Southern Dorchester.
Adams village, ashmont, lower mills, and neponset/port norfolk
Did you know? Immigrants from all over flocked to Dorchester which turned this neighborhood into the cultural and architectural melting pot that it is now. Dorchester is about community and celebrating diversity.
Did You Know? Longtime residents have always known what the rest of Boston is just now beginning to rediscover about Dorchester — it is an area close to downtown and the ocean, replete with beautiful parks, charming old architecture, and good public transit.
Did You Know? Ashmont is known for its distinctive Victorian houses, and the neighborhood is the origin of The Kennedy Family.
Did You Know? The Lower Mills neighborhood’s historic mill complex—built around the picturesque falls—was the defining architecture of this area. It is also known as the birthplace of the American chocolate industry and generations of success expanded the Baker Chocolate Factory until the sprawling mill complex came to dominate the area.
Food & Beverage
Some of the information that you’ll find constant among all neighborhood guides about Dorchester is that (1) it's huge, (2) that it’s best described as a melting pot of culture, (3) it has some great open spaces, parks, trails, and historic areas, and (4) it's a place where you could find ALL the eats.
A stone’s throw from the revamped Ashmont T station, Ashmont Grill has been open since 2005, serving "modern tavern cuisine" in Dorchester's Peabody Square. Rome might have been built in a day, but the Grill itself took seven months. Be sure to order the crowd favorite Train Wreck Fries.
For those with Italian cravings, there’s Molinari’s. This one is our go-to place for the quintessential Italian comfort food. They are a casual neighborhood eatery serving homemade pasta and incredible pizza out of its wood-burning oven!
What we order:
Ida’s Meatballs/Sunday Dinner, Pasta A La Vodka, Papardelle Bolognese, Fettucini Carbonara, and both The Bianco and The Meat Lover pizzas.
Another personal favorite (you’ll find us here WEEKLY) is Lucy’s American Tavern! Lucy’s rustic-chic space features an offering of unique cocktails, a great beer selection, and elevated BBQ inspired pub grub. It’s a great spot to catch any major sports game or their incredible weekend brunch.
What we order:
Mimi - The Big Chicken Little with a Gin & Bear cocktail
Sam - Cubano with a classic Old Fashioned
You don’t want to skip Sweet Life Bakery & Café — a quaint shop with a vibrant mural on one of its exterior walls. Fun fact: the mural is titled Walter Baker’s Mill circa 1900. They draw large crowds during weekends for their impressive menu including breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. Their amazingly good bakery treats are must-haves for those who love their coffee with confections and pastries.
Speaking of love for sweets, the seasonal Ice Creamsmith is divine! A neighborhood staple, it has been making 10 flavors of homemade ice cream in small batches since forever. Their usual flavors are sweet cream, mocha, chocolate chip, strawberry, a selection of frozen yogurt and dairy-free sorbets, and various treats and beverages like old-fashioned banana splits, cream sodas, and floats, as well as ice cream cakes, pies, and cupcakes.
Boston Harbor Distillery is located in a pre-civil war era building sitting at the Port on Boston Harbor. The distillery itself is a historical wonder having been a place that produced war materials, racing ships, ice cream, and now craft spirits! Its cozy space even pays tribute to Boston’s rich history through the myriad of old photographs and city maps. They even honored the building’s legacy by giving some of its crafted spirits the names of those who used to work there, such as Putnam New England Rye Whiskey and Lawley’s Small Batch Rum.
Lastly, there’s the muy delicioso Yellow Door Taqueria. Featuring an inviting vintage vibe, the restaurant is well known for their tasty tacos on homemade tortillas and extensive drink menu with incredible margaritas and range of tequilas.
Explore
If you were to ask us for just 3 things to do in Dorchester that are off the beaten track, there are 3 gems that come to mind: First, walk the Neponset River Reservation. Many people that live in Dorchester do not know that it's there and/or have never had the chance to walk it. There are gorgeous birds and a beautiful river.
Second, go on the Ashmont Hill house tour. This will allow you to go into a bunch of stunning old homes that will surely blow you away. It's such a great way to check out homes from the late 1800s. Finally, check out The Dorchester Historical Society and if you can, go to an open house there. The inside of the barn is impressive plus it is wonderful to see nearly 4 centuries' worth of Dorchester’s history.
Finally, we would like to include one of Dorchester’s much-loved mainstays. Lopez the Florist has been helping people make their loved ones feel special for more than a hundred years and still receiving 5-star reviews from their patrons.
If you’re a dog owner and searching for a wide open space with grass, water views and other dog friends, make sure to hit up Victory Park at the Dorchester Shores Reservation.
Dogs can socialize, swim, run and play while dog parents can walk trails, sit on benches or just enjoy the view.
With bowling lanes for tenpins and candlepins, an arcade, billiard tables and innovative cocktails, Boston Bowl is the premiere destination in Dorchester’s Port Norfolk neighborhood to eat, drink and play with friends!
Local real estate market
Dorchester has become a highly desirable neighborhood due to its proximity and accessibility to downtown, diverse and energetic cultures, spacious real estate and consistent growth.
Interested in learning more about neighborhoods in the southern part of Dorchester? Send us as email! A few members of The RP Group live here and would love to tell you what it’s all about!
Email: rpgroup@compass.com | Phone: 207-751-1500