The Best Day Ever in… is an Original Best of New Jersey series that brings our audience along as we spend the day in popular and up-and-coming towns throughout the state. During each trip, we enjoy all the must-eats, must-sees, and must-dos that make the town memorable. It’s the ultimate day trip guide to New Jersey’s hidden gems, culinary hotspots, and most exciting destinations!
The Best Day Ever in… Somerville is Sponsored by Visit Somerset NJ. To Learn More:
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If you haven’t visited historic Somerville recently, you’re in for a total surprise: it’s practically a whole new town. What was once a sleepy county seat has been transformed into one of the most vibrant downtowns in New Jersey. A bold multi-phase redevelopment plan has successfully reimagined brownfields and underused streets into a thriving hub.
Walkable, welcoming, and packed with personality, Somerville is still a little under-the-radar. But thanks to new sidewalks, mixed-use spaces, pedestrian-only Division Street, plenty of parking, and an impressive lineup of community events, empty storefronts have been replaced with boutiques and chef-driven eateries, and a vibrant buzz fills the streets.
It’s also the perfect weekend day-trip destination for couples, families, and anyone who loves food, local shopping, and fun. With seasonal events all year long – like the Summer Stage music series on Division Street – Somerville is always lively. Here’s how Best of New Jersey spent The Best Day Ever in Somerville.
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Stop #1: Brunch by De Martino
Address: 9 Davenport Street
We started our day at Brunch by De Martino, where Latin American flair meets New American brunch. Chef Martino Linares once helmed Somerville’s beloved Martino’s Cuban. But now he whips up standout creations like their signature Tres Leches French Toast and Short Rib Birria Tacos. But don’t sleep on the incredible Dubai Chocolate Pancakes.
There are so many amazing dishes that it’s hard to pick just one. The space is warm and lively, the service personal and upbeat, and every dish is an Insta-worthy delight. Seating is first-come, first-served, but it’s well worth the wait.
| Visit Their Website | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Call 908-722-8602 |
Stop #2: YESTERcades Arcade
Where: 29 Division Street
After brunch, we headed over to YESTERcades on Division Street for a bit of retro fun. For just $9.95/hour, you get unlimited access to old-school arcade games like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man; vintage pinball machines; couches for console games; music games such as Guitar Hero; plus air hockey, pool, and skeeball.
Not just for kids, plenty of adults come to YESTERcades to relive their gaming glory days with nostalgic favorites. The arcade also offers re-entry passes, so customers can take a break for lunch or dinner and return later.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on TikTok | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-526-3270 |
Stop #3: Osprey Lane Boutique
Where: 96 W Main Street
The next stop on our tour was Osprey Lane Boutique, a women-owned, size-inclusive clothing and gift shop. The boutique proudly carries ethically made, fashion-forward brands.
You’ll find everything from soft denim and flowy maxi dresses to layered jewelry, woven handbags, and luxe-feeling tees. Available sizes range from XS to 3X. The vibe is light and airy, and the friendly salespeople make shopping feel personal and fun.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on TikTok | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-210-9410 |
Stop #4: Blue Sheep Bake Shop
Where: 9 Division Street
Next up: dessert. Specifically, Blue Sheep Bake Shop, a cupcake and ice cream lover’s dream. Grab a Death by Chocolate or Selena Gomez cupcake along with a scoop of homemade small-batch ice cream. Then find a bench along Division Street—Somerville’s large walkable plaza—to people-watch and enjoy. Popular ice-cream flavors include Dubai Chocolate, Cookie Dough, and Mint Cooke Fudge.
The shop also offers custom cakes, French macarons, brownies, and sundae-style creations that change with the season. Owner Karin Giamella is a Food Network baking winner and has been featured on The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Inside the shop, it’s cheerful and colorful, the kind of place where the treats are almost too pretty to eat.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on TikTok | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-393-1824 |
Stop #5: Spotted Leaf Plant Co.
Where: 46 East Main Street
After walking off the yummy sweets, we needed a little retail therapy. So we turned to the Spotted Leaf Plant Co. This serene, leafy escape is perfect for any aspiring plant owner. (The plants are even organized by difficulty level!) Categories include Easy, Intermediate, Advanced, and Pet-Safe.
Customers can join a plant-and-sip terrarium class or just browse the greenhouse-style shop. In need of a new succulent or take-home bonsai kit? They’ve got it here! Plus, their plant stylists will help you find the right fit, explain plant care, and even pot it for you. Whether you’re shopping or just soaking in the good vibes, it’s a peaceful and unexpected little break in the day.
| Visit Their Website | Follow on TikTok | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-333-7559 |
Stop #6: Tapastre & Project P.U.B.
Where: 1 West High Street (Tapastre) | 41 North Bridge Street (Project P.U.B.)
As afternoon turned to evening, we made our way to Tapastre for cocktails and small plates. This cozy basement lounge below Project P.U.B. opens at 4:00 pm for Happy Hour (Wednesday through Saturday). Menu highlights include Burgers, Drunken Clams on Fire, and Duck Fat Fries. Not to mention their impressive selection of 22 craft beers on tap and homemade craft cocktails. Sunday brunch is also available from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Just upstairs is Project P.U.B., where a different local brewery is featured each month alongside a rotating seasonal menu. It’s the perfect stop for foodies or anyone who loves trying local craft beer.
| Visit The Project Pub Website | Follow Tapastre on Instagram | Follow Tapastre on Facebook | Call 908-526-0505 (Tapastre) | Call 908-393-5211 (Project P.U.B.) |
Last Stop: Summer Stage on Division Street
We capped off our day with live music at the Summer Stage Series on Division Street. Summer through September, this pedestrian mall becomes a music-filled plaza every Saturday night from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Summer Stage features local bands and includes genres like swing, funk, blues, jazz, Indie, and Americana.
Bring your lawn chair or grab dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants for a front-row table. It’s laid-back, local, and the perfect snapshot of Somerville’s small-town-meets-big-energy personality.
Stay Tuned for Our Next Day-Trip Guide, as We Enjoy The Best Day Ever in… A Town Near You!
Top Photo: © YESTERcades | Website
