For decorating inspiration, head to Lekker Home The vignettes are a collection of mid-20th and 21st century pieces from designers such as David Adjaye and Frances Knoll. Paola Navone and Hans Wegner have also been included. The petite Hudson This is also very appealing, with a focus on more traditional items. Smaller scale accessories are perfect for gifts and hostess and housewarming gifts. Nearby More Than Words Bookstore This local institution offers a wide variety of used books, records and gift items. It also provides employment for at-risk youth in the region and acts as a community center for the entire city. Shop for men’s clothes and grooming accessories inspired by outdoor gear and workwear. Sault New EnglandThe modern women’s clothing from boutique brands all over the world at Viola LovelyAnd the contemporary handmade jewelry Michele Mercaldo.
The best of the best galleries The brick-and beam former warehouses and factories of the South of Washington district (also known as SoWa) are now home to artists’ studios. They’re located on the southeastern side of the neighborhood. You can find vintage finds at the underground SoWa Vintage market. Weekends from spring through autumn, you can also visit the outdoor SoWa Vintage Market. SoWa Open Market The event brings together local food trucks and vendors to sell their products in an alfresco environment. The beloved nonprofit offers a chance to experience more local art. Boston Center for the Arts The studios of artists such as and put on colorful exhibitions. Andrae Green Georgina Lewis in a spacious rotunda. If you’re looking for an outdoor art venue walk along the stretch of Underground at Ink Block You can find huge murals, art installations, exercise sessions, and pickleball courts under I-93. There is also a direct route to the Theater District of downtown.
South End Restaurants and Drinking Spots
If you’re looking to eat well, you’ve come to the right place—the neighborhood is among the reasons Boston was named one of our Best Places to Eat in 2026. The James Beard Foundation and many other lists of America’s best food have praised the South End restaurants and chefs. Myers + Chang Asian-inspired dishes include creative interpretations of comfort and street food from Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine, Thai, Vietnamese, and Thai. The dim-sum weekend brunch has become a local favorite. Myers + Chang was co-owned with pastry chef Joanne Chang. Flour Bakery + CafesThe South End has a number of restaurants that are perfect for taking lunch with you on the move or bringing picnic supplies for the nearby Blackstone Square and Franklin Square where you can enjoy the fountains under string lights.
Ken Oringer, chef-restaurateur’s restaurant is bringing fine dining back to the forefront. ToroVisitors from far and wide wait hours for the tapas in Barcelona style, pintxos and Spanish sherries and wines. Check out the newly opened patio. SRVSince 2016, the young chefs who created these small plates inspired by Venetian cuisine have grown in strength. (SRV’s multi-course Arsenale menu for $48 may be the best deal on gourmet dining in town. Chef Douglas Williams Mida Serves seasonal Italian and Italian-inspired dishes in a Scandichic setting. Some of the newer favorites are the coastal Greek food. KaiaIt offers large-format fish and inventive mezze for a taste from the Cyclades right in the heart of Boston.
Perhaps because of its puritanical roots, any place that serves alcohol in Boston also has to have a full menu—so there aren’t straight-up bars here or anywhere else. We’d suggest making a dash for the Beehive Cocktails are not only for the drinks; there is also live music on the patio and large space. Or sports-bar style Cathedral Station is one of the neighborhood’s prime LGBTQ+ hangouts, with pool tables and a terrace that’s especially hopping Sunday afternoons, after the city’s gay sports leagues finish their games—and this summer it’s the perfect spot to make new friends over a frenetic 2026 World Cup match.
