Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Brighton
A guide to eating, shopping, and sightseeing a short distance from BU
Washington Street in Brighton Center. Photo by Jacob Chang-Rascle (COM’22)
Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Brighton
A guide to eating, shopping, and sightseeing a short distance from BU
Just beyond the bustling streets of Allston lies a more residential neighborhood—Brighton. Home to many Boston University and Boston College students, young professionals, and families, Brighton offers many pubs and ethnic restaurants providing affordable options for a leisurely afternoon or a night on the town.
Originally home to the Pawtucket and later settled by Europeans in 1630, the area was originally part of Watertown. In 1634, the Massachusetts Bay Colony transferred the land to Newtowne (Cambridge today). The first permanent English settlement in what is now Brighton drew people from Cambridge, and the area became known as “Little Cambridge.” The moniker lasted until residents voted to secede from Cambridge in 1807, when the area was renamed for the English coastal city of Brighton and Hove. In 1874, Brighton officially became a neighborhood of Boston.
Throughout its nearly 400-year history, Brighton has seen many important developments. The Brighton Cattle Market was created in 1776 to feed George Washington’s Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, establishing the area as a major center for the cattle and slaughtering trades that lasted until the mid-20th century.
Today, the neighborhood is home to many restaurants, museums, pubs, and small businesses. BU Today has compiled a list of some of the best places to explore when you’re in the neighborhood.
Brighton Bodega
328 Washington St.
In the heart of Brighton Center, Brighton Bodega offers a contemporary take on street food from around the globe. Diners can feast on oysters from the raw bar, cheese and charcuterie plates, Maine mussels, and assorted steamed buns. The eclectic, small plate–focused menu changes constantly, driven largely by what’s in season. The restaurant has won over locals since opening in 2017, with its nontraditional menu and cozy, modern dining space. It also features a wide array of craft beers on tap and a deep selection of seasonally focused house cocktails.
Devlin’s Restaurant
332 Washington St.
Dining inside or on the outdoor patio, the ambience at Devlin’s is decidedly chic. Come for a casual meal at a booth or high-rise table, a leisurely outdoor brunch, or a quick drink at the bar. The wood décor complements the warm lighting and artwork to create a lively feel. The menu is straightforward, with a mix of pizzas, bowls, sandwiches, and burgers, along with a few more unique dishes like bucatini alla vodka and hot chili oil noodles. Come for brunch and enjoy vegetable shakshuka, a cinnamon French toast platter, or a croissant benny with avocado, hollandaise sauce, and your choice of ham, smoked salmon, or broccolini. On the extensive drink menu are American IPAs and other ales, ciders, and a number of draft beers. Devlin’s also hosts live music and other events throughout the year. Check out their Instagram page for the latest calendar information.
Porter Belly’s Pub
338 Washington St.
This Irish pub in the middle of Brighton Center has earned a reputation as a venue for up-and-coming local musicians—and musicians touring New England. More interested in sports than music? Watch games on one of the plasma TVs. The menu has a decidedly Gaelic influence: you’ll find corned beef hash and a traditional Irish breakfast (two eggs, bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, beans, tomato, mushrooms, and toast) available all day on the weekend brunch menu. Dinner entrees include fried plantain tacos, wagyu beef Bolognese, and beer-battered fish and chips.
Cafénation
380 Washington St.
Cafénation has everything you could want in a café: lots of coffee and tea options, a rotating selection of pastries (like avocado bread and apricot coffee cake muffins), inexpensive bagel and egg breakfast specialties, an array of sandwiches and wraps, and seasonal soups in the winter. Try the London Fog, an Earl Grey tea accented with blue cornflower petals, paired with the Hummer breakfast sandwich (hummus, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, lettuce, and red onion)—a healthy and filling breakfast for under $12. Other popular menu items: the Otom breakfast sandwich (a BLT with eggs, cheddar cheese, and spicy aioli) and a lox and cream cheese sandwich. The walls showcase the work of local artists and are available for purchase. Although great for a quick bite or cup of coffee (roasted in-house), the café is small and seating can be hard to come by.
Little Pizza King
389 Washington St.
A menu brimming with appetizers, salads, subs, gyros, calzones, wraps, Italian specialties, and more than a dozen pizza combinations means Little Pizza King will likely satisfy anyone’s appetite. Be sure to come hungry—the place has low prices, large portions, and endless options. Their website promises: “We enjoy feeding you just as much as you enjoy eating our food.” And it’s true. Seating is limited, but takeout and delivery are available.
Daniel’s Bakery
395 Washington St.
This family-owned bakery has been a Brighton institution for more than 60 years. Founded by Daniel Handalian in 1959, it remained in his family for more than four decades before being sold to Wanda Silva, who runs it with her family. The cakes, pies, cookies, breads, pastries, and muffins are baked on the premises daily. It has a huge assortment of ethnic treats, ranging from Brazilian and Italian pastries to Jewish sweets. Consider a custom or photograph cake for your next big party or special event, or order baked goods on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
Athan’s Bakery
407 Washington St.
A mainstay of Brighton for more than a decade, Athan’s prides itself on having “brought a little bit of Europe to Boston.” The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers great breakfast, lunch, and dinner options: pastries, eggs, salads, cold sandwiches, hot paninis, and several meat entrees. For something sweet, treat yourself to one of the specialty cakes, tarts, mousse tortes, gelato, handcrafted chocolate, cookies, or baklava (a Mediterranean pastry with layers of filo, nuts, and honey).
Rogers Park
90 Rogers Park Ave.
Just steps from Washington Street, Rogers Park is a great place to gather with friends to play sports or just get some sun. There are baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground with a tot lot. The area is dog-friendly, as well, but beware: it’s not completely fenced in and runaway dogs are a frequent occurrence.
Stockyard
135 Market St.
As its name implies, this 200-seat steakhouse is a carnivore’s delight. Stockyard has been serving up hearty meals for hungry patrons for more than four decades. With six different steak options on the menu—along with steak tips, beef tenderloin, and hickory-smoked back baby ribs—Stockyard is in some ways a throwback to the steakhouses of yore. But non–meat eaters will also find plenty to choose from. There’s an impressive raw bar, a selection of New England lobster dishes—like lobster pie, lobster rolls, and lobster mac ’n’ cheese—and several salads. One of the city’s largest restaurants, Stockyard is anchored by an enormous horseshoe bar and is open daily. Reservations are accepted, and brunch is offered on Saturdays and Sundays. There’s live music—courtesy of the J.P. Heston Trio—Thursday and Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
American Flatbread and Brighton Bowl
76 Guest St.
Fans of American Flatbread and Sacco’s Bowl Haven in Somerville’s Davis Square already know pizza and candlepin bowling are an irresistible combination. But you don’t have to cross the river to enjoy them together. American Flatbread’s Brighton location near Boston Landing offers the same trademark all-natural, wood-fired clay oven pizzas and candlepin bowling. At 12,500 square feet, it’s significantly larger than the one in Davis Square. The top mezzanine level is an option for private events, with two lanes, a large bar, and a dining room. Downstairs, you’ll find seven bowling lanes, and another bar and dining room. It’s ideal for after-work gatherings and for families looking to host a child’s birthday party. Among the standout pizzas are the Revolution Flatbread (tomato sauce, organic caramelized onions and mushrooms, whole milk mozzarella, Parmesan, and homemade garlic oil), and the Flyin’ Hawaiian (topped with free-range pork shoulder or roasted chicken, mango BBQ sauce, organic red onions, pineapple, goat cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan). There’s also a dairy-free vegan option, organic salads, an extensive beer list, and a selection of mouthwatering desserts.
Article 24
458 Western Ave.
When Article 24 opened in June 2016, restaurant bible Zagat named it “one of Boston’s 11 most anticipated restaurants for spring.” Since then, the restaurant has attracted a steady crowd, drawn to its food (the fried pickles, udon ramen, and bandita tacos are big hits) and live events, including trivia nights, comedy shows, live DJs, and karaoke. The popular brunch menu includes such novelties as the Article Benedict, complete with poached eggs, avocado, tomatoes, canadian bacon, and home fries. Be sure to make a reservation—despite plenty of seating, it tends to get crowded.
Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum
20 Chestnut Hill Ave.
Established in 2007, the Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum, in the Veronica Smith Senior Center, provides a glimpse of the neighborhood’s history, heritage, and culture. Its main room features old photographs and articles chronicling Brighton’s development, some dating as far back as the 1600s. A separate gallery has rotating exhibitions, often showcasing the work of Brighton artists. It’s open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am to 3 pm. Admission is free.
Moogy’s
154 Chestnut Hill Ave.
This Philadelphia-inspired sandwich shop, located between Cleveland Circle and Brighton Center, is known for its inventive hoagies (better known as subs here in New England), loaded cheesesteaks, casual atmosphere, all-day breakfast, and daily specials. Some standout menu items: the Full Monty (steak, bacon, provolone, and BBQ sauce), the BU (chicken steak, provolone, and American cheese), and the Jolly Green Giant (chicken steak, broccoli, Swiss cheese, and honey mustard). Moogy’s also offers hamburger hoagies and old-school board games, and boasts 10 types of french fries.
Community Rowing, Inc.
20 Nonantum Rd.
If visiting Brighton’s restaurants and pubs leaves you anxious to burn off some calories, you can take a spin on the water. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rower, Community Rowing has a class and an instructor to fit your needs. You can sign up online to reserve your spot. The nonprofit was established in 1985 on the premise that access to rowing changes lives and communities. One-person shells and sweep rowing for groups of eight are available. All rowers are required to have a swim test on file before using the club’s boats. You can complete this test with any certified lifeguard or at the local YMCA. Class prices vary, so check the website for more information.
The Corner Art Room
6 Academy Hill Rd.
This space is a must for anyone interested in arts and crafts. It offers a range of programs, including drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting workshops and classes, arts and crafts parties for children, and private art sessions for all ages. Check out the calendar for a full list of programs and sign up here.
Boston Public Library Brighton Branch
40 Academy Hill Rd.
The BPL’s Brighton branch is one of the most tranquil places in Boston to relax and catch up on reading. Curl up in the lounge area overlooking the library’s serenity garden, relax on one of the bean-shaped chairs in the story nook, or grab a seat at a high-rise table in the teen café area. The branch offers a wide selection of readings, lectures, and concerts, and has a collection of books on Brighton-Allston history, as well as photographs from the Brighton-Allston Historical Society’s archives. The library also offers a wide selection of reading materials in Spanish and Russian, as well as book discussions, children’s programming, youth creative writing sessions, ESL classes (online only), and homework help for young students.
Boston College
117 Lake St.
Although most of the Boston College campus is in nearby Chestnut Hill, in 2004 the school extended its reach into Brighton with the purchase of 43 acres of land from the Archdiocese of Boston, including what was formerly the archbishop’s residence. Subsequent purchases from the archdiocese increased the size of BC’s Brighton campus to 65 acres. Founded in 1863, this Jesuit institution began life in Boston’s South End and moved to Chestnut Hill in 1909. With its superb Gothic architecture, the park-like campus is a wonderful place to stroll. The college also has a small but excellent museum, the McMullen Museum of Art, in the former archbishop’s residence on the Brighton campus. It includes works by American artists John La Farge, William Trost Richards, and Frank Stella, in addition to classical and Christian Flemish tapestries, Italian paintings depicting sacred scenes, and American landscapes and portraits dating from 1840 to 1940. The museum also hosts special exhibitions. Recent shows include an overview of American alternative comics from 1980 to 2000 and photographs by Arnie Jarmak. Museum admission is free and open to the public. Hours during exhibitions are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Find more about dates and hours of operation here.
Jim’s Deli
371 Washington St.
Grab a green tray and get in line. Jim’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner cafeteria-style from behind a counter, as your meal is prepared fresh before your eyes. Open from 6 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday, and from 7 am to 3 pm on weekends, you can count on Jim’s to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy all-day breakfasts of omelets, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches, as well as subs, burgers, hot dogs, wraps, and dinner entrees like roast beef, meatloaf, grilled chicken, and fish and chips. Don’t miss hot sides like mashed potatoes with gravy, macaroni ’n’ cheese, french fries, onion rings, chicken fingers, jalapeno poppers, mozzarella sticks, and assorted vegetables. This busy eatery attracts a mix of locals, professionals, and students—so slide into a booth and get eating.
Peka Restaurant
304 Washington St.
Grab a quick bite or stay all night—Peka could entertain you for hours. Come for the tapas bar—serving ceviche, PEI mussels, and empanadas—and dinner entrees, and stay for the live music and drink menu. The mixology bar and lounge are open until 2 am for dancing, mingling, and cocktail sipping. Dinner entrees include grilled New York strip steak with chimichurri, and chorizo and pollo asado with black bean rice, yuca, and plantains. Plus, they have a full brunch menu on Sundays and plenty of dessert options. Peka promises their Venezuelan dishes and lively atmosphere will provide “a unique experience for all your senses that you will always remember.”
Glasser Coffee Co.
589 Washington St.
Established in 2020 by Alex Kim (who also owns Coreanos in Allston), Glasser Coffee Co. is on Washington Street. The cozy, natural-light-filled space offers two booths, counter seating, and a small table where patrons can catch up on work or meet a friend. Glasser serves a variety of espresso drinks, drip coffee, herbal teas, matcha lattes, and specialty items, like peach limeade and Vietnamese cold brew. The pastry selection includes scones, croissants, and muffins. For something heartier, try overnight oats, and breakfast tacos and bowls that include eggs, potatoes, cheese, black beans, corn salsa, bacon, and spicy mayo. Customers can also purchase loose-leaf teas and retail coffee from Peaks Coffee ofSyracuse, N.Y. (served in-house).
Getting there: Take the MBTA #57 bus along Commonwealth Avenue and get off at Washington Street in Brighton, or take an MBTA Green Line trolley to the Boston College stop.
This article was updated on November 8th, 2023.
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