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A green and gold restaurant sign hanging off the side of a building with a coat of arms pictured and “J.J. Foley’s Cafe” written on the side. — At over 100 years old, J.J. Foley’s Cafe is a South End institution.

Soak Up Boston's History at These 18 Classic Restaurants and Bars

These are 18 of Boston's most classic restaurants, including some truly old specimens.

by Erika Adams and Katie Chudy Updated Jun 14, 2023, 4:45pm EDT

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At over 100 years old, J.J. Foley’s Cafe is a South End institution.

| Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

by Erika Adams and Katie Chudy Updated Jun 14, 2023, 4:45pm EDT

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. But all have been standing for decades — no restaurant on this list is under 50 years old.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

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.

2 Pleasant St, Boston, MA 02129

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Santarpio's Pizza

1903 marks the humble bakery beginnings 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.

111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA 02128

Visit Website

The Santarpio’s building is light tan and has a giant sign on the side — dark brown with white and orange lettering — that reads “Santarpio’s Pizza Bar B-Q” and features a man holding a pizza — Santarpio’s in East Boston.

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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.

11 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113

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An exterior photo of Regina’s on a rainy day with a red awning and vertical red sign attached to the building. — Regina’s in the North End.

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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 was founded nearly a century ago, in 1926, and it's been family owned and operated ever since.

134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113

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View of a pastry case in an old-fashioned Italian bakery, with rows of cannoli and other treats behind glass. — The pastry case at Bova’s.

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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.

296 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

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A woman stands out on an empty Hanover Street in the North End of Boston on March 25, 2020. — Caffe Vittoria on Hanover Street.

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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. Legend has it that Revere overheard British invasion plans at this bar, sparking his famous ride.

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11 Marshall St, Boston, MA 02108

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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.

41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108

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A red brick building with a sign hanging off the side that says “Union Oyster House” in faded gold lettering. — Union Oyster House.

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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.

60 School St, Boston, MA 02108

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Cushy dining chairs and tables covered in white tablecloths inside a formal dining room. — The dining room at Parker’s in 2013.

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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."

44 Province St, Boston, MA 02108

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James Hook & Company

Family-owned since 1925, 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, and maintains its status as home of one of the best lobster rolls in the city.

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15 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

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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.

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222 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

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Casa Romero

Mexican restaurant Casa Romero, located along an alley off Newbury Street, has been dishing up tamales, enchiladas, and juicy, roasted cochinita pibil since 1972.

30 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

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Also featured in:

11 Outstanding Mexican Restaurants Around Boston

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. During Prohibition, the pub reportedly fronted as a shoe store.

117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118

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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. And, as of a few years ago, you can also start the day here steeped in history: The restaurant absorbed landmark Southie diner Mul’s, and the diner now serves breakfast and lunch out of Amrheins seven days a week.

80 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127-1018

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The exterior of Amrheins Restaurant on East Broadway in South Boston is pictured on Aug. 9, 2018. — Amrheins in 2018.

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Buffalo Sauced: 9 Ways to Keep the Football Flavors Going

Sullivan's Castle Island

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. Looking for a Sullivan’s fix in the dead of winter? The owners have since opened a second location in Hanover, Massachusetts that is open year-round (with a full bar), and there’s also an outpost at Hub Hall near TD Garden.

2080 William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA 02127

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A drone shot of a small island covered in green grass with a large castle set in the middle of the clearing. — Castle Island in all its summertime glory.

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Slades Bar & Grill

Nicknamed the “soul of Boston,” Slades is a live music and restaurant icon that has stood as a landmark gathering place and supporter of Boston’s Black community since 1935.

958 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120

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L Street Tavern

Made famous by scenes in Good Will Hunting, the Tavern has been around since the 1960s and is visited by tourists, politicians, celebrities, and locals alike.

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658 E 8th St, Boston, MA 02127

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Eire Pub

As its age-old sign out front will remind you, Eire Pub started out as a men’s-only bar in 1964. The Irish fixture has since opened its doors to all genders, and bold-faced names including presidents Reagan and Clinton have paid the storied spot a visit over the years.

795 Adams St, Boston, MA 02124

Visit Website

A low-slung building with a green sign out front with the restaurant title and “gentleman’s prestige bar” written in golden letters. — The Eire Pub in Dorchester.

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Warren Tavern

2 Pleasant St, Boston, MA 02129

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.

2 Pleasant St, Boston, MA 02129

Visit Website

Santarpio's Pizza

111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA 02128

1903 marks the humble bakery beginnings 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.

111 Chelsea St, Boston, MA 02128

Visit Website

The Santarpio’s building is light tan and has a giant sign on the side — dark brown with white and orange lettering — that reads “Santarpio’s Pizza Bar B-Q” and features a man holding a pizza — Santarpio’s in East Boston.

Regina Pizzeria

11 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113

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.

11 Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113

Visit Website

An exterior photo of Regina’s on a rainy day with a red awning and vertical red sign attached to the building. — Regina’s in the North End.

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 was founded nearly a century ago, in 1926, and it's been family owned and operated ever since.

134 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113

Visit Website

View of a pastry case in an old-fashioned Italian bakery, with rows of cannoli and other treats behind glass. — The pastry case at Bova’s.

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.

296 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

Visit Website

A woman stands out on an empty Hanover Street in the North End of Boston on March 25, 2020. — Caffe Vittoria on Hanover Street.

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. Legend has it that Revere overheard British invasion plans at this bar, sparking his famous ride.

Open in Google Maps

11 Marshall St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

Union Oyster House

41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108

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.

41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

A red brick building with a sign hanging off the side that says “Union Oyster House” in faded gold lettering. — Union Oyster House.

Parker's Restaurant at the Omni Parker House

60 School St, Boston, MA 02108

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.

60 School St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

Cushy dining chairs and tables covered in white tablecloths inside a formal dining room. — The dining room at Parker’s in 2013.

Sam LaGrassa's

44 Province St, Boston, MA 02108

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."

44 Province St, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

James Hook & Company

15 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Family-owned since 1925, 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, and maintains its status as home of one of the best lobster rolls in the city.

Open in Google Maps

15 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

The Tam

222 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

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.

Open in Google Maps

222 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

Casa Romero

30 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Mexican restaurant Casa Romero, located along an alley off Newbury Street, has been dishing up tamales, enchiladas, and juicy, roasted cochinita pibil since 1972.

30 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

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. During Prohibition, the pub reportedly fronted as a shoe store.

117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118

Visit Website

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. And, as of a few years ago, you can also start the day here steeped in history: The restaurant absorbed landmark Southie diner Mul’s, and the diner now serves breakfast and lunch out of Amrheins seven days a week.

80 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127-1018

Visit Website

The exterior of Amrheins Restaurant on East Broadway in South Boston is pictured on Aug. 9, 2018. — Amrheins in 2018.

Sullivan's Castle Island

2080 William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA 02127

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. Looking for a Sullivan’s fix in the dead of winter? The owners have since opened a second location in Hanover, Massachusetts that is open year-round (with a full bar), and there’s also an outpost at Hub Hall near TD Garden.

2080 William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA 02127

Visit Website

A drone shot of a small island covered in green grass with a large castle set in the middle of the clearing. — Castle Island in all its summertime glory.

Related Maps

Slades Bar & Grill

958 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120

Nicknamed the “soul of Boston,” Slades is a live music and restaurant icon that has stood as a landmark gathering place and supporter of Boston’s Black community since 1935.

958 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120

Visit Website

L Street Tavern

658 E 8th St, Boston, MA 02127

Made famous by scenes in Good Will Hunting, the Tavern has been around since the 1960s and is visited by tourists, politicians, celebrities, and locals alike.

Open in Google Maps

658 E 8th St, Boston, MA 02127

Visit Website

Eire Pub

795 Adams St, Boston, MA 02124

As its age-old sign out front will remind you, Eire Pub started out as a men’s-only bar in 1964. The Irish fixture has since opened its doors to all genders, and bold-faced names including presidents Reagan and Clinton have paid the storied spot a visit over the years.

795 Adams St, Boston, MA 02124

Visit Website

A low-slung building with a green sign out front with the restaurant title and “gentleman’s prestige bar” written in golden letters. — The Eire Pub in Dorchester.

Related Maps