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Neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts
Photo: Vernaccia, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Possessing the largest Victorian row house district in the country, the South End is one of Boston's most popular places. After many homes underwent renovation in the 1960s, upscale restaurants and art galleries sprang up, and the area has attracted a diverse blend of families, young professionals, a gay and lesbian community and a thriving artistic center.
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At one time this route was the only way in or out of Boston. Still an isthmus in the early 17th century, the town was almost entirely surrounded by water. Here at the corner of Washington and E Berkeley streets Mayflower era colonists built gated earthworks to keep out natives and unwanted animals. A gallows stood outside the gate, where thieves and murderers would be executed. These defenses were constantly being improved, especially during the colonial era. As time went on, however, the water was filled in by earth and the gate lost its importance. Today there is no plaque or other signifier of this important spot, only a few signs at the nearby bus station. This noisy street corner could be easily skipped, or it could be a heady spot to contemplate the passage of time.
Founded in Soho, New York, it offers the best selection of contemporary European painters to its clients. M Fine Arts Galerie was established in 2016, continuing the work of Axelle after the previous owner passed away. You will find an ever-evolving selection of new, museum-quality paintings here, due to the exclusive representation of many European artists such as Patrick Pietropoli, Fabienne Delacroix, André Bourrié, Brian Stephens and Diana Nicosia.
This non-profit coordinates multiple spaces in the South End, and is dedicated to hosting original events alongside visual and performing arts. Supports working artists by connecting them to the community, and patrons of the arts. Check the calendar daily for new performances, gallery openings, open studios, and more. The BCA has used the historic Cyclorama as its principal building since its inception in 1970. The city of Boston funded redevelopment costs in an effort to revitalize the South End area and the art scene.
Today owned by Northeastern University, and was the original home of the Boston Bruins. Matthews Arena opened in 1910 and is the oldest multi-purpose athletic building still in use in the world. It has undergone significant renovations over the years, so expect state of the art if you're catching a game here.
Part kitchen, part bookstore, part classroom. Pop in and browse, or reserve one of the 10 seats at Stir far in advance!
Cheap and tasty Ethiopian food.
A great place to have lunch. The menu has a variety of imaginative and delicious sandwiches as well as several prepared dishes changing daily. Appleton also brews very good coffee and carries an eclectic selection of chocolates and snack foods. There is a moderate amount of seating.
This is a wine bar/French and Italian bistro, part of the No. 9 Group of Boston Restaurants (with No. 9 Park and B&G Oysters) serving fresh cuts of premium meat, a healthy variety of cheese, a wide and well-stocked selection of wines, and several house specialties.
This place is very small and quickly gets crowded but it has great food and drinks. One of the only late-night (serves food until 1:45AM) restaurants nearby.
Pizza and Ice Cream Company
Gourmet pizza, calzones and ice cream. Great soup and sandwiches also on the menu.
Spanish tapas restaurant. Unlike other tapas places in the Boston area, which tend to do Spanish fusion cooking, the tapas on the menu here are exactly what you would expect from a taperia in Spain.
Contemporary Indian food near the corner of Tremont St. and Union Park. Fair prices, given the location and living costs of Boston, and the taste is great. They have special "Dinner for 2" package options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, which includes mulligatawny soup, samosas, naan bread, choice of 2 entrées, and choice of dessert.
Small sandwich, pastry, and coffee place located in a not-quite-basement. They can get very busy, but the sandwiches are flavorful and the prices are more than fair for the trendy South End.
Venezuelan.
Basketball fans take note, this spot was owned by Bill Russell, one of the greatest NBA players, and a Boston Celtic from 1956 to 1969. This joint is known for its soul food paired with an R&B and soul soundtrack.
Great pizza, great beer selection and cocktails.
A French bistro with great dinner and weekend brunch. Dinner will run about $120 including drinks, tax and tip. Brunch is much more affordable, around $15-20 a person. Small and slightly cramped, they take reservations for dinner and brunch.
A cute divey hangout right off of Clarendon St. The drinks are fairly cheap, the atmosphere is cozy and kitschy, and the food is delicious. Cash only.
Hard-drinking Irish bar with pub food.
Legendary gay bar, one of Boston's oldest.
Craft cocktails in a faux speakeasy.
South End institution for Jazz and other live music. There used to be scores of these tiny jazz joints all over the area many years ago. Wally's has stayed in business because they're the best. Berkeley students and longtime residents play to a friendly and diverse crowd. If you have a bad time here, that's on you!
Good mixed drinks and an extensive list of beers on tap.
Eclectic coffee shop with cozy decor and covered outdoor seating. Limited indoor space so arrive early if you're planning on grabbing a seat. Fantastic baked-goods and free Wi-Fi.
Basic rooms accommodating one to four people depending on size. Shared bathrooms on each floor; the suites (up to four people) have private baths.
Good quality hotel, but be warned it's right on the methadone mile. You won't really even notice if you're taking cabs everywhere, but this might not be the right choice for everyone.
Four guest rooms and one bedroom apartment, offered for short term stays or rental by the week or month. Gorgeous old restored four-story Victorian brick townhouse. All rooms with private baths, A/C, and free WiFi.
Victorian building with 7 furnished units, offering short term and long term stays. Equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi.
A 19th century Victorian row-house with many original finishings. 2 en-suite rooms, each with a private bath, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. The house has been retrofitted with central air-conditioning.
The SoWa Open Market is a vibrant collection of open air markets featuring over 150 local artisans, farmers, specialty food vendors and food trucks. This weekly event draws many thousands of visitors from across New England and beyond. The Market has four main components, the vintage market, the arts market, the farmer's market, and everyone's favorite, the beer & wine garden. This is In addition to the scores of everyday retailers, and highbrow art galleries housed in the surrounding buildings. This event is so popular, all nearby restaurants will have multi-hour table waits, and streets become almost impassable to vehicles. Yes, even your Uber will have a hard time picking you up here, so be prepared to walk.
Clothing boutique.
Secondhand / thrift store with proceeds going to fight AIDS. This one has some pretty fancy stuff owing to its location.
Expensive antique shop focusing on Asian and early American ceramics.
More affordable knick-knacks and decor crafted by area artists. Locally owned.
Custom and ready to wear high end jewelry.
A range of artisanal and designer jewelry from artists with various aesthetics.
Thousands of books line the walls of this bright, inviting space. A non-profit run by at risk youth and their mentors, training teens in business and professional skills.
By foot
This is really the best way to see this minute neighborhood, barely over a mile across. As a point of reference, traversing the neighborhood would take the average person less than 30 minutes on foot.
By car
Strongly not recommended. There are no parking garages in the South End, and virtually all on street parking is resident only.
By bike
If you're coming from Jamacia Plain or Roxbury, the Southwest Corridor bike path paralleling the Orange Line is a handy way to cycle to Ruggles.
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Boston · International · BOS
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