More Maps

15 Essential Bakeries Around Boston

15 Essential Restaurants in Provincetown

15 Essential Sandwiches Around Boston

More in Boston See more maps

Soak Up Boston's History at These 25 Classic Restaurants and Bars

In honor of Classics Week, these are 25 of Boston's most classic restaurants, including some truly old specimens.

by Katie Chudy Jan 26, 2015, 10:00am EST

View as Map

by Katie Chudy Jan 26, 2015, 10:00am EST

In honor of Classics Week, these are 25 of Boston's most classic restaurants, including some truly old specimens.

In a city like Boston, there are so many restaurants and pubs that can boast standing the test of time — but "classic" can mean many things. On one hand, it can be a historic spot, frequented by the likes of Paul Revere, and on the other hand, it can just be a restaurant that has been around seemingly forever, and Bostonians can't imagine life or a certain neighborhood without it.

Laid out in this map, there are restaurants and pubs from the whole range of "classics." Some are so historically rich that it'd be hard to compile a list of these proportions without including them. Others have more quietly stood the test of time, occupying a soft spot in many a Bostonian's heart.

Note: Map points are not ranked; they are in alphabetical order.

Read More

If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Amrheins Restaurant

Located in South Boston, where it has been for over a century, Amrheins boasts the oldest hand-carved bar in America as well as the first draft beer pump in Boston. [Photo: Facebook]

80 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127-1018

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Buffalo Sauced: 9 Ways to Keep the Football Flavors Going

Bova's Bakery

A bakery that, in addition to sweet treats and breads, also sells Italian pastas, sauces, and pizzas. Bova's is a Boston rarity in that it is open 24 hours, making it a beloved spot to satisfy a craving anytime it strikes. It's been that way since 1932, and it's been family owned and operated ever since. [Photo: Yelp]

134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cabot's Ice Cream & Restaurant

Since 1969, Cabot's has been a beloved Newton icon. Especially known for its ice cream sundaes and classic diner fare, the space itself hasn't changed much since it opened — and the hope is that it never will. [Photo: Facebook]

743 Washington St, Newton, MA 02460

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Caffe Vittoria

This North End cafe and bar opened in 1929 as the first Italian cafe in Boston. Still a popular destination, the space maintains that vintage, old-world charm with lots of elaborate, vintage cappuccino and espresso makers on display. [Photo: Facebook]

296 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

Visit Website

Also featured in:

China Pearl Restaurant

One of the oldest restaurants in Boston's Chinatown, this gigantic spot is known for dim sum. [Photo: Facebook]

9 Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Peking Duck in Boston’s Chinatown

Doyle's Cafe

Dating back to 1882, Doyle's is an Irish bar in Jamaica Plain that has an impressive collection of artifacts on display. There's a whole room dedicated to John Fitzgerald, JFK's grandfather. Doyle's is also the first bar to serve Sam Adams beer. [Photo: Facebook]

3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Visit Website

Also featured in:

East Coast Grill & Raw Bar

One of the younger entries on the list, East Coast Grill opened in Inman Square in 1985 and is known for its seafood — not to mention its fiery fare, especially on its popular "Hell Nights." It was sold a couple years back to longtime employees, but has, thankfully, changed little. [Photo: Facebook]

1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Green Dragon Tavern

While this bar, which first opened its doors all the way back in 1654, tends to attract the younger residents of the city, it's hard to pass up a pint at the bar that was frequented by John Hancock and Paul Revere, where it's said that his plans for his infamous ride were overheard. [Photo: Facebook]

Open in Google Maps

11 Marshall St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

Harvest

A Harvard Square classic since the 1970s, Harvest has had a slew of top culinary talent pass through the kitchen. Spotlighting New England cuisine in a modern way, Harvest has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. Just a few days ago, Harvest reopened after several weeks of major renovations. [Photo: Official Source]

44 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Also featured in:

J.J. Foley's Cafe

A South End institution, JJ Foley's has been around since 1909. It is the oldest continuously family-owned pub in the city. Legend has it that during the Prohibition, the pub fronted as a shoe store. [Photo: Facebook]

117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118

Visit Website

Also featured in:

James Hook & Company

Family-owned since 1929, James Hook & Company has become a giant and well-loved lobster purveyor. The business experienced a major fire back in 2008 but has since rebuilt. The family is now looking to expand their business in the Waterfront by adding a residential tower and restaurant. [Photo: Facebook]

Open in Google Maps

15 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

Jeveli's Restaurant

When Jeveli's opened in East Boston in 1924, the restaurant had only 30 seats. In the late 1960s, it expanded to 120 seats. In 1997, President Clinton and over 70 people from his staff rented out the restaurant, and then Jeveli's remodeled the room and named it The Presidential Room" to commemorate that night. Jeveli's describes itself as Boston's oldest Italian restaurant. [Photo: Facebook]

Visit Website

Also featured in:

L Street Tavern

Made famous by scenes in Good Will Hunting, the Tavern has been around since the 1930s and is visited by tourists, politicians, celebrities, and locals alike. [Photo: Facebook]

Open in Google Maps

658 E 8th St, Boston, MA 02127

Visit Website

Bond Bar at the Langham

In a space that originally housed the Federal Reserve, Bond is now a cocktail bar that nods back to its history with original doors and a pastry kitchen that is located in the bank's old vault. [Photo: Facebook]

Open in Google Maps

250 Franklin St, Boston, MA 2110

Visit Website

Marliave

Named from its original owner, Henry Marliave, a French immigrant from Paris, this restaurant opened its doors in 1885. The building still maintains that old French feel, and there are pictures from the restaurant's history proudly hanging on the wall. [Photo: Rachel Leah Blumenthal]

10 Bosworth St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Parker's Restaurant at the Omni Parker House

It's hard to have a list like this and not mention the Omni Parker House. Built in 1855, the hotel saw a slew of famous visitors, like Dickens, Emerson, and Kennedy — and people who later became famous also worked there, like Ho Chi Minh, who was a baker, and Malcolm X, who was a busboy. Also, it gave the world Boston cream pie and Parker House rolls. You're welcome, world. [Photo: Rachel Leah Blumenthal]

60 School St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Regina Pizzeria

A North End classic for tourists, locals, and celebrities, Pizzeria Regina opened its doors in 1926 and has since expanded to numerous locations throughout the state, from stand-alones to mall food court outposts. [Photo: Facebook]

11 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Sam LaGrassa's

Family-owned and operated since 1968, this self-proclaimed "number one sandwich shop in the world" prides itself on its piled-high pastrami sandwiches. Sam LaGrassa's does brisk weekday lunch business for the Downtown Crossing crowd. Late mayor Tom Menino had been known to say that it serves "the best deli sandwiches in town." [Photo: Rachel Leah Blumenthal]

44 Province St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Santarpio's Pizza

1903 marks the start of this popular restaurant. Family-owned since its inception, Santarpio's features a menu consisting of pizza and barbecued meats, all served with a side of classic Boston attitude. [Photo: Cal Bingham]

111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA 02128

Visit Website

Also featured in:

South Street Diner

Built in 1947, South Street Diner is the city's only full-service restaurant open all night, seven days a week. It was built by two brothers that had just returned home from war, and it was originally called the Blue Diner. [Photo: Nick DiNatale]

178 Kneeland St, Boston, MA 02111

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Sullivan's

Dating back to 1951, this small and seasonally open take-out-only restaurant is situated on Castle Island. It's known for its classically-prepared burgers, hot dogs, and fries, among other plates, like fried seafood. The restaurant finds unique ways to celebrate customer appreciation weeks and, in the early days, they were known to quietly hand out cocktails during the last couple of weeks in November to celebrate the end of the season. (This, unfortunately, is no longer true, and diners will have to settle for things like half-priced hotdogs instead.) [Photo: Facebook]

2080 Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Tam

Almost seeming out of place amongst all of the bright lights of the Theatre District, this bar seems to define the term "hole in the wall," and you'd be hard-pressed to find a Bostonian who doesn't have at least one memory here (or lack thereof...) Don't come hungry though; beer, cocktails, and attitude are the only things on the menu. [Photo: Facebook]

Open in Google Maps

222 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Top of the Hub

Celebrating its 50th year, this fine-dining restaurant, situated on top of the Prudential tower, offers stunning views of the city. [Photo: Facebook]

800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Union Oyster House

The oldest continuously operating restaurant in the entire country, Union Oyster House opened its doors in 1826. The building itself had been built before then, in the early 1700s, and it served as a dress goods business. The Kennedy family were Union Oyster House regulars (and have a dedicated booth), among other well-known diners, and the future king of France lived on the second floor in exile in 1796. Another fun fact: the toothpick's first use in restaurants was also here. [Photo: Yelp]

41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Warren Tavern

The Warren Tavern, opened in 1780, is said to be the oldest watering hole in the state. Famous regulars included George Washington and Paul Revere, and it is one of the first buildings constructed after the British burned down Charlestown. It's nice to know that our forefathers had priorities. [Photo: Facebook]

2 Pleasant St, Boston, MA 02129

Visit Website

Also featured in:

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Link copied to the clipboard.

Amrheins Restaurant

80 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127-1018

Located in South Boston, where it has been for over a century, Amrheins boasts the oldest hand-carved bar in America as well as the first draft beer pump in Boston. [Photo: Facebook]

80 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127-1018

Visit Website

Bova's Bakery

134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113

A bakery that, in addition to sweet treats and breads, also sells Italian pastas, sauces, and pizzas. Bova's is a Boston rarity in that it is open 24 hours, making it a beloved spot to satisfy a craving anytime it strikes. It's been that way since 1932, and it's been family owned and operated ever since. [Photo: Yelp]

134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113

Visit Website

Cabot's Ice Cream & Restaurant

743 Washington St, Newton, MA 02460

Since 1969, Cabot's has been a beloved Newton icon. Especially known for its ice cream sundaes and classic diner fare, the space itself hasn't changed much since it opened — and the hope is that it never will. [Photo: Facebook]

743 Washington St, Newton, MA 02460

Visit Website

Caffe Vittoria

296 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

This North End cafe and bar opened in 1929 as the first Italian cafe in Boston. Still a popular destination, the space maintains that vintage, old-world charm with lots of elaborate, vintage cappuccino and espresso makers on display. [Photo: Facebook]

296 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

Visit Website

China Pearl Restaurant

9 Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111

One of the oldest restaurants in Boston's Chinatown, this gigantic spot is known for dim sum. [Photo: Facebook]

9 Tyler St, Boston, MA 02111

Visit Website

Doyle's Cafe

3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Dating back to 1882, Doyle's is an Irish bar in Jamaica Plain that has an impressive collection of artifacts on display. There's a whole room dedicated to John Fitzgerald, JFK's grandfather. Doyle's is also the first bar to serve Sam Adams beer. [Photo: Facebook]

3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Visit Website

East Coast Grill & Raw Bar

1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

One of the younger entries on the list, East Coast Grill opened in Inman Square in 1985 and is known for its seafood — not to mention its fiery fare, especially on its popular "Hell Nights." It was sold a couple years back to longtime employees, but has, thankfully, changed little. [Photo: Facebook]

1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Green Dragon Tavern

11 Marshall St, Boston, MA 02108

While this bar, which first opened its doors all the way back in 1654, tends to attract the younger residents of the city, it's hard to pass up a pint at the bar that was frequented by John Hancock and Paul Revere, where it's said that his plans for his infamous ride were overheard. [Photo: Facebook]

Open in Google Maps

11 Marshall St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

Harvest

44 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

A Harvard Square classic since the 1970s, Harvest has had a slew of top culinary talent pass through the kitchen. Spotlighting New England cuisine in a modern way, Harvest has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. Just a few days ago, Harvest reopened after several weeks of major renovations. [Photo: Official Source]

44 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

J.J. Foley's Cafe

117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118

A South End institution, JJ Foley's has been around since 1909. It is the oldest continuously family-owned pub in the city. Legend has it that during the Prohibition, the pub fronted as a shoe store. [Photo: Facebook]

117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118

Visit Website

James Hook & Company

15 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Family-owned since 1929, James Hook & Company has become a giant and well-loved lobster purveyor. The business experienced a major fire back in 2008 but has since rebuilt. The family is now looking to expand their business in the Waterfront by adding a residential tower and restaurant. [Photo: Facebook]

Open in Google Maps

15 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website