South Boston.
Did you know?
South Boston was originally named Dorchester Heights, and during the American Revolutionary War, George Washington placed a cannon on Dorchester Heights, thereby forcing the evacuation of British troops from Boston on March 17, 1776.
Did You Know? Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at Castle Island (which is now a National Historic Landmark) for five months in 1827 and was inspired to write The Cask of Amontillado based on an early Castle Island legend.
Did You Know? The neighborhood maintained its Irish identity through the years even when its population diversified. It’s no surprise that South Boston is home to one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the whole country.
Food & Beverage
We’re quite sure you’ve been hearing this over and again. Southie, the historic, working-class neighborhood that is South Boston, has been changing by the day. But make no mistake about it, even with the huge high rises and new residents, Southie’s strong sense of identity will always be there - and so will the Irish pubs! Here are our go-to places for food in Southie:
Bringing you to the first of Southie’s staples, Sullivan’s, better known as Sully’s, is the first stop after you’ve spent much wandering around Castle Island and you feel like you deserve some ice cream… or a hot dog… or, well, burgers, and fried chicken, and fresh lobster rolls… you get the picture. It’s THE rest stop that completes every Castle Island excursion.
A “new” neighborhood favorite, Fox & The Knife, is a Top Chef-run hot spot that serves great Italian food. Their fare includes superb house-made pasta, taleggio stuffed focaccia, and these charred broccoli “Caesar” salad that may just have forever changed our relationship with veggies. Tip: if you’re having a hard time getting a reservation, arrive for aperitivo hour - 4 p.m. here in Southie - and eat at the bar once the kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m.
When asked, anyone who’s been to Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar would agree that this place may be the liveliest one on our list. This is a place that guarantees oysters, exceptionally fun margaritas to pair with those amazing tacos and guacamoles. Self-described as a “funky neighborhood joint” but this place is a rowdy party scene much akin to a Mexican fiesta.
Born from the love of travel and out of a desire to bring global fare to this corner of Boston, Publico is a stunning open space that is unique to the area. From fire pits and ice-cold drinks to a garden-style seating that takes you outdoors to a menu that boasts of ingredients and traditions from around the world, Publico is a definite must-try.
Gray’s Hall is Southie’s favorite gourmet - American Provision - grocery store’s answer to the neighborhood’s clamor to pair their curated wines, cheese, and charcuterie together. They’ve managed to do this via their daily Gray’s board! Not only that, they have also extended their eclectic selections to their seasonal menu that they have made “shareable” for friends to experience together.
Named one of the best brunch spots in America by Thrillist, Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant is the place South Bostonians would get out of bed in the morning for or where they would stay out late night at. Their brunch staples are available every day and served up until 1 a.m! Truly a Southie staple, this is the first of the three ventures from Southie’s Broadway Restaurant Group. Its sister spots are Loco Taqueria and Fat baby Sushi.
From the creator of Fox & the Knife, Bar Volpe is the Southern Italian-inspired eatery you didn’t know you needed. Get into one of those bar seats and sample one of those negronis on the menu while people-watching, or, take the time to enjoy one of what TimeOut calls one of the most romantic bars in Boston and slide into a leather booth with a date (or a friend) and go on a gastronomic journey on a coast in Italy.
Fat Baby Sushi is Loco Taqueria’s owner’s homage to East Asian food. Serving up a robust selection of fresh sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls, they also have noodle bowls, pork dumplings, and classic Asian cocktails like the Singapore Sling.
Explore
One must-see in the neighborhood and often missed by locals and tourists alike is Castle Island. A 22-acre land-bound “island” with paved paths for biking, running, blading, or walking along the water’s edge. While there, do take the time to explore Fort Independence, the oldest continually granite site in British North America. Take a break to watch the planes take off and land from Logan airport’s runways which, from the vantage point, seem as if it is just steps across the bay.
Carson Beach, M Street Beach, and Pleasure Bay form a 3-mile stretch of parkland located within the South Boston shoreline of Dorchester Bay. It offers gorgeous waterfront views with Pleasure Bay being the best area to swim, and the Carson Beach walkway offering the best area to walk, bike, and run along the water’s edge from Castle Island to Kennedy Library. And recently, M Street Beach has gained local “notability” due to the number of single folks frolicking on its shores.
One of the best places in the whole of Boston to watch the 4th of July fireworks is at the hilltop - Telegraph Hill - in the central area of South Boston called Dorchester Heights. Considered a National Historical Park, the area gives you panoramic views of the areas to the south and west of South Boston.
An iconic hangout, South Boston candlepin, also known as Southie Bowl, is a community bowling alley that has been around for more than 60 years. According to their Tripadvisor bio, the cast and crew of Goodwill Hunting did their wrap party here back in 1998. Even the late great Anthony Bourdain did a segment and bowled here for his show No Reservations.
Neatly Nested Design and Decor is Boston’s go-to shop for unique gifts, furniture, home decor, cards, and more. You go in and you’ll be surprised at the different gorgeous treasures that you will find. There could be vintage, hand-painted furniture or shabby chic accessories, or even a cute throw pillow for your reading nook!
American Provisions is the neighborhood’s answer to your cheese, charcuterie, and specialty food item problems. This isn’t to say that all the delights found here are but ingredients, they have these delicious fruit danish and the buttery croissants that could satisfy immediate hunger. Oh and their wine and beer selection here is also worth a look!
Be sure to check out their Dorchester location too.
Have a birthday, anniversary or another celebration coming up? Pick up your next batch of cookies and cakes from Sweet Tooth Boston. Their custom designed desserts are not only visually impressive, but equally delicious–adding that icing on the cake for your next party.
in need of some greenery to make your space functional and edgy? Check out Micro Plant Studio right after you grab a treat from Sweet Tooth. #DidYouKnow they are the first plant store to do 3D design and print unique plant, floral, office, and home décor products? A must-see!
Local real estate market
From luxury condo buildings to multifamily homes, South Boston has a variety of options for a homebuyer. Interested in learning more about living in South Boston? Send us as email!
Email: rpgroup@compass.com | Phone: 207-751-1500