Welcome to the South End
The South End is a historic neighborhood known for its tree lined streets, small parks, and its Victorian-style rowhouses, which are recognized as being some of best-preserved examples of 19th-century urban architecture in the United States. This vibrant and diverse community offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and has a growing artist and design community known as SOWA.
What to Love
- Vibrant art and design scene
- Beautifully maintained brownstones
- Pet-friendly green spaces
- Wide variety of restaurants and nightlife
Local Lifestyle
Life in the South End is creative, energetic, with an artsy vibe. Known for its wide selection of restaurants many featuring beautifully landscaped patios. The unique SOWA (South of Washington) district includes artist studios, contemporary art galleries, boutiques, design showrooms, and restaurants. This economically diverse community is welcoming, extremely pet-friendly and is known for its strong LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere. Locals appreciate the small parks with playgrounds scattered about the neighborhood and the easy access to Back Bay, Chinatown, and South Boston.
Dining
The South End has one of the best dining scenes in the entire city of Boston. BAYAN BAR AND REFUGE is an incredible gastropub with a unique and stylish ambiance. Tree-like sculptures float overhead complementing the space’s eclectic vibe and the outdoor patio is one of the best in town.
B&G OYSTERS is a small high-end oyster bar with a hidden patio. Serving only the freshest seafood, B&G Oyster is a popular spot for locals who enjoy a wide range of fish, shellfish, and more.
BAR MEZZANA is run and owned by a power team. It serves coastal Italian cooking in a sleek space with warm hospitality. Serving an award-winning Crudo menu, homemade pasta dishes, and traditional Italian cocktails, this restaurant will not disappoint.
Located in the hip Revolutionary Hotel, COSMICA offers an upscale Mexican menu with creative tequila cocktails. Another draw to this lively restaurant is the large walled dining patio open in the warmer months.
FORMAGGIO KITCHEN is a gourmet market. It carries artisan products from Europe and North America, including small production cheeses, charcuterie, handmade sweets, rare spices, pantry staples, natural wines, craft beers, and freshly baked breads from local bakeries.
BLACKBIRD DOUGHNUTS is an award-winning donut shop with creative twist on classic doughnuts flavors. Baked fresh every day make sure you go early before they sell out. A lunch menu is also available.
Entertainment / Shopping
CALDERWOOD PAVILLION at the Boston Center for the Arts is an expansion of the Huntington Theater. Known as Boston’s leading professional theatre, it has received many awards, including a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. The Calderwood concentrates on new works and provides an inviting atmosphere.
BEEHIVE is hailed by Travel and Leisure, Zagat, and The New York Times. It is a Bohemian eatery and bar set in an eclectic art space with world-class live music. Voted “Top 100 Best Jazz clubs” by Downbeat Magazine this funky venue is a must visit destination.
The annual PRIDE PARADE is a well anticipated event that celebrates diversity, culture, and creativity that wraps up with a large block party.
Independently owned stores are scattered throughout the neighborhood. A few favorites are FLOCK a curated gift and clothing boutique, SAULT for men’s fashion, and LEKKER the large design store that carries Danish furniture and lighting.
Things to Do
SoWa BOSTON, ART AND DESIGN DISTRICT is alive with restaurants, artist studios, 20+ galleries, home decor showrooms, and fashion boutiques. Open on Sundays from May to October the SoWa OPEN MARKET is a happening place to spend your day. Rows of white tents feature a flea market and farmer’s market complete with food trucks and beer garden.
Built in 1891, the SoWa POWER STATION is an enormous event space. Today, the space channels industrial glamour with unique architecture and hosts a variety of events including a Winter Festival and Immersive Art shows.
CYCLORAMA this gorgeous building constructed in 1864. It is a popular venue for musical productions, art exhibitions, and fundraising events.
UNDERGROUND AT INK BLOCK is an 8-acre underpass located between Boston’s South End and South Boston neighborhoods that has been successfully transformed into an active urban park, with world-class street art, dog park, and bike path.
