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 founder of Caught in Media. Once a longtime wardrobe and prop stylist for brands such as Rue La La, TJ Max & Hasbro, she is a devoted lover of vintage clothing, Martini Mondays, Castle Island, AND a 4th generation South Boston native. Mother of three, married to Peter G.
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
what was the Asian restraunt on the corner on West Broadway and , I think, F???
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
Pat McDonough owned the Ireland’s 32, they had lots of Irish bands and big acts played there. He hosted a Irish music radio show also. In the early 1970’s they had rock and roll Friday and Saturday nights with lots of rock bands playing there, probably even Aerosmith.
Pat McDonough owned the Ireland’s 32. They had great Irish bands playing there often and other big acts, I remember The Platters playing there. He also hosted an Irish music radio program and was into Irish charities.
I remember in the early 1970’s The club had Rock n’t Roll Friday and Saturday nights with lots of bands playing there and I think I remember Aerosmith playing there.
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!!!!!!!!
My father and uncle owned 3rd St cafe which closed early 70’s , when we moved from Dorchester to Quincy 1970. ! Still have family in Southie
Going back to the 70’s, mallows(?) across the street from south station…
Navy Joe, haaaa., I remember mallows, my dad used to stop in for a quickie…shot and a short glass of gansett.,
Yes, it was torn down during the south station rehab project around 70/71, correct me if I’m wrong.
Me and dad went for breakfast at the cafeteria alongside, was it the Waldorf or Hayes bickfords ? I’m not sure…
Boy, the memories are killing me.
Thanks for the way back !
Forgot was Marty &landys before
Matty landys, Bst and Broadway
Changed names around 1976/77 to
Barney grogans, then to Parcheesys,, then to streetlights around 82…
Streetlights was a shooting star in it’s day, a great place to meet, and get blitzed.
I met the best of the best of Southie and the worst of the worst sad to say…but the girls were the ultimate in class, style and respect., and they know who they are !
Best memories from 83/84
The Corner Tavern was the best. Owned by a “Jake” habituated by Edison Workers during the day.
Great steak tips in the 80’s . Alumnae all hang out at Rosa Lyons .
A very long list. It won’t get too much longer, there aren’t many of the old neighborhood places left.
Loved the old town tavern back in the 70’s when the Connollys owned it
Bud would stop by The Quencher for a Nickel draft (or more), grab a couple of roast beef sandwiches (and then some) claiming he would come out with more cash in his pocket than he went in with!
DAV Chapter 22 on West Broadway. Was 2 doors down from hamburger joint, maybe Lally’s. Spent 1st 15 years of my life there on weekend with parents. Then burnt to ground, I think still open lot.
the transit. cronins. cornerstone
the whisper
Loved the Quiet Man except for what passed for a bathroom. They should have painted the Mad Haters floor red to blend with the nightly blood. The Whisper was a great bar in a tough location.
Do you have any photos from The Whisper?
Not for nothin’ ( I couldn’t resist) but I’m pretty sure I sent you the list of bars. I pulled out the Southie Reunion booklet this past winter to show my school secretary; her father-in-law once owned the Shamrock so she made a copy…No matter, I thought it was cool too. What is it they say about great minds and all that?
My great-uncle owned some bars in 1930’s/40’s, his name was Michael Hayes. Does anyone know how I can get more information about him and his bars? thanks
Penn Cafe
Does anyone know exactly where Fitzie’s was located? My dad always told us stories of going there.
According to my dads complimentary calendar from “Fitzie’s Broadway Casino” it was at “377 West Broadway, South Boston”. Check it out on google maps street view its 377A on the right side now “DLuxe nail Bar west”. LOL
Nice.
I believe my grandfather Thomas E. Fitzgerald bought the Broadway Casino and renamed it Fitzie’s Casino. I believe it was on South Street? He came over on the boat from Ballyferriter, a “Kerry man”. Bar fights were a family tradition, always civilized per Marcus of Queensbury rules…mostly. Black thorn walking stick (aka big shillelagh) optional, backup. I think at one time they had a bunch of phone lines in the back and ran a sports book. They could serve food but I think it was just for the licensing. Good friends with Judge Tracy,
LOL My grand Auntie Dee ? worked there for years. They had an awesome juke box. Always had Irish Rovers in it. (The Unicorn) Us grand kids got the old 45’s and little paper tabs with 2 songs and artist on it. We were treated like royalty there. Grandad said the Saint Patrick’s Day parade went in the front door and out the back. That might have bee another bar he had before in Southie, not sure. Wow great memories. Thanks, Richard Byrne Fitzgerald, son of Thomas Michael Fitzgerald, son of Thomas Edward Fitzgerald of the clan Fitzgerald. LOL
OK, I called my Dad to try n get some more accurate info. Fun stuff. He still has a complimentary calendar from the bar in his office. It says “Fitzie’s Broadway Casino”, “377 West Broadway, South Boston”. I looked on google maps street view and It was on the right 377A, now DLuxe Nail Bar West. LOL He said he bought the place from Blinstrub (nightclub owner) and changed the name from Broadway Casino. It had a front and back alley entrance. The left side was a jewelers back in the day 377B. Stairs in the middle, apartments above. The juke box was by front door, bar was on the right, booths were up a step in back or left towards the kitchen in back, office across from Bar with a safe. Yes at one time they had lots of phones in the back. Auntie Mary Walsh was the one who worked there. Micky’s Mom. The St Paddy’s parade did go by and some probably did stop in for a drink. There was a relay race on foot down Broadway before the parade and a bus that would give you a ride back if you couldn’t finish. The other bar he had for bit was maybe in Dorchester.
Cronin’s Pub Andrews Square
Mad Hatter was the absolute best!!!! OMG how is it not on this list!!!
Remember the windows at the Quiet Man. You could have a couple of beers at the bar and comment on the gals outside waiting for the 9 to City Point, almost one-way glass. The steak tips were great, mens room horrible,great owners. I remember Joe would complain how Whiteys guys would be a drunk up at Triple Os across the street and dump him outside the door of Quiet Man at closing time, he’d yell at the Police when they gave him a hard time. I think he ended up working for Moakley.
if I recall I was the first person who was pictured in caughtinsouthie I am still kicking around Maureen wish u well tc jamie lee
Was the “Bright Star” once located in the building currently occupied by “Stats Bar and Grille”?
How about Harry Messinas at the corner of East Eight and Knowlton?
The Social Club downstairs on Covington. Many nights playing pool with the aroma of Ocean Kai wafting across the empty lot. You just had to stop and get some Chinese food on the way home.
Hi Maiireen
Kenny Connolly’s old town tavern was the best. On a Saturday. A hot meal in the back. You could see a could have generations of families together watching the horse races or a sports game. Then later on it was turned over to Shorty”s places. Many years of great people walk through those doors.
Hi Maureen I so enjoyed this article. I feel so old seeing some of the names on here. One of the places I’m surprised that’s not on it is the Elite. Down stairs was the restaurant which had the best grapenut pudding evahhh. However upstairs was a shady bar, but they were all shady back then 😆. The best thing was all of Southie pronounced it E/lite even though it was supposed to be E/leet🤣 I think if a bar back then had steamed hot dogs that was considered a gastro pub.
PETE’S PUB: K and 4th Street next to the Fire House.
My father was a regular at the Quencher tavern in the 50’s; came home with a black eye once. I know he played guitar at one of these long gone places, but can’t remember which one..…
DILLIGAF near Broadway Station on Dot Ave
I nuremberg the Elite well, directly across the street from the then South Boston Savings Bank. I remember coming up from Broadway Station, heading up Broadway, passing Triple O”s, then Blinstrubs, heading to work at the Bank. I do remember a shooting one night at the bar on the second floor, above the Elite restaurant.m I believe the owner at the time was a Greek man named Nick.
Columbus Tavern , corner of Mercer and E. 8th Sts. I lived across street for 19 years. We kids knew those guys always looked out for us.
Bobby Wares was on Emerson St near Broadway and I Street
what was the Asian restraunt on the corner on West Broadway and , I think, F??? Blanking on the name and it came upmon conversation with friends this eve and now it is a race to who can remember 1st. not the dragon. this place was there around 2010ish
Rainbow Dragon!
Matty Landys- pull up in front on a Sunday (when liquor stores were closed) and get a 6 pack for $5 bucks!