Exterior of a bar with the word DeLux in large white letters on a black background. The exterior wall is brick, and there’s a barred window with black shutters on it. A red interior peeks through the front door. — The dictionary definition of a neighborhood joint

Where to Eat and Drink in the South End

Pepperoni pizza on Tremont Street and late-night beers in a neighborhood classic

by Terrence Doyle Feb 19, 2019, 9:00am EST

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The dictionary definition of a neighborhood joint

| Terrence B. Doyle/Eater

by Terrence Doyle Feb 19, 2019, 9:00am EST

The South End has an embarrassment of riches of good drinking and dining options (and to be sure, this map doesn’t include all of them). From greasy spoon breakfasts to red-sauce Italian-American grub to elegant French cuisine to soul food, diners can find a little bit of everything in the South End.

For those with only a little bit of time to explore the neighborhood, start with one of these 12 spots. And then come back and explore some more.

Delux Cafe

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Delux Cafe wants to feed its neighbors. “It’s a place where you can come and let your hair down,” Laura Hafner, Delux’s owner, previously told Eater. “We attract an eclectic crowd, but we definitely have neighbors who come in to eat three or four times a week, too.” Head here for excellent roasted chicken or for late-night tall cans.

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100 Chandler St, Boston, MA 02116

(617) 338-5258

Delux Narragansett — Delux Cafe is the dope spot for late night ‘Gansetts

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Picco

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Picco’s crust is puffy and perfectly charred, and the pepperonis do that thing where they curl up into adorable little meat bowls. Go for the pizza, and stay for the ice cream.

513 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

(617) 927-0066

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Closeup shot of a charred, thick pepperoni pizza, where the pepperoni is curled up into little cups. — Pepperoni pizza at Picco

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The Beehive

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The Beehive’s cocktail menu is a bit like the jazz that plays on the stage to the right of the bar — always changing and undulating, and always delightfully surprising. Take in some music, and get tipsy while doing so.

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541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

(617) 423-0069

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Anchovies

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Anchovies is good for so many reasons (for example: wings, late-night eats, Italian food, chicken parm sandwiches, mussels, and spaghetti and meatballs). Eat anything on the menu, and walk away pleased.

433 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116

(617) 266-5088

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B & G Oysters

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B & G Oysters, part of Barbara Lynch’s empire, has some of the best fried clams in the city. The oyster situation isn’t bad, either. (You can also take a class on how to shuck oysters, if you so choose.)

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550 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

(617) 423-0550

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Myers + Chang

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You can’t go wrong at Myers + Chang’s dim sum brunch. (And while you’re at it, stop by chef and owner Joanne Chang’s Flour Bakery for a truly exceptional breakfast sandwich and a sticky bun that would make any dentist shudder.)

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1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 542-5200

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myers and chang fried chicken bao — Fried chicken bao

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Frenchie

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Sitting at Frenchie feels very much like sitting in a bistro in Paris or Lyon. The space is elegant but not ornate, and the food is balanced between the reserved (apple and pear salad) and the indulgent (foie gras).

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560 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118

(857) 233-5941

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Cheese board at Frenchie — Très français

The Gallows

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The Gallows is known for its over-the-top burgers, but the Scotch egg, arancini, and poutine are worth an order, too.

1395 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 425-0200

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You can add a second patty to any Gallows burger — Perfection in burger form

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Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen

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Darryl’s is a vibe, period. A recent change in ownership (Nia Grace bought the restaurant from Darryl Settles in September) is ushering Darryl’s into a new era — but it’s still all about good music and soul food. Go for the jazz brunch, and eat ribs, fried chicken, waffles, and collards while listening to some sexy sax.

604 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 536-1100

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Mida

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At Mida, start with marinated olives and the chilled octopus salad. Bring a friend, and share the lobster scampi and the short rib ravioli. This Italian-inspired restaurant also has a deep wine list. Don’t miss “mangia pasta Mondays,” a $35 all-you-can-eat feast of pasta, salad, and bread.

782 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 936-3490

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An overhead shot of four people sitting around a wooden table sharing bowls of pasta and plates of food. — A spread of food at Mida

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Toro

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Toro is a South End mainstay. Perhaps the most beloved of the Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette collaborations, this Washington Street spot serves Spanish tapas like grilled octopus and patatas bravas. And don’t forget to order the Iberico ham. (The duo’s Italian enoteca, Coppa, which is on Shawmut Avenue, is also worth checking out. Especially if you enjoy cured meats.)

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1704 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 536-4300

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Mussels, shrimp, and clams sit atop a skillet of rice and vegetables — Paella at Toro

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12 Boston-Area Restaurants for Unconventional, Messy First Dates

Mike's City Diner

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Mike’s City Diner is a South End pillar. It might be the best greasy spoon breakfast spot in the city (and the only one doing duck confit hash), and its Pilgrim sandwich (stuffed with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce) is Guy Fieri-approved.