Boston/Dorchester

Due to Dorchester's large size it can be helpful for the traveller to think of it in two halves, north and south. The northern half is more traditionally urban. Houses are packed tightly together, people walk everywhere, all accompanied by the traffic and street noise one might expect. Due to its proximity to downtown, the majority of new development is taking place here as well. A huge cineplex, mall expansion, and many new condos are under construction as of 2016. The southern half, by contrast, continues to retain a more suburban feel. City lots are a bit roomier, large condo buildings become less common while trees become more prevalent. Driving is slightly less stressful and even necessary in some areas. Stitching these two halves together is Dorchester Ave. Running from South Boston to Milton, Dot Ave is by far the neighborhood's most powerful connector of people and places. Yes, the big draw here is JFK Presidential Library, but to really experience Dorchester you should allow some time to investigate the people and places along this main street.

Neighborhoods

Again, Dorchester is huge. If it were an independent city, it would be the 4th largest in the state. Consider this a severely abridged list of just a few of the areas you may be interested in visiting. Also take these names with a pinch of salt. In a place this old, it can feel like every intersection has a special name or used to be called something else.

• Ashmont: The general area around Ashmont station has been transformed in recent years, showcasing a rebuilt train station in 2011 and several new shops and restaurants. The residential hills to the east and west of the station have deep Irish-American roots, and boast some of the finest houses anywhere in the city. The Kennedys' family home was in this area. Ashmont is also one of the few areas in the south Dorchester where some mid-rise buildings have been going up. It remains to be seen what type of impact they will have on the neighborhood. You might also hear this area called Ashmont Hill or Peabody Square. Another neighborhood, Adams Village, is very close by and has a similar Irish color.
• Fields Corner: A variety of cultures meet and shop in this bustling commercial district. Conveniently clustered shops selling a vast array of goods draw shoppers from nearby African-American, Vietnamese, and Irish enclaves. During the warmer months the community park is in almost constant use with kids playing baseball, neighborhood festivals, or families barbecuing. This area could also be considered the center of the Vietnamese community in Boston. You can find many Vietnamese restaurants, places of worship, and community centers in the vicinity.
• Lower Mills: On the shores of the Neponset River and functioning as Boston's southern gateway, Lower Mills is decidedly upmarket. Once the heart of chocolate manufacturing in the region, many picturesque old factory buildings have been painstakingly restored and converted into hundreds of luxury condos. Following the arrival of new residents, new and old retailers alike have wasted no time updating their offerings in order to cater to this expanding community. Lower Mills is also a great area to get outdoors. Bike or walk along miles of trails and paved paths to check out some of the best green space Boston has to offer.
• South Bay: Not an official neighborhood per se, but worth noting with all the construction going on in the area. This part of Dorchester is by far its largest commercial district. Anchored by big box stores like Target, Home Depot, and Best Buy among many others. Its proximity to South Boston and the South End make it a neighborhood crossroads of sorts, and developers are pouring money in. It's surprisingly easy to drive here, due to the large parking lot and interstate highway nearby.

By public transit

The T's Red Line runs frequent service to much of Dorchester. Trains run about every 8 minutes, more during rush hour and less often at night. JFK/UMass, Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut, and Ashmont stations all provide the neighborhood with convenient links to downtown Boston. Be aware that the Red Line splits into two separate branches at JFK/UMass, so make sure you board an Ashmont bound train! JFK/UMass also provides Dorchester with its only connection to several South Shore commuter rail lines. Trains on the Greenbush, Kingston, and Middleborough/Lakeville lines stop here. On the western border with Roxbury, the Fairmount commuter rail has stations at Newmarket, Uphams Corner, Four Corners/Geneva, and Talbot Avenue. This line runs on an infrequent schedule, around once an hour, but the city planned to increase service by 2018.
Ashmont station is the terminus of the Red Line, as well as the Ashmont-Mattapan High Speed Line. This is a quaint 1940s era trolly system that locals continue to use everyday as they go about their business. The trolley stops in Cedar Grove, and Butler before continuing on to Milton and Mattapan. Ashmont is also the largest bus depot in Dorchester. From here the #21, #22 and #23 busses run to different points along the Orange Line. Lines #215, #217, #240, #245 are less frequent and run to Quincy and Milton. While the #27 runs to Mattapan. There are a few other bus connections from Fields Corner and JFK/UMass that also run to the Orange Line. There is even a bus (#18) that runs up and down Dorchester Ave, but good luck with that. There are no bus connections from Savin Hill or Shamut stations.

By car

Dorchester is generally more car friendly than other neighborhoods in Boston. Many commercial areas have free parking lots close by, and parking on street is usually not a hassle. One particular challenge here can be driving on Dorchester Avenue. This thoroughfare can be crowded at all times, and for no apparent reason. If you are aren't stopping locally consider either Morrissey Boulevard, or Route 93 as alternatives. Remember the further north you go the more congestion you face, so keep that in mind when making updates to your itinerary. In the south a car can be beneficial, as some sights are further apart and away from train stations.

Colonial

• James Blake House

  phone: +1 617 293-3052
  address: 735 Columbia Rd
  Most locals drive right on by the James Blake House, the oldest house in Boston. Built circa 1661 and owned by the Dorchester Historical Society, the house is one of the only remaining examples of post-Medieval timber-frame construction in the United States. The home remained in the Blake family until being sold in 1825. The next family held on to the property for 70 years until selling it to the city. Shortly thereafter, the house was moved 400 yards to its current location to save it from demolition.

• The Pierce House

  phone: +1 617 288-6041
  address: 24 Oakton Avenue
  Ten generations of the Pierce family called this house a home, from its construction in 1683 until it was turned into a museum in 1968. This is not the house of a wealthy merchant, this is where working class colonists (and later Americans) lived out their lives. Touring the home today offers a unique journey through centuries of American history. You can see how the home was adapted over time to fit the needs of each new generation of occupants. Some original features remain, much of it wooden, surprisingly. On street parking available.

• William Clapp House

  phone: +1 617 265-7802
  address: 195 Boston Street
  This stately home was built in 1806 for William Clapp, son of Captain Lemuel Clapp, whose (1767) house still stands just around the corner. The William Clapp house is also the headquarters for the Dorchester Historical Society, it's open to the public once a month for tours. Fun fact: the Clapp family were prolific pear cultivators in their day, it's actually where much of their wealth came from. If you're into pears, you may have even eaten one of their creations; "Clapp's Favorite Pear" is still in production today. In 2007, a giant bronze pear statue was installed just south of here to commemorate the areas history as an orchard. So if you happen to notice it, now you know.

Museums

• JFK Presidential Library and Museum

  phone: +1 617 514-1600
  address: Columbia Point
  The JFK Presidential Library and Museum opened in 1979, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei who called it "the most important commission in my life". Visitors walk through exhibits in roughly chronological order. Starting with Kennedy on the campaign trail, and moving through the Cuban missile crisis, the space race, and civil rights issues. A dark claustrophobic hallway shows the events on the day of his assassination, before delivering you to a massive glass atrium of light and air. It's really quite moving. A more than worthwhile visit for those with an appreciation of American history, the museum can be toured in half a day.

• The Kennedy Institute

  phone: +1 617 740-7000
  address: 210 Morrissey Blvd
  This political museum offers a variety of engaging interactive exhibits relating to Sen. Edward Kennedy's life, as well as the history of the American senate. A huge digital screen invites you to draft and pass a law (and tricks you into learning along the way)! While other exhibits deal with the current political issues affecting Washington today.

• Commonwealth Museum

  phone: +1 617 727-9268
  address: 220 Morrissey Blvd
  This often overlooked museum does a pretty good job bringing centuries old documents to life. Several exhibits showcase the State's own copies of the Declaration of Independence & Bill of Rights, the original Mass Bay Colony charter from 1629, and of course the requisite ephemera from Paul Revere and John Hancock. This place is not on a lot of to-do lists, but it's definitely worth stopping in if you're doing the JFK Museum already.

Parks

• Pope John Paul II Park Reservation

  phone: +1 617 727-6034
  A large park on the shores of the Neponset River, it has walking trails, soccer fields, and playgrounds for kids. Several miles of scenic bike trails run along the river (and away from traffic) and all the way out to Mattapan square. In the summer you can see people walking their dogs, flying kites, or kayaking in the river. It's a good place to relax or take a picnic under the shelters. Birdwatchers take note, the city has restored a large salt marsh and the area is now much more attractive to wildlife. Today it isn't uncommon to see snowy egrets and great blue herons taking advantage of the "new" native trees and shrubs.

• Savin Hill Beach

  address: 68 Denny St
  So you actually can go swimming here, but no one ever does. Honestly in the 21st century the cold is a far greater deterrent than the pollution used to be. Nevertheless, this a great spot to go for a walk, a picnic, or just to take in the harbor views. It also doesn't get the foot traffic you might expect, given these beaches proximity to the T.

• Boston Bowl

  phone: +1 617 825-3800
  address: 820 William T Morrissey Blvd
  24-hour bowling extravaganza. Deadwood Brewery and Café located on premises. They offer a fun regionalism, candlepin bowling.

• HallSpace

  phone: +1 617 288-2255
  address: 950 Dorchester Ave
  A contemporary art gallery exhibiting work by both emerging artists and established but under-recognized artists. View the website to see the current exhibition.

• The Strand Theatre

  phone: +1 617 635-1403
  address: 543 Columbia Rd
  A constant stream of community programming, film, art, and dance come through this stately 100 year old building. During the day it focuses on youth arts and education.

• AMC South Bay Center 12

  phone: +1 617 606-3219
  address: 25 District Ave
  Built in 2018, this cineplex offers all mod cons.

• Lambert's Rainbow Fruit

  phone: +1 617 436-2997
  address: 777 William T Morrissey Blvd
  High quality selection of fruits, veggies, meats and sundries. Big salad bar and to go hot bar as well. Seasonal plants available out front, and don't miss the tasty ice cream next door! Great old school New England feeling "Superette".

• Stitch House Dorchester

  phone: +1 617 265-8013
  address: 846 Dorchester Ave
  If you want yarn, this is the place to go. Offers classes for sewing, knitting and other trades of the needle.

• South Bay Center

  address: 8 Allstate Road
  A variety of big box stores line the perimeter of this giant open air mall, updated in 2018. Longtime retailers like Best Buy, Marshalls, and Target have been joined by a Nike store, Forever 21, and Ulta Beauty. Several restaurants are opening up too; from burgers, to ramen, to something a little more upscale.

The diversity of Dorchester is clearly reflected in its restaurants. Some of the best Vietnamese in the city can be found near Fields Corner. While Dorchester's western border serves dishes from Cape Verde, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, among other island nations. Scattered throughout the neighborhood, traditional Irish pubs rest comfortably alongside recently renovated bistros. This area is often less expensive than the rest of Boston, and food prices reflect that.

Budget

• The Ice Creamsmith

  phone: +1 617 296-8567
  address: 2295 Dorchester Ave
  Homemade ice cream is sold on the premises for over 35 years, making it a local landmark. The special flavors include peach, black raspberry, ginger, lemon custard, pumpkin, and more. Remember, in New England order a "frappe" if you want a milkshake. Look for a line to the door most nights, but the ice cream is worth it.

• Greenhills Irish Bakery

  phone: +1 617 825-8187
  address: 780 Adams St.
  Looking for authentic Irish bread, food, and people? Look no further than Greenhills. With real Irish bakers on the premises, make sure to buy the Irish Soda Bread and local pastries.

• Paraiso Restaurant

  phone: +1 617 265-7067
  address: 750 Dudley St
  Casual tidy restaurant focusing on Dominican cuisine.

• Borinquen Bakery & Café

  phone: +1 617 282-2500
  address: 112 Stoughton St
  Small Puerto Rican café offering sandwiches and cakes among other authentic fare. Served on freshly baked bread, the Pernil in particular runs out quick.

• home.stead Bakery & Café

  phone: +1 617 533-7585
  address: 1448 Dorchester Ave
  Delicious baked goods made daily, both the sweet and savory varieties. Also serving up high octane morning beverages and more substantial sandwiches. Free Wi-Fi. Artwork from local artists adorns the walls.

• Anh Hong

  phone: +1 617 265-8889
  address: 291 Adams St
  High quality traditional Vietnamese dishes served in basic surroundings. Your stomach will be impressed by the food, but your eyes will not be impressed by the decor.

• Pho Hoa

  phone: +1 617 287-9746
  address: 1370 Dorchester Ave
  Good quality sit down casual restaurant. The pho is excellent (of course), and so are the vermicelli bowls.

• Banh Mi Ba Le

  phone: +1 617 265-7171
  address: 1052 Dorchester Ave
  Great little Vietnamese carry out restaurant and grocery store. Specializing in banh mi sandwiches and bubble tea. You can find many other delicacies for takeaway too. Friendly family business with good customer service.

• Jerk

  address: 310 Bowdoin St
  Behind a nondescript storefront in a little visited corner of Boston intrepid travelers can find some great jerk chicken and other Jamaican staples.

Mid-range

• Singh's Roti Shop

  phone: +1 617 282-7977
  address: 692 Columbia Rd
  An interesting and flavorful combination of West Indian and Caribbean cuisines. The owners are extremely friendly and can make suggestions and adjust spice levels to taste. Watch out, these roti's are enormous!

• Shanti Taste of India

  phone: +1 617 929-3900
  address: 1111 Dorchester Ave
  Though used by most locals as the local Indian delivery restaurant, it has a great atmosphere, local artist paintings, and great authentic Indian food. Dinners are usually quiet, with about 15 tables. Two other locations in Cambridge and Roslindale.

• Sweet Life Bakery & Café

  phone: +1 617 696-6510
  address: 2243 Dorchester Ave
  Great bakery and café serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Many flavors of macarons in addition to other little sweet treats for takeaway as well.

• Landmark Public House

  phone: +1 617 982-3000
  address: 772 Adams St

• McKenna's Cafe

  phone: +1 617 825-8218
  address: 109 Savin Hill Ave

• Cesaria

  phone: +1 617 282-1998
  address: 266 Bowdoin St
  Traditional Cape Verdean cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with occasional live music.

Splurge

• Lower Mills Tavern

  phone: +1 857 267-4461
  address: 2269 Dorchester Ave
  Cosy restaurant opened in 2016 serving high quality basics. Good beer & cocktails list, service, and ambiance. Menu changes seasonally, most ingredients are of course locally sourced.

• The Blarney Stone

  phone: +1 617 436-8223
  address: 1509 Dorchester Ave
  A large restaurant in Fields Corner serving seasonal American cuisine, it has a good variety of delicious entrees and a nice beer and wine list. The Blarney Stone was the first bar in America to sell draft Guinness. Parking can be found on the street.

• Ashmont Grill

  phone: +1 617-825-4300
  address: 555 Talbot Ave
  Art abounds in this lively restaurant with a varied menu. Featuring everything from a reasonable burger and fries, to skillfully prepared pastas and fresh fish dishes.

• Tavolo Ristorante

  phone: +1 617-822-1918
  address: 1918 Dorchester Ave
  An Italian restaurant opened by the same chef/owner as Ashmont Grill, it features good pasta, pizza, and specials along with a Wednesday Tour of Italy featuring different regions of Italian cuisine. The bar has cocktails, a good wine selection, and some excellent draft beer.

• dbar

  phone: +1 617 265-4490
  address: 1236 Dorchester Ave
  A trendy and casual restaurant in Savin Hill, the menu by executive chef Christopher Coombs has a French twist that changes seasonally. Some entrees use ingredients grown on the rooftop garden. The bar has an extensive mixed drink menu and wine list. Dbar regularly hosts parties and late night events, including Showtunes Tuesdays. Cozy outdoor patio seating is located in back. Parking is available, however the lot can often be at capacity.

• The Banshee Pub

  phone: +1 617 436-9747
  address: 934 Dorchester Ave
  An Irish sports pub where the primary focus is on soccer and rugby, however all sports can be found on their televisions throughout the week. The Banshee has two floors and ten screens so that you don't need to miss a second of the action. Cheer on local soccer teams such as the U.S. National Team and the New England Revolution or watch the games of your favorite English and Scottish football clubs here. This place also happens to be the place to go on Sunday if you are a Green Bay Packers fan. Good set of beers on draft and quality food worth checking out.

• Boston Harbor Distillery Tour & Tasting

  phone: +1 617 533-7001
  address: 12R Ericsson St
  Tours and tastings every Saturday at the Boston Harbor Distillery. An old manufacturing warehouse has been tastefully updated into a wonderful rustic waterfront drinking environment. See and learn how these spirits are made. Spirits include Putnam New England Rye Whiskey, Lawley's New England Spirit, Seymour's Local Roast Coffee Liqueur, Seymour's Boston Cream Liqueur, and the Spirit of Boston Samuel Adams collaborations. Tours run every half hour and include drink tastings at the bar. Distillery also has an exhibit on display of an old Boston map collection in the back gallery. Merchandise, cigars, and spirits can be purchased in the store. Parking is plentiful.

• Boston Winery Tour & Tasting

  phone: +1 617 265-9463
  address: 26 Ericsson St
  Boston's only custom-crush-winery, come here for a wine tasting, to organize a wine social, to take wine classes, or to go through the process of making your own wine with a paid membership. Purchase Boston Winery wine right from their store in an 1800s brick and stone building on the waterfront. See wine being made with your own eyes. Before you head over, check out the website to get info on upcoming events at the winery. Tours will run every hour and aren't scheduled at specific times. Parking is plentiful.

• Dorchester Brewing Company

  phone: +1 617 514-0900
  address: 1250 Massachusetts Ave
  DBco has house brews on a 20-line tap system with even more fresh craft beer from local brewing partners and regional collaborators. You have the option of a tasting flight, a full pour, or crowlers to go. They contract out some of their space to other local brewers, so there is always something different to try out. The tap room offers board and party games, food trucks, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor patio, and DBco merchandise to wear out the door. This is a great space for beer lovers to hang out, meet new people, drink beer, play games, and get some work down. Brewery tours are not yet available but should be in the near future.

• Eire Pub

  phone: +1 617 436-0088
  address: 795 Adams St
  Historic Irish pub in the Adams Village neighborhood. Politicians like Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and many who are lesser known have stopped by during their campaigns. You can't go wrong with corned beef and a Guinness.

Coffee

• Flat Black Coffee Shop

  phone: +1 617 298-1800
  address: 1170 Washington St
  A local coffee company with several other locations in downtown Boston. This one just happens to be the one that started it all. The owner and store managers roast their own coffee on site, producing micro batches of organic coffee. The shops regularly have local artists on the walls, with fresh pastries and bread for sale as well. Highly recommended for coffee and pastries.

• Reign Drink Lab

  phone: +1 617 863-7353
  address: 1370 Dorchester Ave
  Artisanal coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Nitro cold brews with Vietnamese inspired condensed milk sweeteners. Several varieties of tea and boba.

Budget

• Comfort Inn - Boston

  phone: +1 617 287-9200
  address: 900 William T Morrissey Blvd
  A somewhat more affordable option than hotels downtown, this is a convenient location for its proximity to UMass Boston and the JFK Presidential Library & Museum. Expect to drive into downtown.

• Ramada - Boston

  phone: +1 617 287-9100
  address: 800 William T Morrissey Blvd

Mid-range

• Holiday Inn Express - Boston

  phone: +1 617 288-3030
  address: 69 Boston St

• DoubleTree Club by Hilton Hotel Boston Bayside

  phone: +1 617-822-3600
  address: 240 Mt Vernon St
  This hotel also offers daily complimentary shuttle service to downtown Boston, South Station and the airport.

Splurge

• Courtyard Marriot Boston - South Boston

  phone: +1 617 436-8200
  address: 63R Boston St

There are few chain coffee shops in Dorchester to offer free wi-fi facilities, there are however, many BPL branches here to fill that gap.

• Uphams Corner Branch

  phone: +1 617 265-0139
  address: 500 Columbia Rd

• Fields Corner Branch

  phone: +1 617 436-2155
  address: 1520 Dorchester Ave

• Codman Square Branch

  phone: +1 617 436-8214
  address: 690 Washington St

• Adams Street Branch

  phone: +1 617 436-6900
  address: 690 Adams St

• Lower Mills Branch

  phone: +1 617 298-7841
  address: 27 Richmond St

• Did you get on a Braintree train, instead of Ashmont? Enjoy your trip to the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy.
• Drive or cycle south into Milton for some great hiking options in the enormous Blue Hills Reservation.
• Ride the quaint "High Speed Line", a pre-war trolley connecting Dorchester with Mattapan and Milton.
• Check out Franklin Park, and several colonial sites right next door in Roxbury.
• Head for South Boston and check out all that construction going on in the Seaport.