We hope this is not a sign of things to come in the Southie restaurant scene but another restaurant in South Boston has closed. After five years in business, Stephi’s in Southie has closed its doors on Sunday, June 3rd.
According to Boston Eater, Sidell Hospitality, the restaurant group that included Stephi’s in Southie, announced via press release that the Dorchester Street restaurant had closed. “While it’s always an emotional moment leaving a neighborhood you’ve been part of, the changes that are coming to the group are both positive and needed,” said owner Stephanie Sokolove stated via press release.
This news is even more alarming after learning that The Maiden located right across the street closed abruptly last month. Salvatore’s located in the Seaport District, also closed last month. The Globe also reported that Casa De Pedro filed Chapter 11 and is struggling to stay afloat.
So what does this mean? Are leases too high? Not enough customers? Over-saturation of restaurants? Maybe a combo of all, perhaps.
I loved Stephi’s, but the vibe always felt like it was gunning for the 30-45 crowd, whom are becoming more and more “endangered” as time progresses. The fact that it doesn’t get the Perkins square “magnetism” definitely played a part as well. I’m just surprised given all the higher end condo’s in that area that it didn’t stay afloat.
I am in the 30-45 age group mentioned by the other commenter, and will be moving out of Southie this summer. It’s increasingly difficult to feel “at home” here. I find it insulting that this demographic is viewed as irrelevant, but these closings confirm what I’ve suspected for a while: I’m a minority and local businesses don’t care whether I stay or go. Certainly my neighbors don’t, either.
That’s exactly it though… as more and more of you feel “over it” and move away, you’re replaced by people just out of college who want to go to the Perkins square cluster and the establishments that do cater to your demographic simply can’t survive. Nothing against that demographic but it’s just local economics.
And for your neighbors….they’ll be “over it” in the near future and will be following suit. Anyone who has moved to southie recently surely won’t be there long term. It’s the new Southie cycle of life, don’t get personally offended.
Doubtful that it’s the times.. The fact of the matter is that Stephi’s wasn’t remarkable or even memorable. There are too many better options in Boston these days. Restaurants need to innovate and be at the top of their service game to survive, and Stephi’s wasn’t that.
I will add that they were in a new condo development so the rents would have been higher than some of the older buildings and it was a fairly large floor plan for the amount of people that would go there. Rarely would I see every seat filled.
What I don’t understand is how Moonshine 51 or whatever it’s called outlasted Stephi’s. Most Southie residents don’t even know that place exists.
Seriously! They are also on Gilt City every week pushing coupons so it can only be a matter of time.
Moonshine is consistent and has a loyal following. The chef/owner is always present and making sure things are done right. The staff is friendly and takes care of familiar faces. Loved by industry folks. Throws fun parties. Has a super cute patio. THAT is why they outlasted and will continue to, they don’t need all of Southie just the right people that appreciate what they do. It’s where I go after working at a “Perkins Square establishment” and it’s where I send guests that want another place to try because I know they will be treated well.
Moonshine 52 is the best “hidden gem” in Southie – the food is fantastic and as previously mentioned, the Owner is always there talking with guests. we buy the Groupons because it’s a great deal.
Agree! Went there one time was treated rudely and never went back. Actually not to many of these overpriced dumps that have opened in the past 10-15 years are worth any of my time. Portebello on K & Broadway , and local places like sal’s or Lst diner where people actually give a damn about you. They might not be fancy but they are real!
Bring back the old “SOUTHIE BARROOMS “… CHEAP EATS..Cheap drinks, bookies, and FUN!..southie is gone forever..god bless the old SOUTHIE..
What’s the place called next to Al’s liquers? Doesn’t have a sign, maybe it’s called “Shea’s”…I think the guiness sign above the door has the name on the fine print. I always joke to myself about what would happen if I walked in there.
Bring back the Quiet Man!!
Steph ‘s Tremont is great, Stephi’s Southie, something was missing and the food wasn’t very good. When Maiden opened they were too pretentious, making you wait to be seated at the bar even when it wasn’t full… Casa de Pedro, is just odd and extremely overpriced, Salvatore’s I do think was good and they had a strong lunch crowd, so that one surprised me. I think back yard betty’s needs to quickly figure it out or they won’t last long either. Lincoln, capo, fat baby group does such a great job food and vibe wise, it’s hard to compete. I want ken oringer to open a little donkey, now that would do well!
The Maiden closed because the food was mediocre and the prices were absurd. It belonged on 5th ave in Manhattan, not West Broadway. They had no idea who their target audience is.
its because stephis was basically a chain level experience. We jokingly called it “Stephilbees” as its basically a small step up from applebees. Hopefully something good goes there.
sorry for saying basically twice, called the grammar police on myself. hahaha
Need to look no further than Charlestown, & the South End than to see what happens after the neighborhood progress/changes. It will be a few years of opening and closing over and over until the insane rents/leases in Southie become stable.
Good! This place was terrible anyway!!!
Would love to see a restaurant/bar for the 30s crowd. Something still lively but less “bro-y”. Oh and another healthy fast casual place (like Shredded) in the City Point area.
ditto but I’ll raise you a decade 40’s+ (yes, there are plenty here contrary to some other posters opinions)
If people in their 30’s-40’s feel out of place, what about us 50 and over? We’re practically invisible to bar staff. Can whoever owned THIRST on K and 2nd open that up again!?!
Frankly I am 44yrs old and miss the says when Liberty was ON Broadway instead of snooty ignorant yuppies who pull their fancy dogs away from my adorable red headed freckle faced 3rd generation Southie 7yr old…..I mean Southie is no longer the middle class family friendly place that made it a legendary neighborhood!!
See how well Backyard Betty’s does when Shenanigans reopens soon. Best staff and food in Southie and doesn’t break the bank.
I just hope Shenanigans doesn’t jack up prices when it reopens. Fav spot in Southie by far
Whatever goes into Stephies needs to offer better drinks, and lower prices. I believe there is another restaurant into the new hotel across the street once that is finished. Anyone know what it is? Heard it will seat about 350.
Stephi’s was a great place for lunch meetings because it was never crowded. I actually ate there last week. The food was decent, but there are much better options on West Broadway for casual fare. My favorites are Shredded and Shenannigan’s has the best “bar” food in all of Southie. I can’t wait til it opens back up. I commend Stephi for trying in Southie… hopefully it is replaced by something that makes sense.
For the 35 and over.. try Fromage on West Broadway, Food decent , small European TV s only over the back bar. You can actually have a conversation over dinner at a normal volume level
sorry not small European TVs.. haha.. it is small with a European feel l