Updated 2008-09-08 04:35
SOUTH END
The South End is Boston’s most vibrant gayborhood, with more gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses than any other Boston area. The Boston Center for the Arts also helps bring folks in for pre-theater grub. For all of these joints, take the Orange Line to Back Bay.
| Anchovies They have Chimay on tap (for those 21+). And if you don’t know the significance of sharing four Chimays with Italian nachos (served with feta cheese instead of cheddar), then keep on walking. That’s the lineup: Chimay on tap, Italian nachos. Oh, and they also stay open late. 433 Columbus Ave., Boston. 5 p.m.-1 a.m., daily. 617.266.5088. |
| The Beehive Since opening in ’07, this spacious bohemian-chic eatery has created a lot of buzz, excuse the pun. A hodgepodge of brick walls, chandeliers, and artwork adorn the inside, while a velvety maroon-curtained stage complements the restaurant’s theatrical and “Moulin Rouge” feel. They have live jazz and a tasty Mediterranean menu which warrant the swarms who come here. 541 Tremont St., Boston. 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m., daily. 617.423.0069. |
| Bob the Chef’s Jazz Café It’s been around for so many decades that many of the people who work there can’t even tell you how long Bob the Chef’s has been in business. The one time dive-like diner that only served breakfast and lunch has undergone a number of transformations over the years and is now a sort of yuppified jazz supper club, complete with recently painted orange walls and an eclectic crowd thinking they’re enjoying authentic soul food. Unfortunately, the barbecued ribs, though gooey, aren’t barbecued and the catfish isn’t exactly jumping off the plate. But the place is always packed and the music always pops. 604 Columbus Ave., Boston. Mon-Wed 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Fri 5 p.m.-midnight; Sat 11:30 a.m.-Midnight; Sun jazz brunch 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sun dinner 2:30 p.m.-10 p.m. 617.536.6204. |
| Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe Back in the days when hotels were segregated, Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe was one of the few places in town where black jazz musicians could find late-night food after a gig. Though the hours have changed, little else has in this greasy spoon that has been serving breakfast and lunch in the South End for decades. Like an old-fashioned diner, complete with swivel stools at the counter, Charlie’s serves up hearty American cuisine. Shovel down the infamous turkey hash. Check out the picture of Sammy Davis Jr., who was not only a customer, but he used to tap dance for spare change in front of the restaurant. 429 Columbus Ave., Boston. 617.536.7669. |
| Delux Café Nostalgia and simplicity reign supreme here (Cartoon Network on 24/7, a year-round Christmas tree, no reservations and cash only). The playhouse vibe permeates this charming bar, as does, unfortunately, the smell of garlic from the kitchen. That aside, check the chalk-board — food just like ma made, but with a twist on the familiar. Sriracha graces the tables instead of ket-chup, and chips and salsa are soft tortillas with a fresh apple salsa so good you’ll spoil your dinner. 100 Chandler St., Boston. Mon-Sat 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sun closed. 617.338.5258. |
| Franklin Café You probably won’t run into any classmates here. Once beyond the thick makeshift velvety curtain foyer, you’ll feel as if you entered a private, but welcoming neighborhood or secret society of deliciousness. Both the restaurant and the bar portion of the business are given equal emphasis. When the menu uses words like “encrusted” and “braised,” you know you’ll be throwing down some money, but it’s worth it for the cozy, but not cramped atmosphere. 278 Shawmut Ave., Boston. 5 p.m.-1:30 a.m., 7 days. 617.350.0010. |
| Mike’s City Diner Bill Clinton once stopped in for breakfast here, devouring the eggs and grits while raving about the ham cut from the bone. The high-profile visitor didn’t do much to put the place on the map. He didn’t need to. For years, Bostonians have flocked to Mike’s for an eclectic menu, generous portions (especially of mashed potatoes) and great prices. 1714 Washington St., Boston. 6 a.m.-3 p.m., daily. 617.267.9393. |
| Nashoba Brook Bakery Nearly five years ago, Concord-based Nashoba Brook Bakery, known for their 100 percent organic breads, opened a café on the Back Bay/South End line and locals soon discovered that the soups and sandwiches are just as hearty and appetizing. Still, you go for the soul-satiating, anti-Atkins creations, including the finest sourdough, french, seven-grain, rye, olive, pepper jack, rosemary garlic and raisin breads in the area. 288 Columbus Ave., Boston. Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 617.236.0777. |
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