BowMarket4 - Daniela Cintron

Exploring Somerville’s Bow Market

by Daniela Cintron | April 1, 2022

Walking down Somerville Avenue near Prospect Hill, you pass a small school, a Peruvian restaurant, a bar, and other small businesses. You make an unexpected right in the middle of the block and then – there it is – Bow Market.  

The courtyard is beautifully lit up by Christmas lights hanging from the highest level. Featuring a backyard patio with tables, chairs, and bonfires to lounge, one could feel like you have arrived at your best friend’s house to relax. 

Aside from the welcoming setup, you look around and see two floors packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. There are flowers, books, chocolates, wine, beer, clothes, jewelry – everything. So much to see. So much to eat. And, so much to drink. 

Bow Market opened its doors in May of 2018 in what used to be a vacant storage unit in the heart of Somerville. 

Inspired by the markets in Western Morocco, Bow Market owners and developers Zachary Baum, Matthew Boyes-Watson, and Mark Boyes-Watson created a community space where small business owners come together to uplift, support, and grow with one another serving the community and offering an experience like no other. 

The fast-growing market started with only six tenants and today it is home to over 30 of the most creative minds in Boston, including chefs, artists, sommeliers, and retail small businesses. 

Between full-time tenants and temporary pop-ups, Bow Market has become the place to come try out a diverse offering by local small businesses. 

Eating 

The food offerings at the market take you on a trip around the world. From fresh seafood from Massachusetts waters sold by the fisherman themselves at Hooked to Korean bibimbap bowls at Perillas and Latin American empanadas at Buenas. With over 15 options to pick from, you will find something to please any palate.

Drinking

Drinks? Trust us, you will not go thirsty. Whether you prefer cocktails, wine, or beer, there are plenty of options. Bow Market is home to women-owned and operated natural wine bar Rebel Rebel, Remnant Brewery, and cocktail experts Variety Bar

Order from one place, or order from all of them. Make it easier, and get a reservation indoors and order the food and drinks to be brought to your table from selected businesses. Or, get a table on the patio and sit around the bonfire while enjoying your favorite offerings. 

Shopping

But don’t stop there. Eating and drinking just get the party started. 

Bow Market has an incredible variety of locally owned stores that offer unique products whether you are shopping for yourself, or someone else. Get a beautiful bouquet of flowers at Rococo, a unique piece of jewelry at Filomena Demarco Jewelry, and a record of your favorite tunes at Vinyl Index. The options are endless with more than 10 retail stores offering unique items. 

Relax

Need a moment to relax from all the shopping? Step into Wild Child to read a book while you sip on a perfect glass of wine. Or, treat yourself to a massage at Soft Space Wellness

Bow Market is the intersection where culture, community, and local talent meet. 

Being just five miles away from Downtown Boston, Bow Market is a fun and convenient option to visit and enjoy the beautifully diverse, and eclectic culture of Somerville. 

Stream original series on the Very Local app

What is Very Local?

Very Local is your best source for shows about local communities, bringing you 24/7 access to news from your trusted local news source, weather updates, and more. The Very Local app also brings you fresh, untold stories from your city and communities like yours, with exclusive original shows and local stories specific to where you live. Get the channel to stream Very Local free on Roku or Amazon Fire TV.

Follow Very Local on Facebook and @VeryLocal on Instagram for more

Daniela Cintron

Daniela Cintron

Born and raised in Mexico, Daniela is a bilingual journalist with work featured on local and national media, including CNN, NBC, and Telemundo. She has experience writing for broadcast, print, digital and social media, and is a professional voice-over in English and Spanish. Having lived and worked in New York City, Atlanta, San Diego, Charlotte, Kansas City, and now Boston, Daniela has extensive experience talking to various markets and has an eye for newsworthy content.

Download the Very Local app to stream all of the Very Local original series for FREE!

Download the Very Local app to stream all of the Very Local original series for FREE!