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.

  • Fox & The KnifeItalian
  • Bar VolpeItalian
  • Cafe PoloniaPolish

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South Boston in Boston

Top things to do in South Boston

  • Fort Independence

    Fort Independence

    4.7 · 1.4k
    Castle

    fort on Castle Island in South Boston, Massachusetts

Where to eat & drink in South Boston

  • Fox & The Knife

    Fox & The Knife

    4.5 · 1.2k
    Italian· $$

    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.

  • Bar Volpe

    Bar Volpe

    4.5 · 470
    Italian· $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

    Cafe Polonia

    4.8 · 1.2k
    Polish· $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

    Esthetic Bean Coffee Shop

    4.8 · 233
    Coffee Shop· $10–20
    Every day
    8 AM – 3 PM
  • Sullivan's Castle Island

    Sullivan's Castle Island

    4.6 · 2.0k
    Hot Dog Stand· $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
  • Croke Park

    Croke Park

    4.5 · 243
    Bar· $10–20

    Self-proclaimed dive bar with graffiti-lined walls offering domestic beer & pool games.

  • Tom English's Cottage

    Tom English's Cottage

    4.5 · 178
    Pub· $1–10
    Mon–Fri
    8 AM – 1 AM
    Sat
    8 AM – 1 AM
    Sun
    10 AM – 1 AM
  • Shamrock Pub

    Shamrock Pub

    4.5 · 142
    Pub· $10–20

    Cozy, Irish-themed haunt with American grill fare, plus sports on TV & weekly live entertainment.

  • Galley Diner

    Galley Diner

    4.7 · 395
    Breakfast· $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

    Doughboy Donuts and Deli

    4.4 · 1.5k
    Donut Shop· $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
  • Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant

    Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant

    4.4 · 2.2k
    American· $20–50

    Modern American comfort dishes plus spirits & craft cocktails in a publike atmosphere.

    Mon–Fri
    10 AM – 2 AM
    Sat
    9 AM – 2 AM
    Sun
    9 AM – 2 AM
  • LULU GREEN

    LULU GREEN

    4.7 · 519
    Vegan· $20–60

    A plant-based restaurant focused on elevating the functional beverage experience and redefining plant-based cooking.

  • Cannonball Cafe

    Cannonball Cafe

    4.6 · 194
    Café & Bakery· $10–20

    A cafe that serves coffee and is open daily, located in Boston.

  • MY DINER

    MY DINER

    4.5 · 750
    Diner· $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

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South Boston map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of South Boston with pinned top attractions (1 through 10)
  1. 1Fox & The Knife
  2. 2Bar Volpe
  3. 3Cafe Polonia
  4. 4Esthetic Bean Coffee Shop
  5. 5Sullivan's Castle Island
  6. 6Croke Park
  7. 7Tom English's Cottage
  8. 8Shamrock Pub
  9. 9Galley Diner
  10. 10Fort Independence

Other areas in Boston

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