Things to Do in South Boston, Boston South Boston, or "Southie," has a history tied to mob boss Whitey Bulger and his criminal activities in the 1970s. The neighborhood is undergoing changes, reflecting a shift in its identity from its past.
Plan South Boston Plan your South Boston trip Free · and No sign-up By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026
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Fort Independence ★ 4.7 · 1.4k
fort on Castle Island in South Boston, Massachusetts
Where to eat & drink in South Boston
Fox & The Knife ★ 4.5 · 1.2k· $40–100
The roots of Chef Karen Akunowicz’s pasta empire trace back to this welcoming restaurant in South Boston, where she draws inspiration from her time in Italy.
Every day 4:30 PM – 10 PM
Bar Volpe ★ 4.5 · 492· $50–100
Say hello to your quintessential neighborhood hangout. Armed with two bars, candles flickering on every surface and a menu committed to southern Italy, Chef Karen Akunowicz’s bigger-boned follow-up to Fox & The Knife gets all the little...
Every day 4 PM – 10 PM
Cafe Polonia ★ 4.8 · 1.2k· $20–30
Polish comfort fare includes pierogi, kielbasa, potato pancakes & other classics in a crafty space.
Mon–Thu 12 PM – 9 PM
Fri 12 PM – 10 PM
Sat 11 AM – 10 PM
Sun 11 AM – 9 PM
Esthetic Bean Coffee Shop ★ 4.8 · 236· $10–20
Every day 8 AM – 3 PM
Sullivan's Castle Island ★ 4.6 · 2.1k· $10–20
Circa-1951 shack drawing crowds for fried seafood & more to eat while strolling nearby Pleasure Bay.
Mon–Fri 9:30 AM – 8 PM
Sat 9:30 AM – 8 PM
Sun 9:30 AM – 7 PM
Moonshine 152 ★ 4.7 · 1.2k· $20–30
Laid-back eatery whipping up street foods with regional & Asian flavors, plus a late-night menu.
Mon Closed
Tue–Thu 5 PM – 10 PM
Fri 5 PM – 11 PM
Sat 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Sun 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Layla's American Tavern ★ 4.8 · 614· $20–70
A neighborhood tavern offering modern comfort food, craft cocktails, and local brews.
Mon–Thu 11:30 AM – 1 AM
Fri 11:30 AM – 2 AM
Sat 10 AM – 2 AM
Sun 10 AM – 1 AM
Gray's Hall ★ 4.7 · 127· $30–70
Mon Closed
Tue–Wed 4 PM – 10 PM
Thu–Fri 4 PM – 12 AM
Sat 4 PM – 12 AM
Sun 3 PM – 9 PM
Croke Park ★ 4.5 · 248· $10–20
Self-proclaimed dive bar with graffiti-lined walls offering domestic beer & pool games.
Mon–Fri 10 AM – 2 AM
Sat 10 AM – 2 AM
Sun 12 PM – 2 AM
Shamrock Pub ★ 4.6 · 144· $10–20
Cozy, Irish-themed haunt with American grill fare, plus sports on TV & weekly live entertainment.
Mon–Wed 5 PM – 12 AM
Thu–Fri 5 PM – 1 AM
Sat 12 PM – 1 AM
Sun 12 PM – 10 PM
My Diner ★ 4.5 · 768· $10–20
Straightforward diner open for lunch & breakfast, serving typical comfort food with vegan options.
Mon–Fri 6 AM – 2 PM
Sat 6 AM – 2 PM
Sun 7 AM – 2 PM
Publico Street Bistro ★ 4.5 · 636· $20–30
Latin-accented global dishes go with creative cocktails in a chic space with an atrium-garden bar.
Mon–Fri 11 AM – 1 AM
Sat 10 AM – 1 AM
Sun 10 AM – 1 AM
Galley Diner ★ 4.7 · 397· $10–20
Daytime eatery with photos on the walls known for corned beef hash & other diner-style comfort fare.
Mon–Wed Closed
Thu–Fri 7 AM – 1 PM
Sat 7 AM – 1 PM
Sun 7 AM – 1 PM
Doughboy Donuts and Deli ★ 4.4 · 1.5k· $10–20
Deli-style shop with a variety of donuts & coffee, along with sandwiches, pizza & other casual eats.
Mon–Thu 5 AM – 1 AM
Fri 5 AM – 10 PM
Sat 5 AM – 4 PM
Sun 5 AM – 2 PM
Reign Drink Lab ★ 4.7 · 197· $1–10
Mon–Thu 6 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Fri 6 AM – 8 PM
Sat 8 AM – 1 PM
Sun 8 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 7 PM Planning time in South Boston?
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1 Fox & The Knife 2 Bar Volpe 3 Cafe Polonia 4 Esthetic Bean Coffee Shop 5 Sullivan's Castle Island 6 Moonshine 152 7 Layla's American Tavern 8 Gray's Hall 9 Croke Park 10 Shamrock Pub Ready to plan South Boston? Turn these South Boston picks into a day-by-day Boston plan, with every place checked for closures and booking needs on your dates.
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Fox & The KnifeItalian
Bar VolpeItalian
Cafe PoloniaPolish
