. The carrots were oversalted; the potatoes were unseasoned; and the radishes were dried up. The waitress was very nice, but when I told her that the dish was poor, she didn't offer any solutions. Definitely not a place for a good meal.

    (1)

  • Lisa L.

    A nice addition to Davis Square! I used to be a big fan of Bukowski's for its extensive beer list. I'm happy that Somerville now has its own Buk's! (The owner was a former manager there.) I went here on a date and the atmosphere was nice. It was full but didn't feel crowded and the music was good (albeit a little loud, and I don't actually remember what it was). We decided to share a bunch of apps and enjoyed all of them: - Tuna tacos -- spicy, great tuna, nice sauce. However, they only came with two 6" tortillas. I would have preferred more and smaller tortillas -- better for sharing and makes the tuna last longer! - Olives -- OMG these were the best olives I've ever had, mostly because of the "juice." It had a very lemony flavor. My date thought they were a little briny, but I heart salt, so I didn't mind. - Calamari -- really tender with nice, light breading. The rings are mixed with rings of banana pepper, and there seemed to be more peppers than squids. It was hard to tell the difference just by looking at them, so I ended up eating a lot more peppers than I wanted to. If they change the calamari-to-peppers ratio, I would order these again. - Pea salad -- this was one of the better salads I've ever had, so light and sweet and fresh! But I would swap out the mozzarella and for goat cheese or blue cheese...the mozz had no flavor (at first I thought it was tofu). But great, great salad (and big!). The best part of the meal was the wine (I'm on a "no beer" stint right now...rats!). We both tried the "Chard" and later switched to the "Neprica." I'd never heard of either, and both were really, really, really YUMMY! If I hadn't driven and didn't have work the next day, I probably would have stayed there drinking wine all night (which I have been known to do)! Finally, our server (wish I could remember her name!) was fantastic. She had great recommendations and was just attentive enough. She left and encouraged us to stay and be taken care of by Tina, so we did (love when they don't try to shove you out at the end of their shift!). Tina was attentive, too. This place is striving to be known for its service, and you can tell! I'm looking forward to going back to try the beer, the mussels, and the other dishes we couldn't fit on our table. Good job, Five Horses! Thanks for coming to the Ville!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth A.

    This is my go-to place whenever someone from out of town wants to experience Davis Square at its finest. It's also my go-to when someone who lives around here wants to go out. Or when no one wants to go out, but I use the facade of dinner as an excuse to get drinks. Or when I don't just want beer, but I want EVERY BEER. Or when I want mashed potatoes so good that I once dreamt of them. Or when I want to go somewhere where everything on the menu tastes so fantastic that I'm actually willing to pay money to buy bread with goats milk butter and sea salt. Yes, you read that right. I pay for bread and butter at Five Horses and I'm damned proud of it because it might be one of my favorite things on the menu. Seriously, there isn't much that I don't love about Five Horses. The crowd can get intense around the bar on a Friday or Saturday night - but where in Davis doesn't have that problem? If you like beer, this should honestly be your go-to as well. If you like food, they have that too.

    (4)

  • A L.

    I've been here a handful of times - usually just for a beer or two. I've eaten here on 2 occasions... 1) If you go on a Friday or Saturday night with a group of 6, you're going to wait a long time. Over an hour and a half. While it's awesome that they allow you to sit at tables & not order food, it poses a problem for people waiting for a table TO eat food - very long waits. 2) I went at 6/6:30pm on a Wednesday and nearly every table was open. By the time we left at 8:30/9pm - there was a small wait for a table but some open seats at the bar. 3) Apps: I've tried a few. Our friends are huge fans of the mussels and while I'm not a mussel fan, the bread&broth I tried was delicious! The buttermilk fried chicken tenders are out of this world. That can be a meal in itself - after reading other reviews on Yelp about them, I got them and was so glad I did. The papas fritas - eh. The dipping sauce was good but they literally give you 5 potato wedges...so not a whole lot to share and not sure it's worth the $5. 4) Dinner: The hanger steak is pretty decent...but what really makes it is the mushrooms. I'm not sure what kind of glaze/sauce they use but they're incredible. I've tried a bit or two of the mac&cheese...definitely above average, but not the best I've had. The popeye pizza is good but too salty - I think they went a little overboard with the sprinkling of sea salt. Also, not entirely sure $12 for that tiny of a pizza is worth it...maybe if it were $10. The other people I went with got burgers and were happy with them. 5) Price: some items are over priced...and depending what beers you go with, those can certainly make a dent in your wallet. but overall, I think it's above average food for above average prices. Next time I go, I'll skip the entree and stick with those amazing buttermilk chicken tenders - totally worth every penny.

    (3)

  • Nate J.

    An outstanding tap beer selection of micro brews and an innovative and ever changing menu. Had a variety of dishes which ranged from meh (pumpkin soup) to earth shatteringly phenominal (pork belly tacos). Anytime a restaurant serves me a dish which is the best I've ever had (aforementioned tacos) it gets a bonus star. Great place, fun atmosphere. Good for a group or a date. Next time I am in Davis Square I will definitely be eating here again.

    (5)

  • Lauren M.

    I ate here with my boyfriend late one night about a week ago. It's pretty solid, but definitely not anything out of this world. Our main complaint was that the service was somewhat abrupt, especially considering that the restaurant wasn't crowded. For an appetizer, we ordered the white bean hummus which hit the spot. For entrees, my boyfriend ordered the kentucky fried cornish game hen, and I got the pumpkin pie pizza. My boyfriend said the k.f.c.g.h. was good, but definitely not exactly a healthy option. The pumpkin pie pizza was alright, but the kale on the pizza was a little gritty, like it wasn't fully washed. However, I love the fact that the vegan and vegetarian items on the menu are clearly labeled. It makes going out to dinner a much easier and much more enjoyable experience for me, so for that fact alone, I can definitely see myself returning.

    (3)

  • Mark G.

    Excellent beer selection, friendly staff, and decent (though a bit overpriced) food. Actually this is my favorite place in Davis Square, and I have been to literally all of them. Just don't get the wings. Everything else is great.

    (4)

  • Natalie C.

    I have been here a few times now. The first couple times were a little....meh. But, my bf and I have identified a few of our favorite dishes and steer away from a few as well. The favorites TOTALLY outweigh the not so great items, and if all else fails, the beer selection ROCKS my socks off and the waitstaff is friendly and knowledgable! My favorite part: their kitchen is open until midnight. Hallelujah! No more gut-busting late night Red Bones dinners. Great food: chicken fingers- sounds simple, but the chicken is cooked perfectly and the seasoning and sauces are DELICIOUS. Elote loco- as a California transplant, this is the closest Boston gets to Mexican LA street food. Sad but true. P-Diddy salad- fresh and totally yum! Don't be afraid of the "bull's blood" ingredient. It is a type of green. ;) Steer away from: The lobster pizza. It was fishy and gross. There is a reason you have never seen this on another menu before. Bad combo. ahi tuna "tacos"- I had to put quotes around the taco portion because these are not tacos. The tuna was delicious, but the rest of the dish was bland and the flavors did not taste even remotely like a taco. They are good if you are expecting an ahi app but otherwise should be skipped. Overall, this place is my new go-to. I love that it is close to the T, but far enough away to keep out the riff raff. If you want a laid-back, friendly scene where you are welcomed like a good friend, Five Horses is your spot! See you there!!

    (5)

  • Serena L.

    My friend suggested this place and after Yelping it, decided to give it a try. Their menu is extensive and their beer menu is more so. After much deliberation, I decided to get the calamari appetizer, a pork belly taco, and a tuna taco. The calamari came out and looked delicious! It was served in a big bowl so I thought I'd be wasting it if I didn't finish. I was wrong. The calamari was battered and fried along with the banana peppers but due to their size, you can't tell which is which. I'd estimate that only about 1/4 of the bowl was calamari. When the server came to remove it, it looked barely touched. The tacos came out and looked yummy. The pork belly taco came with a mound of onions, which I had to remove. The sauce was good though. The tuna taco came with about three pieces of seared tuna about the size of a half dollar in diameter. It was good but the green stuff that accompanied it was abundant also, so I tasted most of that rather than the tuna. As I write this review, my tummy is starting to not feel so good. I'm not a beer drinker so I didn't even touch that menu. For all I know, that could be the best thing about this place. I only saw our server about 4 times: when she took our order, when she filled my friend's water, to give us the bill, and to return the card. Even when she filled the water, she didn't ask us how the food was. I was very disappointed in this place. Not sure if I'll be back.

    (2)

  • Jen B.

    I'll cut to the chase~The cheeseburger was salty?! This was my first trip to the tavern and a dark and stormy night. Perfect time for a burger. Except it's more like solid sodium between buns than a recognizable cheeseburger. I do not know if there was special seasoning on the meat, or if my cow was raised on a salt lick. Thank god they give you tons of tater tots. I ended up eating almost all of the ones on my plate. My dinner was not alright. It was Ore-Ida and I could have just heated some up in my stove for a fifth of the cost. I will not be going back~no, no, no. You shouldn't, either, if you're reading this!

    (2)

  • Renee B.

    I woke up this morning craving their Crazy Corn appetizer. Those were little taste sensations from heaven. Spicy, sweet corn, rich. WOW. I cannot stop thinking about them. The mussels we had are next in my opinion. Nice flavor, good ginger tang with just a little bit of kick. The poor pork belly taco had a lot of competition in this round and it came in third. Very good and tasty but not the same complexity or flavor profile as the first two. We then went on to have one more dish. We chose the Cornish Hen, Jalapeño mash potatoes and pork belly mac and cheese. All sounds fabulous but all fell a little short. The Cornish Hen was good, the mash were good but no kick and a little bland and the pork belly added nothing to the mac and cheese. If I had only had this I would not have been as impressed with this place, but did I mention I woke up thinking about that crazy corn. I will be back.

    (4)

  • Anthea M.

    (1) The last time I was there, the music selection seemed to have improved. (3) The menu has also increased. We met the chef at Harvest Fest and he seems committed to identifying dished that work and those that don't and updating the menu as needed. Also, the calamari is outstanding.

    (4)

  • Noelle N.

    I was excited to try a new restaurant in Davis. I had heard mixed reviews so I figured I would wait a month or two to give Five Horses Tavern time to perfect their service and menu. Unfortunately, it seems like I may not have waited long enough. Although the service was good the food was just mediocre. Here's what we ordered: Calamari: good flavor and a little kick from the peppers but awful texture (super soggy) Brussels Sprouts: surprisingly sweet for brussels sprouts but visually unappealing and very heavy (everything in dish is fried) Pork belly taco: very tasty! I would definitely order these again.

    (3)

  • Danielle W.

    This place was OK. It didn't really leave a good impression on me. My boyfriend and I decided to try it out on a double date with some newlyweds and we figured it would be a nice place to drink some beers and catch up with them. When we arrived it was busy, as any new bar in Davis at 8 PM on a Saturday would be. We grabbed 2 seats at the bar and tried to make out what each person was saying over the loud conversations that were battling the even louder music. The beer selection is great and the whole restaurant has this dark but classy feel to it. Sadly, it really doesn't have anything else going for it. First of all, the day we happened to go, the restaurant was oddly sweltering, yet the bathroom was an icebox. The temperature and humidity inside was not comfortable at all. Our wait time for the table was not bad but waiting for our food, it seemed to be extravagantly long. I would say about 45 minutes, at a minimum, but possibly longer. I ordered the grilled cheese which was good but tasted as if it was waiting out for awhile (You know, when the cheese is that weird solid state after its been melted and gooey). My sandwich also came with a side of jalapeno mashed potatoes which sounded amazing and had the potential to be amazing except for that fact that they were lukewarm at best. Two other people at the table ordered them as well, and they were equally as unpleasant. Overall, I gave the restaurant 2 stars because of its location and beer selection. Otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it to anyone else.

    (2)

  • Court S.

    Hi reader. I always pass by as I drive through Davis Square and stopped in with my cousin for dinner. We had nice seats outside because the high top tables by the windows inside were all occupied. The meal started off with a pitcher of sangria which neither of us enjoyed too much because it tasted as if it was made with a non sweet red wine, so the drink was somewhat flavorless. After about half way through we noticed that the inside of the pitcher appeared to be dirty, but just to make sure it wasn't pulp I stuck my finger inside and sure enough, it was a hard substance that I was able to scrape off with my fingernail. Gross. What we ordered: Baja fish tacos: Very tasty, even better with sriracha sauce. Papas Fritas: A handful of thick cut potato wedges served with a delicious spicy mayo. The mayo was amazing. Crab mac 'n' cheese: very tasty, and creamy with lots of crab. So good. Tater tots: Good when dipped in spicy mayo. Our waiter was a cool guy and the service was pleasant. I'm glad I checked this place out because I've had it booked for months. Next time I will be back for brunch and I'll make sure to skip the sangria. Other notes: In Davis Square. 2 hour metered street parking. Easy walk from T station. Nice location and outside seating. Supposedly great brunch spot.

    (3)

  • Taj K.

    Davis square has exploded with awesome over the past couple years and five horse tavern appears to be a fast staple in the area. We came here for brunch. The beer list is massive so you'll be sure to find something you like. We opted for salty brunch. Huevos Rancheros and chimichanga. My chimichanga was a big burrito. It came with sour cream and guacamole. I didn't like the chunks of potato but otherwise the filling was very good. My partner devoured the huevos rancheros. He asked for sausage, and they accommodated without issue. He also had the vodka Bloody Mary. Seriously delicious. Service is friendly. Ambience is chill chic. I definitely recommend and would enjoy coming back anytime.

    (4)

  • Ashley N.

    I enjoyed everything about Five Horses Tavern. Great service and great food. They have a nice selection of beers so something for everyone. I was impressed with their relatively new and recommended item, the Shakshuka. It was ground lamb, with a poached egg, halloumi cheese, and green chili sauce. It was served with warm fluffy flat bread, which was amazing and was perfect with the lamb. It all mixed so well. One of the servers recommended it to me and now I am sold. I would go back there for this item. The Chimichanga was surprisingly very well done. I enjoyed the addition of guacamole and sour cream with every bite of the chimichanga. It is a nice vegetarian dish and overall, did not need meat. I think I was very impressed because overall, the vegetables were well packed and neatly organized in to a fried tortilla to where you got a little bit of everything. There was a nice crunch and then soft potatoes and carrots I was biting in to. Good texture of foods going on. Katie, our server, was helpful and patient. She checked up on us enough times to make me feel like she did not forget our table. Great service, great food means I am coming back and I would recommended it to others.

    (5)

  • Jo M.

    We went here on a Saturday before heading in to town for a show. We arrived around 5:30, which gave us 90 minutes for a beer and a bite before we had to leave. What made me sad is that we needed every minute of that. The food was quite slow, even though it was early in the evening, and the place was only half full (if that). Once we got the food, it was quite good. Everyone loved their meals (even the side salad that came with mine). The beer though. There was a really big (although close to overwhelming) beer list, but it was really good. And when I was clearly fumbling to find the right IPA, the waiter knew off the top of his head all the ones they had on tap, as well as which were his faves. The sign of a man who loves his beer for sure!

    (3)

  • Jessica Y.

    This is the first restaurant review I've ever written because I've never actually had an issue with the taste of food at a restaurant before. My dinner was so bad that I opened a yelp account to post a review for five horses. The 'green monsta' pizza was insanely bland (this is coming from someone who enjoys plain broccoli ... Thats how tasteless this was). When I asked the waitress for marinara sauce or anything to make the pizza less bland, she said anything I added would be an upcharge of at least $1, and she didn't care at all that the food didn't taste good. She didn't even go as far to apologize for the food being crappy, or ask if I wanted something different - she just didn't give a crap. Nice girl, but not helpful at all. I will never come back here unless it's just for a drink with friends, but even then - the bartenders really only do fill the glasses 3/4 full, and just leave 1/4 of the glass filled with foam. There's WAY better places in Davis to get a meal for 2 for under $70 including drinks and tip, so I see no good reason to go to five horses.

    (1)

  • Emily A.

    I've been to Five Horses twice for dinner, and once for brunch. Dinner was an OK experience-- the food and beer selection were good, but the restaurant is often very loud and crowded, with slow-ish service to match. Brunch, however, was a hit-- I took my mom back in March when the snow was just starting to melt, we got a table by the window and it made a world of difference from the little back booths I'd been crammed into on my previous trips. I had a b'fast sandwich with salmon on a croissant, and I was so busy diving into it I don't even remember what my mom ordered, only that she enjoyed it. Special bloody marys and mimosas were just a cherry on top. Definitely plan to revisit for brunch, but probably not for dinner.

    (3)

  • Hannah S.

    On a Mother's Day brunch with my best friend (neither of us mothers, but we're celebrating anyway) she decided on this spot because she knew that the breakfast was killer (literally, there's a heart surgeon dish). We got the apple donut holes to split and they were godlike. Fluffy and crispy with a perfect icing to drizzle on top. They were huge. Beautiful. I've often heard it told that the cinnamon buns here are just crazy town madness delicious. She ordered the heart surgeon dish which was this beautiful tasty hash in a tasty iron skillet. I ordered southern comfort, which was fried chicken on a sea of sausage gravy with biscuits. I love breakfast, and this breakfast was certainly loving me back. Definitely would love to come here again when I'm back in town one day!

    (5)

  • Tim S.

    Full disclosure: I have only been here on weekend nights and only had the drinks. Drinks are pricey, but good. It is absurdly crowded, loud, and dark here. There is almost no opportunity to talk to other people in the bar, which is a chief reason I go to bars in the first place. I don't remember if there is music, but there is no dancing. I will revise this review when I have had food. Until then, I go elsewhere when I want to grab a drink with friends.

    (3)

  • Michelle S.

    This was my second time coming here. The first was neither bad, nor special. This last time, however, was quite frustrating. We went there around 6 to celebrate my brother's birthday, Our drink order (2 beers and 1 cocktail) took 15-20 min to arrive at our table and we had to remind our server that we were waiting on them. Then we had to flag our server down again to order an app. We attempt to order one of the specials, but it is already sold out (at 6pm?- plan better). The waitress is looking at little frustrated as we are now scrambling for a replacement app. We order the shrimp, which for $14 I figured should be big enough for us to share. NOPE. It was THREE pieces of shrimp.. for $14.. you have got to be kidding me. -Wait a long period for drinks -Had to flag down the server more than once as she was too busy chatting at the hosting station -Menu item is sold out way before the dinner rush is over -WAY overpriced app that the server could have easily let us know wouldn't be enough for us to share. With so many options in Davis, there is no reason for me to come back here.

    (2)

  • Heather T.

    The food was good, the service was not so much. Our waiter forgot about us and we ended up having to grab a passing waiter to get our check after 20 minutes of sitting there with no drinks or food left. It was a slow weekday evening with very few tables and we were right on the main path. Just unacceptable.

    (2)

  • S R.

    Excellent food and service. They also have tables outside when the weather is nice. Their beer list is fabulous and servers are always helpful and knowledgable. Would recommend for sure! Also a good spot to watch sports at the bar.

    (5)

  • Matt G.

    We've been here a bunch, and it's usually a good place. We went last night with friends, and regretted it from the moment we out our names down. They gave away our table by mistake, twice. The food was sub par. My medium rare burger was a burnt little hockey puck. The manager came over a few times about the table, food and service. Couldn't even be bothered to buy us a drink though. Starting to feel like one of those places that thinks it can do no wrong since it's popular right now. They're just not trying.

    (2)

  • Brendan O.

    I enjoyed the easy to follow and wide range of dark to light bitter to sweet heavy to refreshing beer selections. I dig their friendly bartenders and servers. I would try their assortment of appetizers. I enjoy all their chicken entrées especially the pasta. Don't skip the dessert I enjoy the pie. Don't get overwhelmed by the popular bars in the square Five Horses Tavern is a RESTAURANTmmmmmmm

    (5)

  • San W.

    Let's get on with it. APPETIZERS House Mussels (maine buchot mussels, chili, ginger, garlic, white miso, scallion, grilled bread): Mussels were plump and juicy, broth was way too salty, and the two slices of grilled bread were HUGE. Like size of my face huge. While the bread was really good, I expected more mussels and less bread. 'Cause, you know, I ordered mussels. Papas Fritas (crispy triple-fried fingerling potatoes, red pepper-garlic mayo): Looked and tasted like they had been nuked to oblivion. Meh sauce. ENTRÉES Bomb-mi (eggplant pakora, jalapeño jelly, miso-tomato mousse, pickled daikon & carrot, lettuce, mint & cilantro on fresh baguette): I didn't take a bite but b. seemed uninspired. b. was also missing the non-veg version with the obligatory paté. Came with a side of tater tots, which were good and all, but b. had ordered mesclun greens. Rack o' Bones (house-smoked one pound rack of St. Louis-cut pork ribs glazed with BBQ sauce, served with creamy coleslaw and cornbread with honey butter): I didn't have high expectations but the ribs were surprisingly good! The meat was super tender and came right off of the bone. The sauce had a kick to it, which was unexpected, and was a bit too salty after awhile. Coleslaw also had an unexpected kick. Cornbread came baked in a small cast iron pan and had a sweet (probably from the honey butter), almost cake-like consistency that reminded me of dessert - score! Between the salt and the spice (but mainly the salt), we were gulping down water with little refills in sight. Our waiter, while nice when in contact, pretty much ignored us throughout our meal. It took about a half hour or so to get our check, wrapped leftovers, and receipts. And we were clearly done with bored faces in our palms. Yes, it was dinnertime and busy but I'm sure the new table that was just seated next to us can wait an extra two minutes for drinks. Out of convenience, we'll probably drop in again to try some brewskies.

    (3)

  • Myrsini M.

    Our waitress was wonderful. Main courses were delicious. We got the crab Mac n Cheese, fish and potato tacos. Pretzel for an appetizer was good...wish I had it with a cold beer but I'm the DD tonight. Would definitely come back.

    (4)

  • Jenn S.

    I don't know why when I give places a 3 it makes me feel like a bad person. But the tavern is a solid 3 with the intention of me going back to try a little more. So I LOVE Tuna and I ordered the appetizer and I was a little disappointed. It was sort of not cold enough and they gave us like 5 chips. We had 6 people at our table and you give us 5 chips?? And then I asked for a couple more and they brought out like 3 -4. We all laughed about it but, what?..... The brie pizza however was sooo good! I really liked it. The boyfriend had some sort of beef sandwich - I forget which one - but said it was ok. I want to go back and order a few more things because everyone loves this place!

    (3)

  • Phillip M.

    A little too hipster, new-agey for my tastes (and for the feel of Davis Square), but 5 Horses has a fantastically large beer menu and good (but expensive) food. Try the corn bread!! I would add it to the list for a bar crawl but would probably not start or end the night there.

    (3)

  • Hannah R.

    Gotta downgrade a star, because the last couple visits have not been super great. Yesterday around 1pm, they turned the lights down to movie theater brightness for no discernible reason. I usually go to brunch to help myself wake up, not to reset my circadian rhythm and go back to sleep. Our waitress was..having an off day? We had a really hard time getting her attention, to the point where another server actually turned her around and steered her over to us...at which point she still dropped some coasters and tried to use that as an excuse to exit stage-left. Very strange experience. Kind of a bummer, we go here pretty often. I'm not sure if that's going to remain the case.

    (2)

  • Inês L.

    Love that they had vegan options but they're teensy bit expensive. I got the burger and it was decent. The tater tots are awesome and I'm not sure why more restaurants don't have them on their menu. Our waitress was pretty rudesies! Maybe she was having a bad night? We did get there a little late, was the kitchen closing? I have no idea. May or may not be back to try some of their other vegan options but I'm not rushing to get over there.

    (3)

  • Christopher B.

    I dined at Five Horses Tavern on Sunday afternoon. While dining on my pizza I found an inedible piece of hard, green plastic. The server was very apologetic when I notified him and said that he would speak to his manager. The manager never made any attempt to come to my table to apologize for the incident and proceeded to remove the least expensive item (a glass of beer) from my bill instead of removing the pizza itself. The beer was not the problem. The pizza with the inedible piece of hard, green plastic was the problem. This was not customer service at its finest but instead was a "nickel and dime" approach to placate me. At the very least the manager could have made his or her presence known and apologized. You may enjoy your meal at Five Horses Tavern if customer service isn't important to you. Or if you have an affinity for eating plastic. If neither of those conditions apply you may wish to stay away.

    (1)

  • Jason M.

    Lame Seating Policies. My friend and I tried to eat here at 6:30 on a Friday. We were told it would be a half hour wait. When we asked about the several empty booths, we were told that they would only seat parties of four there. I understand when there is a wait list about the need to match party sizes with seating, but these were being held empty in case multiple parties of four happen to wander in, while we would be standing in the doorway. No thank you, we went to one of the many other restaurants who are willing to sit parties of two. I will not be returning, even with a party of four.

    (1)

  • Melissa Y.

    Five Horses has been consistently great the past few times I've been there, but just recently, I had their veggie burger, and I have to say I was surprisingly disappointed by it. I'd compare its consistency to that of stuffing, but more 'bready'. It had a rather bland taste and was overall unremarkable, which surprised me because I've had at least a couple/few of their other vegetarian dishes before, and those left me impressed and excited to come back. Despite this lackluster review, I'm not going to deduct a star from my original 5 star review just because of their veggie burger, but I did want to mention it in case others were considering getting the burger.

    (5)

  • Remi C.

    OMG!!!! Went here for brunchskys with a friend on a Saturday morning. Now, we got there for brunch at 2:#0 or so, just before they were finishing their brunch menu. I immediately ordered a mixed drink (the ice box) or two or three and then the Breaky Sammy and my friend got...something else with a side of grits. I really didn't know what to get on the menu or the drinks menu because everything else looked so incredible! That being said, the breaky Sammy was alright...unfortunately it was a little bit more greasy than I would have liked, but it did taste great and there were big slabs of the bacon. The Ice Brew was DELICIOUS and I really had wanted to order more, and the balsamic drizzle was a stroke of genius. Now, let me set the scene. I went with my crazy, outgoing friend Angela and we didn't really have anything else to do that day. So, we sat and ordered and had an incredibly friendly and hilarious waitress. She chats, helps us with our love lives, and chills with us. We ended up straddling the brunch/dinner service, so we were able to try/taste a host of their beer selection because they were all bored. THEN, we continued to sit and asked what pitchers they had available. We got the Sangria pitcher, which was FULL of Sangria and very little ice. Usually, they are equal portions of ice and booze, but not here! It was a really healthy size...so healthy that we got 2 of our friends to come out and join us. We were STUFFED by the end of the evening (at which point we left at....9?) LOVE and will go back for sure!

    (5)

  • Luke G.

    Had the wings and roasted corn app. Food is right on the cusp of nearly too much salt and acidity. But perfectly balanced, flavorful, and unique. Very versatile daytime/nigh time atmosphere and very year-roundish with a prohibitiony feel. Awesome beer and drink selection. Service was spot on and very cordial and appreciative of my business even though i didn't drink but a coca cola with my meal. The go-to spot in Davis Square. Good Job.

    (5)

  • Alex H.

    Things that I like about this place: (1) Decent beer selection that does not include Bud Light, Coors Light or anything similar and (2) The kitchen is open fairly late. I came here late at night on a Tuesday and I was pleasantly surprised. The inside of the restaurant is nicely decorated and the food menu is interesting. I opted for the Mr. Potato Head pizza and it was delicious. The corn on top of the pizza was awesome. I'm looking forward to coming back here again!

    (4)

  • Joey M.

    Five Horses is definitely a go to place for me. It's not like, whoa, HOLD THE PHONE. It's more like Awww yeah, Five Horses. Let me elaborate... The beer selection is solid. A wide variety of different beers on tap that are often changing and vary in price. They are liberal with the tasting and bartenders are helpful in helping you select a solid brew. The food has a good number of options (even for us veggie folk) and I haven't had a dish that has disappointed me (I highly recommend the Bomb-Mi which I had last time. Some sort of fried eggplant with jalapeno jelly, cilantro and a few other delightful toppings on a REALLY good baguette). The atmosphere is OK. It tends to be a bit darker and bit louder then I like. The biggest downside is how crowded it gets. If you go on an off night though, its perfect.

    (4)

  • Chann C.

    This place is really chill! Lovely atmosphere. Very lively and not super crowded in the evenings. Their drink menu is MASSIVE! Awesome craft beer selection and huge whiskey + scotch list. However, the cocktail list is kind of on the limited side. I came here recently with some friends. For food, this is what we ordered: * K-Town Wings * Calamari * Meatloaf Sammy w/cheddar jalapeno mashed potatoes * Fried chicken Sammy * Mac 'n' Cheese + mushrooms w/cucumber and dill salad Everything was bomb dot com. Food was delicious and the drinks were on point. The calamari was mixed with some cubed mango and at first, I thought it was strange, but the sweetness definitely works with the saltiness of the calamari. Definitely going to order that again! Our waitress, Lila, was super attentive and made sure we had everything we needed, not to mention she was really cute, sweet and had a very bubbly personality. I can't believe I've never set foot in here and I've lived in Somerville for about 4 years now. I'll definitely be coming back here in the near future!

    (5)

  • Che R.

    I've eaten here twice now, & both times were great! Brunch was very good. They have vegan options, which is nice. I got the pancakes; they were very good & filling! I sat outside too, which was wonderful. The wait both times was less than five minutes, and the two times I went were busy meal times. The hummus appetizer is very good with veggies & pita triangles. The atmosphere is lively & a little loud, but in a good way. There's a lot on the menu for food, & there's even more for beer. A great place to go in Somerville.

    (4)

  • Jess S.

    I stopped in with a friend for a drink to kill time and ended up staying to eat. The bartender knew a ton about IPAs and helped me select one to start, the Ballantine, which was an okay, smooth first choice. Overall, there are plenty of choices and the beers on tap rotate, so you can always try something different. For food, there are a good handful of vegetarian options. I had the veggie burger (vegan patty), which wasn't my all-time favorite, but still satisfying enough. It's dark and cozy inside, and best during the week when it won't get too crowded, in my opinion.

    (4)

  • Donna C.

    Great vibe, great drinks and some quick eats! Cool place just chill for a drink on the outdoor patio.

    (5)

  • Gregoire M.

    Probably the best bar in all of Davis Square. The food is top notch, the drinks and selection are top notch, and the staff is really great. My friend made a reservation for 25 on a Sunday night for a birthday party. The assistant manager and manager came out and introduced themselves to us and made sure that we had everything we needed. The service was excellent especially considering we were such a large group. Like everywhere else in Davis Square, it's best to show up early to get a spot if you're showing up in a sizable group. I've yet to have anything but a good experience here.

    (5)

  • Anne C.

    The first time I came here for brunch they won me over with the Southern Comfort dish (breaded chicken, on rosemary biscuits with sausage gravy). However I went back to relive that first taste and the dish was served semi-warm! Whatever that happens and I didn't write them off... yet. Went for dinner recently and our appetizer was served prior to our beer- sort of strange. The waiter was pleasant enough but I feel that I should have my drink prior to food- felt like he was trying to move us along although it was not crowded. Their beer selection is great and the Bloody Mary is adequate and hits the spot. My last few visits have left me wondering if there is more... I know it's popular b/c weekend brunch can sometimes be impossible to get seated for. Suggestion to brunch patrons: Get there before the doors open!!!

    (3)

  • Kim A.

    I want to love this place. All of my friends love this place. But I only think it's ok. I would give it 4 stars but there are just some things that are a complete miss for me; sometimes the service is spotty and other times really great, I hate their rice (I believe they call it Cuban rice) but I loved their Brussel sprouts and the Mac and cheese. The Baja tacos were ok. Like I said my friends love the place. I would go back again because they love it and I don't hate it. There is no parking and they can get busy.

    (3)

  • Justin M.

    When you come to 5 horses be prepared for mediocre and occasionally rude service. I have been here about a dozen times and the food is always delicious and the server/bartender is always too cool to deal with me. Never once have I been greeted with a "hi, how are you?" or a "welcome" which makes me think this might be on purpose?? Maybe when your given your flannel shirt and mustache wax you're told that less is more on the service side of things? If you're coming with a buddy for a bite and some beers its fine. If your bringing a date or going for a special occasion etc then I would go some where else. There are plenty of places where the food is just as good but they will seem much more grateful for your business. I doubt I will return.

    (2)

  • Mark F.

    Went here for my birthday. The restaurant has some outdoor seating on the sidewalk, but we ate inside. The space had most of its dining tables on the first level and on the second level was the bar area. We were a party of 12+ so we ate at the bar area, Wait staff wore flannel as their uniform and the restaurant space had a black interior (though it was not too dark inside at all). The place eventually filled up for supper and for Saturday night fun so it got crowded and loud. But, the place still felt cozy and relaxing even when we were surrounded by people. The beer selection was pretty darn good. The tap menu was diverse and the bottle menu seemed large judging by the menu. I had an Otter Creek Overgrown Ale and the Peak Organic Fresh Cut, both were on tap. For my meal, I had the mac and cheese with duck confit. The meal was very heavy and delicious with decent portions of duck. The rest of my party all seemed to have good meals except for one friend who did not like her tuna tartare. Overall, I had an incredible birthday here and I would want to try the place again.

    (4)

  • Nathan H.

    Went here with my fiance on a Saturday. Overall, it was good. The good: The K-Town wings were cooked perfectly and tasted great. The mussels were also very good. They have a great drink list and attentive staff. It's a nice atmosphere too. Thought it would be very loud when we walked in because of the frenzied pace and volume of customers but it was fine. Less than good: The french kiss pizza was underwhelming. Too savory which the apples and candied walnuts didn't quite do enough to offset. Felt it was undercooked also and tasted buttery, which is a little offputting for pizza. Also ran into friends later in Davis who ate here and they said their pizza was very doughy as well. The pork belly taco tasted good. But it was basically pork belly, red onion, and a sauce in a soft taco shell. Not sure that qualifies as a taco? Would've been nice if there was more complexity to it. Overall: I would recommend going here, but definitely make reservations unless you're going on an off night. Good place for a date or to go with a group. I would just steer clear of the pizza.

    (4)

  • Leanne C.

    Solid beer menu and the staff wear plaid. That's as far as my highlights for here will go; even if only because there are way better spots around Davis. Ordered a beer, received it 25 minutes later. Ordered an appetizer, took another 15 minutes. Coughed up $30 for the privilege. The ambiance and seating here I really dig-- if you can score outside seating, rad! But the overall cost is about a third over what I think it deserves (not to mention the continuously bad service).

    (3)

  • Meg P.

    Big and noisy, but a great place for trendy, delicious food and fantastic drinks. Don't miss the brussels sprouts or the balsamic grapefruit mimosas!

    (4)

  • Shelter T.

    When i used to live in Davis Square, this was like the default restaurant for me and my girlfriend to go to. Located at the mouth of the Davis Square on Highland Ave, this restaurant was within walking distance for me. It later became one of my favorite places in the Somerville area to go to. To this day, when I pass by Five Horses, I want to stop in and see whats new and what is going on. Five Horses has a wonderful beer and draft selection, the wait staff was courteous, professional and attentive, and the food was defintely the main attraction. The staff knew their beers and they suggested just the right mix or spirit with food. When I ordered an appetizer, they suggested one spirit/beer, and when I ordered the main course, they suggested another. I would definitely recommend this establishment to anyone looking for the premium "Davis Square Experience" if they are going there for the first time. I remember being in there and making a complaint about the silverware not being washed and the wait staff heard it and instantly returned with freshly washed silverware fresh out of the dishwasher. That means a lot to me too. I dont have a recommendation as to what to get there because everything that I have eaten or drank there has been fabulous. Five Horses = Five Stars. ;)

    (5)

  • Sara G.

    Good food for a bar/tavern restaurant and good atmosphere and beer selection. However we were taken back by the $1.50 charge for a thin slice of cheddar cheese on our burgers - if you're going to charge extra for cheese and more than $0.50 at least give some gourmet cheese! There was no mention of this on the menu or when we ordered the burgers.

    (3)

  • Victoria T.

    Finally came here after 3 years of walking past it all the time. I went on a weekday night. I still haven't had any food here so this review will be for drinks only. They have a big selection of beers and liquors (which I have very little expertise about). They don't list the prices of the liquors, and I'm a firm believer that if you have to ask how much something is, you probably can't afford it. My default drink is a whiskey sour (not on the menu but most places that serve alcohol would have it), and I use this as the measure for general drink quality at the bar. Their whisky sour tasted good, but I couldn't taste the whiskey and I didn't like that they put a lot of ice in the drink. Not being able to taste the whiskey could mean it was mixed well or that there was barely any alcohol. The problem with adding a lot of ice is that it melts and dilutes the taste of the drink. Slightly better than whiskey sours at The Burren and slightly sweeter than at Saloon. Satisfactory for $8. I also tried one of their cocktails, the Total Rebellion (Ginger liqueur, Pimm's, Agave nectar, and cucumber--$9.50). I was pleasantly surprised. The flavors mixed well together and I could actually taste the cucumber. I could also tell that this drink had enough alcohol. I hadn't ever had ginger liqueur but after this drink I might try it again. The Midnight Mayhem, another cocktail (apple pie moonshine, bitters, prosecco), was alright. I'm not a huge fan of prosecco and I don't know what moonshine is supposed to taste like, though. Interior is a lot nicer than the Burren but still not as nice as Saloon. I wouldn't mind going again and would probably recommend it to a friend who wanted to try a bar that wasn't The Burren.

    (3)

  • Elisabeth D.

    Great for brunch - unique and delicious food. They also had lots of vegan/gluten free options, and handled a large group easily.

    (4)

  • Juliana P.

    Really good food! My boyfriend RAVES about the Mac and Cheese all the time, one of his favorite places when he lived in the area. I personally love the Chicken Fried Sammy--so tasty.

    (4)

  • Neva C.

    This place is fantastic for brunch if you have kids. They are super friendly and helpful. We had a brunch with 3 moms and 3 babies and they didn't bat an eye, brought over three highchairs and spent lots of time making our babies smile. The food is decent, nothing too special, but the service in my recent experience has been absolutely excellent.

    (4)

  • Teri K.

    Excellent liquor and beer selection. A little on the pricey side on some beers. If they didn't have food would have been 4-5 stars. Even thought the food was good. I didn't like how they nickel and dime you. I asked for a side of BBQ sauce $.50. I asked for some extra pickles $.50 (they don't even taste like pickles more like cucumbers. I'm already paying $14 for a burger, you shouldn't charge for condiments. I could understand if I wanted to add cheese.

    (3)

  • Ngan T.

    This place has a lot more highlights than lowlights, but the lowlights they have are crucial. Highlights: Great accommodating staff pushed together tables for our party of four to reduce our wait time from 30mins to 5mins. Exciting and creative menu. Great selection of libations. Inexpensive. Fast service Lowlights: Food was simply not good. Our part of four came in with no reservation and was told it'd be 30 minutes but immediately someone swopped in and told us to wait five minute while they fix two tables together for us. None of us ordered alcohol--sadly we all drove in and are a responsible brunch :), but they had an extensive menu of beers, wines, and some creative cocktails. We did order calamari, k-town wings, pork belly tacos, kfcgh, the firebomb, and a fruitcup. calamari was cut too thin and the breading absorbed all of the oil. The end result tasted like chewy oily bread. I do commend them for adding chunks of mango which ended up being my favorite part. I didn't have any of the wings or tacos but the best friend said her wings were underdone and the korean bbq sauce didn't stick well, but the pork tacos were ok. The kfcgh was very disappointing.The breading was not crunchy and wwas actually spicy (I was not warned on the menu), the mesclun greens I asked to replace the jalapeno mashed potatoes were over dressed. Although the chicken was moist, the lackluster breading made ruined this kfc dish.The fruit salad had a lot of bruised grapes. As for the manfriend's firebomb...it was more of a bomb and not so much fire. He ate the "hot" sandwich without batting an eyelash. I'd come back here because of how cheap and creative the food is, but certainly not for the taste. The awesome staff really wins you over. I think it's fair to treat this place as your best friend experimenting in the kitchen. Maybe a couple of beers will make it taste better.

    (3)

  • Net P.

    Its highly likely your order might be missed still waiting for order when everybody else in the party is done. The place is huge and lacks attention by servers to patrons.

    (1)

  • Lynn U.

    Unique and interesting bar food menu. LOVED the Mac and Cheese with duck. Helpful servers.

    (5)

  • Katie M.

    Came here for dinner and it was great! The waitress took great care of our table and the food was very good. I shared the cornbread appetizer with a friend (phenomenal) and had the fried chicken sandwich (pretty good, but I would have liked a little more sauce/mayo/etc. - was a little dry).

    (4)

  • Claire H.

    Things Five Horses does well: - doughnuts (on the brunch menu) - black bean mash (on the brunch menu) - beer. - friendly servers - the host often wears a Mockingjay pin which is just awesome and a fun conversation piece Things I would change about Five Horses: - The crowds - The hair that I found in my coffee - The other hair that I found in my eggs ^^The hair thing grossed me out a lot. But before this I used to love it here. I am torn about whether or not to go back.

    (2)

  • Greg M.

    This place is a joke. At first glance, the beer menu seems impressive for the Boston area. And for Davis Square? Can't beat it. Yet, when you try and order that beer you haven't seen anywhere else, nine times out of ten the response you get is, "Oh, that kicked a few hours ago." No problem, it happens. Second choice? Same response. Third choice, "yeah, we don't have that either." Then, one of two things: A) Take those beers off your damn menu or B) Let patrons know as they are getting menus what beers you do and do not have. This is not rocket science. Adding insult to injury, the cask beer I ended up getting was fine- except for the fact that the bartender filled it 2/3 of the way and gave it to me. Time for a beer 101 lesson: foam on a cask beer does not settle meaning it doesn't dissipate into liquid. Aka you gave me 2/3 of a pint but charged me for a full pint. Really?!? I'm sorry you were too lazy to finish pouring the beer, but that is completely ridiculous, especially when this establishment charges $2-$3 more per beer than any other bar in the area. To add insult to injury, the bartenders don't give a shit and are more concerned with chatting with their coworkers slash looking like they stepped out of an Abercrombie + Fitch catalog, than they are with actually serving people. Listen up: A+F called; it wants its clothes back from 2003 along with your shitty attitudes. Avoid this bar at all costs.

    (1)

  • Marina G.

    Beeeeeeeeeeeer! Every kind of beer available! Small sample glasses to taste beer you might want to try! Knowledgeable wait staff, good prices, good atmosphere, good people watching, and more beeeeeer!

    (5)

  • Ojus P.

    Really impressed with this place. Stopped by on a Monday night at 7pm and it was pretty packed. Huge, fun beer selection with lots on tap and the bartender was open with suggestions (and providing tastings to see what you wanted). The fried chicken salad was delicious.

    (5)

  • Izzy G.

    This isn't the best option in Davis, but it's the best choice for American fare/pub like feel.. But with a modern plaid shirt wearing server twist? My husband has had amazing ribs and the wings were super delicious, but the service kind of sucked and the overall feel of the place has kept me turning elsewhere. The price is reasonable IMO- there's definitely good quality behind the numbers.

    (3)

  • Senor P.

    Mmmmmmmmm. Meatloaf sandwich is the best thing I've put in my stomach in years. Beware the brussel sprouts. Eat here a lot, only one bad experience. Beer menu is great.

    (5)

  • Lea L.

    A favorite of ours for brunch and lunch. Love the eclectic menu. Also been for dinner and/or drinks several times. Have never had a bad experience. Usually easy to get seated, like that they take reservations, and great patio when you can get a seat there. We like to bring our dog in the summer. Favorite menu items: Pato loco, K-town wings, Bomb-mi, Fried Chicken Salad, tater tots, Chimichanga, Ice box (drink).

    (5)

  • Chris E.

    We've been to Five Horses several times for dinner, but never once for brunch. (Spoiler alert: we all left super happy!) This morning we were looking for anything that could accommodate 7 brunch guests at short notice. This was the only option in Davis apart from Orleans. So basically I booked it because it was available... What a surprise! They're not phoning it in for brunch at all. Like their dinner menu there are a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. I had the chimichanga and my boyfriend, the cheddar grits. Food was beyond delicious and the service was attentive. The portions were substantial, but not over the top. Great attention to detail in presentation and garnishes as well. When we asked to pay the waitress gladly offered to split our bill into multiple cards. Always happy to come back for dinner, but we now have a favorite brunch place in Davis! (And a favorite brunch place is hard to find in Somerville!)

    (5)

  • Alana L.

    Five Horses is one of my Default Four Bars when someone asks if I want to go do something in Davis. I'm giving it four stars because brunch kicks a lot of asses but I've had some pretty terrible service more than once. It's fairly consistently good, though. I try to be sympathetic to the plight of the overworked server, but I just don't think staring sadly into my empty bourbon glass hoping there will be more bourbon in it is something that should happen for 45 minutes. Hopefully it's just that someone got cut and our table accidentally didn't get picked back up. Fortunately I was enjoying my conversation, but we tried a few times to make eye contact or wave our server down with no success. I'd have spent more if I hadn't had to wait that long. (Edit 4/4/2015: I'm not knocking off another star just yet, but they have a consistent problem with servers getting cut and no one knowing who's supposed to pick up a table. That's most likely a management problem, not necessarily the servers', but it puts a big dent in the quality of the service.) To end on a positive note, their beer list is a thing of beauty and their servers are knowledgeable about it. The food's pretty good on average with a few outliers to either end. Go to brunch and get the Censored (formerly the Paula Deen -- I giggled at that one for a bit too long). It's a mess of cheddar grits, pork belly, and a sunny egg in a bowl. You will shovel it into your mouth and you will not feel bad. At dinner, the pretzel has always made me happy. The cocktails are pretty good, especially considering it's a beer-centric place; for me, brunch is not complete without a balsamic bellini. Worth haunting regularly.

    (4)

  • Serena W.

    Awesome awesome beer selection. Food is pretty good but I generally only order the tuna tacos and a side of tater tots. Other good choice is the fried chicken Sammy. Usually pretty busy and sometimes have to wait 30+ minutes for a table. This is my go to place if I want some good beer and tasty food that's not too expensive.

    (4)

  • Kelly M.

    Where to begin...two of my girlfriends and I came here for brunch before a day of wandering around Cambridge and Boston. It was the exact meal we needed to get us fueled up and excited for the day. They both got the eggs benedict which was amazing! I went with the breakfast pizza, and they were both jealous. It was a thin crispy crust topped with the perfect blend of salty cheese, spinach, and beautifully poached eggs. I couldn't finish the whole thing, but boy did I try!! I would eat this every day if I could. My mouth still waters thinking about it...

    (5)

  • Tim G.

    This place is like, "Whoa." Come for the brunch, stay for the bar. The food is great, the bar is great, and you'll be best friends with the staff before your meal is over. Five Horses offers a unique spin on brunch fare. I got the heart surgeon (hash, eggs, and crispy onions). The portion was just enough - I felt full without dropping into a food coma. The dinner menu looks amazing and I definitely want to check it out. I'm not a bloody mary fan; but my friends swear by them. I appreciate the layout at Five Horses. Sure, it gets crowded. But it doesn't feel overly claustrophobic. It offers a great neighborhood vibe - it's a place where you can hang out for an afternoon and be really happy about it. For weekends, your best bet is to show up a little after 1PM. The wait typically isn't too crazy and you'll have breathing room.

    (5)

  • mike y.

    Tater tots. = 10 stars!!! Best in town. Bloody Mary ...YUM! Food is great a..so is the setting. Love the selections of libations.

    (4)

  • Kristine A.

    Can you ask for a cooler looking chandelier? Probably not, it's really neat & made from beer tap handles so when you walk in look up. This place is pretty damn trendy but it's good. That's what matters, good food & drink w/ a nice atmosphere. It's good they have vegetarian options & I am a fan of their potato tacos.

    (4)

  • Katie B.

    Awesome brunch- make sure to get the burrito if you go! It's a little heavy for early morning since it's deep fried but ooomg so worth it. Delicious flavors and a goat cheese sour cream to go with it... so good!! Have also been here for drinks/ apps and it has a very chill vibe, and quite the perfect feel for Davis. Forget which type of taco I had (I think pork?) but whichever one has the pink lady sauce (or something to that effect) is delightful and definitely recommended! Great selection of beers on tap as well, and they usually have at least a few good seasonals. Slightly on the expensive side for drinks but this is Davis, so no surprise there. P.S. Try not to giggle too much at the waiters' "uniforms" - this is a hipster haven afterall!

    (4)

  • Kira R.

    Food was great, the fried chicken is out of this world. Only reason it didn't get 5 stars was for slow service and the fact that the bathrooms were very out of the way and a little dirty.

    (4)

  • Billy H.

    I stopped in when visiting Boston and really loved the craft beer selection and patio. Lots of local beers and a variety of great crafts from around the country. My chicken sandwich and mashed potatoes were good and I was very pleased with the service. If I was a local, it looks like a great place to be a regular with a very diverse crowd, excellent drinks and a lively bar area.

    (5)

  • Tamarleigh G.

    As promised, I am updating this review based on a few more visits since my original review after my first visit nearly two years ago. Our experiences at Five Horses have been very good, so good that I am not raising it to four stars, I'm raising this rating to a full five stars. Drinks: Excellent beer, cocktails, wine, and sangria. Service: Very good. Vegetarian/Vegan Options: It's so difficult to find a nice place that has good vegan food, but this place does. The "Vegan Bomb" pizza is particularly good, but there are actually MULTIPLE vegan options on the menu. So refreshing to have even ONE vegan entree on a menu, but to have three or more is really a treat. Meat Food: "The Meat-Eater" really enjoys this place, too. If you're looking for a great place for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans, this place might work very well.

    (5)

  • Nelly N.

    Try the cast iron cornbread Try the cast iron cornbread Try the cast iron cornbread For the love of God just do it already!

    (4)

  • Annie K.

    This place is splendid! Super cozy, homey, and cool atmosphere. People are laid back and casual, servers are helpful and unpretentious. This is a spot that you could got on a nice date to or just hang out with your friends for a few hours during the middle of a Saturday - which I did! I was very impressed and excited by the extensive beer list and the delicious appetizers we split - perfect snacks to share. Close to the T and many other bars, this place is all that!

    (4)

  • Jenna W.

    Came in on a Monday night and it was fairly crowded, but we were able to sit down right away. It's a classy joint and the drink menu was pages bigger than the actual menu, which is always fun. The lighting was a little too dim for my taste, but it may have just been where we were sitting (my uncle had to pull out his phone's flashlight on account of his older eyesight). Very neat and clean and classy. Everything on the menu sounded delicious, there's definitely a creative chef in the kitchen. After debating back and forth, I ended up ordering the k.f.c.g.h. (I think that's what it was called) and it was amazing. The cornish hen was moist and crispy, definitely my favorite part of the dish. The jalepeno mashed potatoes were also delish, just enough of a kick to be enjoyable but not enough to hurt. The Mac and cheese seemed a little random though, kind of wish they had put a veggie there instead. It was delicious, but didn't really mesh with the other two. My aunt enjoyed their thin crust pizza, my uncle said the hanger steak was delish, and my sister enjoyed the chicken and salad. Not many dessert options, but we didn't mind. Overall, everything was absolutely delicious and the place was a very nice spot. I especially liked the beer tap chandelier near the front door. Definitely would recommend it to others!

    (5)

  • Shannon W.

    I went here last week with a friend and sat at the bar. The first thing I noted was the amazing music (talking heads, miike snow,etc). This place would be a good date spot. Here is what we ordered: loaded Mac and cheese (with pork belly and mushrooms) and a fried chicken Sammy with a side of greens (so we didn't feel so guilty of course). The food was excellent and I look forward to trying out new dishes next time!

    (5)

  • Sara K.

    I have never eaten here only come for drinks. In my experience with this bar, I have always had a rude bartender. Examples include scoffing at my boyfriend for asking for the draft list, making fun of a friend for asking for a lime with a tequila shot, and just completely ignoring people trying to order drinks at the bar. This is the type of place that only serves "craft beer" and definitely wouldn't be caught with bud light or Sam Adams on draft (not really my thing, but some people like bars like that). Five Horses does get pretty crowded and there isn't really much room to stand near the bar. I only ever come here if everywhere else on Davis Square is too crowded.

    (3)

  • Racheal P.

    This place is great. I have always had a good experience here. The food is good, the service is good, and they have a great beer selection. A very interesting menu and I always have a tough time deciding between the great choices. The tacos are great!

    (4)

  • Jocelyn T.

    Service was okay, kept forgetting my straw and lemon and when we asked for a new drink it would take a while to get there but the Beer list was great. But the food was mediocre. I had the k-town wings and they were completely burnt. My friend had the tacos and although she only got them because they were spicy, it was extremely strong to the point where she couldn't eat her meal, other friend had the Mac n cheese and it was fair. The corn bread and tots were amazing though. But our actual meals .. Far from what we anticipated, and we only went bc we've heard great reviews on it but our personal experience was horrible

    (2)

  • Kaitlin B.

    I visit Boston fairly frequently and love trying out new spots each time. Five Horses is definitely one I would return to! I always love a place with an impressive beer list and Five Horses fits that bill. The beer list is quite impressive, with 36 rotating drafts and about 80 bottles from about the globe. Wanting to try something local, I went for the Notch Valley Malt which I enjoyed. The servers were knowledgeable when to came to the different types of beers and gave good recommendations to patrons. I enjoyed the food just as much as I enjoyed the beer selection. It's a pretty interesting menu with choices like kimchee pizza and potato tacos, and with it being Boston, there were a decent amount of seafood options. I'm always a sucker for mac and cheese, so I got the mac and cheese entree which was absolutely delicious. My friend tried the Fried Chicken Sammy sandwich which included a fried chicken breast with honey and a lemon mayo sauce. She very much enjoyed her meal. Tater tots are a side dish option, which definitely scored extra points in my book. We went on a Saturday at 6 pm and were able to be seated right away. However, when we left around 7:30 there was a line out the door. It's definitely better to come for an earlier dinner in order to avoid the rush. I like the casual yet somewhat formal atmosphere. Five Horses has a dining area as well as a bar area, so its a great place for various occasions.

    (4)

  • Damien S.

    Eaten at the Horse no less than 20 times, so I've got the only breakdown you need. And for all the lovely ladies, I'm gonna rap it - freestyle. No, no I'm not. More than just a beer tap chandelier, Five Horses is easy-going, eclectic-enough dining for the Davis crowd. Yes, it's a madhouse on Friday and Saturday nights - a wrap-around beer list and well made cocktails (including, arguably, the best Bulleit Old Fashioned in the square) will do that to you. And yes, on occasion, the service may slide into a frenzy paralleling densely packed patrons clamoring for world class chicken tenders (seriously), thus affecting the consistency of the experience, but as of yet, these are the only negatives. I circle back to the fried chicken. The KFCGH (Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen) is the most balanced, properly seasoned fry in Davis, and I'm a fan of the jalapeño cheddar mashed as a side. But honestly, the biggest deal on the slightly pricey menu is the $9 buttermilk fried chicken tender app - a mountain of golden, crunchy breast chunks with buttermilk scallion ranch and red dragon chile sauce (mix 'em - why not?). Way more substantial than the undersized cut in the fried chicken sammy, and plenty satisfying as a meaty meal on its own. For vegetarians, go for the Pea Diddy, a hearty handful of english peas, avocado and mozz over mesclun greens/ Supposedly includes a basil puree, although I've yet to catch it over the pleasantly sharp vinaigrette. Another understated experience: the brunch menu. Southern Comfort ($14) layers fried chicken and sunny side up eggs over thyme biscuits and a swimming pool of sausage gravy. Heart, be stopped. Favoring sweet, she typically orders The Cap'n - a certain Crunch cereal coated French toast sticks (bricks, to be precise) served with a raspberry coulis. Wash it down with the Bourbon offering of a Bloody Three Ways: Four Roses and their house mix with a splash of stout sure beats coffee. To steer clear of the most common woes, you'll only find me here during the off hours. But when you do, I'll most assuredly be smiling over a plate of fried chicken.

    (4)

  • Annie S.

    There are some great things about this place and some other things that I wish were different.... They have awesome beers on tap!!! And sometimes they have deals where you can take home fun beer glasses :). The food is also delicious but this is one of those places that makes you pay for bread and butter. How annoying is that!!! But hahaha I've actually bought it before... Because the oysters are soo good but you just neeeeeed bread to mop up all of the yummy juices so they practically make you buy the bread too! The Sammy is a great fried chicken sandwich :). The vibe of this place is weird though because it's made up of competing atmospheres between college juniors and seniors who feel really accomplished and then young professionals in their late 20's and early 30's who also feel really accomplished. It's fairly expensive and has a more uppity feel to it compared to other Davis bars. It's not an every-night sort of bar, but my vote is that it's great for special occasions.

    (3)

  • M R.

    Excellent food on an eclectic and original menu. Wide range of beers with many on tap. Somewhat loud, always seems to be packed with people. Otherwise nothing negative.

    (4)

  • Amanda K.

    Woah. How on earth does this place have only 3.5 stars?!! I'm writing a review in hopes that it will raise 5 Horses' overall rating. In summary: this place in great. I've eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner here. We live around the corner and were so pleased when the last restaurant (Sagra I believe) was replaced with 5 Horses - a place that actually serves great food and is frequently packed. This restaurant has added to the awesome, Davis Square restaurant renaissance and we love it! PROs Love the menu - delicious and creative food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Great service Great beer Inventive cocktails TATER TOTS! CONs None!

    (5)

  • Jonathan M.

    Went here for brunch on a Saturday, around 1pm. The place was packed. You should definitely think about making a reservation. The menu was solid, there was a brunch menu in addition to the regular menu which is a definite plus, no need to worry about being limited to 10 or fewer selections like many places offer during brunch. Everyone in my party spoke highly of the food, with out food choices spanning the gamut. Chimichanga, Fried Chicken w/ Sausage Gravy, Tavern Burger, as well as the more usual breakfast options went over well at our table. I'd definitely return here.

    (3)

  • Julie G.

    Really crowded at night and on weekends, but surprisingly not so bad for brunch. While they have a great beer selection and tasty food, I think brunch is the best bet for this place just based on being able to get a table. I was shocked at how delish their brunch food is.

    (4)

  • Christian G.

    Ambience strikes a balance between formal and casual. The liquor selection is pretty competitive with the burgeoning pub scene of Davis square. Was disappointed in the okra gumbo. It looked promising but had absolutely no flavor other than the spicy heat (which should add to the flavor, not simply "be" the flavor). Also, their dessert selection was abysmal. I would recommend for a nice drink or two with some appetizers, but the entree side of things, given my small sample size, didn't quite work.

    (3)

  • Jessica B.

    I really like this joint. They have TONS of vegetarian and healthy menu options. I got the gumbo, which was 100% faux. For one, it was vegetarian, for another, it was not at all spicy. But hey, it seemed pretty healthy and it was huge and delicious. They also had some fancy vegetable plate that looked good. Great beer selection, including my favorite, Pretty Things. Yum. I came in with eight people from work and we were seated right away. The server did take a long time with other people's food, but they brought mine right out. Not cheap, but I really liked it. I'm going to drag some more friends down here.

    (4)

  • Pete D.

    I live about a five minute walk from Davis Sq. so this is one of my go to spots in Davis. The food is good I've had several meals there as well as just casual drinks. The wait staff is attentive and friendly. I find the beer selection to be very good and a great atmosphere to relax. Never has been a night life destination for me, in that I've only been here earlier in the day for drinks and food, so I can't speak to that. Overall a quality experience! You NEED to try the calamari, it's amazing!!!

    (4)

  • Kim K.

    Super loud, my god. Food is generic and greasy. The bar area is always packed and impossible to navigate (no place to stand, constant getting bumped, etc). Tables are on top of each other once you do sit down. Service is decent but I still probably won't be returning.

    (2)

  • Sara F.

    This is a nice place to go for drinks or dinner. I came with my close friend. We were quickly seated and taken care of. The service is really great. The drink menu is epic. The food choices are elevated bar food. The interior was stylish and clean. I had their hamburger which was really pretty perfect. It was cooked just how I like and it was no problem when I asked for the toppings on the side. They serve tater tots instead of fries, which was a bit of a let down for me, but I can imagine other customers loving this. Is this the best restaurant in Davis Square? No. But it is still a great restaurant.

    (4)

  • Dawn E.

    Holy mother f*cking tacos. Pork belly is the best, but I ATE THEM ALL.

    (5)

  • Lisa W.

    A place for good beer and very mediocre food. Pros: Good beers, wine pours are generous and chicken wings are tasty. Cons: Very mediocre Cheese plate, one of the cheeses they gave us literally tasted like ear wax- or what you imagine ear wax to taste like. Grazing plate (a vegetarian entrée) was quite abysmal just a plate of grilled vegetables with zero taste, at least wish they would have added some sauces to spice it up a bit.

    (3)

  • Katie O.

    Great food, great drink selection, good atmosphere and conveniently located in Davis Square. I've been there for drinks and for brunch on a Saturday morning. The place can get pretty busy so it is hard sometimes to get a seat at the bar especially on the weekends. Servers and bartenders are friendly. There buttermilk fried chicken tenders are the bomb definitely recommend those! For brunch I got there "the cap'n" ($12); It's cap'n crunch coated French toast sticks with raspberry coulis, 100% maple syrup, powdered sugar and comes with a fruit salad on the side. If you're looking for something sweet for bfast I would totally recommend this, it's sweet but not too sweet and for $12 who could go wrong! A person who was sitting next to us got baked oatmeal and that looked awesome too! Been here a few times and it's a pretty sweet spot with a great vibe! You should check it out if you can! :)

    (4)

  • Mike D.

    while the nice interior and the smart, delicious-looking menu might give the impression of a well put together spot to grab a drink and a bite, the staff give the most inconsistent and lazy service of any establishment I've been to in Boston. my friends and I frequent this place for their bloody marys 3 ways, which, when made correctly are some of the best I've ever had. but that's just it--there's no telling from one visit to the next whether you're going to get a well crafted drink or an unpalatable glass of sludge. the food is the same way. great in concept, sloppy in execution. the mac and cheese is usually great. today, it was watery, cheese soup. the "breaky sammy" is a great take on a classic breakfast sandwich, or would be if they didn't burn the bread and omit all condiments advertised. I could go on (and on and on) but I think you get the point. perhaps most unforgivable was my visit today with four of my friends, where, even though we in the middle of the restaurant, we went completely unattended to for more than an hour and a half. our waitress took our order and then vanished. where the hell did you go, "Jeanica"?? three other staff brought our food and then similarly ignored us, until we had to ask the bar for our bill. everyone paid in cash except for one person. we told the nice gentleman who ran her card to charge 25 to the card, and he acknowledged "and the remainder is cash? great." yeah, great, except you took all the cash and ran the card for 149 DOLLARS?? that's a costly mistake, chap. I know the food service industry is hell to work in, but I'm done giving this place the benefit of the doubt. there needs to be some top-to-bottom staff training. it wasn't even that busy today. get it together, guys.

    (1)

  • James F.

    Five Horses may have hooked me. Stopped in for a quick bite before a Saturday evening out. Was intrigued by the double-level setup, especially the double level bar - just something about that visual that struck me. Great beer list, although they had just kicked the draft that i was looking for - found a suitable replacement. My girlfriend ordered a hard cider and the waitress offered to let her taste a bit first, given that it had a distinctive/dry setup and high ABV. I ordered the fried chicken pizza, which reminded me of many of the same flavors of chicken and waffles (a huge compliment coming from me). I also snagged more tater tots from my girlfriend's plate than i would like to admit, and she reported that her burger was excellent. Can't believe it's taken me this long to check out Five Horses - will certainly be back.

    (4)

  • Kimberly B.

    I've been to Five Horses a few times and I just love them. I started a recent love affair with bourbon and with a selection of 130 brown liquors I think I'll be making this my home for a sweetly intoxicating exploration. To make sure I can still remain upright and some sense of decorum while I consume several glasses of bourbon, I indulge in their kfcgh- jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes and pork belly spiked mac & Cheese. C'mon- pork belly spiked mac & Cheese- Gimme! I'm a sucker for comfort food and this warms the cockles of my heart. I've also had their skirt steak with goat cheese scallion mash, mushrooms and broccoli rabe- just delicious. I am usually leery about ordering steak at a place like this because they don't understand what rare means. My steak was cooked to rare perfection. I'm not in Davis often, but when I am this is where I satisfy my desire for comfort food goodness. See you soon Five Horses...

    (5)

  • Cathy S.

    It's probably a good thing I don't live any closer to Five Horses because then I would spend too much money there. The atmosphere is just right, I think - casual, but not a sports bar. But about the food. I think the chef is doing some really creative things. The menu could possibly use some pruning since it seems a bit all over the place, but of the stuff I've tried, there hasn't been a dud yet. Favorites: pork belly taco, all variations on the fried chicken theme, mussels, and olives. The mussels come in a broth that's so good, you'll want a spoon and extra bread. The olives don't sound interesting, but are addictive and the perfect snack to have with your beer. All told, the menu has good variety and range in price, lightness/heaviness, portion sizes, and flavors. The service has been ok to good. I heard that they hired more on personality than experience, and that would explain a lot. Friendly, but sometimes with timing glitches. I expect more time will help with that. Anyway, I love what Five Horses is doing. They're a great addition to Davis Square.

    (4)

  • Tasha P.

    Hi Yelpers, Well, today a friend and I had plans to have brunch/lunch at Highland Kitchen, but their brunch hour had ended and we didn't want to still around for the 5 o'clock serving of dinner!! So we decided to venture down to Davis Sq. Despite the cold weather we found Five Horses!! We were so glad there was no waiting!!! We were seated right next to the fireplace!!!! That was definitely a plus!! The place wasn't crowded at all! I ordered pumpkin soup (first time) and the veggie burger and a side order of fruit!! I can't complain!!! Everything was very clean, spacious, fast etc. Even the bathroom was clean but downstairs in the basement. There's even a beer storage or fridge!! I don't like beer, but I think it was neat!!!

    (3)

  • Garrett T.

    Spent a few hours at the Five Horses on Saturday around 2:40 to 5:45. Got to spend time with friends, and family. The time was made all the more pleasant but the gracious and at times humorous and engaging staff. The food was also exceptional, and the selection of beers, bourbons, and whiskey equally good. Thanks for a great environment for such a gathering.

    (4)

  • Emily C.

    Living in Davis Square has a definite advantage when it comes having a variety of bars, restaurants and coffee shops. When Five Horses came to town I was super excited to try it out because I am a connoisseur of good beer and good eats to accompany them. When I finally got the opportunity to go a couple of weeks ago I was extremely disappointed. Although the atmosphere is great and the bar design is swanky the food was very bland, over priced and not quality. To make matters worse my girlfriend ordered the hummus. We didnt think to ask if there were egg products in it because she is allergic and honestly who puts eggs in hummus, right? Well she had an allergic reaction for sure and when I asked about the ingredients the waitress said it was actually a vegan recipe. If that was the case...their kitchen must not be clean or they are using the same serving spoons without cleaning them properly because you can't fake that stuff! Either way it scared me because you should never joke around when it comes to food allergies and it skeeves me out about their kitchen. When i went to order a seasonal beer that was on the wall menu for what was on tap the waitress said they were all out and I reminded her it was still on the board and she replied that they were too lazy to take it off the list because it was so high up on the wall. She made it seem like I was an ass for acknowledging that it was still up there. It was a snarky remark and made me want to walk out. I don't understand how wait staff can use an excuse of laziness and put down a customer and expect tips and return costumers?!?! This along with the outrageous price and the underwhelmingly bland food -I would never go there again. I can get better food at Mike's for cheaper and get yelled at by the lady on the mic to pick up my food. I'd rather that then someone make me out to a bad guy when trying to help them out. Stay classy five horses ;)

    (2)

  • Leslie R.

    Love this place but had a disappointing meal yesterday. The Tofu Panino is my favorite meal, but I discovered that it is no longer on the menu. I opted to try the shiitake dip sandwich instead. The mushrooms were tough - almost unchewable - and the bread was a wimpy hamburger roll. I definitely would not order it again. Another new menu option, the Tofu Cuban, did not sound appetizing in the description. I hope the Tofu Panino will reappear on the menu.

    (4)

  • Meg W.

    My husband and I have been here a handful of times and it has been consistently great, it's one of our favorite places, especially when we are in the mood for comfort food. The sticky wings, fried chicken, and mac&cheese are awesome, we always leave stuffed and with yummy leftovers to take home. The beer menu is huge and overwhelming, and the service has always been excellent.

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    I'm happy to report that these guys just keep getting better and better!!! Some highlights from recent trips there: - buttermilk fried chicken tenders - OMfreakingG. Get these. Don't share them. And get extra buttermilk scallion sauce. - short rib tacos - flavor nirvana. Quite spicy too, which I love, but it accelerated the consumption of my beer for sure. Which brings us to... - IPA out of a nitro tap - Wow! I'm not sure I lovedthe flavor at the end of the day but man was it interesting! - sierra nevada torpedo on draught - one of my favorite beers brought to a whole new level out of a tap. Our waiter was really great, too. Totally friendly and knowledgeable. I'm really growing to love this place!

    (4)

  • Nick L.

    As someone who lived in or around Davis Sq for more than 5 years, I can only say that i wish Five Horses was around when i was there! I have been there twice in the last month and both times have been extremely impressed not only with the outstanding beer menu (Maine Beer Company Peeper Ale last night was particularly amazing), but also with the atmosphere and food menu that have created. Over the time when i lived in Davis, I saw this location turn over businesses at an alarming rate, so when FHT came in, I figured they would be here for a year and someone else would come in; but after visiting them and seeing how happy everyone was to be there, i think they finally got it right! The night of my 30th birthday we decided we wanted to get some good beers as we were now "adults" and found our way to FHT. Immediately we were impressed with the up-scale but not pretentious decour from the brass all over the bar to the dark leather seats. As you walk through the restaurant you are greeted by the see-through beer fridge showing off the amazing variety of bottles and cans they carry which we saw many a patron make a trip over to select their next beer. We were seated at a table and were promptly visited by a staff member who gave us a run down on beers, food, and whiskey including recommendations on all which helps when there is such a large selection. We went with many varieties of beer at the table both in bottles and draft and we barely scratched the surface. When our food came, we were pleasently surprised that pub food could be so good, highlighted by the tater tots which we couldnt get enough of. As a vegetarian, i struggle to find good menu's that allow me to eat something at a bar outside of a veggie burger and FHT did a great job of providing many alternatives, the potatoe taco's being my favorite so far. Needless to say, by the end of the night we agreed we had found our new favorite bar I will definitely be back ad cant wait to see what they have coming if they are looking this good in year 1!!

    (5)

  • Justine D.

    I love this place. THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS ARE AMAZING!!! I never in a million years would have predicted that I would go to a restaurant just for the brussels sprouts - yet both my fiance and I LOVE them. Please, whatever you do people at 5 Horses, do not take the Brussels sprouts off the menu. Ever. Once we went there and they were out and we were so, so sad. Whatever they are covered with is amazing and delicious, and we go there specifically for that - and then pick out other stuff to accompany it. Each time I've been here the service has been very good - the waitstaff are very friendly and timely. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are generous. We've tried lots of different food and the menu has changed - I miss the chili (it was SO good, hope it comes back next winter) and I like the spicy wings. The grilled wings aren't so flavorful, but I guess I could have predicted it. We tried the duck 3 ways last night - I think they could just focus on it one way - the sliced breast was great, the rest so-so. It came with nice greens and carrots which were tasty. The tater-tots are always delish and crisp. All in all I do very much enjoy the food here and the drink list is long and extensive and interesting, too. The only downside is the noise - wish the acoustics were better.

    (5)

  • Diane M. F.

    Honestly don't believe the hype! This place has never been able to reincarnate itself into anything worthy. Let's start with the service...pretty poor and to boot they are all in flannel shirts....look is a bit raggedy!!! On the food...had the mussels, which were in a ginger soy garlic sauce. While I normally love the combination of these flavors, this was so over powering and salty. By the way if I didn't have the texture of the mussel in my mouth I'd never know I was eating a delectable crustacean. The toasted bread that accompanied the mussels, while burnt too much for my friend, I did however find tasty. Then there was the pork belly taco...(individual tacos sold for $5. each), too bad it did not taste as good as it looked. Again the seasoning was over powering. The chef simply has not been able to compliment the food...instead he over powers it. The seasoning and the food should dance together and show off the others talents (flavors)....not upstage it. If you are looking for mediocre food that is reasonable this is the place for you. Personally I'd rather spend a little more and have great food, seasoned to perfection.

    (2)

  • Joe C.

    With the location, this place should be a home run. The previous 3 attempts at a successful venture here have all failed (Sagra, 400 Highland and Sauce) so, I was hopeful that they worked out some of the previous issues. Service was friendly and attentive. On a crowded evening, both the bar and wait staff seemed very good. Although, enthusiastically recommending tater tots when they are not fresh and homemade to me was my only criticism. Food was mediocre at best. You get a sense that some ingredients are quality but that have been neglected attention. Burger was boring with an oversized roll. I feel it just lacked some seasoning. Other items were the cheddar jalapeno mash that was also surprisingly flavorless, overcooked buttermilk tenders with some terrible dipping sauces and a lobster roll that was completely forgettable. Still not sure why using a Japanese yolk mayo was a needed twist. Drinks and beer selection were good but way overpriced. I think other reviews are generous with Five Horses. Maybe they like plaid, the beer selection or location, but the food was not interesting. I will go back to see if I caught them on an off day. They are new and there will always be a growing phase.

    (2)

  • Josh C.

    Five Horses is the best bar in Davis Square and one of the best beer bars in the area. The food is excellent, particularly the tacos and the fried chicken salad. The wait can be a bit long and can be loud later at night, but the wait staff is friendly and quick. Did I mention they have a great beer selection? I recommend going during the week so you can take advantage of the knowledge of the bartenders and enjoy a shorter wait time.

    (5)

  • Sam M.

    Spectacular cocktails and the food is top shelf. The hostess is funny, kind, beautiful and smart and the the staff, kind and accommodating.

    (5)

  • Sara L.

    I've been in here a few times now, and have just been very unimpressed with the quality of food. I like craft beer, but there are SO many other places around here with great food and beer selection for the same price. Service has never really been a problem, but I'm not going to come in for dinner when all the food is deep fried, unbearably heavy, soggy or under seasoned. Um... No thank you.. Sorry five horses, it's not me... it's you.

    (2)

  • Meredith P.

    Last night, I spent a few hours with some of my very best girlfriends, for a much needed night of catching up and enjoying each other's company. We make it a point to try new places when we meet up, and so it was only natural that we try a new place this time around. I had suggested the Five Horses Tavern, a bar new to the Davis Square area in Somerville. We met, we got a table, and started to drool over the menu. While the menu boasts many beers on tap, I was in the mood for a cocktail, so I decided to order the "formulaforsuccess." This drink consists of Tito's Vodka, Rosewater, Agave Nectar, Ginger Beer and fresh lemongrass. It was very refreshing, and while sweet, not too sweet. The ginger beer evened out the sweetness of the agave nectar, and the rosewater added a lovely scent to the drink. While waiting for the fourth in our party, we decided to order a small plate, of which the menu has many to choose from, to tide us over. We opted for the "Papas Fritas," crispy triple-fried fingerling potatoes, served with a red pepper-garlic mayo. This was a new take on fries, for me, but they were really tasty. The fingerling potatoes had been halved, and because they had been triple-fried, they were tender, but crispy. The mayo really took this dish from generic to unique. It was so flavorful, and we really couldn't get enough. Once we were all together, we decided to order another appetizer while we decided on our entrees. The menu has a section of differently flavored wings, so we decided to try the "drunken wings" first, beer marinated with tequila, chile, lime and salt. The wings are served in little cast iron skillets, and they are crispy, juicy, and delicious. Each flavor that is mentioned in the description is noticable as you take each bite. I love it when you can pick out each flavor, but also realize that as a whole, they make for an incredible dish. When placing our entree order, we decided to order another flavor of wings as well, since the first batch were so good. We opted for the "Sticky Wings," sticky, sweet and marinated in a slightly spicy BBQ sauce. As the next little skillet was brought to the table, I got the scent of tangy BBQ and saw the sticky pile of wings. The flavors were so different from the "Drunken Wings," but still so delicious. They complemented each other quite well, but I think I liked the "drunken" ones better. Something about tequila, lime, and chile on chicken...yum! For my entree, I decided to try one of each of the four tacos that they offer. The tacos are sold per piece, but if you bunch a couple of them, the price goes down, so it made sense to try this as my entree. The "Pork Belly Taco" is a flour tortilla with crisped confit pork belly, pickled red onions, and dragon lady sauce, which is SPI-CY! The pork belly was so crunchy and crispy, and pickled red onions just add something to an otherwise spicy taco, a refreshing relief from the heat. The "Tuna Taco" had Shichimi dusted rare seared tuna, greens, jicama, avocado, and a blood-orange chile glaze, all served on a flour tortilla. Again, Shichimi is spicy, but the avocado and jicama balanced the flavors quite well. As for the glaze, the citrus of the blood orange cut the spice of the chile as well. The "Toro Furioso Taco," is the probably the spiciest of the four...with chili marinated short rib, banana peppers, pickled Thai peppers, red dragon sauce and micro cilantro, again on a flour tortilla. This sure was a "furious" taco, with the red dragon sauce, AND the pickled thai peppers, AND the chili marinade, but since I only had one of them, I braved it. The short ribs were tender and easy to bite into, and the flavors melded so well together! But wait, that's only three, you say? You're right! I got a fourth taco. The "Potato Taco," and the only of the four that were vegetarian, was a flour tortilla, served with crispy oven roasted potatoes, bean puree, avocado, herb vinegar and sea salt. While there was no meat, and no chili included, I found this to be the most refreshing of the four tacos. The potatoes were crispy, rather than mushy, which added a nice crunch to each bite, and the flavors were very bright. The sea salt and herb vinegar brought out the flavors very nicely, and I was actually happy to finish my meal with this as my last taco. With more catching up to do, we all ordered one more drink, so I decided to try the other cocktail that had struck my fancy. Called the "Midnight Interlude," Grey Goose Poire was mixed with a Blackberry Balsamic by the Boston Olive Oil Company, and topped off with Prosecco. It was a very interesting flavor combination, and the first time I'd ever had balsamic in a cocktail. I liked the tartness that it brought to the drink, and was a nice way to end the meal!

    (3)

  • Christine S.

    A large group of us (11 or 12 I think) went on opening night, and were extremely impressed by the quality (and price!) of the food. They have an excellent beer list too, with 36 on tap. There were a few mistakes - some beer orders got messed up - which I'm sure were due to the fact that it was opening night and there were 12 of us who didn't all arrive at the same time. Every time the waiter came back to deliver a drink there were 2 or 3 more people in our group, which didn't help the situation. But other than that, everything else was solid and once they work out the kinks this will be a 4 star place. It will definitely give Foundry some competition!

    (4)

  • Andy C.

    This place is hit or miss. The great thing about it, is that it's easy to know what's a hit and miss. The beers are the hit, the food is the miss. Best beer selection in Somerville. Worst food selection in Somerville.

    (3)

  • Tanya A.

    I've only been once, but I like this place. I didn't order any meat, burgers or duck, but to be honest, don't people get tired of having burgers every where? I had the brussels sprouts which were excellent! I am looking forward to having them again!The bread plate was fine. The bartender was very helpful and let me try countless beers before deciding on my choices, which I was very happy with. My friend had 2 martinis that were well made. I didn't mind the noise and was happy to see many adults there and a wide range of ages and people. I'll try more of the menu but I'm really just happy to find a place to get some good drinks and a menu that's not just like every other place's. Our total bill was remarkably affordable & the menu isn't any more "overpriced" than Red Bones are any comparable place with in a 2 mile radius.

    (4)

  • Matt G.

    Wow is a great way to start off. The place is amazing. Bar is 2 levels. Open front for semi-outdoor dining. Booths have tufted leather. There is even s semi-private section with a large curved booth and flat screen. Ryan was awesome. Made a great recommendation for lunch and I was overly pleased. Location is great in Davis Sq. Only bad thing I Can say is that it was lunch and I couldn't enjoy 1 of the million beers available. Check this place out ASAP.

    (5)

  • Corey G.

    The Tofu Panino and vegan pizza were amazing! Kudos to a "regular" restaurant taking the time to implement some terrific vegan options--and not a stupid veg burger.

    (5)

  • s r.

    This place may get better in time. It was just sort of ok-ish. Not horrible, but not great-not a place id rush back to. wait staff was very nice, but it seems they are all still very confused about what to do, who has which table etc. For example, we had multiple waiters stop by during apps(a bit of overkill) and then one person show up at the end of the entrees to ask if we needed anything and then had to wait awhile for check (the place wasnt particularly busy). Chicken tender appetizer was probably the best thing we ordered. Also with a lot of the food, almost anything that could border on the spicy/hot was way over spiced. Biggest issue with the place was we would be charged extra for a condiment/sauce?! Thought that was ridiculous and is a huge turn off. wouldnt go back any time soon, but would try it again if theyre around in six months or a year etc. hopefully they work out the kinks on service and the food.

    (2)

  • Paul H.

    Me and a couple buddies went here last Wednesday. It was a little busy but we managed to score a table where the full open Windows were. Being beer lovers the draft and bottle lists were good, I would of said great but a few beers they had listed they no longer had. Our server, or should I say servers, were all awesome! I gotta say they were all friendly, on point and relaxed. We got the pork belly tacos for an app and they were tasty, and pricey at $5 for 1. The server let us know the chef was a friend chicken nut so of course we all got it! 2 chicken finger plates and 1 sandwich. They came with a scallion ranch and dragon hot sauce. Amazing chicken, perfect crunchy batter and those sauces, Woah momma! Overall we had a great time and I would go back just for the staff and the beers! Food was great as well but really the beer and staff made the trip there well worth it..

    (4)

  • Alexandra P.

    Amazing... Best of Boston got it 100% right. I have never yelped before and specifically created an account just for Five Horses. Wanted to try a little of everything so ordered "tapas style"- Brussel sprouts, cheddar and jalapeño mashed potatoes, cuke and dill salad, and fried chicken app. Everything was amazing including the service. Extensive beer list was impressive. New favorite restaurant. Will definitely be returning in the very near future.

    (5)

  • Gary Y.

    Eh. New restaurant same bad food and service. I had high hopes for a great replacement to Sagra. Unfortunately the food was bland and the service was weak. They ran out of wings. The didn't have the entire beer list as advertised. I hope this due to opening week miscues but it will take a lot of improvement for me to return.

    (2)

  • Michele L.

    a good bar to go to after work. they made me a mean melt-in-your-mouth gluten free steak with roasted veggies. (and had GF wings on the menu). Because hydration is key after a long work week, they provide Greens gluten free beer, ciders, and for those that even shun the wheat-distilled inebriates, a potato vodka. it was empty at 5pm and was packed within an hour or so.

    (3)

  • Keller M.

    great and diverse selection of beers. excellent service. the mussels were absolutely delicious, the sauce in particular. though the "triple fried" potato wedges were underdone and rather bland. will definitely make a return visit.

    (4)

  • Jamie G.

    So I actually really enjoyed this place, even though I had several friends who had previously tried it and were not impressed. Came here on a Sunday evening and got a nice table immediately (even though other places in Davis Sq had lines out the door!) They have 30 some beers on tap- mostly local craft beers, nothing WAY crazy, but all good solid beers Sadly they do not do a flight or sampler pack, but they did give me a little taste of two beers before I chose a pint. I tried Longtrail Double Bag (which was a good wheaty beer, but kind of plain- typical of long trail) and the Dark Horse Tres Blueberry Stout- which was delicious- obviously the chosen pint. We started with Fried Calamari, which came in a bowl, with banana peppers and mangoes- very good and interesting flavor, but no sauce or anything. For my meal I had the duck three ways. OMG it was delicious. I am already a huge fan of duck, but they totally impressed me. I got a HUGE duck confit leg, a huge portion of slice duck breast which was seasoned with some amazing spices and cooked to perfection, and the winner on the plate- duck stuffing- most, delicious, could have eaten a whole plate of just this. It also came with some nice garlicky kale. The perfect meal, and enough to bring home leftovers. Also tried a bite of the mac and cheese- definitely too rich and cheesy for me, but it did taste great. All of their menu selections sound great and I cant wait to try more. Prices were okay, maybe a tad expensive. Service was decent, maybe a tad slow. Atmosphere is very nice- like a classy pub. Would definitely come back here again!

    (4)

  • Lauren M.

    Very cool new bar and restaurant in Davis. The menu has something for everyone and the beers are numerous. Good crowd, good vibes and great atmosphere. Love it :)

    (4)

  • Andrew P.

    Fantastic Beer Selection (best I've come across in the area) and the food is great as well, pork belly tacos are a must. Could be slightly quieter but thats my only complaint, and its minor.

    (4)

  • Jawann S.

    I was extremely impressed with this place given the fact that I knew nothing about it before going. Huge beer selection, both on draft and bottled, and top shelf alcohols as well. The food menu is big but not huge, and a little indecisive. Pad Thai, tuna tacos, and pizza all on the same menu. The bread and butter appetizer comes with goat's milk butter, which before last night I didn't know tasted like sweet nectar of the gods. I had the Kentucky fried Cornish game hen. It was fried perfectly (crispy, no batter molting) and came with pork belly Mac and cheese that was amazing. My girl had the tuna tacos. They had a nice spice rub, but were just wheliming. That's what you expect when you order chick food though. For the price, quality, and alcohol selection, 5 stars.

    (5)

  • S F.

    I would say 2 stars for food, 4 stars for atmosphere, potential, drinks, etc. The "Pea Diddy" salad sounded great (other than the name) but was very bland. The "dressing" just tasted like plain oil- we eventually asked for a different dressing on the side. The "mac n cheese" is NOT mac n cheese, it's gnocchi with cream sauce. It was good, but if you want mac n cheese (as I did) do not order this. The pork belly taco was by far the best thing we ate and should be made into an entree (it's a starter and comes with just ONE taco). The menu is weird and all over the place (ribs, wings, pad thai??). The beer list is decent and I thought reasonably priced although they mostly pour 12oz drinks, even for beers that are not THAT strong. This place is also very loud (even on a tuesday night) so just be prepared.

    (3)

  • Annie I.

    the gold rush cocktail was awesome! i really liked their drink selection overall too. i had a good burger and tater tots, and there was a nice open window and patio that would be great in summer!

    (4)

  • Liz H.

    I've been here twice, including on opening night. Everything on the menu looks so good it was difficult to choose, particularly with such reasonable prices. The tuna taco was good, the pork belly taco was really good, and the pizza had the best ricotta I've ever had. I even liked the wings my friend ordered, and I don't usually like wings. The beer list is great, and the staff is helpful for questions about both food and drink. I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 because it's so darn loud.

    (4)

  • Brian G.

    I've been to this place a number of times now because I wanted to make sure I had a good idea of how they were rather than just comment on a bad early experience while they were still getting up and running. Five Horses is a great addition to the neighborhood for a not overly expensive modern atmosphere. It's a got a great beer list and wine list as well as some specialty drinks. Now I'm not going to get into all of them but as far as pricing goes I think this place is fair, the drinks are a bit pricey but I feel like most of the food is priced on the cheap side so it balances out. The Tuna Tacos are excellent and the fried chicken really is worth trying. The only negative thing I would say is that I wasn't a fan of their mixed drink specials. I don't remember them all and they aren't listed on the web site but besides for one whiskey drink they weren't great and I didn't see many people ordering them. Which is fine because I'm mostly knocking back beers when I go there anyway.

    (4)

  • Master P.

    Great beer selection, good cocktails, nice wine selection. Service has always been great. The food is very mediocre though. We only go for the drinks but always enjoy ourselves.

    (3)

  • Jake L.

    I ate at Five Horse Tavern over Labor Day weekend which is right after they opened up. Overall it was a good experience and I'd definitely go back. My major complaint was the AC - it was hot and muggy the night we went and ended up sitting in the lower level right inside the door - the whole restaurant was extremely hot with the exception of the basement level where the bathrooms are - the basement AC was working great. The service was great and the food menu was pretty limited but easy enough to find something you wanted. The alcohol menu was 3 time bigger than the food menu! By the time we left there was a line out the door with people waiting to get in. Looks like they will do well.

    (4)

  • Jesse M.

    I was quite excited to try out Five Horses, but unfortunately it did not even come close to what i was expecting. We were greeted at the cramped entryway by a host/waiter with such bad breath it could have peeled paint off of the walls. We were seated pretty quickly on the downstairs level, which was alright, but definitely didn't have the same feel as the main level dining room. I ordered a beer from the robust and varied beer menu and the rest of my party of 4 split a bottle of wine. We waited about 15 minutes for our drinks - which is ridiculous for one beer and a bottle of wine, and our appetizer of mussels actually came out before the drinks! The mussels were undercooked and fishy, but when we told the waiter we were not pleased he took them off the bill. This was really disappointing because the waiter had recommended the mussels as one of their best dishes! I had a tavern burger, which was perfectly cooked, but they were out of tater tots for the side and i was forced to get mashed potatoes, which were only OK at best. I know it's opening week, but how do you run out of your featured side dish!? My fiance ordered a pizza, but they were also out of the toppings for that pizza, so she had to pick something else, which again was OK. Maybe once they get their act together, this will be a better dining/drinking experience, but until then there are much better places to go for dinner and/or drinks in Davis Square.

    (2)

  • Johnny B.

    Great beer selection ! Place has a very nice layout. Windows were open, breezy, great draft beers, decent music, food was pretty good. Generally, had a great time.

    (5)

  • CLC C.

    Went there for the 1st time and was really impressed! The renovations to the place were really nice, the food was great, and the beer selection was huge! We will definitely be back. Oh, and it was great to see our pal Lonie working there!!!

    (5)

  • Molly L.

    I love you Five Horse - I don't know whats taken me so long to say it. (on yelp) This is a great upscale-pub type place. Dark and cozy int he winter with a fireplace going, and a million TVs near the bar for every sports event you could possibly want to watch. They have 2 bars which definitely helps serve up the EXTENSIVE craft beer and whiskey selection to the good people eating here. I Always a good crowd with everything from college kids to families, to sports nuts, dressy types heading out for the evening, hipsters, etc.... All the wait staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and can easily guide you through food and beverage menus. I have never had a bad meal here...and ive had a LOT of meals here lol. Duck 3 Ways is super delicious and indulgent KFCGH - Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen is outstanding Their goat cheese mashed potatoes deserve an award Brussels Sprouts might be my fave thing on the menu - even if you dont like these veggies, i encourage you to give it a try. Chicken sandwich was nice and moist and above the usual thawed out patty you so often find on menus Pumpkin soup - this is not for me, but if you like squash and a very nice fresh veggie taste its delightful The mussels (appetizer) are to die for, gingery, and winey, and a little spicy. Hangar steak is juicy amazingness Annnnd i think im done revealing how poor my eating habits truly are. Bottom line: Great place to go with a group of friends, get some excellent beer and food that is more interesting and delicious than the norm. Oh! and the menus have seasonal items too, so you must go often!

    (5)

  • Ed W.

    Great place in Davis Square and I'm still trying to figure out why I had to stumble across it and people aren't raving about it... With most of the action along the other main road in Davis, it gets all the attention. Actually, I was heading there to see if I could find a fun spot to grab a bite. Only because I grabbed parking right in front of the tavern did I take a peak at it... the outside is pretty nondescript and not being a beer drinker I almost walked away from anything that had 'Tavern' in its name, lol. Glad I didn't! The food? Creative and incredibly good. Incredibly. I was lucky enough to try the pork belly taco (along with other items) and found out later it is one of their signature items. I can attest to why that is: its addictively good. Cocktails? Fun and interesting ones. Beers and ales? A huge selection. Bourbons and whiskies? Again, huge. Great bar, separate seating are for dinner, convenient location... I wish them lots of success and hope they are there for a long while as I'll be coming by as long as they are.

    (4)

  • Bridget C.

    Went here Friday night for dinner with a friend. The waitress was super helpful and wicked nice! Started off with a moscow mule. Delish! We shared there the calamari and it was incredible! The yuzu sauce the toss it in just puts it over the edge! Like to the point you consider stabbing your friends fork with yours for the last piece! Now onto dinner at which point I ordered the weihenstaphaner hefeweissbeir dark. Everyone do yourself a favor and get this! So good. It went perfectly with my pumpkin soup that was topped with bubbly melty cheese and grilled bread. Just writing this makes me want to go back right now. My friend got the mac & cheese which was fantastic and cheesy! To end the meal I had something that is still making me happy and its 2 days later, Captain Crunch creme brulee! Ya you heard that right! From the beginning to the end this was just awesome! My only worry is that its in that spot in Davis square that restaurants seem do not survive. I am praying to the beer and food Gods above that they let this place stay because its awesome! I know I keep saying awesome. OH did I mention that its not expensive! I was surprised and thought it was pretty cheap! That makes this place WICKED AWESOME!

    (5)

  • Lena B.

    good beer and cocktails. music is way too loud and not that good. pizza dry without cheese or sauce. service was the best part.

    (3)

  • Brendan B.

    First off lets respond to write up about 5 Horses being a "little piece of Brooklyn comes to Somerville." Yeah......thats not a good thing. Davis has enough pretentious assholes, we don't need to import them. What is it with Hipsters anyway? For a group that tries to present itself as liberal and non capitalistic, they sure spend a lot of money on clothing. Anyway, 5 Horses didn't change much as far as the atmosphere goes but thats a good thing. Sagra, 400 Highland and Sauce were all pretty good places that just went under for whatever reason. 5 Horses did however add a lot when it comes to beers and drinks etc. Lots of different beers to choose from and plenty of them don't have "Triple Hops" or berries. Definitely a place to go if you like beer and the cocaine cock it gives you. The food however.........needs improvement. I went with a female friend I haven't seen in a while and told her I'd pay for beers and food. Thats why I ordered a Gennesse Cream and that little harlot ordered some $9 Belgian crap. Fortunately her appetite for alcohol greatly outdoes her appetite for food. We ordered the Cheese Plate and were pretty let down. It had a couple of good cheeses but the sides were bewilderingly shitty. I think one of the sides was luppini beans with cayenne pepper on it. Now I like luppini beans like the next Guiddo, but you can really spread cheese on the little fuckers. And the other side was toast?! I had an image in my head of the people in the kitchen; "Shit.......we're out of the good stuff we put on the cheese plate." Other guy. "Screw it......give em luppini beans and toast, these uptight A-holes think toast is exotic if you make it expensive. Don't forget, these are the same assholes who wait in line at Sound Bites." But considering I only had about 1/50th of the menu maybe I should give them another chance. Waitress was nice despite being way over worked.

    (3)

  • Erin Y.

    I was really excited for the bar to open. With "Tavern" in the name and knowing they have an extensive list of beers on tap, I expected a really cool bar. There is, however, hardly any bar space. If you are looking for a place to just grab drinks with friends, this is not it. The bar areas (there are two) are both very small, so unless you are going to be sitting down to eat, there really is no space to hang out. We went on a Sat. night around 9pm. After about at 20 minute wait, we were lucky enough to snag a high top table near the open windows. We didn't have enough chairs but at least we had our own space. Two of our friends showed up around 10pm and had to stand in line outside for over 30 min. This made NO sense because the tables on either side of us were both empty. I finally asked a hostess why they were making people wait in line and her response was "because the kitchen is behind". wtf?? What kind of "tavern"' establishment does not encourage their customers to come in and order over priced drinks while they wait for a table?? My guess is they want to give off the impression that the place is packed in order to draw interest. I noticed another person comment about a line for no reason on a different night as well. My tip to 5 horses tavern, make sure the people waiting outside don't have an open window view of the not so packed bar they are waiting to get in to. One more thing.... There were 7 of us drinking beer and if we accidentally set our glass/bottle on the table instead of the coaster, the waitress/hostess would rush right over to do it for us. Pretentious.

    (2)

  • Chris P.

    Five Horses is a very solid, and IMO much needed addition to the Davis Square area. Sure, I can hear you saying, there were already a couple of pubs in Davis (three if you count Sligo, which I can't bring myself to call a 'pub' :) Five Horses has a great beer menu, and above average food that has motivated my wife and I to come back twice. We were equally impressed each time. Most of it's fairly standard high end gastro pub grub, but all of it is very well done. I've enjoyed the burger with a side of mash and the seafood stew. One real stand-out that bears special mention is the brussels sprouts! They're cooked with pork belly and other things (scallions I think?) and are totally scrumptious. This has become a go-to spot for us and I hope they keep up the good work! [Update: I'm upping my review to five stars. Why? Because my wife and I and a bunch of friends have been here quite a number of times now (at least 10) for lunch and dinner, and the food and beer selection are excellent - every single time. There is something to be said for a local spot where you KNOW you can go for a really good meal.]

    (5)

  • Jason J.

    I take back what I said earlier. The three issues I mentioned in my first review were not a problem when I was there last night. The flatbreads were delicious, the foam to beer ratio was not an issue, and our waitress was great. Note to self: Never wear a plaid or checkered shirt there again or customers will ask if you work there several times.

    (4)

  • Colin A.

    Good place to go for either just drinks or drinks and dinner. Great atmosphere (as all places are in Davis). The little outdoor patio is a nice touch. Very extensive and diverse selection of beers on tap. Smaller menu, but the food is awesome. Any of the tacos are excellent.

    (4)

  • Noah L.

    The beer selection rotates relatively frequently throughout the seasons, and the menu is pretty decent. The lamb taco was enjoyable, but the drunken wings lacked any hint of the advertised chili and tequila flavor.

    (3)

  • Jourdan H.

    I'm a big fan of this place. They have one drink that's not on the menu, but it's my all-time fav, and if the right bartender is there, they'll make it for me. I usually stick with the potato tacos, because I'm usually there for a snack and a drink, but everything I've tried has been quite good. Oh, their tater tots are also delicious. Can you tell I like potatoes? Overall, great place, have been multiple times, will be back again.

    (5)

  • Alyssa J.

    I am confused about a lot of things in life. Like why is the sky blue? Why do girls grow faster than boys? Why are some people good at math? Why can't I get enough of Five Horses Tavern? I hate that I am a regular at a place that serves up such delicious fried food. But I loooooove the fried food. The fried chicken salad is my GO TO. Like, every single damn time. I love the chandelier of all the different beer taps. I hate the fact that I think I can say that I've had every one. I hate that they have Abita because it reminds me that I'm not in New Orleans. I love that it's within walking distance of my apt, but I hate that it's within walking distance because I never have an excuse not to go. My life is so hard.

    (4)

  • Austin J.

    Great beer selection and a fun atmosphere. Service was great! The food was shockingly good. They clearly utilized quality, fresh ingredients. The menu was simple and very straightforward. My compliments to the kitchen.

    (4)

  • Martin A.

    Always have a good meal... at a good price... with staff with character! And love the beer selection!

    (5)

  • Joe G.

    Been here a few times. Came here last week and we had a table for four. 2 of us were there and the other 2 were just showing up. My gf showed up about 10mins later but the bouncer wouldn't let her in cause he said they were at capacity, even though we had a seat for her at our table. He let her in after a brief wait. That was weird. Other than that it's a fun place to grab a drink with friends. Service isn't bad, I don't expect stellar service in a restaurant so packed on a Friday. Food is just ok, I would keep it simple here. The place is known for its drink selection and cocktails. There bartenders are pros and know what they're doing. We'll be back for drinks

    (2)

  • John R.

    PBR on tap, great tacos and a choice of 1,2, or 3 and tots! Great place, to watch games, fine beer selection, but place can be chilly at times.

    (3)

  • Rachel S.

    Went to Five Horses for the first time last night on the suggestion of a friend. We sat at the bar and were warmly greeted by a bartender in plaid... Now, being a vegetarian it is often hard to find good food options especially at tavern and pub type restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised with the selection at Five Horses, it started with the 'shrooms on toast, the 'banzo cakes, and eventually lead to the corn and avocado chowder. The chowder was so rich and creamy with just the right amount of spice, best part... No cream!! I will definitely be back to try some of the other items on the menu. On top of the food and alcohol selection, we went to watch the Red Sox, not sure what the atmosphere would be like... It was great! Definitely a good spot to watch boston sports if you can't see it live! Bottom line, great food, great vibe, and great service!!

    (4)

  • A G.

    One of my favorite places in Davis! Delicious Brussel Sprouts and potato and avocado tacos. Their pretzel with house mustard is awesome!

    (5)

  • Emily G.

    Five Horses Tavern got me to order a dish called the Paula Deen. Is this good or bad? I'm still unsure - while I felt like a moron for ordering such a ridiculous named brunch dish, I felt like a spectacular genius after tasting the delicious combination of pork belly, grits, sunny side up egg, and scallions. Hey, for a perfect bowl of grits, I'll call it whatever you want. With a 5H Bloody Mary (extra spicy for me) garnished with sriracha dabbed olives next to my southern belle of a meal and I'm strolling out brunched, full, and happy. I've stopped in on non-brunching occasions and have generally been pleased. The cocktail menu is short, the whiskey list long, multiple types of moonshine (?), plus some 37 rotating taps. The food offerings are somewhat seasonal, without being too precious about it (no long lists of farm sources for each dish), though the menu is a bit unfocused and far flung. When I ordered the mussels, I was pleased to be greeted with two serious hunks of grilled bread to sop up the broth, though the slices seemed to taste a bit like the gas they were grilled on. I thought this was a fluke, but different visits have yielded the same result, no matter the dish the toast has been served with. The bread itself has always been quite good, but the propane-esque accent does it no favors. Small toast quibbles aside, the staff at Five Horses has always been a delight in their plaid uniforms. I find myself most comfortable seated at the bar (lower level if you can swing it), but table service has been friendly and accommodating, especially when we had a big group arriving at different times. Overall, a worthwhile neighborhood spot where everyone will have several choices in food and drink at a fairly reasonable price.

    (4)

  • J C.

    The food is pretty mediocre. I had a burger and there was nothing memorable about it. On the other hand, the whiskey list is extensive and varied. You could spend a year here sampling all their whiskeys. They have all kinds, from bourbons to ryes to Irish whiskys.

    (3)

  • Amy L.

    Great beer selection, dog friendly outdoor seating, both plusses. Food, although it looks good on paper, lacks flavor. How about a little garlic and herbs?

    (4)

  • Lynn H.

    I used to really love this place, but I do agree with some of the other reviews; the staff is really going downhill. Last time I went it was increasingly difficult to get anyone's attention. I often see many of the waiters/waitresses couped up in a corner chatting and looking at their phones. It's getting to the point where the awesome food doesn't even make up for the terrible service...

    (3)

  • Ed F.

    Good food. The mac and cheese is hsuper cheesey heavy on the cheese and one of my dinner companions loved it and another not so much. The baby back ribs were meeaty and tender and the cod fish dish I had was excellent. THe corn bread was universally liked by our group. The food is good and the vibe is young. Great beer selection so if you like the suds and some good comfort food this is the place for you.

    (3)

  • erica f.

    Great beer selection and rotating draft. I was surprised that they had a decent amount of vegetarian options on the menu! And they were pretty great!

    (4)

  • Jason M.

    I wish I liked this place more. People seem to rave about the food, but I can't seem to get past how much I dislike the food. The problem is this - they've got a great beer list. It runs as deep, but not as deep as their bourbon selection. I'm not certain you're going to find a much better list in Davis Square. So, maybe that's not an actual problem, but you understand what I mean. I can't outright hate this place because of that. So, here are the things I really dislike: The wait. There's always a wait. It's always really crowded. The noise. It's always noisy. Like really, really noisy. Earplug noisy. The plaid. Everyone is wearing plaid. If I'm wearing plaid, sometimes I think I work here. The food. It's just too strong. The white bean hummus tastes like pureed scallions instead of white beans. The goat cheese scallion mashed potatoes are way too oniony. Every burger I've ordered medium rare and received well-done (with the server never really caring). Every flavor is just too much. I've yet to find a dish to eat here I enjoy. I wish I liked this place more. If nothing else, Five Horses Tavern will keep me from wearing plaid.

    (2)

  • Emily S.

    I have walked past this place without a second glance many times. "Taverns" aren't really my thing when there are so many other options around. I forget what fateful mishap finally drew me through the doors of the Five Horses Tavern instead of the Foundry or the Saloon but alas the food fairies smiled down upon me one autumn evening. And here begins our story . . . The boytoy and I strolled in here and like I said, I was not expecting much. It appears to be your run of the mill pub, maybe just a little more upper scale than some. We sat down and were impressed with the drink menu. The dinner menu had a special seasonal section which I always love. When it's autumn I want to eat autumn food! We both ordered off the seasonal menu. I got some chicken with apple dish and can you say yummalisciousness? Well don't, I'm copyrighting it. It was so good! The chicken was cooked well and came with some kind of sauce that just made my night. Whatever my boyfriend got was pretty tasty too. We went back recently for their brunch. The options are very unique, definitely not your usual pancakes and eggs! My boyfriend got their breakfast quinoa which was right up his alley. I tried some and actually liked it too. It's a great healthy option. I got the Southern Comfort. Again, so good! I'm so wrapped up in thinking about the food but I guess I should mention the service is good too. The waiters are prompt and helpful. I will definitely be coming back.

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    Amazing food, great atmosphere. Everything I've gotten at Five Horses has been both unique and delicious. My personal favorites are the pork belly tacos, and fried chicken salad. They also have a phenomenal selection of beers and interesting mixed drinks. I frequent this place quite often as I live about a block away- little pricy but definitely worth it. Only downside is it does get extremely crowded later on Friday and Saturday nights.

    (4)

  • Tomás H.

    I don't know if they've changed cooks or recipes or what - but I rescind my previous review entirely. Their burger is now, at best, a "meh". Definitely not worth the attack on your eardrums.

    (2)

  • Lauren L.

    This place is sentimental for me and always will be. It's where I went for drinks the first time I met my boyfriend. It's where a group of friends and I had a cosplay cocktail after a charity event over the summer. It's where I usually meet up with folks after Davis Spinjam to unwind and get ready for the week after a relaxing Sunday in the square. The food and beverages here are great, as are the staff. I rate this place out of the depth of Irish in my heart, and not based on the fact that you usually wind up waiting 20 to 30 minutes to get attention from servers, because they're usually just that packed. On that note, though, come during lunch. In fact, come around 1:45, because there's never anyone there at that point, so you have the bar and the bartender all to yourself, if you want them. You can belly up to a midday game (which, thanks to the NHL lockout, there are none of right now ~:(), or you can just chill out, have a great beer and talk about whatever. It's that kind of laid-back place. I love it when I can get to it, and every time people say they're headed there, I do what I can to go. Just don't expect fast service!

    (5)

  • Lauren V.

    Do yourself a favor and don't go here when you're newly pregnant and no one else knows. With all of the beer, cocktails and liquor available - it's fucking torture. And, plus, it's really hard to lie about not wanting something off the whiskey, scotch and rye menu when you're noticeably drooling onto your lap napkin while reading it. My ostensible inclination for masochism aside, Five Horses is a pretty rad place. The servers are cool and knowledgeable, the menu is varied and unique, and you'd be hard pressed to find a drink that doesn't pique your interest, or thirst. Plus, beer tap chandelier. There are walls of beer refrigerators and a pretty large bar to entice you into drinking longer than planned. Seating is comfortable and not cramped so you can stretch yourself out after you've stuffed your gut. All in all, a pretty proper place to get some food and a drink and chill with friends. But really, the food is pretty damn delicious. The Haus Pretzels, the Mac and Cheese, Grilled Brie, Baby Bok Choy, Pork Belly Taco - either come really hungry or with a crowd big enough that you can order the entire menu and sample everything. Seriously, even the most decisive patrons are likely to spend some time whittling down their list of candidates.

    (4)

  • Bianca Z.

    Solid brunch place in the south end. Granted I was hungover but it basically felt like I stuck an IV into me and pumped cheese and beer into myself. Literally everything I order was drenched in cheese. I had the Breaky Sammy with a side of cheese grits and the donuts ( yeah it was a rough morning). The sandwich made well - don't be thrown off by the kale l. The grits tasted like Tostidos cheese which goes to show how classy my palate is.

    (3)

  • Bill T.

    Great place to relax and unwind after a hard days work ! Brought my gf her lots of time. Nice relaxing atmosphere, outdoor sitting, good good. Recommend!

    (4)

  • Jeremy K.

    Freshly opened in Davis Square, replacing the new defunct Sagra, Five Horses Tavern is a fresh and welcome addition to the local night scene - this gastropub offers what few around it do, and it does everything well. I was rather impressed by the place on my first visit there. A first indicator which essentially captured and converted me was the fact that they had the very rare, hard to find Dogfish 120 minute IPA on tap. Yes you read that correctly, on tap. I could not believe it and was literally floored when I saw that, going as far as to double check with the bartender. I immediately (and obviously) ordered one. Happiness ensued. I patiently waited for a table to open up in the bar area so that my girlfriend and I could get some dinner. Note: they kept the original, 'two-tiered' bar that was a signature element of Sagra and enabled the staff to serve patron both on the top and bottom 'level' of the restaurant. Neat. After a short wait we were escorted to our table in the back. We were brought waters, menus and immediately I noticed one thing about the menu: the food was actually affordable and not pretentious. A lot of choices too; some more random than others. It went from mussels to white bean hummus, and tacos, lobster rolls, grilled cheeses and mac and cheese. There's a bit of everything for everyone. I asked the waitress what the popular dish was and she responded saying that their signature dish is the 'k.c.c.g.h', also known as the Kentucky fried cornish game hen ($16) which comes with a side of jalapeño & cheddar mashed potatoes and some pork-spiked mac & cheese. Not something you'd find in the Weight Watchers program or on Jenny Craig but I had to oblige, it sounded delicious. But before feasting on my entree, we decided to also order and split an appetizer: the white bean hummus ($6). It came with baguette crisps and was rather tasty. A perfect portion size too and a great way to start off the meal. Once we polished that hummus off, my entree came. It was indeed very tasty - the hen was seasoned perfectly, was juicy and was an enjoyable culinary experience. The portion was generous and I was not able to finish the mashed potatoes and the mac & cheese. Frankly I could have used less decadence on the plate; a bit more restraint. How about some green beans instead of one of the two sides? The fried hen is already rather fatty and rich, so added with the mashed potatoes and the mac & cheese, it made for a carb overload. Once that was polished I felt guilt, shame and was full. I must admit that I did kind of pig out but I figured that I'd try and get my money's worth (oh and boy did I.) The beer selection at this place is off the hook - possibly the best one in Somerville. Better than at the nearby Foundry on Elm and possibly better than Kendall Square's Meadhall. And unlike the latter, they have them in stock... (on my last visit to Meadhall, they had run out of at least a third of the hundred beers they advertise). The selection at Five Horses Tavern is just plain solid. Their taps and their bottles will satisfy all kinds of beer drinkers. From the picky ones, to the adventurous ones. And best of all, they are reasonably prices (although some can get quite pricy due to the fact that they are imported craft ones - be warned). All in all the place is a hit. The menu is interesting and diverse, the kitchen dishes stuff out without getting slammed due to the limited number of tables and the food tastes awesome. It's affordable, fun and the decor and atmosphere is vibrant and makes for a great nightlife spot and a terrific addition to the area.

    (4)

  • Beth K.

    I love Five Horses. LOVE. I get confused by the other reviews about the staff. The best part about this place is the staff! The fact that all servers/bartenders are splitting tips means that they are always looking to help out each other's tables. I have never met a more knowledgeable staff regarding drinks and food...seriously, every server knows the beers, knows the wines, knows the cocktails. Most impressive is the time they must put in to understand and describe all their draft beers. Not sure what you want or if you will like it? Ask for a taste. They are more than happy to give you a sample! Okay, so it's obvious that I enjoy my adult beverages, but their food knocks it out of the park. They take tavern food to the next level. Perfectly cooked mussels with a huge hunk of grilled bread. A selection of tacos that easily beat the Mexican restaurant around the corner. Dangerously addictive tater tots (bye bye low-carb diet). A burger worth writing home to Mom about. I would tell you about their MIND-BLOWING homemade pretzels that are only served as part of their Oktoberfest specials, but that might mean they will run out of them before I can get there. Oh crap...guess I spilled the beans. Speaking of beans...Vegetarian? Vegan? This place has you covered! I am the furthest from either of these, but have found myself ordering the veggie burger. WHAA?? Yes, this meat-fanatic gal purposefully has ordered their veggie burger because it is THAT good. Granted, it tastes great topped with bacon-haha:) When friends and family visit, it is guaranteed that I will bring them here. Hands down the best place for food and drinks in Davis Square. Oh, and might I add that they make an amazing gin Bloody Mary. Gin. Yes. It's made with fresh basil, cucumber and homemade bloody mix. It's like a garden party in your mouth. It makes you lose all guilt about drinking on a Saturday at noon;) Not that I need an excuse...

    (5)

  • David B.

    This place seems to always have a table ready in 15 even on busy nights. Beer menu is always long and changing. The food is new American comfort. Can't go wrong. My favorite brunch spot in Davis.

    (5)

  • John S.

    Service was excellent, food came out fast and delicious, and beer list was extensive. But what put this place over the top was their courtesy. When I forgot to grab an itemized receipt for work purposes, I called them up, and Ira and another employee whose name I didn't catch printed one out, took a picture of it with a cell phone, and sent it to me that night. Really went above and beyond to help me out, and I greatly appreciated it.

    (5)

  • Josephine P.

    This is personally a 3 1/2 star review. Side note: this place is pretty hispter as indicated by their flannel clad staff. I used to come here every weekend because the boyfriend loves their beer selection and tater tots. The food can be really cleverly named and inventive. Any time I have friends from out of town visit I bring them here. Although I agree that they have a pretty ridiculous beer variety both on tap and bottled and their tater tots are wildly delicious when you are drunk off their delicious (and pricey) beer, I don't really think their food is all that worth it (as a vegetarian)

    (3)

  • Oliga G.

    I LOVE Five Horses for their delicious mussels, wings and amazing Nutella dessert!!! And even for the bread they serve!!!! It is definitely not the place for those who eat crappy food and drink cheap beer!:))) It is a must go place for people who know what's good beer and have taste. I like to spent there cold nights next to the fireplace. I read some bad reviews about their servers. With such a long beer list you definitely need more that 5 minutes to make up your mind:))) You are not the only customer they have. It is about any restaurant. If you want to be treated special and you plan on going at some place google their menu, "be prepared":)

    (5)

  • Nick D.

    Food here is mostly very good. They have an interesting menu with lots of items you won't find at many other places. The beer selection is way better than average. Service has always been good and wait times usually are not too long. A very solid choice for dinner.

    (4)

  • Kevin A.

    I've been here a bunch of times. I don't really get how you could give this place a bad review. It is very straightforward. There is reasonably priced upscale tavern food, and there are many beers on tap. It is a little pricier than other tavern places because it is a little more upscale and the food is clearly higher quality. Overall, I've found Five Horses to be consistent and tasty. Definitely satiates my craving for comfort food.

    (5)

  • Grace N.

    Came here on a saturday afternoon, sat by the open storefront - had a nice breeze by sheltered from the sun. Really awesome flavorful food. I had the porkbelly taco, it was on point, crispy and with the right about of kick (and i like my food spicy). Also had the special which was tatertots covered in this awesome salsa and smoked pork bits conconction - so amazing. Will definitely return. Also awesome beer selection.

    (5)

  • Anna K.

    I've been here a few times now. The inside is nice, but the staff dresses like flannel hipsters. Went once for dinner where I ate the pato loco which was the duck burrito. It was meh. The duck was overcooked. My friend got the tater tots which were really delicious and we tried the chili which was also actually quite good. I went for brunch the other day and got the Southern Comfort which is fried chicken on biscuits with sunny side eggs and sausage gravy. The gravy was really good but I felt like everything lacked some flavor. Highland Kitchen's take, the Dirty Bird, is much better. The Bloody Marys were also kind of meh. The mix tasted like cocktail sauce and we could see the bartenders making it out of canned tomato juice. There are a lot of beers on tap, which is great. I would come back if others wanted to, otherwise it wouldn't be my first pick in the area.

    (3)

  • Stuart H.

    We both had the Tavern burger with tots. The tots were to die for and the burger was satisfying. The side of brussels sprouts was very sweet and had walnuts mixed in. I wasn't a fan though. This place is OK but I think there are other better bars nearby.

    (3)

  • David H.

    I went in last Saturday night with six others, and we had William as our waiter. Well, my friends did. William went out of his way to ignore me. I sat there with a glass of melting ice while my friends were all half way done with their second round. Even when I called him by name he'd turn and walk away. I even complained about him on the way out and the staff seemed nonplussed. There are too many restaurants in Davis Square to have to tolerate such horrible service. We spent about three hundred dollars there that night. Lucky for him, I wasn't leaving the tip.

    (1)

  • Cait A.

    So I've been here before for food and a couple times for drinks and I've always been happy. I recently went to 5H and got an Old Fashioned and a FormulaforSuccess cocktail; very very tasty. I love the ambiance and the fireplace and I can't say I dislike all the plaid. Very laidback and chill, ambient lighting. I went here for dinner again about a month ago after getting a gift certificate from a friend. My boyfriend got the Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen and I got the Grilled Hangar Steak. For some reason I always crave a good steak when I go out; maybe because I don't make them at home. I really liked the steak; it was cooked the way I wanted and was definitely satisfying. The goat cheese scallion mashed potatoes were also tasty and the wilted balsamic spinach salad was a nice light touch. My boyfriend thoroughy enjoyed his Cornish game hen. This thing was SERIOUS. Nice thick fried breading with a bit of pepper and mac and cheese with pork belly on the side. I kept stealing bits and picking fried crumbs off his plate, but after eating a good portion of his meal I decided that I would never be able to make it through the entire thing; way too heavy. That said, the portion was substantial, so you could easily get two entrees and split them. Also, I know that sort of thing is supposed to be heavy, so its certainly not a bad thing; I just couldn't handle any more. Frikkin delish though. Have to say that post-meal, my steak was definitely easier on the body haha. I was a little disappointed by dessert. There is only the blueberry bread pudding and the nutella and drunken banana. I wouldn't normally get dessert, but I had a gift certificate, so I didn't mind going a little overboard (in fact, it was necessary), but I was craving like a double chocolate cake with hot lava fudge everywhere and chocolate chips and there was just no such option. That sort of thing seems to be kind of standard on restaurant dessert menus, but I know this isn't like the 99. Even so. I'm not a huge blueberry person and I wanted me some chocolate, so i opted for the nutella banana deal. It was good, but not amazing. It was like a little toasted nutella/banana sandwich and it kinda made me wish I'd gotten the bread pudding. Again, I realize this isn't a 99 Restaurant, but be warned, there is no chocolate frosted chocolate chip lava cake to be seen in the vicinity. Lastly, our server for our past two visits has been really great. So all in all, good times were had, I like the place, I will go back when I want a whiskey cocktail and and badass fireplace or a nice dinner out.

    (4)

  • Jen T.

    FIVE stars for the beers!! We are always finding something new, local, or unique to try from the draft selection. FOUR and a half stars for the chicken tenders! they really are great here and they take no time at all. A nice pairing for some of the IPAs. Three stars for the rest of the food, which is nice but sometimes inconsistent. Nice that the menu changes often. We will return!

    (4)

  • Stephanie L.

    I definitely want to go back and try Five Horses for dinner... I went for a Sunday brunch while I was visiting Boston. The waitress highly recommended having the Chimichanga and said that I wouldn't be disappointed. I asked for it to be baked instead of fried and she said no problem. It was SO delicious. It had black beans, eggs, potatoes, carrots, scallions, jalapenos, red peppers, with guacamole and goat cheese sour cream. If I could have it everyday, I probably would. I'll definitely be going back once I make my way up to Boston again!

    (4)

  • Adam P.

    Third time at FHT and it's time to bump my review up to five stars. Tried out their brunch menu for the first time and loved it. See below for details: Drinks -- The Ice Box (awesome, tasted like coffee), The Grapefruit Bellini (also awesome, bubbly, dry, and refreshing), Cape Ann Sunrise Saison (perfect brunch beer). Waitress did a nice job refilling our glasses of water as well. Food -- Split The Paula Deen and The Tree Hugger with my girlfriend. The Paula Deen was super delectable and hit all the right notes (plenty of crispy pork belly). The Tree Hugger was a nice sweet (and healthier) alternative to the rich Paula Deen plate. Tried a bite of my friend's deep fried Captain Crunch french toast sticks which were like nothing I had ever eaten before. Came with a nice side fruit salad and tangy raspberry coulis drizzle. Only downside of our visit was that some of the french toast wasn't fully cooked (as in raw batter on the inside), but most of them were fine. Consistency of service, quality of food, and menu creativity are definitely enough reasons to earn a top tier review from me.

    (5)

  • Mahina K.

    I live around the corner from Five Horses Tavern and I LOVE it. I've only gone for brunch so far. On the weekends brunch is served from 10:30 am to 3 pm. I got the Southern Comfort, which is 2 sunnyside eggs, gravy, a thyme biscuit, and two strips of deliciously fried chicken. After running a monstrous amount and throwing it all away on this one meal is so worth it. Later I had the Mac and Cheese with pork belly. It was so good, super rich, but not too much. So cheesy, if you don't like cheese, don't get this (But really who doesn't like cheese). They also have sweet peas, lobster, and chicken that you can put into your mac and cheese. We came for dinner one night, we got there at exactly the right time because there was a wait not too long later. I got a soft shell crab dish, I feel like this was a special of the night because it's not on the menu. But it was very good. Boyfriend got the fish tacos, which he found subpar, I liked my dish though! It's a cute little restaurant. Full bar, outside seating (when it's you know, not winter), and a fireplace! Adorable. They have a chandelier over the opening of the restaurant made out of beer taps. If you are coming with a big group you might want to call ahead. I tried to get dinner there on a Thursday night around 8/8:30 and had a 20 minute wait. So this may not be the most health conscious place but I have to say it's worth it. So delicious, a little pricier than some places in Davis but the quality was worth it.

    (4)

  • Tressa S.

    This is definitely one of my favorite places to go in Boston, and thankfully it's right down the street from where I live! The beer selection at Five Horses is phenomenal, and their cocktail offerings are great, too. I personally like their winter sangria - it tastes like mulled wine...yum! Now on to the best part: the FOOD! Ohmygoodness, everytime I go to Five Horses I am never disappointed. My favorite dish is their Mac and Cheese with duck confit - it is always delicious! The Foghorn Leghorn pizza is also scrumptious, as is their Brussel Sprouts with Pork Belly. Their brunch is also out of this world! They have some of the best cheese grits I've ever tasted, and this is coming from someone who was born and raised in the South! The service has been exceptional everytime we go there. Yes, it gets really busy on the weekends, but I suggest (and I can't believe I'm giving away my secret) to put your name on the list and then stand close to the bar to find seats. That's the failproof method for me and my boyfriend, we always find seats this way if the restaurant is busy. All in all, you can't go wrong with Five Horses. It's where we go on a frequent basis, and we encourage friends and family to come visit us just so we can take them to Five Horses.

    (5)

  • Tom B.

    This place deserves a solid four stars. Their weekend Brunch has options even a vegan can enjoy, which--I've found--is pretty rare for a brunch. The black bean hash is my favorite new thing, besides my Oliver Peoples glasses. Was fortunate enough to order their potato tacos as well, boring name, but amazing taste. Already craving more. Drinking wise, the beers are priced about what you would expect from a sit-down eatery in Davis, embrace it. The ambience is pretty cool, prefer to get drinks at Mike's or Underbones, but that's just cause I'm not cool enough to hang here.

    (4)

  • Duncan M.

    I've never had the food here so I can't comment on it. I used to come here all the time when they first opened (I used to work in the area) and I always liked it. The beer list is pretty impressive as they have a lot of beers from a lot of breweries I've never heard of. Also the atmosphere is really nice, especially in the summer when the windows are open. Although, I think everyone wearing plaid is kinda lame, but to each their own.

    (4)

  • Brooke C.

    Delicious food and a great atmosphere! After not having much luck as travelers in Boston, I was really happy someone directed me towards this place. The food was fresh and came out hot and correct. The atmosphere was lively but not to loud and the decor was posh but welcoming. Our server was very on top of our needs without being pushy. Wish we would have found this place on the first day of our visit!

    (5)

  • Ambrose C.

    I somehow ended up at this bar one evening, and encountered an interesting group of people that included the Boston Yelp Community Manager, his entourage that included a lady that loves hockey, an artist who writes poems on Yelp, a sophisticated female engineer, a somewhat garrulous but nice girl, and a lady that loves Yelp way too much and is older than me. I have been to this place twice, for my second visit, I decided to get the food here. All of the food that I have eaten here had something to do with fried chicken. The dish I got was a Fried Chicken Sammy. This is a fried chicken sandwich with lettuce, honey and focaccia bread. I decided to get some Cheddar Jalapeno mashed potatoes as my side dish. The fried chicken itself was actually really good. It has a nice crispiness on the outside and a nice tenderness on the inside, making it tasty. It also tasted really good with the ketchup and lettuce. I was not impressed with the bread. It either needed to be toastier, or really soft and chewy. The mashed potatoes were also really good, lacked a little spice from the jalapeno peppers and needed a tiny bit of salt, but still really good. I also had the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders. They are a really good choice for an appetizer. They come out really hot, so be careful. Again the chicken was really tasty, a nice crispiness on the outside and a nice tenderness on the inside. The sauces were really good. As for beer, I had a Blanche de Bruxelles, and that was a decently refreshing Belgian wheat beer, especially when it is chilled. Another beer I had was the Laguintas. They serve the beer in a glass jar, making it look like you are Winnie the Pooh (a bear with very little brain that eats honey too much) and drinking honey from a jar. The beer was also refreshing, but the aftertaste was really strange to me. Interior is nice for an American bar. Bartenders and the server seem to be really nice as well. This is a fairly good choice to watch some decent American sports as well. Overall, this is not a bad place to get some decent beer and some fried chicken, though be prepared to have a lot of cash. It's not high on my recommendations, but I would not mind coming here for some beers if I somehow ended up back in Somerville.

    (3)

  • Bryan C.

    Ive been here about 5 times already this summer so decided why not write a well deserved great review. Beer selection is jus as outstanding if not so exceeds other craft beer bars around. The service is cool friendly n laid back. Our bartender didnt make us feel like we were putting her out everytime we asked for a beer. Pork belly taco was phenomenal n friend said jalepeno potatoes were good as well. Bartender also had great suggestions n really knew her beer! Not always the case. See ya soon Five Horses!

    (4)

  • AJ J.

    Really good food and one of the most extensive beer menus in the area. Prices are relatively affordable, but it feels more upscale than nearby bars. The only reason I give it a 4 instead of a 5 is because they don't offer French fries as a side, only tater tots. It really bothers me for some reason, but most people don't seem to mind.

    (4)

  • Chris M.

    Admittedly this is based on a single experience but Yelp has more than its share of people giving one-star reviews for well-meaning servers inadvertently pissing off a customer, who never spoke up or came back. Food: above-average pub grub with some creative options Beer: selection is excellent: My sour beer was really good. Service: I got some 18 family members including children to show up on a late September 2013 afternoon during a football game that had filled the interior. The server/busser/hosts accommodated us as the party grew from the 8-top nucleus, including grabbing interior chairs. Service was cheerful and order was accommodated accurately. From this single-sized sample I can highly recommend this place.

    (5)

  • Angel F.

    This place is, like most bars in this area, pretty average and overpriced. I would also say if you're a young person of color don't bother coming here (again, like most bars in this area.) I went one day to have the sangria during the day and it was alright, but don't bother coming at night. I tried to come one night with friends visiting from South America and we were not allowed in by security. My friends had passports and licenses from their countries and were told that foreign IDs are not accepted. How is it that an establishment can reject a form of ID, but my friends were legally driving and renting cars here? Makes little sense. When I tried to talk to the blockhead bouncer he acted like I wan idiot, probably because I don't look like the usual customers.

    (1)

  • Jacob B.

    Oh man, Soooooo much plad. If you like good food and a Huge beer list this is a good place to start. The food is great especially their tacos. Ive tried almost everything on the menu and the only thing I didn't like is the brussle sprouts. Special mention should go out to their Potato Pizza it's pretty great.

    (5)

  • Renee R.

    I really like Five Horses. I have mostly gone for early (4/5pm) or late dinners (9/10pm) -- so that helps avoid waiting much since they don't take reservations. I'm sure a lot of people get annoyed by the long waits. Loads of beer options if you're a beer person. The Drunken Wings are quite good. They used to have "Dragon Wings" that were awesome, and I've ordered it once after it was off the menu and they still made them, so that was rad. Mussels are seriously delectable. My sister who is gluten free got the roast chicken dinner and loved it. I got a veggie burger with tater tots (one word: yum) that was wicked good too. Used to have a duck pizza that was pretty money. They update their menu a fair bit, which is nice. In short, clearly, I recommend!

    (4)

  • Eric F.

    Came by for brunch with a big appetite after some tennis and the fare turned out to be pretty forgettable. Heart Surgeon - solid savory flavors on the hash, pricey at $14 Breaky Sammy - brioche bread was bland with tons of butter; side of cheddar grits became boring after a couple bites Pork Belly - awfully dry Fried Chicken Salad - probably the best dish of amongst us with a generous helping of chicken Service was fine and the coffee's good, but the food's nothing remarkable. I'd consider coming back the next time I'm in the area, but only for drinks as Five Horses does have a great beer selection.

    (3)

  • Frank W.

    So a long time ago I came here for a dinner and it was so so. So I wanted to give them another chance. Everyone deserves a second chance! Unfortunately it seems that service has also taken a nosedive at this establishment. Second chance squandered. My party walked in at 630 and was promptly seated. Great! Water given. Great! And then our waiter disappeared. 20 minutes later still no waiter, so we went and tapped the host. After being assured there was no issue and that we would be seen in a moment, we sat back down. 10 minutes more. Nothing. Host gets another tap, and we are met with a bewildered look. Not good. I think we were generous with a final 10 minute grace period before we walked out, but seriously? Communicate people. It's ok that the table got dropped. It happens. A comped app fixes that. But this is completely unacceptable. Foundry is an adequate and nearby substitute. And I've never been left alone in the dark there.

    (1)

  • Sara M.

    Great place and great food. Unfortunately, when we got there at one on a Sunday, some of that food was not available, including hash and sourdough bread. Also, the space is really noisy. I really liked their brunch and they make even the most basic breakfast exciting, including adding mango to the fruit salad, and the home fries are like super skinny french fries. Yum!

    (4)

  • Allison B.

    I had only been here for beers and cocktails a few times, but then some friends and I went for brunch one Sunday. It was a little chaotic getting seated, and it was unclear who was in charge of manning the front desk and seating people. However, we were eventually seated. The service was a little slow and seemed on the "newer" side, in that they seemed confused and not that confident about what they were doing. The food itself was SPECTACULAR. I got the Paula Deen grits with eggs and pork belly, and I loved every bite. My biggest complaint about this place is that their coffee/tea selection is lacking. At Sunday brunch, I like nothing more than a latte. Sadly, no milk steamers or espresso makers in this joint. Fine, I told them I would just settle with coffee with skim milk. Nope, they only carry cream. Darn. A similar thing happened to my dining companion who wanted chamomile tea. All they had was Lipton's regular and Lipton's decaf. I realize that it's a bar primarily and not as much a brunch place, but I would have appreciated some more variety in the hot drinks! Otherwise, scrumptious food. Edit (one year later): I came back here after dreaming about that (above) brunch for months. The food was definitely lacking and just tasted gland and greasy. Bummer.

    (2)

  • Brian N.

    Great value, amazing beer selection, great staff...i've gone three times now and have had great experiences every time. The environment is very casual and makes for a good time as well, one of Davis's finest

    (5)

  • Lily W.

    I came here with my boyfriend and his grandparents on a Wednesday night. We've tried weekend nights, but usually the place is packed with lines going out the door. Today we were lucky; there was no wait, and they were extra careful about my boyfriend and I being under 21 years of age. The menu is an eclectic mix that lack cohesiveness; I would say that this is a weakness. You find interesting tacos. Mac-and-cheese. Calamari. Standard steak, fish, and chicken fare. Pizzas. Wait, is that oxtail pizza? Yes. Yes it is. Most of it is American with some kind of ethnic twist. We started with the calamari appetizer, which came in a round bowl. My first impression wasn't good, as it just seemed drenched in some kind of sauce, making the squid appear kind of wilted. Upon first bite, it was overpowered by citrus, making me think that they had perhaps overdone it on the lime juice. But the more I ate, the more I was intrigued by the flavors: defintely some Asian influence, some mango, some fish sauce, maybe. Really delicious actually. I ended up ordering one each of their tacos (tuna, sparerib, and pork belly). The tuna one could have used a little more flavor. The sparerib one was SPICY. I am a girl who can handle her spice without flinching, but this one made my eyes water, and I was extremely surprised to be handling this kind of spice in an American restaurant. I am extremely intrigued by the menu; I'd like to come back and order more. The dishes were tasty, the restaurant nice and trendy-looking. Definitely a re-visit.

    (4)

  • Joseph N.

    Great menu and great vibe! The food is phenomenal and always a great place to grab a drink whether it's the weekend or weekday. I recommend the Brussel Sprouts and the Half Roasted Chicken Dinner!

    (4)

  • Liliya M.

    I've been here a couple of times (for brunch and dinner), but on my recent trip experienced superior customer service. A large group of us had arrived at the bar and upon asking one of the staff if there were coat racks or hooks, he proceeded to offer to store some of our bags and jackets in the locked office of the restaurant. It was an incredibly nice thing to do and we had a great evening without worrying about any bulky items or the safety of our belongings. Thank you!

    (4)

  • Ave D.

    This place is awesome. I went here on a Friday night and it was packed and loud. We managed to get a table after 30-45 minutes but had a great selection of beer to choose from while we waited (I had a Troegs amber ale and the Cape Ann Fisherman's Ale). When we were seated, we had great service and great food. I had the goat cheese ricotta/spinach/arugula/black olive pizza which was wonderful. My friends got burgers and salads which were excellent as well. There were five of us and we ended up paying $25 including tip each, I think? One small disappointment: the braised kale my friend ordered as a side was served in a... pickled? vinegar? something? sauce that really overpowered the kale and made it super soggy. I understand that braising involves a lot of liquid but it was sort of a soggy weird tasting mess... maybe this is what braised kale is supposed to be like?

    (5)

  • Joe C.

    The Pork Belly tacos were awesome, but the Tuna tacos tasted a little boring. The Cod did not taste well and the giant oyster mushroom that is included was weird. The beer selection was large...but not cheap. Service was friendly, and relatively attentive.

    (3)

  • Dave F.

    So a good friend who loves beer wants to have a birthday dinner and is looking for a place to have dinner with friends, including someone who eats gluten free, a vegetarian, and someone who thinks it's impossible to sustain yourself without bread and meat. Where do you suggest? In this situation, you could do a lot worse than Five Horses. Huge selection of beers on tap, a wide range of dishes with gluten-free and vegetarian options clearly labeled, and a helpful and friendly staff, and the food is delicious. I've enjoyed nearly everything I've ever eaten here, including the potato tacos, the tofu cuban, the calamari, the tavern chili, and the cheddar jalapeno mashed potatoes. The one major drawback of coming here is how ridiculously packed it gets on a Friday or Saturday night. Show up any later than 6 on either of those days, and you will be standing around, wishing you'd taken part in that fad diet where you just get sliced in half because that's the only way you could possibly not be taking up too much space. It's also loud as hell with, as far as we could tell, exactly one table, way in the back, quiet enough that you could ever have a conversation with someone you weren't inches away from. Our large group was lucky enough to get that, but until we were seated, it was madness. Now, I'm pretty cheap, so this is pretty much at the upper end of what I'm usually willing to pay at a restaurant, but that means for most normal people, this is probably average for a night out. Definitely worth it, though my wallet and my ears wouldn't let me make it an every week thing.

    (4)

  • Parissa S.

    This place is great for late night dinner/drinks. I was pleased with their beer list because it includes the Belgian staples. I LOVE the fish and pork belly tacos here. The tuna taco has super good glazed chile. I was unimpressed by the hanger steak, but the goat cheese-scallion mashed potatoes it came with was tasty. I replaced the salad with tater tots, which were okay, but not up to par with Cambridge Common's pub grub tots. Also, the chandelier of beer taps is neat.

    (3)

  • J B.

    Service is excellent. Brussel sprouts are excellent. Great beer selection and friendly staff. Check. It. Out.

    (5)

  • Kristi L.

    Interesting place to say the least. The beer list is fairly extensive, but weighs heavily on the IPA side. What I found to be most surprising was the large vegetarian/vegan offerings. Though I'm not a vegetarian, I ordered the tofu cuban sandwich which was phenomenal. Five Horses also serves the most delicious mashed potatoes I've ever tasted: jalapeño and cheddar. Holy moly!

    (4)

  • Melanie T.

    Huzzah! Toro tacos are back! That is all I really need to say, but I will also give kudos for a recent takeout snafu that was handled beautifully by the manager. So glad to have my beloved tacos back. Are they a little expensive for the portion, yes, but I am willing to splurge for my delicious spicy treat.

    (4)

  • Risa R.

    I decided to have lunch here on my wedding day because it is close to my husband's house. I knew we were going to be on a tight schedule, so I emailed them ahead of time to make sure they could accommodate all of us. They responded back that they would be able to seat us, but not all at the same table, but we would be in the same area. This was fine with me. I took my friends' and family's food orders and sent them over in advance, so that we could stay on schedule. We arrived at the scheduled time, and they showed us to our tables. When we got to the tables, we saw that they had already placed some of our meals out on the table to just sit there and get cold. Sorry, but I don't want to eat cold food. Also, how were they going to prevent people from walking by and picking at it/sneezing on it/etc? I also want to mention that these tables were in the bar area. We weren't even given the courtesy of dining room seating. When I asked what certain dishes were, the food runner could not tell me. Another food runner was bringing food out and when he saw the table with no one sitting at it, he asked his coworker (female, short hair), "where should I put the food?" She answered, "Just put it anywhere. They'll figure it out," We were right there, they could have asked us, but instead they just rudely ignored us. Also, it is hard for us to "figure it out" when no one can tell us what meal was what. When we all went to sit down, we found out we didn't have enough seats. A few party in our party had to sit at the bar. At one point, I talked to the short-haired female about my meal. I had gotten the exact meal I had before, but with different sides. I asked her, "is it possible to change my sides or is it too late?" She honestly just stared at me for a second and then just walked away without saying a word. I didn't even get a response. She could have said, "Those are the default sides when you don't specify," but I got nothing. Also, if their dishes came with different sides, why didn't they email me back to ask me what everyone wanted for sides? I had sent over our meal orders days in advance. Did they not look at it until the day of? Nobody came by to take drink orders. They should have just told me they would not have been able to handle my party, because my experience was unsatisfactory.

    (1)

  • Bill R.

    This is a solid place to eat. The vegetarian and vegan selections are plentiful and well-marked, the beer selection is varied and thoughtful and I found the service outstanding. The food's good, but not deserving of five stars. They're also on the leading edge of the inflating cost of a pint-- $6.50 or more. Not egregious, but not a value, either. The food, on the other hand, was reasonable. I'll visit again.

    (4)

  • Melissa M.

    Every time I've been here I've been treated so well. I've had Beverly and Lonnie when I sit at the bar with my fiance before we head off to the Somerville Theatre. The other night I took a really crazy yoga class and felt all "Zenned" out and my fiance wanted to meet me in Davis after class. We chose Five Horses since we've always had a nice time sitting at the bar drinking cocktails/beer/etc. We walked in the restaurant on a Wednesday night around 7pm. It was maybe 1/3 at capacity. We got a comfy table at the top of the stairs. We got the fried brussels sprouts as an appetizer, with a delicious glass of prosecco for me and one of their draft beers for he. I got the cheeseburger and tater tots. THIS WAS SO GREAT! Grass fed beef with cheddar cheese, cucumbers and a tomato confit. I am a big ketchup person (needs to be Heinz...sorry I grew up with that) and of course, they had a nice glass bottle of it. My fiance got the Italian hoagie, which looked great. My fiance's greatest fear in life is a bad sandwich and this sandwich was not bad at all. It contained capicola, soppresata, mortadella, provolone, roasted red peppers, onion, banana peppers, shredded lettuce, extra virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, OH MY! I had another glass of prosecco and took home 1/2 of the tater tots. I could have eaten them all, but they were delicious the next day. We loved our food, loved the service and the prices were very reasonable. I think next time, I'll get their cheese plate. The cool thing about this place is, you can go with a group, with your mate, on a date or by yourself. You'll have a great time either way. We have gone back and will continue to do so. Welcome to Davis, Five Horses Tavern! I can't wait to be a regular.

    (5)

  • Daniel M.

    This place is great. Great food and a pretty descent beer selection. I've taken many of my visiting friends here and they all had good things to say. It's definitely worth a shot.

    (4)

  • Josephine L.

    There's a classy yet casual vibe to this place that's warm and inviting. I especially love the exposed brick and the fireplace. Makes you just want to curl up with a good book. The buttermilk fried chicken is tasty, especially when double-dipped in the accompanying dipping sauces. The chicken and vegetable soup is hot and hearty but the portion is quite small. None of us were fans of the haddock, though. Way too salty in parts and way too bland in others. Plus, who serves baby carrots sauteed with soy sauce as a side? Gross.

    (4)

  • M B.

    Overall mediocre. Pros: Good service, food came out fast, good variety of food/alcohol Con: My over easy eggs were overcooked and not hot, homes fries needed more flavor I love breakfast, so I am picky about eggs and home fries. There are other breakfast/ brunch places in the area that are better.

    (3)

  • Carielle C.

    I've been here twice now and both times have been a good experience. I'm a creature of habit and I know what I like, so both times I've gotten the mac & cheese. Very yummy! My friends and I got the sticky wings the last time, too, and they were delicious. My friend has gotten the Pea Diddy salad, pizza and grilled cheese are all tasty as well! The drinks aren't bad. My two minor complaints would be that it's incredibly noisy and they don't have Red Bull. I have to say that I find it amusing that their food menu is a laminated piece of paper while their drink menu is in hardcover. They have their priorities straight!

    (4)

  • Walter D.

    The food we had was absolutely abysmal. No taste. No care. And the place is too loud. Won't be back.

    (1)

  • Liz L.

    Came in for brunch at 1045 Sunday morning. Seated in seconds. Bloody Mary's were spicy and delicious. Server was friendly, efficient and knowledgable. Menu options were creative; everything came out looking and tasting great. Cool, youthful atmosphere. Awesome playlist. Beer. Will be back.

    (4)

  • Amy S.

    OK it's big. It has a fireplace, and it has sidewalk seating and storefront windows that are good for people watching. Decent whiskey selection. Good location. BUT the consumables need work. The food... is kind of "TGI Fridays with Food Network ambitions." And the crowd... well, I'm happy that the Tufts fraternities have found their local spot.

    (2)

  • Alison G.

    I feel the need to update my review due to my previous bashing of the chicken sandwich. They must have changed the recipe because when I tried it again, it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had! The chicken was so moist & juicy, and the honey compliments it very well. Also, the doorman is awesome. He's so friendly & he let me know that my license is expiring this month, which I never would've known otherwise. The other staff are great too. This place definitely deserves 4 stars!

    (4)

  • Will Y.

    Five Horses rules. It is my fav bar in Somerville/ Cambridge. I usually hit this place up one a week with a buddy or 2. The beer selection and the food keeps us coming back week after week. The Pork Belly tacos are life changing amazing good. Totally killer. Wash those down with some IPAs and you will feel awesome. There is a really good selection of beers..30 something on tap, 100 something bottled. Solid. The bartenders are really knowledgeable. I brought my dad there one time who knows nothing about beer. They let him sample 10 to 15 beers till he found one he liked. Awesome. I usually go on the weekday so I can't comment on how packed it is on the weekends. I always seem to find a spot at the bar or a table no prob. I like how there is a small lower bar with some high top tables and then the upper main bar. I like the lower one. On a nice day/night they open the window. Sweet. Even the doorman is cool. He'll check your ID, shoot the shit with you for a couple seconds and wish you a happy early or late birthday if its coming up. Cool dude. Then when you first walk in, look up and check out the chandelier made of all tap handles...I want that in my house. Bottom line this place is kick ass. It is my fav bar in Somerville/ Cambridge. Go here.

    (5)

  • P. M.

    It got a little bit busy here this past Friday around the bar, and some of the younger barstaff started getting really rude. A word to management: don't put people behind the bar that don't know how to keep their cool under stress.

    (2)

  • Halle R.

    This will be an average of two trips, one I made for dinner and one for brunch. The dinner experience was excellent. We seem to have ordered all the right things- my tacos were fantastic and just enough food (I'm glad they let you order fewer than three), and the brussels sprouts appetizer for the table was so good it made me like brussels sprouts. Then again, when you fry anything in that much oil it'll probably taste good, but still. I usually dislike brussels sprouts quite intensely. The brunch experience was another story. My dining companion was completely satisfied with his plate, but mine was a little lacking. I got the tavern breakfast- hash browns, two eggs, "fresh" fruit, toast. The only item on this plate that was worth the money was the hash browns: they were definitely the best hash browns I've ever had. (They were also fried to a crisp. A theme emerges?) The eggs, on the other hand, were very underdone; I ordered over easy, and the whites were runny to the point that they were still clear in some places. If you bill yourself as a brunch place, you should know how to cook an egg: there's just no excuse for that. The fruit was very lackluster. I understand it's the middle of winter, but for these prices, I'm sure you can find some creative way around underripe melons and squishy grapes. Maybe apples and citrus, or something more shelf-stable. Figure it out. The toast was toast, and was neither a mark for or against. All in all, it wasn't worth the money for something that, minus the hash, I could have gotten better at home. Or at IHOP. My bottom line? Check it out for a nice, if a little pricey, dinner. Avoid for brunch.

    (3)

  • Elena E.

    I've been to Five Horses Tavern a couple of times for food and a couple of times just for drinks. Pros: great beer and cocktail menu with good seasonal specials. The food is a definite step above your average pub menu. The mac and cheese is amazing, a must get. The brussel sprouts are some of the best I've had - probably just as unhealthy as the mac and cheese but delicious. The calamari was slightly disappointing - not very crispy and flavorful. The crab cake sandwich was tasty but very small for the price. Cons: Packed of the weekends and they don't do reservations or call aheads, even for large parties. Also, a bit on the pricey side for what you get. Finally, healthy food options that are at all appealing are limited. I'd recommend Five Horses for drinks during the week and as a place for dinner where you know everyone in your group can find something they'll like to eat. Until they take reservations, I'd avoid weekends.

    (4)

  • Jara C.

    This is my go-to place. I live less than a 10 min walk away and find myself here at least once a week. I bring all my friends from out of town here. It's great for dinner - the potato tacos and macaroni and cheese are awesome. I'm a vegetarian and they have plenty of things I can eat (vegan options seem decent too). Beer list is excellent. I had a killer Old Fashioned once. Best. Tater Tots. Ever.

    (5)

  • David H.

    This place is alright with me. My go - to in Davis Square. Here's a tip for brown-liquor-lovers: Ask one of the lovely bartenders about their whiskeys, and they'll give you a nice book with all their whiskeys, categorized with a brief description next to them. And the price. Food I have enjoyed here: You must have the Mussels Do try the Brussel Sprouts Mac & Cheese, yes Pork Belly Tacos, yes, yes, yes K.F.C.G.H., yes The Mashed Potatoes are delicious I did not enjoy the Calamari to a great degree The fish tacos didn't do much for me They are often playing fun music in here.

    (4)

  • Vina A.

    Great beer selection and VERY helpful, extremely informative and patient waitstaff. Had a baby there without any problems as well. We went on a super busy day and they ran out of a number of items on the menu and beer list. Nonetheless everything was great. The chili was really quite delicious. oh and warning - when they say spice, they mean the kind of spice only people who've grown up popping chili pepper as candy or licking gochujang off of pacifiers kind of spicy. But full disclosure, I am a medium weight when it comes to spice.

    (4)

  • Ethan A.

    Ended up here on a quiet Monday night when several other area bars had closed by 10. Hipster-ski-lodge without being pretentious is how I'd sum up the atmosphere. Service was friendly, albeit slow at the end of our visit. Ended up waiting maybe 25 minutes for a check, and just left cash. Oh well. Steer clear of the Formula for Success cocktail - it tastes like soap. Either that, or there was soap in my drink. Regardless, a bourbon suggested for my second drink was phenomenal. Hands down fantastic, and completely makes up for the first drink.

    (4)

  • Simon L.

    First time, I said to myself, give them another chance, second time, I said to myself give them a third chance, third time, I said to myself, DRINKS ONLY FROM NOW ON. Food has been pitiful so far. The\e only decent item I've had has been the buttermilk fried chicken strip appetizer. Dragon chicken wings were recently chalked up to some of the worst ever eaten. The cod and capicola (yes, it's spelled incorrectly on the menu) was tasteless, mushy, fishy and lacking any hint of salt period. Fairly close to awful. The tavern burger, on two separate occasions was miserable. The roll/bun was stale and cold. Serving warm burger on cold roll makes the burger cold. The burger was cooked to proper temperature - med rare, but the execution relegates this burger to the "waste of money" category. Even the tomato was mealy. Calamari was unremarkable. The only thing worth even trying is the house specialty buttermilk fried chicken tenders. The fried chicken sammy was dry and tasteless. The roasted cod was flavorless. Drink and then leave.

    (2)

  • Kaitlyn H.

    Super mediocre brunch place. I suggest turning around and heading toward Inman Square to City Girl Cafe if you're looking for some delicious mid morning grub on a lazy weekend. Prices are high, waiters are not very attentive, and food was uninspired. How do you mess up a baked egg? I'm not sure, but the soupy unseasoned mess that I ate this morning confirmed that a baked egg can indeed be totally and completely botched while also costing $16. Only redemption: the manager (I think she was the manager) was great and my Bloody Mary was good too. The decor is nice, but the menu and cooking needs some serious TLC. Won't be back for brunch.

    (2)

  • Monique S.

    Ahhh, a little piece of Brooklyn in Somerville. This place is cute, dimly lit, plenty of seating, dark wood, plaid shirts, rye, bitters, and blood orange. I was immediately transported to the Fulton Grand in Clinton Hill. When I asked the bartender about the barely legal, he sort of scoffed at me for not knowing the ingredients. However, the next bartender was fabulous. He answered our questions about the menu and ingredients without pretense. When we told him what we liked, with confidence, he told us he'd make something to our liking. For me, that was a delicious Death's Door white whiskey Manhattan. This was way better than an $18 Manhattan I've had at Essex House in NYC. They also have a Macallan Ice Ball machine, which provided a modicum of flare. Overall, a great place with good vibes and great drinks. I'll definitely go back to try more and to check out the food menu.

    (4)

  • Courtney C.

    New fav spot! You're in Davis Square so you can't expect fine dining or absolutely fabulous drinks but you will NOT be disappointed here. I went last Saturday ... ordered one of the best Old Fashions I've ever had, loved the hummus plate, and then ordered the "grazing plate" of grilled veggies because I was trying to be good and expected it to be adequate...I absolutely LOVED it and would order it even if I wasn't looking for healthy options - it was that delicious. My fiance got the pizza, it was ok but I'm not a big fan of meaty pizza anyways so that could just be me. Our waitress was fantastic and the decor was great. Can't wait to go back!

    (4)

  • Bia M.

    It is a enjoyable restaurant/bar. The beer selection is very good, and the decor is awesome. The beer is kind of expensive compared to other bars, but you can still find good and affordable beers. The food is very good, and there are a lot of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options, but they're expensive for the portion. The service is good, friendly, and not slow. It's not five stars because of the price.

    (4)

  • Lauren B.

    This place has a good list of beers to choose from and the food is consistently good. I really like the tuna tacos and the mac and cheese is so yummy! We love going here when we visit friends in Cambridge. Update: Just went there for brunch this weekend and whoa. Get the chimichanga. Your stomach will thank you. Goat cheese sour cream? Amazing.

    (4)

  • Brandie S.

    Love this place! I come here often, they have sierra nevadas- which is my favorite beer of all time. The servers are always really nice and personable. They are quick to fill your water or ask if you need another drink. The vegan options here are great, its hard for me to go to a pub like place and be able to eat. In LOVE with the avacado tacos, and tater tots. Because if the great service and excellent food/drink selection I will keep coming back for more!

    (4)

  • Julianne S.

    I really like the food & beer selection. I like the whole theme/ plaid-shirt-wearing staff. But the layout isn't the best. It's extremely difficult to sit/stand at the bar and have a beer while waiting for a table. There is no room at all. The tables are also spread out oddly and don't utilize the space very well. Other than that, I'm a fan.

    (4)

  • Dan A.

    When I see words like "Tavern" in a restaurant's name, I'm already thinking three stars, or maybe two. I'm expecting 5-8 beers on tap, all of which I've heard of, and 1 or 2 of which I know I like. And I'm expecting some basic and unexciting food, like some nachos, or a burger. Five Horses is not your typical "Tavern." For starters, there are a ton of beers on tap. Last night, I knew of maybe 1 of them ... and as a beer snob, I think that's awesome. I asked the waiter for a recommendation, based on what I was feeling at the time - a hefeweizen or summer beer that wasn't too thin or overly spiced - and his suggestion was spot-on. Second, the food is significantly better than most pub fare. I love the spring fever pizza, which is whipped tofu and peas. I've also had the tacos, which are really good ... but really, really spicy. Last night, I had the drunken wings for the first time, and I found them a little lacking. Fortunately, they let us order a sauce called red dragon to go along with the wings for an extra 50 cents. Wing problem - solved. One last thing - I really like the atmosphere. There's a neat (if slightly fratty) sculpture made of beer taps hanging from the ceiling, and the entire front of the place is open to the outside - perfect for summer drinking and people-watching. Not all the food will blow you away, but like I said, if you want a nice step up from your typical wings-n-beer tavern / pub, Five Horses is your place.

    (4)

  • John P.

    A great upscale pub and a VAST improvement over Sagra. I showed up on a Friday with four friends and no reservations. The hostess was able to seat us inside of fifteen minutes while we tried some excellent craft beer from the bar. The food is one step below gastropub: traditional American cuisine, but all locally sourced or creatively made. A really good place to check out. I'll be coming back with a larger party.

    (4)

  • Emily S.

    Really neat atmosphere, which is nice to enjoy while you have a reeeeally long wait for a table. I went on a Friday night with my boyfriend and we waited an hour. Not bad because we're laid back and enjoyed a couple beers and each other's company. Once they came to get us we had to force our way through the crowds to our table. Still not bothered by this, but just informing you that you WILL have to squeeze. The menu looked AMAZING. The papas fritas were delicious! We both ordered the taco trio for dinner. The pork belly was really flavorful, it was like a tender rib on a taco. The tuna was raw in case you're wondering, sushi style. The spicy one... wow can't remember what was on it but it was REALLY spicy. I had to take several breaks. And the potato taco was... well... bland. Bland avocado and bland potato. Not a fan. Also not impressed that they charged 16 bucks for what is normally around a 6 dollar beer in the store- that being the large Stone Arrogant Bastard. The bill for two after a shared appetizer, a beer and an entree each was around $50 to give you an idea.In terms of service, our waitress was really sweet and accommodating but she DID forget to bring us water, plates for our appetizers, a pen for our bill, the little things... you know? Like I said we are a laid back crew but I could see how anyone might get a little flustered by the crowds and so so service. All in all, the food was pretty good and I'm looking forward to trying some of the other amazing dishes I saw going around. The burger looks huge and yummy and I definitely read "lobster pizza" on the menu and it was a tough decision. I'd say if you're a patient, laid back person then this place is worth it.

    (3)

  • Ann G.

    Have to say, their brunch menu is pretty great. I really liked all of the options and had a hard time choosing (plus there weren't too many people there so immediate seating!). My only problem is the weird hashbrowns they serve, which to me are way too crunchy and overcooked.

    (4)

  • Eric B.

    Five Horses has a nice selections of beers and whiskeys and a cozy atmosphere aided by a fireplace and a waitstaff wearing plaid shirts. If you are stopping by for a drink or two you will love it. I wouldn't recommend staying all night though. Beers run at $7+ and whiskeys at $11+.

    (3)

  • Jamie W.

    Great selection of food, even better beer selection! Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable of the food and drink menus. Our table grabbed a variety of burgers, tacos, and sandwiches and no one left disappointed. They offer a wide variety of gluten free and vegetarian options, as well, making Five Horses a safe (and tasty) bet for large groups.

    (5)

  • Maxim W.

    My wife and I went for lunch and ordered from the brunch menu. We shared an appetizer of fried chicken tenders. They were crisp, well seasoned, and accompanied by two excellent sauces. My wife had the "breaky sammy," which fortunately was much better than its name. My chicken fried steak sandwich didn't exactly fit its name, as the steak was more marinated than fried. The flavors, though, were incredibly well balanced, and the crispy onions added a pleasant crunch. We were both very impressed overall, and the dinner menu we saw posted left us looking forward to our next visit.

    (5)

  • P. D.

    Very good food, poor service. I was there on a Saturday around noon and it was packed. Apparently brunch was still going on and was very popular. We didn't get the brunch items but they looked delicious. I had a chicken sandwich which was very good. Cool atmosphere, good food. My only con would be it is very crowded and the service was pretty poor. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on slow service for now, but if my next trip is similar I'm dropping the review to 3-stars.

    (4)

  • JEM C.

    We went for brunch and was frankly surprised--its more like 3.5 stars but I have it four to be nice. The menu was vast and the food was really good. The service was just ok but the food made it ok. The food is traditional comfort food with a twist, large portions at good prices. The drinks were also tasty and affordable. Would go back.

    (4)

  • Mike H.

    This was the first Bar my friends and I went to on Friday to hide from Hurricane/Storm/Shitshow Nemo, and it was the 6th or 7th time overall that I've had the pleasure to experience this place. They let us in with a warning that they were "closing eventually because of the storm, just not sure when," and with that, we ordered three beers and a pitcher of their Sangria (which one of my friends took half of it to her face like it was the last drop of water in the desert). Drinks are always strong or how you would expect a drink to be made, and the services is 100% awesome. Everyone from the Hosts to the Bartenders are personable and super knowledgeable about their drinks and food. Oh. Oh, the food. The food is amazing as well. I mean, I've only had it while drinking, but I've heard from people that weren't drinking that it's amazing as well, so that means it's solid. I adore how everyone wears flannel and plaid. If I didn't sweat like a mo-fo when doing anything at all (i.e. lifting a pen, talking on the phone, typing this review), I'd totally wear flannel. Everyone here looks like they walked out of an LL Bean catalog. Sadly we were asked to leave around 5p on the day of Nemo (due to closing, not because we were laughing like hyenas) but since we chugged the rest of the Sangria before bouncing, we left with a warm feeling in our hearts, which we can 100% attribute to The Five Horses.

    (5)

  • Melanie C.

    Honestly had never really been to this area, and I didn't know what to expect from Five Horses Tavern. A friend and I glanced at the menu, looked good so the hostess brought us over to a table. The first table she tried to seat us at was practically on top of another couple, so we kindly asked to be sat one table over, in which still I was crammed against the wall. I mean I am no toothpick, but I was feeling a little claustrophobic. This is the part that really confused me, at first we had a female waitress, who got our drinks and everything...then about 15-20 minutes later, my friend and I thought some random guy was trying to make conversation or something but further in to the conversation told us he was our new waiter?! Weird. but okay. The menu has a lot of vegan/vegetarian options, which I am neither of, and gluten free options as well. BUT I ordered roasted chicken, which was excellent, however the menu neglected to tell me that it was on the bone, which I am not fond of at all. :X Ughh. I feel like a cavewoman. So, I picked around the meat as much as I could, drank my Sangria, which was also good, with that hint of cinnamon they put in, yummm. However, it's pretty loud and crowded, so if you want a more intimate setting I would suggest going else where. Depends on who you are with, and what you are going for.

    (3)

  • Nicole E.

    We went in here after dinner for some drinks and desert. I don't know what the main menu is like, but the drink selection was pretty long and the deserts we ordered were tasty. I had a Sangria (which didn't really seem to have much alcohol in it) and a nutella and drunken banana desert. Hubby had a scotch (something appropriately stinky to my non trained nose) and apple pie. Everything was delicious and the service super friendly. The only complaint was that it was pretty loud - but that just goes to show you that it's a popular place.

    (4)

  • Lauren P.

    I looooove Five Horses! I've been here so many times--on dates, with friends, for after work drinks, for lunch/dinner, and for late night cocktails. I went to 5HT last night for dinner/drinks. We shared the tater tots (SO GOOD), mussels, crab sandwich, and the brussels sprouts. Thoughts: the mussels were good but I wasn't a huge huge fan of the broth. The brussels sprouts were fried and served with mushrooms/apples/pork belly.... I love brussels sprouts but I don't think I'd order these again because they didn't resemble anything green and healthy at ALL. (But, for some people, that would be a pro and not a con.) The bartenders make a good Old Fashioned, and the waitress was very knowledgeable about the beers. Even better, they are generous with their beer tastes, and I was able to try several before choosing my final beer. Other pros: the service is friendly. The atmosphere is great for all types of groups (there was a baby at the table next to us, tables of friends, and plenty of people on dates). The bathrooms are clean. The doorman is ALWAYS sweet to my friends and I. (One time we came during a downpour and he remembered which umbrellas were ours and had them for us as we approached the exit.) The tacos are always delicious. And get the tots!

    (5)

  • Whitney C.

    Five Horses was the first bar I went to when I moved to the Boston area. I chose it because of the beer selection. I've only been here a few months, but I already know that this is without a doubt the best place to go if you're a beer lover like me. They have 37 beers on tap and over 100 bottled. A lot of the drafts are local, but they also have beers from the west coast and Europe. The staff is pretty knowledgable and always willing to give you a taste. I've been here a few times on the weekends, and while it seems like a great place to go for a date or if you're with friends. It's not a great place to go if you're single and looking to meet people. I had the food for the first time when my buddy and I took an extended lunch break to celebrate the successful completion of our first semester as grad students. We both got the tacos, I ordered one potato and one pork belly and he the tuna. I literally expected his tacos to look like canned tuna on a tortilla but the tuna was seared and looked delectable. As for my tacos, the pork belly was fabulous - just the right amount of spice.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth K.

    Ok, so, I was dragged back here recently and my second experience was far better than my first. The staff was super nice - starting with the bouncer that checked my ID, to our server, to the food runner. Actually, the food runner was probably our favorite of all the people we encountered. The food was also pretty good. I was actually looking forward to eating my mac & cheese leftovers. We weren't totally in love with our appetizers (the chicken tenders are actually not tenders, they are whole breasts of chicken but still very tasty & the crostini with the hummus was in some part mushy, some parts crusty). Plus, they came out super close to our meals, so, they we're really apps as much as side dishes. I probably would not get apps again next time. Overall though, the food was pretty solid and service was pretty stellar. I will not longer object to being dragged back here. :)

    (4)

  • Abhirup D.

    Five Horses Tavern is a great joint in the heart of Davis Square.

    (5)

  • L J.

    I was surprised to hear that this place had a number of vegan options on their menu. They were delicious. I got the vegan tacos (roasted potatoes, white bean puree, avocado, and green taco sauce)-- you can get 1, 2, or 3. There was also a vegan burger (swap the brioche roll for a ciabatta roll to make it vegan) that my fiance had and really liked with tater tots. We didn't get to try the pizza or the grazing platter, but both looked good. So glad to have a nice bar option with good vegan food in Davis.

    (4)

  • Mollie P.

    I want to love this place. The beer offerings are awesome, the food is fun and good. It's a cool space and service is usually excellent. The problem is that it is so fucking loud. I'm serious. I so wish they would invest in some sound-reduction because between the wood floors and high ceilings, it gets unbearable in there. If I go with my partner we have to sit right next to each other and shout. Any more than 2 people and there's no way conversation can happen. I love to go sit at the bar and get a snack and beer, and wish I could make it more of a spot to meet up with friends.

    (3)

  • Jeff M.

    I can't figure out if FHT is a serious tavern catering to foodies or another 'lets have as many beers as possible' joint or a Fanuiel Hall - esque restaurant/ bar for college kids. The thoughtful and expansive menu makes me think its all about the food but the beer and whiskey selection makes me think otherwise. Then to further add to the confusion there is a trashy bouncer at the door checking ID's later in the evening; somewhere between 9p and 10p when I was leaving dinner on a Tuesday night. Strange. I went here twice and thought everything was pretty good but the dishes offered too much. Fried game hen had both mac and cheese and mashed potato's. That's just one example. They serve the duck rare. I asked for medium rare and the thing came out still quacking. The best item for me was the fish stew. I am going to put FHT into a category Boston magazine created for one of their restaurant editions 'If this restaurant keeps up the work, we are excited to see where they go". I think they just need to focus the menu and concept. Lastly, the acoustics are awful in this place and noise level is deafening.

    (3)

  • Ana R.

    A first date place with excellent calamari and spicy pork belly tacos. Great beers on tap and an attentive bar and wait staff. Need to come back to experience more.

    (4)

  • Jamie G.

    I went with a couple of friends from work around 5/6 pm. They only seat full parties- which is kind of good, because they get PACKED! The beer list was fantastic. Service was good - though we did wind up being that annoying group of girls that stayed there for at least 2 hours so I am sure the waiter was giving us an evil eye to move out of his table (But we did keep getting beer!) We split the Brussels sprouts (Good, but not great, they were served with pork belly and too fatty for my taste), Fried Calamari (yum.. included banana peppers) and one of their pizzas (Which was good.) I love Davis square- so the location is great. Interior has a good ambiance. Bathrooms were clean. All in all good place!

    (4)

  • Christian K.

    Great beer selection, average food. Even the burger was less than what I expected. Friendly staff. Don't go here for the food.

    (2)

  • Nancy D.

    This was my fist time here the food was five stars but the service was three. We waited at least 15 minutes before our server came over and then he was hardly available during the remainder of our stay. Hopefully if we visit again we will have a more attentive wait staff.

    (4)

  • Carrie S.

    Pretty fun place. The food is good but isn't anything to write home about. I wish they took reservations, though.

    (3)

  • Candace F.

    I'm new to the area and love this place already. Food and atmosphere are great! Reminds me of Lincoln Tavern in Southie, it has a really creative menu. The Brussel Sprouts appetizer was delicious. Also the sangria had a great fall cinnamon spice flavor which was really unique. I look forward to enjoying many more meals/drinks here.

    (4)

  • Jess R.

    I went here on New Year's Day with a group of friends for an early dinner. We got seated right away, and the servers were great. None of us ordered drinks, so I can't comment on the beer or whiskey, which I understand is what attracts most folks to 5HT. We chose this place because (as noted in other Yelp reviews) 5HT is reasonably baby-friendly and our party included a toddler. He liked the mac and cheese with peas. I myself had the corn and avocado chowder, which had a lot of jalapeno and some big chunks of avocado to balance it out--perfect for a hot-pepper-wimp like me. I look forward to coming back and trying some of the other things listed on their menu. Apparently they change it up fairly often, but I hope they hang onto that chowder, it's awesome.

    (5)

  • monika k.

    Delicious comfort food (possibly the tastiest chicken tenders I've ever had!), casual and cozy atmosphere, and a super enthusiast and knowledgeable barkeep. I would totally return. I hope the curse of that space is over, an that this restaurant lasts.

    (4)

  • Kathleen F.

    Had a great experience trying out five horses for the first time the other night. It seemed like they may have worked out some of the kinks that are described in the initial yelp reviews. We were seated pretty quickly even though it was packed and the waiter was very helpful, recommending some of his favorite things on the menu. We tried several of their cocktails, they were strong but yummy! For our meal we sampled a bunch of different apps: the pork belly tacos were very savory and had a great smokey flavor; the fries were spiced very well and had a great dipping sauce, the mussels were another fave with lots of garlic and bread toasted on the grill to dip in the left over juices yum! Calamari was a little dry but still very good! Overall can't wait to go back and try more food and drinks! The space was loud but more from all the people talking than from anything else. Overall, I really liked the decor and the atmosphere. Perfect place to hang on a crisp fall evening!

    (4)

  • Melissa R.

    This was my second visit here and wow, the menu selections are unique, the food is fantastic and the presentation is amazing. It's nice to have an option to eat in a pub atmosphere and have unique food options. Service was also wonderful. I would give it 5 stars but the acoustics/noise level were a little distracting to deal with.

    (4)

  • Kiki K.

    First time to 5 Horses. REALLY disliked Sagra, the previous tenant, I figured this was a doomed location. Happy to see 5 Horses making a go of it. Loved the beer menu, bartender knew her beers and was very nice. There were many items on the menu that caught my eye. After spending the day winter proofing the house, a burger is what I needed. I ordered my burger medium rare, it came out medium well. I had a few bites and sent it back. Moments later the manager came out, he apologized for the mistake and said the new burger would be right out. AND IT WAS, the manager brought it out himself and said he stood over it the whole time to make sure it came out right. He is very nice. I bit in again, and it was still over cooked, but after taking it out of the bun (a very dry brioche, it was a Sunday, I'm sure they received it on Friday...) and eating it alone, it's clear that it's the meat, not so much the cooking. They are using a very lean mix, it was dry and SLIGHTLY gristly. They need to work on their hamburger mixture, assuming it's house made. The side of mashed potato w/ jalapenos was under seasoned. Even with the jalapenos... things need to be tasted before they are served. I started with the stuffed clam, which was on the dry side, but very tasty. Husband loved his seafood stew. I will be coming back to try more things. Sunday is not the best day to sample a restaurants food, sometimes.

    (3)

  • Tracy T.

    So let's start with the good things.. Great beer selection for us beer nerds, service was prompt and extremely friendly. The space would be good to have a big group if you so choose to venture in big groups. That's pretty much it. On to the not so good and untasty things.. Let me start off by saying, I take full responsibility for ordering an item off the menu with the word THAI in it at a place with the word TAVERN in the name. Disclaimer aside, I ordered their peanut pad thai and my boyfriend ordered some sort of flatbread concoction they probably threw together and tossed into a blazing fire to ensure extra crispy crispys. Our waiter, very genuine and accommodating gentlemen, came over with the plates and I was hit with the overly pungent smell of peanut butter. And what sat in front of me was pretty much globs of peanut butter with some noodles in thur. The flatbread was practically sat on, without cheese and with extra cardboard on the bottom. I absolutely hate sending food back and think it puts me on the restaurant karmic level of someone who says Cheesecake factory is going downhill (as if it were ever uphill), but it needed to be done because it would have sat there and I would make a peanut butter sandwich out of our two dishes. The manager actually came over and apologized repeatedly and said it was on the house, and the next round was on them (hello, Sam Adams Infinium!..just kidding, the next round consisted of 12 white russians) I forgot to mention that when we went, it was when the first open around September of last year. I would hope they have stepped up their kitchen game by now, but I would return for a beer because their selection is great.

    (2)

  • Bosto 6.

    I met some friends here for lunch last weekend. While walking to our table I saw the food that other people were having, and it did not look good. I should have known better. I asked the waiter for an Amstel Light. He said, "Um, I think we have that." Amstel Light is not exactly a micro brew. I'm only guessing I'm not the first person to order one from this restaurant. The waiter brought me one and it was fine. On the lunch menu, I saw "thin crust cheese pizza." I ordered it. It was not thin crust. And the top of the pizza had a Lake-Michigan-sized puddle of grease in the middle of it. I was starving so I dug in. My friends declined when I asked them if anyone wanted a slice. They looked at me as if I was eating roadkill. I think they were actually scared to look at the so-called Pizza for fear of nightmares. Seriously, there was so much grease on this thing that if it were really "thin crust" then it would have been translucent. Of course my brain-dead waiter neglected to bring me a place-setting, so I had to ask for one (I couldn't pick the pizza up because of the grease; I need a fork & knife). Fast forward to 3:30 am. I wake up, walk to my bathroom and barf my brains out. Terrible service, horrible food, never going here again. F

    (1)

  • M J.

    Amazing bloody mary, great salad (pea diddy), and had the crab and eggs for brunch. It was a perfect crab cake and cheesy warm spinach and a really nice bread base. The service was also prompt without being overbearing and the atmosphere is cozy.

    (5)

  • Dan D.

    Fried chicken sandwich w/ honey with a side of mac 'n cheese and a beer. It's not healthy, but its happy. Can get crowded and loud on the weekends, i normally go midweek.

    (4)

  • Aurelia C.

    I really like the beer selection that they have. The Ommegang is a great Belgian beer that I'd highly recommend trying. The mac & cheese is SO good, and they also have a great variety of vegetarian options. I also highly recommend the duck 3 ways entree. HOWEVER, there are certain things on the menu that need some serious improvement. The duck confit and pork burrito is awful. First of all, the presentation of the burrito is simply unappetizing. At least cut the thing in half instead of presenting me with a lumpy burrito on a plate. There is no flavor, and no variety in texture. It's a tortilla wrap stuffed with a bunch of ingredients fried together in a way that when all combined, it has no taste. Also, my personal recommendation to the restaurant would be to tone down on the spicy sauce on the toro furioso taco. I grew up eating tons of spicy food but this was wayyyy too spicy to be enjoyable.

    (3)

  • C B.

    Drinks are not bad. Good atmosphere, good service, and good decorations. Seafood is pretty bad and not fresh, particularly mussels. I will go back for some drinks though.

    (3)

  • Katie G.

    Over all I've been very pleased every time I've gone. The staff are friendly & accommodating, taste of food is creative & drinks are great too! ONLY COMPLAINT, new menu seems to be getting cheaper. Went tonight & got the calamari appetizer... tasted good but needed WAY more mango's that are served with the dish. Last time I went they gave us the perfect amount/extra. My meal was also made with FAKE potatoes. Why, I don't know? Potatoes are cheap & easy to make. I don't think any restaurant should be skimpy on REAL POTATOES or real anything. It's a restaurant, that's why I'm going there. I'd hate to see this place go down hill because a cook isn't taking the food seriously.

    (4)

  • Alex B.

    Great place, amazing choice of GOOD beers, had a pizza once was good. Nice atmosphere. Had a little issue each time with a waiter not bringing back change (gave a 20 for $14..) or the waiter proposing a not on-the-menu beer similar to the one I wanted that was out...which was good but double the price of the one I had wanted...

    (4)

  • Katie V.

    I'm going up to 4 stars for 2 reasons -- excellent Bloody Mary and excellent salad (the one with avocado, peas, mozzarella). It was a stellar combination on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Five Horses is officially more than a-ok in my book.

    (4)

  • Julia B.

    My boyfriend and I came to Five Horses on a last minute decision to have some Sunday afternoon lunch. We sat at a table by the open front, and were able to enjoy the weather. The football game was on, but wasn't obtrusive to our conversation. Our waiter, James, was kind and attentive. The beer list was extensive, which was nice..we were able to get two Czech beers we don't usually find stateside. Our lunch (burger and baja tacos) was good enough. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised. Five Horses is casual, yet polished enough to work for those opposed to "pub" atmospheres. It was busy when we were there, and filled with local people. We liked it and will be back.

    (4)

  • Jocelyn M.

    September 2011: Returned after a bike ride for the mac 'n cheese. It was terrific, had a nice kick with a bit of something like blue cheese. LOVED IT! August 2011: Burger came with tater tots, both fine, not special, get medium if you like medium rare. Service was ok. They don't serve half pints!! Better beer selection than most in Davis square, though.

    (3)

  • Phil B.

    Great food, big tap selection, prompt service. Had a great time here!

    (5)

  • Erica K.

    Great atmosphere and even good for babies. I brought my 8 month old nephew and it was baby friendly. We started off with the wings which I highly recommend. My fiance got the tacos which were delicious, he tried one of each. I got the fried cornish hen with pork belly mac and cheese and was not disappointed. I love their eclectic menu. They have a huge selection of beer as well! The staff is super friendly and make it a pleasant dining experience. We went on a Sunday and they serve brunch until 3PM, one of my fave spots in Davis now.

    (4)

  • Lisa M.

    I came here once back when it first opened & thought it was a great addition to Davis Square. I suggested me & my boyfriend go back last night. The door guy complimented me on my bike placement then flattered me about my age when he checked my ID. Cute, but a bit over the top. We were seated at a high top over looking the window seating & the people below us were so loud we couldn't carry on a conversation. I had to negotiate w/ management on where to relocate us. We wanted to keep our server because he was just a delight but we didn't want to infringe on anyone else's station. In the end we got what we wanted & proceeded to have an amazing time. The mussels were unique, tasty & kind of addictive. A little heavy handed on the lemongrass but my palate is sensitive so... The brussel sprouts were out of this world. Charred, delicate morsels. We ordered a half bottle (so smart to offer 1/2 bottles) of Riesling. I was impressed w/ the wine service. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable & had a great sense of humour. We will definitely be going back & asking for Jabari. I would give 5 stars but the tuna tacos were a bit underwhelming. A ponzu sauce would have sent us into outer space.

    (4)

  • Patrick D.

    Knowledgeable staff, huge beer menu, really good food, and a great atmosphere the reasons I think this place worth 5 stars. I haven't had a bad experience here. I love the KFCGF here. It is high classed KFC.

    (5)

  • Julia R.

    It was bitterly cold last when we walked to Five Horses, and when we got to the door we ran into the best bouncer in the biz. Mike was a real trooper, and had been standing out there all night, but maintained a great attitude. Can't say enough about Mike, he totally made our night. The drinks were good too.

    (4)

  • Gordon F.

    Love this place - gets noisy and packed but the beers selection is great! Great food options at reasonable prices and the staff is always fast and courteous. 5 stars! G

    (5)

  • Alison G.

    Creative Menu, huge assortment of draught beers. Attentive service. Delicious specials. Just too loud to have any kind of good conversation.

    (4)

  • Kat V.

    I want to give this place 5 stars - but I need it to carry a few more cider options before I can do that... although the rotating ones it does carry are usually pretty dang good, I just want more. A girl likes variety and options! The food is good - and by good I mean...holy hannah..TATER TOTS! The burgers, the chicken strips, the tacos, the donut balls, you name it - all taste amazing. The staff is pretty knowledgeable. It is a nice change from the norm. You can ask them just about anything about the menu - food or drink - and they can assist you. So if you have allergies or are just picky, the staff have ideas and can help steer you, which rocks. This place is so much better than the former occupant Sagra it is not even fair to compare the two. Beware - there is a line during the evenings on Th, Fri and Sat and the place tends to get packed, so get there early if you want to secure a table.

    (4)

  • Jeff F.

    This place is a no-brainer: - awesome beer selection - excellent service - pork belly taco - exceptional - lobster pie - delicious...last time I had Lobster pizza I thought it was lame: Lydia Shire (Scampo) - drunken wings - surprisingly really good. I say surprisingly since generally I'm disappointed when restaurants value creativity over flavor for their wings - Chipotle Wings at Rattlesnake come to mind. I will go back. If they had Big Buck Hunter, I might live there.

    (4)

  • Julia D.

    I have to give this place some credit for accommodating a group of 25 of us boisterous Halloween-excited mongrels at the last minute, and for following that up with excellent service. Even more props for the incredible draught list, which totally beats anything I've ever seen in New York from a run-of-the-mill tavern. I ended up going with the Stone Arrogant Bastard and was thrilled with my choice. As for the edibles? I ended up getting the mac and cheese, which was good, but not up to my golden standards. The chicken fingers are to die for, though, and so is the stuffed clam appetizer, even if it does only come with ONE clam. The pumpkin soup is not all that. Basically, if this place were in New York, I'd come back when I had a group of rowdy co-conspirators in need of beer and comfort food.

    (4)

  • Roxana W.

    I've been to this place a few times. GastroPub if you will. Latest was on Friday of last week right after work with a large group of friends (10 people). We didn't come all at once but the waiters were accommodating as we switched tables twice to make room for each person that arrived, probably since the place wasn't busy yet. We ended up in the far corner booth which was just the right size. Our waiter was great, personable and gave us the right amount of attention without being annoying. The menu at this place has an identity crisis. You can get pizza, high-class comfort food (lobster mac-n-cheese, Brie grilled cheese with tots) good soups, Tacos and LoMein. What? LoMein? Yes. What? Tacos? Yes. I have no idea why. A bit all over the place with that menu but the food is good. The drink menu is larger than the food menu which is great for you beer snobs out there. The mixed drink list leaves something to be desired, but I guess this is more of a beer place. What I didn't like at my last visit was the fact that the other waiters kept hinting at the fact that we were there too long. Visibly whispering and looking at us. Making snide comments about finishing drinks. Our own waiter was fine and not pushy. It was his colleagues that must have wanted his table. Yes we were there for almost 4 hours, but we also ordered drinks, food and more drinks and more drinks. We were not loitering, lingering or just taking up space in the Tavern. Yes, one of us had a cold and had to blow their nose and left tissues on the table. It's winter for fucksake. People still like to eat and drink with a cold. No need to make them feel awkward about it. Very rude. I'll remember which waiters they were too and ask not to sit in their section. I don't need that when I'm paying to eat and drink somewhere. Been to their brunch a couple of times and its so delicious. I highly recommend going on the weekends at that time and getting the Paula Dean. NOMNOM. My husband got their fried chicken and biscuit with gravy and that was amazing too. This place is a great addition to Davis Sq.

    (4)

  • Leah V.

    I wouldn't say that I'm a beer snob, I just need some adventure with my beverage, and I recently ventured into what is unfolding into an epic with Five Horses Tavern. I discovered FH while googling restaurants in the area that cater to the needs of craft beer lovers. I was hunting for something similar to that of the Publick House in Brookline, MA (one of my other frequent and beloved haunts), but that was open to persuasions further outside of the Belgian styles. I wanted a similar experience - good food, good beer and knowledgeable staff - but I wanted a broader scope of beer, a different take on the food, and a new space to give me the change-up I needed. FH nailed it. They are in the adorable Davis Square area in Somerville, MA (which is always a blast) and boast a constantly rotating drink list of 36 craft TAP selections that cover the gamut of beer profiles - not to mention their selection of bottled beers, a sweet little whiskey bar for those saucy moments, and some interesting and ever evolving cocktail creations (balsamic chocolate drizzle? its weird - but it really works!) Every encounter I have had with a staff member has been a pleasure. They have been kind, prompt, had thorough knowledge of the available beers and were always quick to offer suggestions or tastings in order to ensure satisfaction. Even when FH was at full capacity on a busy Friday night I received wonderful service. I would personally describe the food as colorful American comfort. Tater tots (who doesn't know and love those from childhood), mac 'n' cheese, traditional pub burgers, fried chicken tenders, tacos and more. Interesting sauces and unique twists to well loved dishes that make them unique without dominating the familiarity. I have been for both brunch and dinner and swear by the Chimichanga or Cap'n Crunch crusted French Toast at breakfast. (Get tots with everything - a side of them is HUGE) In closing - I read through tons of these yelp reviews prior to visiting and the negative ones were not in line with my experience. I could just be lucky, but I prefer to think that, until proven otherwise, this place is a well run establishment. I usually don't go out of my way to write my own reviews, but FH deserves it and I won't be shy about modifying this post in the future if anything ever changes. The place is an awesome beer and food experience. Cheers to Five Horses, can't wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Champika F.

    This place stands out as a brunch place in that it offers much more than your standard brunch fare - which it seems most places in Davis stick to. Things like fried chicken and biscuits, captain crunch french toast, pork belly hash... They also have an extensive and delicious looking cocktail and whiskey menu.

    (4)

  • Kirstin L.

    This is truly one of the best new additions to Davis Square. I cannot say enough good things about the beer list and the creative menu. I've ordered the KFCGH (Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen) three times and never get sick of it. The mac and cheese spiked with pork belly is heavenly. Don't forget about the weekend brunch too. Breakfast Chimichanga and Captain Crunch French Toast? All I can say is this place is awesome!

    (5)

  • Alyssa T.

    I think I've officially found my new Davis go-to for casual dinner and drinks (or just drinks!). I've been here a couple of times now and have had great service each time, the bartenders and waitstaff have been very engaged and helpful but not overly intrusive, and the prices are very reasonable. They have a pretty great beer list and I was definitely surprised at the quality of the food offered. I tried a delicious cod & capicola sandwich with a side of greens (although the cheddar jalepeno mashed potatoes sounded very tempting), while my companion ordered a pork belly taco and a tuna taco along with a side of perfectly crispy and salty tater tots. Everything was great and we will absolutely be back. For the slightly more adventurous drinker, make sure to ask to sample the moonshine. In my experience the bartenders are very generous with their pours and I have them to thank for a newly acquired taste for the stuff.

    (5)

  • Hailey B.

    Great place for an afternoon cocktail and snack! Why? Big screen TV to watch the game. Big open windows to watch the people. A friendly waiter to watch your drink (and refill when needed). And no clock anywhere - so you don't need to watch the time fly.

    (4)

  • Julie Z.

    Decent food and service. Great burgers, good pizza, salad and apps hit or miss. The olives tasted like Christmas trees, but the cheese plate was quite good.

    (3)

  • Ginny S.

    Great food and great drinks. I only wish the wait wasn't always so long. Brunch menu was a little too fancy for me but not bad. I stick to dinner and drinks here.

    (4)

  • Haley T.

    Awesome beer and cocktails, great menu with loads of delicious vegan and vegetarian options, who could ask for more? Early on they were a little disorganized but I think they've outgrown it. It's a great place to visit, though very busy on the weekend nights. They just started doing brunch and have a *vegan* brunch option , the rarest of rarities at restaurants that are not all-vegan. It's not just a bowl of fruit, either (because that doesn't count as an option in my book, anyway) and it's delicious. I highly recommend a visit.

    (5)

  • Jared B.

    Food was great, good service, prices reasonable. No complaints

    (5)

  • Rachel C.

    I went to Five Horses this past Sunday for my birthday dinner with my parents, brother, and his girlfriend. I loved it! The staff was super friendly, the beer selection was great, and the menu consisted of mostly American comfort food. We shared the Papas Fritas appetizer, and as a person who doesn't really like potatoes, I thought it was delish! I tried a tuna taco as an app as well and it was very fresh and yummy. Everyone but my mom got some form of fried chicken and it was SO good. I guess the chef is a "fried chicken genius" according to our server. I asked for the red dragon sauce to put on my fried chicken sandwich and it really did make it that much better. The only reason I'm not going with 5 stars is because to me (and sort of my brother too), the jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes tasted like vanilla ice cream. Weird right? They weren't spicy or cheesy as all, but very creamy. I'll definitely go back!

    (4)

  • ashley a.

    We decided to try this neighborhood restaurant out after walking to better options and finding a long wait (Posto, M3). Our waiter wasn't very prompt and we waited a really long time to order. I ordered the half-roasted chicken which came with greens and mashed potatoes. The skin on the chicken was crispy but so salty that it was completely inedible. I'm not sure what was in the mashed potatoes but they tasted odd. The green salad was nice although the vinagrette was just average. Hubby had the steak and was confused by the peanut-like sauce on the green beans with the steak. He didn't care much for his entire meal either. Maybe the beer selection is great but I won't go back there to eat when there are better restaurants near by. I'll remember to make the Posto reservation earlier in the day next time.

    (2)

  • Sean E.

    I can understand the aversion to places like Five Horses (or Highland Kitchen, or Precinct) opening up in Somerville. But honestly, I think Davis needed something like this. I get tired of Redbones - the places on Elm don't do much for me and in my opinion the vibe, food and drink selection of Five Horses beats Orleans and Johnny D's and most of the other places in Davis if you're looking for a decent dining experience. Like Lord Hobo, I think Five Horses needs some time to find itself. But with menu items like "Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen" (with amazing jalapeno mac n' chee) and two or three different Ommegang's on tap - it's heading in the right direction. The service has been great both times here and I've even managed to stop chuckling at the plaid shirt motif. Maybe I'm getting less curmudgeonly as the years go by, I don't know... There are cheaper options around Davis Square - but if you're out for a dinner and a movie, Five Horses won't let you down. Maybe I've been lucky or I'm just intuitive about when to go to such places, but I haven't found the clientele here to be much different than your average David Sq. crowd - in fact, less annoying than that of Orleans or The Burren or (eeek) Joshua Tree. It might not secure as many local regulars like even Highland Kitchen has managed to do, but I have a feeling the place has legs. Ultimately I feel that good food, drink and service will prevail. A fine addition (definite improvement over Sagra) to one of my favorite areas and I even found myself going back the second time without the incentive of a movie afterwards at the Somerville Theatre.

    (4)

  • Dena G.

    Good drinks, nice decor and pretty good food. I love the fact that there are a number of vegan choices and they are not boring tofu-based dishes. I would say that the bean dip needed some lemon juice in it to brighten it up but it wasn't disappointing. I had a veggie taco that was good and a potato taco that was great. I thought the wait staff's plaid theme is cute and not overdone or hokey because even though they all had plaid and western-inspired clothes there was good variety rather than a cookie-cutter uniform.

    (3)

  • Michelle B.

    The service here is pretty great. Casual but attentive. Knowledgeable sans snobbery. However. Please don't go here and expect a nice meal. The food falls precariously short of "gastropub". Five Horses, you are trying too hard. Scale it back and simplify! Seriously. The pork belly, the tacos, the lobster pizza, lobster Mac and cheese...you're missing your mark. A lovely place for a drink....or 6. Large, clean, good looking. Solid selection of bourbon. The perfect bar to lubricate your worst decisions. Bottoms up.

    (3)

  • Anastasia R.

    Five Horses (also referred to in our house as: the headless horsemen, the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse, and the pony bar) is a great addition to the Davis Squaria. Since Gargoyles (R.I.P.) closed its doors, there was a real lack of good creative food. It is closer stylistically to the Foundry, but more comfortable and with better food. Plus their servers don't seem to be coked out of their gourds. The foods are an upscale comfort sort of thing, and they do a great job with it. Plus they have a great beer selection. The only reason they are not a five star in my book is as follows: I'm getting some lunch with my lady, she orders a cup of soup as a starter. The soup comes out without bread or crackers. We ask the waitress for some and she goes to get some from the kitchen. When she returns, she says that it doesn't come with bread, but we can buy some for $2 or $3. For a $5 cup of soup? We decline, then see a cup of soup come out with said bread. We call the waiter over and are like, "Look, that cup of soup came with bread. What's the deal?" Waiter, "Yeah some of them come with bread, some don't..." After staring at him with the word *Really?* floating in a bubble above my head, he went and got us the damn bread and apologized saying they were still new. This might be acceptable if they hadn't opened 3 months ago or if whoever made the menu had never been to a restaurant before. It comes off as stingy and stupid. Don't make people argue or pay for bread when they order soup.

    (4)

  • Cat R.

    This has become my friends and mine go-to spot for a good hang out time. They've got a pretty good beer list as well as some solid cocktails...in fact the last one I ordered was called "Recipe for Success" and it was very tasty! I recommend it. I do not recommend a certain waiter though who thought he was being funny by telling me I had unsophisticated taste buds/ taste palette since I didn't like the beer he recommended to me. It was so bitter almost dirt tasting and my friends at the table agreed it wasn't the best. I was definitely offended and thought his lack of professionalism disruptive to my night there. Also all the servers wear flannel shirts which ties into their farm/casual but trendy atmosphere. I really dig the vibe especially the half circle booths in the bar area...loveee half circle booths, not sure why. The food is pretty good from what I've had and seen. Stay away from the salad that sounds really healthy, interesting and tasty because it's not. Order some of the tacos because they are decent, well done bar food. The wings are decent, the veggie burger is decent...nothing crazy going on here just a perfect place to be with friends, get a good drink or 2 or 5 and order some food if youre hungry.

    (3)

  • Natalie M.

    My husband and I stopped in here on a recent Friday for an early dinner and drinks. Overall, I think that the place has a lot of potential but is not quite there. Their food menu is rather small, and has some items on there that prevent it from feeling cohesive (such as Pad Thai, and several more pizza than burger options--I would think that a tavern would focus more on the latter). We opted to share three appetizers and got varying results. 1) Fried Chicken--This is the BEST fried chicken that I've ever eaten, and one of the accompanying dipping sauces got rave reviews from the Mr. The chicken is moist on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and does not feel overly oily. I'd come here again just for that chicken. 2) Calamari- It was horrible. The batter was heavy, and for a reason that I can't yet identify..they put cold wedges of mango in with the hot calamari. It made the heavy batter moist and soggy, and left a pool of water at the bottom. Yuck. You can get great calamari at Foundry, so don't bother with this dish if you like that. Just gross. 3) Potato wedges--Nothing special here, but I enjoyed them. They were seasoned pretty well, but nothing memorable about them. The drinks were expensive, but they did have a nice of beers and mixed drinks. The wait staff were a bit crazed, given that the place has just recently opened, but they were friendly and attentive. I don't get the plaid shirts, and it doesn't really match the interior decor. I'm going to wait a few months, see what they do in that time, and give it another try.

    (3)

  • Thomas N.

    lunch recently, sitting in the window watching folks fight for the parking spaces.....pretty place with a 2 level bar and an interesting tapolier lighting fixture....we were in early so not too busy yet....had 150 beer selections, about 40 on tap and 50 bourbons....but they didn't have the kettle one we asked for, oh well we survived, drinks were good but smallish....service was pleasant and attentive...burger was great, cooked rare as i requested and very flavorful, the grits and cheese on the side was also great, chicken breast sandwich was very good....so food was very good, place was good looking and clean and service was good....what's not to like??

    (4)

  • Vanessa P.

    Loved the music selection - MGMT, Mumford and Sons, etc. Great drink menu. My friend was going to to the Seafood Soup which the waiter seemed very unexcited about so after much hemming and hawing we decided to split the grilled brie cheese and while we decide on something else to share. The grilled cheese was terrible. The cheese was good (how can you go wrong?) but the bread they used was this thick, dry texas toast type bread. It was 98% bread to 2% cheese. We didn't order anything else after that. Don't get the grilled cheese.

    (2)

  • Sarah G.

    Tap selection wasn't as great as I had expected - good stuff but nothing we hadn't seen before and a bit on the pricey side relative to other places in the area. Good liquor selection. We sat at the bar and service was friendly and attentive. Husband's fried chicken sandwich was great, but side salad was undressed. My pea diddy salad was just OK, but had about a pound of mozzarella on it which almost made it worth the $10 price tag. $4 for a plate of bread and butter is a tad ridiculous. The bread was good, but not $4 good. It looks like they heeded the advice of fellow yelpers and turned on the A/C when we were there.

    (3)

  • Betts C.

    Oh, Five Horses, how I want to like you. And how, every time I come see you, you let me down. Ok, honest truth. Five Horses is not bad. It's just trying way too hard to be good. Yes, the beer list is good, and makes me want to bump up the star rating. But then there's the fact that the food just isn't all that special, and the atmosphere is just really underwhelming. The thing about the food is that it's all ok. It just could be so good, and they're obviously really trying to make it good. They just need to scale their efforts back a notch. Take, for instance, the burger. Yes, it had pork belly and was enormous. But it wasn't medium rare; it wasn't even medium well. That burger hadn't had a pink edge in quite awhile. And even though the meat wasn't done quite right, it was just trying too hard with all the sauce, pork belly, etc. One couldn't have tasted the flavor of the meat, even if it had been prepared properly. The same goes for the fish tacos (and I love fish tacos. If you've read any of my reviews lately, you'll note that I eat a lot of them). So these were fine, they just weren't exceptional. Yes, it was tuna steak, but certain pieces were cooked too long, and the marinade/spice rub was just a little too salty. They ended up being slightly rubbery, and it just wasn't a good consistency for a taco. To be honest, after that lunch, we haven't been back, too disappointed to return. The final blow is the atmosphere. They took what could have been a huge, bright space, and made it oddly two levels, so that if you're upstairs the ceiling is super low, and if you're downstairs you're overwhelmed by the noise of upstairs. Even at lunch, it's super loud (why don't people think about acoustics), and at night it seems more like a dance club than a tavern. The servers are very nice, and the bartenders seem very knowledgeable, both about the beer list and cocktails. Unfortunately, that and what the bar has to offer are not enough to make up for a disappointing food experience and a harsh atmosphere.

    (2)

  • Gabriel S.

    I really, really like the place. Great space, awesome beer, amazing chicken (both the chicken tenders appetizer and the roasted chicken). And the brussel-sprouts appetizer is nothing but yummy-goodness. Have had good luck with the fried chicken salad too. We also thought the turo tacos and tuna tacos were pretty scrumptious.

    (4)

  • Julia S.

    Sit near or outside. Try some beer. Eat the tots. Get the food. This place is gooooooooood. Wait staff is a little, uh, um, err, slow. Enough said.

    (5)

  • Caitlin A.

    This place is great! I went last Sunday with one of my closest friends and we enjoyed all the food and had an amazing girl's night. To drink - there are just too many options. They have every kind of beer, with extensive choices of each. My friend got a beer, but the menu was a little too overwhelming with me so I stuck with a sangria. Which was FANTASTIC. It had a full on cinnamon stick in it, fresh fruit, the works. I was happy, to say the least. To start we got the white bean hummus served with toasted bread. The hummus was full of flavor; garlicky with hints of other spices. And of course, it paired perfectly with the bread. For dinner, she got the 100% grass fed tavern burger with tater tots. Classic burger + natural taste + perfectly cooked = happy camper. I got two tacos; one tuna taco and one toro furioso taco. The tuna taco was out of this world, the flavors of the seared raw fish and sauces and greens mixed so perfectly with every bite. In hindsight I should have gotten two of those. The toro taco was SPICY!!!! For some reason I thought banana peppers were more sweet that spice. Wrong. I cried the first two bites, until I wised up and removed all the different peppers, save one lonely banana pepper. The short rib was also more oily than I would have liked, but it was packed with flavor. Due to our full bellies we skipped dessert. But I'll be back!

    (4)

  • Sara D.

    I went back to Five Horses for a second time, approximately 2 months after it opened. It was much better the second time around. My boyfriend and I ordered the drunken wings, which I really enjoyed the first time. They were just as delicious, if not better, the second time around. I ordered a fried chicken sandwich. It was very good - the waiter recommended that I add jack cheese to it, which I did, and it was tasty. I had a side of the jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes - tasty with a kick of spice. Overall, I was pleased with my meal. My boyfriend ordered the kentucky fried cornish game hen with jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes, and pork belly spiked mac and cheese. (Or, a heart attack on a plate.) But it was a TASTY heart attack, and I should know, because my fork was in his food for most of the night! The pork belly in the mac and cheese was super tasty. Nice touch, given the that "lobster mac and cheese" is WAY over done, in my humble opinion. Most importantly, I did not experience any of the problems that I detailed in my earlier review of the place on the weekend it opened (the temperature in the place was normal and the chicken was not over cooked). Service was excellent; beer list was great. I'm happy to tentatively put Five Horses Tavern back into our dining out rotation in Davis Square!

    (4)

  • Billy Su B.

    three stars for the kitchen. when our food arrived, 3 of the 4 entrees were just stone cold. i'm in the service line of work, so i think carefully before sending anything back, but i just can't eat cold steak. we told our very affable waitress and she immediately sent over a manager, who immediately sent the food back to the kitchen, theoretically to re-fire it. one of the entrees came back hot, but the 2 steak entrees were still cold. was it the same steak? i just don't know. normally, this would have resulted in feelings of anger, disillusionment, and shock, however, both the server and the manager were just so nice and communicative. the manager didn't charge us for anything, basically, and he practically held me in his arms and tissued my tears and cursed the heavens for me- i mean you just can't get better dining room service and care, but i'm not going to send something back twice. hell fire, i have things to do, plus i lost my appetite on this GIANT bowl of tater-tots. it's the size of a house cat. no, no. if you can't get it twice i'm moving on. a windmill's a windmill. why, kitchen, why would you serve me icy steak? twice? moreover, even if it had been served hot, the steak was not overwhelmingly flavorful, and my husband's chicken sandwich was extremely so-so. bottom line: this place has rauchbier, so i will be back, but i won't be heading to the dining room for a full on meal. if you don't know what that is, you're in a terrible dark hole of ignorance and i pity you. the mac and cheese is very yummerson.

    (3)

  • Marissa T.

    Excellent beer menu! Impressive selection.

    (4)

  • Anthony R.

    Five Horses Tavern is easily one of the best discoveries I've made in the past year! I love Davis Square and was looking for something new and couldn't have been more pleased by what I found. The atmosphere and design of the restaurant is really different/cool yet very comfortable. First off, I love any place that gives me a beer menu with HUNDREDS of options... I've consistently tried new beers and gained a much greater appreciation for microbrews. Secondly, the menu is a breath of fresh air with options for everyone and new twists on bar food classics. The fried chicken is a chef specialty, and the dipping sauces paired with them make it twice as good. I also almost died when I ate the brussel sprouts with pork belly - it's honestly one of the best dishes I've ever had, and it keeps me coming back for more! Unfortunately, the last time I went in was for brunch, and my waitress was a little "out of it" and also didn't get my order correct...but the sprouts alone make up for any spaceshot waitresses so I'm sticking with 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Regina B.

    Expensive, poor service, rude. No one needs to spend $9 on a beer, eat dry, tasteless food and be ignored. We planned to meet family there for Game 6 of the World Series, my daughter had to come late due to school and they refused her entrance because " they were at capacity". There were 3 empty booths behind us! They refused to turn on the sound of the game as the other reviewer mentioned. Honestly, what Bostonian wants to listen to Van Morrison during the World Series!!! We left before the 3rd inning and spent a fabulous evening at a great bar in Cambridge with $3 beers and waiters who understand what "working for tips" means. Will absolutely never come back.

    (1)

  • John W.

    Good service. Great tater tots! Nice atmosphere. Awesome beer selection.

    (4)

  • Kate E.

    I've now been here three times, all on a Friday night, and have yet to be disappointed. This last visit was probably the best thus far: I arrived around 6 p.m. and was waiting for my friend for a while, but I didn't feel rushed or pressured to order something. I actually asked our server if I should get food, to keep the table, and she replied that I could sit there as long as I wanted. I had a beer - hard to choose from the selection available - and even though they're pricier than, say, Mike's, the span of choices is worth that to me. All three times I've ordered the Drunken Wings - I really can't stop eating them: plump, meaty wings spiced with tequila, lime, and salt. This time I ordered the k.f.c.g.h. - Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen - and I really can't recommend anything more on the menu. The chicken was moist, the breading was crispy and light, yet salty and a tad spicy. It was served with a side of jalapeño cheddar mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, two things I could have easily devoured on their own if I'd desired a carb coma. I do recommend sitting for dinner - the bartenders tend to be on the harried side and table service is much quicker. I've never waited more than 10 minutes (either outside or at the bar), though I eat on the early side - 6 to 7:30-ish. I wish Five Horses well, because I am pretty sure I'm now addicted to several items on their menu.

    (4)

  • Lauren F.

    I've only been here for brunch but it was solid. I had the Paula Deen (cheesy grits with 2 eggs and crispy pork belly) while others at the table got the chimichanga and the Fatboy (a breakfast burger with an egg and Canadian bacon on it). Everyone was happy with their food. The Icebox cocktail was a blend of iced coffee and liquor, and was delicious. Would definitely go back, as the service was friendly and quick. Outdoor seating is limited but the dining area inside is very nice.

    (4)

  • Travis D.

    I am writing another review because it looks like my old one has been removed... I will start with the good. This place is a great date spot with delicious food. Literally everything I have ordered each time I go in has been unreal. I am in love with their tatter tots that come with the burgers. The wait staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always on point. I have no complaints on the food quality or wait staff at all. This is the only reason I gave anything over a 2 star rating. Now for the bad. The bartenders are TERRIBLE. I have been here 5 times since they have opened and have had an awful experience at the bar 4 out of 5 times, the other time we sat at a table to purposely avoid the bar. The bartenders either are not helpful, rude, not paying attention, or useless. A week ago I asked if there was Sam Summer on tap to which the 2 male bartenders looked at each other, laughed, and then called Sam Summer crappy beer and ignored me until I asked for something close to it and was given a beer menu with no recommendations from either douche behind the bar. This signature handing me the menu move has happened twice with 2 different bartenders and it get's more annoying each time. If your looking to just belly up to a bar, go to anywhere in Davis Square EXCEPT here. A prime example of a great bar staff is Saloon. Their bar staff will bend over backwards to make sure you get a beer or drink that suits what you are looking for. Even if that means making you three drinks before you find the one you like. * I am not plugging Saloon on purpose, it was just the first that came to mind.* Step it up Five Horses.

    (3)

  • Andrew K.

    Had a GREAT late lunch here. They could not have been more accommodating - as I needed two plug outlets, ran out to pay the meter (needed change) and asked for a million side condiments - get the garlic red pepper aioli AND the buttermilk scallion dressing. They had a unique gastropub menu. Good stuff!

    (4)

  • Daniel H.

    This place is great. I debated giving it 5 stars but I only reserve that for places that are truly "destination restaurants". The five horses is awesome but just shy of being so unique and amazing that it gets the 5. We'll see, I might change my mind. I really have nothing bad to say and I've always had a great time. They can accommodate intimate dates through really large groups. There are a variety of seating styles which is nice (round four person high top, low two tops, traditional square, outdoor seating, decent sized bar, etc.). And did I mention the champagne room? Ask for it the next time you go. Pretty much all the food is tasty, and there are a TON of tasty beers. The atmosphere is enjoyable and comfortable. Very happening but not annoyingly loud. Great decor. Friendly staff most of the time and always really responsive. The menu has some super awesome and humble stuff as well as a bit of the avante garde. Best deals in the house are: 1) Buttermilk chicken tender appetizer. Pretty much 5 huge boneless chicken breasts battered and cooked to perfection 2) Papas. Delicious roasted potatoes 3) Tater tots. 'Nuff said. 4) Fried chicken sammy. Cool concept, really tasty. 5) TUNA TACO. WOW. I have had a lot of tuna in my life and this is some of the best grilled tune I have had. Really quality fish, awesome seared and seasoned edges..yum to the max. I have had a ton more things, all very good though I guess not as memorable. Note: Their spicy taco is actually pretty damn spicy (unless they have since then toned it down...I hope not...it was great).

    (4)

  • Jade R.

    I love it here! We just moved to the Davis Square area, so I'm trying to find new places to incorporate into a routine :) The boyfriend and I went here for drinks and late night food. Beer - he ordered two kinds, I'm not a beer person, so I totally don't remember which ones he had (sorry!!) but, he liked them..... hope that helps haha. Cocktails: Brash n' sassy: By far my favorite of the two I tried. Bombay, Simple, Lemon, Basil, Soda. Midnight Interlude- $9. Grey Goose Poire, Boston Olive Oil Company Blackberry Balsamic, Prosecco. For starters, I love this olive oil company - located on newbury! The drink is good, but I definitely choose the sassy over this one. Food (yum yum yum) : brussels sprouts $6.50 sprouts, pork belly, pickled apples, fish sauce vinaigrette, shitake and wood ear mushrooms: So, this is by no means healthy. Like, the opposite of healthy. But hey, we all gotta live. It's soooooo goood. Definitely going to become a "treat" though. I'd probably have a heart attack if I ate it all the time... It really is that good though, so maybe a heart attack is worth it.. house mussels* $9 maine bouchot mussels, chile, ginger, garlic, white miso, scallion, grilled bread: Not gonna lie, this may be my favorite mussels dish EVER. The broth is BANGIN. I'm going to try to re create it :) papas fritas (v) $5 crispy triple-fried fingerling potatoes, red pepper-garlic mayo: My least favorite. It's just so-so. Shout out to Mike and Matt who helped us! - great service!

    (4)

  • Mariya F.

    When I came here there was a bit of a wait so we got a drink at the bar first. They have a pretty good selection of beers on tap. I tried the pomegranate wheat beer which was just OK, a bit too tart. My boyfriend was very happy with his dirty martini and IPA. We enjoyed the people watching and general interior/ambiance of the place, it has some pretty cool decorations. For dinner we got the cast iron cornbread which everyone talks about; really good! My boyfriend is a veggie so we split the Bomb-mi sandwich, which was AMAZING, spicy, great flavors, and the Cauliflower Po' boy sandwich, which was mediocre. It was too bland and needed some sort of extra sauce to add more flavor to it. We got tater tots (can't go wrong) and jalapeno mashed potatoes as sides. The mashed potatoes were a bit too spicy for me; the jalapeno was mixed into it in pretty sizable chunks, but it was still really good despite my mouth being on fire. I live in the area and will definitely be coming back; very fun and lively place with moderately priced good food!

    (4)

  • Pam L.

    Very nice atmosphere, great selection of beer (if you're a fan), staff was very attentive, and super friendly, we got an appetizer (Brussell Sprouts) and it was delicious, they were fried, had pieces some potatoes and pieces of bacon mixed in with it, it was to die for. The only reason I am giving them four stars instead of five is because they close the patio earlier than they close the bar inside. :(.. But the staff was nice enough to let us stay out for a bit longer so that was very lovely. I will definitely come back.

    (4)

  • Apolinaras S.

    Meh! Fantastic front of the house.... horrible kitchen! Waiters, barbacks, busboys, and door staff deserve praise. Kitchen - fire their asses! Asked for burger medium rare, got it way past medium well. McDonalds around the corner makes better tasting burger! Heirloom tomato salad - mostly soggy stale bread. Mac and cheese - average. Only shining star - chicken strips, which were fantastic.

    (3)

  • John A.

    I like this bar. First of all it's important for me to note that the beer menu has many different selections with many different types of beers. You can get anything from a good local brewed IPA to some off beat Belgian trippel. Also, the beer is nice and cold and plenty clean. If you're having trouble making up your mind the bartenders can provide some good suggestions without the beer snob attitude. Much appreciated. The food here is equally good and can be described as "creative pub fare." I recommend the cornish hen dish. It's a nice crispy half hen served with mashed potatoes and cucumber salad. I hear the mac and cheese is pretty good too. The atmosphere is busy but not obnoxious. The decor is well thought out. Lets say modern unique without too much flare. Overall this is a great place to grab some pints with friends or dinner with the lady.

    (4)

  • John O.

    My wife and I visited Five Horses Tavern for Brunch on Saturday and we both loved it. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly and the ambience was lovely. I've never seen such a great selection of beers and drinks. I had a pork belly tacos along with an empanada - both were perfect. Finally, you could tell that the chef and owner really enjoy what they do through their creative menu (I sampled the 'Paula Deen' and it was sinfully delicious). We'll definitely be returning on a regular basis.

    (5)

  • James K.

    This is primarily a whisky review. First I have to say that their whisky list is impressive. It's deep, unique, and interesting. But for a place that prides itself on having an extensive list, complete with notes, the experience disappointed. We struck out while ordering the Ardbeg Alligator and the Macallan Cask Strength. Finally decided on a Dalmore 1990 Signatory Cask Strength. But long after this was consumed (and enjoyed, for what it's worth), it turns out that's we weren't served the drink we ordered, since they don't actually have the Dalmore 1990, either. This place might make a fine sports bar, but I might not try to get a drink there any time soon.

    (2)

  • Heather C.

    I like Five Horses Tavern. The food is more eclectic than the other Davis Square bars -- Pork belly, duck, tater tots, mac & cheese, and lamb all in one place! Yum Yum! It's menu changes a bit, but everything I've ever tried is delicious. It has the bar feel of a Burren or Joshua Tree, but the food and prices of a Foundry or Posto. Thus, the two reasons I don't go there more often. It's a little pricey, and it is LOUD and cramped. It's hard to carry on a conversation and even harder to maneuver yourself out of your table without bumping into someone. I would check it out during non-peak hours if you are catching up with a friend or are on a date.

    (4)

  • E C.

    Amazing beer, average food, good location. Go here quite a bit, great beer list, I mean really great. Food is always decent, not great, a bit overpriced. The whole front opens up so on a nice day its really nice to people watch.

    (4)

  • Carrie P.

    Something about Boston that I really feel we all should appreciate: the availability of vegetarian options, labeled and all, at so many restaurants. Who would have thought that a place wih pub food would have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free labeled on the menu? Color me impressed. I was even MORE impressed by the fact that the veggie burger was a real veggie burger, where you could see the vegetables. AWESOME! The cold and spicy noodles were also so delicious (and helped clean my sinuses a bit...a lot). It is so filled with spice, I thought my mouth would burst into flame and die happy. The papas fritas were meltinyourmouth good, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with a yummy dipping sauce Truly, however, I must mention that I find the beer selection to be the most impressive. The alcohol menu is substantially larger than the food menu, with a wide variety of domestics and imports, IPA to Belgian Whites, all of gem look delicious.

    (4)

  • Eugene A.

    Refuse to serve carbombs when they clearly have all the ingredients.

    (1)

  • Monique N.

    I didn't have a great experience. I'm willing to try it again because the waitress was the worst part of the experience. I don't like to base one trip to a restaurant on one waitress, with that being said she was probably the worst waitress I've had in a long time. My friend had an issue with her beer, she ordered something fruity and they instead gave her a spicy jalapeno beer. She asked the waitress and the waitress went back and brought back the same beer and said it's the right one, we looked at the color of the beer and it's right. After a couple minutes a bartender came over and said that we were in fact right and the beer was not right! It was hilarious and so awful at the same time. The waitress should have just brought a new beer to begin with! I also found the food a a bit lacking. I had the tuna and pork belly tacos and they were both very bland and lacking of substance. We also had the special of Memphis tots for an app. The food was brought without side plates, this is not an app you can eat without side plates. It was cold by the time we received side plates and was not great. I am willing to give it another go and chalk it up to a bad night. The company I was with and the atmosphere were both awesome! that counts highly!

    (2)

  • zilla b.

    Love this place, great beer, and if you're in the mood for pork belly the tacos and the mac and cheese are amazing!!! other favs are the fried cornish game hen, and the fried chicken salad... heh this place probably isn't doing wonders to my waist line but i'm always satisfied when leaving! Be careful though! this place gets PACKED and seats can get cut throat around the bar.

    (4)

  • Mallory P.

    Great brunch spot. Big menu with lots of options, and an excellent Bloody Mary. Fast service, it gets pretty busy but they do take reservations. Highly recommend the cheesy grits with eggs and pork belly!

    (4)

  • Eugene K.

    Nice atmosphere but everything else is lacking. Came here for brunch today, ordered heart surgeon and Bloody Mary with Vodka. Waiter forgot the Bloody Mary (still got charged) which came after the meal (cause I said something) and hardly any vodka. Nice...still left a 20% tip

    (1)

  • Hannah M.

    We were not planning on eating out, nor did we have brunch in mind, but found ourselves at 5 Horses and were so impressed with our discovery! We sat right next to the open windows, getting a lovely breeze and avoiding the riff-raff walking past ;-) I got the Chimichanga para Desayuno - looked huge on the plate, but I finished that baby off no problem and it was SO good! Crispy pastry filled with black beans, eggs, potatoes, carrots, scallions, jalapenos, and red peppers. The salsa drizzled on top and on the plate was sweet and spicy and the guac and goat cheese sour cream were the perfect companion to the spice of the salsa and jalapenos. Fiance got the Salmon Eggs which was essentially scrambled eggs with salmon on top of 1/2 an English muffin and topped with a bit of salmon roe. It was much less food than the chimichanga, but he felt full afterwards. We each got a bloody Mary. Mine was virgin (because I am virginal.....) and his was with gin and basil. Also very tasty - a far cry from tomato juice with a bit of tabasco found at other brunch joints - the house mix was the perfect mix of spice, tomato, and lemon/lime. A little pricier than brunch should be, but we left satisfied and ready for a nice meander down the bike trail, a block away.

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    Five Horses, in fact, does not have five or even four horses. Imagine how shocked I was, upon entering this saloon, to find out that there are NONE and there would be NO horses?!?! How come nobody on Yelp had clued me in to this classic bait and switch scheme? If Yelp supported flow charts I would add one here, but seeing as Yelp is soooo old fashioned I will detail out, bullet by bullet, my experience. -enter bar expecting HORSES -seat myself on a barstool vs. a HORSE -get handed massive beer list by a bartender vs. a HORSE -order an excellent micro-brew IPA and order a side-plate to snack on, sadly they do not serve HORSE -wait for friend to show up, drink more (slightly overpriced) dope IPA's and then leave with friend vs. a HORSE So, you see my dilemma. I really want to love Five Horses, but there simply are no horses to be had, seen or sat upon.

    (3)

  • Cassandra M.

    I've come here a number of times for drinks and apps. It's one of the few places in Davis I have cravings for. I love, love, love their buttermilk fried chicken tenders. They are absolutely delicious with their buttermilk scallion and chile dipping sauces. They also have a pretty good, decently priced pitcher of sangria on the menu. The only thing that leaves me scratching my head is their $4 bread and butter app. Really?

    (4)

  • Rachel M.

    Came here last Friday with a friend for some drinks. Service was prompt & steady. Had the sangria (kind of different & pulpy than usual sangrias...it's obviously not traditional and that's OK) & I also had the Sent From Above which definitely packed a punch (aka...a little tipsy after it!). Didn't eat any food, so perhaps I will return and update my review accordingly one of these days.

    (3)

  • Logan J.

    ill admit that when this place first opened, i was a little worried given that on the surface it didnt seem to be anything original in the area. ive seen a few different businesses open and close in this location in my time; it made me a little worried for this place. after scratching the surface of this place though, i quickly fell in love. the venue itself is pretty standard for the area, but it seems a little less crowded and crazy than a few other the other local spots. they have a hipster meets western vibe going on; i was into it. this place has a huge selection of drinks, which i can always appreciate. they specialize more in beers than mixed drinks, but i cant really complain about anything that ive gotten to drink here. at first glance, this place seems like they might just have typical bar food here, but i actually really enjoy their food. to start, they have tater tots. who doesnt love tater tots? they also have a few really good soups (pumpkin and manchego!), some interesting entrees, and a couple great pizzas (id recommend the lobstah pizza). they also do brunch really well--id recommend the chimichanga--think deep fried breakfast burrito. and ill leave you with these parting words: i love flannel.

    (5)

  • JD H.

    I think there has been a change in management because the food is getting better. We can for brunch and it was decent but then returned later in the week and their dinner was great! I had the Pea Diddy salad and it was fresh and delicious. Still underwhelmed by their wine list but the beer list was impressive. Servers are great and its nice to sit outdoors.

    (4)

  • Sara R.

    The food here is really great and they have a good beer selection. The atmosphere is also great - pretty low key. The only reason I don't give it a 5 star is the service is sub par. You just have to go in knowing that. I have been there several times -and I always here someone at my table say that they haven't had anything bad on the menu. We also typically have to wait around a lot after we are seated. The last time I was there, I actually had a waiter spill some kind of meat sauce down my shoulder on my sweater and arm. He was very apologetic, but didn't comp anything on our bill, which I thought was ridiculous. I had to sit the rest of the night smelling like meat sauce.

    (4)

  • Barbara Jean W.

    Love the atmosphere food and service! Aron is the best make sure to ask for him! Many thanks!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth G.

    From the other reviews it's pretty clear this place is all about the drinks. My fiance had just gotten into town for the weekend so we decided to check this place out and get a couple of beers. We were seated next to the fireplace. This place is hella loud, but other than that, nice ambiance. Not too crowded on a Friday night. So I ordered my first beer and our server said to me, "It comes in a bottle. Is that OK?" Maybe I'm reading into things, but it seemed like he was implying that while it might be OK with me, it definitely *should* not be OK with me. I have to say he was right. I tried the Allagash Tripel and I normally love Allagash beers but this had a funny taste to it. I know, I know, with so many great tap selections, why would I order something from a bottle? Well, I have to ask, why do they have so many bottle selections if they don't want anybody to order them? Anyway, my man had the Cisco Monomoy Kriek, red ale aged with sour cherries. It was interesting but the flavors really didn't blend well. We did better with our second round: Old Speckled Hen (not my favorite but he liked it) and Port Brewing Midnight Expression (flavors of malt and cocoa nibs... exquisite). Came back the next night to try the Pretty Things Lovely Saint Winefride, a brand-new release (malty, yeasty brown lager). There was also a Wormtown beer brewed with maple syrup that I wanted to try but they were out. All in all, an inventive beer list; nothing really makes this place stand out above Meadhall or Lord Hobo, except the fact that it is closer to where I live.

    (4)

  • Chrysanthe P.

    Five Horses is definitely a Davis Square, go-to. They serve up some really great food with a menu full of vegetarian/vegan options (a huge plus in my book). Highlights include the "pea-diddy" salad, okra gumbo, and black bean hash (brunch side item). Beyond food, the booze is also pretty exceptional. They have a respectable amount of good to decent beer on tap, which I am all about. The bloody mary options at brunch are also delicious - I highly recommend giving the gin cucumber bloody a try, if you're into that sort of thing. Really, the only problem I have with this place is the noise level. I went to dinner on a Wednesday and it was so packed I thought I had somehow time warped to the weekend (which would have been nice, actually). They finally started taking reservations though, so it's now not completely impossible to get a table without waiting for 45 minutes. Anyways, it's a solid bar and it's right down the street. Can't ask for much more than that!

    (4)

  • Alyson G.

    We ended up at Five Horses to celebrate my friend's birthday and we had a blast. yes it was a Saturday night and the bar was P-A-C-K-E-D...but we found a spot at the downstairs bar and never looked back. They didn't take reservations but our table was ready after a glass of wine so that was totally fine with us. We decided to order some apps of course, and how can you say no to tator tots so we noshed on olives, tator tots and other tasty snacks while waiting for our entrees. I can't be sure if it actually happened, but another order of tator tots were discussed they were so crispy and delicious. I ordered a trio of tacos for dinner, and my favorites were definitely the potato and the tuna, so delicious. We ended the celebration with captain crunch creme brûlée and the birthday girl was definitely having a fabulous time, along with the rest of us.

    (4)

  • Sara M.

    Great beer selection! They also change it up pretty often which is nice. Foods good, small menu but everything is solid. The service at the tables has always been great but the bartenders are awful! Tonight we consistently had to flag them down for drinks. It wasn't busy at all, but they basically ignored us. I waited 15 mins for a second beer once I finished my first one. I even made eye contact with one of the male bartenders and he just kept on walking. We had 4 drinks each and this was the case every time. Too bad too because I would have left them a nice tip had they been the least bit attentive. Won't be back any time soon.

    (3)

  • Abigail T.

    We had the weirdest service ever here last Saturday afternoon. Our (possibly hungover/sleep deprived/maybe on some sort of medication) waiter had to come back and ask us what we ordered for food THREE times and then a fourth time for the drinks he forgot, which were just a soda and juice. I've been hungover working a brunch shift before and that's when a pen and paper are your best friend. Cling to them like a port in a storm. Anyway I'd forgive him for that, but at the end it took him a long time to get us the check so we just handed him a card to expedite things. When he returned with the check we noticed their was a $13 bottle of beer on our check that we didn't order. We hunted him down and he fixed it, 10 minutes later... We like this place and the food is always good, so we shrugged off this one bad experience. Sometimes people have bad days and usually those bad days include having to work brunch shifts when you've had three hours of sleep. All was forgotten, until today when my boyfriend looked at his statement and he was charged twice for the full amount of the check. UPDATE: The manager called my boyfriend back and told him that the server in question had apparently come to work drunk. Before the manager was able to 86 him, the drunken server wandered off, never to be seen again. Then the manager fixed the double charge and offered us dinner on the house next time we show up. I've changed my rating to 5 stars. That's how you run a successful restaurant. Kudos to the management staff of 5 Horses for handling this situation so appropriately.

    (5)

  • Eric S.

    Love this place. It can be a little dark and noisy, but not to the point where you really care. The food is awesome, and the beer list is pretty solid if you are into craft beers. Most of the negative reviews about this place make me realize I'd really not like hanging out with that person. One downside to this place is that for some reason they've made it their thing that everyone working there wears plaid/flannel, I don't really get the whole hipster cowboy theme in that respect - but whatever, just bring me my beer.

    (5)

  • Lisa I.

    I came here for a quick bite on a Friday around 6:30 PM. We were just early enough to beat the crowd, so there was no wait. Our server was pleasant. The drink selection is pretty good. The environment is fine - about what you'd expect from an upscale pub-type place. And the menu LOOKS awesome. Unfortunately, the food was disappointing. We got the burger, the white bean dip and the 'banzo cakes (fried chickpea cakes). The burger wasn't very good - it came on one of those cheap buns that tasted like Wonderbread and the tater tots seemed like they were frozen. The white bean dip was ok, but nothing special. It seemed like a few dollops of hummus for $8. The 'banzo cakes were probably the best thing we had, but they were super greasy. Overall, a disappointing meal, especially for $70! (including drinks). Won't be back.

    (2)

  • Daisy K.

    1. Decor is TACKY. They're catering to frat-boys wanna be JP morgans. Not my kind of Somerville..... 2. Food is TERRIBLE. Here's what I sampled: Brussel sprouts w/ mushrooms + pork dipped in home made vinegar looked much better on the menu than the real thing. It looked like a bowl of blackened burnt pieces of plastic. If you want smart brussel sprouts head to highland kitchen for buffalo brussel sprouts. Mussels were just the garnish in the soup of badly-spiced curry broth. The broth was thick. Gross. The cilantro couldn't even cut through. Aren't we looking for a nice clean broth? I sure am. Crab sandwich and side of cucumber dill salad. Not enough cucumber dill! That was actually good! The bread on the crab sandwich was too thick and blocked all of my receptors for the crab meat due to its tough texture. Three ice cream bowl. Homemade apparently. And horribly frozen. It's like they used the same temperature to freeze all of the ice creams - and ya cant! One was blueberry and the other some butterfinger concoction. Any good chef knows that you never serve frozen, icicle-like ice cream. If you want ice cream go to Christie's. Please please please people, go to the other places that actually matter. Places that are smart enough to serve good thoughtful food and attract the sexies of somerville.

    (1)

  • stacey l.

    Think this is a solid addition to the Davis Sq food scene. It's great for a casual meal or just for meeting up for drinks. There is a little bit of everything, so it's sure to please a big crew. I think the staff here is nice. We had an unfortunate situation with some undercooked chicken wings, and it was taken care of immediately and professionally. The place is super loud, so if you're looking for a quiet meal to chat, better skip it on a busy night.

    (4)

  • C C.

    Awesome place, amazing tacos, the waiter was super helpful and even helped us combine our taco orders to save us a dollar (which we more than added to his tip because he deserved it). Again, amazing tacos, the pork belly ones are a must try, they have some pretty interesting drink selections as well. Only downside is that we had to wait around 20 minutes before finally getting seated but I can definitely see why there is a line at this place (it was also Friday night, so...) Will definitely come back again.

    (5)

  • Chuck L.

    This is one if the worst restaurants that I have tried in the area. I ordered they mushroom sandwich with a dip; both were awful. The mushrooms were completely undercooked and unseasoned- basically tasted like tough rubber. The dip was over salted broth. The service was really bad too. The waitress completely ignored our table and had TONS of attitude during the 2 times when she stopped by. Worst part was the doorman who kept starring at us (probably bored) and actually told me off before I left for using the wrong entrance to come in and out of the restaurant. It's okay if he wanted to enforce the rules, but the rudeness and lack of professionalism was pretty extreme. I'm sure you will have a better experience (and definitely food!) at any other place with comparable prices in the area. Don't ruin a nice evening and stay far away!!

    (1)

  • Dan T.

    Excellent food. Expansive beer and alcohol selection. Good vibe. A dash of class in a casual environment.

    (5)

  • Helen V.

    A Yelp event organized by Damien was held here yesterday! It was very organized and the service was impeccable, even with the hungry and thirsty yelpers! The complimentary offerings gave me insight on what I could look forward to if coming back on my accord. There were creamy mashed potatoes with jalapeno/cheese self-served into martini glasses with a variety of gourmet toppings: pork belly, manchego, pickled green onions, goat cheese, etc. It may sound odd to you, but I was definitely a fan of the pork belly topped mashed potatoes. Also, cheese samplings were great selections (Bonne Bouche, a blue, a cheddar) served up on toasts with a quince (membrillo) spread. Lastly, there was a vegan and oxtail chili. I only sampled the oxtail chili with kielbasa, and was happy with my decision. I believe there was enough food for everyone and enough for seconds to go around as well. It's rare to see that, especially when events are held in a bar! The drinks were de-lish! The wait staff also helped yelpers at their table, so they wouldn't have to go up to the bar for drinks! Great service! I would definitely come back to Five Horses! The menu looks creative and delicious; hopefully, their pizzas can fill my longing for gourmet pies! Thank you Five Horses! Until next time!

    (4)

  • Erin B.

    I recently returned to this tavern and was disappointed in both the cocktails and the service. I got the sangria and a cocktail called the "Frisky Whiskey." The sangria is up there with some of the worst I've ever had (you're supposed to make sangria with cheap red wine. This sangria had three different kinds of red, including port...very strange.) I have to applaud them for the effort of creativity, but the final product was yucky. Yes, yucky. The second cocktail was completely unbalanced and way too sugary for anything that has whiskey for an ingredient. Boo. Beer is more their thing, and I understand that every cocktail ordered won't be perfect, but if you're going to have a cocktail menu, at least be able to master what you advertise!

    (2)

  • Colin L.

    This is a fantastic new spot in Davis. The fall of Gargoyle's was sad, but when one door closes, a cooler one opens. Fives has a great place, everything is sharp looking and comfortable. That beertap chandelier is a work of art. The bartenders are always friendly and make some killer drinks. It doesn't hurt that they have a whiskey wonderland at the end of the bar. That's my happy place. I've been twice for the food now and both times were awesome. The menu is not only full of really interesting options, but it's also written in a fun and delicious way. It also delivers. They serve up really honest food, like the grazing plate is one of the best things I've ordered, but it's no more than a variety of roasted vegetables (a generous variety). There's a lot of stuff that just tastes good because it's simple, and then it winds up being vegan, too. So you can even bring your fussy vegan friends. Not to say there aren't creative and carnivorous treats. I don't know what kind of secret recipe is going on with that fried chicken, but it might just be the best I've ever had at a restaurant. Porkbelly tacos, hell yes. Try the cheese plate! The cheeses that were featured when I had it were incendiary. Incendiary. Food was great, excellent service, and the atmosphere was really cool- especially for a weeknight. I'll be a repeat customer. Check this place out.

    (5)

  • Sarah D.

    I think 4 stars is probably a little high for this place, but I feel like I ought to reward their effort. Solid beer list. Pretty big, not super adventurous but plenty of good stuff. Prices are about a dollar higher than I think is reasonable but I think that's just me, since this seems to be what most "beer bars" are charging nowadays. The food is just okay. Wings are not awesome, tacos are fine but again, not awesome. I like the Italian sub and I really like the jalapeno mashed potatoes. Pizzas are not-so-good. Fried chicken sandwich is pretty good and would be an excellent hot-sauce-delivery-vehicle if I had thought to ask for some hot sauce. The cheese plate is skimpy as all hell. They need to work on that. The thing about the food, though, is that it is priced appropriately for what it is (cheese plate aside). Nothing super pricey, so it doesn't have to be the best food ever. So, this is pretty much 3 stars for me. But the service bumps it up. The first time I was there was a Saturday night, and the place was packed. At one point it took maybe 15 minutes for the waiter to bring my brother a beer. No big deal, it was busy. We didn't complain. They comped the drink outright. It was honestly unnecessary but super nice. In subsequent visits we've had a different waitress every time and they have all been helpful and friendly. They will offer to let you taste beers before you make a choice if you seem uncertain. This is the kind of bar I like. If the food were a bit better overall this would be the exact bar I like, but it's good enough as is to bring me in here once a month or so.

    (4)

  • Jeanine L.

    So, I'll start this out by saying the beer selection is great at this place! However...the food is awful. I ordered the mac and cheese - and it lacked flavor and had way too much oil in it. I also added grilled chicken, which was dry, tasteless, and they appeared to be leftover cuts from other dishes. My husband on the other hand got a basic burger, which they undercooked and failed to leave off the onions as he requested. The overall selection is lacking, even the appetizer menu. Our friends ordered calamari that was swimming in oil. Gross!!! The service was equally as poor, it took forever to order drinks let alone our dinner. Although the teamwork framework is probably nice, several different individuals delivering food and drinks to the table - all of which didn't know what was going where. Lastly, I'm sure it can be difficult - but after specifying that we wanted split checks the waitress gave us a dirty look upon payment time. Overall, horrible food and service - but decent selection for beers. Won't be going back though, it's definitely not worth it.

    (2)

  • Sean J.

    Great selection of beers and whiskey/bourbon/scotch. The servers are friendly and attentive and the service was very quick. Food is good, albeit a tab on the spicy side, so if you're not into that you may not like a lot of the menu options. Overall very good, comparable to Foundry, Saloon and M3.

    (4)

  • Kristina D.

    Get the: -pork belly tacos -potato tacos -pea diddy salad -beer Pass on the: -wings -calamari -brussel sprouts (disclaimer: I like mine pan-seared, so the soft texture bothered me). I've been at crowded dinner time, not crowded lunch time, and peak bar hour (for picking up takeout). Service and ambience has varied every time. I prefer it at the early end of dinner time (esp. on a weekend).

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    Great beer menu. Open air & outdoor seating. Nice ambiance. I think this place is great. Have been here twice for drinks, look forward to coming back to try the food!

    (4)

  • Susan B.

    To be fair, I never got to try the food, so my review is really only on the staff, atmosphere, and menu. Atmosphere: fine, a little loud if you care about that kind of thing Staff: are you kidding me? the lack of competence and attitude drove me away before i was even seated Menu: looked tasty After a miserable interaction with the terrible hostess and a long wait while others behind us were seated, we left and went to Foundry on Elm. Amazing staff, amazing food, great prices... don't see myself going back to try Five Horses anytime soon.

    (2)

  • Melissa M.

    i can see this place quickly becoming a regular go-to in davis square. pros: excellent whiskey and beer menu. pork belly tacos. lobster pie pizza. casual, fun, non-pretentious atmosphere. fireplace. knowledgeable and friendly servers. went in around 8 and didn't have to wait for a table because they have plenty of seating. cons: a little noisy for me and some of the seating is placed too close to other - making it hard to hear across the table. other than that it's great. will be going back soon.

    (4)

  • Monika S.

    I am giving it only one star for the serving staff there: the waitress and the manager. The cook is not getting any stars.I went there for a quick dinner. When I ordered crab cakes they tasted so awful (as if they were soaked in some laundry water) that I asked the person with me to try them before I complained to the waitress, since I actually never returned the dish before in any restaurant. The manager came, took the dish and asked me whether I wished some other dish. So I ordered some vegetarian dish: vegetables and quinoa. How complicated could it be to prepare, right? Wrong! Although I waited around 20 minutes for the "replacement" dish, what I got was also a BIG disappointment. Quinoa was raw and tough to bite on; one of three vegetables on my plate was also too hard to chew. If it takes only 10-15 minutes to cook quinoa and vegetables so, I wonder, why they made me wait so long only to deliver half cooked dish? Was the person who cooks there trained in any licensed culinary school?! I must admit that the waitress and the manager were very nice, and got us additional beer for free. But if you are hungry and you lost appetite there is no beer or any alcoholic beverage that could make up for that awful culinary experience.

    (1)

  • Katie F.

    We ate here last weekend and the food was great. We got a plethora of apps from tacos to mussels and I didn't have one complaint. Great beers on tap, friendly service, and good atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Kathy M.

    Good burgers and beers but not so good service. I went here on a weekday around 5pm and grabbed a nice seat facing the street. They open their huge windows during the summer and it was a really great day for it. It took our waitress a long time to take our orders and to swing by so we could refill our drinks. The Tater-tots were really great. Kinda greasy but worth it.

    (3)

  • Eric S.

    This is a great neighborhood bar. The beer selection is amazing and its constantly changing. I've had the chicken tenders app quite a few times and I love both the dragon sauce and scallion ranch that come with it. The tater tots are a must with all meals.

    (5)

  • MaryLee B.

    I went today for a late lunch, brunch was winding down I I was told that I have to wait 15 minutes before I could put my order in as they were switching over the kitchen from brunch to lunch. Okay seems odd, but it raised my expectations in regards to the food. Big mistake... but I'll get there I ordered a draft to kill the time, but it took 15 minutes to make it to my table and was warm when it arrived. I ordered the calimari and a spicy taco. The latter was pretty good if a bit skimpy. The calimari was a not so hot MESS. Seriously, how do you screw up calimari?? Serve it is a bowl with a 50/50 mix of calimari to banana peppers. Bread it, but don't fry it (at least not that I could tell) and then drown in is some sort of sauce so that it is a mushy, slushy mess of soaken breading. Yuk!. I hardly touched it and when my server finally swung back he actually asked if I wanted to box my mostly untouched bowl of calimari mudd.

    (2)

  • C E.

    Fantastic tavern. Food is awesome, drink selection is fab, and great staff. Worth multiple visits.

    (5)

  • Erica H.

    I came in last night with a couple of friends who lives in the area who is already a big fan of Five Horses. First off, I loved the interior - the copper bar was beautiful and unique, the booths and chairs were huge and comfy, and even the paint colors were unique and well chosen. I loved the beer tap "art" near the front door - it tells you right away that you're in a place that celebrates beer. The beer list was extensive and divided up by beer style, not unlike the list at Sunset Grill (though not as extensive). Our waitress, even though she was new (she was training with another waitress that evening) was already well versed on the beer menu - she was able to tell me the difference between the two stouts on the draft list, for example. And I loved, loved loved that they have Genny Cream Ale in a can! I tried the 3 wing flavors and liked them all, but my favorite was the drunken wings - marinated in beer and tequila, and splashed with lime and seasoned with flake salt. Like a margarita in a wing, but better than that would sound :) We also tried the calamari, which was not bad - I loved the chunks of mango mixed in, and the subtle heat, but they did get soggy before we were done. I saw some complaints from other posters about the music levels, but it seems that they have taken these to heart, as I was able to maintain a conversation the entire night without yelling or straining to hear. I would definitely return - I want to try the chicken sandwich and the goat butter, at the very least. Oh, and drink some more $3.50 cans of delicious Genny Cream Ale!

    (4)

  • Marie R.

    Great place for drinks. A good beer menu and atmosphere. However the food isn't that great, cold tacos or soggy hamburger bun. Also the service leaves some things to be desired.

    (2)

  • Douglas S.

    Love this place, come often. Great beer selection and great food. They are constantly updating their menu with season selections. Always good service as well. Can't say enough positive things.

    (5)

  • Brittney N.

    Five Horses is my favorite bar hangout in Davis. I live right down the street and the staff loves regulars. The bartenders are all really attentive and knowledgeable when it comes to the beer selection (impressive because what's on tap rotates often). Good food, nice crowd, great atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Iain T.

    Great beer selection, nice setting, sh*te food. My burger actually tasted like crab cake (it was supposed to be beef). I suspect a lazy grill man cooking beef straight after something fishy. I'll go back for drinks only but not for food.

    (2)

  • Iris A.

    Great selection of beers! We split an appetizer of the fried chicken among 5 of us and it was amazing! We debated going back to have it for breakfast. It's a must have! Also had the Mac and cheese, it wasn't my favorite but still good. I had mine with chicken in it and a friend had hers with peas. The hanger steak was delish as were the mashed potatoes that came with it. We'll be back again!

    (4)

  • Lorin P.

    I am never going back here. Terrible, bland food. Absentee servers. Food we tired: chicken fingers, onion/apple soup, potato tacos, and the mussels. Drinks: 1 beer on tap, 1 wine by the glass. Time of day: 2PM-ish The chicken fingers came out so over-done, I'm actually surprised they were served to us, and they were super salty. The onion/apple soup lacked flavor (the stock used must have been incredibly weak or seriously watered down). The potato tacos were tasteless. The mussels themselves were good, but the broth they were served in was overpowered by miso. Our waitress spent most of the time flirting with a couple of guys a few tables away. She didn't check back on us after the food was served until we were practically done, and this was the only time I was able to finally get a glass of water. We ordered drinks as soon as we sat down, and were not given (or offered) water? What? This waitstaff is not properly trained. Then after we paid, we couldn't get rid of the waitress! She was hovering so blatantly (because she wanted to pick up the check) it made us uncomfortable. We didn't even bother to finish our waters that we waited so long to receive. Five Horses Tavern = FAIL! This is not the Gargoyles replacement Davis Square has been looking for.

    (1)

  • Liz H.

    This place has finally worked out the kinks with the food, hooray! One quibble: the mac and cheese isn't yet crave-worthy, and they insist on limiting the add-ins to a short list. Still, I will definitely be back. The tacos are delicious and filling, and I love the apps menu. I would recommend trying this place for lunch as well. The place is half-empty that time of day, so the chef really takes care with the food.

    (4)

  • Marcella G.

    went here after my first time to sacco's bowl haven just walked up to the bar on a friday night bartenders were cool they were out of the beer i wanted but that just means it was good and i was too late

    (4)

  • L B.

    I had great and high hopes for Five Horses Tavern - finally something new in Davis, and a suitable Sagra replacement. I'll be willing to go back, but my initial experience was incredibly poor. I was meeting a friend for dinner at 5:15 on a Friday night. We were approached by a disheveled looking host and were brought to a table. Not ten words into a conversation and we were interrupted by incredibly loud music. Suddenly we were screaming across the table. Sure during later hours on a Friday night I'd love the music and party atmosphere...but not at 5:30 dinner time. We were both alarmed, so alarmed, in fact, that we left. Alas...

    (1)

  • Mike D.

    Five Horses Tavern lost my credit card. I will never return.

    (1)

  • Moe M.

    Great food, great service, great everything! This place is a staple in my life!!

    (5)

  • Brendan T.

    A reluctant 4 from me. Better than a three, not quite a four on busy nights. Outdoor seating is a sham since its on a busy sidewalk, inside can be loud at times. Food beer selection, interesting but small menu with decent selections. Trying to be trendy and apparently succeeding since it gets busy there. A better option than foundry nearby

    (4)

  • Todd B.

    I go here quite often; the food is always great, the atmosphere is always nice, nothing is over priced, but there has been one re-occuring problem that I take issue with. As soon as I'm finished with my plate, what ever it may be, it is cleared from the table; sometimes they ask, usually they don't. I have worked in restaurants before and was always told not to clear a plate while other at the table are eating. It makes me feel rushed, it makes my girlfriend feel that she need to rush on her food; and when they take hers first it makes her feel as if she ate too fast, or ate too much food for a lady. I am really surprised to see this at a restaurant that has everything else down to a science and running like clock work; after the other night of this happening every time I've gone here, I don't think they will be my goto place in Davis; and as I own a business in Davis I want to go here as the food is great! We will see, the other restaurants in Davis still don't compare, so for now it is still Five Horses at the number one spot.

    (3)

  • G Z.

    I will get to the food after but I need to** WARN POTENTIAL DINERS OF THE INCOMPETENCY OF SOME OF THEIR WAITSTAFF** I came here last Thursday with 6 other people. Upon paying the bill, I personally handed the waitress a pile of cash and one single debit card and explained that she should apply the money to the bill first and THEN charge my card for the remainder...which really didn't need an explanation but you never know. Somehow, she forgot this while walking from the table to the credit card machine and I was charged for the entire bill ($212.66) !! I noticed this on my bank statement the following day and called immediately. I spoke with the manager whose explanation was, "Oh, yeah this happens from time to time. We credited your card back and it should go through but if it doesn't just call us back and we will credit again." OH OK....this happens from time to time? I suggest as a manager...you make sure that it NEVER happens because $212.66 is a big mistake and could potential completely screw a person financially while the money is being credited back to your account. Now to the food that night: I ordered a grilled cheese that tasted awful. Probably the easiest thing to make ...ever...but somehow it tasted like hell. I bite into it and it was dry as heck (the kind of dry that literally hurts your mouth to attempt to eat) and tasted like a dirty, greasy grill. In disbelief, I had the SIX other people I was seated with taste it and they all agreed that it was just awful. That's seven people who confirmed that it was literally not edible. When the waitress was clearing our dishes she did ask if I liked my grilled cheese and I said no it tasted terrible to which she replied, "oh...." and cleared my plate. The tater tots (which are normally good) tasted like freezer. You know that taste? Also confirmed by seven people. Very disappointed that night which is really too bad because it is a nice atmosphere and it does have a great great beer selection, but being charged the full amount of the bill after an explanation of how to charge it and not being able to eat that night was a giant thumbs down.

    (3)

  • J S.

    I have been to Five Horses a few times because of its great location, but other than being in a great spot, Five Horses doesn't offer much to distinguish itself. It has a decent beer list and a fairly big (but kind of random?) menu. Both times I have been, I left with the feeling that maybe they hadn't totally decided what they were going for. This may be partly because the layout of the interior is sort of strange -- a friend of mine who lives in Davis told me they had recycled some of the booths from the previous restaurant in that location, and unfortunately, it kind of shows and the restaurant feels a little thrown together.

    (3)

  • Greg G.

    This is the perfect place in Davis square. I have tried the burger, the brie grilled cheese, and papas frites, and 2 of their tacos. They were all excellent. They have over 90 bottled beers, with 35 different beers on tap every day. The drink menu is extensive and excellent. The place is casual but classy. It is very nice and clean inside, with a warm dark black and grey look to it. I plan to go here regularly.

    (4)

  • M A.

    Nice bar- easy menu and good local. This place should do well they did a massive renovation on the existing spot and opened it up nicely. Nice job- place kills it

    (5)

  • Ned G.

    Went here with my girlfriend last week. Our waiter was kind of weird, but the food did come out and as usual it was very good. After being charged incorrectly on my credit card, I called the restaurant and they took care of the situation promptly. I really like this place and I will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Kyle N.

    Normal vibe, good drink selection, poor service. First server told us she'd get us the 3 drinks we ordered. 2nd server then came over, told us they didn't actually carry what we ordered, then proceeded to shamelessly hit on my friend. He asked what her drink order was then said "that makes me want to go home with you..." Then he came back after bringing our drinks and literally sat down at our table, continuing to hit on my friend in front of everyone. Pretty serious lack of professionalism and customer service. 3 stars for ambiance and drink selection, 0 stars for sleezy servers. This place has a long way to go before becoming the place to go in Davis. Until then, you'll find me at The Burren.

    (2)

  • Kartikeya S.

    I've never been disappointed by the beers here. The food is great but not as many options as I'd like. Pizzas are filling but I recommend the pumpkin soup or the Brie grilled cheese. I had a great milk stout there but I like dark beers that I can chew anyway.

    (4)

  • Nate S.

    Good beer selection. Decent food and friendly staff make this a good pick in Davis Square. From what the bartender told me they are constantly getting new beers in to try. Just pay attention to the prices though... Some bottles are like $18!

    (4)

  • Pete S.

    They took the same douchey crowd that populated Sagra, doubled it, and added a great draft beer list. Nobody over 30 will enjoy this place at night, but like Sagra and Sauce before it, the too-lazy-to-go-to-the-Back-Bay crowd will love it to death. And with the history of this location, I mean it when I say to death.

    (2)

  • Louise F.

    Chose this place for an anniversary dinner. Best calamari I have ever had, with a great beer selection. We were stuffed between a couple large parties, which was a little bit of a let down, but what can you do? Our server was nice, but I think she forgot about us at one point. I would suggest it on a weekday night.

    (3)

  • Irissa N.

    I came here while I was in town for a job interview with a friend who lives in Davis Square. It was well priced for the neighborhood and the drink selection was out of this world. I had the veggie burger with tator tots and you can't go wrong with this.

    (4)

  • Tiffany C.

    Let me start by saying this is my new go-to place in David Square. I've been here twice, once for drinks, once for food and drinks. The alcohol selection is great- varied, unusual, but with familiar favorites. My first trip I tried a varietal of wine I'd never even heard of- I didn't really love it, but I love a place that can offer me something new. And though I'm not generally a beer drinker, I'm familiar enough with it to know they have a good selection. One complaint- I ordered a cocktail on my second visit and it wasn't very good. I forget the name, but it had rosewater in it-- so much of it unfortunately that the drink tasted like cleaning fluid. I was disappointed enough that evening to not to try order a second cocktail, but I would be willing to try again in the future. (In fact, I would venture to say that if there had been less rosewater in my drink, and a bit more sweetness to it, it would have been a perfectly good cocktail!) On to the food: I got their fried chicken sammy with tater tots, my companion got a pizza covered in italian meats. My sandwich was great (it came with honey and aioli on it, but I got the aioli on the side, and glad I did, since it was better with JUST the honey), the tots were tasty, and my companion thought the pizza was very good. Prices were good- comparable to going some of Davis Square's other bars for much less interesting food. Will definitely be coming back here.

    (4)

  • Melanie C.

    Went here for dinner a couple nights ago. Had a toro taco and it was great! Also their drinks are so creative and delicious! I had a "recipe for success" and it was awesome. The service was really quick and attentive despite it being a busy friday night. Kudos to this place!

    (5)

  • Tom B.

    Outstanding food, along with a great beer list and a very helpful staff. I highly recommend the chicken tenders and the cheese pizza.

    (5)

  • Justin B.

    Very excited about this place mainly because of the tap list. Most craft beer places I've been to in Boston claim 100's of beers, yet most of them are bottled. This place has 30+ on tap. The bartenders were doing their best for a Saturday night. Great selection as they had Allagash Black on tap which is one of my hard to find favorites. Here's the biggest problem, which also ruined a first date. Insanely hot inside. I don't understand what the deal was. It had to be almost 90 inside. They had the huge windows open for outside, yet it was a very hot and humid Saturday. The girl I was with went to the bathroom and when she came back, said she couldn't believe the difference in heat. I was sweating all night long. Even outside was cooler at this point. I hate to harp on it but I'm not the only one. Just blast the A/C, especially on your opening weekend. Talking to people at the bar, everyone shared the same sentiment. I want to come back but will only do so when the outside temperatures are maximum in the mid-60's.

    (2)

  • C K.

    Went for brunch and was generally unimpressed...the excuse was probably that there had been a 5K that morning so the restaurant was slammed, but that should be a time to crank out your best food! Price point was high for the quantity of food (no hash browns with brunch entrees?!?! for shame...), the food tasted REALLY buttery and plates weren't well composed. Would maybe go back for beer, but with so many other places around davis with great food and drinks I wouldn't make it a destination.

    (2)

  • Nicola I.

    I really want to like the Five Horses Tavern because I want an alternative to Redbones. I tried this place during their opening week (on a weeknight)and was not impressed with the food or the beer list. I decided to give it another shot (on a weekend) and experienced the same: poor sandwich to bread ratio, dry bread, not much flavor besides salt, and a lack-luster beer list. That being said, both times I have visited the service was outstanding. Great, attentive staff who are not overbearing or cloying. If only their food was similar! As for beer lists? You can get a better selection at Redbones and definitely at Lord Hobo (and much better food at LH). Right now, crowd-wise, it seems like the Five Horses is grabbing the Foundry's run-off... and I don't much care for the Foundry crowd... or the large TV screens that dominate at both establishments.

    (2)

  • Anton A.

    Not one of my favorites, but worth a try.

    (3)

  • Kevin W.

    Came for a birthday party. Great food and nice drink selections. If i ever come back to the area I'll be sure to return.

    (4)

  • Courtney M.

    What an incredible menu! I was thoroughly impressed with the vegetarian and vegan options. The vibe was hipster enough for me! I will definitely be back so that I can eventually eat every Veggie option on the menu because they all looked good.

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    We have been excited to try this place out since we saw the sign go up a while back and our first trip there yesterday was great, with a few caveats. The atmosphere is upscale and trendy, with an amazing hanging ball of dozens of beer tap handles by the front door. The only downer in terms of the atmosphere was the odd easy listening they were playing - something with a bit more edge would seem more appropriate. My wife had the lobster roll, which she was was among the best she'd had. This means something from her, given that it's one of her favorite food and her sample size is alarmingly large. I had the mac and cheese, which was good, although I would have appreciated a bit more flavor in the cheese. The beer list is the real reason we came and it did not disappoint, with a great variety of interesting and somewhat unique beers categorized by type. The beers we ordered were served in appropriate glassware and were nice and cold. Our service was nice, but not overly competent. The food runner had to ask who ordered what entree and our server was MIA for large portions of the evening. I'll chalk up a lot of this to a new restaurant ironing out the kinks. The co-manager, Steve, did pick up a lot of the slack, and even though he was running around to make sure things were in order, he stopped to chat with us and see how we liked everything. We'll definitely be back and we'll be looking for better music, better service, and more good food and beer.

    (4)

  • Eris S.

    I had dinner here and thought the food, beer, and waitstaff was great. I had the fish tacos and tater totes which were both delicious. Also my waiter was unbelievably knowledgable on the very large beer list. I think his name was Keith. I would definitely go back to try other items on the menu.

    (5)

  • Michael W.

    Great beer selection. Properly made mixed drinks. But food...pretentious and over priced. Mixing in hip new ingredients to make what would have been solid tavern fare into 'hipster chow"...not something I'm interested in supporting. $11 for an under cooked hamburger ( Med. does not mean tartar) and copious amounts of tater tots (the only side offered that wasn't 'enhanced') is not what I call a great simple option for the menu. The duck was served raw as well ( interesting flavor, but RAW). And as long as I'm on it...LOUD. Nothing they can do about that. The open layout creates a noise tunnel. Much like the menu, style over substance seems to be more important. The service was good during a busy evening, so there is that. I hope the menu finds room for a few solid options other than overpriced hamburger /mac n cheese. Solo mashed potatoes and a properly cooked burger would go some distance to improving my opinion. Duck that didn't quack would be nice too. And a main course that nods to culinary basics and not hip ingredient blends would be nice. Surely, cater to the clientele you wish to attract, but if you are calling yourself a 'tavern', give a tip of the hat to the name.

    (2)

  • Kristin C.

    Five Horses Tavern lives in the old Sagra location and it is about a million times busier that its Italian predecessor ever was. It was nice to walk into the restaurant and see it bustling on a Sunday night. I would describe the food at Five Horses Tavern as upscale bar food that doesn't break the bank. A varied selection with some items that will surprise you. Pizza with lobster and pork belly on it? At this place, yes. I ordered the brussels sprouts and drunken wings. The wings were a great combination of spicy (but not too spicy) and citrusy (they came with limes to squeeze over). The brussels sprouts were amazing. They were served with pork belly and something else I can only describe as crispy deliciousness. My dining buddies both ordered the fried chicken sammy, which they say was divine. I tried their tater tots (good but nothing to squeal over) and jalapeño mashed potatoes, which were interesting but not really my thing. This place has a ridiculously large beer menu - the kind any beer snob would love. And their cocktail menu, while significantly smaller, is nothing to laugh at either. I loved the feel of this place and would like to come back. HOWEVER, I have to say that service was AWFUL. We were greeted by someone (host? busser? food runner?) and were told he'd find a table for us. Five minutes later nothing. Then a server found us and immediately sat us at one of the handful of open tables. All of the servers I came into contact with were very nice, but that was all. And I say all of them because about I had three or four different ones during my one meal there. I'm not sure what the server system is there, but it didn't' seem like one person was assigned to our table. If this was an efficient system, then I wouldn't care one way or the other. But it was not. Not even a little bit. Ordering a drink took 10-15 minutes. And at one point I had to ask one of the servers to see if the other server had actually put my drink in 10 minutes after I ordered it. Then five minutes later I got it. Yes, it was a busy Sunday night, but it wasn't New Year's Eve packed and didn't excuse the ridiculously long wait times between ordering a drink and actually getting it. The only time the servers were actually prompt was when we asked for the check and paid our bill. If I come back, I'll likely sit at the bar where I hope the service is a million times better than on the floor. This restaurant makes a great addition to the neighborhood. I just hope they can polish up their service.

    (3)

  • Jennifer L.

    I would probably give it 3 1/2 stars if I had that option. Five Horses Tavern is probably the sixth place I've seen come through this location. It was packed last night, so maybe it'll last. It was an hour wait at 8:00 on a Saturday for a party of two for dinner. No different from any other place in the area, really. Luckily we got a seat at the bar before too long. They had TVs playing college football at the bar. It was packed, but it's a spacious place so I didn't feel claustrophobic. It was loud. My friend had already eaten, so the only thing I have to go on is a veggie burger, which was delicious and very flavorful. Lots of places use a store-bought frozen brand, and others make their own and fail horribly. This one seemed homemade and was a nice consistency with lots of veggies. The tater tots were awesome, but I mean, they were tater tots. Not sure you can mess those up. You have a few other choices of sides -- mesclun greens, fries, etc. The menu was large and varied. Pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, duck, chicken, soups, salads...Some of the entrees are a little pricier, $15-20, but pretty reasonable overall. Lots of good beers on tap, wide selection, huge drink menu. The bartenders were great. Very friendly, attentive, and good. The food came out quickly. I might go back, but I prefer a quieter place for dinner and am not big on bars in general...if you are, you'd probably like it.

    (3)

  • Jon P.

    Disclaimer: I went to this place for the soft opening where the owners were kind enough to provide all food on menu and drinks at no charge. With that out of the way, I'll say that I really like this new spot. You'll hear everyone compare it to the Foundry, which is fair, but I honestly think it's a more laid back atmosphere and tries less to project an upscale image than their counterpart. The location is nice and will probably keep it from getting overcrowded all the time like some other spots--good for you, maybe not so great for them. The atmosphere is a nice, For beer, they have an exceptional draft list of 30+beers with lots of local options. There's a dedicated bourbon/whiskey bar that is pretty substantial and the cocktails I had there were tasty and very creative, albeit somewhat slowly crafted. I liked that the bartender provided and refilled water without asking me. For food, everyone really enjoyed their selection and the price, though we weren't paying, was good for what they provided. The calamari was possibly the best I've had and I consider myself a connoisseur of fried squid. The mac and cheese was amazing, and the kentucky fried cornish game hen set a new bar for fried chicken.

    (4)

  • Martha L.

    Gallop away, seriously. We went here for Sunday Brunch. The waiter was incredibly nice but the food didn't make up for it. I had the standard breakfast, and it was pretty dismal, and seriously, I always think that it's hard to mess up eggs but they proved me wrong. There were hash brown that were heavy and tasted deep fried, on top of which was a sad egg and one piece of toast. It came with a dilapidated fruit cup that had mostly honey dew melon swimming in a puddle of about a 1/2 cup of water and they did the cardinal sin of fruit cup creation: they cut the damned fruit on a cutting board they also cut onions on because you could taste the onion in every soggy bite. Beh. My husband had a chicken sandwich - the chicken was good but paired with a sweet brioche roll and a cup full of grits so solid you could have grouted tile with it. I'd have the five horses take me to another stop next time.

    (2)

  • Amy N.

    Solid Davis neighborhood spot with an AMAZING shout out to Michael, the host, who read the room and got our party seated in record time based on our needs.

    (4)

  • Jason B.

    "Five Horses definitely wins at being the best in the area at fine mixology. " AND YES, I do mean better than Saloon. There, I said it.

    (4)

  • Ifigeneia D.

    Came here for dinner based on a friend's recommendation. The drinks were pretty good but the food was average. I would say an OK place, but there are probably much more interesting dinner options in the area.

    (3)

  • Rebekah C.

    I am a big fan of Five Horses Tavern. I guess this is just my kind of bar. Every time I have been here the place is packed. I love the laid back atmosphere. The food is some of the best bar food I have had so far. The tacos are amazing. They have a great beer selection. The staff is always amazing even when they are really busy.

    (4)

  • L J.

    This dimly lit joint and it's over priced beers is really, somehow, enjoyable. The music selection is suspect, but at least they've got a solid kitchen and enough 20somethings & 30somethings milling around to make you feel like you're at a place that'll build up your yelp street cred. The door man was a friendly dude who seemed to not mind the summer heat, and the service was pretty good-- pouring my bottle into a glass at the table for me, even. For all it's positive attributes, Five Horses Tavern is not that great. It's the type of place you take a date that is too uptight for the basement of Redbones.

    (3)

  • Christie L.

    The food here is SO DELICIOUS! On top of that, the ambiance is very nice. Great place to get drinks and of course amazing food! K-town wings:: very tasty marinated grilled wings k.f.c.g.h:: Juicy and tasty fried chicken in every bite. Comes with delicious jalepeno cheddar mashed potatoes and pork belly mac and cheese. This whole entrees was so yummy and flavorful. You have to get this! My roommate and I have been craving to go back since the first time we tried this dish!

    (5)

  • Jon L.

    Really good food. Really good beer with a stupidly large drink selection. It's a great place for brunch or for dinner. I've taken family there and dates there and I've never had anything but a great experience. The drink menu is almost problematically large. The first time I went there my brother and I took a long time to choose ours drinks. I don't always love the beer I get, but I like that I can try something new every time I go. The food I've gotten there is great too. I'm vegetarian and I have one brother who is gluten free and another who is a brewer. I was able to take both there and we were all happy with the place. Definitely recommended.

    (4)

  • Kevin D.

    Bow down to brown liquor. Awesome whisk(e)y bar. I could spend months here sampling the various scotches, bourbons, and other whiskeys, but my liver would not thank me. Also a good beer selection, food is decent.

    (5)

  • Theodore Y.

    This place is steadily becoming one of my favorite spots. The bouncer is always nice, does his job without attitude, and offers sound advice to patrons. The bar gets crowded at times, but tables are mostly readily available. Whiskey/whisky selection is choice. Appetizers are always bomb. Can't go wrong with tater-tots and chicken fingers! I sometimes like to dress up in flannel and sneak behind the bar. Never works.

    (5)

  • Sarah W.

    It was a strange brunch experience. Waitress: "Hi, can I get you all drink, coffee, tea, etc?" Me: "Sure, what kind of herbal tea do you have?" Waitress: "Oh, we only have Lipton." ...Really? Not even a multi-pack of Celestial Seasonings in the back? Me: "Okay, well, I see that you have fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice in your grapefruit bellini. Do you have fresh-squeezed orange juice?" Waitress: "No. None of our juices are fresh squeezed, they're nothing special." ...Uh, then why does it say fresh-squeezed ON THE MENU? On the way out, I asked the bartender if any of their drinks had fresh-squeezed juices, and she confirmed that while they didn't squeeze them in house, yes, they used fresh-squeezed orange juice and fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice in their drinks. We order. Friend: "I'd like the Croissantwich, please." [Note: This is a $12 item.] Waitress: "Sure, and you get a side with that." Friend: "Oh! Okay, I'll have the cheddar cheese grits." [Note: This is a $5 side.] Food comes, all is pretty tasty, but when the bill arrives, the croissantwich is listed as $14. We ask the waitress, and she said that it had an upcharge because my friend had picked a pricier side. We said okay, but in the future this would have been nice to mention at the ordering (or state somewhere on the menu). We were prepared to pay the check as-is, but the waitress came back a few minutes later with the whole item off the check, saying her manager had insisted. ...I have no idea what happened there. Other minor things: -The bathroom was a frigid, frigid icebox. -Waitress was not attentive; we had to request refills on our coffee from another waitress because ours was MIA. Frankly, I think we just got lousy luck with the service -- she really seemed like she did not give a shit about us or our meal. I would be willing to go back and try again. But I just got a weird feeling about all of it.

    (3)

  • Kimberly H.

    Five horses is my go-to spot for dinner or drinks in Davis Square. The service is consistently warm, the menu is creative and the drink list is vast. What more could you ask for? One of my favorite things about Five Horses is that their menu makes me want to explore. Don't get me wrong, I have my go-to's: the Drunken Wings (add a little splash of lime to these babies YUM) and the K.F.C.G.H. a Kentucky fried cornish game hen with jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes and pork belly spiked mac n' cheese hfdjskfhjdfkshfjd (excuse the typo, I was wiping drool off my keyboard), but there is always an item or special that very roughly twists my arm. During my last visit we tried one of their appetizer specials, Curry Tots. Yes, hot curry & chicken over crispy fried tater tots. Mr. Chef, you are my new best friend. Where many restaurants will offer a few "safe" items like chicken tenders or a boring cheeseburger, Five Horses doesn't waste it's time and I LOVE that. Not every item has made it to my must-try list, but there is no argument that the menu is well executed and the flavors are bold and interesting. Every time the menu changes, I know I am going to enjoy the task of finding a new favorite! And before I finish this review, I want to give a shout out to the most friendly door guy EVAAAA! Five horses don't let that guy go anywhere! 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Jon H.

    When you walk into the Five Horses, you'll immediately spot the supernova of beer taps hanging from the ceiling. The interior is clean and attractive, and I think I could mostly say the same for the bathroom. My real issue with the Tavern came from the level of professionalism expected of the waitstaff. On my visit to the Five Horses, I brought family that was visiting from out of town, and we chose to sit outside and away from loud talking via other tables. What I did not anticipate was that the waiter who was serving the patio would be much more disruptive. Our waiter, let's call him "Jafar"-- his name was never given to us and he was too tall for us to read his name tag--is the definition of oversharing. As in, please don't tell us about how your father died, we're trying to enjoy brunch and we don't know you. Jafar didn't seem to have varied opinions on the menu (i.e. only recommended one appetizer and one drink), but had colorful language to describe his opinion of my significant other's body and his opinion of religion. Additionally, he felt comfortable outlining his past illicit drug and alcohol use, as well as destruction of property (E.g. Ghost riding cars). Jafar, we're not paying $9 a drink for you to do standup and make my family uncomfortable. This was brunch. On that note, the food was generally impressive. The tatter tots were perfect. Whereas the drunken wings were underwhelming and mostly dry. The bartender did an excellent job on the brunch beverages, and although they were reasonably strong, the excessive monologue and inappropriate gestures provided by our otherwise disinterested waiter "Jafar" ruined the experience. My brother's girlfriend lives in the area and mentioned that Jafar is a regular member of staff, so I know I won't be missing anything if I never eat at the Five Horses again. No need to pay swollen prices for unprofessional and inappropriate service.

    (2)

  • Matt G.

    First I need to be clear I have only been here for drinks/apps--- but have sat in the dining area all the times I've been. First, that is a huge benefit. They will allow you to have tableservice if you are just ordering drinks/apps. Many restaurant/bars in the Davis area wont let you do that, so its totally appreciated. Their beer list.... impressive, and it changes pretty regularly. The waitstaff are all pretty damn educated, so if you know what you are in the mood for, just ask... they wont steer you wrong. They have an impressive draft AND bottle list. After work gets croweded once you hit the dinner rush around 7:00. Get the White Bean Hummus.... just get it. Its delicious. Warm pita? White bean hummus? Yes please! The chicken tender appetizer, might sound 'kiddie' but its darn tasty! I'd be curious to try them for brunch... but post-work apps/beers: A+ Havent had a mixed drink, but the beerlist alone is worth a visit.

    (4)

  • Dessa R.

    My gal pal and I met in Davis for some ladysnacks. She is my favorite dining companion, because she orders the kind of food she wants, sans shame or self-deprecating humor. We both loved the "midnight interlude" cocktail, a bubbly and not-too-sweet balsamic vinegar drink. We shared the duck mac n cheese, which was piping hot, creamy, and chock full of little bits of crispy duck. I'm excited to try their brunch. A bit noisy, and frequently a wait, but when you do get a table, it's pretty worthwhile.

    (4)

  • chelsea h.

    This place not only has top-notch service, but great food, an amazing beer selection, and a really cool atmosphere. I got a group of 20 people together here last weekend to gather for a surprise for my boyfriend's 30th. They do not take reservations, but reserved tables for me anyway! The manager was emailing me for the weeks leading up helping me to plan it. I brought a really nice expensive cake that they kept refrigerated all day from the morning on until I asked them to take it out that night. There were some annoying things that happened with the bill because of my friends, and the waiter, Jabari was totally nice and cool with it. I honestly would have most likely gotten annoyed by a rowdy group like us spending hours there, and then insisting on being annoying about the bill- but not Jabari. I definitely recommend this place. Oh, and if you like flannel- all the waiters/waitresses wear different flannel shirts! :)

    (5)

  • Mallory C.

    Not really in the mood for pub food I was hesitant to eat here, but OH.MY.WORD. I am so glad we did. We went on President's day, unaware of the brunch they were having, but we did not have to wait to be seated. We were brought waters immediately, and given plenty of time to peruse the incredible beer/wine menu! The selection is incredible. I had a Maine Peeper ale, that was fruity and light and made me want summer so bad! For starters we ordered the calamari, which came with mangos and banana peppers. Very different, but delicious. I had the pumpkin soup with amaretto biscotti croutons on top- I swear I will be dreaming about that soup!! We also got the Brie grilled cheese (which I didn't try this time around) and the potato tacos, which I devoured in moments. The food is awesome and very unique- this is not your typical pub fare. All of their desserts are home made as well, and I highly recommend the "nutella and drunken banana" Awesome service, wonderful cozy atmosphere and food that exceeded my expectations. Yes, we have a new date spot in Davis Square!!! Plus there will ALWAYS be more beers to try!!!

    (4)

  • Tony B.

    The prices are getting out of control. I am a fan of this place and have been at least 20-30 times. The food and beer list is solid and pretty consistent. I really like going here but I am at the point where I must boycott it out of principle. A pub in Davis Sq simply should not be charging these prices. I dropped close to $80 on LUNCH for two (no entrees, just tacos (no sides) and 2 beers each. What's most funny is that the lunch special was a bowl of soup... for $17. yes. soup. lunch. $17. WTF? and no, there was not lobster in it. just beef soup. I hate you 5 Horses for taking something good and ruining it by gouging customers. Its not just them. This is the trend in Somerville/Cambridge: redecorate your townie bar, use organic lettuce and gourmet ketchup, and suddenly you have a $16 chefs burger. Then you just need to get small glasses to pour craft beer into with a 4 finger head, and the hipsters will line up. 10-12 oz. pours for $8-$12 is infuriating. I love the beer but I could buy a keg for the price of 10 beers here. For realzies. If the prices were remotely sane this would be a strong 4 star review.

    (2)

  • Alia L.

    Came here for drinks with a group of friends. They have an awesome beer selection and the food isn't too bad. Prices are moderate. Overall, a great place to get together with a group of people to chill and have drinks.

    (3)

  • Sally B.

    As soon as Five Horses came galloping into Davis, I knew we had a winner. It wasn't just how great they were during our Yelp party there (thanks for not caring how much banana cream pie we got all over the place! and for making vegan food for my vegan friends!). It wasn't just how much of an improvement it was over what used to be there before. It wasn't just how great it was to sit at the bar in the summer, or how many great beers and ciders they serve. It was the plaid. Any place where people are willing to wear matching plaid while serving up great service, tasty and well-priced food, and strong delicious drinks is welcome in my neighborhood. And after many months, I only love Five Horses more and more. For brunch. For late night drinks and friendly bouncers. For patio seating and a bar where you can meet a friend or just drink alone. For the best buttermilk chicken salad I've ever eaten, which constantly haunts my dreams. And still, forever... for the plaid.

    (5)

  • Stasj T.

    Mussels. Brusselsprouts. OMG. The brusselsprouts are sweet and spicy and were marinated in a way that is was just amazing. I can't even describe it; i want to say like General Tsao's chicken, but I don't want to turn away any vegetarians nor vegans. Just... Try it. UMG. The mussels were good and hot. I'm still getting acclimated to eating seafood, so this dish definitely added to the "will continue to eat" tally. Ordered the Showstopper (5 spice pulled pork with greens) and it was good. Wish it had more meat (I'm the opposite of a vegetarian) but everything was delish!

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    Worth going for the absolutely amazing craft beer menu, including some rarities. Although the food ranged from very good to excellent, ignore the ridiculous suggestion of "tater tots" as a side dish (frozen, not homemade). Servers are somewhat condescending.

    (4)

  • Alice M.

    Love this place. Great tap selection. Great options for veg and vegans. Good comfort food. Love the peadiddy salad. Con: Can get a bit crowded on the weekends.

    (4)

  • Helena Q.

    I got a pork belly taco (6$) and an apple cocktail (9$). Taco was quite small; definitely more of an appetizer. I tried a friend's mushroom pizza: the ricotta was amazing, but the crust was soft and lackluster. The cocktail was quite tasty, nothing to complain about. Wouldn't go out of the way to go here, but if you're in the area, it's decent.

    (3)

  • Miquel R.

    very impressed with the food each time i go there plus a vast selection of beers there as well service has always been average there though prob because of the fact that they are busy. the fried chicken tenders and the pretzel are some of the best i have had....

    (4)

  • James C.

    My fiancee and I came in a few weeks ago for a wick easy lunch. I really wanted a beer which was my deciding factor. There's always a great selection on tap and in bottles. Normally I'm pretty decisive when I drink but I was really perplexed as to which of three new beers I've wanted. AJ , our server, described all three so well I was even more torn. He got me a sample of each and was very pleasant about it. Great start to our experience. I've been coming here for about a year and I live in Davis. I feel most places in the square have gone downhill in that time frame. Five Horses originally didn't impress me other than it's beer selection but it has bucked the trend. The staff has gotten friendlier and more knowledgeable (there was a staff training going on in the back). The food has also gone from mediocre to pretty good. I am a die hard carnivore but I was intrigued by the cauliflower po boy. I devoured it and I was stuffed 2/3 of the way through but couldn't stop eating it. My fiancee a Mac n cheese snob was also in food coma heaven by the end too.

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    I've never written a review for a place that I feel is mediocre or bad because I'd feel bad and like I was wasting my time... and I depend on others to rant for me. Unfortunately, no one did for this place, and after wasting my time and money and a dinner out, I feel like i need to review Five Horses...especially because I actually read enough positive reviews that convinced me to try it. Maybe it was an off night though? Regardless, this was the most mediocre dining experience I've ever had. It wasn't bad - just comically mediocre. I went on a week night and it was pretty packed. It was also so loud that I had to shout to the waitress to order and my guest and I just stopped talking to each other and laughed/ tried (failed) to lip read instead. We had the grilled brie app; it was OK. My guest ordered the "Showstopper" sandwich. That's probably the most non-fitting name for the sandwich, which was served on the whitest bread I've maybe ever seen, and was just OK. I tried the veggie burger. That was OK too. I don't remember the cocktails we had, but they were fine. Point being, it wasn't bad. Just not good.

    (2)

  • Sharon O.

    When I go out to a nice place, my eye always settles on the menu item involving duck confit, because, ladies and gentleman, it's delicious. Pork belly [which is a sometimes a riskier choice since it can be prepared in less than desirable ways (too chewy)] is also up there on my dining out with happy tastebuds guide. Which brings me to Five Horses Tavern. When faced with a menu offering up both, It's a hard choice, right? Five Horses offers you pork belly or duck confit options, and then raises you pork belly-duck confit in the same dish. Together. So obviously, that's what I had to get. The Pato loco (confit duck burrito with pork belly, wild rice, red onion, garlic, swiss chard, scallions, red dragon sauce). It was large. And hot. And my companions tried to steal it but I didn't share. It was so good. (I did share my cheddar jalapeno mashed potatoes side, since I couldn't fit the giant burrito and the giant ladle of potatoes in my stomach). My trusted companions (who had selected the venue) got the 1) pork belly tacos (when compared to my whopping burrito- looked quite small), 2) lobstah pie (lobster pizza). Both enjoyed very much. The cheese plate we split 3 ways for an appetizer was tough to sate 3 hungry people, but was fun, and our food came out relatively quickly after. Beers aplenty (a whole menu's worth!). But I enjoyed the house sangria (although I wished there was 'more edible' fruit inside like apples instead of lemon/limes- although I realize the latter are indeed actually edible...). Not that cheap (highishly moderate), but definitely worth galloping on over to. A note: Five Horses also has vegetarian options that were not too shabby, but I can't report on them (besides the cheese plate app) since I only had eyes for the meat (although I was considering the potato taco up until I saw the pato loco).

    (4)

  • George B.

    went in for lunch, they have a great beer and an even better bourbon list. the bartender was very pleasant but alittle slow unfortunately. I ordered a Rowan's creek and was alittle disappointed that they measured their pours but atleast it was reasonably priced at $8. I then ordered acouple of Stone porters and the closing bartender managed a terrible pour that overflowed everywhere and I wasn't even offered a napkin to clean up. now to the food, 1st up was the pork belly taco which was surprisingly good eventhough it came on a flour tortilla (I'm a traditional corn guy), it came with pickled onions which added a nice acid note, a cilantro addition wouldn't of been hated. next up were the nicely charred roasted brussels sprouts with pieces of pork belly and diced apples which was completely amazing. I wouldn't change a thing. lastly the drunken wings, they were small guys but cooked well with some pepper at the end and not overly breaded. lacked some flavor though, could barely taste the lime and definitely couldn't taste tequila at all, it badly needed a dipping sauce. all n all I was happy with my experience though and would recommend my 1st 2 choices for sure. if it wasn't for the small service issues I would of given 1 more star

    (3)

  • Amanda K.

    We have a saying in our house: "Do you want to go to Five Horses, or to a worse restaurant?" This is our absolute favorite place in the area. It's gotten to the point where we come here pretty much every date night. The huge ever-changing list of beers is the biggest draw for my husband, who is a total beer geek. The servers are very knowledgeable about the beers and helpful when he's deciding. I'm not a beer fan and wish they had more hard ciders, but I usually get the sangria, which is delicious. The food is the real treasure - my favorite is the mac and cheese with pork belly, but everything I've had there is great. The menu is so interesting and unique. My husband dreams about the jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes. Recently I went for brunch and was just as blown away by the awesome food. I've never had bad service there, and even on busy nights the wait is not too long (for Davis Square). Definitely recommended!

    (5)

  • Jill L.

    Met up with a Somerville-residing friend while on a weekend trip to Boston in the cute neighborhood of Davis Square. I really had no idea of what to expect of this neighborhood, but upon exit of the T, I knew instantly that I was a fan. Another reason that I liked this area was the great lunch I had at Five Horses Tavern. Three of us got together for an early lunch on a Monday. The place was empty (as was to be expected at 1145 on a weekday). Our waiter was good and didn't laugh at me too hard when I pointed to a menu item and asked what "bulls blood" was (it's a type of lettuce, fyi). I had a hard time choosing what to order because everything looked amazing- another fyi, many menu items were vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free. I decided to live on the edge and try the bulls blood in the Pea Diddy salad (which also contained avocado, peas, basil and fresh mozzarella). I'm so glad I got this salad. It's not often that I find exciting salads on menus that I am inspired to recreate at home. Which I am going to do ASAP. My dining companions (my husband and our Somerville pal) ordered a burger and fish tacos, respectively, and both looked quite good. However, I was too busy licking the amazing salad dressing off my bowl to notice what they were eating. Prices, by the way, were very reasonable for the quality. I will definitely be looking to visit Five Horses Tavern on my next trip to the Boston area.

    (4)

  • Rachelle S.

    I had brunch here once. It was tasty food but a little over priced. Service and atmosphere was good.

    (3)

  • Lynds C.

    This place came incredibly highly recommended and unfortunately I was very disappointed. As someone who worked in the restaurant industry for many years, I was completely offended and shocked by their terrible customer service and poor management. Their manager was condescending, rude, and completely unaccommodating. I will never go back.

    (1)

  • Greg G.

    So ive eaten here a few times and experiences have been all over the place. First off the beer selection is always great, but this is more about the food. I have had a few good meals here, but have had 2 meals that were not so great. The burger is really plain and nothing special for the price, I expected more. The bigger issue I had is when I ordered the fried chicken at brunch. It was literally one chicken tender, and for how much the meal cost that is absurd. It's chicken, not duck or USDA prime beef, it really shouldnt be a 3oz portion. From better experiences I loved the chicken fried steak sandwich and had some of the tacos as well. I will definitely go back since it has a great bar, but hopefully they fix the portion control.

    (3)

  • Doug R.

    THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!!! They have great food and a REALLY great brunch. If you want some interesting items (like the breakfast club - a club sandwich with eggs, fried chicken, and waffles as bread) and the best bloody marys I've ever had. The gin bloody mary they have there keeps me coming back to that place.

    (5)

  • Darrell M.

    Classic case of "ooh there's a big line there - it must be worth going in!" The beer selection is OK, the service is weird and the food is bad. I wish I had something constructive to say about how to improve it, but I just don't. Give it a miss.

    (1)

  • Andrea B.

    Five Horses is this beer lover's new best friend. Just look at their drinks menu, and you will be in instant agreement with me. So many choices, it's impossible to decide! But beer lover or not, I highly recommend that you come here absolutely starving. Like, haven't-eaten-in-three-days kind of starving. Why? Because then you'll be able to eat and drink more. And you WILL want to eat and drink more. And more. And more. Five Horses is one of those special places where nothing on their menu sounds like a bad option. Which, for an already indecisive person like me, is highly problematic (but in the best way possible). Like any good Yelper should, I had scoured through photos and reviews before stopping by, so I thought that I knew just what I wanted to order. But upon viewing the menu again, I found myself overwhelmed with all the delicious possibilities. Make sure you come with an equally ravenous friend, because everything from starters to entrees are amazingly filling. After much careful deliberation (I take my food seriously, okay??), we decided on the Pato Loco to share, and two starters - the Brussels sprouts and tuna tartare. Both were good, but of the two, the Brussels sprouts take the cake. And I don't even like Brussels Sprouts. But Five Horses' version comes with pork belly (YES!), pickled apples, and shitake mushrooms. You don't need me to tell you that that made for one crazy creative and flavorful dish. But let's move on to the epic Pato Loco burrito. I'm just gonna say it - BEST burrito I've ever had, and likely ever will have. It was fantastic. It was jam packed with duck confit, pork belly (YES AGAIN!), rice, red onion, garlic, swiss chard, scallions, and red dragon sauce. I'll warn you, it was spicy, but it was so freaking delicious that I had trouble not turning into a stubborn five year old child who didn't want to share (but luckily I am a good friend, and shared anyway). Considering we each had a couple beers with all that food, we were too full for dessert. But seeing as Five Horses Tavern is totally my new best friend, I daresay it won't be long before I come back again!

    (5)

  • David C.

    Walk in after 7 on a Saturday, and good luck getting a table without having to wait at least half an hour. This place is popular, and deservedly so. Five Horses Tavern serves up some of the most delicious, hearty, and creative pub food around. It's also surprisingly affordable. My awesome roommate (and life-long BFF) treated me to dinner, which ran her just under $50 pre-tax and tip. And, gasp, we even had leftovers! The only problem with Five Horses, aside from the wait, is a menu so chock-full of delicious-sounding items that makes ordering downright agonizing. In the end, my roommate and I settled on a few appetizers, a sandwich, and some bread pudding for dessert. All the savory courses came out at the same time, and it was truly a sight to behold. The highlights for me were the brussels sprouts (huge suckers served with pickled apple, mushrooms, and PORK BELLY, all sauteed in a delicious fish sauce vinaigrette) and the Showstopper (a pulled pork and chicken liver mousse sandwich that lived up to its name and then some). I can only imagine how much MORE I would love Five Horses if I were a beer fan. I really envy you beer-drinkers sometimes, but then I look at my gut and I'm thankful. Given how much I eat already, I don't know if my body could handle it.

    (5)

  • Cmarie W.

    Brunch review... I've been here 4 times in the last 6 months so it's time to write a review. It's my go-to-post-Saturday-night-fever brunch place in Davis Sq with a solid down-home menu full of favorites and classics. Example, biscuits and gravy, tater-tots, cheese grits, various omelettes, pork tacos, burgers, etc. Not too many options compared to a diner or breakfast joint, but the basics are still there. Great coffee! I haven't been here after-hours so this review doesn't include commentary on whether it's hipster, bro, yuppie or whatever stereotype people are labeling restaurants these days, but if you need a good cup of coffee on a Sunday morning and a filling, tasty meal, Five Horses is your best bet!

    (4)

  • Duncan L.

    The brussel sprouts with bacon make the meal. If you get nothing else, get those. I've been here for dinner and brunch, and never walk away disappointed. Plus, their beer selection is pretty great.

    (4)

  • Rachel H.

    This restaurant seems to generally be host to a younger crowd; a loud environment. They have an excellent selection of beer; when they didn't have the one that I requested (Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc), the waitress suggested a great alternative. I ate the macaroni and cheese without anything added, and the other person who I was with ordered the fried chicken salad; both were delicious. I called to make a reservation and was surprised that they only accept reservations online. Overall, a good experience.

    (5)

  • Dawn E.

    Holy mother f*cking tacos. Pork belly is the best, but I ATE THEM ALL.

    (5)

  • Colin A.

    Good place to go for either just drinks or drinks and dinner. Great atmosphere (as all places are in Davis). The little outdoor patio is a nice touch. Very extensive and diverse selection of beers on tap. Smaller menu, but the food is awesome. Any of the tacos are excellent.

    (4)

  • Noah L.

    The beer selection rotates relatively frequently throughout the seasons, and the menu is pretty decent. The lamb taco was enjoyable, but the drunken wings lacked any hint of the advertised chili and tequila flavor.

    (3)

  • Jourdan H.

    I'm a big fan of this place. They have one drink that's not on the menu, but it's my all-time fav, and if the right bartender is there, they'll make it for me. I usually stick with the potato tacos, because I'm usually there for a snack and a drink, but everything I've tried has been quite good. Oh, their tater tots are also delicious. Can you tell I like potatoes? Overall, great place, have been multiple times, will be back again.

    (5)

  • Court S.

    Hi reader. I always pass by as I drive through Davis Square and stopped in with my cousin for dinner. We had nice seats outside because the high top tables by the windows inside were all occupied. The meal started off with a pitcher of sangria which neither of us enjoyed too much because it tasted as if it was made with a non sweet red wine, so the drink was somewhat flavorless. After about half way through we noticed that the inside of the pitcher appeared to be dirty, but just to make sure it wasn't pulp I stuck my finger inside and sure enough, it was a hard substance that I was able to scrape off with my fingernail. Gross. What we ordered: Baja fish tacos: Very tasty, even better with sriracha sauce. Papas Fritas: A handful of thick cut potato wedges served with a delicious spicy mayo. The mayo was amazing. Crab mac 'n' cheese: very tasty, and creamy with lots of crab. So good. Tater tots: Good when dipped in spicy mayo. Our waiter was a cool guy and the service was pleasant. I'm glad I checked this place out because I've had it booked for months. Next time I will be back for brunch and I'll make sure to skip the sangria. Other notes: In Davis Square. 2 hour metered street parking. Easy walk from T station. Nice location and outside seating. Supposedly great brunch spot.

    (3)

  • Taj K.

    Davis square has exploded with awesome over the past couple years and five horse tavern appears to be a fast staple in the area. We came here for brunch. The beer list is massive so you'll be sure to find something you like. We opted for salty brunch. Huevos Rancheros and chimichanga. My chimichanga was a big burrito. It came with sour cream and guacamole. I didn't like the chunks of potato but otherwise the filling was very good. My partner devoured the huevos rancheros. He asked for sausage, and they accommodated without issue. He also had the vodka Bloody Mary. Seriously delicious. Service is friendly. Ambience is chill chic. I definitely recommend and would enjoy coming back anytime.

    (4)

  • Ashley N.

    I enjoyed everything about Five Horses Tavern. Great service and great food. They have a nice selection of beers so something for everyone. I was impressed with their relatively new and recommended item, the Shakshuka. It was ground lamb, with a poached egg, halloumi cheese, and green chili sauce. It was served with warm fluffy flat bread, which was amazing and was perfect with the lamb. It all mixed so well. One of the servers recommended it to me and now I am sold. I would go back there for this item. The Chimichanga was surprisingly very well done. I enjoyed the addition of guacamole and sour cream with every bite of the chimichanga. It is a nice vegetarian dish and overall, did not need meat. I think I was very impressed because overall, the vegetables were well packed and neatly organized in to a fried tortilla to where you got a little bit of everything. There was a nice crunch and then soft potatoes and carrots I was biting in to. Good texture of foods going on. Katie, our server, was helpful and patient. She checked up on us enough times to make me feel like she did not forget our table. Great service, great food means I am coming back and I would recommended it to others.

    (5)

  • Jo M.

    We went here on a Saturday before heading in to town for a show. We arrived around 5:30, which gave us 90 minutes for a beer and a bite before we had to leave. What made me sad is that we needed every minute of that. The food was quite slow, even though it was early in the evening, and the place was only half full (if that). Once we got the food, it was quite good. Everyone loved their meals (even the side salad that came with mine). The beer though. There was a really big (although close to overwhelming) beer list, but it was really good. And when I was clearly fumbling to find the right IPA, the waiter knew off the top of his head all the ones they had on tap, as well as which were his faves. The sign of a man who loves his beer for sure!

    (3)

  • Jessica Y.

    This is the first restaurant review I've ever written because I've never actually had an issue with the taste of food at a restaurant before. My dinner was so bad that I opened a yelp account to post a review for five horses. The 'green monsta' pizza was insanely bland (this is coming from someone who enjoys plain broccoli ... Thats how tasteless this was). When I asked the waitress for marinara sauce or anything to make the pizza less bland, she said anything I added would be an upcharge of at least $1, and she didn't care at all that the food didn't taste good. She didn't even go as far to apologize for the food being crappy, or ask if I wanted something different - she just didn't give a crap. Nice girl, but not helpful at all. I will never come back here unless it's just for a drink with friends, but even then - the bartenders really only do fill the glasses 3/4 full, and just leave 1/4 of the glass filled with foam. There's WAY better places in Davis to get a meal for 2 for under $70 including drinks and tip, so I see no good reason to go to five horses.

    (1)

  • Emily A.

    I've been to Five Horses twice for dinner, and once for brunch. Dinner was an OK experience-- the food and beer selection were good, but the restaurant is often very loud and crowded, with slow-ish service to match. Brunch, however, was a hit-- I took my mom back in March when the snow was just starting to melt, we got a table by the window and it made a world of difference from the little back booths I'd been crammed into on my previous trips. I had a b'fast sandwich with salmon on a croissant, and I was so busy diving into it I don't even remember what my mom ordered, only that she enjoyed it. Special bloody marys and mimosas were just a cherry on top. Definitely plan to revisit for brunch, but probably not for dinner.

    (3)

  • Hannah S.

    On a Mother's Day brunch with my best friend (neither of us mothers, but we're celebrating anyway) she decided on this spot because she knew that the breakfast was killer (literally, there's a heart surgeon dish). We got the apple donut holes to split and they were godlike. Fluffy and crispy with a perfect icing to drizzle on top. They were huge. Beautiful. I've often heard it told that the cinnamon buns here are just crazy town madness delicious. She ordered the heart surgeon dish which was this beautiful tasty hash in a tasty iron skillet. I ordered southern comfort, which was fried chicken on a sea of sausage gravy with biscuits. I love breakfast, and this breakfast was certainly loving me back. Definitely would love to come here again when I'm back in town one day!

    (5)

  • Tim S.

    Full disclosure: I have only been here on weekend nights and only had the drinks. Drinks are pricey, but good. It is absurdly crowded, loud, and dark here. There is almost no opportunity to talk to other people in the bar, which is a chief reason I go to bars in the first place. I don't remember if there is music, but there is no dancing. I will revise this review when I have had food. Until then, I go elsewhere when I want to grab a drink with friends.

    (3)

  • Michelle S.

    This was my second time coming here. The first was neither bad, nor special. This last time, however, was quite frustrating. We went there around 6 to celebrate my brother's birthday, Our drink order (2 beers and 1 cocktail) took 15-20 min to arrive at our table and we had to remind our server that we were waiting on them. Then we had to flag our server down again to order an app. We attempt to order one of the specials, but it is already sold out (at 6pm?- plan better). The waitress is looking at little frustrated as we are now scrambling for a replacement app. We order the shrimp, which for $14 I figured should be big enough for us to share. NOPE. It was THREE pieces of shrimp.. for $14.. you have got to be kidding me. -Wait a long period for drinks -Had to flag down the server more than once as she was too busy chatting at the hosting station -Menu item is sold out way before the dinner rush is over -WAY overpriced app that the server could have easily let us know wouldn't be enough for us to share. With so many options in Davis, there is no reason for me to come back here.

    (2)

  • Heather T.

    The food was good, the service was not so much. Our waiter forgot about us and we ended up having to grab a passing waiter to get our check after 20 minutes of sitting there with no drinks or food left. It was a slow weekday evening with very few tables and we were right on the main path. Just unacceptable.

    (2)

  • S R.

    Excellent food and service. They also have tables outside when the weather is nice. Their beer list is fabulous and servers are always helpful and knowledgable. Would recommend for sure! Also a good spot to watch sports at the bar.

    (5)

  • San W.

    Let's get on with it. APPETIZERS House Mussels (maine buchot mussels, chili, ginger, garlic, white miso, scallion, grilled bread): Mussels were plump and juicy, broth was way too salty, and the two slices of grilled bread were HUGE. Like size of my face huge. While the bread was really good, I expected more mussels and less bread. 'Cause, you know, I ordered mussels. Papas Fritas (crispy triple-fried fingerling potatoes, red pepper-garlic mayo): Looked and tasted like they had been nuked to oblivion. Meh sauce. ENTRÉES Bomb-mi (eggplant pakora, jalapeño jelly, miso-tomato mousse, pickled daikon & carrot, lettuce, mint & cilantro on fresh baguette): I didn't take a bite but b. seemed uninspired. b. was also missing the non-veg version with the obligatory paté. Came with a side of tater tots, which were good and all, but b. had ordered mesclun greens. Rack o' Bones (house-smoked one pound rack of St. Louis-cut pork ribs glazed with BBQ sauce, served with creamy coleslaw and cornbread with honey butter): I didn't have high expectations but the ribs were surprisingly good! The meat was super tender and came right off of the bone. The sauce had a kick to it, which was unexpected, and was a bit too salty after awhile. Coleslaw also had an unexpected kick. Cornbread came baked in a small cast iron pan and had a sweet (probably from the honey butter), almost cake-like consistency that reminded me of dessert - score! Between the salt and the spice (but mainly the salt), we were gulping down water with little refills in sight. Our waiter, while nice when in contact, pretty much ignored us throughout our meal. It took about a half hour or so to get our check, wrapped leftovers, and receipts. And we were clearly done with bored faces in our palms. Yes, it was dinnertime and busy but I'm sure the new table that was just seated next to us can wait an extra two minutes for drinks. Out of convenience, we'll probably drop in again to try some brewskies.

    (3)

  • Myrsini M.

    Our waitress was wonderful. Main courses were delicious. We got the crab Mac n Cheese, fish and potato tacos. Pretzel for an appetizer was good...wish I had it with a cold beer but I'm the DD tonight. Would definitely come back.

    (4)

  • Jenn S.

    I don't know why when I give places a 3 it makes me feel like a bad person. But the tavern is a solid 3 with the intention of me going back to try a little more. So I LOVE Tuna and I ordered the appetizer and I was a little disappointed. It was sort of not cold enough and they gave us like 5 chips. We had 6 people at our table and you give us 5 chips?? And then I asked for a couple more and they brought out like 3 -4. We all laughed about it but, what?..... The brie pizza however was sooo good! I really liked it. The boyfriend had some sort of beef sandwich - I forget which one - but said it was ok. I want to go back and order a few more things because everyone loves this place!

    (3)

  • Lisa M.

    I came here once back when it first opened & thought it was a great addition to Davis Square. I suggested me & my boyfriend go back last night. The door guy complimented me on my bike placement then flattered me about my age when he checked my ID. Cute, but a bit over the top. We were seated at a high top over looking the window seating & the people below us were so loud we couldn't carry on a conversation. I had to negotiate w/ management on where to relocate us. We wanted to keep our server because he was just a delight but we didn't want to infringe on anyone else's station. In the end we got what we wanted & proceeded to have an amazing time. The mussels were unique, tasty & kind of addictive. A little heavy handed on the lemongrass but my palate is sensitive so... The brussel sprouts were out of this world. Charred, delicate morsels. We ordered a half bottle (so smart to offer 1/2 bottles) of Riesling. I was impressed w/ the wine service. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable & had a great sense of humour. We will definitely be going back & asking for Jabari. I would give 5 stars but the tuna tacos were a bit underwhelming. A ponzu sauce would have sent us into outer space.

    (4)

  • Patrick D.

    Knowledgeable staff, huge beer menu, really good food, and a great atmosphere the reasons I think this place worth 5 stars. I haven't had a bad experience here. I love the KFCGF here. It is high classed KFC.

    (5)

  • Julia R.

    It was bitterly cold last when we walked to Five Horses, and when we got to the door we ran into the best bouncer in the biz. Mike was a real trooper, and had been standing out there all night, but maintained a great attitude. Can't say enough about Mike, he totally made our night. The drinks were good too.

    (4)

  • Gordon F.

    Love this place - gets noisy and packed but the beers selection is great! Great food options at reasonable prices and the staff is always fast and courteous. 5 stars! G

    (5)

  • Alison G.

    Creative Menu, huge assortment of draught beers. Attentive service. Delicious specials. Just too loud to have any kind of good conversation.

    (4)

  • M R.

    Excellent food on an eclectic and original menu. Wide range of beers with many on tap. Somewhat loud, always seems to be packed with people. Otherwise nothing negative.

    (4)

  • Amanda K.

    Woah. How on earth does this place have only 3.5 stars?!! I'm writing a review in hopes that it will raise 5 Horses' overall rating. In summary: this place in great. I've eaten breakfast, lunch and dinner here. We live around the corner and were so pleased when the last restaurant (Sagra I believe) was replaced with 5 Horses - a place that actually serves great food and is frequently packed. This restaurant has added to the awesome, Davis Square restaurant renaissance and we love it! PROs Love the menu - delicious and creative food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Great service Great beer Inventive cocktails TATER TOTS! CONs None!

    (5)

  • Christian G.

    Ambience strikes a balance between formal and casual. The liquor selection is pretty competitive with the burgeoning pub scene of Davis square. Was disappointed in the okra gumbo. It looked promising but had absolutely no flavor other than the spicy heat (which should add to the flavor, not simply "be" the flavor). Also, their dessert selection was abysmal. I would recommend for a nice drink or two with some appetizers, but the entree side of things, given my small sample size, didn't quite work.

    (3)

  • Jessica B.

    I really like this joint. They have TONS of vegetarian and healthy menu options. I got the gumbo, which was 100% faux. For one, it was vegetarian, for another, it was not at all spicy. But hey, it seemed pretty healthy and it was huge and delicious. They also had some fancy vegetable plate that looked good. Great beer selection, including my favorite, Pretty Things. Yum. I came in with eight people from work and we were seated right away. The server did take a long time with other people's food, but they brought mine right out. Not cheap, but I really liked it. I'm going to drag some more friends down here.

    (4)

  • Pete D.

    I live about a five minute walk from Davis Sq. so this is one of my go to spots in Davis. The food is good I've had several meals there as well as just casual drinks. The wait staff is attentive and friendly. I find the beer selection to be very good and a great atmosphere to relax. Never has been a night life destination for me, in that I've only been here earlier in the day for drinks and food, so I can't speak to that. Overall a quality experience! You NEED to try the calamari, it's amazing!!!

    (4)

  • Kim K.

    Super loud, my god. Food is generic and greasy. The bar area is always packed and impossible to navigate (no place to stand, constant getting bumped, etc). Tables are on top of each other once you do sit down. Service is decent but I still probably won't be returning.

    (2)

  • Sara F.

    This is a nice place to go for drinks or dinner. I came with my close friend. We were quickly seated and taken care of. The service is really great. The drink menu is epic. The food choices are elevated bar food. The interior was stylish and clean. I had their hamburger which was really pretty perfect. It was cooked just how I like and it was no problem when I asked for the toppings on the side. They serve tater tots instead of fries, which was a bit of a let down for me, but I can imagine other customers loving this. Is this the best restaurant in Davis Square? No. But it is still a great restaurant.

    (4)

  • Julie G.

    Really crowded at night and on weekends, but surprisingly not so bad for brunch. While they have a great beer selection and tasty food, I think brunch is the best bet for this place just based on being able to get a table. I was shocked at how delish their brunch food is.

    (4)

  • Katie O.

    Great food, great drink selection, good atmosphere and conveniently located in Davis Square. I've been there for drinks and for brunch on a Saturday morning. The place can get pretty busy so it is hard sometimes to get a seat at the bar especially on the weekends. Servers and bartenders are friendly. There buttermilk fried chicken tenders are the bomb definitely recommend those! For brunch I got there "the cap'n" ($12); It's cap'n crunch coated French toast sticks with raspberry coulis, 100% maple syrup, powdered sugar and comes with a fruit salad on the side. If you're looking for something sweet for bfast I would totally recommend this, it's sweet but not too sweet and for $12 who could go wrong! A person who was sitting next to us got baked oatmeal and that looked awesome too! Been here a few times and it's a pretty sweet spot with a great vibe! You should check it out if you can! :)

    (4)

  • Martin A.

    Always have a good meal... at a good price... with staff with character! And love the beer selection!

    (5)

  • Joe G.

    Been here a few times. Came here last week and we had a table for four. 2 of us were there and the other 2 were just showing up. My gf showed up about 10mins later but the bouncer wouldn't let her in cause he said they were at capacity, even though we had a seat for her at our table. He let her in after a brief wait. That was weird. Other than that it's a fun place to grab a drink with friends. Service isn't bad, I don't expect stellar service in a restaurant so packed on a Friday. Food is just ok, I would keep it simple here. The place is known for its drink selection and cocktails. There bartenders are pros and know what they're doing. We'll be back for drinks

    (2)

  • Lisa W.

    A place for good beer and very mediocre food. Pros: Good beers, wine pours are generous and chicken wings are tasty. Cons: Very mediocre Cheese plate, one of the cheeses they gave us literally tasted like ear wax- or what you imagine ear wax to taste like. Grazing plate (a vegetarian entrée) was quite abysmal just a plate of grilled vegetables with zero taste, at least wish they would have added some sauces to spice it up a bit.

    (3)

  • Mike D.

    while the nice interior and the smart, delicious-looking menu might give the impression of a well put together spot to grab a drink and a bite, the staff give the most inconsistent and lazy service of any establishment I've been to in Boston. my friends and I frequent this place for their bloody marys 3 ways, which, when made correctly are some of the best I've ever had. but that's just it--there's no telling from one visit to the next whether you're going to get a well crafted drink or an unpalatable glass of sludge. the food is the same way. great in concept, sloppy in execution. the mac and cheese is usually great. today, it was watery, cheese soup. the "breaky sammy" is a great take on a classic breakfast sandwich, or would be if they didn't burn the bread and omit all condiments advertised. I could go on (and on and on) but I think you get the point. perhaps most unforgivable was my visit today with four of my friends, where, even though we in the middle of the restaurant, we went completely unattended to for more than an hour and a half. our waitress took our order and then vanished. where the hell did you go, "Jeanica"?? three other staff brought our food and then similarly ignored us, until we had to ask the bar for our bill. everyone paid in cash except for one person. we told the nice gentleman who ran her card to charge 25 to the card, and he acknowledged "and the remainder is cash? great." yeah, great, except you took all the cash and ran the card for 149 DOLLARS?? that's a costly mistake, chap. I know the food service industry is hell to work in, but I'm done giving this place the benefit of the doubt. there needs to be some top-to-bottom staff training. it wasn't even that busy today. get it together, guys.

    (1)

  • James F.

    Five Horses may have hooked me. Stopped in for a quick bite before a Saturday evening out. Was intrigued by the double-level setup, especially the double level bar - just something about that visual that struck me. Great beer list, although they had just kicked the draft that i was looking for - found a suitable replacement. My girlfriend ordered a hard cider and the waitress offered to let her taste a bit first, given that it had a distinctive/dry setup and high ABV. I ordered the fried chicken pizza, which reminded me of many of the same flavors of chicken and waffles (a huge compliment coming from me). I also snagged more tater tots from my girlfriend's plate than i would like to admit, and she reported that her burger was excellent. Can't believe it's taken me this long to check out Five Horses - will certainly be back.

    (4)

  • Alyssa J.

    I am confused about a lot of things in life. Like why is the sky blue? Why do girls grow faster than boys? Why are some people good at math? Why can't I get enough of Five Horses Tavern? I hate that I am a regular at a place that serves up such delicious fried food. But I loooooove the fried food. The fried chicken salad is my GO TO. Like, every single damn time. I love the chandelier of all the different beer taps. I hate the fact that I think I can say that I've had every one. I hate that they have Abita because it reminds me that I'm not in New Orleans. I love that it's within walking distance of my apt, but I hate that it's within walking distance because I never have an excuse not to go. My life is so hard.

    (4)

  • Austin J.

    Great beer selection and a fun atmosphere. Service was great! The food was shockingly good. They clearly utilized quality, fresh ingredients. The menu was simple and very straightforward. My compliments to the kitchen.

    (4)

  • Emily G.

    Five Horses Tavern got me to order a dish called the Paula Deen. Is this good or bad? I'm still unsure - while I felt like a moron for ordering such a ridiculous named brunch dish, I felt like a spectacular genius after tasting the delicious combination of pork belly, grits, sunny side up egg, and scallions. Hey, for a perfect bowl of grits, I'll call it whatever you want. With a 5H Bloody Mary (extra spicy for me) garnished with sriracha dabbed olives next to my southern belle of a meal and I'm strolling out brunched, full, and happy. I've stopped in on non-brunching occasions and have generally been pleased. The cocktail menu is short, the whiskey list long, multiple types of moonshine (?), plus some 37 rotating taps. The food offerings are somewhat seasonal, without being too precious about it (no long lists of farm sources for each dish), though the menu is a bit unfocused and far flung. When I ordered the mussels, I was pleased to be greeted with two serious hunks of grilled bread to sop up the broth, though the slices seemed to taste a bit like the gas they were grilled on. I thought this was a fluke, but different visits have yielded the same result, no matter the dish the toast has been served with. The bread itself has always been quite good, but the propane-esque accent does it no favors. Small toast quibbles aside, the staff at Five Horses has always been a delight in their plaid uniforms. I find myself most comfortable seated at the bar (lower level if you can swing it), but table service has been friendly and accommodating, especially when we had a big group arriving at different times. Overall, a worthwhile neighborhood spot where everyone will have several choices in food and drink at a fairly reasonable price.

    (4)

  • J C.

    The food is pretty mediocre. I had a burger and there was nothing memorable about it. On the other hand, the whiskey list is extensive and varied. You could spend a year here sampling all their whiskeys. They have all kinds, from bourbons to ryes to Irish whiskys.

    (3)

  • Amy L.

    Great beer selection, dog friendly outdoor seating, both plusses. Food, although it looks good on paper, lacks flavor. How about a little garlic and herbs?

    (4)

  • Lynn H.

    I used to really love this place, but I do agree with some of the other reviews; the staff is really going downhill. Last time I went it was increasingly difficult to get anyone's attention. I often see many of the waiters/waitresses couped up in a corner chatting and looking at their phones. It's getting to the point where the awesome food doesn't even make up for the terrible service...

    (3)

  • Ed F.

    Good food. The mac and cheese is hsuper cheesey heavy on the cheese and one of my dinner companions loved it and another not so much. The baby back ribs were meeaty and tender and the cod fish dish I had was excellent. THe corn bread was universally liked by our group. The food is good and the vibe is young. Great beer selection so if you like the suds and some good comfort food this is the place for you.

    (3)

  • erica f.

    Great beer selection and rotating draft. I was surprised that they had a decent amount of vegetarian options on the menu! And they were pretty great!

    (4)

  • Jason M.

    I wish I liked this place more. People seem to rave about the food, but I can't seem to get past how much I dislike the food. The problem is this - they've got a great beer list. It runs as deep, but not as deep as their bourbon selection. I'm not certain you're going to find a much better list in Davis Square. So, maybe that's not an actual problem, but you understand what I mean. I can't outright hate this place because of that. So, here are the things I really dislike: The wait. There's always a wait. It's always really crowded. The noise. It's always noisy. Like really, really noisy. Earplug noisy. The plaid. Everyone is wearing plaid. If I'm wearing plaid, sometimes I think I work here. The food. It's just too strong. The white bean hummus tastes like pureed scallions instead of white beans. The goat cheese scallion mashed potatoes are way too oniony. Every burger I've ordered medium rare and received well-done (with the server never really caring). Every flavor is just too much. I've yet to find a dish to eat here I enjoy. I wish I liked this place more. If nothing else, Five Horses Tavern will keep me from wearing plaid.

    (2)

  • Emily S.

    I have walked past this place without a second glance many times. "Taverns" aren't really my thing when there are so many other options around. I forget what fateful mishap finally drew me through the doors of the Five Horses Tavern instead of the Foundry or the Saloon but alas the food fairies smiled down upon me one autumn evening. And here begins our story . . . The boytoy and I strolled in here and like I said, I was not expecting much. It appears to be your run of the mill pub, maybe just a little more upper scale than some. We sat down and were impressed with the drink menu. The dinner menu had a special seasonal section which I always love. When it's autumn I want to eat autumn food! We both ordered off the seasonal menu. I got some chicken with apple dish and can you say yummalisciousness? Well don't, I'm copyrighting it. It was so good! The chicken was cooked well and came with some kind of sauce that just made my night. Whatever my boyfriend got was pretty tasty too. We went back recently for their brunch. The options are very unique, definitely not your usual pancakes and eggs! My boyfriend got their breakfast quinoa which was right up his alley. I tried some and actually liked it too. It's a great healthy option. I got the Southern Comfort. Again, so good! I'm so wrapped up in thinking about the food but I guess I should mention the service is good too. The waiters are prompt and helpful. I will definitely be coming back.

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    Amazing food, great atmosphere. Everything I've gotten at Five Horses has been both unique and delicious. My personal favorites are the pork belly tacos, and fried chicken salad. They also have a phenomenal selection of beers and interesting mixed drinks. I frequent this place quite often as I live about a block away- little pricy but definitely worth it. Only downside is it does get extremely crowded later on Friday and Saturday nights.

    (4)

  • Tomás H.

    I don't know if they've changed cooks or recipes or what - but I rescind my previous review entirely. Their burger is now, at best, a "meh". Definitely not worth the attack on your eardrums.

    (2)

  • Lauren L.

    This place is sentimental for me and always will be. It's where I went for drinks the first time I met my boyfriend. It's where a group of friends and I had a cosplay cocktail after a charity event over the summer. It's where I usually meet up with folks after Davis Spinjam to unwind and get ready for the week after a relaxing Sunday in the square. The food and beverages here are great, as are the staff. I rate this place out of the depth of Irish in my heart, and not based on the fact that you usually wind up waiting 20 to 30 minutes to get attention from servers, because they're usually just that packed. On that note, though, come during lunch. In fact, come around 1:45, because there's never anyone there at that point, so you have the bar and the bartender all to yourself, if you want them. You can belly up to a midday game (which, thanks to the NHL lockout, there are none of right now ~:(), or you can just chill out, have a great beer and talk about whatever. It's that kind of laid-back place. I love it when I can get to it, and every time people say they're headed there, I do what I can to go. Just don't expect fast service!

    (5)

  • Lauren V.

    Do yourself a favor and don't go here when you're newly pregnant and no one else knows. With all of the beer, cocktails and liquor available - it's fucking torture. And, plus, it's really hard to lie about not wanting something off the whiskey, scotch and rye menu when you're noticeably drooling onto your lap napkin while reading it. My ostensible inclination for masochism aside, Five Horses is a pretty rad place. The servers are cool and knowledgeable, the menu is varied and unique, and you'd be hard pressed to find a drink that doesn't pique your interest, or thirst. Plus, beer tap chandelier. There are walls of beer refrigerators and a pretty large bar to entice you into drinking longer than planned. Seating is comfortable and not cramped so you can stretch yourself out after you've stuffed your gut. All in all, a pretty proper place to get some food and a drink and chill with friends. But really, the food is pretty damn delicious. The Haus Pretzels, the Mac and Cheese, Grilled Brie, Baby Bok Choy, Pork Belly Taco - either come really hungry or with a crowd big enough that you can order the entire menu and sample everything. Seriously, even the most decisive patrons are likely to spend some time whittling down their list of candidates.

    (4)

  • Bianca Z.

    Solid brunch place in the south end. Granted I was hungover but it basically felt like I stuck an IV into me and pumped cheese and beer into myself. Literally everything I order was drenched in cheese. I had the Breaky Sammy with a side of cheese grits and the donuts ( yeah it was a rough morning). The sandwich made well - don't be thrown off by the kale l. The grits tasted like Tostidos cheese which goes to show how classy my palate is.

    (3)

  • Bill T.

    Great place to relax and unwind after a hard days work ! Brought my gf her lots of time. Nice relaxing atmosphere, outdoor sitting, good good. Recommend!

    (4)

  • Jeremy K.

    Freshly opened in Davis Square, replacing the new defunct Sagra, Five Horses Tavern is a fresh and welcome addition to the local night scene - this gastropub offers what few around it do, and it does everything well. I was rather impressed by the place on my first visit there. A first indicator which essentially captured and converted me was the fact that they had the very rare, hard to find Dogfish 120 minute IPA on tap. Yes you read that correctly, on tap. I could not believe it and was literally floored when I saw that, going as far as to double check with the bartender. I immediately (and obviously) ordered one. Happiness ensued. I patiently waited for a table to open up in the bar area so that my girlfriend and I could get some dinner. Note: they kept the original, 'two-tiered' bar that was a signature element of Sagra and enabled the staff to serve patron both on the top and bottom 'level' of the restaurant. Neat. After a short wait we were escorted to our table in the back. We were brought waters, menus and immediately I noticed one thing about the menu: the food was actually affordable and not pretentious. A lot of choices too; some more random than others. It went from mussels to white bean hummus, and tacos, lobster rolls, grilled cheeses and mac and cheese. There's a bit of everything for everyone. I asked the waitress what the popular dish was and she responded saying that their signature dish is the 'k.c.c.g.h', also known as the Kentucky fried cornish game hen ($16) which comes with a side of jalapeño & cheddar mashed potatoes and some pork-spiked mac & cheese. Not something you'd find in the Weight Watchers program or on Jenny Craig but I had to oblige, it sounded delicious. But before feasting on my entree, we decided to also order and split an appetizer: the white bean hummus ($6). It came with baguette crisps and was rather tasty. A perfect portion size too and a great way to start off the meal. Once we polished that hummus off, my entree came. It was indeed very tasty - the hen was seasoned perfectly, was juicy and was an enjoyable culinary experience. The portion was generous and I was not able to finish the mashed potatoes and the mac & cheese. Frankly I could have used less decadence on the plate; a bit more restraint. How about some green beans instead of one of the two sides? The fried hen is already rather fatty and rich, so added with the mashed potatoes and the mac & cheese, it made for a carb overload. Once that was polished I felt guilt, shame and was full. I must admit that I did kind of pig out but I figured that I'd try and get my money's worth (oh and boy did I.) The beer selection at this place is off the hook - possibly the best one in Somerville. Better than at the nearby Foundry on Elm and possibly better than Kendall Square's Meadhall. And unlike the latter, they have them in stock... (on my last visit to Meadhall, they had run out of at least a third of the hundred beers they advertise). The selection at Five Horses Tavern is just plain solid. Their taps and their bottles will satisfy all kinds of beer drinkers. From the picky ones, to the adventurous ones. And best of all, they are reasonably prices (although some can get quite pricy due to the fact that they are imported craft ones - be warned). All in all the place is a hit. The menu is interesting and diverse, the kitchen dishes stuff out without getting slammed due to the limited number of tables and the food tastes awesome. It's affordable, fun and the decor and atmosphere is vibrant and makes for a great nightlife spot and a terrific addition to the area.

    (4)

  • John R.

    PBR on tap, great tacos and a choice of 1,2, or 3 and tots! Great place, to watch games, fine beer selection, but place can be chilly at times.

    (3)

  • Rachel S.

    Went to Five Horses for the first time last night on the suggestion of a friend. We sat at the bar and were warmly greeted by a bartender in plaid... Now, being a vegetarian it is often hard to find good food options especially at tavern and pub type restaurants. I was pleasantly surprised with the selection at Five Horses, it started with the 'shrooms on toast, the 'banzo cakes, and eventually lead to the corn and avocado chowder. The chowder was so rich and creamy with just the right amount of spice, best part... No cream!! I will definitely be back to try some of the other items on the menu. On top of the food and alcohol selection, we went to watch the Red Sox, not sure what the atmosphere would be like... It was great! Definitely a good spot to watch boston sports if you can't see it live! Bottom line, great food, great vibe, and great service!!

    (4)

  • Alice M.

    Love this place. Great tap selection. Great options for veg and vegans. Good comfort food. Love the peadiddy salad. Con: Can get a bit crowded on the weekends.

    (4)

  • Helena Q.

    I got a pork belly taco (6$) and an apple cocktail (9$). Taco was quite small; definitely more of an appetizer. I tried a friend's mushroom pizza: the ricotta was amazing, but the crust was soft and lackluster. The cocktail was quite tasty, nothing to complain about. Wouldn't go out of the way to go here, but if you're in the area, it's decent.

    (3)

  • Miquel R.

    very impressed with the food each time i go there plus a vast selection of beers there as well service has always been average there though prob because of the fact that they are busy. the fried chicken tenders and the pretzel are some of the best i have had....

    (4)

  • James C.

    My fiancee and I came in a few weeks ago for a wick easy lunch. I really wanted a beer which was my deciding factor. There's always a great selection on tap and in bottles. Normally I'm pretty decisive when I drink but I was really perplexed as to which of three new beers I've wanted. AJ , our server, described all three so well I was even more torn. He got me a sample of each and was very pleasant about it. Great start to our experience. I've been coming here for about a year and I live in Davis. I feel most places in the square have gone downhill in that time frame. Five Horses originally didn't impress me other than it's beer selection but it has bucked the trend. The staff has gotten friendlier and more knowledgeable (there was a staff training going on in the back). The food has also gone from mediocre to pretty good. I am a die hard carnivore but I was intrigued by the cauliflower po boy. I devoured it and I was stuffed 2/3 of the way through but couldn't stop eating it. My fiancee a Mac n cheese snob was also in food coma heaven by the end too.

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    I've never written a review for a place that I feel is mediocre or bad because I'd feel bad and like I was wasting my time... and I depend on others to rant for me. Unfortunately, no one did for this place, and after wasting my time and money and a dinner out, I feel like i need to review Five Horses...especially because I actually read enough positive reviews that convinced me to try it. Maybe it was an off night though? Regardless, this was the most mediocre dining experience I've ever had. It wasn't bad - just comically mediocre. I went on a week night and it was pretty packed. It was also so loud that I had to shout to the waitress to order and my guest and I just stopped talking to each other and laughed/ tried (failed) to lip read instead. We had the grilled brie app; it was OK. My guest ordered the "Showstopper" sandwich. That's probably the most non-fitting name for the sandwich, which was served on the whitest bread I've maybe ever seen, and was just OK. I tried the veggie burger. That was OK too. I don't remember the cocktails we had, but they were fine. Point being, it wasn't bad. Just not good.

    (2)

  • Sharon O.

    When I go out to a nice place, my eye always settles on the menu item involving duck confit, because, ladies and gentleman, it's delicious. Pork belly [which is a sometimes a riskier choice since it can be prepared in less than desirable ways (too chewy)] is also up there on my dining out with happy tastebuds guide. Which brings me to Five Horses Tavern. When faced with a menu offering up both, It's a hard choice, right? Five Horses offers you pork belly or duck confit options, and then raises you pork belly-duck confit in the same dish. Together. So obviously, that's what I had to get. The Pato loco (confit duck burrito with pork belly, wild rice, red onion, garlic, swiss chard, scallions, red dragon sauce). It was large. And hot. And my companions tried to steal it but I didn't share. It was so good. (I did share my cheddar jalapeno mashed potatoes side, since I couldn't fit the giant burrito and the giant ladle of potatoes in my stomach). My trusted companions (who had selected the venue) got the 1) pork belly tacos (when compared to my whopping burrito- looked quite small), 2) lobstah pie (lobster pizza). Both enjoyed very much. The cheese plate we split 3 ways for an appetizer was tough to sate 3 hungry people, but was fun, and our food came out relatively quickly after. Beers aplenty (a whole menu's worth!). But I enjoyed the house sangria (although I wished there was 'more edible' fruit inside like apples instead of lemon/limes- although I realize the latter are indeed actually edible...). Not that cheap (highishly moderate), but definitely worth galloping on over to. A note: Five Horses also has vegetarian options that were not too shabby, but I can't report on them (besides the cheese plate app) since I only had eyes for the meat (although I was considering the potato taco up until I saw the pato loco).

    (4)

  • George B.

    went in for lunch, they have a great beer and an even better bourbon list. the bartender was very pleasant but alittle slow unfortunately. I ordered a Rowan's creek and was alittle disappointed that they measured their pours but atleast it was reasonably priced at $8. I then ordered acouple of Stone porters and the closing bartender managed a terrible pour that overflowed everywhere and I wasn't even offered a napkin to clean up. now to the food, 1st up was the pork belly taco which was surprisingly good eventhough it came on a flour tortilla (I'm a traditional corn guy), it came with pickled onions which added a nice acid note, a cilantro addition wouldn't of been hated. next up were the nicely charred roasted brussels sprouts with pieces of pork belly and diced apples which was completely amazing. I wouldn't change a thing. lastly the drunken wings, they were small guys but cooked well with some pepper at the end and not overly breaded. lacked some flavor though, could barely taste the lime and definitely couldn't taste tequila at all, it badly needed a dipping sauce. all n all I was happy with my experience though and would recommend my 1st 2 choices for sure. if it wasn't for the small service issues I would of given 1 more star

    (3)

  • Jon L.

    Really good food. Really good beer with a stupidly large drink selection. It's a great place for brunch or for dinner. I've taken family there and dates there and I've never had anything but a great experience. The drink menu is almost problematically large. The first time I went there my brother and I took a long time to choose ours drinks. I don't always love the beer I get, but I like that I can try something new every time I go. The food I've gotten there is great too. I'm vegetarian and I have one brother who is gluten free and another who is a brewer. I was able to take both there and we were all happy with the place. Definitely recommended.

    (4)

  • Amanda K.

    We have a saying in our house: "Do you want to go to Five Horses, or to a worse restaurant?" This is our absolute favorite place in the area. It's gotten to the point where we come here pretty much every date night. The huge ever-changing list of beers is the biggest draw for my husband, who is a total beer geek. The servers are very knowledgeable about the beers and helpful when he's deciding. I'm not a beer fan and wish they had more hard ciders, but I usually get the sangria, which is delicious. The food is the real treasure - my favorite is the mac and cheese with pork belly, but everything I've had there is great. The menu is so interesting and unique. My husband dreams about the jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes. Recently I went for brunch and was just as blown away by the awesome food. I've never had bad service there, and even on busy nights the wait is not too long (for Davis Square). Definitely recommended!

    (5)

  • Jill L.

    Met up with a Somerville-residing friend while on a weekend trip to Boston in the cute neighborhood of Davis Square. I really had no idea of what to expect of this neighborhood, but upon exit of the T, I knew instantly that I was a fan. Another reason that I liked this area was the great lunch I had at Five Horses Tavern. Three of us got together for an early lunch on a Monday. The place was empty (as was to be expected at 1145 on a weekday). Our waiter was good and didn't laugh at me too hard when I pointed to a menu item and asked what "bulls blood" was (it's a type of lettuce, fyi). I had a hard time choosing what to order because everything looked amazing- another fyi, many menu items were vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free. I decided to live on the edge and try the bulls blood in the Pea Diddy salad (which also contained avocado, peas, basil and fresh mozzarella). I'm so glad I got this salad. It's not often that I find exciting salads on menus that I am inspired to recreate at home. Which I am going to do ASAP. My dining companions (my husband and our Somerville pal) ordered a burger and fish tacos, respectively, and both looked quite good. However, I was too busy licking the amazing salad dressing off my bowl to notice what they were eating. Prices, by the way, were very reasonable for the quality. I will definitely be looking to visit Five Horses Tavern on my next trip to the Boston area.

    (4)

  • Phil B.

    Great food, big tap selection, prompt service. Had a great time here!

    (5)

  • Erica K.

    Great atmosphere and even good for babies. I brought my 8 month old nephew and it was baby friendly. We started off with the wings which I highly recommend. My fiance got the tacos which were delicious, he tried one of each. I got the fried cornish hen with pork belly mac and cheese and was not disappointed. I love their eclectic menu. They have a huge selection of beer as well! The staff is super friendly and make it a pleasant dining experience. We went on a Sunday and they serve brunch until 3PM, one of my fave spots in Davis now.

    (4)

  • Kat V.

    I want to give this place 5 stars - but I need it to carry a few more cider options before I can do that... although the rotating ones it does carry are usually pretty dang good, I just want more. A girl likes variety and options! The food is good - and by good I mean...holy hannah..TATER TOTS! The burgers, the chicken strips, the tacos, the donut balls, you name it - all taste amazing. The staff is pretty knowledgeable. It is a nice change from the norm. You can ask them just about anything about the menu - food or drink - and they can assist you. So if you have allergies or are just picky, the staff have ideas and can help steer you, which rocks. This place is so much better than the former occupant Sagra it is not even fair to compare the two. Beware - there is a line during the evenings on Th, Fri and Sat and the place tends to get packed, so get there early if you want to secure a table.

    (4)

  • Jeff F.

    This place is a no-brainer: - awesome beer selection - excellent service - pork belly taco - exceptional - lobster pie - delicious...last time I had Lobster pizza I thought it was lame: Lydia Shire (Scampo) - drunken wings - surprisingly really good. I say surprisingly since generally I'm disappointed when restaurants value creativity over flavor for their wings - Chipotle Wings at Rattlesnake come to mind. I will go back. If they had Big Buck Hunter, I might live there.

    (4)

  • Julia D.

    I have to give this place some credit for accommodating a group of 25 of us boisterous Halloween-excited mongrels at the last minute, and for following that up with excellent service. Even more props for the incredible draught list, which totally beats anything I've ever seen in New York from a run-of-the-mill tavern. I ended up going with the Stone Arrogant Bastard and was thrilled with my choice. As for the edibles? I ended up getting the mac and cheese, which was good, but not up to my golden standards. The chicken fingers are to die for, though, and so is the stuffed clam appetizer, even if it does only come with ONE clam. The pumpkin soup is not all that. Basically, if this place were in New York, I'd come back when I had a group of rowdy co-conspirators in need of beer and comfort food.

    (4)

  • Travis D.

    I am writing another review because it looks like my old one has been removed... I will start with the good. This place is a great date spot with delicious food. Literally everything I have ordered each time I go in has been unreal. I am in love with their tatter tots that come with the burgers. The wait staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always on point. I have no complaints on the food quality or wait staff at all. This is the only reason I gave anything over a 2 star rating. Now for the bad. The bartenders are TERRIBLE. I have been here 5 times since they have opened and have had an awful experience at the bar 4 out of 5 times, the other time we sat at a table to purposely avoid the bar. The bartenders either are not helpful, rude, not paying attention, or useless. A week ago I asked if there was Sam Summer on tap to which the 2 male bartenders looked at each other, laughed, and then called Sam Summer crappy beer and ignored me until I asked for something close to it and was given a beer menu with no recommendations from either douche behind the bar. This signature handing me the menu move has happened twice with 2 different bartenders and it get's more annoying each time. If your looking to just belly up to a bar, go to anywhere in Davis Square EXCEPT here. A prime example of a great bar staff is Saloon. Their bar staff will bend over backwards to make sure you get a beer or drink that suits what you are looking for. Even if that means making you three drinks before you find the one you like. * I am not plugging Saloon on purpose, it was just the first that came to mind.* Step it up Five Horses.

    (3)

  • Andrew K.

    Had a GREAT late lunch here. They could not have been more accommodating - as I needed two plug outlets, ran out to pay the meter (needed change) and asked for a million side condiments - get the garlic red pepper aioli AND the buttermilk scallion dressing. They had a unique gastropub menu. Good stuff!

    (4)

  • Daniel H.

    This place is great. I debated giving it 5 stars but I only reserve that for places that are truly "destination restaurants". The five horses is awesome but just shy of being so unique and amazing that it gets the 5. We'll see, I might change my mind. I really have nothing bad to say and I've always had a great time. They can accommodate intimate dates through really large groups. There are a variety of seating styles which is nice (round four person high top, low two tops, traditional square, outdoor seating, decent sized bar, etc.). And did I mention the champagne room? Ask for it the next time you go. Pretty much all the food is tasty, and there are a TON of tasty beers. The atmosphere is enjoyable and comfortable. Very happening but not annoyingly loud. Great decor. Friendly staff most of the time and always really responsive. The menu has some super awesome and humble stuff as well as a bit of the avante garde. Best deals in the house are: 1) Buttermilk chicken tender appetizer. Pretty much 5 huge boneless chicken breasts battered and cooked to perfection 2) Papas. Delicious roasted potatoes 3) Tater tots. 'Nuff said. 4) Fried chicken sammy. Cool concept, really tasty. 5) TUNA TACO. WOW. I have had a lot of tuna in my life and this is some of the best grilled tune I have had. Really quality fish, awesome seared and seasoned edges..yum to the max. I have had a ton more things, all very good though I guess not as memorable. Note: Their spicy taco is actually pretty damn spicy (unless they have since then toned it down...I hope not...it was great).

    (4)

  • Jade R.

    I love it here! We just moved to the Davis Square area, so I'm trying to find new places to incorporate into a routine :) The boyfriend and I went here for drinks and late night food. Beer - he ordered two kinds, I'm not a beer person, so I totally don't remember which ones he had (sorry!!) but, he liked them..... hope that helps haha. Cocktails: Brash n' sassy: By far my favorite of the two I tried. Bombay, Simple, Lemon, Basil, Soda. Midnight Interlude- $9. Grey Goose Poire, Boston Olive Oil Company Blackberry Balsamic, Prosecco. For starters, I love this olive oil company - located on newbury! The drink is good, but I definitely choose the sassy over this one. Food (yum yum yum) : brussels sprouts $6.50 sprouts, pork belly, pickled apples, fish sauce vinaigrette, shitake and wood ear mushrooms: So, this is by no means healthy. Like, the opposite of healthy. But hey, we all gotta live. It's soooooo goood. Definitely going to become a "treat" though. I'd probably have a heart attack if I ate it all the time... It really is that good though, so maybe a heart attack is worth it.. house mussels* $9 maine bouchot mussels, chile, ginger, garlic, white miso, scallion, grilled bread: Not gonna lie, this may be my favorite mussels dish EVER. The broth is BANGIN. I'm going to try to re create it :) papas fritas (v) $5 crispy triple-fried fingerling potatoes, red pepper-garlic mayo: My least favorite. It's just so-so. Shout out to Mike and Matt who helped us! - great service!

    (4)

  • Mariya F.

    When I came here there was a bit of a wait so we got a drink at the bar first. They have a pretty good selection of beers on tap. I tried the pomegranate wheat beer which was just OK, a bit too tart. My boyfriend was very happy with his dirty martini and IPA. We enjoyed the people watching and general interior/ambiance of the place, it has some pretty cool decorations. For dinner we got the cast iron cornbread which everyone talks about; really good! My boyfriend is a veggie so we split the Bomb-mi sandwich, which was AMAZING, spicy, great flavors, and the Cauliflower Po' boy sandwich, which was mediocre. It was too bland and needed some sort of extra sauce to add more flavor to it. We got tater tots (can't go wrong) and jalapeno mashed potatoes as sides. The mashed potatoes were a bit too spicy for me; the jalapeno was mixed into it in pretty sizable chunks, but it was still really good despite my mouth being on fire. I live in the area and will definitely be coming back; very fun and lively place with moderately priced good food!

    (4)

  • Pam L.

    Very nice atmosphere, great selection of beer (if you're a fan), staff was very attentive, and super friendly, we got an appetizer (Brussell Sprouts) and it was delicious, they were fried, had pieces some potatoes and pieces of bacon mixed in with it, it was to die for. The only reason I am giving them four stars instead of five is because they close the patio earlier than they close the bar inside. :(.. But the staff was nice enough to let us stay out for a bit longer so that was very lovely. I will definitely come back.

    (4)

  • Apolinaras S.

    Meh! Fantastic front of the house.... horrible kitchen! Waiters, barbacks, busboys, and door staff deserve praise. Kitchen - fire their asses! Asked for burger medium rare, got it way past medium well. McDonalds around the corner makes better tasting burger! Heirloom tomato salad - mostly soggy stale bread. Mac and cheese - average. Only shining star - chicken strips, which were fantastic.

    (3)

  • Lauren F.

    I've only been here for brunch but it was solid. I had the Paula Deen (cheesy grits with 2 eggs and crispy pork belly) while others at the table got the chimichanga and the Fatboy (a breakfast burger with an egg and Canadian bacon on it). Everyone was happy with their food. The Icebox cocktail was a blend of iced coffee and liquor, and was delicious. Would definitely go back, as the service was friendly and quick. Outdoor seating is limited but the dining area inside is very nice.

    (4)

  • John A.

    I like this bar. First of all it's important for me to note that the beer menu has many different selections with many different types of beers. You can get anything from a good local brewed IPA to some off beat Belgian trippel. Also, the beer is nice and cold and plenty clean. If you're having trouble making up your mind the bartenders can provide some good suggestions without the beer snob attitude. Much appreciated. The food here is equally good and can be described as "creative pub fare." I recommend the cornish hen dish. It's a nice crispy half hen served with mashed potatoes and cucumber salad. I hear the mac and cheese is pretty good too. The atmosphere is busy but not obnoxious. The decor is well thought out. Lets say modern unique without too much flare. Overall this is a great place to grab some pints with friends or dinner with the lady.

    (4)

  • John O.

    My wife and I visited Five Horses Tavern for Brunch on Saturday and we both loved it. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly and the ambience was lovely. I've never seen such a great selection of beers and drinks. I had a pork belly tacos along with an empanada - both were perfect. Finally, you could tell that the chef and owner really enjoy what they do through their creative menu (I sampled the 'Paula Deen' and it was sinfully delicious). We'll definitely be returning on a regular basis.

    (5)

  • James K.

    This is primarily a whisky review. First I have to say that their whisky list is impressive. It's deep, unique, and interesting. But for a place that prides itself on having an extensive list, complete with notes, the experience disappointed. We struck out while ordering the Ardbeg Alligator and the Macallan Cask Strength. Finally decided on a Dalmore 1990 Signatory Cask Strength. But long after this was consumed (and enjoyed, for what it's worth), it turns out that's we weren't served the drink we ordered, since they don't actually have the Dalmore 1990, either. This place might make a fine sports bar, but I might not try to get a drink there any time soon.

    (2)

  • Heather C.

    I like Five Horses Tavern. The food is more eclectic than the other Davis Square bars -- Pork belly, duck, tater tots, mac & cheese, and lamb all in one place! Yum Yum! It's menu changes a bit, but everything I've ever tried is delicious. It has the bar feel of a Burren or Joshua Tree, but the food and prices of a Foundry or Posto. Thus, the two reasons I don't go there more often. It's a little pricey, and it is LOUD and cramped. It's hard to carry on a conversation and even harder to maneuver yourself out of your table without bumping into someone. I would check it out during non-peak hours if you are catching up with a friend or are on a date.

    (4)

  • E C.

    Amazing beer, average food, good location. Go here quite a bit, great beer list, I mean really great. Food is always decent, not great, a bit overpriced. The whole front opens up so on a nice day its really nice to people watch.

    (4)

  • Carrie P.

    Something about Boston that I really feel we all should appreciate: the availability of vegetarian options, labeled and all, at so many restaurants. Who would have thought that a place wih pub food would have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free labeled on the menu? Color me impressed. I was even MORE impressed by the fact that the veggie burger was a real veggie burger, where you could see the vegetables. AWESOME! The cold and spicy noodles were also so delicious (and helped clean my sinuses a bit...a lot). It is so filled with spice, I thought my mouth would burst into flame and die happy. The papas fritas were meltinyourmouth good, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with a yummy dipping sauce Truly, however, I must mention that I find the beer selection to be the most impressive. The alcohol menu is substantially larger than the food menu, with a wide variety of domestics and imports, IPA to Belgian Whites, all of gem look delicious.

    (4)

  • Eugene A.

    Refuse to serve carbombs when they clearly have all the ingredients.

    (1)

  • Monique N.

    I didn't have a great experience. I'm willing to try it again because the waitress was the worst part of the experience. I don't like to base one trip to a restaurant on one waitress, with that being said she was probably the worst waitress I've had in a long time. My friend had an issue with her beer, she ordered something fruity and they instead gave her a spicy jalapeno beer. She asked the waitress and the waitress went back and brought back the same beer and said it's the right one, we looked at the color of the beer and it's right. After a couple minutes a bartender came over and said that we were in fact right and the beer was not right! It was hilarious and so awful at the same time. The waitress should have just brought a new beer to begin with! I also found the food a a bit lacking. I had the tuna and pork belly tacos and they were both very bland and lacking of substance. We also had the special of Memphis tots for an app. The food was brought without side plates, this is not an app you can eat without side plates. It was cold by the time we received side plates and was not great. I am willing to give it another go and chalk it up to a bad night. The company I was with and the atmosphere were both awesome! that counts highly!

    (2)

  • zilla b.

    Love this place, great beer, and if you're in the mood for pork belly the tacos and the mac and cheese are amazing!!! other favs are the fried cornish game hen, and the fried chicken salad... heh this place probably isn't doing wonders to my waist line but i'm always satisfied when leaving! Be careful though! this place gets PACKED and seats can get cut throat around the bar.

    (4)

  • Hannah M.

    We were not planning on eating out, nor did we have brunch in mind, but found ourselves at 5 Horses and were so impressed with our discovery! We sat right next to the open windows, getting a lovely breeze and avoiding the riff-raff walking past ;-) I got the Chimichanga para Desayuno - looked huge on the plate, but I finished that baby off no problem and it was SO good! Crispy pastry filled with black beans, eggs, potatoes, carrots, scallions, jalapenos, and red peppers. The salsa drizzled on top and on the plate was sweet and spicy and the guac and goat cheese sour cream were the perfect companion to the spice of the salsa and jalapenos. Fiance got the Salmon Eggs which was essentially scrambled eggs with salmon on top of 1/2 an English muffin and topped with a bit of salmon roe. It was much less food than the chimichanga, but he felt full afterwards. We each got a bloody Mary. Mine was virgin (because I am virginal.....) and his was with gin and basil. Also very tasty - a far cry from tomato juice with a bit of tabasco found at other brunch joints - the house mix was the perfect mix of spice, tomato, and lemon/lime. A little pricier than brunch should be, but we left satisfied and ready for a nice meander down the bike trail, a block away.

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    Five Horses, in fact, does not have five or even four horses. Imagine how shocked I was, upon entering this saloon, to find out that there are NONE and there would be NO horses?!?! How come nobody on Yelp had clued me in to this classic bait and switch scheme? If Yelp supported flow charts I would add one here, but seeing as Yelp is soooo old fashioned I will detail out, bullet by bullet, my experience. -enter bar expecting HORSES -seat myself on a barstool vs. a HORSE -get handed massive beer list by a bartender vs. a HORSE -order an excellent micro-brew IPA and order a side-plate to snack on, sadly they do not serve HORSE -wait for friend to show up, drink more (slightly overpriced) dope IPA's and then leave with friend vs. a HORSE So, you see my dilemma. I really want to love Five Horses, but there simply are no horses to be had, seen or sat upon.

    (3)

  • Cassandra M.

    I've come here a number of times for drinks and apps. It's one of the few places in Davis I have cravings for. I love, love, love their buttermilk fried chicken tenders. They are absolutely delicious with their buttermilk scallion and chile dipping sauces. They also have a pretty good, decently priced pitcher of sangria on the menu. The only thing that leaves me scratching my head is their $4 bread and butter app. Really?

    (4)

  • Logan J.

    ill admit that when this place first opened, i was a little worried given that on the surface it didnt seem to be anything original in the area. ive seen a few different businesses open and close in this location in my time; it made me a little worried for this place. after scratching the surface of this place though, i quickly fell in love. the venue itself is pretty standard for the area, but it seems a little less crowded and crazy than a few other the other local spots. they have a hipster meets western vibe going on; i was into it. this place has a huge selection of drinks, which i can always appreciate. they specialize more in beers than mixed drinks, but i cant really complain about anything that ive gotten to drink here. at first glance, this place seems like they might just have typical bar food here, but i actually really enjoy their food. to start, they have tater tots. who doesnt love tater tots? they also have a few really good soups (pumpkin and manchego!), some interesting entrees, and a couple great pizzas (id recommend the lobstah pizza). they also do brunch really well--id recommend the chimichanga--think deep fried breakfast burrito. and ill leave you with these parting words: i love flannel.

    (5)

  • JD H.

    I think there has been a change in management because the food is getting better. We can for brunch and it was decent but then returned later in the week and their dinner was great! I had the Pea Diddy salad and it was fresh and delicious. Still underwhelmed by their wine list but the beer list was impressive. Servers are great and its nice to sit outdoors.

    (4)

  • Sara R.

    The food here is really great and they have a good beer selection. The atmosphere is also great - pretty low key. The only reason I don't give it a 5 star is the service is sub par. You just have to go in knowing that. I have been there several times -and I always here someone at my table say that they haven't had anything bad on the menu. We also typically have to wait around a lot after we are seated. The last time I was there, I actually had a waiter spill some kind of meat sauce down my shoulder on my sweater and arm. He was very apologetic, but didn't comp anything on our bill, which I thought was ridiculous. I had to sit the rest of the night smelling like meat sauce.

    (4)

  • Barbara Jean W.

    Love the atmosphere food and service! Aron is the best make sure to ask for him! Many thanks!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth G.

    From the other reviews it's pretty clear this place is all about the drinks. My fiance had just gotten into town for the weekend so we decided to check this place out and get a couple of beers. We were seated next to the fireplace. This place is hella loud, but other than that, nice ambiance. Not too crowded on a Friday night. So I ordered my first beer and our server said to me, "It comes in a bottle. Is that OK?" Maybe I'm reading into things, but it seemed like he was implying that while it might be OK with me, it definitely *should* not be OK with me. I have to say he was right. I tried the Allagash Tripel and I normally love Allagash beers but this had a funny taste to it. I know, I know, with so many great tap selections, why would I order something from a bottle? Well, I have to ask, why do they have so many bottle selections if they don't want anybody to order them? Anyway, my man had the Cisco Monomoy Kriek, red ale aged with sour cherries. It was interesting but the flavors really didn't blend well. We did better with our second round: Old Speckled Hen (not my favorite but he liked it) and Port Brewing Midnight Expression (flavors of malt and cocoa nibs... exquisite). Came back the next night to try the Pretty Things Lovely Saint Winefride, a brand-new release (malty, yeasty brown lager). There was also a Wormtown beer brewed with maple syrup that I wanted to try but they were out. All in all, an inventive beer list; nothing really makes this place stand out above Meadhall or Lord Hobo, except the fact that it is closer to where I live.

    (4)

  • Chrysanthe P.

    Five Horses is definitely a Davis Square, go-to. They serve up some really great food with a menu full of vegetarian/vegan options (a huge plus in my book). Highlights include the "pea-diddy" salad, okra gumbo, and black bean hash (brunch side item). Beyond food, the booze is also pretty exceptional. They have a respectable amount of good to decent beer on tap, which I am all about. The bloody mary options at brunch are also delicious - I highly recommend giving the gin cucumber bloody a try, if you're into that sort of thing. Really, the only problem I have with this place is the noise level. I went to dinner on a Wednesday and it was so packed I thought I had somehow time warped to the weekend (which would have been nice, actually). They finally started taking reservations though, so it's now not completely impossible to get a table without waiting for 45 minutes. Anyways, it's a solid bar and it's right down the street. Can't ask for much more than that!

    (4)

  • Alyson G.

    We ended up at Five Horses to celebrate my friend's birthday and we had a blast. yes it was a Saturday night and the bar was P-A-C-K-E-D...but we found a spot at the downstairs bar and never looked back. They didn't take reservations but our table was ready after a glass of wine so that was totally fine with us. We decided to order some apps of course, and how can you say no to tator tots so we noshed on olives, tator tots and other tasty snacks while waiting for our entrees. I can't be sure if it actually happened, but another order of tator tots were discussed they were so crispy and delicious. I ordered a trio of tacos for dinner, and my favorites were definitely the potato and the tuna, so delicious. We ended the celebration with captain crunch creme brûlée and the birthday girl was definitely having a fabulous time, along with the rest of us.

    (4)

  • Mallory P.

    Great brunch spot. Big menu with lots of options, and an excellent Bloody Mary. Fast service, it gets pretty busy but they do take reservations. Highly recommend the cheesy grits with eggs and pork belly!

    (4)

  • Eugene K.

    Nice atmosphere but everything else is lacking. Came here for brunch today, ordered heart surgeon and Bloody Mary with Vodka. Waiter forgot the Bloody Mary (still got charged) which came after the meal (cause I said something) and hardly any vodka. Nice...still left a 20% tip

    (1)

  • Rachel M.

    Came here last Friday with a friend for some drinks. Service was prompt & steady. Had the sangria (kind of different & pulpy than usual sangrias...it's obviously not traditional and that's OK) & I also had the Sent From Above which definitely packed a punch (aka...a little tipsy after it!). Didn't eat any food, so perhaps I will return and update my review accordingly one of these days.

    (3)

  • Christine S.

    A large group of us (11 or 12 I think) went on opening night, and were extremely impressed by the quality (and price!) of the food. They have an excellent beer list too, with 36 on tap. There were a few mistakes - some beer orders got messed up - which I'm sure were due to the fact that it was opening night and there were 12 of us who didn't all arrive at the same time. Every time the waiter came back to deliver a drink there were 2 or 3 more people in our group, which didn't help the situation. But other than that, everything else was solid and once they work out the kinks this will be a 4 star place. It will definitely give Foundry some competition!

    (4)

  • Andy C.

    This place is hit or miss. The great thing about it, is that it's easy to know what's a hit and miss. The beers are the hit, the food is the miss. Best beer selection in Somerville. Worst food selection in Somerville.

    (3)

  • Alexandra P.

    Amazing... Best of Boston got it 100% right. I have never yelped before and specifically created an account just for Five Horses. Wanted to try a little of everything so ordered "tapas style"- Brussel sprouts, cheddar and jalapeño mashed potatoes, cuke and dill salad, and fried chicken app. Everything was amazing including the service. Extensive beer list was impressive. New favorite restaurant. Will definitely be returning in the very near future.

    (5)

  • Pete S.

    They took the same douchey crowd that populated Sagra, doubled it, and added a great draft beer list. Nobody over 30 will enjoy this place at night, but like Sagra and Sauce before it, the too-lazy-to-go-to-the-Back-Bay crowd will love it to death. And with the history of this location, I mean it when I say to death.

    (2)

  • Louise F.

    Chose this place for an anniversary dinner. Best calamari I have ever had, with a great beer selection. We were stuffed between a couple large parties, which was a little bit of a let down, but what can you do? Our server was nice, but I think she forgot about us at one point. I would suggest it on a weekday night.

    (3)

  • Irissa N.

    I came here while I was in town for a job interview with a friend who lives in Davis Square. It was well priced for the neighborhood and the drink selection was out of this world. I had the veggie burger with tator tots and you can't go wrong with this.

    (4)

  • Oliga G.

    I LOVE Five Horses for their delicious mussels, wings and amazing Nutella dessert!!! And even for the bread they serve!!!! It is definitely not the place for those who eat crappy food and drink cheap beer!:))) It is a must go place for people who know what's good beer and have taste. I like to spent there cold nights next to the fireplace. I read some bad reviews about their servers. With such a long beer list you definitely need more that 5 minutes to make up your mind:))) You are not the only customer they have. It is about any restaurant. If you want to be treated special and you plan on going at some place google their menu, "be prepared":)

    (5)

  • Eric F.

    Came by for brunch with a big appetite after some tennis and the fare turned out to be pretty forgettable. Heart Surgeon - solid savory flavors on the hash, pricey at $14 Breaky Sammy - brioche bread was bland with tons of butter; side of cheddar grits became boring after a couple bites Pork Belly - awfully dry Fried Chicken Salad - probably the best dish of amongst us with a generous helping of chicken Service was fine and the coffee's good, but the food's nothing remarkable. I'd consider coming back the next time I'm in the area, but only for drinks as Five Horses does have a great beer selection.

    (3)

  • Kevin A.

    I've been here a bunch of times. I don't really get how you could give this place a bad review. It is very straightforward. There is reasonably priced upscale tavern food, and there are many beers on tap. It is a little pricier than other tavern places because it is a little more upscale and the food is clearly higher quality. Overall, I've found Five Horses to be consistent and tasty. Definitely satiates my craving for comfort food.

    (5)

  • Grace N.

    Came here on a saturday afternoon, sat by the open storefront - had a nice breeze by sheltered from the sun. Really awesome flavorful food. I had the porkbelly taco, it was on point, crispy and with the right about of kick (and i like my food spicy). Also had the special which was tatertots covered in this awesome salsa and smoked pork bits conconction - so amazing. Will definitely return. Also awesome beer selection.

    (5)

  • Anna K.

    I've been here a few times now. The inside is nice, but the staff dresses like flannel hipsters. Went once for dinner where I ate the pato loco which was the duck burrito. It was meh. The duck was overcooked. My friend got the tater tots which were really delicious and we tried the chili which was also actually quite good. I went for brunch the other day and got the Southern Comfort which is fried chicken on biscuits with sunny side eggs and sausage gravy. The gravy was really good but I felt like everything lacked some flavor. Highland Kitchen's take, the Dirty Bird, is much better. The Bloody Marys were also kind of meh. The mix tasted like cocktail sauce and we could see the bartenders making it out of canned tomato juice. There are a lot of beers on tap, which is great. I would come back if others wanted to, otherwise it wouldn't be my first pick in the area.

    (3)

  • Stuart H.

    We both had the Tavern burger with tots. The tots were to die for and the burger was satisfying. The side of brussels sprouts was very sweet and had walnuts mixed in. I wasn't a fan though. This place is OK but I think there are other better bars nearby.

    (3)

  • David H.

    I went in last Saturday night with six others, and we had William as our waiter. Well, my friends did. William went out of his way to ignore me. I sat there with a glass of melting ice while my friends were all half way done with their second round. Even when I called him by name he'd turn and walk away. I even complained about him on the way out and the staff seemed nonplussed. There are too many restaurants in Davis Square to have to tolerate such horrible service. We spent about three hundred dollars there that night. Lucky for him, I wasn't leaving the tip.

    (1)

  • Cait A.

    So I've been here before for food and a couple times for drinks and I've always been happy. I recently went to 5H and got an Old Fashioned and a FormulaforSuccess cocktail; very very tasty. I love the ambiance and the fireplace and I can't say I dislike all the plaid. Very laidback and chill, ambient lighting. I went here for dinner again about a month ago after getting a gift certificate from a friend. My boyfriend got the Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen and I got the Grilled Hangar Steak. For some reason I always crave a good steak when I go out; maybe because I don't make them at home. I really liked the steak; it was cooked the way I wanted and was definitely satisfying. The goat cheese scallion mashed potatoes were also tasty and the wilted balsamic spinach salad was a nice light touch. My boyfriend thoroughy enjoyed his Cornish game hen. This thing was SERIOUS. Nice thick fried breading with a bit of pepper and mac and cheese with pork belly on the side. I kept stealing bits and picking fried crumbs off his plate, but after eating a good portion of his meal I decided that I would never be able to make it through the entire thing; way too heavy. That said, the portion was substantial, so you could easily get two entrees and split them. Also, I know that sort of thing is supposed to be heavy, so its certainly not a bad thing; I just couldn't handle any more. Frikkin delish though. Have to say that post-meal, my steak was definitely easier on the body haha. I was a little disappointed by dessert. There is only the blueberry bread pudding and the nutella and drunken banana. I wouldn't normally get dessert, but I had a gift certificate, so I didn't mind going a little overboard (in fact, it was necessary), but I was craving like a double chocolate cake with hot lava fudge everywhere and chocolate chips and there was just no such option. That sort of thing seems to be kind of standard on restaurant dessert menus, but I know this isn't like the 99. Even so. I'm not a huge blueberry person and I wanted me some chocolate, so i opted for the nutella banana deal. It was good, but not amazing. It was like a little toasted nutella/banana sandwich and it kinda made me wish I'd gotten the bread pudding. Again, I realize this isn't a 99 Restaurant, but be warned, there is no chocolate frosted chocolate chip lava cake to be seen in the vicinity. Lastly, our server for our past two visits has been really great. So all in all, good times were had, I like the place, I will go back when I want a whiskey cocktail and and badass fireplace or a nice dinner out.

    (4)

  • Jen T.

    FIVE stars for the beers!! We are always finding something new, local, or unique to try from the draft selection. FOUR and a half stars for the chicken tenders! they really are great here and they take no time at all. A nice pairing for some of the IPAs. Three stars for the rest of the food, which is nice but sometimes inconsistent. Nice that the menu changes often. We will return!

    (4)

  • Stephanie L.

    I definitely want to go back and try Five Horses for dinner... I went for a Sunday brunch while I was visiting Boston. The waitress highly recommended having the Chimichanga and said that I wouldn't be disappointed. I asked for it to be baked instead of fried and she said no problem. It was SO delicious. It had black beans, eggs, potatoes, carrots, scallions, jalapenos, red peppers, with guacamole and goat cheese sour cream. If I could have it everyday, I probably would. I'll definitely be going back once I make my way up to Boston again!

    (4)

  • Adam P.

    Third time at FHT and it's time to bump my review up to five stars. Tried out their brunch menu for the first time and loved it. See below for details: Drinks -- The Ice Box (awesome, tasted like coffee), The Grapefruit Bellini (also awesome, bubbly, dry, and refreshing), Cape Ann Sunrise Saison (perfect brunch beer). Waitress did a nice job refilling our glasses of water as well. Food -- Split The Paula Deen and The Tree Hugger with my girlfriend. The Paula Deen was super delectable and hit all the right notes (plenty of crispy pork belly). The Tree Hugger was a nice sweet (and healthier) alternative to the rich Paula Deen plate. Tried a bite of my friend's deep fried Captain Crunch french toast sticks which were like nothing I had ever eaten before. Came with a nice side fruit salad and tangy raspberry coulis drizzle. Only downside of our visit was that some of the french toast wasn't fully cooked (as in raw batter on the inside), but most of them were fine. Consistency of service, quality of food, and menu creativity are definitely enough reasons to earn a top tier review from me.

    (5)

  • Mahina K.

    I live around the corner from Five Horses Tavern and I LOVE it. I've only gone for brunch so far. On the weekends brunch is served from 10:30 am to 3 pm. I got the Southern Comfort, which is 2 sunnyside eggs, gravy, a thyme biscuit, and two strips of deliciously fried chicken. After running a monstrous amount and throwing it all away on this one meal is so worth it. Later I had the Mac and Cheese with pork belly. It was so good, super rich, but not too much. So cheesy, if you don't like cheese, don't get this (But really who doesn't like cheese). They also have sweet peas, lobster, and chicken that you can put into your mac and cheese. We came for dinner one night, we got there at exactly the right time because there was a wait not too long later. I got a soft shell crab dish, I feel like this was a special of the night because it's not on the menu. But it was very good. Boyfriend got the fish tacos, which he found subpar, I liked my dish though! It's a cute little restaurant. Full bar, outside seating (when it's you know, not winter), and a fireplace! Adorable. They have a chandelier over the opening of the restaurant made out of beer taps. If you are coming with a big group you might want to call ahead. I tried to get dinner there on a Thursday night around 8/8:30 and had a 20 minute wait. So this may not be the most health conscious place but I have to say it's worth it. So delicious, a little pricier than some places in Davis but the quality was worth it.

    (4)

  • M B.

    Overall mediocre. Pros: Good service, food came out fast, good variety of food/alcohol Con: My over easy eggs were overcooked and not hot, homes fries needed more flavor I love breakfast, so I am picky about eggs and home fries. There are other breakfast/ brunch places in the area that are better.

    (3)

  • Tressa S.

    This is definitely one of my favorite places to go in Boston, and thankfully it's right down the street from where I live! The beer selection at Five Horses is phenomenal, and their cocktail offerings are great, too. I personally like their winter sangria - it tastes like mulled wine...yum! Now on to the best part: the FOOD! Ohmygoodness, everytime I go to Five Horses I am never disappointed. My favorite dish is their Mac and Cheese with duck confit - it is always delicious! The Foghorn Leghorn pizza is also scrumptious, as is their Brussel Sprouts with Pork Belly. Their brunch is also out of this world! They have some of the best cheese grits I've ever tasted, and this is coming from someone who was born and raised in the South! The service has been exceptional everytime we go there. Yes, it gets really busy on the weekends, but I suggest (and I can't believe I'm giving away my secret) to put your name on the list and then stand close to the bar to find seats. That's the failproof method for me and my boyfriend, we always find seats this way if the restaurant is busy. All in all, you can't go wrong with Five Horses. It's where we go on a frequent basis, and we encourage friends and family to come visit us just so we can take them to Five Horses.

    (5)

  • Tom B.

    This place deserves a solid four stars. Their weekend Brunch has options even a vegan can enjoy, which--I've found--is pretty rare for a brunch. The black bean hash is my favorite new thing, besides my Oliver Peoples glasses. Was fortunate enough to order their potato tacos as well, boring name, but amazing taste. Already craving more. Drinking wise, the beers are priced about what you would expect from a sit-down eatery in Davis, embrace it. The ambience is pretty cool, prefer to get drinks at Mike's or Underbones, but that's just cause I'm not cool enough to hang here.

    (4)

  • Duncan M.

    I've never had the food here so I can't comment on it. I used to come here all the time when they first opened (I used to work in the area) and I always liked it. The beer list is pretty impressive as they have a lot of beers from a lot of breweries I've never heard of. Also the atmosphere is really nice, especially in the summer when the windows are open. Although, I think everyone wearing plaid is kinda lame, but to each their own.

    (4)

  • Brooke C.

    Delicious food and a great atmosphere! After not having much luck as travelers in Boston, I was really happy someone directed me towards this place. The food was fresh and came out hot and correct. The atmosphere was lively but not to loud and the decor was posh but welcoming. Our server was very on top of our needs without being pushy. Wish we would have found this place on the first day of our visit!

    (5)

  • Ambrose C.

    I somehow ended up at this bar one evening, and encountered an interesting group of people that included the Boston Yelp Community Manager, his entourage that included a lady that loves hockey, an artist who writes poems on Yelp, a sophisticated female engineer, a somewhat garrulous but nice girl, and a lady that loves Yelp way too much and is older than me. I have been to this place twice, for my second visit, I decided to get the food here. All of the food that I have eaten here had something to do with fried chicken. The dish I got was a Fried Chicken Sammy. This is a fried chicken sandwich with lettuce, honey and focaccia bread. I decided to get some Cheddar Jalapeno mashed potatoes as my side dish. The fried chicken itself was actually really good. It has a nice crispiness on the outside and a nice tenderness on the inside, making it tasty. It also tasted really good with the ketchup and lettuce. I was not impressed with the bread. It either needed to be toastier, or really soft and chewy. The mashed potatoes were also really good, lacked a little spice from the jalapeno peppers and needed a tiny bit of salt, but still really good. I also had the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders. They are a really good choice for an appetizer. They come out really hot, so be careful. Again the chicken was really tasty, a nice crispiness on the outside and a nice tenderness on the inside. The sauces were really good. As for beer, I had a Blanche de Bruxelles, and that was a decently refreshing Belgian wheat beer, especially when it is chilled. Another beer I had was the Laguintas. They serve the beer in a glass jar, making it look like you are Winnie the Pooh (a bear with very little brain that eats honey too much) and drinking honey from a jar. The beer was also refreshing, but the aftertaste was really strange to me. Interior is nice for an American bar. Bartenders and the server seem to be really nice as well. This is a fairly good choice to watch some decent American sports as well. Overall, this is not a bad place to get some decent beer and some fried chicken, though be prepared to have a lot of cash. It's not high on my recommendations, but I would not mind coming here for some beers if I somehow ended up back in Somerville.

    (3)

  • Bryan C.

    Ive been here about 5 times already this summer so decided why not write a well deserved great review. Beer selection is jus as outstanding if not so exceeds other craft beer bars around. The service is cool friendly n laid back. Our bartender didnt make us feel like we were putting her out everytime we asked for a beer. Pork belly taco was phenomenal n friend said jalepeno potatoes were good as well. Bartender also had great suggestions n really knew her beer! Not always the case. See ya soon Five Horses!

    (4)

  • AJ J.

    Really good food and one of the most extensive beer menus in the area. Prices are relatively affordable, but it feels more upscale than nearby bars. The only reason I give it a 4 instead of a 5 is because they don't offer French fries as a side, only tater tots. It really bothers me for some reason, but most people don't seem to mind.

    (4)

  • Chris M.

    Admittedly this is based on a single experience but Yelp has more than its share of people giving one-star reviews for well-meaning servers inadvertently pissing off a customer, who never spoke up or came back. Food: above-average pub grub with some creative options Beer: selection is excellent: My sour beer was really good. Service: I got some 18 family members including children to show up on a late September 2013 afternoon during a football game that had filled the interior. The server/busser/hosts accommodated us as the party grew from the 8-top nucleus, including grabbing interior chairs. Service was cheerful and order was accommodated accurately. From this single-sized sample I can highly recommend this place.

    (5)

  • Angel F.

    This place is, like most bars in this area, pretty average and overpriced. I would also say if you're a young person of color don't bother coming here (again, like most bars in this area.) I went one day to have the sangria during the day and it was alright, but don't bother coming at night. I tried to come one night with friends visiting from South America and we were not allowed in by security. My friends had passports and licenses from their countries and were told that foreign IDs are not accepted. How is it that an establishment can reject a form of ID, but my friends were legally driving and renting cars here? Makes little sense. When I tried to talk to the blockhead bouncer he acted like I wan idiot, probably because I don't look like the usual customers.

    (1)

  • Jacob B.

    Oh man, Soooooo much plad. If you like good food and a Huge beer list this is a good place to start. The food is great especially their tacos. Ive tried almost everything on the menu and the only thing I didn't like is the brussle sprouts. Special mention should go out to their Potato Pizza it's pretty great.

    (5)

  • Renee R.

    I really like Five Horses. I have mostly gone for early (4/5pm) or late dinners (9/10pm) -- so that helps avoid waiting much since they don't take reservations. I'm sure a lot of people get annoyed by the long waits. Loads of beer options if you're a beer person. The Drunken Wings are quite good. They used to have "Dragon Wings" that were awesome, and I've ordered it once after it was off the menu and they still made them, so that was rad. Mussels are seriously delectable. My sister who is gluten free got the roast chicken dinner and loved it. I got a veggie burger with tater tots (one word: yum) that was wicked good too. Used to have a duck pizza that was pretty money. They update their menu a fair bit, which is nice. In short, clearly, I recommend!

    (4)

  • Frank W.

    So a long time ago I came here for a dinner and it was so so. So I wanted to give them another chance. Everyone deserves a second chance! Unfortunately it seems that service has also taken a nosedive at this establishment. Second chance squandered. My party walked in at 630 and was promptly seated. Great! Water given. Great! And then our waiter disappeared. 20 minutes later still no waiter, so we went and tapped the host. After being assured there was no issue and that we would be seen in a moment, we sat back down. 10 minutes more. Nothing. Host gets another tap, and we are met with a bewildered look. Not good. I think we were generous with a final 10 minute grace period before we walked out, but seriously? Communicate people. It's ok that the table got dropped. It happens. A comped app fixes that. But this is completely unacceptable. Foundry is an adequate and nearby substitute. And I've never been left alone in the dark there.

    (1)

  • Sara M.

    Great place and great food. Unfortunately, when we got there at one on a Sunday, some of that food was not available, including hash and sourdough bread. Also, the space is really noisy. I really liked their brunch and they make even the most basic breakfast exciting, including adding mango to the fruit salad, and the home fries are like super skinny french fries. Yum!

    (4)

  • Allison B.

    I had only been here for beers and cocktails a few times, but then some friends and I went for brunch one Sunday. It was a little chaotic getting seated, and it was unclear who was in charge of manning the front desk and seating people. However, we were eventually seated. The service was a little slow and seemed on the "newer" side, in that they seemed confused and not that confident about what they were doing. The food itself was SPECTACULAR. I got the Paula Deen grits with eggs and pork belly, and I loved every bite. My biggest complaint about this place is that their coffee/tea selection is lacking. At Sunday brunch, I like nothing more than a latte. Sadly, no milk steamers or espresso makers in this joint. Fine, I told them I would just settle with coffee with skim milk. Nope, they only carry cream. Darn. A similar thing happened to my dining companion who wanted chamomile tea. All they had was Lipton's regular and Lipton's decaf. I realize that it's a bar primarily and not as much a brunch place, but I would have appreciated some more variety in the hot drinks! Otherwise, scrumptious food. Edit (one year later): I came back here after dreaming about that (above) brunch for months. The food was definitely lacking and just tasted gland and greasy. Bummer.

    (2)

  • Brian N.

    Great value, amazing beer selection, great staff...i've gone three times now and have had great experiences every time. The environment is very casual and makes for a good time as well, one of Davis's finest

    (5)

  • Lily W.

    I came here with my boyfriend and his grandparents on a Wednesday night. We've tried weekend nights, but usually the place is packed with lines going out the door. Today we were lucky; there was no wait, and they were extra careful about my boyfriend and I being under 21 years of age. The menu is an eclectic mix that lack cohesiveness; I would say that this is a weakness. You find interesting tacos. Mac-and-cheese. Calamari. Standard steak, fish, and chicken fare. Pizzas. Wait, is that oxtail pizza? Yes. Yes it is. Most of it is American with some kind of ethnic twist. We started with the calamari appetizer, which came in a round bowl. My first impression wasn't good, as it just seemed drenched in some kind of sauce, making the squid appear kind of wilted. Upon first bite, it was overpowered by citrus, making me think that they had perhaps overdone it on the lime juice. But the more I ate, the more I was intrigued by the flavors: defintely some Asian influence, some mango, some fish sauce, maybe. Really delicious actually. I ended up ordering one each of their tacos (tuna, sparerib, and pork belly). The tuna one could have used a little more flavor. The sparerib one was SPICY. I am a girl who can handle her spice without flinching, but this one made my eyes water, and I was extremely surprised to be handling this kind of spice in an American restaurant. I am extremely intrigued by the menu; I'd like to come back and order more. The dishes were tasty, the restaurant nice and trendy-looking. Definitely a re-visit.

    (4)

  • Joseph N.

    Great menu and great vibe! The food is phenomenal and always a great place to grab a drink whether it's the weekend or weekday. I recommend the Brussel Sprouts and the Half Roasted Chicken Dinner!

    (4)

  • Liliya M.

    I've been here a couple of times (for brunch and dinner), but on my recent trip experienced superior customer service. A large group of us had arrived at the bar and upon asking one of the staff if there were coat racks or hooks, he proceeded to offer to store some of our bags and jackets in the locked office of the restaurant. It was an incredibly nice thing to do and we had a great evening without worrying about any bulky items or the safety of our belongings. Thank you!

    (4)

  • Ave D.

    This place is awesome. I went here on a Friday night and it was packed and loud. We managed to get a table after 30-45 minutes but had a great selection of beer to choose from while we waited (I had a Troegs amber ale and the Cape Ann Fisherman's Ale). When we were seated, we had great service and great food. I had the goat cheese ricotta/spinach/arugula/black olive pizza which was wonderful. My friends got burgers and salads which were excellent as well. There were five of us and we ended up paying $25 including tip each, I think? One small disappointment: the braised kale my friend ordered as a side was served in a... pickled? vinegar? something? sauce that really overpowered the kale and made it super soggy. I understand that braising involves a lot of liquid but it was sort of a soggy weird tasting mess... maybe this is what braised kale is supposed to be like?

    (5)

  • Joe C.

    The Pork Belly tacos were awesome, but the Tuna tacos tasted a little boring. The Cod did not taste well and the giant oyster mushroom that is included was weird. The beer selection was large...but not cheap. Service was friendly, and relatively attentive.

    (3)

  • Dave F.

    So a good friend who loves beer wants to have a birthday dinner and is looking for a place to have dinner with friends, including someone who eats gluten free, a vegetarian, and someone who thinks it's impossible to sustain yourself without bread and meat. Where do you suggest? In this situation, you could do a lot worse than Five Horses. Huge selection of beers on tap, a wide range of dishes with gluten-free and vegetarian options clearly labeled, and a helpful and friendly staff, and the food is delicious. I've enjoyed nearly everything I've ever eaten here, including the potato tacos, the tofu cuban, the calamari, the tavern chili, and the cheddar jalapeno mashed potatoes. The one major drawback of coming here is how ridiculously packed it gets on a Friday or Saturday night. Show up any later than 6 on either of those days, and you will be standing around, wishing you'd taken part in that fad diet where you just get sliced in half because that's the only way you could possibly not be taking up too much space. It's also loud as hell with, as far as we could tell, exactly one table, way in the back, quiet enough that you could ever have a conversation with someone you weren't inches away from. Our large group was lucky enough to get that, but until we were seated, it was madness. Now, I'm pretty cheap, so this is pretty much at the upper end of what I'm usually willing to pay at a restaurant, but that means for most normal people, this is probably average for a night out. Definitely worth it, though my wallet and my ears wouldn't let me make it an every week thing.

    (4)

  • Parissa S.

    This place is great for late night dinner/drinks. I was pleased with their beer list because it includes the Belgian staples. I LOVE the fish and pork belly tacos here. The tuna taco has super good glazed chile. I was unimpressed by the hanger steak, but the goat cheese-scallion mashed potatoes it came with was tasty. I replaced the salad with tater tots, which were okay, but not up to par with Cambridge Common's pub grub tots. Also, the chandelier of beer taps is neat.

    (3)

  • J B.

    Service is excellent. Brussel sprouts are excellent. Great beer selection and friendly staff. Check. It. Out.

    (5)

  • Risa R.

    I decided to have lunch here on my wedding day because it is close to my husband's house. I knew we were going to be on a tight schedule, so I emailed them ahead of time to make sure they could accommodate all of us. They responded back that they would be able to seat us, but not all at the same table, but we would be in the same area. This was fine with me. I took my friends' and family's food orders and sent them over in advance, so that we could stay on schedule. We arrived at the scheduled time, and they showed us to our tables. When we got to the tables, we saw that they had already placed some of our meals out on the table to just sit there and get cold. Sorry, but I don't want to eat cold food. Also, how were they going to prevent people from walking by and picking at it/sneezing on it/etc? I also want to mention that these tables were in the bar area. We weren't even given the courtesy of dining room seating. When I asked what certain dishes were, the food runner could not tell me. Another food runner was bringing food out and when he saw the table with no one sitting at it, he asked his coworker (female, short hair), "where should I put the food?" She answered, "Just put it anywhere. They'll figure it out," We were right there, they could have asked us, but instead they just rudely ignored us. Also, it is hard for us to "figure it out" when no one can tell us what meal was what. When we all went to sit down, we found out we didn't have enough seats. A few party in our party had to sit at the bar. At one point, I talked to the short-haired female about my meal. I had gotten the exact meal I had before, but with different sides. I asked her, "is it possible to change my sides or is it too late?" She honestly just stared at me for a second and then just walked away without saying a word. I didn't even get a response. She could have said, "Those are the default sides when you don't specify," but I got nothing. Also, if their dishes came with different sides, why didn't they email me back to ask me what everyone wanted for sides? I had sent over our meal orders days in advance. Did they not look at it until the day of? Nobody came by to take drink orders. They should have just told me they would not have been able to handle my party, because my experience was unsatisfactory.

    (1)

  • Melissa M.

    Every time I've been here I've been treated so well. I've had Beverly and Lonnie when I sit at the bar with my fiance before we head off to the Somerville Theatre. The other night I took a really crazy yoga class and felt all "Zenned" out and my fiance wanted to meet me in Davis after class. We chose Five Horses since we've always had a nice time sitting at the bar drinking cocktails/beer/etc. We walked in the restaurant on a Wednesday night around 7pm. It was maybe 1/3 at capacity. We got a comfy table at the top of the stairs. We got the fried brussels sprouts as an appetizer, with a delicious glass of prosecco for me and one of their draft beers for he. I got the cheeseburger and tater tots. THIS WAS SO GREAT! Grass fed beef with cheddar cheese, cucumbers and a tomato confit. I am a big ketchup person (needs to be Heinz...sorry I grew up with that) and of course, they had a nice glass bottle of it. My fiance got the Italian hoagie, which looked great. My fiance's greatest fear in life is a bad sandwich and this sandwich was not bad at all. It contained capicola, soppresata, mortadella, provolone, roasted red peppers, onion, banana peppers, shredded lettuce, extra virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, OH MY! I had another glass of prosecco and took home 1/2 of the tater tots. I could have eaten them all, but they were delicious the next day. We loved our food, loved the service and the prices were very reasonable. I think next time, I'll get their cheese plate. The cool thing about this place is, you can go with a group, with your mate, on a date or by yourself. You'll have a great time either way. We have gone back and will continue to do so. Welcome to Davis, Five Horses Tavern! I can't wait to be a regular.

    (5)

  • Daniel M.

    This place is great. Great food and a pretty descent beer selection. I've taken many of my visiting friends here and they all had good things to say. It's definitely worth a shot.

    (4)

  • Josephine L.

    There's a classy yet casual vibe to this place that's warm and inviting. I especially love the exposed brick and the fireplace. Makes you just want to curl up with a good book. The buttermilk fried chicken is tasty, especially when double-dipped in the accompanying dipping sauces. The chicken and vegetable soup is hot and hearty but the portion is quite small. None of us were fans of the haddock, though. Way too salty in parts and way too bland in others. Plus, who serves baby carrots sauteed with soy sauce as a side? Gross.

    (4)

  • Bill R.

    This is a solid place to eat. The vegetarian and vegan selections are plentiful and well-marked, the beer selection is varied and thoughtful and I found the service outstanding. The food's good, but not deserving of five stars. They're also on the leading edge of the inflating cost of a pint-- $6.50 or more. Not egregious, but not a value, either. The food, on the other hand, was reasonable. I'll visit again.

    (4)

  • A G.

    One of my favorite places in Davis! Delicious Brussel Sprouts and potato and avocado tacos. Their pretzel with house mustard is awesome!

    (5)

  • Beth K.

    I love Five Horses. LOVE. I get confused by the other reviews about the staff. The best part about this place is the staff! The fact that all servers/bartenders are splitting tips means that they are always looking to help out each other's tables. I have never met a more knowledgeable staff regarding drinks and food...seriously, every server knows the beers, knows the wines, knows the cocktails. Most impressive is the time they must put in to understand and describe all their draft beers. Not sure what you want or if you will like it? Ask for a taste. They are more than happy to give you a sample! Okay, so it's obvious that I enjoy my adult beverages, but their food knocks it out of the park. They take tavern food to the next level. Perfectly cooked mussels with a huge hunk of grilled bread. A selection of tacos that easily beat the Mexican restaurant around the corner. Dangerously addictive tater tots (bye bye low-carb diet). A burger worth writing home to Mom about. I would tell you about their MIND-BLOWING homemade pretzels that are only served as part of their Oktoberfest specials, but that might mean they will run out of them before I can get there. Oh crap...guess I spilled the beans. Speaking of beans...Vegetarian? Vegan? This place has you covered! I am the furthest from either of these, but have found myself ordering the veggie burger. WHAA?? Yes, this meat-fanatic gal purposefully has ordered their veggie burger because it is THAT good. Granted, it tastes great topped with bacon-haha:) When friends and family visit, it is guaranteed that I will bring them here. Hands down the best place for food and drinks in Davis Square. Oh, and might I add that they make an amazing gin Bloody Mary. Gin. Yes. It's made with fresh basil, cucumber and homemade bloody mix. It's like a garden party in your mouth. It makes you lose all guilt about drinking on a Saturday at noon;) Not that I need an excuse...

    (5)

  • David B.

    This place seems to always have a table ready in 15 even on busy nights. Beer menu is always long and changing. The food is new American comfort. Can't go wrong. My favorite brunch spot in Davis.

    (5)

  • John S.

    Service was excellent, food came out fast and delicious, and beer list was extensive. But what put this place over the top was their courtesy. When I forgot to grab an itemized receipt for work purposes, I called them up, and Ira and another employee whose name I didn't catch printed one out, took a picture of it with a cell phone, and sent it to me that night. Really went above and beyond to help me out, and I greatly appreciated it.

    (5)

  • Josephine P.

    This is personally a 3 1/2 star review. Side note: this place is pretty hispter as indicated by their flannel clad staff. I used to come here every weekend because the boyfriend loves their beer selection and tater tots. The food can be really cleverly named and inventive. Any time I have friends from out of town visit I bring them here. Although I agree that they have a pretty ridiculous beer variety both on tap and bottled and their tater tots are wildly delicious when you are drunk off their delicious (and pricey) beer, I don't really think their food is all that worth it (as a vegetarian)

    (3)

  • Melanie T.

    Huzzah! Toro tacos are back! That is all I really need to say, but I will also give kudos for a recent takeout snafu that was handled beautifully by the manager. So glad to have my beloved tacos back. Are they a little expensive for the portion, yes, but I am willing to splurge for my delicious spicy treat.

    (4)

  • Nick D.

    Food here is mostly very good. They have an interesting menu with lots of items you won't find at many other places. The beer selection is way better than average. Service has always been good and wait times usually are not too long. A very solid choice for dinner.

    (4)

  • Kristi L.

    Interesting place to say the least. The beer list is fairly extensive, but weighs heavily on the IPA side. What I found to be most surprising was the large vegetarian/vegan offerings. Though I'm not a vegetarian, I ordered the tofu cuban sandwich which was phenomenal. Five Horses also serves the most delicious mashed potatoes I've ever tasted: jalapeño and cheddar. Holy moly!

    (4)

  • Liz L.

    Came in for brunch at 1045 Sunday morning. Seated in seconds. Bloody Mary's were spicy and delicious. Server was friendly, efficient and knowledgable. Menu options were creative; everything came out looking and tasting great. Cool, youthful atmosphere. Awesome playlist. Beer. Will be back.

    (4)

  • Amy S.

    OK it's big. It has a fireplace, and it has sidewalk seating and storefront windows that are good for people watching. Decent whiskey selection. Good location. BUT the consumables need work. The food... is kind of "TGI Fridays with Food Network ambitions." And the crowd... well, I'm happy that the Tufts fraternities have found their local spot.

    (2)

  • Alison G.

    I feel the need to update my review due to my previous bashing of the chicken sandwich. They must have changed the recipe because when I tried it again, it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had! The chicken was so moist & juicy, and the honey compliments it very well. Also, the doorman is awesome. He's so friendly & he let me know that my license is expiring this month, which I never would've known otherwise. The other staff are great too. This place definitely deserves 4 stars!

    (4)

  • Will Y.

    Five Horses rules. It is my fav bar in Somerville/ Cambridge. I usually hit this place up one a week with a buddy or 2. The beer selection and the food keeps us coming back week after week. The Pork Belly tacos are life changing amazing good. Totally killer. Wash those down with some IPAs and you will feel awesome. There is a really good selection of beers..30 something on tap, 100 something bottled. Solid. The bartenders are really knowledgeable. I brought my dad there one time who knows nothing about beer. They let him sample 10 to 15 beers till he found one he liked. Awesome. I usually go on the weekday so I can't comment on how packed it is on the weekends. I always seem to find a spot at the bar or a table no prob. I like how there is a small lower bar with some high top tables and then the upper main bar. I like the lower one. On a nice day/night they open the window. Sweet. Even the doorman is cool. He'll check your ID, shoot the shit with you for a couple seconds and wish you a happy early or late birthday if its coming up. Cool dude. Then when you first walk in, look up and check out the chandelier made of all tap handles...I want that in my house. Bottom line this place is kick ass. It is my fav bar in Somerville/ Cambridge. Go here.

    (5)

  • P. M.

    It got a little bit busy here this past Friday around the bar, and some of the younger barstaff started getting really rude. A word to management: don't put people behind the bar that don't know how to keep their cool under stress.

    (2)

  • Halle R.

    This will be an average of two trips, one I made for dinner and one for brunch. The dinner experience was excellent. We seem to have ordered all the right things- my tacos were fantastic and just enough food (I'm glad they let you order fewer than three), and the brussels sprouts appetizer for the table was so good it made me like brussels sprouts. Then again, when you fry anything in that much oil it'll probably taste good, but still. I usually dislike brussels sprouts quite intensely. The brunch experience was another story. My dining companion was completely satisfied with his plate, but mine was a little lacking. I got the tavern breakfast- hash browns, two eggs, "fresh" fruit, toast. The only item on this plate that was worth the money was the hash browns: they were definitely the best hash browns I've ever had. (They were also fried to a crisp. A theme emerges?) The eggs, on the other hand, were very underdone; I ordered over easy, and the whites were runny to the point that they were still clear in some places. If you bill yourself as a brunch place, you should know how to cook an egg: there's just no excuse for that. The fruit was very lackluster. I understand it's the middle of winter, but for these prices, I'm sure you can find some creative way around underripe melons and squishy grapes. Maybe apples and citrus, or something more shelf-stable. Figure it out. The toast was toast, and was neither a mark for or against. All in all, it wasn't worth the money for something that, minus the hash, I could have gotten better at home. Or at IHOP. My bottom line? Check it out for a nice, if a little pricey, dinner. Avoid for brunch.

    (3)

  • Elena E.

    I've been to Five Horses Tavern a couple of times for food and a couple of times just for drinks. Pros: great beer and cocktail menu with good seasonal specials. The food is a definite step above your average pub menu. The mac and cheese is amazing, a must get. The brussel sprouts are some of the best I've had - probably just as unhealthy as the mac and cheese but delicious. The calamari was slightly disappointing - not very crispy and flavorful. The crab cake sandwich was tasty but very small for the price. Cons: Packed of the weekends and they don't do reservations or call aheads, even for large parties. Also, a bit on the pricey side for what you get. Finally, healthy food options that are at all appealing are limited. I'd recommend Five Horses for drinks during the week and as a place for dinner where you know everyone in your group can find something they'll like to eat. Until they take reservations, I'd avoid weekends.

    (4)

  • Jara C.

    This is my go-to place. I live less than a 10 min walk away and find myself here at least once a week. I bring all my friends from out of town here. It's great for dinner - the potato tacos and macaroni and cheese are awesome. I'm a vegetarian and they have plenty of things I can eat (vegan options seem decent too). Beer list is excellent. I had a killer Old Fashioned once. Best. Tater Tots. Ever.

    (5)

  • David H.

    This place is alright with me. My go - to in Davis Square. Here's a tip for brown-liquor-lovers: Ask one of the lovely bartenders about their whiskeys, and they'll give you a nice book with all their whiskeys, categorized with a brief description next to them. And the price. Food I have enjoyed here: You must have the Mussels Do try the Brussel Sprouts Mac & Cheese, yes Pork Belly Tacos, yes, yes, yes K.F.C.G.H., yes The Mashed Potatoes are delicious I did not enjoy the Calamari to a great degree The fish tacos didn't do much for me They are often playing fun music in here.

    (4)

  • Vina A.

    Great beer selection and VERY helpful, extremely informative and patient waitstaff. Had a baby there without any problems as well. We went on a super busy day and they ran out of a number of items on the menu and beer list. Nonetheless everything was great. The chili was really quite delicious. oh and warning - when they say spice, they mean the kind of spice only people who've grown up popping chili pepper as candy or licking gochujang off of pacifiers kind of spicy. But full disclosure, I am a medium weight when it comes to spice.

    (4)

  • Ethan A.

    Ended up here on a quiet Monday night when several other area bars had closed by 10. Hipster-ski-lodge without being pretentious is how I'd sum up the atmosphere. Service was friendly, albeit slow at the end of our visit. Ended up waiting maybe 25 minutes for a check, and just left cash. Oh well. Steer clear of the Formula for Success cocktail - it tastes like soap. Either that, or there was soap in my drink. Regardless, a bourbon suggested for my second drink was phenomenal. Hands down fantastic, and completely makes up for the first drink.

    (4)

  • Simon L.

    First time, I said to myself, give them another chance, second time, I said to myself give them a third chance, third time, I said to myself, DRINKS ONLY FROM NOW ON. Food has been pitiful so far. The\e only decent item I've had has been the buttermilk fried chicken strip appetizer. Dragon chicken wings were recently chalked up to some of the worst ever eaten. The cod and capicola (yes, it's spelled incorrectly on the menu) was tasteless, mushy, fishy and lacking any hint of salt period. Fairly close to awful. The tavern burger, on two separate occasions was miserable. The roll/bun was stale and cold. Serving warm burger on cold roll makes the burger cold. The burger was cooked to proper temperature - med rare, but the execution relegates this burger to the "waste of money" category. Even the tomato was mealy. Calamari was unremarkable. The only thing worth even trying is the house specialty buttermilk fried chicken tenders. The fried chicken sammy was dry and tasteless. The roasted cod was flavorless. Drink and then leave.

    (2)

  • Kaitlyn H.

    Super mediocre brunch place. I suggest turning around and heading toward Inman Square to City Girl Cafe if you're looking for some delicious mid morning grub on a lazy weekend. Prices are high, waiters are not very attentive, and food was uninspired. How do you mess up a baked egg? I'm not sure, but the soupy unseasoned mess that I ate this morning confirmed that a baked egg can indeed be totally and completely botched while also costing $16. Only redemption: the manager (I think she was the manager) was great and my Bloody Mary was good too. The decor is nice, but the menu and cooking needs some serious TLC. Won't be back for brunch.

    (2)

  • Monique S.

    Ahhh, a little piece of Brooklyn in Somerville. This place is cute, dimly lit, plenty of seating, dark wood, plaid shirts, rye, bitters, and blood orange. I was immediately transported to the Fulton Grand in Clinton Hill. When I asked the bartender about the barely legal, he sort of scoffed at me for not knowing the ingredients. However, the next bartender was fabulous. He answered our questions about the menu and ingredients without pretense. When we told him what we liked, with confidence, he told us he'd make something to our liking. For me, that was a delicious Death's Door white whiskey Manhattan. This was way better than an $18 Manhattan I've had at Essex House in NYC. They also have a Macallan Ice Ball machine, which provided a modicum of flare. Overall, a great place with good vibes and great drinks. I'll definitely go back to try more and to check out the food menu.

    (4)

  • P. D.

    Very good food, poor service. I was there on a Saturday around noon and it was packed. Apparently brunch was still going on and was very popular. We didn't get the brunch items but they looked delicious. I had a chicken sandwich which was very good. Cool atmosphere, good food. My only con would be it is very crowded and the service was pretty poor. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on slow service for now, but if my next trip is similar I'm dropping the review to 3-stars.

    (4)

  • JEM C.

    We went for brunch and was frankly surprised--its more like 3.5 stars but I have it four to be nice. The menu was vast and the food was really good. The service was just ok but the food made it ok. The food is traditional comfort food with a twist, large portions at good prices. The drinks were also tasty and affordable. Would go back.

    (4)

  • Mike H.

    This was the first Bar my friends and I went to on Friday to hide from Hurricane/Storm/Shitshow Nemo, and it was the 6th or 7th time overall that I've had the pleasure to experience this place. They let us in with a warning that they were "closing eventually because of the storm, just not sure when," and with that, we ordered three beers and a pitcher of their Sangria (which one of my friends took half of it to her face like it was the last drop of water in the desert). Drinks are always strong or how you would expect a drink to be made, and the services is 100% awesome. Everyone from the Hosts to the Bartenders are personable and super knowledgeable about their drinks and food. Oh. Oh, the food. The food is amazing as well. I mean, I've only had it while drinking, but I've heard from people that weren't drinking that it's amazing as well, so that means it's solid. I adore how everyone wears flannel and plaid. If I didn't sweat like a mo-fo when doing anything at all (i.e. lifting a pen, talking on the phone, typing this review), I'd totally wear flannel. Everyone here looks like they walked out of an LL Bean catalog. Sadly we were asked to leave around 5p on the day of Nemo (due to closing, not because we were laughing like hyenas) but since we chugged the rest of the Sangria before bouncing, we left with a warm feeling in our hearts, which we can 100% attribute to The Five Horses.

    (5)

  • Melanie C.

    Honestly had never really been to this area, and I didn't know what to expect from Five Horses Tavern. A friend and I glanced at the menu, looked good so the hostess brought us over to a table. The first table she tried to seat us at was practically on top of another couple, so we kindly asked to be sat one table over, in which still I was crammed against the wall. I mean I am no toothpick, but I was feeling a little claustrophobic. This is the part that really confused me, at first we had a female waitress, who got our drinks and everything...then about 15-20 minutes later, my friend and I thought some random guy was trying to make conversation or something but further in to the conversation told us he was our new waiter?! Weird. but okay. The menu has a lot of vegan/vegetarian options, which I am neither of, and gluten free options as well. BUT I ordered roasted chicken, which was excellent, however the menu neglected to tell me that it was on the bone, which I am not fond of at all. :X Ughh. I feel like a cavewoman. So, I picked around the meat as much as I could, drank my Sangria, which was also good, with that hint of cinnamon they put in, yummm. However, it's pretty loud and crowded, so if you want a more intimate setting I would suggest going else where. Depends on who you are with, and what you are going for.

    (3)

  • Nicole E.

    We went in here after dinner for some drinks and desert. I don't know what the main menu is like, but the drink selection was pretty long and the deserts we ordered were tasty. I had a Sangria (which didn't really seem to have much alcohol in it) and a nutella and drunken banana desert. Hubby had a scotch (something appropriately stinky to my non trained nose) and apple pie. Everything was delicious and the service super friendly. The only complaint was that it was pretty loud - but that just goes to show you that it's a popular place.

    (4)

  • Lauren P.

    I looooove Five Horses! I've been here so many times--on dates, with friends, for after work drinks, for lunch/dinner, and for late night cocktails. I went to 5HT last night for dinner/drinks. We shared the tater tots (SO GOOD), mussels, crab sandwich, and the brussels sprouts. Thoughts: the mussels were good but I wasn't a huge huge fan of the broth. The brussels sprouts were fried and served with mushrooms/apples/pork belly.... I love brussels sprouts but I don't think I'd order these again because they didn't resemble anything green and healthy at ALL. (But, for some people, that would be a pro and not a con.) The bartenders make a good Old Fashioned, and the waitress was very knowledgeable about the beers. Even better, they are generous with their beer tastes, and I was able to try several before choosing my final beer. Other pros: the service is friendly. The atmosphere is great for all types of groups (there was a baby at the table next to us, tables of friends, and plenty of people on dates). The bathrooms are clean. The doorman is ALWAYS sweet to my friends and I. (One time we came during a downpour and he remembered which umbrellas were ours and had them for us as we approached the exit.) The tacos are always delicious. And get the tots!

    (5)

  • Whitney C.

    Five Horses was the first bar I went to when I moved to the Boston area. I chose it because of the beer selection. I've only been here a few months, but I already know that this is without a doubt the best place to go if you're a beer lover like me. They have 37 beers on tap and over 100 bottled. A lot of the drafts are local, but they also have beers from the west coast and Europe. The staff is pretty knowledgable and always willing to give you a taste. I've been here a few times on the weekends, and while it seems like a great place to go for a date or if you're with friends. It's not a great place to go if you're single and looking to meet people. I had the food for the first time when my buddy and I took an extended lunch break to celebrate the successful completion of our first semester as grad students. We both got the tacos, I ordered one potato and one pork belly and he the tuna. I literally expected his tacos to look like canned tuna on a tortilla but the tuna was seared and looked delectable. As for my tacos, the pork belly was fabulous - just the right amount of spice.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth K.

    Ok, so, I was dragged back here recently and my second experience was far better than my first. The staff was super nice - starting with the bouncer that checked my ID, to our server, to the food runner. Actually, the food runner was probably our favorite of all the people we encountered. The food was also pretty good. I was actually looking forward to eating my mac & cheese leftovers. We weren't totally in love with our appetizers (the chicken tenders are actually not tenders, they are whole breasts of chicken but still very tasty & the crostini with the hummus was in some part mushy, some parts crusty). Plus, they came out super close to our meals, so, they we're really apps as much as side dishes. I probably would not get apps again next time. Overall though, the food was pretty solid and service was pretty stellar. I will not longer object to being dragged back here. :)

    (4)

  • Abhirup D.

    Five Horses Tavern is a great joint in the heart of Davis Square.

    (5)

  • L J.

    I was surprised to hear that this place had a number of vegan options on their menu. They were delicious. I got the vegan tacos (roasted potatoes, white bean puree, avocado, and green taco sauce)-- you can get 1, 2, or 3. There was also a vegan burger (swap the brioche roll for a ciabatta roll to make it vegan) that my fiance had and really liked with tater tots. We didn't get to try the pizza or the grazing platter, but both looked good. So glad to have a nice bar option with good vegan food in Davis.

    (4)

  • Mollie P.

    I want to love this place. The beer offerings are awesome, the food is fun and good. It's a cool space and service is usually excellent. The problem is that it is so fucking loud. I'm serious. I so wish they would invest in some sound-reduction because between the wood floors and high ceilings, it gets unbearable in there. If I go with my partner we have to sit right next to each other and shout. Any more than 2 people and there's no way conversation can happen. I love to go sit at the bar and get a snack and beer, and wish I could make it more of a spot to meet up with friends.

    (3)

  • Jeff M.

    I can't figure out if FHT is a serious tavern catering to foodies or another 'lets have as many beers as possible' joint or a Fanuiel Hall - esque restaurant/ bar for college kids. The thoughtful and expansive menu makes me think its all about the food but the beer and whiskey selection makes me think otherwise. Then to further add to the confusion there is a trashy bouncer at the door checking ID's later in the evening; somewhere between 9p and 10p when I was leaving dinner on a Tuesday night. Strange. I went here twice and thought everything was pretty good but the dishes offered too much. Fried game hen had both mac and cheese and mashed potato's. That's just one example. They serve the duck rare. I asked for medium rare and the thing came out still quacking. The best item for me was the fish stew. I am going to put FHT into a category Boston magazine created for one of their restaurant editions 'If this restaurant keeps up the work, we are excited to see where they go". I think they just need to focus the menu and concept. Lastly, the acoustics are awful in this place and noise level is deafening.

    (3)

  • Ana R.

    A first date place with excellent calamari and spicy pork belly tacos. Great beers on tap and an attentive bar and wait staff. Need to come back to experience more.

    (4)

  • Jamie G.

    I went with a couple of friends from work around 5/6 pm. They only seat full parties- which is kind of good, because they get PACKED! The beer list was fantastic. Service was good - though we did wind up being that annoying group of girls that stayed there for at least 2 hours so I am sure the waiter was giving us an evil eye to move out of his table (But we did keep getting beer!) We split the Brussels sprouts (Good, but not great, they were served with pork belly and too fatty for my taste), Fried Calamari (yum.. included banana peppers) and one of their pizzas (Which was good.) I love Davis square- so the location is great. Interior has a good ambiance. Bathrooms were clean. All in all good place!

    (4)

  • Christian K.

    Great beer selection, average food. Even the burger was less than what I expected. Friendly staff. Don't go here for the food.

    (2)

  • Nancy D.

    This was my fist time here the food was five stars but the service was three. We waited at least 15 minutes before our server came over and then he was hardly available during the remainder of our stay. Hopefully if we visit again we will have a more attentive wait staff.

    (4)

  • Carrie S.

    Pretty fun place. The food is good but isn't anything to write home about. I wish they took reservations, though.

    (3)

  • Candace F.

    I'm new to the area and love this place already. Food and atmosphere are great! Reminds me of Lincoln Tavern in Southie, it has a really creative menu. The Brussel Sprouts appetizer was delicious. Also the sangria had a great fall cinnamon spice flavor which was really unique. I look forward to enjoying many more meals/drinks here.

    (4)

  • Jess R.

    I went here on New Year's Day with a group of friends for an early dinner. We got seated right away, and the servers were great. None of us ordered drinks, so I can't comment on the beer or whiskey, which I understand is what attracts most folks to 5HT. We chose this place because (as noted in other Yelp reviews) 5HT is reasonably baby-friendly and our party included a toddler. He liked the mac and cheese with peas. I myself had the corn and avocado chowder, which had a lot of jalapeno and some big chunks of avocado to balance it out--perfect for a hot-pepper-wimp like me. I look forward to coming back and trying some of the other things listed on their menu. Apparently they change it up fairly often, but I hope they hang onto that chowder, it's awesome.

    (5)

  • monika k.

    Delicious comfort food (possibly the tastiest chicken tenders I've ever had!), casual and cozy atmosphere, and a super enthusiast and knowledgeable barkeep. I would totally return. I hope the curse of that space is over, an that this restaurant lasts.

    (4)

  • Kathleen F.

    Had a great experience trying out five horses for the first time the other night. It seemed like they may have worked out some of the kinks that are described in the initial yelp reviews. We were seated pretty quickly even though it was packed and the waiter was very helpful, recommending some of his favorite things on the menu. We tried several of their cocktails, they were strong but yummy! For our meal we sampled a bunch of different apps: the pork belly tacos were very savory and had a great smokey flavor; the fries were spiced very well and had a great dipping sauce, the mussels were another fave with lots of garlic and bread toasted on the grill to dip in the left over juices yum! Calamari was a little dry but still very good! Overall can't wait to go back and try more food and drinks! The space was loud but more from all the people talking than from anything else. Overall, I really liked the decor and the atmosphere. Perfect place to hang on a crisp fall evening!

    (4)

  • Melissa R.

    This was my second visit here and wow, the menu selections are unique, the food is fantastic and the presentation is amazing. It's nice to have an option to eat in a pub atmosphere and have unique food options. Service was also wonderful. I would give it 5 stars but the acoustics/noise level were a little distracting to deal with.

    (4)

  • Abigail T.

    We had the weirdest service ever here last Saturday afternoon. Our (possibly hungover/sleep deprived/maybe on some sort of medication) waiter had to come back and ask us what we ordered for food THREE times and then a fourth time for the drinks he forgot, which were just a soda and juice. I've been hungover working a brunch shift before and that's when a pen and paper are your best friend. Cling to them like a port in a storm. Anyway I'd forgive him for that, but at the end it took him a long time to get us the check so we just handed him a card to expedite things. When he returned with the check we noticed their was a $13 bottle of beer on our check that we didn't order. We hunted him down and he fixed it, 10 minutes later... We like this place and the food is always good, so we shrugged off this one bad experience. Sometimes people have bad days and usually those bad days include having to work brunch shifts when you've had three hours of sleep. All was forgotten, until today when my boyfriend looked at his statement and he was charged twice for the full amount of the check. UPDATE: The manager called my boyfriend back and told him that the server in question had apparently come to work drunk. Before the manager was able to 86 him, the drunken server wandered off, never to be seen again. Then the manager fixed the double charge and offered us dinner on the house next time we show up. I've changed my rating to 5 stars. That's how you run a successful restaurant. Kudos to the management staff of 5 Horses for handling this situation so appropriately.

    (5)

  • Eric S.

    Love this place. It can be a little dark and noisy, but not to the point where you really care. The food is awesome, and the beer list is pretty solid if you are into craft beers. Most of the negative reviews about this place make me realize I'd really not like hanging out with that person. One downside to this place is that for some reason they've made it their thing that everyone working there wears plaid/flannel, I don't really get the whole hipster cowboy theme in that respect - but whatever, just bring me my beer.

    (5)

  • Lisa I.

    I came here for a quick bite on a Friday around 6:30 PM. We were just early enough to beat the crowd, so there was no wait. Our server was pleasant. The drink selection is pretty good. The environment is fine - about what you'd expect from an upscale pub-type place. And the menu LOOKS awesome. Unfortunately, the food was disappointing. We got the burger, the white bean dip and the 'banzo cakes (fried chickpea cakes). The burger wasn't very good - it came on one of those cheap buns that tasted like Wonderbread and the tater tots seemed like they were frozen. The white bean dip was ok, but nothing special. It seemed like a few dollops of hummus for $8. The 'banzo cakes were probably the best thing we had, but they were super greasy. Overall, a disappointing meal, especially for $70! (including drinks). Won't be back.

    (2)

  • Daisy K.

    1. Decor is TACKY. They're catering to frat-boys wanna be JP morgans. Not my kind of Somerville..... 2. Food is TERRIBLE. Here's what I sampled: Brussel sprouts w/ mushrooms + pork dipped in home made vinegar looked much better on the menu than the real thing. It looked like a bowl of blackened burnt pieces of plastic. If you want smart brussel sprouts head to highland kitchen for buffalo brussel sprouts. Mussels were just the garnish in the soup of badly-spiced curry broth. The broth was thick. Gross. The cilantro couldn't even cut through. Aren't we looking for a nice clean broth? I sure am. Crab sandwich and side of cucumber dill salad. Not enough cucumber dill! That was actually good! The bread on the crab sandwich was too thick and blocked all of my receptors for the crab meat due to its tough texture. Three ice cream bowl. Homemade apparently. And horribly frozen. It's like they used the same temperature to freeze all of the ice creams - and ya cant! One was blueberry and the other some butterfinger concoction. Any good chef knows that you never serve frozen, icicle-like ice cream. If you want ice cream go to Christie's. Please please please people, go to the other places that actually matter. Places that are smart enough to serve good thoughtful food and attract the sexies of somerville.

    (1)

  • stacey l.

    Think this is a solid addition to the Davis Sq food scene. It's great for a casual meal or just for meeting up for drinks. There is a little bit of everything, so it's sure to please a big crew. I think the staff here is nice. We had an unfortunate situation with some undercooked chicken wings, and it was taken care of immediately and professionally. The place is super loud, so if you're looking for a quiet meal to chat, better skip it on a busy night.

    (4)

  • C C.

    Awesome place, amazing tacos, the waiter was super helpful and even helped us combine our taco orders to save us a dollar (which we more than added to his tip because he deserved it). Again, amazing tacos, the pork belly ones are a must try, they have some pretty interesting drink selections as well. Only downside is that we had to wait around 20 minutes before finally getting seated but I can definitely see why there is a line at this place (it was also Friday night, so...) Will definitely come back again.

    (5)

  • Chuck L.

    This is one if the worst restaurants that I have tried in the area. I ordered they mushroom sandwich with a dip; both were awful. The mushrooms were completely undercooked and unseasoned- basically tasted like tough rubber. The dip was over salted broth. The service was really bad too. The waitress completely ignored our table and had TONS of attitude during the 2 times when she stopped by. Worst part was the doorman who kept starring at us (probably bored) and actually told me off before I left for using the wrong entrance to come in and out of the restaurant. It's okay if he wanted to enforce the rules, but the rudeness and lack of professionalism was pretty extreme. I'm sure you will have a better experience (and definitely food!) at any other place with comparable prices in the area. Don't ruin a nice evening and stay far away!!

    (1)

  • Dan T.

    Excellent food. Expansive beer and alcohol selection. Good vibe. A dash of class in a casual environment.

    (5)

  • Helen V.

    A Yelp event organized by Damien was held here yesterday! It was very organized and the service was impeccable, even with the hungry and thirsty yelpers! The complimentary offerings gave me insight on what I could look forward to if coming back on my accord. There were creamy mashed potatoes with jalapeno/cheese self-served into martini glasses with a variety of gourmet toppings: pork belly, manchego, pickled green onions, goat cheese, etc. It may sound odd to you, but I was definitely a fan of the pork belly topped mashed potatoes. Also, cheese samplings were great selections (Bonne Bouche, a blue, a cheddar) served up on toasts with a quince (membrillo) spread. Lastly, there was a vegan and oxtail chili. I only sampled the oxtail chili with kielbasa, and was happy with my decision. I believe there was enough food for everyone and enough for seconds to go around as well. It's rare to see that, especially when events are held in a bar! The drinks were de-lish! The wait staff also helped yelpers at their table, so they wouldn't have to go up to the bar for drinks! Great service! I would definitely come back to Five Horses! The menu looks creative and delicious; hopefully, their pizzas can fill my longing for gourmet pies! Thank you Five Horses! Until next time!

    (4)

  • Erin B.

    I recently returned to this tavern and was disappointed in both the cocktails and the service. I got the sangria and a cocktail called the "Frisky Whiskey." The sangria is up there with some of the worst I've ever had (you're supposed to make sangria with cheap red wine. This sangria had three different kinds of red, including port...very strange.) I have to applaud them for the effort of creativity, but the final product was yucky. Yes, yucky. The second cocktail was completely unbalanced and way too sugary for anything that has whiskey for an ingredient. Boo. Beer is more their thing, and I understand that every cocktail ordered won't be perfect, but if you're going to have a cocktail menu, at least be able to master what you advertise!

    (2)

  • Colin L.

    This is a fantastic new spot in Davis. The fall of Gargoyle's was sad, but when one door closes, a cooler one opens. Fives has a great place, everything is sharp looking and comfortable. That beertap chandelier is a work of art. The bartenders are always friendly and make some killer drinks. It doesn't hurt that they have a whiskey wonderland at the end of the bar. That's my happy place. I've been twice for the food now and both times were awesome. The menu is not only full of really interesting options, but it's also written in a fun and delicious way. It also delivers. They serve up really honest food, like the grazing plate is one of the best things I've ordered, but it's no more than a variety of roasted vegetables (a generous variety). There's a lot of stuff that just tastes good because it's simple, and then it winds up being vegan, too. So you can even bring your fussy vegan friends. Not to say there aren't creative and carnivorous treats. I don't know what kind of secret recipe is going on with that fried chicken, but it might just be the best I've ever had at a restaurant. Porkbelly tacos, hell yes. Try the cheese plate! The cheeses that were featured when I had it were incendiary. Incendiary. Food was great, excellent service, and the atmosphere was really cool- especially for a weeknight. I'll be a repeat customer. Check this place out.

    (5)

  • Sara M.

    Great beer selection! They also change it up pretty often which is nice. Foods good, small menu but everything is solid. The service at the tables has always been great but the bartenders are awful! Tonight we consistently had to flag them down for drinks. It wasn't busy at all, but they basically ignored us. I waited 15 mins for a second beer once I finished my first one. I even made eye contact with one of the male bartenders and he just kept on walking. We had 4 drinks each and this was the case every time. Too bad too because I would have left them a nice tip had they been the least bit attentive. Won't be back any time soon.

    (3)

  • Sarah D.

    I think 4 stars is probably a little high for this place, but I feel like I ought to reward their effort. Solid beer list. Pretty big, not super adventurous but plenty of good stuff. Prices are about a dollar higher than I think is reasonable but I think that's just me, since this seems to be what most "beer bars" are charging nowadays. The food is just okay. Wings are not awesome, tacos are fine but again, not awesome. I like the Italian sub and I really like the jalapeno mashed potatoes. Pizzas are not-so-good. Fried chicken sandwich is pretty good and would be an excellent hot-sauce-delivery-vehicle if I had thought to ask for some hot sauce. The cheese plate is skimpy as all hell. They need to work on that. The thing about the food, though, is that it is priced appropriately for what it is (cheese plate aside). Nothing super pricey, so it doesn't have to be the best food ever. So, this is pretty much 3 stars for me. But the service bumps it up. The first time I was there was a Saturday night, and the place was packed. At one point it took maybe 15 minutes for the waiter to bring my brother a beer. No big deal, it was busy. We didn't complain. They comped the drink outright. It was honestly unnecessary but super nice. In subsequent visits we've had a different waitress every time and they have all been helpful and friendly. They will offer to let you taste beers before you make a choice if you seem uncertain. This is the kind of bar I like. If the food were a bit better overall this would be the exact bar I like, but it's good enough as is to bring me in here once a month or so.

    (4)

  • Jeanine L.

    So, I'll start this out by saying the beer selection is great at this place! However...the food is awful. I ordered the mac and cheese - and it lacked flavor and had way too much oil in it. I also added grilled chicken, which was dry, tasteless, and they appeared to be leftover cuts from other dishes. My husband on the other hand got a basic burger, which they undercooked and failed to leave off the onions as he requested. The overall selection is lacking, even the appetizer menu. Our friends ordered calamari that was swimming in oil. Gross!!! The service was equally as poor, it took forever to order drinks let alone our dinner. Although the teamwork framework is probably nice, several different individuals delivering food and drinks to the table - all of which didn't know what was going where. Lastly, I'm sure it can be difficult - but after specifying that we wanted split checks the waitress gave us a dirty look upon payment time. Overall, horrible food and service - but decent selection for beers. Won't be going back though, it's definitely not worth it.

    (2)

  • Sean J.

    Great selection of beers and whiskey/bourbon/scotch. The servers are friendly and attentive and the service was very quick. Food is good, albeit a tab on the spicy side, so if you're not into that you may not like a lot of the menu options. Overall very good, comparable to Foundry, Saloon and M3.

    (4)

  • Rachel C.

    I went to Five Horses this past Sunday for my birthday dinner with my parents, brother, and his girlfriend. I loved it! The staff was super friendly, the beer selection was great, and the menu consisted of mostly American comfort food. We shared the Papas Fritas appetizer, and as a person who doesn't really like potatoes, I thought it was delish! I tried a tuna taco as an app as well and it was very fresh and yummy. Everyone but my mom got some form of fried chicken and it was SO good. I guess the chef is a "fried chicken genius" according to our server. I asked for the red dragon sauce to put on my fried chicken sandwich and it really did make it that much better. The only reason I'm not going with 5 stars is because to me (and sort of my brother too), the jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes tasted like vanilla ice cream. Weird right? They weren't spicy or cheesy as all, but very creamy. I'll definitely go back!

    (4)

  • ashley a.

    We decided to try this neighborhood restaurant out after walking to better options and finding a long wait (Posto, M3). Our waiter wasn't very prompt and we waited a really long time to order. I ordered the half-roasted chicken which came with greens and mashed potatoes. The skin on the chicken was crispy but so salty that it was completely inedible. I'm not sure what was in the mashed potatoes but they tasted odd. The green salad was nice although the vinagrette was just average. Hubby had the steak and was confused by the peanut-like sauce on the green beans with the steak. He didn't care much for his entire meal either. Maybe the beer selection is great but I won't go back there to eat when there are better restaurants near by. I'll remember to make the Posto reservation earlier in the day next time.

    (2)

  • Sean E.

    I can understand the aversion to places like Five Horses (or Highland Kitchen, or Precinct) opening up in Somerville. But honestly, I think Davis needed something like this. I get tired of Redbones - the places on Elm don't do much for me and in my opinion the vibe, food and drink selection of Five Horses beats Orleans and Johnny D's and most of the other places in Davis if you're looking for a decent dining experience. Like Lord Hobo, I think Five Horses needs some time to find itself. But with menu items like "Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen" (with amazing jalapeno mac n' chee) and two or three different Ommegang's on tap - it's heading in the right direction. The service has been great both times here and I've even managed to stop chuckling at the plaid shirt motif. Maybe I'm getting less curmudgeonly as the years go by, I don't know... There are cheaper options around Davis Square - but if you're out for a dinner and a movie, Five Horses won't let you down. Maybe I've been lucky or I'm just intuitive about when to go to such places, but I haven't found the clientele here to be much different than your average David Sq. crowd - in fact, less annoying than that of Orleans or The Burren or (eeek) Joshua Tree. It might not secure as many local regulars like even Highland Kitchen has managed to do, but I have a feeling the place has legs. Ultimately I feel that good food, drink and service will prevail. A fine addition (definite improvement over Sagra) to one of my favorite areas and I even found myself going back the second time without the incentive of a movie afterwards at the Somerville Theatre.

    (4)

  • Dena G.

    Good drinks, nice decor and pretty good food. I love the fact that there are a number of vegan choices and they are not boring tofu-based dishes. I would say that the bean dip needed some lemon juice in it to brighten it up but it wasn't disappointing. I had a veggie taco that was good and a potato taco that was great. I thought the wait staff's plaid theme is cute and not overdone or hokey because even though they all had plaid and western-inspired clothes there was good variety rather than a cookie-cutter uniform.

    (3)

  • Michelle B.

    The service here is pretty great. Casual but attentive. Knowledgeable sans snobbery. However. Please don't go here and expect a nice meal. The food falls precariously short of "gastropub". Five Horses, you are trying too hard. Scale it back and simplify! Seriously. The pork belly, the tacos, the lobster pizza, lobster Mac and cheese...you're missing your mark. A lovely place for a drink....or 6. Large, clean, good looking. Solid selection of bourbon. The perfect bar to lubricate your worst decisions. Bottoms up.

    (3)

  • Kirstin L.

    This is truly one of the best new additions to Davis Square. I cannot say enough good things about the beer list and the creative menu. I've ordered the KFCGH (Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen) three times and never get sick of it. The mac and cheese spiked with pork belly is heavenly. Don't forget about the weekend brunch too. Breakfast Chimichanga and Captain Crunch French Toast? All I can say is this place is awesome!

    (5)

  • Anastasia R.

    Five Horses (also referred to in our house as: the headless horsemen, the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse, and the pony bar) is a great addition to the Davis Squaria. Since Gargoyles (R.I.P.) closed its doors, there was a real lack of good creative food. It is closer stylistically to the Foundry, but more comfortable and with better food. Plus their servers don't seem to be coked out of their gourds. The foods are an upscale comfort sort of thing, and they do a great job with it. Plus they have a great beer selection. The only reason they are not a five star in my book is as follows: I'm getting some lunch with my lady, she orders a cup of soup as a starter. The soup comes out without bread or crackers. We ask the waitress for some and she goes to get some from the kitchen. When she returns, she says that it doesn't come with bread, but we can buy some for $2 or $3. For a $5 cup of soup? We decline, then see a cup of soup come out with said bread. We call the waiter over and are like, "Look, that cup of soup came with bread. What's the deal?" Waiter, "Yeah some of them come with bread, some don't..." After staring at him with the word *Really?* floating in a bubble above my head, he went and got us the damn bread and apologized saying they were still new. This might be acceptable if they hadn't opened 3 months ago or if whoever made the menu had never been to a restaurant before. It comes off as stingy and stupid. Don't make people argue or pay for bread when they order soup.

    (4)

  • Cat R.

    This has become my friends and mine go-to spot for a good hang out time. They've got a pretty good beer list as well as some solid cocktails...in fact the last one I ordered was called "Recipe for Success" and it was very tasty! I recommend it. I do not recommend a certain waiter though who thought he was being funny by telling me I had unsophisticated taste buds/ taste palette since I didn't like the beer he recommended to me. It was so bitter almost dirt tasting and my friends at the table agreed it wasn't the best. I was definitely offended and thought his lack of professionalism disruptive to my night there. Also all the servers wear flannel shirts which ties into their farm/casual but trendy atmosphere. I really dig the vibe especially the half circle booths in the bar area...loveee half circle booths, not sure why. The food is pretty good from what I've had and seen. Stay away from the salad that sounds really healthy, interesting and tasty because it's not. Order some of the tacos because they are decent, well done bar food. The wings are decent, the veggie burger is decent...nothing crazy going on here just a perfect place to be with friends, get a good drink or 2 or 5 and order some food if youre hungry.

    (3)

  • Dan A.

    When I see words like "Tavern" in a restaurant's name, I'm already thinking three stars, or maybe two. I'm expecting 5-8 beers on tap, all of which I've heard of, and 1 or 2 of which I know I like. And I'm expecting some basic and unexciting food, like some nachos, or a burger. Five Horses is not your typical "Tavern." For starters, there are a ton of beers on tap. Last night, I knew of maybe 1 of them ... and as a beer snob, I think that's awesome. I asked the waiter for a recommendation, based on what I was feeling at the time - a hefeweizen or summer beer that wasn't too thin or overly spiced - and his suggestion was spot-on. Second, the food is significantly better than most pub fare. I love the spring fever pizza, which is whipped tofu and peas. I've also had the tacos, which are really good ... but really, really spicy. Last night, I had the drunken wings for the first time, and I found them a little lacking. Fortunately, they let us order a sauce called red dragon to go along with the wings for an extra 50 cents. Wing problem - solved. One last thing - I really like the atmosphere. There's a neat (if slightly fratty) sculpture made of beer taps hanging from the ceiling, and the entire front of the place is open to the outside - perfect for summer drinking and people-watching. Not all the food will blow you away, but like I said, if you want a nice step up from your typical wings-n-beer tavern / pub, Five Horses is your place.

    (4)

  • John P.

    A great upscale pub and a VAST improvement over Sagra. I showed up on a Friday with four friends and no reservations. The hostess was able to seat us inside of fifteen minutes while we tried some excellent craft beer from the bar. The food is one step below gastropub: traditional American cuisine, but all locally sourced or creatively made. A really good place to check out. I'll be coming back with a larger party.

    (4)

  • John B.

    This place is just plain outstanding. I'm here for lunch on a Sunday. Good crowd, great bartenders. They have a great selection of scotch and whiskey. I got the 3 tacos for $12. They were: 1. Pork belly confit taco. Totally awesome. 2. The tuna sashimi w avocado taco.... Yum 3. And the toro furioso. Spicy but not too much to kill ya ( I removed the Satan peppers) This was the best lunch I've had in a long long time. If you like trying quality new foods and drinks, this is the place for you. Honestly I can't think of a better place to be right now. Hoo-rah J

    (5)

  • Jazzie F.

    +1 Service is Good. +1 Staff is Friendly. +1 Menu is Okay. +1 Beer List is Decent. -1 It costs too much.

    (4)

  • Brandie S.

    Love this place! I come here often, they have sierra nevadas- which is my favorite beer of all time. The servers are always really nice and personable. They are quick to fill your water or ask if you need another drink. The vegan options here are great, its hard for me to go to a pub like place and be able to eat. In LOVE with the avacado tacos, and tater tots. Because if the great service and excellent food/drink selection I will keep coming back for more!

    (4)

  • Julianne S.

    I really like the food & beer selection. I like the whole theme/ plaid-shirt-wearing staff. But the layout isn't the best. It's extremely difficult to sit/stand at the bar and have a beer while waiting for a table. There is no room at all. The tables are also spread out oddly and don't utilize the space very well. Other than that, I'm a fan.

    (4)

  • Chris P.

    Five Horses is a very solid, and IMO much needed addition to the Davis Square area. Sure, I can hear you saying, there were already a couple of pubs in Davis (three if you count Sligo, which I can't bring myself to call a 'pub' :) Five Horses has a great beer menu, and above average food that has motivated my wife and I to come back twice. We were equally impressed each time. Most of it's fairly standard high end gastro pub grub, but all of it is very well done. I've enjoyed the burger with a side of mash and the seafood stew. One real stand-out that bears special mention is the brussels sprouts! They're cooked with pork belly and other things (scallions I think?) and are totally scrumptious. This has become a go-to spot for us and I hope they keep up the good work! [Update: I'm upping my review to five stars. Why? Because my wife and I and a bunch of friends have been here quite a number of times now (at least 10) for lunch and dinner, and the food and beer selection are excellent - every single time. There is something to be said for a local spot where you KNOW you can go for a really good meal.]

    (5)

  • Jason J.

    I take back what I said earlier. The three issues I mentioned in my first review were not a problem when I was there last night. The flatbreads were delicious, the foam to beer ratio was not an issue, and our waitress was great. Note to self: Never wear a plaid or checkered shirt there again or customers will ask if you work there several times.

    (4)

  • Emily S.

    Really neat atmosphere, which is nice to enjoy while you have a reeeeally long wait for a table. I went on a Friday night with my boyfriend and we waited an hour. Not bad because we're laid back and enjoyed a couple beers and each other's company. Once they came to get us we had to force our way through the crowds to our table. Still not bothered by this, but just informing you that you WILL have to squeeze. The menu looked AMAZING. The papas fritas were delicious! We both ordered the taco trio for dinner. The pork belly was really flavorful, it was like a tender rib on a taco. The tuna was raw in case you're wondering, sushi style. The spicy one... wow can't remember what was on it but it was REALLY spicy. I had to take several breaks. And the potato taco was... well... bland. Bland avocado and bland potato. Not a fan. Also not impressed that they charged 16 bucks for what is normally around a 6 dollar beer in the store- that being the large Stone Arrogant Bastard. The bill for two after a shared appetizer, a beer and an entree each was around $50 to give you an idea.In terms of service, our waitress was really sweet and accommodating but she DID forget to bring us water, plates for our appetizers, a pen for our bill, the little things... you know? Like I said we are a laid back crew but I could see how anyone might get a little flustered by the crowds and so so service. All in all, the food was pretty good and I'm looking forward to trying some of the other amazing dishes I saw going around. The burger looks huge and yummy and I definitely read "lobster pizza" on the menu and it was a tough decision. I'd say if you're a patient, laid back person then this place is worth it.

    (3)

  • Bia M.

    It is a enjoyable restaurant/bar. The beer selection is very good, and the decor is awesome. The beer is kind of expensive compared to other bars, but you can still find good and affordable beers. The food is very good, and there are a lot of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options, but they're expensive for the portion. The service is good, friendly, and not slow. It's not five stars because of the price.

    (4)

  • Lauren B.

    This place has a good list of beers to choose from and the food is consistently good. I really like the tuna tacos and the mac and cheese is so yummy! We love going here when we visit friends in Cambridge. Update: Just went there for brunch this weekend and whoa. Get the chimichanga. Your stomach will thank you. Goat cheese sour cream? Amazing.

    (4)

  • Stephanie G.

    This place is a welcomed addition to Davis Square! After a little bit of a rough start, the Five Horses Tavern is at such a good level of culinary and boozy enjoyment that I went there twice this week. There are generous servings of sides (both the jalepeno mashed potatoes and the mundane-sounding-but-amazingly-delicious tater tots), the food is fresh and the service is friendly and fast. Two dishes in particular are worth noting - the brussel spouts, which totally owned me tonight with their seared crispiness and pork belly - and the veggie burger. Wait! Don't roll your eyes because it's a veggie burger. *I just said I eat pork belly!* No but I'm serious, if, after a long/wonderful week of drinking, you find yourself at a bar (uhhhh for more drinking, obvi), then this veggie burger is a glorious gift. It's legit really good, like compressed vegetables and happiness. I am for it. Really excited for this place's continued success!

    (4)

  • Dan C.

    Ok. I know how pretentious it sounds to use the word "underwhelming", but for F's sake I can't think of a better word to describe this place! My exclamation doesn't stem from excessive hate for 5 Horses, rather I think I'm running out of yelp-able adjectives. Anywhoo... I came here looking for good atmosphere, good food and good beer. I ultimately got the beer part so I'll start there. The Good: Selection wise, I'm happy with another beer-centric bar popping up in Davis. As a city, Somervillians like me pride ourselves on our taste in beer, and this place certainly does deliver with an interesting and diverse selection. I was lucky enough to try an Allagash Black, which I'd surprisingly never seen before then. Point 5 Horses. The price per pint isn't exactly a stellar deal, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for a decent drink. Good beer is rarely cheap, Cheap beer is rarely good. The Bad: From street level, I did admire the new leather dim lighting and atmosphere of the bar and restaurant areas. All and all, I would consider this a snazzy date-ish type place at a glance. Inside though, the vibe took a turn on me. I'm no stranger to bars and I know lounge-type place HAVE to have music so people can avoid THE TERROR INDUCING SILENCE OF A SLOW BAR NIGHT, but I was really put off by the arena volume music that was standard at 5 horses for a weekend night. I seriously almost lost my voice screaming to my friends a few feet away from me. RESTAURATEURS! There's a fine line between entertaining background music and sexually abusing my eardrums with a speaker. It's UNNECESSARY! (Those shouts reflect the hint of tinnitus I left with at the end of the night) The OK Looking: Lastly the food, though not bad, was overall kind of bland. My date and I had the drunken wings and seared tuna tacos. Honestly, these both LOOKED amazing on our plates, but were surprisingly dull in flavor. All form, no function. Neither was remarkably expensive, so I shouldn't complain too much, but I feel like most of this place's culinary effort is spent on image than hands down tasty cooking. Though my hearing my have been ruined, I can't say my night was entirely. I'll give this place a rounded up 3 stars, but be advised. Water your hole here. Save dinner for another day.

    (3)

  • Annmarie A.

    I am loving 5 Horses! The menu is small but well executed, and the beer selection is phenomenal. The bartenders are great at offering something new to try, offering samples and suggestions based on what else you have ordered and what your preferences are. The FOH and waitstaff are very friendly, even going out of their way to seat us at one table so we could order some apps while we waited for some friends, and moving us to a bigger table once it opened up. The restaurant itself has a completely different feeling from the street-level front bar to the first story restaurant, and can get a bit overwhelming when its crowded. It is definitely set up as a restaurant, not a bar, so if you are at a table, you will end up surrounded by people by the end of the evening (on the weekends anyway). If they could solve that issue (moving tables, capping the number of patrons, having standing-designated sections...), they would be a 5 star joint, no question. Ok, who am I kidding. Anyone who has been there knows that there is one thing setting this place aside from anywhere else in Davis Square, Cambridge, or even all of Boston...the tater tots.

    (4)

  • Joshua M.

    Solid FOUR STARS. A lot of fatty artery-clogging comfort food done by a REAL good chef. This means that you get cornish hen fried chicken instead of...NORMAL fried chicken. It means the mashed potatoes have an amazing consistency. It means the pizza is GOURMET flatbread-oriented pizza (i hear that's all the rage in Davis SQ re foundry, FLATBREAD). Get the Popeye pizza, they PILE the FRESH spinach on that bad boy and the ricotta makes your tastebuds really goddamn happy. Oh you can get pork belly in the Mac and Cheese...niiiiiiiiiice! Decent enough beer selection. Ya know this is the gastropub era and they've gotta keep up with the other Joneses in Davis SQ. They make a solid old fashioned, but I think they could beef up their spirits (just a feeling, didn't actually test their spirits shortage in a controlled experimental study). The staff seem genuinely happy to be working there, which is always a good sign and makes for a better dining experience. The staff wearing flannel shirt thing is you know IT IS WHAT IS, IS, mang! I sense a bit of a "bad" attitude, a certain 'tude emanating from Upper Management. For now this is just a psychic feeling, so I won't say anymore than that. OK that's all folks. I hope Five Horses has many more succesful nights. And I will end with the fact that the CHEF makes some seriously awesome food here.

    (4)

  • Heather G.

    I visited this place once several months ago and had the buttermilk fried chicken appetizer. I haven't stopped thinking about it since. I keep dreaming of the day when I return to indulge once again (i.e. - when I reach my goal weight and think I can justify it...bad habits die hard, don't they?). They were truly delicious. The ambience here is lovely. Warm lighting, nice atmosphere. Very, very, very loud, though and a bit hard to find seating at the bar because it is so crowded. Even still, it was worth it. The staff was friendly and so were the other patrons. I'm not a beer drinker, but their wine was quite good too.

    (4)

  • Kate S.

    Have tried their cheese pizza and sticky wings. Neither were great and definitely not worth the money. Mushroom pizza is pretty good, but that's all I would order.

    (2)

  • Jim F.

    My experience at Five Horses Tavern was very memorable. The on-tap beer selection is varied and good, stressing craft-style beers, with a wider selection of high quality bottled beers. I think they are the new go-to place for beer in Davis Square. I didn't sample the food on my first visit, but it seems to be easy to make friends at the bar, and my bar companion said she tried the mussels and found them very good. Aside from the beer and the friendly atmosphere, what made my visit so memorable was that a former "friend" of mine came in and sat a few seats away at the bar, making herself loud and conspicuous so that I could not help but notice her. Her temporary companions eventually left, leaving her to finish her drink alone and pretend to be occupied with her iPhone, before skulking away alone as my new-found friend and I chatted away enjoying ourselves a few seats away. Priceless. Come for the beer, stay for the conversation and drama. Four stars for now, based on comments that others have made about the food. Service and atmosphere was everything I would hope for, so if I return and find the food worthy of a 5 star rating, I'll bump it up to 5. I definitely plan to come back ;^)

    (4)

  • Sarah G.

    I really wanted to this bar to better. I was really excited for this bar to open. But then I went...twice...gave it two chances and I really wish I had just spent my money elsewhere... First, I don't get their theme/decor. Why call yourself Five Horses Tavern, make your staff where plaid/checkered shirts, have horseshoes on your coasters, but then leave in the exact same upscale black leather booths as Sagra had there before? Why leave the same exact layout even as Sagra had? Oh and pad thai on your tavern menu? And raw tuna tacos? I kind of just felt like I walked into a slightly different version of Sagra, only not as classy. True they have that awesome beer tap chandelier when you walk in, but other than that, I don't think this bar has much going for it. Yes, they have a huge beer selection, but you won't find a beer on draft for cheaper than about $6. And no, they do not have coors light, bud light, or miller light--just budweiser and coors tall cans (these AWESOME and by awesome I mean obnoxious guys asked about all of those beers behind us, so now I know). But the bartender we had didn't even tilt her glass to fill up our beers--I had so much head on my beer she gave me I was shocked. The other bartenders definitely made better pours than she did, so guess we were out of luck there. Oh well. Lara and I also split their popeye pizza with spinach and goat and olives but it was pretty bland. I put red pepper flakes on it to try and spice it up, but it still wasn't anything special. Sam thing goes for their mac and cheese--it comes in a skillet which is cool, but also for melted cheese and breadcrumbs I was expecting it to taste well more cheesy and delicious. It was pretty good, but again nothing special. Which is pretty much how I sum up this bar. It is really nothing special. Really a 2.5 star place I say.

    (3)

  • Christopher D.

    This space was once the home of Sagra, an Italian-influenced restaurant suffering from identity crisis. Its new replacement, Five Horses Tavern, has purpose and definition that is evident the moment you sit down. With a simple and relatively small menu, this tavern is not trying to hook its customers with the usual enormous pub menu. Upon asking the bartender his recommendation, he was very quick to explain that the chef favors his fried chicken recipe. The fried chicken sandwich was cleanly made. The lightly fried and well spiced chicken breast is served on a rosemary brioche roll. The spice is just right, but what makes this dish pop is the simple (and pleasantly inventive) use of honey in place of the aioli one might find served on this kind of sandwich in any other Cambridge-area brew house. There is no presumption with sides from salad to tater tots (which, I might add, are perfectly fried and have no remnant frozen taste). At the heart of this new installment of the Davis Square area is the extensive beverage menu. The beer menu is the first thing patrons will notice with an enormous selection. Unlike many taverns, Five Horses has strayed away from labeling its beers as domestic and import, but rather provides a connoisseur's insight to common patrons by grouping beers by style. Although the usual "American sports venue favorites" are available, they are definitely not the focus. I was happily content to sip a German bitter that I have not only never had before, but have never even heard of (a very rare privilege in my case). For the liquor-lover, this place will not disappoint. The Five Horses Tavern has done the Davis area enthusiasts a big favor. Upon close inspection, patrons will notice that Smirnoff is missing from the vodka list, Jose Cuervo is nowhere to be seen among the tequilas, and the Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish whiskey selection is complete with an abundance of middle-shelf favorites that are sure to delight. The wine list, though short, has something for everyone and will not leave indecisive or less knowledgeable customers staring at a page for any length of time, nor will it disappoint the usual young middle-class crowd that Davis Square often draws. Tying the menu and beverage selection together is the newly renovated atmosphere that this restaurant provides, and central to that atmosphere is the service. The bartenders are staggeringly performance driven and take pride in their work. My server was apologetic when I had been left without a greeting for naught but a moment. Both servers I interacted with were friendly but not overbearing. One bartender was very enthusiastic about the beer selection, and even offered recommendations to the woman seated next to me when she ordered one of the more "common" bottled brews. He was happy to provide a sample and offered additional insight about the beer menu. The design of this tavern is not the confusing blend of sports bar, Italian bistro, Irish pub, and intimate dance hall that we saw from its predecessor. The fresh look is focused and very much aligned with the style of service and menu this new restaurant seeks to offer. Without a doubt, the Five Horses Tavern will work out any minimal kinks to become the five-star tavern Davis Square has been looking for.

    (4)

  • Lindsay O.

    I feel bad calling this place a "bait and switch" but that is truly how our group felt upon leaving the restaurant. 4 of us had dinner here on Saturday night. We thought the restaurant had a great vibe to it, and we were enticed by that amazing menu. The food sounded inventive and satisfying. Between the four of us, 1 person thought their entree was "just okay" (and that was the fried chicken and pork belly mac n cheese - so much butter and fat that it would've been hard for them to screw up this entree anyhow). Lobster rolls are a dissapointment when your favorite part ends up being the bread. My friend who ordered the soft-shell crab was bummed out by his teenie tiny crab (about 3 bites in total). I had the crab cakes, and the actual crab cakes were great and a good portion size, but everything else on that plate was bad. I couldn't eat the salad that came with it because it was overpowered by too much raw red onion, and the dressing had no flavor. We left the place severely dissapointed, never to return (okay, MAYBE for a burger and a beer...but that's it...) Only positive part of the evening was that we were seated immediately. When you can get a table that fast at 7pm on a Saturday, you should probably just turn around and go somewhere else.

    (2)

  • Meredith D.

    Oh yes, I'm goin' there. FIVE STARS after ONE VISIT. Opening night! Booyah, Yelp. So let's open up with: I'm Texan. Specifically, an Austinite. I like good beer. I like good food. Ever wonder why Austin has a reputation of being so active? It's because we're total porkers. We eat and drink whatever the hell we want, then hit the trail to fight back obesity. The New York Times even had an infographic on which cities spend the most on food. Austin was #1 in both eating out AND eating in. We spend more on food, even though we earn less. So, I believe I have sufficiently stated my case as a food aficionado... Was it really 5 star food? No. More like 3-4. By my standards. My Popeye pizza would have been amazing with some more olive oil and some red pepper pesto. It was bland and dry, but I saw the potential. The crust was perfect - chewy with just the right amount of crisp. The toppings were obviously fresh, local, and quality. My boyfriend, also a food-loving Austinite, got the Lobster/Pork Belly Pizza. All the ingredients were fresh and delicious. It seemed like it was lacking a little something (we're spice lovers and I am a cayenne addict, so that's probably just on us), but it was still a great dish. The beers. What a list! FINALLY. We have been dying for a place with a good selection that was closer than Bukowski's. Pricey, but then again, I'm still on Austin prices. From the list, it looked like a beer over 7 or 8% would come in a 12oz glass and fetch you around $10. :\ No comments on the wine list. I eschew wine at restaurants (well, depending on the meal). EVERY restaurant/bar hustles glasses for $10 from a bottle you can get at a liquor store for $13. No thanks. Now for the house list of mix drinks. Stop whatever you're doing and get a Horse's Neck. Its a great little cocktail, balanced with the perfect amount of angostura. We were so inspired, we went straight to Downtown Wine & Spirits and bought all the mixings for a party at home. About $70 for 2 entrees and 4 very nice drinks. The service was extremely friendly and timely - I didn't once feel neglected or awkward - and it was a BUSY night. Our server seemed really excited to work there, even telling us about new recipes they have planned for the menu. Five Horses, you'll be seeing us again very soon.

    (5)

  • Evangeline L.

    Meh, I just don't know, I just don't. I've visited this spot twice and perhaps I should have left it at once? Goodies: The first time we went (about a week after they opened) the service was excellent. Our waiter was helpful and fun and charming but not intrusive. The food was decent, not amazing but decent. I had the fried chicken salad and my sister the tacos. We were both satisfied. Great beer and wine list though!! Badies: Second time visiting the service was awful; she was no where to be found and her personality was NOT well suited for a restaurant job. Or maybe she was having a bad day. Either way it was irritating. My friend ordered the grilled wings and I some other kind and both of them were just mediocre. Very bland sauce but yummy crunchy wing. My friends were obviously not grilled though...they must have been fried or cooked the same exact way mine were. We asked our server about it and she confirmed that they were grilled. There is just no way man, no way. There's a big difference between grilled wings and fried wings and, as well all know, you can see it, especially when they are both in front of you to compare. Opinion: Needs to work out kinks and perhaps better train employees. Also, am hoping to see the menu revamped a little because, as of now, it leaves little to be desired. It's kinda all over the map with no real purpose.

    (3)

  • Anna F.

    Yes, please! Only been there twice but it hit the right notes. Not too many TV's- so it's possible to keep them out of your peripheral, decently priced, tasty and interesting eats (loved the sashimi tuna taco and the pumpkin soup was stellar!) and an excellent drink selection (yay bourbon menu!). Excellent place for a date. Sit by the fire sipping whiskey and nibbling their extensive starter offerings.

    (4)

  • Robby T.

    Have been to Five Horses twice now, once just for drinks and more recently for dinner. Wanted to give necessary props here. The place stays pretty busy on the weekend, but we didnt have to wait too long for a table for 5. A bit loud with chatter and music, but the decor and layout of the place is pretty cool with super comfortable (albeit, huge) seats. Rotating beer menu is a bit IPA heavy, but what beer menu isnt? Nice variety otherwise with some outside the box inclusions of interesting darker beers (see: pretty things babayaga, yum) and a fair amount of lagers. Prices are reasonable for what you're getting. The menu seems a bit limited upon first glance, but there are some really fun choices here. The theme is upscale pub food, but the kitchen ties in some fun and local twists. The fried chicken sandwich ($11) was great. Perfectly tender and flavorful and garnished with some local honey inbetween a fantastic roll. Add the tater tots and I was stoked. A friend next to me let me try his jalapeno mashed potatoes which were phenomenal. Everyone else seemed to be pleased with their food and we had a great time. I will definitely go back here to eat again!

    (4)

  • Brett L.

    When I heard Five Horses was opened by a former Bukowskis manager, I was hopeful that he or she had decided to improve upon their model (expanded the tap list and dropped prices). Unfortunately, outside of a bigger food menu, larger alcohol shelf and glitzed up surroundings, the prices are still too high and the tap selection was worse. Full disclosure, I did not have the food and cannot speak to it's quality. It was insulting enough to be asked to pay $7.50 for a 10 ounce IPA. Adding a salad was out of the question. If you're looking for a strong beer selection and a 16 ounce glass at a price that respects the fact that you may have student loans, go around the corner to the BBQ spot.

    (2)

  • Melissa Y.

    ok, let me start with the pros: The tuna tacos, lime chicken wings , and fried chicken salad were great. This chef knows fried chicken. great beer and decent wine list. cons: WAY TOO HOT inside. On one of the most humid nights we've had, no a/c on.Our poor bartender was mopping his brow with napkins while telling us about the menu. I was sweating while eating (never good) WHY NOT TURN ON TH A/C??!! We had given the hostess our name for a table, but ended up scoring seats at the bar about 25 mins later. When my husband went to tell her, she had neglected to write our name down on the list... and the music was WAY too loud, i could barely hear my husband next to me at the bar. i'll come back in the fall , hopefully it'll be cooler so they can keep the windows open with out it feeling like a crock pot in there.

    (3)

  • S D.

    I really loved my brunch here. It was delicious! I had the Good Morning Davis. DELISH! I also had the white bean hummus appetizer. Best I have ever had! I couldn't stop stuffing my face. My boyfriend had the hash, something I don't ever order, and I even liked them. The beer selection is endless, so if that's what you are looking for, here is the place. The food is also phenomenal. I was pleasantly surprised. It can be a bit crowded, so make sure to get their early or call ahead. I will definitely be back, and would like to try the South End location!

    (5)

  • Jaimee B.

    SO. GOOD. I don't understand how anybody would feel less than ecstatic about eating here. The entire staff is polite, funny, and efficient. The food is top-notch. And where else are you gonna get white bean hummus, potato tacos, and fried game hens at the same place? I'm such a fan. Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Leah B.

    My boyfriend is obsessed with their fried chicken sammy, and I love their brunch chimichanga (with goat sour cream!). The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the bartenders really know their vast selection of beers.

    (5)

  • Shani C.

    To start with, the beer list is great. I got the first thing I decided to order, but there were half a dozen or more other things I either know I would have loved or loved to try for the first time. Six months after my first review, I'm ready to bounce it up to 4 stars. The beer list continues to be great and some of the staff is really knowledgable about it (Scott Pilgrim look-alike, I'm looking at you) and can make good recommendations. I've stayed with the small plates / apps and they've all been great. I have a soft spot for the braised brussel sprouts.

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    We went on Friday evening to check out this new spot in Davis for an after work drink. I never went into this space when it was Sagra but I found the split level bar and seating to be pretty awkward. We were sitting in the corner of the lower bar portion and had the feet of the people at the upstairs bar right next to our head with no partition at all...not very pleasant. We also couldn't see to the upper bar so it was hard to flag down a bartender unless they came to bring something to the lower part. The drink menu was extensive and had a lot of variety in beer on tap and bottled. I thought the drink menu was pretty well organized and they had a lot of liquors as well (particularly in the whiskey category). We each tried a few beers and enjoyed the atmosphere in the bar overall. The main problem with the lower area is that the music plays from the back of the bar somewhere and the bass was turned up so high that all we could hear was thumping bass and couldn't tell what the songs were. It was pretty loud overall in the place but they were super busy so maybe that won't always be a problem. We also tried some of the food but didn't find it as successful as the drinks. The white bean hummus was well spiced and came with plenty of bread to scoop it all up but the burger was a pretty big disaster. Being a tavern, I expected Five Horses to have an excellent, well-crafted burger, and maybe they did but it was sure hard to taste the house-made toppings through all the overcooked, dry meat. I asked for a medium burger but got a completely desiccated well done patty instead. There were some pickled cucumbers and some kind of tomato jam on the bottom bun but there wasn't enough of the sauce to moisten it after biting through the dry meat. Hopefully the kitchen will get things sorted out so food comes as ordered. Overall this place is pretty decent for grabbing a drink but it has some layout flaws that detract from the overall experience. I would come again and try it in a few weeks and see if they've worked out the kinks.

    (3)

  • Ann G.

    Have to say, their brunch menu is pretty great. I really liked all of the options and had a hard time choosing (plus there weren't too many people there so immediate seating!). My only problem is the weird hashbrowns they serve, which to me are way too crunchy and overcooked.

    (4)

  • Chronic C.

    Five Horses Tavern (name inspired by owners love of Saratoga) had its soft opening this week and, so far so good. They have done a great job on the interior offering two bars and lots of great seating options in the bar area as well as the dining room. The decor is tasteful with an upscale feel. Gotta love the horseshoe shaped booth that sits high enough to require a chair rail to accomodate dangling feet! I can not comment on the food yet as I only had a beer. The menu appears to be a reasonably priced tight unit of standard tavern fare with subtle twists on flavors and presentation. I did note that there are a few items that break loose from the standards of burgers and wings, which is nice for those craving a little something different, for instance pad thai and a veggie platter. Knowing the owner from his days as manager of Bukowski tavern in Inman, i trust he will always deliver on the selection and quality of beers offered (yes, 36 taps).

    (3)

  • Nick M.

    This place has potential, but needs some work. I stopped in last Friday with my wife to check the place out. First off, it was busy, but not as busy as they were making it. There was a line of people out the door waiting just to get in -- I took a look inside (the windows were wide open) and I counted at least 7 empty chairs at the bar. People were walking by, asking the person at the front if this was the line to get in and the person at the door said "yup". Most people laughed and walked away, which I don't blame them and almost did myself. You can't claim you're at capacity when there's that many open chairs, nevermind standing room to occupy Once we finally got inside, we stood at the bar trying to get someone's attention. This failed miserably, but we were able to score some seats at the bar after a couple got up and left. Once we were seated at the bar, it took over 10 minutes for someone to notice that we were there and ask us what we wanted. This is terrible service in my opinion, regardless of how busy the place appeared to be It was also ridiculously hot in this place -- turn on the damn AC and shut the windows to the outside! The beer selection was decent; though not what I'd expect from a place claiming to be a craft beer bar. They had some beers that good (I went for the Ommegang BPA and my wife went for the Avery White Rascal), but I didn't see anything that stuck out as truly unique -- to be fair, I only had what was on tap and did not venture into the bottle selection, so perhaps there are more rare beers to try in that avenue Speaking of Ommegang, the bartender that served us beers needs a lesson in how to pour. This thing had over 1 inch of head on the glass and took several minutes to settle. I almost asked the bartender to re-pour it, but it took so long to get the drink that I let it go. That alone deserves 3 stars I'm not going to beat around the bush -- the food needs some work. $4 for bread and butter? Are you kidding me? Take the off the menu if you need to charge for that, or drop the price. I ordered a pizza, which was OK, and my wife ordered a salad, which she said was decent. There were some other options on the menu that stuck out as a little pretentious, but perhaps that was just me The layout sucks -- there's a little bar off to side for the Bourbon area; there's a bigger, but still too small area next to that as the main bar and there's a ton of seating on two different levels in the restaurant for dining. I think some of the tables need to go and the bar "area" should be bigger, as it is a tavern after all. People are going there for drinks and maybe appetizers; not a full on meal The website is a joke -- if you're going to just have the name of the place and links to facebook, etc, just point the domain name at your Facebook page. The "Full Web Presence Coming Soon" reminds me of Meadhalls's page. They've been open for months and it still says that. Put up useful content or point it at the social media page and call it a day. At the very least, put up some menus of the beers and food for people to look at All this being said, I'll likely visit in a month or so to see what improvements have been made. Hopefully the service is a little better next time, there won't be an unnecessary line, and the food selection is more on par with the clientele...

    (3)

  • Erica F.

    It's finally open! Everything looks wonderful. I was never a fan of Sagra (and am a big fan of Anything Tavern). So we'll see how it goes. 36 rotating draft beers and 80 craft bottles. Can't wait to try the food

    (3)

  • Ed M.

    Loved the beer selection, we stayed at our table after dinner for a few more just to get through a couple more, really enjoyed the beer list. The food was good as well, the pork belly tacos had to be tried and we really enjoyed those. It can be a little loud but overall it was a nice spot for dinner. With the two floors, two smaller bars and tables for people eating it doesn't seem to be a place you can just hang out for a drink with more than a couple people. Would definitely go back for dinner and drinks again though.

    (4)

  • Nitya D.

    So, the AC works now. But it's starting to feel like fall with slightly cooler weather. Super helpful (let's hope the heat works in the winter). But on a much more positive note...the jalapeno mashed potatoes! Oh my god I died and went to mashed potato heaven last night. They were in the top 5 mashed taters I've had in my life. Granted, they came as a side to the $9 grilled cheese sandwich (which was definitely not the star of that dish), but if they can be ordered as just a side I highly suggest ordering them. For anyone who likes a general combination of: potatoes, cheese, and garlicky-spicy deliciousness, this is an absolute must. Also, the 4 stars are ONLY for the mashed potatoes. My previous gripes still hold (except for the AC issue of course).

    (4)

  • Danielle C.

    This is our second time here with our two sons (3yrs and 9months). The staff has been super accommodating and quick to respond - always helpful with kids. They've got an extensive beer menu (also helpful with kids...ha ha). We have really enjoyed everything we have eaten here. Some stand outs: duck three ways, Mac and cheese with pork belly, wings appetizer, and Brie grill cheese. So far, all delicious and very decently priced. We'll certainly be back.

    (5)

  • Katie W.

    Bangin beer. Really good food -even a choice of vegan/vegetarian options. The people are super nice folks, especially the lovely doorman who works on weekend nights. He's happy to chat up anyone in line or help get a cab for people on their way out. Love it here!

    (4)

  • Jamie W.

    Great selection of food, even better beer selection! Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable of the food and drink menus. Our table grabbed a variety of burgers, tacos, and sandwiches and no one left disappointed. They offer a wide variety of gluten free and vegetarian options, as well, making Five Horses a safe (and tasty) bet for large groups.

    (5)

  • Maxim W.

    My wife and I went for lunch and ordered from the brunch menu. We shared an appetizer of fried chicken tenders. They were crisp, well seasoned, and accompanied by two excellent sauces. My wife had the "breaky sammy," which fortunately was much better than its name. My chicken fried steak sandwich didn't exactly fit its name, as the steak was more marinated than fried. The flavors, though, were incredibly well balanced, and the crispy onions added a pleasant crunch. We were both very impressed overall, and the dinner menu we saw posted left us looking forward to our next visit.

    (5)

  • Kristina D.

    Get the: -pork belly tacos -potato tacos -pea diddy salad -beer Pass on the: -wings -calamari -brussel sprouts (disclaimer: I like mine pan-seared, so the soft texture bothered me). I've been at crowded dinner time, not crowded lunch time, and peak bar hour (for picking up takeout). Service and ambience has varied every time. I prefer it at the early end of dinner time (esp. on a weekend).

    (4)

  • Roxana W.

    I've been to this place a few times. GastroPub if you will. Latest was on Friday of last week right after work with a large group of friends (10 people). We didn't come all at once but the waiters were accommodating as we switched tables twice to make room for each person that arrived, probably since the place wasn't busy yet. We ended up in the far corner booth which was just the right size. Our waiter was great, personable and gave us the right amount of attention without being annoying. The menu at this place has an identity crisis. You can get pizza, high-class comfort food (lobster mac-n-cheese, Brie grilled cheese with tots) good soups, Tacos and LoMein. What? LoMein? Yes. What? Tacos? Yes. I have no idea why. A bit all over the place with that menu but the food is good. The drink menu is larger than the food menu which is great for you beer snobs out there. The mixed drink list leaves something to be desired, but I guess this is more of a beer place. What I didn't like at my last visit was the fact that the other waiters kept hinting at the fact that we were there too long. Visibly whispering and looking at us. Making snide comments about finishing drinks. Our own waiter was fine and not pushy. It was his colleagues that must have wanted his table. Yes we were there for almost 4 hours, but we also ordered drinks, food and more drinks and more drinks. We were not loitering, lingering or just taking up space in the Tavern. Yes, one of us had a cold and had to blow their nose and left tissues on the table. It's winter for fucksake. People still like to eat and drink with a cold. No need to make them feel awkward about it. Very rude. I'll remember which waiters they were too and ask not to sit in their section. I don't need that when I'm paying to eat and drink somewhere. Been to their brunch a couple of times and its so delicious. I highly recommend going on the weekends at that time and getting the Paula Dean. NOMNOM. My husband got their fried chicken and biscuit with gravy and that was amazing too. This place is a great addition to Davis Sq.

    (4)

  • Leah V.

    I wouldn't say that I'm a beer snob, I just need some adventure with my beverage, and I recently ventured into what is unfolding into an epic with Five Horses Tavern. I discovered FH while googling restaurants in the area that cater to the needs of craft beer lovers. I was hunting for something similar to that of the Publick House in Brookline, MA (one of my other frequent and beloved haunts), but that was open to persuasions further outside of the Belgian styles. I wanted a similar experience - good food, good beer and knowledgeable staff - but I wanted a broader scope of beer, a different take on the food, and a new space to give me the change-up I needed. FH nailed it. They are in the adorable Davis Square area in Somerville, MA (which is always a blast) and boast a constantly rotating drink list of 36 craft TAP selections that cover the gamut of beer profiles - not to mention their selection of bottled beers, a sweet little whiskey bar for those saucy moments, and some interesting and ever evolving cocktail creations (balsamic chocolate drizzle? its weird - but it really works!) Every encounter I have had with a staff member has been a pleasure. They have been kind, prompt, had thorough knowledge of the available beers and were always quick to offer suggestions or tastings in order to ensure satisfaction. Even when FH was at full capacity on a busy Friday night I received wonderful service. I would personally describe the food as colorful American comfort. Tater tots (who doesn't know and love those from childhood), mac 'n' cheese, traditional pub burgers, fried chicken tenders, tacos and more. Interesting sauces and unique twists to well loved dishes that make them unique without dominating the familiarity. I have been for both brunch and dinner and swear by the Chimichanga or Cap'n Crunch crusted French Toast at breakfast. (Get tots with everything - a side of them is HUGE) In closing - I read through tons of these yelp reviews prior to visiting and the negative ones were not in line with my experience. I could just be lucky, but I prefer to think that, until proven otherwise, this place is a well run establishment. I usually don't go out of my way to write my own reviews, but FH deserves it and I won't be shy about modifying this post in the future if anything ever changes. The place is an awesome beer and food experience. Cheers to Five Horses, can't wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Champika F.

    This place stands out as a brunch place in that it offers much more than your standard brunch fare - which it seems most places in Davis stick to. Things like fried chicken and biscuits, captain crunch french toast, pork belly hash... They also have an extensive and delicious looking cocktail and whiskey menu.

    (4)

  • Alyssa T.

    I think I've officially found my new Davis go-to for casual dinner and drinks (or just drinks!). I've been here a couple of times now and have had great service each time, the bartenders and waitstaff have been very engaged and helpful but not overly intrusive, and the prices are very reasonable. They have a pretty great beer list and I was definitely surprised at the quality of the food offered. I tried a delicious cod & capicola sandwich with a side of greens (although the cheddar jalepeno mashed potatoes sounded very tempting), while my companion ordered a pork belly taco and a tuna taco along with a side of perfectly crispy and salty tater tots. Everything was great and we will absolutely be back. For the slightly more adventurous drinker, make sure to ask to sample the moonshine. In my experience the bartenders are very generous with their pours and I have them to thank for a newly acquired taste for the stuff.

    (5)

  • Hailey B.

    Great place for an afternoon cocktail and snack! Why? Big screen TV to watch the game. Big open windows to watch the people. A friendly waiter to watch your drink (and refill when needed). And no clock anywhere - so you don't need to watch the time fly.

    (4)

  • Julie Z.

    Decent food and service. Great burgers, good pizza, salad and apps hit or miss. The olives tasted like Christmas trees, but the cheese plate was quite good.

    (3)

  • Ginny S.

    Great food and great drinks. I only wish the wait wasn't always so long. Brunch menu was a little too fancy for me but not bad. I stick to dinner and drinks here.

    (4)

  • Haley T.

    Awesome beer and cocktails, great menu with loads of delicious vegan and vegetarian options, who could ask for more? Early on they were a little disorganized but I think they've outgrown it. It's a great place to visit, though very busy on the weekend nights. They just started doing brunch and have a *vegan* brunch option , the rarest of rarities at restaurants that are not all-vegan. It's not just a bowl of fruit, either (because that doesn't count as an option in my book, anyway) and it's delicious. I highly recommend a visit.

    (5)

  • Jared B.

    Food was great, good service, prices reasonable. No complaints

    (5)

  • Robert A.

    Great beer selection, that's if you can get a minimal amount of head on the beer, or if they notice that you need another. However they did save me $6 as they never asked me if I'd like another. Calamari was okay until we got to the lower half which was all fried peppers, but mango was a nice added touch. Pizza was doughy and sub par and would have been happier with a frozen kashi pizza. Maitre'd and manager was great in addressing the issues and hopefully they'll be better late if we choose to go back again, it's only 2 weeks old. Bottom line... Bartenders need to be more attentive!

    (2)

  • Michael H.

    Five Horses has a **great** beer selection. And the setting is nice. I always enjoy going here, and take my friends often. My only qualm is that the quality of the food seems to vary quite a bit. In my lifetime I've only ever had to send food back once, and it was here. But usually it's very good. But it seems to be totally hit or miss. Don't know what's going on in the kitchen...

    (3)

  • Montgomery V.

    I don't know what the "cabal" behind the bar is up to, but $6.50 for a Heineken is total crazy-town.

    (1)

  • Sally S.

    DO NOT ORDER THE GRAZING PLATE!! Quite possibly the worst plate of food I have ever been served. Quinoa and vegetables prepared by someone who has never enjoyed either. Smothered in grease and vinegar and positively inedible. The carrots were oversalted; the potatoes were unseasoned; and the radishes were dried up. The waitress was very nice, but when I told her that the dish was poor, she didn't offer any solutions. Definitely not a place for a good meal.

    (1)

  • Brandon M.

    Came in for brunch and I got the salmon breakfast. Amazingly small for $14. Left hungry. Won't be doing this again. A real pity, because I had their tuna tacos awhile back and they were pretty great for the price.

    (3)

  • Kate B.

    Great way to start 2013. Happily vegetarian/vegan friendly. Excellent beer list - felt like a sin to not have a drink, but *occasionally* I guess that has to happen. I'll forgive slow service as it was New Years morning and their computers went down. Will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • John M.

    Holy Hash batman! I am a brunch freak and this place was AWESOME!! clean and friendly environment

    (4)

  • Cole D.

    I think we've come to realize it really depends on the day you come. the Friday and Saturday night cooks are certainly better and they have stepped up their food since our previous visit. they are also rotating the menu much more. Still a great selection of beer, cocktails are good as well. The negatives about our last visit was them overlooking our reservation, luckily we were still seated immediately. Our server also forgot an appetizer which we ordered, but everything else was great. the tequila wings and the Duck ramen are awesome! the foghorn leghorn pizza is certainly different and amazing. i stay away from the tacos, they're still a bit plain in my opinion.

    (4)

  • Lisa L.

    A nice addition to Davis Square! I used to be a big fan of Bukowski's for its extensive beer list. I'm happy that Somerville now has its own Buk's! (The owner was a former manager there.) I went here on a date and the atmosphere was nice. It was full but didn't feel crowded and the music was good (albeit a little loud, and I don't actually remember what it was). We decided to share a bunch of apps and enjoyed all of them: - Tuna tacos -- spicy, great tuna, nice sauce. However, they only came with two 6" tortillas. I would have preferred more and smaller tortillas -- better for sharing and makes the tuna last longer! - Olives -- OMG these were the best olives I've ever had, mostly because of the "juice." It had a very lemony flavor. My date thought they were a little briny, but I heart salt, so I didn't mind. - Calamari -- really tender with nice, light breading. The rings are mixed with rings of banana pepper, and there seemed to be more peppers than squids. It was hard to tell the difference just by looking at them, so I ended up eating a lot more peppers than I wanted to. If they change the calamari-to-peppers ratio, I would order these again. - Pea salad -- this was one of the better salads I've ever had, so light and sweet and fresh! But I would swap out the mozzarella and for goat cheese or blue cheese...the mozz had no flavor (at first I thought it was tofu). But great, great salad (and big!). The best part of the meal was the wine (I'm on a "no beer" stint right now...rats!). We both tried the "Chard" and later switched to the "Neprica." I'd never heard of either, and both were really, really, really YUMMY! If I hadn't driven and didn't have work the next day, I probably would have stayed there drinking wine all night (which I have been known to do)! Finally, our server (wish I could remember her name!) was fantastic. She had great recommendations and was just attentive enough. She left and encouraged us to stay and be taken care of by Tina, so we did (love when they don't try to shove you out at the end of their shift!). Tina was attentive, too. This place is striving to be known for its service, and you can tell! I'm looking forward to going back to try the beer, the mussels, and the other dishes we couldn't fit on our table. Good job, Five Horses! Thanks for coming to the Ville!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth A.

    This is my go-to place whenever someone from out of town wants to experience Davis Square at its finest. It's also my go-to when someone who lives around here wants to go out. Or when no one wants to go out, but I use the facade of dinner as an excuse to get drinks. Or when I don't just want beer, but I want EVERY BEER. Or when I want mashed potatoes so good that I once dreamt of them. Or when I want to go somewhere where everything on the menu tastes so fantastic that I'm actually willing to pay money to buy bread with goats milk butter and sea salt. Yes, you read that right. I pay for bread and butter at Five Horses and I'm damned proud of it because it might be one of my favorite things on the menu. Seriously, there isn't much that I don't love about Five Horses. The crowd can get intense around the bar on a Friday or Saturday night - but where in Davis doesn't have that problem? If you like beer, this should honestly be your go-to as well. If you like food, they have that too.

    (4)

  • A L.

    I've been here a handful of times - usually just for a beer or two. I've eaten here on 2 occasions... 1) If you go on a Friday or Saturday night with a group of 6, you're going to wait a long time. Over an hour and a half. While it's awesome that they allow you to sit at tables & not order food, it poses a problem for people waiting for a table TO eat food - very long waits. 2) I went at 6/6:30pm on a Wednesday and nearly every table was open. By the time we left at 8:30/9pm - there was a small wait for a table but some open seats at the bar. 3) Apps: I've tried a few. Our friends are huge fans of the mussels and while I'm not a mussel fan, the bread&broth I tried was delicious! The buttermilk fried chicken tenders are out of this world. That can be a meal in itself - after reading other reviews on Yelp about them, I got them and was so glad I did. The papas fritas - eh. The dipping sauce was good but they literally give you 5 potato wedges...so not a whole lot to share and not sure it's worth the $5. 4) Dinner: The hanger steak is pretty decent...but what really makes it is the mushrooms. I'm not sure what kind of glaze/sauce they use but they're incredible. I've tried a bit or two of the mac&cheese...definitely above average, but not the best I've had. The popeye pizza is good but too salty - I think they went a little overboard with the sprinkling of sea salt. Also, not entirely sure $12 for that tiny of a pizza is worth it...maybe if it were $10. The other people I went with got burgers and were happy with them. 5) Price: some items are over priced...and depending what beers you go with, those can certainly make a dent in your wallet. but overall, I think it's above average food for above average prices. Next time I go, I'll skip the entree and stick with those amazing buttermilk chicken tenders - totally worth every penny.

    (3)

  • Nate J.

    An outstanding tap beer selection of micro brews and an innovative and ever changing menu. Had a variety of dishes which ranged from meh (pumpkin soup) to earth shatteringly phenominal (pork belly tacos). Anytime a restaurant serves me a dish which is the best I've ever had (aforementioned tacos) it gets a bonus star. Great place, fun atmosphere. Good for a group or a date. Next time I am in Davis Square I will definitely be eating here again.

    (5)

  • Lauren M.

    I ate here with my boyfriend late one night about a week ago. It's pretty solid, but definitely not anything out of this world. Our main complaint was that the service was somewhat abrupt, especially considering that the restaurant wasn't crowded. For an appetizer, we ordered the white bean hummus which hit the spot. For entrees, my boyfriend ordered the kentucky fried cornish game hen, and I got the pumpkin pie pizza. My boyfriend said the k.f.c.g.h. was good, but definitely not exactly a healthy option. The pumpkin pie pizza was alright, but the kale on the pizza was a little gritty, like it wasn't fully washed. However, I love the fact that the vegan and vegetarian items on the menu are clearly labeled. It makes going out to dinner a much easier and much more enjoyable experience for me, so for that fact alone, I can definitely see myself returning.

    (3)

  • Mark G.

    Excellent beer selection, friendly staff, and decent (though a bit overpriced) food. Actually this is my favorite place in Davis Square, and I have been to literally all of them. Just don't get the wings. Everything else is great.

    (4)

  • Natalie C.

    I have been here a few times now. The first couple times were a little....meh. But, my bf and I have identified a few of our favorite dishes and steer away from a few as well. The favorites TOTALLY outweigh the not so great items, and if all else fails, the beer selection ROCKS my socks off and the waitstaff is friendly and knowledgable! My favorite part: their kitchen is open until midnight. Hallelujah! No more gut-busting late night Red Bones dinners. Great food: chicken fingers- sounds simple, but the chicken is cooked perfectly and the seasoning and sauces are DELICIOUS. Elote loco- as a California transplant, this is the closest Boston gets to Mexican LA street food. Sad but true. P-Diddy salad- fresh and totally yum! Don't be afraid of the "bull's blood" ingredient. It is a type of green. ;) Steer away from: The lobster pizza. It was fishy and gross. There is a reason you have never seen this on another menu before. Bad combo. ahi tuna "tacos"- I had to put quotes around the taco portion because these are not tacos. The tuna was delicious, but the rest of the dish was bland and the flavors did not taste even remotely like a taco. They are good if you are expecting an ahi app but otherwise should be skipped. Overall, this place is my new go-to. I love that it is close to the T, but far enough away to keep out the riff raff. If you want a laid-back, friendly scene where you are welcomed like a good friend, Five Horses is your spot! See you there!!

    (5)

  • Serena L.

    My friend suggested this place and after Yelping it, decided to give it a try. Their menu is extensive and their beer menu is more so. After much deliberation, I decided to get the calamari appetizer, a pork belly taco, and a tuna taco. The calamari came out and looked delicious! It was served in a big bowl so I thought I'd be wasting it if I didn't finish. I was wrong. The calamari was battered and fried along with the banana peppers but due to their size, you can't tell which is which. I'd estimate that only about 1/4 of the bowl was calamari. When the server came to remove it, it looked barely touched. The tacos came out and looked yummy. The pork belly taco came with a mound of onions, which I had to remove. The sauce was good though. The tuna taco came with about three pieces of seared tuna about the size of a half dollar in diameter. It was good but the green stuff that accompanied it was abundant also, so I tasted most of that rather than the tuna. As I write this review, my tummy is starting to not feel so good. I'm not a beer drinker so I didn't even touch that menu. For all I know, that could be the best thing about this place. I only saw our server about 4 times: when she took our order, when she filled my friend's water, to give us the bill, and to return the card. Even when she filled the water, she didn't ask us how the food was. I was very disappointed in this place. Not sure if I'll be back.

    (2)

  • Jen B.

    I'll cut to the chase~The cheeseburger was salty?! This was my first trip to the tavern and a dark and stormy night. Perfect time for a burger. Except it's more like solid sodium between buns than a recognizable cheeseburger. I do not know if there was special seasoning on the meat, or if my cow was raised on a salt lick. Thank god they give you tons of tater tots. I ended up eating almost all of the ones on my plate. My dinner was not alright. It was Ore-Ida and I could have just heated some up in my stove for a fifth of the cost. I will not be going back~no, no, no. You shouldn't, either, if you're reading this!

    (2)

  • Erik P.

    Went here last weekend to catch up with friends over brunch. I had the veggie burger and boy it's a big one. The taste was amazing. Also, had my very first Bloody Mary experience. My friends really enjoy them (just not my thing). I would have been content with one of their beers (they have a good selection). I'd definitely want to come back here in a few weeks for brunch or just beers some random night.

    (4)

  • Brittany T.

    Great beer selection and really good food. There isnt much food to choose from, but everything is very good. It is hard to stand by the bar during the evenings as there isnt much space, but there is plenty of seating in the restaurant.

    (4)

  • Renee B.

    I woke up this morning craving their Crazy Corn appetizer. Those were little taste sensations from heaven. Spicy, sweet corn, rich. WOW. I cannot stop thinking about them. The mussels we had are next in my opinion. Nice flavor, good ginger tang with just a little bit of kick. The poor pork belly taco had a lot of competition in this round and it came in third. Very good and tasty but not the same complexity or flavor profile as the first two. We then went on to have one more dish. We chose the Cornish Hen, Jalapeño mash potatoes and pork belly mac and cheese. All sounds fabulous but all fell a little short. The Cornish Hen was good, the mash were good but no kick and a little bland and the pork belly added nothing to the mac and cheese. If I had only had this I would not have been as impressed with this place, but did I mention I woke up thinking about that crazy corn. I will be back.

    (4)

  • Anthea M.

    (1) The last time I was there, the music selection seemed to have improved. (3) The menu has also increased. We met the chef at Harvest Fest and he seems committed to identifying dished that work and those that don't and updating the menu as needed. Also, the calamari is outstanding.

    (4)

  • Noelle N.

    I was excited to try a new restaurant in Davis. I had heard mixed reviews so I figured I would wait a month or two to give Five Horses Tavern time to perfect their service and menu. Unfortunately, it seems like I may not have waited long enough. Although the service was good the food was just mediocre. Here's what we ordered: Calamari: good flavor and a little kick from the peppers but awful texture (super soggy) Brussels Sprouts: surprisingly sweet for brussels sprouts but visually unappealing and very heavy (everything in dish is fried) Pork belly taco: very tasty! I would definitely order these again.

    (3)

  • Eric B.

    Five Horses has a nice selections of beers and whiskeys and a cozy atmosphere aided by a fireplace and a waitstaff wearing plaid shirts. If you are stopping by for a drink or two you will love it. I wouldn't recommend staying all night though. Beers run at $7+ and whiskeys at $11+.

    (3)

  • Danielle W.

    This place was OK. It didn't really leave a good impression on me. My boyfriend and I decided to try it out on a double date with some newlyweds and we figured it would be a nice place to drink some beers and catch up with them. When we arrived it was busy, as any new bar in Davis at 8 PM on a Saturday would be. We grabbed 2 seats at the bar and tried to make out what each person was saying over the loud conversations that were battling the even louder music. The beer selection is great and the whole restaurant has this dark but classy feel to it. Sadly, it really doesn't have anything else going for it. First of all, the day we happened to go, the restaurant was oddly sweltering, yet the bathroom was an icebox. The temperature and humidity inside was not comfortable at all. Our wait time for the table was not bad but waiting for our food, it seemed to be extravagantly long. I would say about 45 minutes, at a minimum, but possibly longer. I ordered the grilled cheese which was good but tasted as if it was waiting out for awhile (You know, when the cheese is that weird solid state after its been melted and gooey). My sandwich also came with a side of jalapeno mashed potatoes which sounded amazing and had the potential to be amazing except for that fact that they were lukewarm at best. Two other people at the table ordered them as well, and they were equally as unpleasant. Overall, I gave the restaurant 2 stars because of its location and beer selection. Otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it to anyone else.

    (2)

  • B C.

    As an out-of-towner, I really liked choosing from all the local draft options they had on tap. Their chicken fingers are enormous, along the lines of a Godzilla chicken's digits. Our waitress was attentive and friendly, and the setup was modern, large and comfortable. If I lived in the area, this would be a great place to relax for a Sunday lunch during a football game.

    (4)

  • Nick A.

    I was interested in this place because it took over the former Sagra (nothing special) spot, so I figured it had to be an upgrade, but this place also didn't impress. The food was not impressive and the prices we high for the portion size. The service was scattered and our waiter completely forgot about our table for at least 25 minutes at one point during the meal, I understand that they are busy, but typically a waiter will at least check-in once a while. All in all, not impressed, pretty much a new paint job and name on a previously non-impressive establishment.

    (2)

  • Carielle C.

    I've been here twice now and both times have been a good experience. I'm a creature of habit and I know what I like, so both times I've gotten the mac & cheese. Very yummy! My friends and I got the sticky wings the last time, too, and they were delicious. My friend has gotten the Pea Diddy salad, pizza and grilled cheese are all tasty as well! The drinks aren't bad. My two minor complaints would be that it's incredibly noisy and they don't have Red Bull. I have to say that I find it amusing that their food menu is a laminated piece of paper while their drink menu is in hardcover. They have their priorities straight!

    (4)

  • Walter D.

    The food we had was absolutely abysmal. No taste. No care. And the place is too loud. Won't be back.

    (1)

  • Natalie M.

    My husband and I stopped in here on a recent Friday for an early dinner and drinks. Overall, I think that the place has a lot of potential but is not quite there. Their food menu is rather small, and has some items on there that prevent it from feeling cohesive (such as Pad Thai, and several more pizza than burger options--I would think that a tavern would focus more on the latter). We opted to share three appetizers and got varying results. 1) Fried Chicken--This is the BEST fried chicken that I've ever eaten, and one of the accompanying dipping sauces got rave reviews from the Mr. The chicken is moist on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and does not feel overly oily. I'd come here again just for that chicken. 2) Calamari- It was horrible. The batter was heavy, and for a reason that I can't yet identify..they put cold wedges of mango in with the hot calamari. It made the heavy batter moist and soggy, and left a pool of water at the bottom. Yuck. You can get great calamari at Foundry, so don't bother with this dish if you like that. Just gross. 3) Potato wedges--Nothing special here, but I enjoyed them. They were seasoned pretty well, but nothing memorable about them. The drinks were expensive, but they did have a nice of beers and mixed drinks. The wait staff were a bit crazed, given that the place has just recently opened, but they were friendly and attentive. I don't get the plaid shirts, and it doesn't really match the interior decor. I'm going to wait a few months, see what they do in that time, and give it another try.

    (3)

  • Thomas N.

    lunch recently, sitting in the window watching folks fight for the parking spaces.....pretty place with a 2 level bar and an interesting tapolier lighting fixture....we were in early so not too busy yet....had 150 beer selections, about 40 on tap and 50 bourbons....but they didn't have the kettle one we asked for, oh well we survived, drinks were good but smallish....service was pleasant and attentive...burger was great, cooked rare as i requested and very flavorful, the grits and cheese on the side was also great, chicken breast sandwich was very good....so food was very good, place was good looking and clean and service was good....what's not to like??

    (4)

  • Vanessa P.

    Loved the music selection - MGMT, Mumford and Sons, etc. Great drink menu. My friend was going to to the Seafood Soup which the waiter seemed very unexcited about so after much hemming and hawing we decided to split the grilled brie cheese and while we decide on something else to share. The grilled cheese was terrible. The cheese was good (how can you go wrong?) but the bread they used was this thick, dry texas toast type bread. It was 98% bread to 2% cheese. We didn't order anything else after that. Don't get the grilled cheese.

    (2)

  • Sarah G.

    Tap selection wasn't as great as I had expected - good stuff but nothing we hadn't seen before and a bit on the pricey side relative to other places in the area. Good liquor selection. We sat at the bar and service was friendly and attentive. Husband's fried chicken sandwich was great, but side salad was undressed. My pea diddy salad was just OK, but had about a pound of mozzarella on it which almost made it worth the $10 price tag. $4 for a plate of bread and butter is a tad ridiculous. The bread was good, but not $4 good. It looks like they heeded the advice of fellow yelpers and turned on the A/C when we were there.

    (3)

  • Gerry G.

    Good food at reasonable prices. Also has fantastic draft and bottle beer selection...and they're happy to let you sample the drafts before you choose! We had the chili to start and then tried all of their tacos for the main meal. Lots of Vegetarian/Vegan options for those so inclined (I'm a carnivore). Enjoyed all the food that we ate. Service was very good and the ambiance was equally good for a romantic dinner as a group of friends out on the town.

    (4)

  • Mmd D.

    Wonderful wine & beer list and a fantastic menu!!! one of those places that makes all carnivorous and vegan friends possible to get together in a wonderful ambience! Super! I would suggest just to improve the service up a notch, but maybe I'm just an obnoxious Newyorker who wants everything, now! lollolol...definitely want to go back!

    (4)

  • Betts C.

    Oh, Five Horses, how I want to like you. And how, every time I come see you, you let me down. Ok, honest truth. Five Horses is not bad. It's just trying way too hard to be good. Yes, the beer list is good, and makes me want to bump up the star rating. But then there's the fact that the food just isn't all that special, and the atmosphere is just really underwhelming. The thing about the food is that it's all ok. It just could be so good, and they're obviously really trying to make it good. They just need to scale their efforts back a notch. Take, for instance, the burger. Yes, it had pork belly and was enormous. But it wasn't medium rare; it wasn't even medium well. That burger hadn't had a pink edge in quite awhile. And even though the meat wasn't done quite right, it was just trying too hard with all the sauce, pork belly, etc. One couldn't have tasted the flavor of the meat, even if it had been prepared properly. The same goes for the fish tacos (and I love fish tacos. If you've read any of my reviews lately, you'll note that I eat a lot of them). So these were fine, they just weren't exceptional. Yes, it was tuna steak, but certain pieces were cooked too long, and the marinade/spice rub was just a little too salty. They ended up being slightly rubbery, and it just wasn't a good consistency for a taco. To be honest, after that lunch, we haven't been back, too disappointed to return. The final blow is the atmosphere. They took what could have been a huge, bright space, and made it oddly two levels, so that if you're upstairs the ceiling is super low, and if you're downstairs you're overwhelmed by the noise of upstairs. Even at lunch, it's super loud (why don't people think about acoustics), and at night it seems more like a dance club than a tavern. The servers are very nice, and the bartenders seem very knowledgeable, both about the beer list and cocktails. Unfortunately, that and what the bar has to offer are not enough to make up for a disappointing food experience and a harsh atmosphere.

    (2)

  • Melissa M.

    i can see this place quickly becoming a regular go-to in davis square. pros: excellent whiskey and beer menu. pork belly tacos. lobster pie pizza. casual, fun, non-pretentious atmosphere. fireplace. knowledgeable and friendly servers. went in around 8 and didn't have to wait for a table because they have plenty of seating. cons: a little noisy for me and some of the seating is placed too close to other - making it hard to hear across the table. other than that it's great. will be going back soon.

    (4)

  • Caitlin A.

    This place is great! I went last Sunday with one of my closest friends and we enjoyed all the food and had an amazing girl's night. To drink - there are just too many options. They have every kind of beer, with extensive choices of each. My friend got a beer, but the menu was a little too overwhelming with me so I stuck with a sangria. Which was FANTASTIC. It had a full on cinnamon stick in it, fresh fruit, the works. I was happy, to say the least. To start we got the white bean hummus served with toasted bread. The hummus was full of flavor; garlicky with hints of other spices. And of course, it paired perfectly with the bread. For dinner, she got the 100% grass fed tavern burger with tater tots. Classic burger + natural taste + perfectly cooked = happy camper. I got two tacos; one tuna taco and one toro furioso taco. The tuna taco was out of this world, the flavors of the seared raw fish and sauces and greens mixed so perfectly with every bite. In hindsight I should have gotten two of those. The toro taco was SPICY!!!! For some reason I thought banana peppers were more sweet that spice. Wrong. I cried the first two bites, until I wised up and removed all the different peppers, save one lonely banana pepper. The short rib was also more oily than I would have liked, but it was packed with flavor. Due to our full bellies we skipped dessert. But I'll be back!

    (4)

  • Sara D.

    I went back to Five Horses for a second time, approximately 2 months after it opened. It was much better the second time around. My boyfriend and I ordered the drunken wings, which I really enjoyed the first time. They were just as delicious, if not better, the second time around. I ordered a fried chicken sandwich. It was very good - the waiter recommended that I add jack cheese to it, which I did, and it was tasty. I had a side of the jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes - tasty with a kick of spice. Overall, I was pleased with my meal. My boyfriend ordered the kentucky fried cornish game hen with jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes, and pork belly spiked mac and cheese. (Or, a heart attack on a plate.) But it was a TASTY heart attack, and I should know, because my fork was in his food for most of the night! The pork belly in the mac and cheese was super tasty. Nice touch, given the that "lobster mac and cheese" is WAY over done, in my humble opinion. Most importantly, I did not experience any of the problems that I detailed in my earlier review of the place on the weekend it opened (the temperature in the place was normal and the chicken was not over cooked). Service was excellent; beer list was great. I'm happy to tentatively put Five Horses Tavern back into our dining out rotation in Davis Square!

    (4)

  • Gabriel S.

    I really, really like the place. Great space, awesome beer, amazing chicken (both the chicken tenders appetizer and the roasted chicken). And the brussel-sprouts appetizer is nothing but yummy-goodness. Have had good luck with the fried chicken salad too. We also thought the turo tacos and tuna tacos were pretty scrumptious.

    (4)

  • Julia S.

    Sit near or outside. Try some beer. Eat the tots. Get the food. This place is gooooooooood. Wait staff is a little, uh, um, err, slow. Enough said.

    (5)

  • Billy Su B.

    three stars for the kitchen. when our food arrived, 3 of the 4 entrees were just stone cold. i'm in the service line of work, so i think carefully before sending anything back, but i just can't eat cold steak. we told our very affable waitress and she immediately sent over a manager, who immediately sent the food back to the kitchen, theoretically to re-fire it. one of the entrees came back hot, but the 2 steak entrees were still cold. was it the same steak? i just don't know. normally, this would have resulted in feelings of anger, disillusionment, and shock, however, both the server and the manager were just so nice and communicative. the manager didn't charge us for anything, basically, and he practically held me in his arms and tissued my tears and cursed the heavens for me- i mean you just can't get better dining room service and care, but i'm not going to send something back twice. hell fire, i have things to do, plus i lost my appetite on this GIANT bowl of tater-tots. it's the size of a house cat. no, no. if you can't get it twice i'm moving on. a windmill's a windmill. why, kitchen, why would you serve me icy steak? twice? moreover, even if it had been served hot, the steak was not overwhelmingly flavorful, and my husband's chicken sandwich was extremely so-so. bottom line: this place has rauchbier, so i will be back, but i won't be heading to the dining room for a full on meal. if you don't know what that is, you're in a terrible dark hole of ignorance and i pity you. the mac and cheese is very yummerson.

    (3)

  • Courtney C.

    New fav spot! You're in Davis Square so you can't expect fine dining or absolutely fabulous drinks but you will NOT be disappointed here. I went last Saturday ... ordered one of the best Old Fashions I've ever had, loved the hummus plate, and then ordered the "grazing plate" of grilled veggies because I was trying to be good and expected it to be adequate...I absolutely LOVED it and would order it even if I wasn't looking for healthy options - it was that delicious. My fiance got the pizza, it was ok but I'm not a big fan of meaty pizza anyways so that could just be me. Our waitress was fantastic and the decor was great. Can't wait to go back!

    (4)

  • Iris A.

    Great selection of beers! We split an appetizer of the fried chicken among 5 of us and it was amazing! We debated going back to have it for breakfast. It's a must have! Also had the Mac and cheese, it wasn't my favorite but still good. I had mine with chicken in it and a friend had hers with peas. The hanger steak was delish as were the mashed potatoes that came with it. We'll be back again!

    (4)

  • Ned G.

    Went here with my girlfriend last week. Our waiter was kind of weird, but the food did come out and as usual it was very good. After being charged incorrectly on my credit card, I called the restaurant and they took care of the situation promptly. I really like this place and I will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Face D.

    I'll bump them up a star solely on a recent visit I had there. The strawberry blonde bartender was extremely helpful, funny, and pleasant to talk to. My friends and I all agreed we wanted his babies. Granted, the door men do babysit you to finish your beer in a hurry, unlike any other bar I've been to. They might as well strap on a fake breast, and feed you from their nipple with the pressure they put on you to *hurry up* and finish. But, Five Horses McDreamy will keep me coming back. I wonder if I should purchase some flannel undergarments?

    (4)

  • Anna T.

    Went for brunch at FHT recently and all I have to say is Holy Bloody Mary! One of the best bloody mary's I have ever had in my life (I asked for it spicy and it was the perfect amount of heat to make me sweat out the liquor from the night before). I ordered the salmon breakfast and it was really good, but a little pricey for the size, in my opinion. Also, the place was packed with people from a road race that must have gone down in Somerville, so the service was a little spotty, but our waitress was really nice despite the crowd, which was a plus! Definitely worth it to check out the bloody mary's and the food is really good too; I will definitely come back here to check out more of their awesome menu!

    (4)

  • Sarah F.

    I wish I could give 2.5 stars. I've been here a few times and just don't know how to feel. I want to love it, but the food is mostly pretty lousy. I really want this to be my neighborhood beer bar, so I hope it gets better. Good: -Beer! Nice tap list that changes often. -I dig the atmosphere. The tap handle chandelier is rad and window into the walk-in beer freezer is a nice touch. -Service has been attentive and friendly, including nicely tending to a freak water glass breaking incident (so I'm clumsy). -Pork belly taco! No Good: -The menu is kind of all over the place. Pad thai, what are you doing here? -The food in general. Calamari came covered in chunks of cold, unripe, out of season mango - bad decision. The bread basket was tasty but small, and cost $4. And the chicken sammie was boooring. The accompanying tater tots were delicious, but duh, they're tater tots.

    (3)

  • Rob A.

    Visited for the first time this weekend for Sunday brunch, really enjoyed it and can't wait to get back. Service was outstanding; food is great upscale pub food, nice atmosphere, and excellent beer selection!

    (4)

  • Marissa T.

    Excellent beer menu! Impressive selection.

    (4)

  • Sarah M.

    Great beer menu. Open air & outdoor seating. Nice ambiance. I think this place is great. Have been here twice for drinks, look forward to coming back to try the food!

    (4)

  • Susan B.

    To be fair, I never got to try the food, so my review is really only on the staff, atmosphere, and menu. Atmosphere: fine, a little loud if you care about that kind of thing Staff: are you kidding me? the lack of competence and attitude drove me away before i was even seated Menu: looked tasty After a miserable interaction with the terrible hostess and a long wait while others behind us were seated, we left and went to Foundry on Elm. Amazing staff, amazing food, great prices... don't see myself going back to try Five Horses anytime soon.

    (2)

  • Anthony R.

    Five Horses Tavern is easily one of the best discoveries I've made in the past year! I love Davis Square and was looking for something new and couldn't have been more pleased by what I found. The atmosphere and design of the restaurant is really different/cool yet very comfortable. First off, I love any place that gives me a beer menu with HUNDREDS of options... I've consistently tried new beers and gained a much greater appreciation for microbrews. Secondly, the menu is a breath of fresh air with options for everyone and new twists on bar food classics. The fried chicken is a chef specialty, and the dipping sauces paired with them make it twice as good. I also almost died when I ate the brussel sprouts with pork belly - it's honestly one of the best dishes I've ever had, and it keeps me coming back for more! Unfortunately, the last time I went in was for brunch, and my waitress was a little "out of it" and also didn't get my order correct...but the sprouts alone make up for any spaceshot waitresses so I'm sticking with 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Regina B.

    Expensive, poor service, rude. No one needs to spend $9 on a beer, eat dry, tasteless food and be ignored. We planned to meet family there for Game 6 of the World Series, my daughter had to come late due to school and they refused her entrance because " they were at capacity". There were 3 empty booths behind us! They refused to turn on the sound of the game as the other reviewer mentioned. Honestly, what Bostonian wants to listen to Van Morrison during the World Series!!! We left before the 3rd inning and spent a fabulous evening at a great bar in Cambridge with $3 beers and waiters who understand what "working for tips" means. Will absolutely never come back.

    (1)

  • John W.

    Good service. Great tater tots! Nice atmosphere. Awesome beer selection.

    (4)

  • Kate E.

    I've now been here three times, all on a Friday night, and have yet to be disappointed. This last visit was probably the best thus far: I arrived around 6 p.m. and was waiting for my friend for a while, but I didn't feel rushed or pressured to order something. I actually asked our server if I should get food, to keep the table, and she replied that I could sit there as long as I wanted. I had a beer - hard to choose from the selection available - and even though they're pricier than, say, Mike's, the span of choices is worth that to me. All three times I've ordered the Drunken Wings - I really can't stop eating them: plump, meaty wings spiced with tequila, lime, and salt. This time I ordered the k.f.c.g.h. - Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen - and I really can't recommend anything more on the menu. The chicken was moist, the breading was crispy and light, yet salty and a tad spicy. It was served with a side of jalapeño cheddar mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, two things I could have easily devoured on their own if I'd desired a carb coma. I do recommend sitting for dinner - the bartenders tend to be on the harried side and table service is much quicker. I've never waited more than 10 minutes (either outside or at the bar), though I eat on the early side - 6 to 7:30-ish. I wish Five Horses well, because I am pretty sure I'm now addicted to several items on their menu.

    (4)

  • Kiki K.

    First time to 5 Horses. REALLY disliked Sagra, the previous tenant, I figured this was a doomed location. Happy to see 5 Horses making a go of it. Loved the beer menu, bartender knew her beers and was very nice. There were many items on the menu that caught my eye. After spending the day winter proofing the house, a burger is what I needed. I ordered my burger medium rare, it came out medium well. I had a few bites and sent it back. Moments later the manager came out, he apologized for the mistake and said the new burger would be right out. AND IT WAS, the manager brought it out himself and said he stood over it the whole time to make sure it came out right. He is very nice. I bit in again, and it was still over cooked, but after taking it out of the bun (a very dry brioche, it was a Sunday, I'm sure they received it on Friday...) and eating it alone, it's clear that it's the meat, not so much the cooking. They are using a very lean mix, it was dry and SLIGHTLY gristly. They need to work on their hamburger mixture, assuming it's house made. The side of mashed potato w/ jalapenos was under seasoned. Even with the jalapenos... things need to be tasted before they are served. I started with the stuffed clam, which was on the dry side, but very tasty. Husband loved his seafood stew. I will be coming back to try more things. Sunday is not the best day to sample a restaurants food, sometimes.

    (3)

  • Tracy T.

    So let's start with the good things.. Great beer selection for us beer nerds, service was prompt and extremely friendly. The space would be good to have a big group if you so choose to venture in big groups. That's pretty much it. On to the not so good and untasty things.. Let me start off by saying, I take full responsibility for ordering an item off the menu with the word THAI in it at a place with the word TAVERN in the name. Disclaimer aside, I ordered their peanut pad thai and my boyfriend ordered some sort of flatbread concoction they probably threw together and tossed into a blazing fire to ensure extra crispy crispys. Our waiter, very genuine and accommodating gentlemen, came over with the plates and I was hit with the overly pungent smell of peanut butter. And what sat in front of me was pretty much globs of peanut butter with some noodles in thur. The flatbread was practically sat on, without cheese and with extra cardboard on the bottom. I absolutely hate sending food back and think it puts me on the restaurant karmic level of someone who says Cheesecake factory is going downhill (as if it were ever uphill), but it needed to be done because it would have sat there and I would make a peanut butter sandwich out of our two dishes. The manager actually came over and apologized repeatedly and said it was on the house, and the next round was on them (hello, Sam Adams Infinium!..just kidding, the next round consisted of 12 white russians) I forgot to mention that when we went, it was when the first open around September of last year. I would hope they have stepped up their kitchen game by now, but I would return for a beer because their selection is great.

    (2)

  • Bosto 6.

    I met some friends here for lunch last weekend. While walking to our table I saw the food that other people were having, and it did not look good. I should have known better. I asked the waiter for an Amstel Light. He said, "Um, I think we have that." Amstel Light is not exactly a micro brew. I'm only guessing I'm not the first person to order one from this restaurant. The waiter brought me one and it was fine. On the lunch menu, I saw "thin crust cheese pizza." I ordered it. It was not thin crust. And the top of the pizza had a Lake-Michigan-sized puddle of grease in the middle of it. I was starving so I dug in. My friends declined when I asked them if anyone wanted a slice. They looked at me as if I was eating roadkill. I think they were actually scared to look at the so-called Pizza for fear of nightmares. Seriously, there was so much grease on this thing that if it were really "thin crust" then it would have been translucent. Of course my brain-dead waiter neglected to bring me a place-setting, so I had to ask for one (I couldn't pick the pizza up because of the grease; I need a fork & knife). Fast forward to 3:30 am. I wake up, walk to my bathroom and barf my brains out. Terrible service, horrible food, never going here again. F

    (1)

  • M J.

    Amazing bloody mary, great salad (pea diddy), and had the crab and eggs for brunch. It was a perfect crab cake and cheesy warm spinach and a really nice bread base. The service was also prompt without being overbearing and the atmosphere is cozy.

    (5)

  • Dan D.

    Fried chicken sandwich w/ honey with a side of mac 'n cheese and a beer. It's not healthy, but its happy. Can get crowded and loud on the weekends, i normally go midweek.

    (4)

  • Aurelia C.

    I really like the beer selection that they have. The Ommegang is a great Belgian beer that I'd highly recommend trying. The mac & cheese is SO good, and they also have a great variety of vegetarian options. I also highly recommend the duck 3 ways entree. HOWEVER, there are certain things on the menu that need some serious improvement. The duck confit and pork burrito is awful. First of all, the presentation of the burrito is simply unappetizing. At least cut the thing in half instead of presenting me with a lumpy burrito on a plate. There is no flavor, and no variety in texture. It's a tortilla wrap stuffed with a bunch of ingredients fried together in a way that when all combined, it has no taste. Also, my personal recommendation to the restaurant would be to tone down on the spicy sauce on the toro furioso taco. I grew up eating tons of spicy food but this was wayyyy too spicy to be enjoyable.

    (3)

  • C B.

    Drinks are not bad. Good atmosphere, good service, and good decorations. Seafood is pretty bad and not fresh, particularly mussels. I will go back for some drinks though.

    (3)

  • Katie G.

    Over all I've been very pleased every time I've gone. The staff are friendly & accommodating, taste of food is creative & drinks are great too! ONLY COMPLAINT, new menu seems to be getting cheaper. Went tonight & got the calamari appetizer... tasted good but needed WAY more mango's that are served with the dish. Last time I went they gave us the perfect amount/extra. My meal was also made with FAKE potatoes. Why, I don't know? Potatoes are cheap & easy to make. I don't think any restaurant should be skimpy on REAL POTATOES or real anything. It's a restaurant, that's why I'm going there. I'd hate to see this place go down hill because a cook isn't taking the food seriously.

    (4)

  • Alex B.

    Great place, amazing choice of GOOD beers, had a pizza once was good. Nice atmosphere. Had a little issue each time with a waiter not bringing back change (gave a 20 for $14..) or the waiter proposing a not on-the-menu beer similar to the one I wanted that was out...which was good but double the price of the one I had wanted...

    (4)

  • Katie V.

    I'm going up to 4 stars for 2 reasons -- excellent Bloody Mary and excellent salad (the one with avocado, peas, mozzarella). It was a stellar combination on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Five Horses is officially more than a-ok in my book.

    (4)

  • Julia B.

    My boyfriend and I came to Five Horses on a last minute decision to have some Sunday afternoon lunch. We sat at a table by the open front, and were able to enjoy the weather. The football game was on, but wasn't obtrusive to our conversation. Our waiter, James, was kind and attentive. The beer list was extensive, which was nice..we were able to get two Czech beers we don't usually find stateside. Our lunch (burger and baja tacos) was good enough. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised. Five Horses is casual, yet polished enough to work for those opposed to "pub" atmospheres. It was busy when we were there, and filled with local people. We liked it and will be back.

    (4)

  • Jocelyn M.

    September 2011: Returned after a bike ride for the mac 'n cheese. It was terrific, had a nice kick with a bit of something like blue cheese. LOVED IT! August 2011: Burger came with tater tots, both fine, not special, get medium if you like medium rare. Service was ok. They don't serve half pints!! Better beer selection than most in Davis square, though.

    (3)

  • Kartikeya S.

    I've never been disappointed by the beers here. The food is great but not as many options as I'd like. Pizzas are filling but I recommend the pumpkin soup or the Brie grilled cheese. I had a great milk stout there but I like dark beers that I can chew anyway.

    (4)

  • Monika S.

    I am giving it only one star for the serving staff there: the waitress and the manager. The cook is not getting any stars.I went there for a quick dinner. When I ordered crab cakes they tasted so awful (as if they were soaked in some laundry water) that I asked the person with me to try them before I complained to the waitress, since I actually never returned the dish before in any restaurant. The manager came, took the dish and asked me whether I wished some other dish. So I ordered some vegetarian dish: vegetables and quinoa. How complicated could it be to prepare, right? Wrong! Although I waited around 20 minutes for the "replacement" dish, what I got was also a BIG disappointment. Quinoa was raw and tough to bite on; one of three vegetables on my plate was also too hard to chew. If it takes only 10-15 minutes to cook quinoa and vegetables so, I wonder, why they made me wait so long only to deliver half cooked dish? Was the person who cooks there trained in any licensed culinary school?! I must admit that the waitress and the manager were very nice, and got us additional beer for free. But if you are hungry and you lost appetite there is no beer or any alcoholic beverage that could make up for that awful culinary experience.

    (1)

  • Katie F.

    We ate here last weekend and the food was great. We got a plethora of apps from tacos to mussels and I didn't have one complaint. Great beers on tap, friendly service, and good atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Kathy M.

    Good burgers and beers but not so good service. I went here on a weekday around 5pm and grabbed a nice seat facing the street. They open their huge windows during the summer and it was a really great day for it. It took our waitress a long time to take our orders and to swing by so we could refill our drinks. The Tater-tots were really great. Kinda greasy but worth it.

    (3)

  • Eric S.

    This is a great neighborhood bar. The beer selection is amazing and its constantly changing. I've had the chicken tenders app quite a few times and I love both the dragon sauce and scallion ranch that come with it. The tater tots are a must with all meals.

    (5)

  • MaryLee B.

    I went today for a late lunch, brunch was winding down I I was told that I have to wait 15 minutes before I could put my order in as they were switching over the kitchen from brunch to lunch. Okay seems odd, but it raised my expectations in regards to the food. Big mistake... but I'll get there I ordered a draft to kill the time, but it took 15 minutes to make it to my table and was warm when it arrived. I ordered the calimari and a spicy taco. The latter was pretty good if a bit skimpy. The calimari was a not so hot MESS. Seriously, how do you screw up calimari?? Serve it is a bowl with a 50/50 mix of calimari to banana peppers. Bread it, but don't fry it (at least not that I could tell) and then drown in is some sort of sauce so that it is a mushy, slushy mess of soaken breading. Yuk!. I hardly touched it and when my server finally swung back he actually asked if I wanted to box my mostly untouched bowl of calimari mudd.

    (2)

  • C E.

    Fantastic tavern. Food is awesome, drink selection is fab, and great staff. Worth multiple visits.

    (5)

  • Erica H.

    I came in last night with a couple of friends who lives in the area who is already a big fan of Five Horses. First off, I loved the interior - the copper bar was beautiful and unique, the booths and chairs were huge and comfy, and even the paint colors were unique and well chosen. I loved the beer tap "art" near the front door - it tells you right away that you're in a place that celebrates beer. The beer list was extensive and divided up by beer style, not unlike the list at Sunset Grill (though not as extensive). Our waitress, even though she was new (she was training with another waitress that evening) was already well versed on the beer menu - she was able to tell me the difference between the two stouts on the draft list, for example. And I loved, loved loved that they have Genny Cream Ale in a can! I tried the 3 wing flavors and liked them all, but my favorite was the drunken wings - marinated in beer and tequila, and splashed with lime and seasoned with flake salt. Like a margarita in a wing, but better than that would sound :) We also tried the calamari, which was not bad - I loved the chunks of mango mixed in, and the subtle heat, but they did get soggy before we were done. I saw some complaints from other posters about the music levels, but it seems that they have taken these to heart, as I was able to maintain a conversation the entire night without yelling or straining to hear. I would definitely return - I want to try the chicken sandwich and the goat butter, at the very least. Oh, and drink some more $3.50 cans of delicious Genny Cream Ale!

    (4)

  • Marie R.

    Great place for drinks. A good beer menu and atmosphere. However the food isn't that great, cold tacos or soggy hamburger bun. Also the service leaves some things to be desired.

    (2)

  • Douglas S.

    Love this place, come often. Great beer selection and great food. They are constantly updating their menu with season selections. Always good service as well. Can't say enough positive things.

    (5)

  • Brittney N.

    Five Horses is my favorite bar hangout in Davis. I live right down the street and the staff loves regulars. The bartenders are all really attentive and knowledgeable when it comes to the beer selection (impressive because what's on tap rotates often). Good food, nice crowd, great atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Iain T.

    Great beer selection, nice setting, sh*te food. My burger actually tasted like crab cake (it was supposed to be beef). I suspect a lazy grill man cooking beef straight after something fishy. I'll go back for drinks only but not for food.

    (2)

  • Lorin P.

    I am never going back here. Terrible, bland food. Absentee servers. Food we tired: chicken fingers, onion/apple soup, potato tacos, and the mussels. Drinks: 1 beer on tap, 1 wine by the glass. Time of day: 2PM-ish The chicken fingers came out so over-done, I'm actually surprised they were served to us, and they were super salty. The onion/apple soup lacked flavor (the stock used must have been incredibly weak or seriously watered down). The potato tacos were tasteless. The mussels themselves were good, but the broth they were served in was overpowered by miso. Our waitress spent most of the time flirting with a couple of guys a few tables away. She didn't check back on us after the food was served until we were practically done, and this was the only time I was able to finally get a glass of water. We ordered drinks as soon as we sat down, and were not given (or offered) water? What? This waitstaff is not properly trained. Then after we paid, we couldn't get rid of the waitress! She was hovering so blatantly (because she wanted to pick up the check) it made us uncomfortable. We didn't even bother to finish our waters that we waited so long to receive. Five Horses Tavern = FAIL! This is not the Gargoyles replacement Davis Square has been looking for.

    (1)

  • Liz H.

    This place has finally worked out the kinks with the food, hooray! One quibble: the mac and cheese isn't yet crave-worthy, and they insist on limiting the add-ins to a short list. Still, I will definitely be back. The tacos are delicious and filling, and I love the apps menu. I would recommend trying this place for lunch as well. The place is half-empty that time of day, so the chef really takes care with the food.

    (4)

  • Marcella G.

    went here after my first time to sacco's bowl haven just walked up to the bar on a friday night bartenders were cool they were out of the beer i wanted but that just means it was good and i was too late

    (4)

  • L B.

    I had great and high hopes for Five Horses Tavern - finally something new in Davis, and a suitable Sagra replacement. I'll be willing to go back, but my initial experience was incredibly poor. I was meeting a friend for dinner at 5:15 on a Friday night. We were approached by a disheveled looking host and were brought to a table. Not ten words into a conversation and we were interrupted by incredibly loud music. Suddenly we were screaming across the table. Sure during later hours on a Friday night I'd love the music and party atmosphere...but not at 5:30 dinner time. We were both alarmed, so alarmed, in fact, that we left. Alas...

    (1)

  • Mike D.

    Five Horses Tavern lost my credit card. I will never return.

    (1)

  • Moe M.

    Great food, great service, great everything! This place is a staple in my life!!

    (5)

  • Brendan T.

    A reluctant 4 from me. Better than a three, not quite a four on busy nights. Outdoor seating is a sham since its on a busy sidewalk, inside can be loud at times. Food beer selection, interesting but small menu with decent selections. Trying to be trendy and apparently succeeding since it gets busy there. A better option than foundry nearby

    (4)

  • Todd B.

    I go here quite often; the food is always great, the atmosphere is always nice, nothing is over priced, but there has been one re-occuring problem that I take issue with. As soon as I'm finished with my plate, what ever it may be, it is cleared from the table; sometimes they ask, usually they don't. I have worked in restaurants before and was always told not to clear a plate while other at the table are eating. It makes me feel rushed, it makes my girlfriend feel that she need to rush on her food; and when they take hers first it makes her feel as if she ate too fast, or ate too much food for a lady. I am really surprised to see this at a restaurant that has everything else down to a science and running like clock work; after the other night of this happening every time I've gone here, I don't think they will be my goto place in Davis; and as I own a business in Davis I want to go here as the food is great! We will see, the other restaurants in Davis still don't compare, so for now it is still Five Horses at the number one spot.

    (3)

  • G Z.

    I will get to the food after but I need to** WARN POTENTIAL DINERS OF THE INCOMPETENCY OF SOME OF THEIR WAITSTAFF** I came here last Thursday with 6 other people. Upon paying the bill, I personally handed the waitress a pile of cash and one single debit card and explained that she should apply the money to the bill first and THEN charge my card for the remainder...which really didn't need an explanation but you never know. Somehow, she forgot this while walking from the table to the credit card machine and I was charged for the entire bill ($212.66) !! I noticed this on my bank statement the following day and called immediately. I spoke with the manager whose explanation was, "Oh, yeah this happens from time to time. We credited your card back and it should go through but if it doesn't just call us back and we will credit again." OH OK....this happens from time to time? I suggest as a manager...you make sure that it NEVER happens because $212.66 is a big mistake and could potential completely screw a person financially while the money is being credited back to your account. Now to the food that night: I ordered a grilled cheese that tasted awful. Probably the easiest thing to make ...ever...but somehow it tasted like hell. I bite into it and it was dry as heck (the kind of dry that literally hurts your mouth to attempt to eat) and tasted like a dirty, greasy grill. In disbelief, I had the SIX other people I was seated with taste it and they all agreed that it was just awful. That's seven people who confirmed that it was literally not edible. When the waitress was clearing our dishes she did ask if I liked my grilled cheese and I said no it tasted terrible to which she replied, "oh...." and cleared my plate. The tater tots (which are normally good) tasted like freezer. You know that taste? Also confirmed by seven people. Very disappointed that night which is really too bad because it is a nice atmosphere and it does have a great great beer selection, but being charged the full amount of the bill after an explanation of how to charge it and not being able to eat that night was a giant thumbs down.

    (3)

  • Tiffany C.

    Let me start by saying this is my new go-to place in David Square. I've been here twice, once for drinks, once for food and drinks. The alcohol selection is great- varied, unusual, but with familiar favorites. My first trip I tried a varietal of wine I'd never even heard of- I didn't really love it, but I love a place that can offer me something new. And though I'm not generally a beer drinker, I'm familiar enough with it to know they have a good selection. One complaint- I ordered a cocktail on my second visit and it wasn't very good. I forget the name, but it had rosewater in it-- so much of it unfortunately that the drink tasted like cleaning fluid. I was disappointed enough that evening to not to try order a second cocktail, but I would be willing to try again in the future. (In fact, I would venture to say that if there had been less rosewater in my drink, and a bit more sweetness to it, it would have been a perfectly good cocktail!) On to the food: I got their fried chicken sammy with tater tots, my companion got a pizza covered in italian meats. My sandwich was great (it came with honey and aioli on it, but I got the aioli on the side, and glad I did, since it was better with JUST the honey), the tots were tasty, and my companion thought the pizza was very good. Prices were good- comparable to going some of Davis Square's other bars for much less interesting food. Will definitely be coming back here.

    (4)

  • Melanie C.

    Went here for dinner a couple nights ago. Had a toro taco and it was great! Also their drinks are so creative and delicious! I had a "recipe for success" and it was awesome. The service was really quick and attentive despite it being a busy friday night. Kudos to this place!

    (5)

  • Tom B.

    Outstanding food, along with a great beer list and a very helpful staff. I highly recommend the chicken tenders and the cheese pizza.

    (5)

  • Justin B.

    Very excited about this place mainly because of the tap list. Most craft beer places I've been to in Boston claim 100's of beers, yet most of them are bottled. This place has 30+ on tap. The bartenders were doing their best for a Saturday night. Great selection as they had Allagash Black on tap which is one of my hard to find favorites. Here's the biggest problem, which also ruined a first date. Insanely hot inside. I don't understand what the deal was. It had to be almost 90 inside. They had the huge windows open for outside, yet it was a very hot and humid Saturday. The girl I was with went to the bathroom and when she came back, said she couldn't believe the difference in heat. I was sweating all night long. Even outside was cooler at this point. I hate to harp on it but I'm not the only one. Just blast the A/C, especially on your opening weekend. Talking to people at the bar, everyone shared the same sentiment. I want to come back but will only do so when the outside temperatures are maximum in the mid-60's.

    (2)

  • C K.

    Went for brunch and was generally unimpressed...the excuse was probably that there had been a 5K that morning so the restaurant was slammed, but that should be a time to crank out your best food! Price point was high for the quantity of food (no hash browns with brunch entrees?!?! for shame...), the food tasted REALLY buttery and plates weren't well composed. Would maybe go back for beer, but with so many other places around davis with great food and drinks I wouldn't make it a destination.

    (2)

  • Nicola I.

    I really want to like the Five Horses Tavern because I want an alternative to Redbones. I tried this place during their opening week (on a weeknight)and was not impressed with the food or the beer list. I decided to give it another shot (on a weekend) and experienced the same: poor sandwich to bread ratio, dry bread, not much flavor besides salt, and a lack-luster beer list. That being said, both times I have visited the service was outstanding. Great, attentive staff who are not overbearing or cloying. If only their food was similar! As for beer lists? You can get a better selection at Redbones and definitely at Lord Hobo (and much better food at LH). Right now, crowd-wise, it seems like the Five Horses is grabbing the Foundry's run-off... and I don't much care for the Foundry crowd... or the large TV screens that dominate at both establishments.

    (2)

  • Anton A.

    Not one of my favorites, but worth a try.

    (3)

  • Kevin W.

    Came for a birthday party. Great food and nice drink selections. If i ever come back to the area I'll be sure to return.

    (4)

  • Courtney M.

    What an incredible menu! I was thoroughly impressed with the vegetarian and vegan options. The vibe was hipster enough for me! I will definitely be back so that I can eventually eat every Veggie option on the menu because they all looked good.

    (5)

  • Chris S.

    We have been excited to try this place out since we saw the sign go up a while back and our first trip there yesterday was great, with a few caveats. The atmosphere is upscale and trendy, with an amazing hanging ball of dozens of beer tap handles by the front door. The only downer in terms of the atmosphere was the odd easy listening they were playing - something with a bit more edge would seem more appropriate. My wife had the lobster roll, which she was was among the best she'd had. This means something from her, given that it's one of her favorite food and her sample size is alarmingly large. I had the mac and cheese, which was good, although I would have appreciated a bit more flavor in the cheese. The beer list is the real reason we came and it did not disappoint, with a great variety of interesting and somewhat unique beers categorized by type. The beers we ordered were served in appropriate glassware and were nice and cold. Our service was nice, but not overly competent. The food runner had to ask who ordered what entree and our server was MIA for large portions of the evening. I'll chalk up a lot of this to a new restaurant ironing out the kinks. The co-manager, Steve, did pick up a lot of the slack, and even though he was running around to make sure things were in order, he stopped to chat with us and see how we liked everything. We'll definitely be back and we'll be looking for better music, better service, and more good food and beer.

    (4)

  • Eris S.

    I had dinner here and thought the food, beer, and waitstaff was great. I had the fish tacos and tater totes which were both delicious. Also my waiter was unbelievably knowledgable on the very large beer list. I think his name was Keith. I would definitely go back to try other items on the menu.

    (5)

  • Kyle N.

    Normal vibe, good drink selection, poor service. First server told us she'd get us the 3 drinks we ordered. 2nd server then came over, told us they didn't actually carry what we ordered, then proceeded to shamelessly hit on my friend. He asked what her drink order was then said "that makes me want to go home with you..." Then he came back after bringing our drinks and literally sat down at our table, continuing to hit on my friend in front of everyone. Pretty serious lack of professionalism and customer service. 3 stars for ambiance and drink selection, 0 stars for sleezy servers. This place has a long way to go before becoming the place to go in Davis. Until then, you'll find me at The Burren.

    (2)

  • Greg G.

    This is the perfect place in Davis square. I have tried the burger, the brie grilled cheese, and papas frites, and 2 of their tacos. They were all excellent. They have over 90 bottled beers, with 35 different beers on tap every day. The drink menu is extensive and excellent. The place is casual but classy. It is very nice and clean inside, with a warm dark black and grey look to it. I plan to go here regularly.

    (4)

  • M A.

    Nice bar- easy menu and good local. This place should do well they did a massive renovation on the existing spot and opened it up nicely. Nice job- place kills it

    (5)

  • Michael W.

    Great beer selection. Properly made mixed drinks. But food...pretentious and over priced. Mixing in hip new ingredients to make what would have been solid tavern fare into 'hipster chow"...not something I'm interested in supporting. $11 for an under cooked hamburger ( Med. does not mean tartar) and copious amounts of tater tots (the only side offered that wasn't 'enhanced') is not what I call a great simple option for the menu. The duck was served raw as well ( interesting flavor, but RAW). And as long as I'm on it...LOUD. Nothing they can do about that. The open layout creates a noise tunnel. Much like the menu, style over substance seems to be more important. The service was good during a busy evening, so there is that. I hope the menu finds room for a few solid options other than overpriced hamburger /mac n cheese. Solo mashed potatoes and a properly cooked burger would go some distance to improving my opinion. Duck that didn't quack would be nice too. And a main course that nods to culinary basics and not hip ingredient blends would be nice. Surely, cater to the clientele you wish to attract, but if you are calling yourself a 'tavern', give a tip of the hat to the name.

    (2)

  • Kristin C.

    Five Horses Tavern lives in the old Sagra location and it is about a million times busier that its Italian predecessor ever was. It was nice to walk into the restaurant and see it bustling on a Sunday night. I would describe the food at Five Horses Tavern as upscale bar food that doesn't break the bank. A varied selection with some items that will surprise you. Pizza with lobster and pork belly on it? At this place, yes. I ordered the brussels sprouts and drunken wings. The wings were a great combination of spicy (but not too spicy) and citrusy (they came with limes to squeeze over). The brussels sprouts were amazing. They were served with pork belly and something else I can only describe as crispy deliciousness. My dining buddies both ordered the fried chicken sammy, which they say was divine. I tried their tater tots (good but nothing to squeal over) and jalapeño mashed potatoes, which were interesting but not really my thing. This place has a ridiculously large beer menu - the kind any beer snob would love. And their cocktail menu, while significantly smaller, is nothing to laugh at either. I loved the feel of this place and would like to come back. HOWEVER, I have to say that service was AWFUL. We were greeted by someone (host? busser? food runner?) and were told he'd find a table for us. Five minutes later nothing. Then a server found us and immediately sat us at one of the handful of open tables. All of the servers I came into contact with were very nice, but that was all. And I say all of them because about I had three or four different ones during my one meal there. I'm not sure what the server system is there, but it didn't' seem like one person was assigned to our table. If this was an efficient system, then I wouldn't care one way or the other. But it was not. Not even a little bit. Ordering a drink took 10-15 minutes. And at one point I had to ask one of the servers to see if the other server had actually put my drink in 10 minutes after I ordered it. Then five minutes later I got it. Yes, it was a busy Sunday night, but it wasn't New Year's Eve packed and didn't excuse the ridiculously long wait times between ordering a drink and actually getting it. The only time the servers were actually prompt was when we asked for the check and paid our bill. If I come back, I'll likely sit at the bar where I hope the service is a million times better than on the floor. This restaurant makes a great addition to the neighborhood. I just hope they can polish up their service.

    (3)

  • J S.

    I have been to Five Horses a few times because of its great location, but other than being in a great spot, Five Horses doesn't offer much to distinguish itself. It has a decent beer list and a fairly big (but kind of random?) menu. Both times I have been, I left with the feeling that maybe they hadn't totally decided what they were going for. This may be partly because the layout of the interior is sort of strange -- a friend of mine who lives in Davis told me they had recycled some of the booths from the previous restaurant in that location, and unfortunately, it kind of shows and the restaurant feels a little thrown together.

    (3)

  • Jennifer L.

    I would probably give it 3 1/2 stars if I had that option. Five Horses Tavern is probably the sixth place I've seen come through this location. It was packed last night, so maybe it'll last. It was an hour wait at 8:00 on a Saturday for a party of two for dinner. No different from any other place in the area, really. Luckily we got a seat at the bar before too long. They had TVs playing college football at the bar. It was packed, but it's a spacious place so I didn't feel claustrophobic. It was loud. My friend had already eaten, so the only thing I have to go on is a veggie burger, which was delicious and very flavorful. Lots of places use a store-bought frozen brand, and others make their own and fail horribly. This one seemed homemade and was a nice consistency with lots of veggies. The tater tots were awesome, but I mean, they were tater tots. Not sure you can mess those up. You have a few other choices of sides -- mesclun greens, fries, etc. The menu was large and varied. Pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, duck, chicken, soups, salads...Some of the entrees are a little pricier, $15-20, but pretty reasonable overall. Lots of good beers on tap, wide selection, huge drink menu. The bartenders were great. Very friendly, attentive, and good. The food came out quickly. I might go back, but I prefer a quieter place for dinner and am not big on bars in general...if you are, you'd probably like it.

    (3)

  • Jon P.

    Disclaimer: I went to this place for the soft opening where the owners were kind enough to provide all food on menu and drinks at no charge. With that out of the way, I'll say that I really like this new spot. You'll hear everyone compare it to the Foundry, which is fair, but I honestly think it's a more laid back atmosphere and tries less to project an upscale image than their counterpart. The location is nice and will probably keep it from getting overcrowded all the time like some other spots--good for you, maybe not so great for them. The atmosphere is a nice, For beer, they have an exceptional draft list of 30+beers with lots of local options. There's a dedicated bourbon/whiskey bar that is pretty substantial and the cocktails I had there were tasty and very creative, albeit somewhat slowly crafted. I liked that the bartender provided and refilled water without asking me. For food, everyone really enjoyed their selection and the price, though we weren't paying, was good for what they provided. The calamari was possibly the best I've had and I consider myself a connoisseur of fried squid. The mac and cheese was amazing, and the kentucky fried cornish game hen set a new bar for fried chicken.

    (4)

  • Martha L.

    Gallop away, seriously. We went here for Sunday Brunch. The waiter was incredibly nice but the food didn't make up for it. I had the standard breakfast, and it was pretty dismal, and seriously, I always think that it's hard to mess up eggs but they proved me wrong. There were hash brown that were heavy and tasted deep fried, on top of which was a sad egg and one piece of toast. It came with a dilapidated fruit cup that had mostly honey dew melon swimming in a puddle of about a 1/2 cup of water and they did the cardinal sin of fruit cup creation: they cut the damned fruit on a cutting board they also cut onions on because you could taste the onion in every soggy bite. Beh. My husband had a chicken sandwich - the chicken was good but paired with a sweet brioche roll and a cup full of grits so solid you could have grouted tile with it. I'd have the five horses take me to another stop next time.

    (2)

  • Kimberly B.

    I've been to Five Horses a few times and I just love them. I started a recent love affair with bourbon and with a selection of 130 brown liquors I think I'll be making this my home for a sweetly intoxicating exploration. To make sure I can still remain upright and some sense of decorum while I consume several glasses of bourbon, I indulge in their kfcgh- jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes and pork belly spiked mac & Cheese. C'mon- pork belly spiked mac & Cheese- Gimme! I'm a sucker for comfort food and this warms the cockles of my heart. I've also had their skirt steak with goat cheese scallion mash, mushrooms and broccoli rabe- just delicious. I am usually leery about ordering steak at a place like this because they don't understand what rare means. My steak was cooked to rare perfection. I'm not in Davis often, but when I am this is where I satisfy my desire for comfort food goodness. See you soon Five Horses...

    (5)

  • Cathy S.

    It's probably a good thing I don't live any closer to Five Horses because then I would spend too much money there. The atmosphere is just right, I think - casual, but not a sports bar. But about the food. I think the chef is doing some really creative things. The menu could possibly use some pruning since it seems a bit all over the place, but of the stuff I've tried, there hasn't been a dud yet. Favorites: pork belly taco, all variations on the fried chicken theme, mussels, and olives. The mussels come in a broth that's so good, you'll want a spoon and extra bread. The olives don't sound interesting, but are addictive and the perfect snack to have with your beer. All told, the menu has good variety and range in price, lightness/heaviness, portion sizes, and flavors. The service has been ok to good. I heard that they hired more on personality than experience, and that would explain a lot. Friendly, but sometimes with timing glitches. I expect more time will help with that. Anyway, I love what Five Horses is doing. They're a great addition to Davis Square.

    (4)

  • Tasha P.

    Hi Yelpers, Well, today a friend and I had plans to have brunch/lunch at Highland Kitchen, but their brunch hour had ended and we didn't want to still around for the 5 o'clock serving of dinner!! So we decided to venture down to Davis Sq. Despite the cold weather we found Five Horses!! We were so glad there was no waiting!!! We were seated right next to the fireplace!!!! That was definitely a plus!! The place wasn't crowded at all! I ordered pumpkin soup (first time) and the veggie burger and a side order of fruit!! I can't complain!!! Everything was very clean, spacious, fast etc. Even the bathroom was clean but downstairs in the basement. There's even a beer storage or fridge!! I don't like beer, but I think it was neat!!!

    (3)

  • Emily C.

    Living in Davis Square has a definite advantage when it comes having a variety of bars, restaurants and coffee shops. When Five Horses came to town I was super excited to try it out because I am a connoisseur of good beer and good eats to accompany them. When I finally got the opportunity to go a couple of weeks ago I was extremely disappointed. Although the atmosphere is great and the bar design is swanky the food was very bland, over priced and not quality. To make matters worse my girlfriend ordered the hummus. We didnt think to ask if there were egg products in it because she is allergic and honestly who puts eggs in hummus, right? Well she had an allergic reaction for sure and when I asked about the ingredients the waitress said it was actually a vegan recipe. If that was the case...their kitchen must not be clean or they are using the same serving spoons without cleaning them properly because you can't fake that stuff! Either way it scared me because you should never joke around when it comes to food allergies and it skeeves me out about their kitchen. When i went to order a seasonal beer that was on the wall menu for what was on tap the waitress said they were all out and I reminded her it was still on the board and she replied that they were too lazy to take it off the list because it was so high up on the wall. She made it seem like I was an ass for acknowledging that it was still up there. It was a snarky remark and made me want to walk out. I don't understand how wait staff can use an excuse of laziness and put down a customer and expect tips and return costumers?!?! This along with the outrageous price and the underwhelmingly bland food -I would never go there again. I can get better food at Mike's for cheaper and get yelled at by the lady on the mic to pick up my food. I'd rather that then someone make me out to a bad guy when trying to help them out. Stay classy five horses ;)

    (2)

  • Leslie R.

    Love this place but had a disappointing meal yesterday. The Tofu Panino is my favorite meal, but I discovered that it is no longer on the menu. I opted to try the shiitake dip sandwich instead. The mushrooms were tough - almost unchewable - and the bread was a wimpy hamburger roll. I definitely would not order it again. Another new menu option, the Tofu Cuban, did not sound appetizing in the description. I hope the Tofu Panino will reappear on the menu.

    (4)

  • Garrett T.

    Spent a few hours at the Five Horses on Saturday around 2:40 to 5:45. Got to spend time with friends, and family. The time was made all the more pleasant but the gracious and at times humorous and engaging staff. The food was also exceptional, and the selection of beers, bourbons, and whiskey equally good. Thanks for a great environment for such a gathering.

    (4)

  • Nick L.

    As someone who lived in or around Davis Sq for more than 5 years, I can only say that i wish Five Horses was around when i was there! I have been there twice in the last month and both times have been extremely impressed not only with the outstanding beer menu (Maine Beer Company Peeper Ale last night was particularly amazing), but also with the atmosphere and food menu that have created. Over the time when i lived in Davis, I saw this location turn over businesses at an alarming rate, so when FHT came in, I figured they would be here for a year and someone else would come in; but after visiting them and seeing how happy everyone was to be there, i think they finally got it right! The night of my 30th birthday we decided we wanted to get some good beers as we were now "adults" and found our way to FHT. Immediately we were impressed with the up-scale but not pretentious decour from the brass all over the bar to the dark leather seats. As you walk through the restaurant you are greeted by the see-through beer fridge showing off the amazing variety of bottles and cans they carry which we saw many a patron make a trip over to select their next beer. We were seated at a table and were promptly visited by a staff member who gave us a run down on beers, food, and whiskey including recommendations on all which helps when there is such a large selection. We went with many varieties of beer at the table both in bottles and draft and we barely scratched the surface. When our food came, we were pleasently surprised that pub food could be so good, highlighted by the tater tots which we couldnt get enough of. As a vegetarian, i struggle to find good menu's that allow me to eat something at a bar outside of a veggie burger and FHT did a great job of providing many alternatives, the potatoe taco's being my favorite so far. Needless to say, by the end of the night we agreed we had found our new favorite bar I will definitely be back ad cant wait to see what they have coming if they are looking this good in year 1!!

    (5)

  • Justine D.

    I love this place. THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS ARE AMAZING!!! I never in a million years would have predicted that I would go to a restaurant just for the brussels sprouts - yet both my fiance and I LOVE them. Please, whatever you do people at 5 Horses, do not take the Brussels sprouts off the menu. Ever. Once we went there and they were out and we were so, so sad. Whatever they are covered with is amazing and delicious, and we go there specifically for that - and then pick out other stuff to accompany it. Each time I've been here the service has been very good - the waitstaff are very friendly and timely. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are generous. We've tried lots of different food and the menu has changed - I miss the chili (it was SO good, hope it comes back next winter) and I like the spicy wings. The grilled wings aren't so flavorful, but I guess I could have predicted it. We tried the duck 3 ways last night - I think they could just focus on it one way - the sliced breast was great, the rest so-so. It came with nice greens and carrots which were tasty. The tater-tots are always delish and crisp. All in all I do very much enjoy the food here and the drink list is long and extensive and interesting, too. The only downside is the noise - wish the acoustics were better.

    (5)

  • Meg W.

    My husband and I have been here a handful of times and it has been consistently great, it's one of our favorite places, especially when we are in the mood for comfort food. The sticky wings, fried chicken, and mac&cheese are awesome, we always leave stuffed and with yummy leftovers to take home. The beer menu is huge and overwhelming, and the service has always been excellent.

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    I'm happy to report that these guys just keep getting better and better!!! Some highlights from recent trips there: - buttermilk fried chicken tenders - OMfreakingG. Get these. Don't share them. And get extra buttermilk scallion sauce. - short rib tacos - flavor nirvana. Quite spicy too, which I love, but it accelerated the consumption of my beer for sure. Which brings us to... - IPA out of a nitro tap - Wow! I'm not sure I lovedthe flavor at the end of the day but man was it interesting! - sierra nevada torpedo on draught - one of my favorite beers brought to a whole new level out of a tap. Our waiter was really great, too. Totally friendly and knowledgeable. I'm really growing to love this place!

    (4)

  • Diane M. F.

    Honestly don't believe the hype! This place has never been able to reincarnate itself into anything worthy. Let's start with the service...pretty poor and to boot they are all in flannel shirts....look is a bit raggedy!!! On the food...had the mussels, which were in a ginger soy garlic sauce. While I normally love the combination of these flavors, this was so over powering and salty. By the way if I didn't have the texture of the mussel in my mouth I'd never know I was eating a delectable crustacean. The toasted bread that accompanied the mussels, while burnt too much for my friend, I did however find tasty. Then there was the pork belly taco...(individual tacos sold for $5. each), too bad it did not taste as good as it looked. Again the seasoning was over powering. The chef simply has not been able to compliment the food...instead he over powers it. The seasoning and the food should dance together and show off the others talents (flavors)....not upstage it. If you are looking for mediocre food that is reasonable this is the place for you. Personally I'd rather spend a little more and have great food, seasoned to perfection.

    (2)

  • Joe C.

    With the location, this place should be a home run. The previous 3 attempts at a successful venture here have all failed (Sagra, 400 Highland and Sauce) so, I was hopeful that they worked out some of the previous issues. Service was friendly and attentive. On a crowded evening, both the bar and wait staff seemed very good. Although, enthusiastically recommending tater tots when they are not fresh and homemade to me was my only criticism. Food was mediocre at best. You get a sense that some ingredients are quality but that have been neglected attention. Burger was boring with an oversized roll. I feel it just lacked some seasoning. Other items were the cheddar jalapeno mash that was also surprisingly flavorless, overcooked buttermilk tenders with some terrible dipping sauces and a lobster roll that was completely forgettable. Still not sure why using a Japanese yolk mayo was a needed twist. Drinks and beer selection were good but way overpriced. I think other reviews are generous with Five Horses. Maybe they like plaid, the beer selection or location, but the food was not interesting. I will go back to see if I caught them on an off day. They are new and there will always be a growing phase.

    (2)

  • Josh C.

    Five Horses is the best bar in Davis Square and one of the best beer bars in the area. The food is excellent, particularly the tacos and the fried chicken salad. The wait can be a bit long and can be loud later at night, but the wait staff is friendly and quick. Did I mention they have a great beer selection? I recommend going during the week so you can take advantage of the knowledge of the bartenders and enjoy a shorter wait time.

    (5)

  • Sam M.

    Spectacular cocktails and the food is top shelf. The hostess is funny, kind, beautiful and smart and the the staff, kind and accommodating.

    (5)

  • Sara L.

    I've been in here a few times now, and have just been very unimpressed with the quality of food. I like craft beer, but there are SO many other places around here with great food and beer selection for the same price. Service has never really been a problem, but I'm not going to come in for dinner when all the food is deep fried, unbearably heavy, soggy or under seasoned. Um... No thank you.. Sorry five horses, it's not me... it's you.

    (2)

  • Meredith P.

    Last night, I spent a few hours with some of my very best girlfriends, for a much needed night of catching up and enjoying each other's company. We make it a point to try new places when we meet up, and so it was only natural that we try a new place this time around. I had suggested the Five Horses Tavern, a bar new to the Davis Square area in Somerville. We met, we got a table, and started to drool over the menu. While the menu boasts many beers on tap, I was in the mood for a cocktail, so I decided to order the "formulaforsuccess." This drink consists of Tito's Vodka, Rosewater, Agave Nectar, Ginger Beer and fresh lemongrass. It was very refreshing, and while sweet, not too sweet. The ginger beer evened out the sweetness of the agave nectar, and the rosewater added a lovely scent to the drink. While waiting for the fourth in our party, we decided to order a small plate, of which the menu has many to choose from, to tide us over. We opted for the "Papas Fritas," crispy triple-fried fingerling potatoes, served with a red pepper-garlic mayo. This was a new take on fries, for me, but they were really tasty. The fingerling potatoes had been halved, and because they had been triple-fried, they were tender, but crispy. The mayo really took this dish from generic to unique. It was so flavorful, and we really couldn't get enough. Once we were all together, we decided to order another appetizer while we decided on our entrees. The menu has a section of differently flavored wings, so we decided to try the "drunken wings" first, beer marinated with tequila, chile, lime and salt. The wings are served in little cast iron skillets, and they are crispy, juicy, and delicious. Each flavor that is mentioned in the description is noticable as you take each bite. I love it when you can pick out each flavor, but also realize that as a whole, they make for an incredible dish. When placing our entree order, we decided to order another flavor of wings as well, since the first batch were so good. We opted for the "Sticky Wings," sticky, sweet and marinated in a slightly spicy BBQ sauce. As the next little skillet was brought to the table, I got the scent of tangy BBQ and saw the sticky pile of wings. The flavors were so different from the "Drunken Wings," but still so delicious. They complemented each other quite well, but I think I liked the "drunken" ones better. Something about tequila, lime, and chile on chicken...yum! For my entree, I decided to try one of each of the four tacos that they offer. The tacos are sold per piece, but if you bunch a couple of them, the price goes down, so it made sense to try this as my entree. The "Pork Belly Taco" is a flour tortilla with crisped confit pork belly, pickled red onions, and dragon lady sauce, which is SPI-CY! The pork belly was so crunchy and crispy, and pickled red onions just add something to an otherwise spicy taco, a refreshing relief from the heat. The "Tuna Taco" had Shichimi dusted rare seared tuna, greens, jicama, avocado, and a blood-orange chile glaze, all served on a flour tortilla. Again, Shichimi is spicy, but the avocado and jicama balanced the flavors quite well. As for the glaze, the citrus of the blood orange cut the spice of the chile as well. The "Toro Furioso Taco," is the probably the spiciest of the four...with chili marinated short rib, banana peppers, pickled Thai peppers, red dragon sauce and micro cilantro, again on a flour tortilla. This sure was a "furious" taco, with the red dragon sauce, AND the pickled thai peppers, AND the chili marinade, but since I only had one of them, I braved it. The short ribs were tender and easy to bite into, and the flavors melded so well together! But wait, that's only three, you say? You're right! I got a fourth taco. The "Potato Taco," and the only of the four that were vegetarian, was a flour tortilla, served with crispy oven roasted potatoes, bean puree, avocado, herb vinegar and sea salt. While there was no meat, and no chili included, I found this to be the most refreshing of the four tacos. The potatoes were crispy, rather than mushy, which added a nice crunch to each bite, and the flavors were very bright. The sea salt and herb vinegar brought out the flavors very nicely, and I was actually happy to finish my meal with this as my last taco. With more catching up to do, we all ordered one more drink, so I decided to try the other cocktail that had struck my fancy. Called the "Midnight Interlude," Grey Goose Poire was mixed with a Blackberry Balsamic by the Boston Olive Oil Company, and topped off with Prosecco. It was a very interesting flavor combination, and the first time I'd ever had balsamic in a cocktail. I liked the tartness that it brought to the drink, and was a nice way to end the meal!

    (3)

  • Tanya A.

    I've only been once, but I like this place. I didn't order any meat, burgers or duck, but to be honest, don't people get tired of having burgers every where? I had the brussels sprouts which were excellent! I am looking forward to having them again!The bread plate was fine. The bartender was very helpful and let me try countless beers before deciding on my choices, which I was very happy with. My friend had 2 martinis that were well made. I didn't mind the noise and was happy to see many adults there and a wide range of ages and people. I'll try more of the menu but I'm really just happy to find a place to get some good drinks and a menu that's not just like every other place's. Our total bill was remarkably affordable & the menu isn't any more "overpriced" than Red Bones are any comparable place with in a 2 mile radius.

    (4)

  • Matt G.

    Wow is a great way to start off. The place is amazing. Bar is 2 levels. Open front for semi-outdoor dining. Booths have tufted leather. There is even s semi-private section with a large curved booth and flat screen. Ryan was awesome. Made a great recommendation for lunch and I was overly pleased. Location is great in Davis Sq. Only bad thing I Can say is that it was lunch and I couldn't enjoy 1 of the million beers available. Check this place out ASAP.

    (5)

  • Corey G.

    The Tofu Panino and vegan pizza were amazing! Kudos to a "regular" restaurant taking the time to implement some terrific vegan options--and not a stupid veg burger.

    (5)

  • s r.

    This place may get better in time. It was just sort of ok-ish. Not horrible, but not great-not a place id rush back to. wait staff was very nice, but it seems they are all still very confused about what to do, who has which table etc. For example, we had multiple waiters stop by during apps(a bit of overkill) and then one person show up at the end of the entrees to ask if we needed anything and then had to wait awhile for check (the place wasnt particularly busy). Chicken tender appetizer was probably the best thing we ordered. Also with a lot of the food, almost anything that could border on the spicy/hot was way over spiced. Biggest issue with the place was we would be charged extra for a condiment/sauce?! Thought that was ridiculous and is a huge turn off. wouldnt go back any time soon, but would try it again if theyre around in six months or a year etc. hopefully they work out the kinks on service and the food.

    (2)

  • Paul H.

    Me and a couple buddies went here last Wednesday. It was a little busy but we managed to score a table where the full open Windows were. Being beer lovers the draft and bottle lists were good, I would of said great but a few beers they had listed they no longer had. Our server, or should I say servers, were all awesome! I gotta say they were all friendly, on point and relaxed. We got the pork belly tacos for an app and they were tasty, and pricey at $5 for 1. The server let us know the chef was a friend chicken nut so of course we all got it! 2 chicken finger plates and 1 sandwich. They came with a scallion ranch and dragon hot sauce. Amazing chicken, perfect crunchy batter and those sauces, Woah momma! Overall we had a great time and I would go back just for the staff and the beers! Food was great as well but really the beer and staff made the trip there well worth it..

    (4)

  • Jamie G.

    So I actually really enjoyed this place, even though I had several friends who had previously tried it and were not impressed. Came here on a Sunday evening and got a nice table immediately (even though other places in Davis Sq had lines out the door!) They have 30 some beers on tap- mostly local craft beers, nothing WAY crazy, but all good solid beers Sadly they do not do a flight or sampler pack, but they did give me a little taste of two beers before I chose a pint. I tried Longtrail Double Bag (which was a good wheaty beer, but kind of plain- typical of long trail) and the Dark Horse Tres Blueberry Stout- which was delicious- obviously the chosen pint. We started with Fried Calamari, which came in a bowl, with banana peppers and mangoes- very good and interesting flavor, but no sauce or anything. For my meal I had the duck three ways. OMG it was delicious. I am already a huge fan of duck, but they totally impressed me. I got a HUGE duck confit leg, a huge portion of slice duck breast which was seasoned with some amazing spices and cooked to perfection, and the winner on the plate- duck stuffing- most, delicious, could have eaten a whole plate of just this. It also came with some nice garlicky kale. The perfect meal, and enough to bring home leftovers. Also tried a bite of the mac and cheese- definitely too rich and cheesy for me, but it did taste great. All of their menu selections sound great and I cant wait to try more. Prices were okay, maybe a tad expensive. Service was decent, maybe a tad slow. Atmosphere is very nice- like a classy pub. Would definitely come back here again!

    (4)

  • Lauren M.

    Very cool new bar and restaurant in Davis. The menu has something for everyone and the beers are numerous. Good crowd, good vibes and great atmosphere. Love it :)

    (4)

  • Andrew P.

    Fantastic Beer Selection (best I've come across in the area) and the food is great as well, pork belly tacos are a must. Could be slightly quieter but thats my only complaint, and its minor.

    (4)

  • Jawann S.

    I was extremely impressed with this place given the fact that I knew nothing about it before going. Huge beer selection, both on draft and bottled, and top shelf alcohols as well. The food menu is big but not huge, and a little indecisive. Pad Thai, tuna tacos, and pizza all on the same menu. The bread and butter appetizer comes with goat's milk butter, which before last night I didn't know tasted like sweet nectar of the gods. I had the Kentucky fried Cornish game hen. It was fried perfectly (crispy, no batter molting) and came with pork belly Mac and cheese that was amazing. My girl had the tuna tacos. They had a nice spice rub, but were just wheliming. That's what you expect when you order chick food though. For the price, quality, and alcohol selection, 5 stars.

    (5)

  • Nate S.

    Good beer selection. Decent food and friendly staff make this a good pick in Davis Square. From what the bartender told me they are constantly getting new beers in to try. Just pay attention to the prices though... Some bottles are like $18!

    (4)

  • Lena B.

    good beer and cocktails. music is way too loud and not that good. pizza dry without cheese or sauce. service was the best part.

    (3)

  • Brendan B.

    First off lets respond to write up about 5 Horses being a "little piece of Brooklyn comes to Somerville." Yeah......thats not a good thing. Davis has enough pretentious assholes, we don't need to import them. What is it with Hipsters anyway? For a group that tries to present itself as liberal and non capitalistic, they sure spend a lot of money on clothing. Anyway, 5 Horses didn't change much as far as the atmosphere goes but thats a good thing. Sagra, 400 Highland and Sauce were all pretty good places that just went under for whatever reason. 5 Horses did however add a lot when it comes to beers and drinks etc. Lots of different beers to choose from and plenty of them don't have "Triple Hops" or berries. Definitely a place to go if you like beer and the cocaine cock it gives you. The food however.........needs improvement. I went with a female friend I haven't seen in a while and told her I'd pay for beers and food. Thats why I ordered a Gennesse Cream and that little harlot ordered some $9 Belgian crap. Fortunately her appetite for alcohol greatly outdoes her appetite for food. We ordered the Cheese Plate and were pretty let down. It had a couple of good cheeses but the sides were bewilderingly shitty. I think one of the sides was luppini beans with cayenne pepper on it. Now I like luppini beans like the next Guiddo, but you can really spread cheese on the little fuckers. And the other side was toast?! I had an image in my head of the people in the kitchen; "Shit.......we're out of the good stuff we put on the cheese plate." Other guy. "Screw it......give em luppini beans and toast, these uptight A-holes think toast is exotic if you make it expensive. Don't forget, these are the same assholes who wait in line at Sound Bites." But considering I only had about 1/50th of the menu maybe I should give them another chance. Waitress was nice despite being way over worked.

    (3)

  • Gary Y.

    Eh. New restaurant same bad food and service. I had high hopes for a great replacement to Sagra. Unfortunately the food was bland and the service was weak. They ran out of wings. The didn't have the entire beer list as advertised. I hope this due to opening week miscues but it will take a lot of improvement for me to return.

    (2)

  • Michele L.

    a good bar to go to after work. they made me a mean melt-in-your-mouth gluten free steak with roasted veggies. (and had GF wings on the menu). Because hydration is key after a long work week, they provide Greens gluten free beer, ciders, and for those that even shun the wheat-distilled inebriates, a potato vodka. it was empty at 5pm and was packed within an hour or so.

    (3)

  • Keller M.

    great and diverse selection of beers. excellent service. the mussels were absolutely delicious, the sauce in particular. though the "triple fried" potato wedges were underdone and rather bland. will definitely make a return visit.

    (4)

  • Johnny B.

    Great beer selection ! Place has a very nice layout. Windows were open, breezy, great draft beers, decent music, food was pretty good. Generally, had a great time.

    (5)

  • CLC C.

    Went there for the 1st time and was really impressed! The renovations to the place were really nice, the food was great, and the beer selection was huge! We will definitely be back. Oh, and it was great to see our pal Lonie working there!!!

    (5)

  • Erin Y.

    I was really excited for the bar to open. With "Tavern" in the name and knowing they have an extensive list of beers on tap, I expected a really cool bar. There is, however, hardly any bar space. If you are looking for a place to just grab drinks with friends, this is not it. The bar areas (there are two) are both very small, so unless you are going to be sitting down to eat, there really is no space to hang out. We went on a Sat. night around 9pm. After about at 20 minute wait, we were lucky enough to snag a high top table near the open windows. We didn't have enough chairs but at least we had our own space. Two of our friends showed up around 10pm and had to stand in line outside for over 30 min. This made NO sense because the tables on either side of us were both empty. I finally asked a hostess why they were making people wait in line and her response was "because the kitchen is behind". wtf?? What kind of "tavern"' establishment does not encourage their customers to come in and order over priced drinks while they wait for a table?? My guess is they want to give off the impression that the place is packed in order to draw interest. I noticed another person comment about a line for no reason on a different night as well. My tip to 5 horses tavern, make sure the people waiting outside don't have an open window view of the not so packed bar they are waiting to get in to. One more thing.... There were 7 of us drinking beer and if we accidentally set our glass/bottle on the table instead of the coaster, the waitress/hostess would rush right over to do it for us. Pretentious.

    (2)

  • S F.

    I would say 2 stars for food, 4 stars for atmosphere, potential, drinks, etc. The "Pea Diddy" salad sounded great (other than the name) but was very bland. The "dressing" just tasted like plain oil- we eventually asked for a different dressing on the side. The "mac n cheese" is NOT mac n cheese, it's gnocchi with cream sauce. It was good, but if you want mac n cheese (as I did) do not order this. The pork belly taco was by far the best thing we ate and should be made into an entree (it's a starter and comes with just ONE taco). The menu is weird and all over the place (ribs, wings, pad thai??). The beer list is decent and I thought reasonably priced although they mostly pour 12oz drinks, even for beers that are not THAT strong. This place is also very loud (even on a tuesday night) so just be prepared.

    (3)

  • Annie I.

    the gold rush cocktail was awesome! i really liked their drink selection overall too. i had a good burger and tater tots, and there was a nice open window and patio that would be great in summer!

    (4)

  • Liz H.

    I've been here twice, including on opening night. Everything on the menu looks so good it was difficult to choose, particularly with such reasonable prices. The tuna taco was good, the pork belly taco was really good, and the pizza had the best ricotta I've ever had. I even liked the wings my friend ordered, and I don't usually like wings. The beer list is great, and the staff is helpful for questions about both food and drink. I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 because it's so darn loud.

    (4)

  • Brian G.

    I've been to this place a number of times now because I wanted to make sure I had a good idea of how they were rather than just comment on a bad early experience while they were still getting up and running. Five Horses is a great addition to the neighborhood for a not overly expensive modern atmosphere. It's a got a great beer list and wine list as well as some specialty drinks. Now I'm not going to get into all of them but as far as pricing goes I think this place is fair, the drinks are a bit pricey but I feel like most of the food is priced on the cheap side so it balances out. The Tuna Tacos are excellent and the fried chicken really is worth trying. The only negative thing I would say is that I wasn't a fan of their mixed drink specials. I don't remember them all and they aren't listed on the web site but besides for one whiskey drink they weren't great and I didn't see many people ordering them. Which is fine because I'm mostly knocking back beers when I go there anyway.

    (4)

  • Master P.

    Great beer selection, good cocktails, nice wine selection. Service has always been great. The food is very mediocre though. We only go for the drinks but always enjoy ourselves.

    (3)

  • Jake L.

    I ate at Five Horse Tavern over Labor Day weekend which is right after they opened up. Overall it was a good experience and I'd definitely go back. My major complaint was the AC - it was hot and muggy the night we went and ended up sitting in the lower level right inside the door - the whole restaurant was extremely hot with the exception of the basement level where the bathrooms are - the basement AC was working great. The service was great and the food menu was pretty limited but easy enough to find something you wanted. The alcohol menu was 3 time bigger than the food menu! By the time we left there was a line out the door with people waiting to get in. Looks like they will do well.

    (4)

  • Jesse M.

    I was quite excited to try out Five Horses, but unfortunately it did not even come close to what i was expecting. We were greeted at the cramped entryway by a host/waiter with such bad breath it could have peeled paint off of the walls. We were seated pretty quickly on the downstairs level, which was alright, but definitely didn't have the same feel as the main level dining room. I ordered a beer from the robust and varied beer menu and the rest of my party of 4 split a bottle of wine. We waited about 15 minutes for our drinks - which is ridiculous for one beer and a bottle of wine, and our appetizer of mussels actually came out before the drinks! The mussels were undercooked and fishy, but when we told the waiter we were not pleased he took them off the bill. This was really disappointing because the waiter had recommended the mussels as one of their best dishes! I had a tavern burger, which was perfectly cooked, but they were out of tater tots for the side and i was forced to get mashed potatoes, which were only OK at best. I know it's opening week, but how do you run out of your featured side dish!? My fiance ordered a pizza, but they were also out of the toppings for that pizza, so she had to pick something else, which again was OK. Maybe once they get their act together, this will be a better dining/drinking experience, but until then there are much better places to go for dinner and/or drinks in Davis Square.

    (2)

  • Molly L.

    I love you Five Horse - I don't know whats taken me so long to say it. (on yelp) This is a great upscale-pub type place. Dark and cozy int he winter with a fireplace going, and a million TVs near the bar for every sports event you could possibly want to watch. They have 2 bars which definitely helps serve up the EXTENSIVE craft beer and whiskey selection to the good people eating here. I Always a good crowd with everything from college kids to families, to sports nuts, dressy types heading out for the evening, hipsters, etc.... All the wait staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and can easily guide you through food and beverage menus. I have never had a bad meal here...and ive had a LOT of meals here lol. Duck 3 Ways is super delicious and indulgent KFCGH - Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen is outstanding Their goat cheese mashed potatoes deserve an award Brussels Sprouts might be my fave thing on the menu - even if you dont like these veggies, i encourage you to give it a try. Chicken sandwich was nice and moist and above the usual thawed out patty you so often find on menus Pumpkin soup - this is not for me, but if you like squash and a very nice fresh veggie taste its delightful The mussels (appetizer) are to die for, gingery, and winey, and a little spicy. Hangar steak is juicy amazingness Annnnd i think im done revealing how poor my eating habits truly are. Bottom line: Great place to go with a group of friends, get some excellent beer and food that is more interesting and delicious than the norm. Oh! and the menus have seasonal items too, so you must go often!

    (5)

  • Ed W.

    Great place in Davis Square and I'm still trying to figure out why I had to stumble across it and people aren't raving about it... With most of the action along the other main road in Davis, it gets all the attention. Actually, I was heading there to see if I could find a fun spot to grab a bite. Only because I grabbed parking right in front of the tavern did I take a peak at it... the outside is pretty nondescript and not being a beer drinker I almost walked away from anything that had 'Tavern' in its name, lol. Glad I didn't! The food? Creative and incredibly good. Incredibly. I was lucky enough to try the pork belly taco (along with other items) and found out later it is one of their signature items. I can attest to why that is: its addictively good. Cocktails? Fun and interesting ones. Beers and ales? A huge selection. Bourbons and whiskies? Again, huge. Great bar, separate seating are for dinner, convenient location... I wish them lots of success and hope they are there for a long while as I'll be coming by as long as they are.

    (4)

  • Bridget C.

    Went here Friday night for dinner with a friend. The waitress was super helpful and wicked nice! Started off with a moscow mule. Delish! We shared there the calamari and it was incredible! The yuzu sauce the toss it in just puts it over the edge! Like to the point you consider stabbing your friends fork with yours for the last piece! Now onto dinner at which point I ordered the weihenstaphaner hefeweissbeir dark. Everyone do yourself a favor and get this! So good. It went perfectly with my pumpkin soup that was topped with bubbly melty cheese and grilled bread. Just writing this makes me want to go back right now. My friend got the mac & cheese which was fantastic and cheesy! To end the meal I had something that is still making me happy and its 2 days later, Captain Crunch creme brulee! Ya you heard that right! From the beginning to the end this was just awesome! My only worry is that its in that spot in Davis square that restaurants seem do not survive. I am praying to the beer and food Gods above that they let this place stay because its awesome! I know I keep saying awesome. OH did I mention that its not expensive! I was surprised and thought it was pretty cheap! That makes this place WICKED AWESOME!

    (5)

  • Phillip M.

    A little too hipster, new-agey for my tastes (and for the feel of Davis Square), but 5 Horses has a fantastically large beer menu and good (but expensive) food. Try the corn bread!! I would add it to the list for a bar crawl but would probably not start or end the night there.

    (3)

  • Hannah R.

    Gotta downgrade a star, because the last couple visits have not been super great. Yesterday around 1pm, they turned the lights down to movie theater brightness for no discernible reason. I usually go to brunch to help myself wake up, not to reset my circadian rhythm and go back to sleep. Our waitress was..having an off day? We had a really hard time getting her attention, to the point where another server actually turned her around and steered her over to us...at which point she still dropped some coasters and tried to use that as an excuse to exit stage-left. Very strange experience. Kind of a bummer, we go here pretty often. I'm not sure if that's going to remain the case.

    (2)

  • Inês L.

    Love that they had vegan options but they're teensy bit expensive. I got the burger and it was decent. The tater tots are awesome and I'm not sure why more restaurants don't have them on their menu. Our waitress was pretty rudesies! Maybe she was having a bad night? We did get there a little late, was the kitchen closing? I have no idea. May or may not be back to try some of their other vegan options but I'm not rushing to get over there.

    (3)

  • Christopher B.

    I dined at Five Horses Tavern on Sunday afternoon. While dining on my pizza I found an inedible piece of hard, green plastic. The server was very apologetic when I notified him and said that he would speak to his manager. The manager never made any attempt to come to my table to apologize for the incident and proceeded to remove the least expensive item (a glass of beer) from my bill instead of removing the pizza itself. The beer was not the problem. The pizza with the inedible piece of hard, green plastic was the problem. This was not customer service at its finest but instead was a "nickel and dime" approach to placate me. At the very least the manager could have made his or her presence known and apologized. You may enjoy your meal at Five Horses Tavern if customer service isn't important to you. Or if you have an affinity for eating plastic. If neither of those conditions apply you may wish to stay away.

    (1)

  • Matt G.

    We've been here a bunch, and it's usually a good place. We went last night with friends, and regretted it from the moment we out our names down. They gave away our table by mistake, twice. The food was sub par. My medium rare burger was a burnt little hockey puck. The manager came over a few times about the table, food and service. Couldn't even be bothered to buy us a drink though. Starting to feel like one of those places that thinks it can do no wrong since it's popular right now. They're just not trying.

    (2)

  • Brendan O.

    I enjoyed the easy to follow and wide range of dark to light bitter to sweet heavy to refreshing beer selections. I dig their friendly bartenders and servers. I would try their assortment of appetizers. I enjoy all their chicken entrées especially the pasta. Don't skip the dessert I enjoy the pie. Don't get overwhelmed by the popular bars in the square Five Horses Tavern is a RESTAURANTmmmmmmm

    (5)

  • Remi C.

    OMG!!!! Went here for brunchskys with a friend on a Saturday morning. Now, we got there for brunch at 2:#0 or so, just before they were finishing their brunch menu. I immediately ordered a mixed drink (the ice box) or two or three and then the Breaky Sammy and my friend got...something else with a side of grits. I really didn't know what to get on the menu or the drinks menu because everything else looked so incredible! That being said, the breaky Sammy was alright...unfortunately it was a little bit more greasy than I would have liked, but it did taste great and there were big slabs of the bacon. The Ice Brew was DELICIOUS and I really had wanted to order more, and the balsamic drizzle was a stroke of genius. Now, let me set the scene. I went with my crazy, outgoing friend Angela and we didn't really have anything else to do that day. So, we sat and ordered and had an incredibly friendly and hilarious waitress. She chats, helps us with our love lives, and chills with us. We ended up straddling the brunch/dinner service, so we were able to try/taste a host of their beer selection because they were all bored. THEN, we continued to sit and asked what pitchers they had available. We got the Sangria pitcher, which was FULL of Sangria and very little ice. Usually, they are equal portions of ice and booze, but not here! It was a really healthy size...so healthy that we got 2 of our friends to come out and join us. We were STUFFED by the end of the evening (at which point we left at....9?) LOVE and will go back for sure!

    (5)

  • Luke G.

    Had the wings and roasted corn app. Food is right on the cusp of nearly too much salt and acidity. But perfectly balanced, flavorful, and unique. Very versatile daytime/nigh time atmosphere and very year-roundish with a prohibitiony feel. Awesome beer and drink selection. Service was spot on and very cordial and appreciative of my business even though i didn't drink but a coca cola with my meal. The go-to spot in Davis Square. Good Job.

    (5)

  • Alex H.

    Things that I like about this place: (1) Decent beer selection that does not include Bud Light, Coors Light or anything similar and (2) The kitchen is open fairly late. I came here late at night on a Tuesday and I was pleasantly surprised. The inside of the restaurant is nicely decorated and the food menu is interesting. I opted for the Mr. Potato Head pizza and it was delicious. The corn on top of the pizza was awesome. I'm looking forward to coming back here again!

    (4)

  • Joey M.

    Five Horses is definitely a go to place for me. It's not like, whoa, HOLD THE PHONE. It's more like Awww yeah, Five Horses. Let me elaborate... The beer selection is solid. A wide variety of different beers on tap that are often changing and vary in price. They are liberal with the tasting and bartenders are helpful in helping you select a solid brew. The food has a good number of options (even for us veggie folk) and I haven't had a dish that has disappointed me (I highly recommend the Bomb-Mi which I had last time. Some sort of fried eggplant with jalapeno jelly, cilantro and a few other delightful toppings on a REALLY good baguette). The atmosphere is OK. It tends to be a bit darker and bit louder then I like. The biggest downside is how crowded it gets. If you go on an off night though, its perfect.

    (4)

  • Chann C.

    This place is really chill! Lovely atmosphere. Very lively and not super crowded in the evenings. Their drink menu is MASSIVE! Awesome craft beer selection and huge whiskey + scotch list. However, the cocktail list is kind of on the limited side. I came here recently with some friends. For food, this is what we ordered: * K-Town Wings * Calamari * Meatloaf Sammy w/cheddar jalapeno mashed potatoes * Fried chicken Sammy * Mac 'n' Cheese + mushrooms w/cucumber and dill salad Everything was bomb dot com. Food was delicious and the drinks were on point. The calamari was mixed with some cubed mango and at first, I thought it was strange, but the sweetness definitely works with the saltiness of the calamari. Definitely going to order that again! Our waitress, Lila, was super attentive and made sure we had everything we needed, not to mention she was really cute, sweet and had a very bubbly personality. I can't believe I've never set foot in here and I've lived in Somerville for about 4 years now. I'll definitely be coming back here in the near future!

    (5)

  • Che R.

    I've eaten here twice now, & both times were great! Brunch was very good. They have vegan options, which is nice. I got the pancakes; they were very good & filling! I sat outside too, which was wonderful. The wait both times was less than five minutes, and the two times I went were busy meal times. The hummus appetizer is very good with veggies & pita triangles. The atmosphere is lively & a little loud, but in a good way. There's a lot on the menu for food, & there's even more for beer. A great place to go in Somerville.

    (4)

  • Jess S.

    I stopped in with a friend for a drink to kill time and ended up staying to eat. The bartender knew a ton about IPAs and helped me select one to start, the Ballantine, which was an okay, smooth first choice. Overall, there are plenty of choices and the beers on tap rotate, so you can always try something different. For food, there are a good handful of vegetarian options. I had the veggie burger (vegan patty), which wasn't my all-time favorite, but still satisfying enough. It's dark and cozy inside, and best during the week when it won't get too crowded, in my opinion.

    (4)

  • Donna C.

    Great vibe, great drinks and some quick eats! Cool place just chill for a drink on the outdoor patio.

    (5)

  • Gregoire M.

    Probably the best bar in all of Davis Square. The food is top notch, the drinks and selection are top notch, and the staff is really great. My friend made a reservation for 25 on a Sunday night for a birthday party. The assistant manager and manager came out and introduced themselves to us and made sure that we had everything we needed. The service was excellent especially considering we were such a large group. Like everywhere else in Davis Square, it's best to show up early to get a spot if you're showing up in a sizable group. I've yet to have anything but a good experience here.

    (5)

  • Anne C.

    The first time I came here for brunch they won me over with the Southern Comfort dish (breaded chicken, on rosemary biscuits with sausage gravy). However I went back to relive that first taste and the dish was served semi-warm! Whatever that happens and I didn't write them off... yet. Went for dinner recently and our appetizer was served prior to our beer- sort of strange. The waiter was pleasant enough but I feel that I should have my drink prior to food- felt like he was trying to move us along although it was not crowded. Their beer selection is great and the Bloody Mary is adequate and hits the spot. My last few visits have left me wondering if there is more... I know it's popular b/c weekend brunch can sometimes be impossible to get seated for. Suggestion to brunch patrons: Get there before the doors open!!!

    (3)

  • Kim A.

    I want to love this place. All of my friends love this place. But I only think it's ok. I would give it 4 stars but there are just some things that are a complete miss for me; sometimes the service is spotty and other times really great, I hate their rice (I believe they call it Cuban rice) but I loved their Brussel sprouts and the Mac and cheese. The Baja tacos were ok. Like I said my friends love the place. I would go back again because they love it and I don't hate it. There is no parking and they can get busy.

    (3)

  • Justin M.

    When you come to 5 horses be prepared for mediocre and occasionally rude service. I have been here about a dozen times and the food is always delicious and the server/bartender is always too cool to deal with me. Never once have I been greeted with a "hi, how are you?" or a "welcome" which makes me think this might be on purpose?? Maybe when your given your flannel shirt and mustache wax you're told that less is more on the service side of things? If you're coming with a buddy for a bite and some beers its fine. If your bringing a date or going for a special occasion etc then I would go some where else. There are plenty of places where the food is just as good but they will seem much more grateful for your business. I doubt I will return.

    (2)

  • Mark F.

    Went here for my birthday. The restaurant has some outdoor seating on the sidewalk, but we ate inside. The space had most of its dining tables on the first level and on the second level was the bar area. We were a party of 12+ so we ate at the bar area, Wait staff wore flannel as their uniform and the restaurant space had a black interior (though it was not too dark inside at all). The place eventually filled up for supper and for Saturday night fun so it got crowded and loud. But, the place still felt cozy and relaxing even when we were surrounded by people. The beer selection was pretty darn good. The tap menu was diverse and the bottle menu seemed large judging by the menu. I had an Otter Creek Overgrown Ale and the Peak Organic Fresh Cut, both were on tap. For my meal, I had the mac and cheese with duck confit. The meal was very heavy and delicious with decent portions of duck. The rest of my party all seemed to have good meals except for one friend who did not like her tuna tartare. Overall, I had an incredible birthday here and I would want to try the place again.

    (4)

  • Nathan H.

    Went here with my fiance on a Saturday. Overall, it was good. The good: The K-Town wings were cooked perfectly and tasted great. The mussels were also very good. They have a great drink list and attentive staff. It's a nice atmosphere too. Thought it would be very loud when we walked in because of the frenzied pace and volume of customers but it was fine. Less than good: The french kiss pizza was underwhelming. Too savory which the apples and candied walnuts didn't quite do enough to offset. Felt it was undercooked also and tasted buttery, which is a little offputting for pizza. Also ran into friends later in Davis who ate here and they said their pizza was very doughy as well. The pork belly taco tasted good. But it was basically pork belly, red onion, and a sauce in a soft taco shell. Not sure that qualifies as a taco? Would've been nice if there was more complexity to it. Overall: I would recommend going here, but definitely make reservations unless you're going on an off night. Good place for a date or to go with a group. I would just steer clear of the pizza.

    (4)

  • Leanne C.

    Solid beer menu and the staff wear plaid. That's as far as my highlights for here will go; even if only because there are way better spots around Davis. Ordered a beer, received it 25 minutes later. Ordered an appetizer, took another 15 minutes. Coughed up $30 for the privilege. The ambiance and seating here I really dig-- if you can score outside seating, rad! But the overall cost is about a third over what I think it deserves (not to mention the continuously bad service).

    (3)

  • Meg P.

    Big and noisy, but a great place for trendy, delicious food and fantastic drinks. Don't miss the brussels sprouts or the balsamic grapefruit mimosas!

    (4)

  • Shelter T.

    When i used to live in Davis Square, this was like the default restaurant for me and my girlfriend to go to. Located at the mouth of the Davis Square on Highland Ave, this restaurant was within walking distance for me. It later became one of my favorite places in the Somerville area to go to. To this day, when I pass by Five Horses, I want to stop in and see whats new and what is going on. Five Horses has a wonderful beer and draft selection, the wait staff was courteous, professional and attentive, and the food was defintely the main attraction. The staff knew their beers and they suggested just the right mix or spirit with food. When I ordered an appetizer, they suggested one spirit/beer, and when I ordered the main course, they suggested another. I would definitely recommend this establishment to anyone looking for the premium "Davis Square Experience" if they are going there for the first time. I remember being in there and making a complaint about the silverware not being washed and the wait staff heard it and instantly returned with freshly washed silverware fresh out of the dishwasher. That means a lot to me too. I dont have a recommendation as to what to get there because everything that I have eaten or drank there has been fabulous. Five Horses = Five Stars. ;)

    (5)

  • Sara G.

    Good food for a bar/tavern restaurant and good atmosphere and beer selection. However we were taken back by the $1.50 charge for a thin slice of cheddar cheese on our burgers - if you're going to charge extra for cheese and more than $0.50 at least give some gourmet cheese! There was no mention of this on the menu or when we ordered the burgers.

    (3)

  • Victoria T.

    Finally came here after 3 years of walking past it all the time. I went on a weekday night. I still haven't had any food here so this review will be for drinks only. They have a big selection of beers and liquors (which I have very little expertise about). They don't list the prices of the liquors, and I'm a firm believer that if you have to ask how much something is, you probably can't afford it. My default drink is a whiskey sour (not on the menu but most places that serve alcohol would have it), and I use this as the measure for general drink quality at the bar. Their whisky sour tasted good, but I couldn't taste the whiskey and I didn't like that they put a lot of ice in the drink. Not being able to taste the whiskey could mean it was mixed well or that there was barely any alcohol. The problem with adding a lot of ice is that it melts and dilutes the taste of the drink. Slightly better than whiskey sours at The Burren and slightly sweeter than at Saloon. Satisfactory for $8. I also tried one of their cocktails, the Total Rebellion (Ginger liqueur, Pimm's, Agave nectar, and cucumber--$9.50). I was pleasantly surprised. The flavors mixed well together and I could actually taste the cucumber. I could also tell that this drink had enough alcohol. I hadn't ever had ginger liqueur but after this drink I might try it again. The Midnight Mayhem, another cocktail (apple pie moonshine, bitters, prosecco), was alright. I'm not a huge fan of prosecco and I don't know what moonshine is supposed to taste like, though. Interior is a lot nicer than the Burren but still not as nice as Saloon. I wouldn't mind going again and would probably recommend it to a friend who wanted to try a bar that wasn't The Burren.

    (3)

  • Elisabeth D.

    Great for brunch - unique and delicious food. They also had lots of vegan/gluten free options, and handled a large group easily.

    (4)

  • Jason M.

    Lame Seating Policies. My friend and I tried to eat here at 6:30 on a Friday. We were told it would be a half hour wait. When we asked about the several empty booths, we were told that they would only seat parties of four there. I understand when there is a wait list about the need to match party sizes with seating, but these were being held empty in case multiple parties of four happen to wander in, while we would be standing in the doorway. No thank you, we went to one of the many other restaurants who are willing to sit parties of two. I will not be returning, even with a party of four.

    (1)

  • Melissa Y.

    Five Horses has been consistently great the past few times I've been there, but just recently, I had their veggie burger, and I have to say I was surprisingly disappointed by it. I'd compare its consistency to that of stuffing, but more 'bready'. It had a rather bland taste and was overall unremarkable, which surprised me because I've had at least a couple/few of their other vegetarian dishes before, and those left me impressed and excited to come back. Despite this lackluster review, I'm not going to deduct a star from my original 5 star review just because of their veggie burger, but I did want to mention it in case others were considering getting the burger.

    (5)

  • Ngan T.

    This place has a lot more highlights than lowlights, but the lowlights they have are crucial. Highlights: Great accommodating staff pushed together tables for our party of four to reduce our wait time from 30mins to 5mins. Exciting and creative menu. Great selection of libations. Inexpensive. Fast service Lowlights: Food was simply not good. Our part of four came in with no reservation and was told it'd be 30 minutes but immediately someone swopped in and told us to wait five minute while they fix two tables together for us. None of us ordered alcohol--sadly we all drove in and are a responsible brunch :), but they had an extensive menu of beers, wines, and some creative cocktails. We did order calamari, k-town wings, pork belly tacos, kfcgh, the firebomb, and a fruitcup. calamari was cut too thin and the breading absorbed all of the oil. The end result tasted like chewy oily bread. I do commend them for adding chunks of mango which ended up being my favorite part. I didn't have any of the wings or tacos but the best friend said her wings were underdone and the korean bbq sauce didn't stick well, but the pork tacos were ok. The kfcgh was very disappointing.The breading was not crunchy and wwas actually spicy (I was not warned on the menu), the mesclun greens I asked to replace the jalapeno mashed potatoes were over dressed. Although the chicken was moist, the lackluster breading made ruined this kfc dish.The fruit salad had a lot of bruised grapes. As for the manfriend's firebomb...it was more of a bomb and not so much fire. He ate the "hot" sandwich without batting an eyelash. I'd come back here because of how cheap and creative the food is, but certainly not for the taste. The awesome staff really wins you over. I think it's fair to treat this place as your best friend experimenting in the kitchen. Maybe a couple of beers will make it taste better.

    (3)

  • Net P.

    Its highly likely your order might be missed still waiting for order when everybody else in the party is done. The place is huge and lacks attention by servers to patrons.

    (1)

  • Lynn U.

    Unique and interesting bar food menu. LOVED the Mac and Cheese with duck. Helpful servers.

    (5)

  • Katie M.

    Came here for dinner and it was great! The waitress took great care of our table and the food was very good. I shared the cornbread appetizer with a friend (phenomenal) and had the fried chicken sandwich (pretty good, but I would have liked a little more sauce/mayo/etc. - was a little dry).

    (4)

  • Claire H.

    Things Five Horses does well: - doughnuts (on the brunch menu) - black bean mash (on the brunch menu) - beer. - friendly servers - the host often wears a Mockingjay pin which is just awesome and a fun conversation piece Things I would change about Five Horses: - The crowds - The hair that I found in my coffee - The other hair that I found in my eggs ^^The hair thing grossed me out a lot. But before this I used to love it here. I am torn about whether or not to go back.

    (2)

  • Greg M.

    This place is a joke. At first glance, the beer menu seems impressive for the Boston area. And for Davis Square? Can't beat it. Yet, when you try and order that beer you haven't seen anywhere else, nine times out of ten the response you get is, "Oh, that kicked a few hours ago." No problem, it happens. Second choice? Same response. Third choice, "yeah, we don't have that either." Then, one of two things: A) Take those beers off your damn menu or B) Let patrons know as they are getting menus what beers you do and do not have. This is not rocket science. Adding insult to injury, the cask beer I ended up getting was fine- except for the fact that the bartender filled it 2/3 of the way and gave it to me. Time for a beer 101 lesson: foam on a cask beer does not settle meaning it doesn't dissipate into liquid. Aka you gave me 2/3 of a pint but charged me for a full pint. Really?!? I'm sorry you were too lazy to finish pouring the beer, but that is completely ridiculous, especially when this establishment charges $2-$3 more per beer than any other bar in the area. To add insult to injury, the bartenders don't give a shit and are more concerned with chatting with their coworkers slash looking like they stepped out of an Abercrombie + Fitch catalog, than they are with actually serving people. Listen up: A+F called; it wants its clothes back from 2003 along with your shitty attitudes. Avoid this bar at all costs.

    (1)

  • Marina G.

    Beeeeeeeeeeeer! Every kind of beer available! Small sample glasses to taste beer you might want to try! Knowledgeable wait staff, good prices, good atmosphere, good people watching, and more beeeeeer!

    (5)

  • Ojus P.

    Really impressed with this place. Stopped by on a Monday night at 7pm and it was pretty packed. Huge, fun beer selection with lots on tap and the bartender was open with suggestions (and providing tastings to see what you wanted). The fried chicken salad was delicious.

    (5)

  • Izzy G.

    This isn't the best option in Davis, but it's the best choice for American fare/pub like feel.. But with a modern plaid shirt wearing server twist? My husband has had amazing ribs and the wings were super delicious, but the service kind of sucked and the overall feel of the place has kept me turning elsewhere. The price is reasonable IMO- there's definitely good quality behind the numbers.

    (3)

  • Senor P.

    Mmmmmmmmm. Meatloaf sandwich is the best thing I've put in my stomach in years. Beware the brussel sprouts. Eat here a lot, only one bad experience. Beer menu is great.

    (5)

  • Lea L.

    A favorite of ours for brunch and lunch. Love the eclectic menu. Also been for dinner and/or drinks several times. Have never had a bad experience. Usually easy to get seated, like that they take reservations, and great patio when you can get a seat there. We like to bring our dog in the summer. Favorite menu items: Pato loco, K-town wings, Bomb-mi, Fried Chicken Salad, tater tots, Chimichanga, Ice box (drink).

    (5)

  • Chris E.

    We've been to Five Horses several times for dinner, but never once for brunch. (Spoiler alert: we all left super happy!) This morning we were looking for anything that could accommodate 7 brunch guests at short notice. This was the only option in Davis apart from Orleans. So basically I booked it because it was available... What a surprise! They're not phoning it in for brunch at all. Like their dinner menu there are a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. I had the chimichanga and my boyfriend, the cheddar grits. Food was beyond delicious and the service was attentive. The portions were substantial, but not over the top. Great attention to detail in presentation and garnishes as well. When we asked to pay the waitress gladly offered to split our bill into multiple cards. Always happy to come back for dinner, but we now have a favorite brunch place in Davis! (And a favorite brunch place is hard to find in Somerville!)

    (5)

  • Alana L.

    Five Horses is one of my Default Four Bars when someone asks if I want to go do something in Davis. I'm giving it four stars because brunch kicks a lot of asses but I've had some pretty terrible service more than once. It's fairly consistently good, though. I try to be sympathetic to the plight of the overworked server, but I just don't think staring sadly into my empty bourbon glass hoping there will be more bourbon in it is something that should happen for 45 minutes. Hopefully it's just that someone got cut and our table accidentally didn't get picked back up. Fortunately I was enjoying my conversation, but we tried a few times to make eye contact or wave our server down with no success. I'd have spent more if I hadn't had to wait that long. (Edit 4/4/2015: I'm not knocking off another star just yet, but they have a consistent problem with servers getting cut and no one knowing who's supposed to pick up a table. That's most likely a management problem, not necessarily the servers', but it puts a big dent in the quality of the service.) To end on a positive note, their beer list is a thing of beauty and their servers are knowledgeable about it. The food's pretty good on average with a few outliers to either end. Go to brunch and get the Censored (formerly the Paula Deen -- I giggled at that one for a bit too long). It's a mess of cheddar grits, pork belly, and a sunny egg in a bowl. You will shovel it into your mouth and you will not feel bad. At dinner, the pretzel has always made me happy. The cocktails are pretty good, especially considering it's a beer-centric place; for me, brunch is not complete without a balsamic bellini. Worth haunting regularly.

    (4)

  • Serena W.

    Awesome awesome beer selection. Food is pretty good but I generally only order the tuna tacos and a side of tater tots. Other good choice is the fried chicken Sammy. Usually pretty busy and sometimes have to wait 30+ minutes for a table. This is my go to place if I want some good beer and tasty food that's not too expensive.

    (4)

  • Kelly M.

    Where to begin...two of my girlfriends and I came here for brunch before a day of wandering around Cambridge and Boston. It was the exact meal we needed to get us fueled up and excited for the day. They both got the eggs benedict which was amazing! I went with the breakfast pizza, and they were both jealous. It was a thin crispy crust topped with the perfect blend of salty cheese, spinach, and beautifully poached eggs. I couldn't finish the whole thing, but boy did I try!! I would eat this every day if I could. My mouth still waters thinking about it...

    (5)

  • Tim G.

    This place is like, "Whoa." Come for the brunch, stay for the bar. The food is great, the bar is great, and you'll be best friends with the staff before your meal is over. Five Horses offers a unique spin on brunch fare. I got the heart surgeon (hash, eggs, and crispy onions). The portion was just enough - I felt full without dropping into a food coma. The dinner menu looks amazing and I definitely want to check it out. I'm not a bloody mary fan; but my friends swear by them. I appreciate the layout at Five Horses. Sure, it gets crowded. But it doesn't feel overly claustrophobic. It offers a great neighborhood vibe - it's a place where you can hang out for an afternoon and be really happy about it. For weekends, your best bet is to show up a little after 1PM. The wait typically isn't too crazy and you'll have breathing room.

    (5)

  • mike y.

    Tater tots. = 10 stars!!! Best in town. Bloody Mary ...YUM! Food is great a..so is the setting. Love the selections of libations.

    (4)

  • Kristine A.

    Can you ask for a cooler looking chandelier? Probably not, it's really neat & made from beer tap handles so when you walk in look up. This place is pretty damn trendy but it's good. That's what matters, good food & drink w/ a nice atmosphere. It's good they have vegetarian options & I am a fan of their potato tacos.

    (4)

  • Katie B.

    Awesome brunch- make sure to get the burrito if you go! It's a little heavy for early morning since it's deep fried but ooomg so worth it. Delicious flavors and a goat cheese sour cream to go with it... so good!! Have also been here for drinks/ apps and it has a very chill vibe, and quite the perfect feel for Davis. Forget which type of taco I had (I think pork?) but whichever one has the pink lady sauce (or something to that effect) is delightful and definitely recommended! Great selection of beers on tap as well, and they usually have at least a few good seasonals. Slightly on the expensive side for drinks but this is Davis, so no surprise there. P.S. Try not to giggle too much at the waiters' "uniforms" - this is a hipster haven afterall!

    (4)

  • Kira R.

    Food was great, the fried chicken is out of this world. Only reason it didn't get 5 stars was for slow service and the fact that the bathrooms were very out of the way and a little dirty.

    (4)

  • Billy H.

    I stopped in when visiting Boston and really loved the craft beer selection and patio. Lots of local beers and a variety of great crafts from around the country. My chicken sandwich and mashed potatoes were good and I was very pleased with the service. If I was a local, it looks like a great place to be a regular with a very diverse crowd, excellent drinks and a lively bar area.

    (5)

  • Tamarleigh G.

    As promised, I am updating this review based on a few more visits since my original review after my first visit nearly two years ago. Our experiences at Five Horses have been very good, so good that I am not raising it to four stars, I'm raising this rating to a full five stars. Drinks: Excellent beer, cocktails, wine, and sangria. Service: Very good. Vegetarian/Vegan Options: It's so difficult to find a nice place that has good vegan food, but this place does. The "Vegan Bomb" pizza is particularly good, but there are actually MULTIPLE vegan options on the menu. So refreshing to have even ONE vegan entree on a menu, but to have three or more is really a treat. Meat Food: "The Meat-Eater" really enjoys this place, too. If you're looking for a great place for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans, this place might work very well.

    (5)

  • Nelly N.

    Try the cast iron cornbread Try the cast iron cornbread Try the cast iron cornbread For the love of God just do it already!

    (4)

  • Annie K.

    This place is splendid! Super cozy, homey, and cool atmosphere. People are laid back and casual, servers are helpful and unpretentious. This is a spot that you could got on a nice date to or just hang out with your friends for a few hours during the middle of a Saturday - which I did! I was very impressed and excited by the extensive beer list and the delicious appetizers we split - perfect snacks to share. Close to the T and many other bars, this place is all that!

    (4)

  • Jenna W.

    Came in on a Monday night and it was fairly crowded, but we were able to sit down right away. It's a classy joint and the drink menu was pages bigger than the actual menu, which is always fun. The lighting was a little too dim for my taste, but it may have just been where we were sitting (my uncle had to pull out his phone's flashlight on account of his older eyesight). Very neat and clean and classy. Everything on the menu sounded delicious, there's definitely a creative chef in the kitchen. After debating back and forth, I ended up ordering the k.f.c.g.h. (I think that's what it was called) and it was amazing. The cornish hen was moist and crispy, definitely my favorite part of the dish. The jalepeno mashed potatoes were also delish, just enough of a kick to be enjoyable but not enough to hurt. The Mac and cheese seemed a little random though, kind of wish they had put a veggie there instead. It was delicious, but didn't really mesh with the other two. My aunt enjoyed their thin crust pizza, my uncle said the hanger steak was delish, and my sister enjoyed the chicken and salad. Not many dessert options, but we didn't mind. Overall, everything was absolutely delicious and the place was a very nice spot. I especially liked the beer tap chandelier near the front door. Definitely would recommend it to others!

    (5)

  • Shannon W.

    I went here last week with a friend and sat at the bar. The first thing I noted was the amazing music (talking heads, miike snow,etc). This place would be a good date spot. Here is what we ordered: loaded Mac and cheese (with pork belly and mushrooms) and a fried chicken Sammy with a side of greens (so we didn't feel so guilty of course). The food was excellent and I look forward to trying out new dishes next time!

    (5)

  • Juliana P.

    Really good food! My boyfriend RAVES about the Mac and Cheese all the time, one of his favorite places when he lived in the area. I personally love the Chicken Fried Sammy--so tasty.

    (4)

  • Neva C.

    This place is fantastic for brunch if you have kids. They are super friendly and helpful. We had a brunch with 3 moms and 3 babies and they didn't bat an eye, brought over three highchairs and spent lots of time making our babies smile. The food is decent, nothing too special, but the service in my recent experience has been absolutely excellent.

    (4)

  • Teri K.

    Excellent liquor and beer selection. A little on the pricey side on some beers. If they didn't have food would have been 4-5 stars. Even thought the food was good. I didn't like how they nickel and dime you. I asked for a side of BBQ sauce $.50. I asked for some extra pickles $.50 (they don't even taste like pickles more like cucumbers. I'm already paying $14 for a burger, you shouldn't charge for condiments. I could understand if I wanted to add cheese.

    (3)

  • Sara K.

    I have never eaten here only come for drinks. In my experience with this bar, I have always had a rude bartender. Examples include scoffing at my boyfriend for asking for the draft list, making fun of a friend for asking for a lime with a tequila shot, and just completely ignoring people trying to order drinks at the bar. This is the type of place that only serves "craft beer" and definitely wouldn't be caught with bud light or Sam Adams on draft (not really my thing, but some people like bars like that). Five Horses does get pretty crowded and there isn't really much room to stand near the bar. I only ever come here if everywhere else on Davis Square is too crowded.

    (3)

  • Racheal P.

    This place is great. I have always had a good experience here. The food is good, the service is good, and they have a great beer selection. A very interesting menu and I always have a tough time deciding between the great choices. The tacos are great!

    (4)

  • Jocelyn T.

    Service was okay, kept forgetting my straw and lemon and when we asked for a new drink it would take a while to get there but the Beer list was great. But the food was mediocre. I had the k-town wings and they were completely burnt. My friend had the tacos and although she only got them because they were spicy, it was extremely strong to the point where she couldn't eat her meal, other friend had the Mac n cheese and it was fair. The corn bread and tots were amazing though. But our actual meals .. Far from what we anticipated, and we only went bc we've heard great reviews on it but our personal experience was horrible

    (2)

  • Damien S.

    Eaten at the Horse no less than 20 times, so I've got the only breakdown you need. And for all the lovely ladies, I'm gonna rap it - freestyle. No, no I'm not. More than just a beer tap chandelier, Five Horses is easy-going, eclectic-enough dining for the Davis crowd. Yes, it's a madhouse on Friday and Saturday nights - a wrap-around beer list and well made cocktails (including, arguably, the best Bulleit Old Fashioned in the square) will do that to you. And yes, on occasion, the service may slide into a frenzy paralleling densely packed patrons clamoring for world class chicken tenders (seriously), thus affecting the consistency of the experience, but as of yet, these are the only negatives. I circle back to the fried chicken. The KFCGH (Kentucky Fried Cornish Game Hen) is the most balanced, properly seasoned fry in Davis, and I'm a fan of the jalapeño cheddar mashed as a side. But honestly, the biggest deal on the slightly pricey menu is the $9 buttermilk fried chicken tender app - a mountain of golden, crunchy breast chunks with buttermilk scallion ranch and red dragon chile sauce (mix 'em - why not?). Way more substantial than the undersized cut in the fried chicken sammy, and plenty satisfying as a meaty meal on its own. For vegetarians, go for the Pea Diddy, a hearty handful of english peas, avocado and mozz over mesclun greens/ Supposedly includes a basil puree, although I've yet to catch it over the pleasantly sharp vinaigrette. Another understated experience: the brunch menu. Southern Comfort ($14) layers fried chicken and sunny side up eggs over thyme biscuits and a swimming pool of sausage gravy. Heart, be stopped. Favoring sweet, she typically orders The Cap'n - a certain Crunch cereal coated French toast sticks (bricks, to be precise) served with a raspberry coulis. Wash it down with the Bourbon offering of a Bloody Three Ways: Four Roses and their house mix with a splash of stout sure beats coffee. To steer clear of the most common woes, you'll only find me here during the off hours. But when you do, I'll most assuredly be smiling over a plate of fried chicken.

    (4)

  • Annie S.

    There are some great things about this place and some other things that I wish were different.... They have awesome beers on tap!!! And sometimes they have deals where you can take home fun beer glasses :). The food is also delicious but this is one of those places that makes you pay for bread and butter. How annoying is that!!! But hahaha I've actually bought it before... Because the oysters are soo good but you just neeeeeed bread to mop up all of the yummy juices so they practically make you buy the bread too! The Sammy is a great fried chicken sandwich :). The vibe of this place is weird though because it's made up of competing atmospheres between college juniors and seniors who feel really accomplished and then young professionals in their late 20's and early 30's who also feel really accomplished. It's fairly expensive and has a more uppity feel to it compared to other Davis bars. It's not an every-night sort of bar, but my vote is that it's great for special occasions.

    (3)

  • Kaitlin B.

    I visit Boston fairly frequently and love trying out new spots each time. Five Horses is definitely one I would return to! I always love a place with an impressive beer list and Five Horses fits that bill. The beer list is quite impressive, with 36 rotating drafts and about 80 bottles from about the globe. Wanting to try something local, I went for the Notch Valley Malt which I enjoyed. The servers were knowledgeable when to came to the different types of beers and gave good recommendations to patrons. I enjoyed the food just as much as I enjoyed the beer selection. It's a pretty interesting menu with choices like kimchee pizza and potato tacos, and with it being Boston, there were a decent amount of seafood options. I'm always a sucker for mac and cheese, so I got the mac and cheese entree which was absolutely delicious. My friend tried the Fried Chicken Sammy sandwich which included a fried chicken breast with honey and a lemon mayo sauce. She very much enjoyed her meal. Tater tots are a side dish option, which definitely scored extra points in my book. We went on a Saturday at 6 pm and were able to be seated right away. However, when we left around 7:30 there was a line out the door. It's definitely better to come for an earlier dinner in order to avoid the rush. I like the casual yet somewhat formal atmosphere. Five Horses has a dining area as well as a bar area, so its a great place for various occasions.

    (4)

  • Christie L.

    The food here is SO DELICIOUS! On top of that, the ambiance is very nice. Great place to get drinks and of course amazing food! K-town wings:: very tasty marinated grilled wings k.f.c.g.h:: Juicy and tasty fried chicken in every bite. Comes with delicious jalepeno cheddar mashed potatoes and pork belly mac and cheese. This whole entrees was so yummy and flavorful. You have to get this! My roommate and I have been craving to go back since the first time we tried this dish!

    (5)

  • Rebekah C.

    I am a big fan of Five Horses Tavern. I guess this is just my kind of bar. Every time I have been here the place is packed. I love the laid back atmosphere. The food is some of the best bar food I have had so far. The tacos are amazing. They have a great beer selection. The staff is always amazing even when they are really busy.

    (4)

  • L J.

    This dimly lit joint and it's over priced beers is really, somehow, enjoyable. The music selection is suspect, but at least they've got a solid kitchen and enough 20somethings & 30somethings milling around to make you feel like you're at a place that'll build up your yelp street cred. The door man was a friendly dude who seemed to not mind the summer heat, and the service was pretty good-- pouring my bottle into a glass at the table for me, even. For all it's positive attributes, Five Horses Tavern is not that great. It's the type of place you take a date that is too uptight for the basement of Redbones.

    (3)

  • Sarah W.

    It was a strange brunch experience. Waitress: "Hi, can I get you all drink, coffee, tea, etc?" Me: "Sure, what kind of herbal tea do you have?" Waitress: "Oh, we only have Lipton." ...Really? Not even a multi-pack of Celestial Seasonings in the back? Me: "Okay, well, I see that you have fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice in your grapefruit bellini. Do you have fresh-squeezed orange juice?" Waitress: "No. None of our juices are fresh squeezed, they're nothing special." ...Uh, then why does it say fresh-squeezed ON THE MENU? On the way out, I asked the bartender if any of their drinks had fresh-squeezed juices, and she confirmed that while they didn't squeeze them in house, yes, they used fresh-squeezed orange juice and fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice in their drinks. We order. Friend: "I'd like the Croissantwich, please." [Note: This is a $12 item.] Waitress: "Sure, and you get a side with that." Friend: "Oh! Okay, I'll have the cheddar cheese grits." [Note: This is a $5 side.] Food comes, all is pretty tasty, but when the bill arrives, the croissantwich is listed as $14. We ask the waitress, and she said that it had an upcharge because my friend had picked a pricier side. We said okay, but in the future this would have been nice to mention at the ordering (or state somewhere on the menu). We were prepared to pay the check as-is, but the waitress came back a few minutes later with the whole item off the check, saying her manager had insisted. ...I have no idea what happened there. Other minor things: -The bathroom was a frigid, frigid icebox. -Waitress was not attentive; we had to request refills on our coffee from another waitress because ours was MIA. Frankly, I think we just got lousy luck with the service -- she really seemed like she did not give a shit about us or our meal. I would be willing to go back and try again. But I just got a weird feeling about all of it.

    (3)

  • Kimberly H.

    Five horses is my go-to spot for dinner or drinks in Davis Square. The service is consistently warm, the menu is creative and the drink list is vast. What more could you ask for? One of my favorite things about Five Horses is that their menu makes me want to explore. Don't get me wrong, I have my go-to's: the Drunken Wings (add a little splash of lime to these babies YUM) and the K.F.C.G.H. a Kentucky fried cornish game hen with jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes and pork belly spiked mac n' cheese hfdjskfhjdfkshfjd (excuse the typo, I was wiping drool off my keyboard), but there is always an item or special that very roughly twists my arm. During my last visit we tried one of their appetizer specials, Curry Tots. Yes, hot curry & chicken over crispy fried tater tots. Mr. Chef, you are my new best friend. Where many restaurants will offer a few "safe" items like chicken tenders or a boring cheeseburger, Five Horses doesn't waste it's time and I LOVE that. Not every item has made it to my must-try list, but there is no argument that the menu is well executed and the flavors are bold and interesting. Every time the menu changes, I know I am going to enjoy the task of finding a new favorite! And before I finish this review, I want to give a shout out to the most friendly door guy EVAAAA! Five horses don't let that guy go anywhere! 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Jon H.

    When you walk into the Five Horses, you'll immediately spot the supernova of beer taps hanging from the ceiling. The interior is clean and attractive, and I think I could mostly say the same for the bathroom. My real issue with the Tavern came from the level of professionalism expected of the waitstaff. On my visit to the Five Horses, I brought family that was visiting from out of town, and we chose to sit outside and away from loud talking via other tables. What I did not anticipate was that the waiter who was serving the patio would be much more disruptive. Our waiter, let's call him "Jafar"-- his name was never given to us and he was too tall for us to read his name tag--is the definition of oversharing. As in, please don't tell us about how your father died, we're trying to enjoy brunch and we don't know you. Jafar didn't seem to have varied opinions on the menu (i.e. only recommended one appetizer and one drink), but had colorful language to describe his opinion of my significant other's body and his opinion of religion. Additionally, he felt comfortable outlining his past illicit drug and alcohol use, as well as destruction of property (E.g. Ghost riding cars). Jafar, we're not paying $9 a drink for you to do standup and make my family uncomfortable. This was brunch. On that note, the food was generally impressive. The tatter tots were perfect. Whereas the drunken wings were underwhelming and mostly dry. The bartender did an excellent job on the brunch beverages, and although they were reasonably strong, the excessive monologue and inappropriate gestures provided by our otherwise disinterested waiter "Jafar" ruined the experience. My brother's girlfriend lives in the area and mentioned that Jafar is a regular member of staff, so I know I won't be missing anything if I never eat at the Five Horses again. No need to pay swollen prices for unprofessional and inappropriate service.

    (2)

  • Matt G.

    First I need to be clear I have only been here for drinks/apps--- but have sat in the dining area all the times I've been. First, that is a huge benefit. They will allow you to have tableservice if you are just ordering drinks/apps. Many restaurant/bars in the Davis area wont let you do that, so its totally appreciated. Their beer list.... impressive, and it changes pretty regularly. The waitstaff are all pretty damn educated, so if you know what you are in the mood for, just ask... they wont steer you wrong. They have an impressive draft AND bottle list. After work gets croweded once you hit the dinner rush around 7:00. Get the White Bean Hummus.... just get it. Its delicious. Warm pita? White bean hummus? Yes please! The chicken tender appetizer, might sound 'kiddie' but its darn tasty! I'd be curious to try them for brunch... but post-work apps/beers: A+ Havent had a mixed drink, but the beerlist alone is worth a visit.

    (4)

  • Dessa R.

    My gal pal and I met in Davis for some ladysnacks. She is my favorite dining companion, because she orders the kind of food she wants, sans shame or self-deprecating humor. We both loved the "midnight interlude" cocktail, a bubbly and not-too-sweet balsamic vinegar drink. We shared the duck mac n cheese, which was piping hot, creamy, and chock full of little bits of crispy duck. I'm excited to try their brunch. A bit noisy, and frequently a wait, but when you do get a table, it's pretty worthwhile.

    (4)

  • chelsea h.

    This place not only has top-notch service, but great food, an amazing beer selection, and a really cool atmosphere. I got a group of 20 people together here last weekend to gather for a surprise for my boyfriend's 30th. They do not take reservations, but reserved tables for me anyway! The manager was emailing me for the weeks leading up helping me to plan it. I brought a really nice expensive cake that they kept refrigerated all day from the morning on until I asked them to take it out that night. There were some annoying things that happened with the bill because of my friends, and the waiter, Jabari was totally nice and cool with it. I honestly would have most likely gotten annoyed by a rowdy group like us spending hours there, and then insisting on being annoying about the bill- but not Jabari. I definitely recommend this place. Oh, and if you like flannel- all the waiters/waitresses wear different flannel shirts! :)

    (5)

  • Mallory C.

    Not really in the mood for pub food I was hesitant to eat here, but OH.MY.WORD. I am so glad we did. We went on President's day, unaware of the brunch they were having, but we did not have to wait to be seated. We were brought waters immediately, and given plenty of time to peruse the incredible beer/wine menu! The selection is incredible. I had a Maine Peeper ale, that was fruity and light and made me want summer so bad! For starters we ordered the calamari, which came with mangos and banana peppers. Very different, but delicious. I had the pumpkin soup with amaretto biscotti croutons on top- I swear I will be dreaming about that soup!! We also got the Brie grilled cheese (which I didn't try this time around) and the potato tacos, which I devoured in moments. The food is awesome and very unique- this is not your typical pub fare. All of their desserts are home made as well, and I highly recommend the "nutella and drunken banana" Awesome service, wonderful cozy atmosphere and food that exceeded my expectations. Yes, we have a new date spot in Davis Square!!! Plus there will ALWAYS be more beers to try!!!

    (4)

  • Tony B.

    The prices are getting out of control. I am a fan of this place and have been at least 20-30 times. The food and beer list is solid and pretty consistent. I really like going here but I am at the point where I must boycott it out of principle. A pub in Davis Sq simply should not be charging these prices. I dropped close to $80 on LUNCH for two (no entrees, just tacos (no sides) and 2 beers each. What's most funny is that the lunch special was a bowl of soup... for $17. yes. soup. lunch. $17. WTF? and no, there was not lobster in it. just beef soup. I hate you 5 Horses for taking something good and ruining it by gouging customers. Its not just them. This is the trend in Somerville/Cambridge: redecorate your townie bar, use organic lettuce and gourmet ketchup, and suddenly you have a $16 chefs burger. Then you just need to get small glasses to pour craft beer into with a 4 finger head, and the hipsters will line up. 10-12 oz. pours for $8-$12 is infuriating. I love the beer but I could buy a keg for the price of 10 beers here. For realzies. If the prices were remotely sane this would be a strong 4 star review.

    (2)

  • Alia L.

    Came here for drinks with a group of friends. They have an awesome beer selection and the food isn't too bad. Prices are moderate. Overall, a great place to get together with a group of people to chill and have drinks.

    (3)

  • Sally B.

    As soon as Five Horses came galloping into Davis, I knew we had a winner. It wasn't just how great they were during our Yelp party there (thanks for not caring how much banana cream pie we got all over the place! and for making vegan food for my vegan friends!). It wasn't just how much of an improvement it was over what used to be there before. It wasn't just how great it was to sit at the bar in the summer, or how many great beers and ciders they serve. It was the plaid. Any place where people are willing to wear matching plaid while serving up great service, tasty and well-priced food, and strong delicious drinks is welcome in my neighborhood. And after many months, I only love Five Horses more and more. For brunch. For late night drinks and friendly bouncers. For patio seating and a bar where you can meet a friend or just drink alone. For the best buttermilk chicken salad I've ever eaten, which constantly haunts my dreams. And still, forever... for the plaid.

    (5)

  • Stasj T.

    Mussels. Brusselsprouts. OMG. The brusselsprouts are sweet and spicy and were marinated in a way that is was just amazing. I can't even describe it; i want to say like General Tsao's chicken, but I don't want to turn away any vegetarians nor vegans. Just... Try it. UMG. The mussels were good and hot. I'm still getting acclimated to eating seafood, so this dish definitely added to the "will continue to eat" tally. Ordered the Showstopper (5 spice pulled pork with greens) and it was good. Wish it had more meat (I'm the opposite of a vegetarian) but everything was delish!

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    Worth going for the absolutely amazing craft beer menu, including some rarities. Although the food ranged from very good to excellent, ignore the ridiculous suggestion of "tater tots" as a side dish (frozen, not homemade). Servers are somewhat condescending.

    (4)

  • Rachelle S.

    I had brunch here once. It was tasty food but a little over priced. Service and atmosphere was good.

    (3)

  • Lynds C.

    This place came incredibly highly recommended and unfortunately I was very disappointed. As someone who worked in the restaurant industry for many years, I was completely offended and shocked by their terrible customer service and poor management. Their manager was condescending, rude, and completely unaccommodating. I will never go back.

    (1)

  • Greg G.

    So ive eaten here a few times and experiences have been all over the place. First off the beer selection is always great, but this is more about the food. I have had a few good meals here, but have had 2 meals that were not so great. The burger is really plain and nothing special for the price, I expected more. The bigger issue I had is when I ordered the fried chicken at brunch. It was literally one chicken tender, and for how much the meal cost that is absurd. It's chicken, not duck or USDA prime beef, it really shouldnt be a 3oz portion. From better experiences I loved the chicken fried steak sandwich and had some of the tacos as well. I will definitely go back since it has a great bar, but hopefully they fix the portion control.

    (3)

  • Doug R.

    THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!!! They have great food and a REALLY great brunch. If you want some interesting items (like the breakfast club - a club sandwich with eggs, fried chicken, and waffles as bread) and the best bloody marys I've ever had. The gin bloody mary they have there keeps me coming back to that place.

    (5)

  • Darrell M.

    Classic case of "ooh there's a big line there - it must be worth going in!" The beer selection is OK, the service is weird and the food is bad. I wish I had something constructive to say about how to improve it, but I just don't. Give it a miss.

    (1)

  • Andrea B.

    Five Horses is this beer lover's new best friend. Just look at their drinks menu, and you will be in instant agreement with me. So many choices, it's impossible to decide! But beer lover or not, I highly recommend that you come here absolutely starving. Like, haven't-eaten-in-three-days kind of starving. Why? Because then you'll be able to eat and drink more. And you WILL want to eat and drink more. And more. And more. Five Horses is one of those special places where nothing on their menu sounds like a bad option. Which, for an already indecisive person like me, is highly problematic (but in the best way possible). Like any good Yelper should, I had scoured through photos and reviews before stopping by, so I thought that I knew just what I wanted to order. But upon viewing the menu again, I found myself overwhelmed with all the delicious possibilities. Make sure you come with an equally ravenous friend, because everything from starters to entrees are amazingly filling. After much careful deliberation (I take my food seriously, okay??), we decided on the Pato Loco to share, and two starters - the Brussels sprouts and tuna tartare. Both were good, but of the two, the Brussels sprouts take the cake. And I don't even like Brussels Sprouts. But Five Horses' version comes with pork belly (YES!), pickled apples, and shitake mushrooms. You don't need me to tell you that that made for one crazy creative and flavorful dish. But let's move on to the epic Pato Loco burrito. I'm just gonna say it - BEST burrito I've ever had, and likely ever will have. It was fantastic. It was jam packed with duck confit, pork belly (YES AGAIN!), rice, red onion, garlic, swiss chard, scallions, and red dragon sauce. I'll warn you, it was spicy, but it was so freaking delicious that I had trouble not turning into a stubborn five year old child who didn't want to share (but luckily I am a good friend, and shared anyway). Considering we each had a couple beers with all that food, we were too full for dessert. But seeing as Five Horses Tavern is totally my new best friend, I daresay it won't be long before I come back again!

    (5)

  • Kevin D.

    Bow down to brown liquor. Awesome whisk(e)y bar. I could spend months here sampling the various scotches, bourbons, and other whiskeys, but my liver would not thank me. Also a good beer selection, food is decent.

    (5)

  • Theodore Y.

    This place is steadily becoming one of my favorite spots. The bouncer is always nice, does his job without attitude, and offers sound advice to patrons. The bar gets crowded at times, but tables are mostly readily available. Whiskey/whisky selection is choice. Appetizers are always bomb. Can't go wrong with tater-tots and chicken fingers! I sometimes like to dress up in flannel and sneak behind the bar. Never works.

    (5)

  • Amy N.

    Solid Davis neighborhood spot with an AMAZING shout out to Michael, the host, who read the room and got our party seated in record time based on our needs.

    (4)

  • Jason B.

    "Five Horses definitely wins at being the best in the area at fine mixology. " AND YES, I do mean better than Saloon. There, I said it.

    (4)

  • Ifigeneia D.

    Came here for dinner based on a friend's recommendation. The drinks were pretty good but the food was average. I would say an OK place, but there are probably much more interesting dinner options in the area.

    (3)

  • Jonathan M.

    Went here for brunch on a Saturday, around 1pm. The place was packed. You should definitely think about making a reservation. The menu was solid, there was a brunch menu in addition to the regular menu which is a definite plus, no need to worry about being limited to 10 or fewer selections like many places offer during brunch. Everyone in my party spoke highly of the food, with out food choices spanning the gamut. Chimichanga, Fried Chicken w/ Sausage Gravy, Tavern Burger, as well as the more usual breakfast options went over well at our table. I'd definitely return here.

    (3)

  • David C.

    Walk in after 7 on a Saturday, and good luck getting a table without having to wait at least half an hour. This place is popular, and deservedly so. Five Horses Tavern serves up some of the most delicious, hearty, and creative pub food around. It's also surprisingly affordable. My awesome roommate (and life-long BFF) treated me to dinner, which ran her just under $50 pre-tax and tip. And, gasp, we even had leftovers! The only problem with Five Horses, aside from the wait, is a menu so chock-full of delicious-sounding items that makes ordering downright agonizing. In the end, my roommate and I settled on a few appetizers, a sandwich, and some bread pudding for dessert. All the savory courses came out at the same time, and it was truly a sight to behold. The highlights for me were the brussels sprouts (huge suckers served with pickled apple, mushrooms, and PORK BELLY, all sauteed in a delicious fish sauce vinaigrette) and the Showstopper (a pulled pork and chicken liver mousse sandwich that lived up to its name and then some). I can only imagine how much MORE I would love Five Horses if I were a beer fan. I really envy you beer-drinkers sometimes, but then I look at my gut and I'm thankful. Given how much I eat already, I don't know if my body could handle it.

    (5)

  • Cmarie W.

    Brunch review... I've been here 4 times in the last 6 months so it's time to write a review. It's my go-to-post-Saturday-night-fever brunch place in Davis Sq with a solid down-home menu full of favorites and classics. Example, biscuits and gravy, tater-tots, cheese grits, various omelettes, pork tacos, burgers, etc. Not too many options compared to a diner or breakfast joint, but the basics are still there. Great coffee! I haven't been here after-hours so this review doesn't include commentary on whether it's hipster, bro, yuppie or whatever stereotype people are labeling restaurants these days, but if you need a good cup of coffee on a Sunday morning and a filling, tasty meal, Five Horses is your best bet!

    (4)

  • Duncan L.

    The brussel sprouts with bacon make the meal. If you get nothing else, get those. I've been here for dinner and brunch, and never walk away disappointed. Plus, their beer selection is pretty great.

    (4)

  • Rachel H.

    This restaurant seems to generally be host to a younger crowd; a loud environment. They have an excellent selection of beer; when they didn't have the one that I requested (Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc), the waitress suggested a great alternative. I ate the macaroni and cheese without anything added, and the other person who I was with ordered the fried chicken salad; both were delicious. I called to make a reservation and was surprised that they only accept reservations online. Overall, a good experience.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 1:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : Background
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : No
    Best Nights : Tue, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Has TV : Yes
    Dogs Allowed : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Five Horses Tavern

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