Review: South End

Tell me: What’s this place all about?

Boston's South End is a neighborhood with both spirt and soul. Picturesque streets here reveal the area's mid-to-late-19th century roots with vast collections of Victorian row houses and European-style square and circular parklands. The streets also unearth more recent endeavors in revitalization—the neighborhood was neglected for much of the 20th century until the LGBTQ community began investing in the late nineties. Nowadays, the South End continues to embrace diversity and houses some of the city’s best restaurants, markets, boutiques, and design showrooms plus the best dog parks.

Who comes here?

The South End is far more residential than touristy and that's its charm. You'll dine at insider haunts, cross paths with the neighborhood's surfeit of dogs (and dog walkers) and admire the mix of refinished brownstones, reimagined warehouses, and new construction.

Did it meet expectations?

This neighborhood has the kind of charm that'll make you want to move to Boston. There are so many historic plaques that pique your interest of the neighborhood's past and an abundance of small, hidden art galleries and design showrooms that will keep you searching for more.

So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for?

Art and design aficionados should definitely come here on Sundays, when the South End's SoWa Art & Design District shows off its weekly best. This is when you can visit the treasure-filled SoWa Vintage Market, and browse the expansive, art-filled SoWa Open Market and the SoWa Farmer's Market. Beyond the markets, discover a number of art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques and design showrooms (which are typically open seven days per week). The South End is also a requisite Boston stop for foodies. Try, for example, Black Lamb, an elevated American brasserie that impresses with a sensational raw bar and sublime lobster rolls.