South Boston
Isenberg Projects Neighborhood Guide
Sharing borders with Downtown, South End, and Dorchester, South Boston, or “Southie” to the locals, is a harbor-facing neighborhood that has seen a vast transformation over the past decade. Historically known as a working class, Irish-Catholic neighborhood, more and more young professionals and families have made Southie their home in recent years.
As a result, South Boston has seen increasing interest from developers to reimagine the uses of now defunct factories and plants along the water. Further inland South Boston is filled with charming residential row houses with new housing developments peppered in between. New restaurant concepts and recreational activities abound to cater to newer residents, but classic Irish pubs still have a home in the area.
Here at Isenberg Projects we know that Southie is one of the best neighborhoods to have a seaside adventure without ever leaving the city, indulge in an evening of pickleball, or grab dinner and drinks. Read on for some of our favorite things to do in South Boston.
Image Credit: SBNDC
Eat
From classic Irish pubs to classy restaurants for a night out, there’s something for almost every taste in Southie. Our team suggests Bar Volpe, Telegraph Hill, Fromage, rooftop-bar Six West, and Southie Cookie for a sweet treat. Here are a few more of our picks:
Credit: Boston Voyager
American Provisions
A local grocer, sandwich spot, and café offering cheeses, charcuterie, spirits, and natural wines. American provisions curates high-quality products from artisanal makers, perfect for lunch or creating gift boxes.
613 East Broadway
Credit: Fox & the Knife/Brian Samuels
Fox & the Knife
A restaurant that serves up casual, contemporary Italian fare with specialty cocktails. Inspired by Chef Karen Akunowicz’s time in Modena, Italy, Fox & the Knife feels fitting for special occasions and a regular night out. The staff is friendly, and dishes are simple but perfectly cooked.
28 West Broadway
Credit: Boston Voyager
Moonshine 152
Moonshine 152 lives up to the “Southie’s living room” sentiment by serving up unique spins on Asian comfort foods and New England classics. Swing by for brunch on the weekends or a relaxed dinner during the week. You might even catch chef and owner Asia Mei walking around as she says hi and serves up food in between cooking.
152 Dorchester Ave
Credit: Fox & the Knife/Brian Samuels
Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar
Southern Comfort food in the heart of Boston and an interior not dissimilar to a rustic lodge, Hunter’s Kitchen and Bar is a unique spot in Southie boasting delicious food and craft cocktails, and live music everyday.
110 Dorchester St
Credit: Gray’s Hall
IP’s Featured Pick: Gray’s Hall
A 2019 addition to Southie’s food + beverage scene: natural wine bar Gray’s Hall. A sophomore project from the team at American Provisions, Gray’s Hall has a limited food menu (don’t sleep on the cheeseburger) but an extensive natural wine list, spanning Mendocino, Serbia, and Sicily. Looking for a party? Keep an eye on their Instagram for art shows, DJ sets, and tasting events.
615 East Broadway
Visit
Southie is a seaside neighborhood and M Street/Carson Beach are popular neighborhood spots for walking at all times of the year and for sunning and swimming during the summertime. Here are some of our other favorite spots to visit around the neighborhood.
Credit: Distillery North
Distillery Gallery
Distillery Gallery is a contemporary art space housed in the Distillery, a former rum warehouse turned apartments and artist studios. The gallery hosts exhibitions from the Distillery’s own artist community as well as artists around the northeast. Gallery shows run a month at a time so there’s always something new to see at the dynamic space. If you go before 3pm make sure to stop my My Diner on the opposite end of the building for breakfast and lunch comfort foods.
516 East 2nd St
Credit: In Good Company
In Good Company
Owned by business and life partners Kait McKenna and Em Radkowski, In Good Company is a gift shop with heart. The small business sells carefully curated handcrafted goods for every occasion from pottery, earrings, apparel and more. In Good Co. is intended not only to be a gift shop, but also a space where neighborhood residents can come to find community and support. Keep an eye on their Instagram for shop updates, pop-ups, and future events.
653 East Bdy
Credit: TCLF
Moakley Park
This South Boston Park claims views of the city and happens to be a stone throw away from Carson Beach. A popular spot for locals and neighborhood athletes, Moakley Park has ball fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, a running track, and tennis courts. Moakley Park is planned to undergo a major transformation in the coming years to improve waterfront resiliency.
1005 Columbia Rd
Credit: Do617
Castle Island
“A walk at Castle Island + Hot dogs at Sullivans is all you need to know” is what one of our team members says about this pick and this guide is inclined to agree. Castle Island was once the site of Revolutionary War action, with Fort Independence (the eighth of the “castles” built on the spot) being built after the British burnt it down. The fort is now closed to the public, except via tour, but visitors love walking the Harborwalk Trail, going to Castle Island Beach, lounging and playing in the grass nearby. Grabbing beach stand favorites and seafood at “Sully’s” is a must.
2010 William J Day Blvd
Do
We’d be remiss if this guide didn’t mention the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Southie– it’s one of the largest in the country and one of the most well attended events in Boston. However, St. Patrick’s is only once a year. From recreational spots like candlepin bowling at Southie Bowl or rock climbing at Rockspot Climbing to presidential libraries and dumpling classes we’ve got you covered on things to do in South Boston.
Credit: Aram Boghosian
IP’s Project in the Neighborhood: Recreation Station
A lending library on the Pappas Way Green, a visit down to Recreation Station is one of our favorite things to do (we might be biased). The Recreation Station is filled with equipment– think hula hoops, jump rope, frisbees, soccer balls, yoga mats, and more– free for use from 7am to 7pm. Enjoy the contents of the Station, walk along the Pappas Way path, or simply sit on the available outdoor furniture and enjoy the view of the water.
Click here to learn more about our role in the creation of Rec Station.
Reserved Channel Basin, Pappas Way
Credit: Alan Ward
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Technically this is in Dorchester but a nice day warrants a bike ride to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum which is connected to South Boston via the Harborwalk. In addition to being a repository of JFK related artifacts and exhibitions, the architecture of the 35th president’s library designed by I.M. Pei, is art itself and commands impressive views of Dorchester Bay.
Columbia Point
Credit: Edible Boston
Dumpling class at Mei Mei Dumpling Factory
Southie based restaurant Mei Mei is part Dumpling restaurant and café and part school, offering dumpling making classes both virtually and in-person. Visitors can choose between public classes, private lessons, as well as kid friendly experiences. Classes are two hours and students walk away with new cooking skills and a whole lot of dumplings.
58 Old Colony Ave
Credit: Boston Eater
Pickleball at PKL
Try your hand at a few rounds of pickleball at PKL, South Boston’s own Pickleball Parlour. The courts are available for rent per hour, and PKL offers a variety of leagues that cater to multiple skill levels if you find that you want to make a long term commitment to pickleballing. If you’re less into that, PKL frequently hosts events including trivia and live music. Additionally, there’s an option to buy food from their kitchen and bar’s brunch, lunch, and dinner menus which makes it great for an active outing.
604 Columbus Ave
Organizations
A spotlight of a few of the organizations active in the Southie community.
Credit: Boston Herald
South Boston Community Health Center
South Boston Community Health Center is a non-profit providing quality healthcare services to Southie residents regardless of their ability to pay. SBHC has their main facilities on Broadway as well as a new clinic, South Boston Health Seaport, in the Seaport neighborhood.
409 W Bdy
Credit: SBNH
South Boston Neighborhood House
The South Boston Neighborhood House aka The Ollie is a neighborhood organization that has provided services to South Boston residents since its founding in 1901 originally as a settlement house. They have carried out the legacy of that mission through their age inclusive programming.
36 H St, South Boston
Credit: Julie’s Family Learning Program
Julie’s Family Learning Program
Julie’s Family Learning Program provides free supportive programs and educational services to disadvantaged mothers, children, and underserved learners to advance their educational credentials and workplace skills to reach their goals.
133 Dorchester St
Credit: Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club
Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club
The Edgerley Family South Boston Club, Southie’s Boys & Girls Club Branch, is an out-of-school time program that gives young people access to academic help, college and career guidance, arts, technology, athletics, leadership, and more.
230 W 6th St
Explore Other Neighborhood Guides
After years of producing experiences, living, and digging deep in the city of Boston, we like to think that we know our way around. The Isenberg Projects Neighborhood Guides series is here to help you discover your next favorite place to eat, play and everything in between.
Chinatown
Released January 2025
Dorchester
Released December 2024
Jamaica Plain
Released October 2024