September 1st is upon us, and we all know what that means: new residents in the neighborhood. From someone who spent their entire childhood in Southie, here are a few of the best staples for fast food, coffee, and snacks to try if you’re new.

Sullivan’s Castle Island

Sullivan’s is one location no one should miss if they’re spending time in Southie. With a wide menu including hot dogs, burgers, seafood, ice cream and milkshakes, Sully’s is perfect for a brisk fall lunch or a late summer evening. Though known for hotdogs, the chain’s best item is its double cheeseburger, which rivals the offerings of Shake Shack and Five Guys. Just don’t forget to tell your cashier the toppings you want on your burger. Sully’s best ice cream is its smooth, creamy soft serve, which it also uses in its milkshakes. Steer clear of the chocolate milkshake if you’re looking for a true chocolatey experience, though—it’s really made out of chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream.

The Coffee/Breakfast Roundup

As I mentioned in my review of the Koko Cafe, coffee shops in Southie are as ubiquitous as shells on the beach. You really can’t go wrong, but some options are better suited for particular treats. Looking for a true cafe-style breakfast? Stop by the Koko Cafe or Deja Brew, which both offer full breakfast menus with fresh-cooked options. In the mood for a sugary beverage that stretches the definition of “coffee”? You’re better off at Dunkin’ or Starbucks, within 30 feet of each other on L Street. Smoothie or acai breakfasts are also on the rise these days; you can find those at Deja Brew and the Bamboo Beach Juice Bar. For coffee itself, Koko Cafe and Deja Brew offer the cheapest options and Starbucks is on the expensive side.

Chilacates

Sandwiched between Dunkin’ and Starbucks, Chilacates recently opened Southie location is a blessing to the neighborhood. Here you’ll find all sorts of Mexican cuisine, from birria tacos to enchiladas to tortas to quesadillas to—of course—burritos. All options are great, but make sure you look at the menu in advance; there’s no assembly line-style bar but instead a myriad of protein options beyond the standard ones, like grilled shrimp or lengua (beef tongue). Pro tip: It’s worth paying for extra cheese on the burrito. Also, try the horchata.

Pizza (& more)

Like coffee, you won’t have to try hard to find pizza in Southie. Your best options are L Street Diner and Village Pizzeria, both of which offer a variety of different pizzas and delivery. Both spots also have great Italian subs. Beyond pies and subs, each place features its own specialties. As its name suggests, L Street Diner is an old-fashioned sit-down diner with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a characteristically wide-ranging menu. Village Pizzeria, more of a hole in the wall, sports more seafood options. And for the rest of the summer, it’s serving tasty blended frozen yogurt with real fruit of your choice.

Doughboy

A bit farther from the other locations on this list, Doughboy—near Broadway Station—is worth the trek for its top-notch doughnuts. Its menu houses over thirty flavors, from classics like Honey Dipped to the unique Fruity Pebbles. There are also all sorts of home-baked pastries, like apple fritters, coffee rolls, and muffins, plus cookies and cupcakes. The bakery is open 24/7, so it’s perfect if you need to satiate a late-night or early-morning sweet tooth.

Anything else I should’ve mentioned? Comment below!

Make sure to check out our New To the Neighborhood Guide – Filled with Helpful Info.