Hungry? Forgo South Boston's Irish pubs and gritty bars, hop on the Red Line and bring your appetite. It's time to explore this ‘hood’s culinary culture. New restaurants have opened in 2015, joining a few stellar ones that have been quietly holding their own for the last few years. Australian, Mexican, Polish, and locally grown are among the standouts. Ready? Let’s go!
KO Pies
First stop: KO Pies. This five-year-old shop owned by Sam Jackson sells personal-sized Aussie-style meat pies hot from the oven, as well as other treats like sausage rolls and spicy barbecued shrimp. Our favorites for fillings falls to the beef with cheese or the curried vegetable.
87 A St., South Boston, 617.269.4500
Moonshine 152
Asia Mei, formerly chef at Sam’s at Louis, just opened this late-night rendezvous, her first as owner. Modern and fun, the menu focuses on eclectic street food-style fare, like dirty fried rice, mushroom tofu burgers and Korean barbecue short-rib tacos.
152 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, 617.269.1003
American Provisions
Meet Southie’s gourmet market with a passion for artisan cheese and charcuterie. Shop around for a snack, or order a sandwich to take for lunch, like The Grilled Pig: ham, brie and French butter on fresh baguette.
613 E. Broadway, South Boston, 617.269.6100
Tasty Burger
Tasty Burger’s South Boston location hawks hamburgers and shakes to go only, but this place, from The Franklin Cafe, ain’t no Mickey D’s. Flat patties are made by hand from certified humane beef, and all sauces are made in-house. $20 gets you a sack of five.
69 L St., South Boston
Local 149
We can think of another place ‘where everybody knows your name’ but this is also certainly true of this hangout. Always crowded, but for good reason: food made from scratch that you can’t help but gobble up. Mussels with blue cheese and brandy, anyone? The craft cocktails are awesome, too.
149 P St., South Boston, 617.269.0900
The Paramount
There's nothing scanty about the dishes served up at this comfort food hot spot that has been a Beacon Hill go-to for years. Its second location in Southie carries on the Paramount's tradition of all-day breakfast (think: Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit) and hearty lunches off the grill, which you order at the pass. Full-service dinner is slightly more sophisticated and every bit as delicious.
667 E. Broadway, South Boston, 617.269.9999
Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar
Tacos meets raw bar at this tiny, newly opened corner spot. Flavor combinations take a starring role, especially in the charred pineapple guacamole, the diver scallop ceviche and the Brazilian seafood stew.
412 W. Broadway, South Boston, 617.917.5626
Café Polonia
A neighborhood mainstay for nearly 15 years and the veteran of our list, this colorful restaurant features handmade touches and honors Poland's stick-to-your-ribs fare with traditional dishes like potato pancakes with smoked salmon, broiled kiszka, stuffed cabbage and a variety of pierogi.
611 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, 617.269.0110