Rosebud American Kitchen

What’s old is new—and very exciting. The Davis Square institution spent decades sobering up college students with late-night pies and pancakes. In 2014, it underwent a radical transformation, rising again as a fine-dining restaurant with a bona fide craft cocktail program. Where once there were omelettes, now there are Thai sticky ribs and seared Faroe Island salmon; classic grub like mac and cheese and fried chicken placates simpler palates. Drinks like the sidecar pay homage to the diner’s history, and there are still glorious, seasonal pies, available a la mode or to go. And, while the interior has been completely gutted, the exterior is untouched, including a completely restored 1941 Worcester lunch car with neon signage glowing above.