The country’s largest urban Victorian neighborhood boasts art galleries, independent boutiques and some of the city’s best restaurants.
South End’s streets are lined with charming row houses
AQUITAINE
Inspired by the intimate bistros of Paris, this French restaurant has been serving the South End neighborhood for 25 years. Owner and chef Seth Woods’ authentic dishes will surely have your mouth watering—we recommend the Moules Frites, made with thyme and truffle aioli, or the Escargot Bourguignon. 569 Tremont St., aquitaineboston.com
Pair your dozen with a glass from their extensive wine list.
B&G OYSTERS
Celebrate the New England coast with fresh, flavorful seafood. Kick off the night with a dozen oysters before indulging in the decadent lobster roll with cold aioli or hot butter—you won’t regret it. 550 Tremont St., bandgoysters.com
KAVA NEO-TAVERNA
Imagine a night out in the Mediterranean in this charming Greek restaurant. Dazzling small plates perfect for sharing feature tzatziki, feta, fresh vegetables, grilled octopus and more. Save room for the full-grilled Mediterranean sea bass paired with a bottle of white from their selection of Greek wines. 315 Shawmut Ave., kavaneotaverna.com
ILONA
From the pristine coast of the Black Sea to the eastern Mediterranean comes the concept for Ilona, which serves innovative dishes in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Settle down with friends for shareable plates—and don’t miss the Manakish bread, topped with za’atar, olive oil and a wheat bran coating to soak up the sauces. 783 Tremont St., ilonasouthend.com
CLARENDON SQUARE
The Clarendon Square Bed and Breakfast has been around since 1867 when it was constructed by Silas Merrill. Since then, guests can experience the historic aura of the building with a walk through the parlor or library for a glass of wine. Visitors can relax at the rooftop hot tub and enjoy panoramic city views. 198 W. Brookline St., clarendonsquare.com
THE REVOLUTION
With vibrant art in every nook and cranny, like the 65-foot mural by artist Tristan Eaton in the foyer, the Revolution offers a lively retreat in the South End. When you’re finally ready to leave the comfort of their plush beds, be sure to check out the on-site Mexican restaurant Cósmica—enjoy pitchers of sangrias and delicious tacos on their lively patio. 40 Berkeley St., therevolutionhotel.com
SKOAH SOUTH END
At Skoah, facialists specialize in you, starting each session with an in-depth consultation on the status of your skin to find what facial treatments are best—relax into the knowledge that you are in safe hands as they clean, exfoliate and moisturize your face. For a deep clean, schedule the 75-minute Facialiscious Facial. 641A Tremont St., us.skoah.com
ÉTANT
Étant has been keeping Bostonians looking and feeling their best for over 25 years. Trust us—a trip to the spa’s private, calming treatment rooms is a must. Get out the sorest kinks in your muscles with a deep tissue massage, or treat yourself to a soothing full-body treatment like the lavender and rosemary scrub. 524 Tremont St., etant.com
SOPHIE HUGHES
Bringing sophistication and sustainable practices to the South End retail scene, Sophie Hughes specializes in creating breathtaking jewelry pieces. Using only ethically sourced silver, gold and gems, the designer puts together elegant pieces for any occasion—not like we need an affair to splurge on stunning jewelry. 681 Tremont St., sophiehughes.com
ARTEFACT
Located in a revamped car dealership from the 1930s, Artefact houses pieces that are as unique as its location. Shop a host of home decor, from plush designer sofas to statement chandeliers and smaller accessories for your home garden. 1317 Washington St., artefacthome.com
Before hitting your favorite summer destination, stop by SAULT New England for preppy, stylish pieces
SAULT
For over a decade, SAULT has been working to give men more self-confidence, one meticulously curated outfit at a time. Embracing New England style, the store has a wide array of ready-to-wear closet staples, unique vintage finds, and a full men’s apothecary. 577 Tremont St., saultne.com
FRENCHIE WINE BISTRO
Cheers to the night ahead at the quaint Frenchie Wine Bistro. While they certainly have their selection of tasty cocktails, the real star of the show here is the extensive wine list. 560 Tremont St., frenchieboston.com
The Beehive’s Sweet Nuthin cocktail is a mix of mezcal, Aperol, lemon, ginger, agave and rosemary.
THE BEEHIVE
Draped in red, this cozy bar and eatery will spice up any evening with live jazz every Thursday through Sunday. Cheers with one of their creative cocktails, like the Queen Bee—a mix of vodka, elderflower, grapefruit and sparkling wine—while swaying to the music. 541 Tremont St., beehiveboston.com
CYCLORAMA AT BOSTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Created specifically to house a panoramic painting of the Battle of Gettysburg, the space has since evolved into an arena for full Broadway-level productions, as well as events from brands such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès. 539 Tremont St., bostonarts.org
SOWA OPEN MARKET
Every summer Sunday through October, the SoWa Open Market hosts hundreds of vendors, artists and visitors, live performances and tasty food trucks. Find knitted bags, handcrafted jewelry, and so much more among the rows of vendors. 530 Harrison Ave., sowaboston.com
Photography by: JORGE ANTONIO; BRIAN SAMUELS; COURTESY OF SAULT NEW ENGLAND; COURTESY OF THE BEEHIVE
