Explore Allston

When you start college in Boston, especially at BU or BC, you hear about Allston and its infamous house parties. It sounds like a magical land of freedom and red solo cups, and well, it is—a true freshman dream. Once you get past this one facet of the neighborhood’s reputation and spend more time there in the daylight you’ll see how diverse and unique Allston truly is. A little hipster, yes, a little grungy, sure, but full of rich culture, cool cats, and great food of all types—especially all foods Asian, traditional and fusion.

This neighborhood is packed with character and impressive street art that has been sponsored by the city to keep graffiti and “tagging” off the walls. We think this neighborhood is worth paying a visit to if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path. Join us on our Allston Arts & Eats tour for an afternoon of great bites and a tour of the amazing murals adorning the walls of Allston. You can also reference this list to explore even further!

Where to Eat

Anything with a * next to it is a stop on the Allston Arts & Eats Tour

Asian Fare:

*Kimchipapi Kitchen

Photo Credit: Kimchipapi Kitchen

This poke place is much more than just a “poke place,” which was the owner’s goal. While you can absolutely get delicious poke bowls here, the Japanese-Korean fusion concept also includes traditional Korean ingredients such as banchan and bibimbap. The vibes are chill and the food will set flavor fireworks off in your mouth for sure.

Address: 81 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-208-8005

Dumpling Kingdom

Photo Credit: @snackingwithbailey via Instagram

Truly a kingdom of dumplings, this spot stands out amongst the numerous storefronts on Harvard Avenue because of its handmade dumplings packed with flavor. When they arrive at the table silence ensues as everyone reaches to grab one. The rest of the menu is lengthy, filled with various dishes of Chinese origin, giving plenty of options to accompany those dumplings.

Address: 137 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-562-8888

Jo Jo Taipei

Photo Credit: @_half.and.half via Instagram

This is the kind of place where everything looks so good it’s easy to over-order. It’s best to eat family-style here so you can try more of their fresh and flavorful Taiwanese dishes. The soup dumplings are also incredible here (by the way)!

Address: 103 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-254-8889

Coreanos

Photo Credit: @m.vmint via Instagram

Korean-Mexican fusion is one of the newest culinary trends to emerge and Coreanos is one of the spots responsible for bringing it to Beantown. You likely haven’t tasted the flavors that they’re offering—like bulgogi beef tacos and kimchi quesadillas. They also offer some traditional Korean dishes that are packed with flavor, like the Tteokbokki (don’t worry, correct pronunciation NOT required).

Address: 172 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-208-8822

Kaju Tofu

Photo Credit: @marktravelsforfood via Instagram

Known for their boiling hot silken tofu soup and classic Korean dishes, prepare for your table to be filled as well as your belly. We suggest ordering the seafood pancake to snack on while your soup cools down to a fathomable temperature (it takes a while, but it’s worth it!). Psst, you should also get the Kalbi (short rib…big dish in the top of the photo above).

Address: 58 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-208-8540

Heart-Warming Italian:

*Regina Pizzaria

Photo Credit: Regina Pizzaria

This pizza being served in the humble Allston neighborhood is rated #1 in the United States, yes you read that right. Regina’s serves the perfect crust, thin with just the right amount of chew. The sauce and mozzarella are fresh and full of flavor and the toppings are top notch. Every element is done right. Is your mouth watering? Because ours are.

Address: 353 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-783-2300

Carlo’s

Photo Credit: Carlo’s

Carlo’s seems like a strange find in Allston, classic sit down Italian with beautiful murals covering the walls. But this family-run restaurant serves up some heart-warming Italian food that you don’t want to miss. The lobster ravioli and arancini are to die for and their tomato sauce is smooth and creamy from the touch of Mascarpone, it goes down much too easy!

Address: 131 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-254-9759

Sweets:

*Fomu

Photo Credit: FoMu

This ice cream shop scoops some of the thickest, “creamiest,” creative, vegan (don’t write it off!) ice cream we have ever tasted. Made with a coconut milk base, it satisfies any craving for ice cream (vegan or not) that you might find yourself with.

Address: 481 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-903-3276

Twin Donuts

Photo Credit: Phoebe Melnick

This humble, family-owned coffee shop is a staple in Allston. They bake all their doughnuts in-house and are very affordable. For a real taste of the neighborhood stop in to refuel with a coffee and a doughnut (honey dipped and butternut never disappoint).

Address: 501 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-254-9421

Casual/neighborhood-y:

Lulu’s

Photo Credit: Lulu’s

For a relaxed drink and meal Lulu’s is ideal. The quality and creativity behind their elevated bar fare will surprise you. Definitely make sure to get some of the cajun tots!

Address: 421 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-787-1117

*Roxy’s

Photo Credit: @fabfoodtravels via Instagram

For some of the best gourmet, oozy grilled-cheese you have ever tasted you cannot miss out on a sandwich from Roxy’s. They started out as a food truck and now have a brick and mortar in Allston where they have perfected the grilled-cheese equation.

Address: 485 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-202-5864

Lonestar Taco Bar

Photo Credit: Lonestar

This tiny place gets packed quickly but the tacos are top-notch and the drinks are fantastic. We highly recommend the Paloma (we’ve had a few for R&D purposes), and sometimes they even serve it frozen!

Address: 479 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-782-8226

The Glenville Stops

Photo Credit: The Glenville Stops

This family-owned restaurant is tucked away off the busy streets of Allston where you can get a perfectly prepared and comforting meal. Head there for a relaxing night in the neighborhood. It’s easy to miss it hiding on a back street but that’s part of its charm. It’s Allston’s best kept secret!

Address: 87 Glenville Ave, Boston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-903-3638

Veggie-centric

Allston Diner

Photo Credit: @emelawton via Instagram

Allston Diner has a special place in our hearts. When we want a feel-good brunch this is our number one pick. There are always cartoons on the TV and they serve their coffee in silly, mis-matched mugs. It’s charming and laid-back, and small so be prepared to wait at peak times. We love the buttermilk waffle with fresh berries and the cornbread waffle & chicken. They also offer a lot of vegan options as well!

Address: 431 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-208-8741

*Whole Heart Provisions

Photo Credit: @jessicabwinter via Instagram

This little plant-based spot is another vegan-but-wouldn’t-know-it kind of places. It’s bright and fresh, offering filling and flavorful bowls and kombucha tea on tap. For a positive boost to your system definitely grab a bite here!

Address: 487 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-202-5041

Bar Scene:

Deep Ellum

Photo Credit: Deep Ellum

An ode to Dallas’ vibrant nightlife, this place sure measures up well. Head to Deep Ellum for craft beer, creative cocktails, wholesome food, and a whole lot of fun. The atmosphere is casual and the community is rich. It’s easy to stay here all night!

Hopewell Bar & Kitchen

Photo Credit: Hopewell Bar & Kitchen

Hopewell is the place to hang whether for a laid back dinner or a fun night of drinking and games. They serve elevated bar fare, and often offer delicious specials. Their woody, lodge-like atmosphere is comforting and inviting. To stay entertained they have pool, shuffleboard and other games arcade games like pinball.

Address: 1277 Commonwealth Ave, Allston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-208-8925

Tavern in the Square

Photo Credit: Tavern in the Square

This bar/restaurant is a chain in the city but is THE spot for college kids to go out and party in the night hours. It’s bumpin’ after hours, but if you want a calm lunch and a variety of draught beers stop by in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Address: 161 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134
Phone: 617-782-8100

Where to Shop

Photo Credit: Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange – Thrift Store

Urban Renewals – Thrift store

Ritual Arts – Crystal shop

Super 88 – Asian grocery store & food court

Mr. Music – Music store

What to See/Do

Photo Credit: Bites of Boston

Bites of Boston Allston Arts & Eats Tour

See a Show at Brighton Music Hall

See a Show at Great Scott

See a Show at O’Brien’s Pub

Play Trivia at Harry’s Bar and Grill

Dance the Night Away at The Model Cafe

Where to Stay and Getting There

Photo Credit: Studio Allston

Hotels

Allston does not have many places to stay unless you’re planning on crashing with some college kids, but Brookline and Brighton neighbor it and have plenty of options.

AC Hotel Boston Cleveland Circle

Hotel Boston

Studio Allston

Courtyard Boston Brookline

Holiday Inn Boston-Brookline

Beacon Inn

Public Transportation 

Closest MBTA Stops

Harvard Ave. – Green Line (B)

Brighton Ave. – 57 Bus Line

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Looking for a great gift? Give a gift of food and fun!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 25th, 2017 and has been updated and revamped for accuracy and fresh content.