Part cozy neighborhood tavern, part world-class cocktail bar, part not-for-profit Jewish study hall, Lehrhaus in Somerville is a unique neighborhood hangout where you can both get a proper mixed drink and brush up on your Cynthia Ozick and R’Ovadia Yosef. Located at 425 Washington Street, on the Cambridge/Somerville line, the space is the brainchild of director and Rabbi Charlie Schwartz and his collaborator and board chair Joshua Foer (bestselling author and creator of the Jewish digital library Sefaria). The duo created the unique rooms as a haven for Jewish studies and ideas, connecting with the community, and some great Kosher food and drinks.

The tavern menu, designed by chefs Noah Clickstein and Alex Artinian in collaboration with chef Michael Leviton, leans into the Jewish diaspora with a modern twist, including small nibbles (perfect for a quick meetup), bigger noshes for mixing and matching, and a couple of more substantial mains. Renowned bartender Naomi Levy designed the drinks menu, who locals will recognize from her work both behind the taps as well as consulting on several drinks menus around the city, including Noir’s seasonal Hannukah-themed pop-up, Maccabee Bar.

The comfortable space designed by Miriam Spear and Lisa Wasserman Sivanis divided into a library-like area and a dining room and lined with walls of bookshelves of texts. There is ample casual seating between both communal tables and chairs, plus there are cozy lounge chairs and couches that are perfect for meeting up with a few friends, attending classes and events, or for passing the time with a drink and a good read.