Get Stumped at Bull McCabe's

While Stump! pub trivia can be played at bars and restaurants all over New England, no two games are the same. Sure, the rules are constant, and trivia teams have their quirky traditions that carry on everywhere (like yelling out the category, "SCIENCE!"). But the pub, the night's emcee or "trivia jockey," and the people can make a particular trivia night the one you want to return to week after week. That's how it is for many at Bull McCabe's.

On Mondays at 9 p.m., at on Somerville Ave., trivia teams can expect a cozy atmosphere, a charismatic trivia jockey and the Blue Plate Special: a $6 dinner consisting of a heaping helping of classic comfort food.

During last week's trivia matchup of six teams, players filled up on meatloaf, gravy and mashed potatoes, as well as other hearty pub foods. It's just the way Bull regulars gear up for the four-round mental workout that always leaves teams stumped for at least part of the time. Categories range from grammar to science to sports, and the questions get harder as the game progresses.

Thankfully, while bartender Christen keeps you fed, Bull McCabe's trivia jockey Joe will keep you entertained whether you get the questions right or not.

Joe has been a trivia jockey for about two years. He likes the job because when he's hosting, he can take charge behind the microphone, though he's normally not a very chatty guy. "I like the game show host feeling," said Joe, who has lived in Somerville for almost ten years. "I get to be goofy."

Regulars including John Gropelli of Cambridge, are fans of Joe's goofy nature, song selection and sound effects. "Joe's the best trivia guy," said Gropelli, who has been to other Stump! Trivia sites yet comes back to Bull McCabe's almost every week. Teammate Ryan Babcock of Somerville agrees it's the best spot--also thanks to the beer menu.

Team names are also big deal at Stump!, and Bull McCabe's is no different. Gropelli and Babcock like to change their name each week, and they usually choose something that occurs to them at the last minute, such as "We Just Got Interviewed". Some teams keep their same name, especially if they win one of the pub's illustrious prizes.

First- and second-place teams get gift certificates, but the third-place prize is secretly sought after the most. The reward for coming in second is a plate of Christen's special red velvet mini cupcakes. Christen agrees this is one of the best things about trivia here.

If you're looking for a new trivia spot, or even want to try out Stump! for the first time, check out Monday nights at Bull McCabe's: even third place can be sweet.

See our weekly Event listing for Stump! Trivia .