Occupying the former Perdix space, Pops, an already hopping debut venture of former Bomboa chef Felino ‘Pops’ Samson centers around an exhibition kitchen whose hearty New American dishes are affordable by standards even beyond those of the South End – entrees go for mere Jacksons.
Sagra, inspired by the Italian food festivals for which it’s named, hopes to reverse the curse of its handsome bi-level Somerville space – in which a string of lounges has come and gone – by focusing on food rather than cocktails; the student-heavy population of Davis Square, however, is already grateful for the well-priced menu.