South Boston Bars and Taverns That No Longer Exist
South Boston Bars We Said Goodbye To
A few years ago, we came across a Twitter thread, “Boston Bars that No Longer Exit.” This inspired us to start our own “South Boston Bars That Don’t Exist Any More” thread, and boy, oh boy….. It was a trip down memory lane. Every place from Huck’s Hideaway to the Molly Darcy’s got a mention. People recalled stories of bellying up to the bar at their favorite haunt to the fact at the bar, Street Lights was fondly referred to as Street Fights. Interesting fact: Did you know that Street Lights had a “Pearl Harbor Night” where you could drink Pearl Harbors for $1? What could possibly go wrong?
From this Twitter thread, a friend of CIS Sheila Lynch emailed us photos of the “Great Southie Reunion” program from 2000. (And that was quite an event! A veritable who’s who of Southie legends like Sully, Obie, Wolfie, Lefty, Spuckie, and Clinky – to name a few.) So below, feast your eyes on this list of legendary bars and taverns from the 20th century that existed (or still exist) in South Boston that was included in the program. Enjoy! Thank you, Sheila!
Extra credit if you remember where they were located!
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
No Mad Hatter !!!!
wood shed Fst. between Broadway and Bowen or Athens? the street behind the bug house.
I noted there was no Lally’s, located at D and Old Colony Ave., for many years in Southie.
Charles Harrington
Charlie,
I don’t remember a Lally’s. I believe you’re thinking of Mike Kileys! Hope all is well!
Adella Smith
This is so sad but so right Maureen, your diding a great job on Caught in Southie…I absolutely loved the Great Southie Reunion…it was one of the best events I have ever been to…(except for the party’s in My House) lol…but your right on in all of your articles you write…your forever friend…David Clinky McDonald
Hey, thanks, David! I miss you! Let me know when you’re back visiting in Southie!
Its starting to feel like the old days again . With everyone getting beer and wine licenses. I’d like to see a town with less stores selling booze .
I will Maureen,I will be back very soon.!
the whisper
Nice
MAD HATTER WAS THE BEST
Gerry cheevers owned parcheesie corner of B&4th Broadway.
B and Broadway I believe.
Canavan’s Pub!!
Funny… was at Seapoint last week. Did they just close?
No, some of the places on that list are still around! The list is from 2000 and it shows all the bars that were open then. Many are still open but the majority are gone. Seapoint, Shamrock, The Clock, Shannon’s etc. are all still open.
Shenanigans which was Bagatells, from the Ringside and before that The Yankee Trader(not sure before. Rainbow Dragon, Coynes Atlantic Beer Garden and Wiskey Priest off top of my head, of places I drank, and alot on list and yes to street fights 1 dollar pearl harbors.
deja vu
I know it’s “new” and will never make this list, but I LOVED THIRST! I miss that little place and the signage still up makes me sad each time i walk by
I know! I was sad when that closed!
They used to have “boys night” and it quickly got the nickname Thrust
Pearl Harbor night was on Saturdays $2 for a 16 oz – Friday night’s were Green Hornet Night a buck a Heinekan Sunday night was open bar from 8-10 for $5
Linehan’s?
Rabbit Inn
Was Linehan’s at the corner of A and West Fourth?
The Casino.
o spent a lot of time at Cassidy playing horses on a Saturday morning…very fond memories. dorgabs was another fond memory place.
Hi Ronald… My grandfather was Jim Cassidy, the original owner.
What years did you go there?
What about Mike Kiley’s ?
The Carmen’s Post , The Surf Lounge. Also, my bad.I didn’t see Kiley’s until after I posted.
Also, The 332
Anyone remember Annie Gavin’s ? Half of it was a store and the other half was a tavern, this is waaay before it become Gavin’s Tavern. I was just a little kid back then but I know you could buy loose cigarettes in there.
corn n bull rabbit in
Nothing like the Q 🍺
Another list might be of Package Stores. I live in Maine, now,, but grew up in Southie, Hung out with Jimbo D., and knew your father from hand ball at the L.
Used to double date with your aunt Julie, when she dated Ron “Rinka” Keefe.
Ronald Rinka Keefe is my grandfather!
Boy… does this bring back some great memories. I probably visited at least half the places on the list. The Pleasure Bay Lounge (PBL) a.k.a Farragut House with the Irish Volunteers on Saturday night’s had to be the best.
i remember the Abbey and Rooneys
foley’s east 8th near corner of hamlin with burns packy across the st haunts of my father in the 50s
Charlie Bibby stumbling around Andrew Square every Saturday night too.
You left out ParCheeze’s on lower Broadway owned in partnership with Gerry Cheevers
ParCheeze”s was also owned by Pat Perkins R.I.P.
I was one of the bartenders.
I didn’t see it but I think you missed The Pit Stop. it was off of D Street across from Thermo King .
Miss the Quiet Man omg the best food !
Frank’s Tavern was the previous name of Ace’s High prior to it being purchased by Ace Brennan. It was owned by a great uncle of mine – we still have the liquor license from 1947.
THE “WHITNEY TAVERN” LATER TO BE NAMED THE “RABBIT INN”
No Thirst!
Nancy Whiskeys = fun
Corner of West 2nd and Dorchester st.
Early 2000’s
who owned Ireland’s 32 south boston?
wasn’t that downstairs at ocean kie
Who can help me with history on Reardon’s Tavern, on the list?
I think Reardon’s was my grandfather’s bar, John Reardon. I would have to get back to you on its exact location in South Boston. His daughter, my mom has passed but my dad is still with us. The bar was seen in the movie “Marty.”
John Reardon , owner of Reardon’s Tavern, was my Great Grand Father. His son, Joseph W. Reardon, “Joe” was his son and owned Reardon’s Flower Shop and was MA State Boxing Commissioner. He and his wife Mildred lived in Milton..
We are related? 🍀
Reardon’s Tavern, 501 E. 8th Street, Southie, was owned by my grandfather, Frank Reardon. My grandfather passed away in 1958. It is now the Shamrock Bar and Grill. The original sign was still there in 1968 and is seen in a brief moment in the movie “Charly” starring Cliff Robertson (not Marty). Cliff R. gets off a bus and Reardon’s Tavern is across the street.
I think we should meet at Reardon’, or what’s Reardon bar now, debate this and enjoy a few pints. I think we are related!
Remember the K St Tap as PETE’S PUB and JUMPIN JACK FLASH! He used to hold Court at the bottom of the inside stairway. He was a real character !!!!!! He died in 1999. If he were alive today he would have been 81.
He was my Maternal Uncle! Oh the stories!!!!!!!!