Beacon Hill Neighborhood Guide: Best Things to Do, Restaurants (2024)

What was a Beacon Hill mansion in the shadow of the State House houses Barbara Lynch’s flagship restaurant. An expert staff—including talented bartenders and the splendid sommelier, Cat Silirie—hits the heights of professionalism. The pricey, French/Italian-inspired cuisine is rarely less than luscious, especially the finely wrought pastas.

Founded in 1807 as a literary society, the Boston Athenæum published America’s first literary magazine and acquired an extensive library of books and works of art. It moved to its current home, an imposing purpose-built structure, in 1847. Although much of the library is accessible only to members or scholars, the ground floor gallery is open to the public, and free guided tours are conductedthree times a week (call in advance to reserve a place).

Designed by Bulfinch and completed in 1798, this magnificent structure—whose dome, originally covered in copper by Paul Revere and sons, was later sheathed in 23-carat gold—remains one of Boston’s best-known landmarks. Among the rooms covered by the tours (call ahead to reserve a place), are the Doric Hall, with its portraits and sculptures of historical politicos, and the House of Representatives and the Senate Chamber—in the public gallery of the House, look out for the Sacred Cod, an 18th-century carved wooden fish symbolizing the importance of the country’s first industry. Visitors can also conduct the tour unaccompanied, and sit in on meetings in the public galleries of the legislative chambers.

Admittedly greater than the sum of its parts, this once-classic greasy spoon (established in 1937) is now a knowingly jazzy version of its original self. The old stainless steel grill, Formica tabletops, and cafeteria-style service at breakfast and lunch proudly advertize its blue-collar roots. The dinner menu opens things up to include chicken tinga nachos, housemade turkey burgers, and other upscale treats. Either way, people-watching during Sunday brunch remains the biggest treat of all.

This bustling French-style bistro and bursting corner bar sit in the ground floor of the charming Beacon Hill Hotel. Hotel guests and locals alike go gaga for the the early morning options (such as eggs with crispy chicken hash, a smoked salmon omelet or vanilla pancakes), but the duck and the burger are can't-miss items for later in the day.

Though often prohibitively crowded, this unpretentious little Beacon Hill pub is a good spot to seek respite from a hard day of relentless sightseeing and antiques-hunting. The Sevens provides some welcome knuckle and grit to the relative daintiness of the area. Find a booth in the corner, settle down with a Guinness or a Bass and you might just make friends with some locals.

On the surface, there's nothingtoo notable about this small, low-ceilinged bar. Just across the way, however, is the State House, which leads to the happy spectacle of power brokers, legislators, journalists, tourists and local ne'er-do-wells sharing a drink together after-work. The 21st is the ultimate off-hour politico bar; you may well spot some local power brokers in there on "business lunches."

IfCarrie Nation’smain bar is too full—which it often is, especially when the nearby State House lets out for the day—head past the shoeshine stand and up the back stairs to the “speakeasy,” home topool tables and intimate seating. No matter which corner you choose to imbibe, you can select from offerings ranging from punches and barrel aged co*cktails to well-crafted classics.

Sink below street level in Beacon Hill for a cozy Italian meal surrounded by exposed brick, shelves of wine and locally sourced artwork. The menu is classic Italian with a creative twist. Ask the friendly, knowledgeable staff for suggested wine pairings.