The City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion (OEOI) and Boston Main Streets Foundation are incredibly excited to co-host the 2023 Main Street Now Conference alongside Main Street America in Boston, Massachusetts, from March 27-29. Get to know us and our city of Main Streets through this final article of the conference blog series! Keep reading to learn more about each Boston Main Streets district.

Pre-registration is closed. Limited on-site registration is available on a first come, first served basis. Check out the conference website and follow the conference's Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest updates.

The City of Boston is home to 20 Main Streets districts! As you prepare your visit to Boston for Main Street Now 2023, check out the top recommendations from each of our Main Streets. There is so much to see, learn, explore, taste, and enjoy across our neighborhood districts. Welcome to Boston!

Mattapan Square Main Street

Come enjoy a day in Mattapan! Stop by the two statues that honor the heritage of the Mattahunt Tribe. The Mattapan Square Main Street district represents a balanced mixture of rooted tradition and revitalized culture in its ever-changing, strong, commercial community. 

• Enjoy the diversity of Mattapan by enjoying authentic Jamaican and Caribbean Fusion food at Mello Vibez.
• Franklin Park Zoo enjoy Boston's largest open space, hike trails, and history.
• Chez Vous Roller Skating is a fun location to lace up your skates or unwind.
• Take the Mattapan Trolley, a historic streetcar that will transport you for a scenic ride from Greater Ashmont (Red Line on the MBTA) through Mattapan and along the Neponset River.

Washington Gateway Main Street 

Home to some of Boston’s most creative and unique shops, Washington Gateway has established itself as both a foodie destination and a welcoming neighborhood to live in. 

• Experience Washington Gateways art scene at Boston Sculptors Gallery, Kingston Gallery, International Poster Gallery, Galatea Fine Art, and the Abigail Ogilvy Gallery.
• Grab a drink at Boston's oldest Irish Pub, the historic JJ Foley’s.
• Get a taste of some of the highest quality local and imported Spanish & Portuguese seafood at Atlantico. 

East Boston Gateway Main Street

East Boston is at the Northeast of the City of Boston and home of Logan International Airport.  Great places to see in East Boston:

• Take in stunning views from Piers Park. This park has some of the best views of the Boston skyline and Boston Harbor.
• Escape to the Belle Isle Reservation, Boston’s last remaining salt marsh. This reservation is a favorite among bird watchers with its various lookout points.
• Explore Constitution Beach, a great place to walk, sit, and relax, and watch airplanes come and go.
• Visit the Madonna Shrine on top of a Hill, which was founded in 1954. It is a replica of the original Madonna statue in Rome and was shipped to East Boston.

East Boston has also been home to many immigrant communities, most recently from Italy, Mexico, and Central America. Check out some favorite restaurants in East Boston representing these communities:

• Italian: Rino's Place, Pazza on Porter, Reelhouse, Santarpio's Pizza
• Mexican: Angela's Café, Etnias Bar & Grill, La Hacienda (Mexican/Salvadorian)
• Colombian: El Peñol

Three Squares Main Street

Three Squares Main Street is alive with music in the streets, outdoor performances, colorful storefronts, and smells of delicious food from its restaurants. This area historically was influenced by industry and innovation, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of German, Irish, and Caribbean Spanish-speaking immigrants. Check out these places: 

• Visit Boston's Latin Quarter and experience great food shopping and culture with a melting pot of goodness.
• Visit Three Square's Entrepreneurial think tank: The Possible Zone, a unique innovative STEAM LAB built to create business leaders supported by marketing, branding, product design, and business plans.

Nubian Square Main Street 

Nubian Square is the primary commercial center of the Roxbury neighborhood located at the intersection of Dudley Street and Washington Street. It has long been the center of African American culture in Boston. 

• In the mood for Southern food? Stop by Soleil, where they offer a warm and friendly atmosphere, and every customer is treated like family!
• Need a pick-me-up? Check out Dudley Café! Based out of the historic Ferdinand building, their vision is to create a community that fosters arts, music, and youth empowerment. 
• For authentic African cuisine made with love, stop by Suya Joint!

West Roxbury Main Street

From Back Bay, go a few short stops on the Needham Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail to Boston’s historic West Roxbury neighborhood. 

• Shop a curated selection of locally made gifts paired with baked goods and tea at Pretty Moon Mercantile and Tea Bar (111 Park Street, West Roxbury).
• Try a famous bramble cookie at Sugar Baking Co. (1884 Centre Street, West Roxbury).
• Visit one of West Roxbury’s Irish Pubs and Bars and find a wide selection of international cuisine and restaurants.
• Stroll through historic sites, such as the Theodore Parker Unitarian Church and Westerly Burial Grounds.  
• If you’re looking to get in exercise and additional tours of Boston’s neighborhoods at the same time, rent Boston’s BlueBike and come to West Roxbury via the Boston Greenway and Emerald Necklace with side trip options through the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University (bordering West Roxbury, Roslindale, and Jamaica Plain) and other local parks and bike paths.

Roslindale Village Main Street

RVMS was established in 1985 as one of the first urban Main Street Programs in the nation! Roslindale Village is a thriving commercial hub, with free public Wi-Fi in Adams Park, and a fabulous farmers market. Here are some great places to check out while you’re there: 

• Check out the local shops! Birch St House & Garden is a gift shop with a wide selection from toys to home decor made by local & fair-trade designers. Joanne Rossman: Purveyor of the Unnecessary and Irresistible is a playful gift shop specializing in unusual items from scarves to candies plus occasional live events.
• Check out a show! Square Root is a cafe with breakfast, lunch, and late-night offerings with live music and performances throughout the week. The Rozzie Square Theater is an improv theater with classes, comedy shows, and magic shows.
• Grab lunch! Square Root, Fornax Bread Company, Jimmies Cafe, Effie’s, and Roslindale Market & Deli all have great lunch options. 

Upham's Corner Main Street

Upham’s Corner is a thriving retail district in the heart of Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood and is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Residents from the neighborhood and beyond come to enjoy many shops, services, restaurants, and cultural performances.

• Whether you are stopping by to shop or you are a regular in the district, Upham’s Corner offers a rich mix of dining options to satisfy any palate, a variety of retail shops, beautiful historic buildings and landmarks, and an arts and culture experience – home to the famous historic Strand Theatre.
• Nestled in Upham's Corner is the brand-new Comfort Kitchen – the place to be! A cozy café by day and a 30-seat restaurant by night with a full bar. They are a Black-owned, immigrant-owned, and woman-owned business and their food is a celebration of the ingredients and flavors of the African diaspora – global comfort food – connected from Asia to the Americas.
• For Caribbean food traditional pizzeria food, look no further than Navarette Pizzeria! 

Hyde Park Main Street

The Hyde Park Main Street district stands by its motto of “a small town in the city,” by shining a light on the historic qualities and local businesses of the neighborhood. From a spacious green space to a lively industrial area, Hyde Park continues to represent a welcoming environment for the people of Boston.

• George Wright Golf Course, designed by legendary Donald Ross, is a famous public golf course not only in Boston but in the country.
• Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream & Bowling is a family-owned establishment where Hillary Clinton once visited. Its ice cream has won many awards including Best of Boston 2021, ranked top 3 in the World in National Geographic, and #3 in America on Good Morning America. Try out candlepin style bowling, a popular New England tradition!
• Many delicious restaurants of different cultures: Antonio’s Bacari, Las Delicias Colombianas, Park 54 Restaurant, Rincon Caribeno Restaurant, and ZaZ Restaurant.
• Camp Meigs is a former training camp for the first African American troops, including the 54th Regiment, in the Civil War.

Fields Corner Main Street

Fields Corner is a historic commercial district in Dorchester, the largest neighborhood in Boston and was founded in June 1630. Look beyond the shops to find the well-known regional housing type – the “Three-Decker.” Today, Fields Corner is a diverse community and boasts of having the largest variety of Asian restaurants, goods, and services outside of Chinatown.

• Looking to try some Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine? Check out Pho Hoa!  For sweet treats, visit Coco Leaf, the first premium Vietnamese dessert cafe chain founded in New England with the mission to bring the community together with a cup of coffee, sweet chè dessert, and other delicious treats. 
• Stop by The Blarney Stone, a gem of Dorchester Avenue, to enjoy modern cocktails and craft beers.
• Check out the Dorchester Art Project, a community driven art space that provides a unique space for emerging artists.

Mission Hill Main Street

Mission Hill is a tight-knit, urban, thriving community where one can engage, learn, grow, and participate in a rich cultural setting. 

• Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help as it is the only basilica in New England and in 1869, the first Black Catholic bishop of America was installed.
• Stroll through the Kevin W. Fitzgerald Park for fantastic views of the City of Boston and the beautiful landscape for memorable photos to take home.
• Visit Tavern of Tales (TOTs) the first game pub in Massachusetts for all of you table-top gamers!

Brighton Main Street

Families, young professionals, and students all make Brighton their home because of its small town feel with big city amenities. Historic homes and “triple-deckers” line the streets of this charming neighborhood, located in the northwest corner of Boston. Brighton Main Streets business district has strived to maintain its attractive, vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly commercial center. Check these places out while you’re there: 

• Dine out at one of Brighton’s favorites, like The Stockyard Restaurant, a Boston landmark for over 40 years; Devlin's Bistro and Bar Restaurant, a go-to for popular drinks and live music; or order some seasonal and globally-inspired small plates at The Brighton Bodega.
• Stop by The Speedway, a new destination to shop, eat, and drink, with historic buildings and a central courtyard and event space. Check out their events calendar for live music, night markets, and more!
• Visit the new development around Boston Landing, with lots of shops and places to eat, including a new beer hall at Broken Records. Don’t pass up the New Balance flagship store and track, or the Warrior Ice Arena - practice rink for the Boston Bruins and home of the Boston Pride.

JP Centre/South Main Street

Enjoy Boston’s Emerald Necklace at Jamaica Pond and Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, and then finish your day by strolling Centre and South Streets in Jamaica Plain. Filled with quirky and innovative shops, eateries, and other business models, Jamaica Plain prides itself on having something for everyone. 

• See America’s oldest community theater at the Footlight Club, or The Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, established in 1690. You can visit The BYTE Shop, a vintage computer museum.
• Shop local at Papercuts Bookshop for local authors and local publishing, and discover vintage treasures at 40 South, Boomerangs, Diversity Consignment, and The Goodwill Store.
• Try the sushi at JP Seafood Cafe or the vegan ice cream at FoMu. Or you can have dairy ice cream at J.P. Licks flagship store. Finally, eat dinner at VeeVee or Ten Tables, where local chefs rely on local ingredients to bring amazing food to your table. Take in the vegetarian arepas at Juicygreens or nut-free pastries at Monumental Market. 

Four Corners Main Street

Four Corners is the junction of Washington, Bowdoin, and Harvard Streets in the Dorchester neighborhood. It has a vibrant, healthy, and active commercial district with plenty of great restaurants and shops to check out! 

• Looking to try some authentic Jamaican food? Check out Murl’s Kitchen or Island Style Jamaican Restaurant.
• If you are looking for Dominican cuisine, look no further than Santo Domingos, a staple of the Four Corners community!
• Center yourself and take time for physical wellness at 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness and Healthworks Community Fitness. Stop by OASIS Vegan Veggie Parlor afterward and check out their delicious vegan menu.

Allston Village Main Street

Surrounded by colleges, universities, and restaurants serving up ethnic cuisines, Allston Village is at the core of Boston’s most diverse communities. Rich in vibrant street art and historic concert venues, Allston Village Main Streets constantly supports its neighborhood in an effort to sustain its strong culture and community. 

• Allston is home to many immigrant-owned businesses offering tastes from around the globe. Dine at Ariana Restaurant for flavors from Afghanistan!
• Enjoy craft beer and daily brunch at Lulu’s Allston or shop vintage clothing, jewelry, and records at Vivant Vintage.
• Check out one of the many live music and entertainment venues in Allston. Plan a karaoke night at Stage Karaoke or see a show at the Brighton Music Hall.

Greater Ashmont Main Street 

Greater Ashmont is a culturally diverse, vibrant district with a rich history and a thriving social scene. Located in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, the Greater Ashmont Main Street district is a great place to shop, dine, and locate a business. Check these out: 

• American Provisions, a one-stop shop for hand-selected artisan cheeses and cured meats to natural wine, curated spirits, and craft beer. American Provisions is a pair of small, neighborhood shops committed to creating community through real food.
• Need a pick-me up? Conveniently located across the street from Ashmont station you will find Ripple Cafe!
• Looking for authentic Italian cuisine? Check out Tavolo for some fresh cocktails, craft beers and worldly wines. 

Chinatown Main Street

Boston's Chinatown is the third largest Chinatown in the United States, home to a diverse community of Chinese, Vietnamese, African-American, White, and Hispanic businesses and people. 

• Enter the neighborhood by the China Trade Gate, a large piafong archway on Beach Street. A bamboo-lined walkway runs through the modern gardens and the plaza is often populated by locals engaged in Xiangqi (Chinese chess).
• Chinatown has lots of options when it comes to Dim Sum! Try Empire Garden Restaurant, a classic spot set in a former Vaudeville theater and a favorite for Peking duck; Hei La Moon, a sprawling two-floor modern location, or enjoy the expansive menu at Windsor Dim Sum Cafe.
• Experience Boston’s fusion scene at Cafe Darq, Double Chin Restaurant, or Shojo. 

Grove Hall Main Streets 

At the intersection of Blue Hill Avenue, Washington and Warren Streets, Grove Hall links Dorchester and Roxbury. Grove Hall’s residential and commercial growth increased in 1870 after Dorchester was annexed to Boston, and became the heart of one of the city’s busiest commercial streets!

• Experience authentic African fashion and a wide array of laces, georges, Ankara fabrics at Elegance African Fashion. They really put the “fun” in functional fashion!
• Sweet Teez Bakery – started in 2016 by a local mom in the Dorchester area, Teresa Thompson Maynard – caters to customers with nut-free needs, but can be enjoyed by all.
• Within Franklin Park you will find the historic Franklin Park Zoo, home to more than 1,100 individual animals. 

Egleston Square Main Street

Nestled between Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, Egleston Square brings together two neighborhoods under one big community. Stop by these paces while during your visit: 

• Check out the Haven, Boston’s only Scottish establishment, for unique cuisine and a large selection of Scottish beers. For authentic homestyle Dominican food made with love, visit the family-owned La Parada Dominican Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, or early dinner. Or check out Boston's only video rental store, micro-batch coffee roaster, full-service coffee shop, and 24-seat microcinema, The VU!
• Stop by Sam Adams Boston Brewery for a taste of history and a free tour!
• Looking for soul-nourishing pastries, and delectable coffee and tea? Try Ula Cafe!

Bowdoin Geneva Main Streets

Located in Meeting House Hill, one of the oldest sections of Dorchester, the area dates back to Boston’s first settlement in 1630. The neighborhood is now home to many new Bostonians. Bowdoin/Geneva’s businesses represent all generations of Dorchester residents past and present, from Caribbean restaurants to a 50-year-old hardware store. Discover some of the best ethnic restaurants in Boston.

• Visit Dorchester’s Geneva Cliffs, one of the only 29 Urban Wilds in the City of Boston. Nature in the neighborhood!
• Check out Restaurante Cesaria, a business that couples authentic and unique dining experiences with contemporary and ethnic entertainment. The mission is not only to have great tasting Cape Verdean food but have efficient and friendly service.
• Stop by Pollo Lounge and Grill for authentic Dominican cuisine and one of the best chicken sandwiches in the whole City.