Top 10 Unique Spots In Boston's North End

If you seek a taste of Italy without going the distance, take the trip down to the North End of Boston, the little Italian part of the city near the river. Here, modern architecture disappears, replaced by uneven streets of picturesque brick buildings. The following article will help you navigate this lively neighborhood—overflowing with restaurants, cafés, bars, bakeries, shops, and more—by pointing you immediately to ten spots that each provide their own one-of-a-kind experience.

Window View from Inside Salumeria Italiana

1. The Living Room Bar

Bar, Restaurant, American

The Living Room Bar‘s name accurately paints a picture of what you will find inside: a sprawling and relaxed environment, dotted with large couches in the first room with the bar, a comfortable seating area in the next room, and then a private space in the back for various events—the bar even hosts weddings. The cuisine is global comfort food, contributing to the feeling of being in a familiar place. TVs are scattered around the bar, making it a popular place during sporting events. Monday through Friday the bar hosts a version of happy hour with hot-priced appetizers instead—all $3. This is the place to go to eat, drink, watch sports and, mostly, relax.

Churches: St. Leonard’s Church and Old North Church

The Old North Church in the North End is the oldest church still standing in Boston, founded in 1722, and one of Boston’s most-visited sites. It is Protestant, reflected in its austere white wooden furnishing and minimal decorations. St. Leonard’s, the first Roman Catholic Church in New England, lies at the heart of the North End and was built by Italian immigrants in 1873. While the immigrants started off from more humble backgrounds than many of their Protestant neighbors, the church is far more ornate, adorned with gilded ceilings and various representations of saints and religious figures. A visit to both these churches is enhanced by their contrast, derived from their different religious traditions. Old North Church, 193 Salem St., Boston, MA, USA, +1 617 858 8231 St. Leonard’s Church, 320 Hanover St., Boston, MA, USA, +1 617 523 2110

2. The Daily Catch

Restaurant, Seafood

The Daily Catch, a little hole in the wall on Hanover Street, makes for an excellent meal if you’re willing to wait in line for a spot. Started by the son of Italian immigrants and his wife, this locale combines together fresh fish of various types, such as shrimp, scallops, mussels, squid, monkfish, swordfish, and calamari, the highlight, and mixes it in with pasta to create a flavorful Sicilian speciality. There is only space for 20 people in the restaurant, hence the wait, but service is fast, and the small space evokes the image of a busy coastal restaurant in Sicily. The dishes are also filling and delicious, making it worth the wait. But bring cash—as any typical Italian place would, this restaurant does not accept cards! The Daily Catch, 323 Hanover St., Boston, MA, USA Selection of pastries at Modern Pastry | © Alyssa Erspamer

3. Modern Pastry

Bakery, Dessert, Italian

Modern Pastry, known for its wide and delicious pastry selection, also has an indoor seating area, making it a popular place to catch up for locals and visitors alike with some coffee and pastries. The owners pride themselves on being able to recognize customers and in having turned their bakery into a social space. They also have a breakfast and brunch menu served until 12 pm. The cookies are a highlight—you buy them by the bulk, and can get good value for your money with just $5. The family of chefs behind this bakery has maintained its methods over 150 years and across continents to craft the pastry collection they now sell.