Photo by Cydney Scott

Things-to-do

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Allston

A guide to eating, shopping, and hanging out just beyond BU

Everyone in and around Boston University has their own unique connection to Allston: a Saturday morning brunch at Lulu’s, that first apartment on Ashford Street, or that table or chair you rescued from the sidewalk during the September move-in/move-out event known as Allston Christmas, when departing tenants leave household items on the sidewalk for new residents to scavenge. It’s safe to say, however, that few recollections involve high-end clothing, artisanal cocktails, and spa treatments. But the new 02134—sometimes called “Rat City”—now mixes local mainstays with some of Boston’s freshest shopping and dining venues.

Alex Cornacchini, executive director of nonprofit neighborhood improvement association Allston Village Main Streets, says Allston’s many different businesses reflect its incredible diversity. 

“It’s a funky young neighborhood where you can try food from anywhere in the world, enjoy public art and live music, meet interesting people, and really discover yourself,” he says.

Allston takes its name from the 18th-century American painter-poet Washington Allston, who lived in Cambridge and famously painted the area in the landscape Fields West of Boston. The neighborhood developed around a major railroad yard and nearby stockyards. Stretching from its southernmost point of the Allston Street T stop to its northernmost point of Soldiers Field Stadium, the area serves as the western terminus for the city of Boston along with neighboring Brighton.

The neighborhood’s busiest nexus is the triangular intersection known as Packard’s Corner, where Harvard Street, Brighton Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue meet. The area caters to a large student population that calls Allston home. Many immigrants hailing from places like Eastern Europe, South Asia, and South America also make up Allston’s diverse fabric.

The historic neighborhood is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented revitalization. Numerous building projects promise to expand and develop the area with modern projects that are certain to add to Allston’s allure.

Allston Yards is being developed on 10.9 acres of land on Everett Street as a mixed-use property consisting of residential, commercial, and public green spaces. The neighborhood is also home to Roadrunner, a 3,500-capacity music venue, the largest general admission indoor music venue in New England, which opened in 2022.

Harvard University owns over 350 acres in North Allston, which includes the Harvard Business School site. And several buildings were razed to make room for Harvard’s new 497,000-square-foot science and engineering complex built in 2020. Harvard’s American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) is also expected to take up residence near the university’s stadium in 2026. 

There are lots of interesting places to check out in this constantly evolving neighborhood.

Thai Dish
Babcock Tower, 270 Babcock St.

Thai Dish first opened in 1994 on Newbury Street, and has since made its way to Babcock Street. The menu features authentic Thai ingredients while also incorporating food from local farmers. Among the menu options: pad thai (with bean sprout, scallions, and egg, on a bed of sweet and savory noodles, garnished with peanuts) and the Grapow Bowl (with stir-fried minced garlic, chili and oyster sauce, over rice). Simply put, Thai Dish is “Bangkok street food with a Boston heart.”

Vintage Underground
957 Commonwealth Ave.

A collaboration between Allston’s Vivant Vintage and Cambridge’s Cheapo Records, this Comm Ave consignment retreat, located in West Campus, is like time traveling to the ’90s. Step down the narrow basement stairs and you’ll find a space stocked with records, vintage clothing, magazines, pins, patches, costume jewelry, posters, and more. Lucky for you, it’s open daily.

LimeRed Teahouse & Espresso Bar
1092 Commonwealth Ave.

LimeRed serves up creative craft bubble tea drinks, using freshly brewed milk or fruit tea topped with your choice of tapioca pearls, aloe, nata de coco, and more. There are 22 flavors to choose from, but the classic milk tea is a guaranteed delight. If bubble tea isn’t your thing, you can head to their espresso and matcha bar. Whatever drink you choose, be sure to accompany it with one of the dessert bar’s tasty treats. A macaron, honeycomb waffle, or matcha cookie pairs perfectly with any drink. There’s lots of seating, making it the ideal spot to do some work or hang out with friends.

Super 88 Hong Kong Supermarket & Food Connection
1095 Commonwealth Ave.

Half food court, half supermarket, this sprawling complex is a mecca for anyone seeking authentic East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian cuisine. The Food Connection food court offers a dazzling array of cheap eats at 10 stalls, including the Poké Boys, which serves up a variety of fresh and healthy bowls of fish, chicken, veggies, and other sides. Other stalls sell Korean, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese cuisine. And you can get a quick bubble tea to go at Kung Fu Tea. The Hong Kong Supermarket has an array of inexpensive spices and teas, exotic seafood, fruits, noodles, condiments, frozen buns and dumplings, and instant noodles—great for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking.

Rhythm ’N Wraps
1096 Commonwealth Ave.

This comfort-vegan restaurant is sure to become a favorite of even die-hard meat lovers. Rhythm ’n Wraps is one of the few Black-owned businesses operating in Allston and offers a global menu with different cultural influences. Try to conquer their Big Shug Burger (Impossible meat topped with mac ’n’ cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion, and chipotle mayo on a pretzel bun, and served with fries). Looking for a lighter bite? Their Jamaican patties (with your choice of chick’n, lentil, or jerk plantain) offer just the right amount of flaky and savory. The desserts are worth every calorie: try the apple pie empanada or the pistachio cake. And the house-made Rhythm Punch (made with sorrel, hibiscus, ginger, lime, and agave) or mint lemonade is a sweet way to wash it all down. One visit and you’ll discover how impossibly good the food is.

Seoul Soulongtang
1245 Commonwealth Ave.

Seoul Soulongtang bills its traditional seolleongtang—a Korean broth soup enriched with ox bones, brisket, marrow, thin noodles, and spices—as “beef soup for the soul.” It’s flavorful and hearty, making it a great liquid lunch or dinner on a cold day. The menu has other Korean specialties, like bulgogi (thinly sliced rib eye steak in a soy sauce–based marinade) and japchae, stir-fried glass noodles with beef.

The Avenue
1249 Commonwealth Ave.

The Avenue is the spot for burgers and beer. Try their iconic 4 oz. Avenue Burger with lettuce, tomato, and secret sauce in a house butter griddled sesame seed bun. If you’re feeling more adventurous, go for the Bird’s Nest Burger that comes with a fried egg, American cheese, and onion straws. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, the menu also includes an array of wings and tacos to choose from. Pair it with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails like the Allston Mollassacre—their take on the classic espresso martini—or the Rat City Negroni, made with house-made honey, orange bitters, coriander, and clove simple syrup.

Hopewell Bar & Kitchen
1277 Commonwealth Ave.

This restaurant follows three principles: serve up terrific drinks and food, take pride in your work, and remember your roots. The breakfast sandwiches are excellent. You’ll also find a selection of grilled pizzas and delicious entrées, like a grilled Atlantic salmon bowl. The carefully curated cocktail menu features more than a dozen refreshing bar picks with novelty names like Cinn City (house-infused cinnamon Wheatley vodka, Bauchant orange liqueur, apple cider, vanilla simple syrup, lemon juice) and the Sweater Weather Sangria (red wine, cranberry purée, blackberry brandy, triple sec, apple cider, and spices). Hopewell also has a big beer and whiskey selection. The bar offers shuffleboard, billiards, and old-fashioned arcade games, as well as an outdoor patio for al fresco dining during warm-weather months. Delivery and takeout are available.

Carlo’s Cucina Italiana
131 Brighton Ave.

You don’t have to travel as far as the North End to find top-quality Italian cuisine. This family-run eatery has classic dishes at great prices. Their chicken parm is unforgettable, coated with the perfect amount of homemade plum tomato sauce and warm cheese. The simple decor and cozy atmosphere only add to the ambience. The eatery has been a staple in the neighborhood for over 40 years. They also offer takeout options for most dishes. When you don’t feel like hiking to Hanover Street, Carlo’s Cucina Italiana is the place to go.

Stage Karaoke X Studios
138 Brighton Ave. 

This karaoke venue bills itself as “a beautiful combination of futuristic nightlife with a high-class Bostonian atmosphere.” The stage is open to the public for general karaoke singing and offers a tapas menu featuring items like french fries, crab rangoons, wings, and mozzarella sticks, as well as a range of cocktails, beer, wine, and nonalcoholic drinks. The private studios can be booked for parties of up to 30 people and cost $75 an hour for a small studio and $300 an hour for the large VIP area. Food and drinks are extra. The main stage area is 21-plus only; private rooms are 21-plus only after 8 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Coreanos
172 Brighton Ave.

A Korean restaurant with Mexican fusion options, Coreanos offers quite a range of cuisine—from Korean fried chicken and bulgogi quesadillas to tacos and tteokbokki (soft rice cakes, vegetables, and fish cakes cooked in a sweet red chili sauce)—and a drink menu that includes a sweet, refreshing peach limeade and Vietnamese coffee. We recommend the Coreanos Bowl—which includes rice, a protein, and veggies topped with flavorful sauces—or the very tasty chicken poppers dressed with so much sauce that you’ll need a fork to handle them. Note: the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

Replay’d
252 Brighton Ave.

Replay’d, Allston’s only retro video game shop, is a haven for die-hard and casual gamers alike. You’ll find used copies of nearly every new game and console for sale, but fans with a taste for nostalgia will love looking through the cases. Rare collectible titles from years past to childhood-favorite consoles like the Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis are available at reasonable prices. All games come pre-owned, which makes for some great deals. No other shop can offer customers tons of games for systems from Atari to PS5. Schedule plenty of time for browsing—you’ll need it.

Lulu’s Allston
421 Cambridge St.

Lulu’s is known for tasty and imaginative comfort food and is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Among the brunch items: French toast with bananas Foster, and Lulu’s Benedict, with poached eggs and house avocado mousse, served on a grilled English muffin. Brunch is served seven days a week until 3 pm, so you’ll have no excuses to miss it. One of the most popular lunch entrées is the smashed burger (smashed patty, Vermont cheddar, shredded lettuce, sautéed onions, chopped pickles, and Lulu’s secret sauce on a bulky roll). The dinner menu’s tasty options include mac ’n’ cheese topped with spiced bread crumbs and candied apple BBQ pork belly, with garlic mashed potatoes and pickled jalapeño coleslaw.

Bazaar on Cambridge
424 Cambridge St.

Hankering for a taste of Eastern Europe? Then stop by this well-stocked gourmet supermarket, selling Russian, Ukrainian, Italian, Georgian, Armenian, and Polish cuisine. Over half of the store is stocked with imported goods, ranging from chocolate, drinks, and candy to liquor and packaged foods. There are myriad options in the bakery section, with lunch sandwiches, breads, and sweets. Try the giant cherry Danish. You’ll also find produce, smoked fish, lamb kebabs, pirogues, and much more. Bazaar is famous for its poppy seed rolls.

Lone Star Taco Bar
479 Cambridge St.

Lone Star is known not only for its tacos and other offerings inspired by Mexican street food, but also for its brunch, served daily until 4 pm and featuring dishes like tres leches French toast and jalapeño corn cakes. There are taco choices for both meat eaters and vegetarians, with fillings like beef, chorizo, fish, and tofu. Small-plate dishes, like the sweet grilled street corn topped with salty cotija cheese, have gained devoted fans. Lone Star also draws a big nighttime crowd with its inventive cocktails and extensive list of tequilas and mezcals.

Coffee Turco
483 Cambridge St.

This Turkish coffee shop, open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, serves up genuine Turkish coffee (as well as other coffee drinks) and an all-day breakfast/brunch menu. Among the standout items: the serpme breakfast, which feeds two and includes sujuk (beef sausage) with eggs, a plate of menemen eggs, feta cheese, kashkaval cheese, halloumi cheese, mozzarella cheese, black olives, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, halva, berry jam, Nutella, honey with kaymak, simit (Turkish bagel), plain or cheese pogača, and white bread; sandwiches (including a delicious mozzarella with red pepper cream cheese, pesto, tomato, arugula, and a green tomato sauce); and amazing waffles. Try the signature Turco special waffle, which comes with kiwis, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, whipped cream, sliced almonds, and vanilla ice cream. You’ll be glad you did.

Roxy’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese
485 Cambridge St.

Roxy’s began as a food truck, selling grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers around the city. The cheese-colored food truck is still a city staple, but Roxy’s now also has brick-and-mortar storefronts in both Allston and Cambridge’s Central Square. Hungry customers can enjoy the same mouthwatering burgers (the veggie burger is excellent) and inventive grilled cheese sandwiches (we recommend the Allston, with herbed goat cheese, fig jam, caramelized onions, and arugula), but in the comfort of a sit-down restaurant. Roxy’s carries sides like truffle fries and tomato soup, a stellar all-natural lemonade, and for those 21-plus, a rotating beer menu. Vegan options are also available.

Twin Donuts
501 Cambridge St.

Dunkin’ Donuts isn’t the only option for coffee and donuts in Allston. This no-frills mom-and-pop donut shop has been a neighborhood mainstay since the 1950s. If you’re there when doors open at 6 am, you’re likely to see early risers sitting across the table from students who haven’t been to bed yet. The glazed donuts are the big draw. Get there early while they’re still warm. Other donut flavors include honeydew, cinnamon, lemon, black raspberry, creme, apple spice, and honey dip. You’ll also find a full breakfast menu, with breakfast sandwiches, omelets, eggs, French toast, and pancakes. On the lunch menu are salads, soups, and sandwiches. And the coffee is $3 for a large cup—less than what you’ll pay at chains like Starbucks or Caffe Nero.

American Flatbread Brighton
76 Guest St.

Candlepin bowling and wood-fired pizza make for a great pairing at American Flatbread. The complex houses nine bowling lanes that are available to reserve for parties of two to six guests per lane. For larger parties, American Flatbread will organize multiple lanes or even a private room. Walk-in parties of six or less are also welcome. While you’re there, be sure to try one of their flatbreads, like the Medicine Wheel (with homemade wood-fired cauldron tomato sauce and whole milk mozzarella) or the Revolution Flatbread (with caramelized onions and organic mushrooms). Vegan options are also available. Stop by on a Tuesday to attend one of their benefit nights, where the alley hosts a local nonprofit. A portion of the sales for the night are donated to the organization.

Groovy Thrifty 
64 Brighton Ave.

Groovy Thrifty launched in 2018 as an online side hustle for Sadie MacIver, eventually growing into a brick-and-mortar store that opened its doors in March 2024. MacIver, the shop’s sole employee, travels around New England to handpick every item, curating a collection of clothing, housewares, accessories, and art—from graphic tees and jackets to shoes, belts, and trinkets. New items arrive weekly, ensuring a fresh selection with every visit. Committed to slow fashion and sustainability, the store offers affordable alternatives to fast fashion. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Groovy Thrifty offers 10 percent off to students with a valid ID. Be sure to follow @groovythrifty on Instagram to stay updated on the latest arrivals and events.

Dolphin Bay
72 Brighton Ave.

This Taiwanese eatery is popular for its peppery popcorn chicken, wontons, noodle soups, stir-fries, bubble teas, and huge portions of shaved ice. The drink menu includes delicious options like milk fruit tea, the Dolphin Bay Snow, and mini tapioca. Enjoy the small restaurant’s kitschy, nautical-themed décor while noshing on some cheap and tasty eats.

Shabu-Zen
80 Brighton Ave.

Shabu-Zen is a magnet for anyone seeking authentic Asian-style hot pot, where you cook your own meats, seafood, and vegetables to the desired temperature in a simmering hot broth in the center of the table. It’s an ideal dish for hungry students seeking to share in an interactive dining experience. There are a variety of proteins—boneless short ribs, pork, scallops, shrimp, chicken, and rib eye beef—and 11 tasty broths to choose from (try the sour and salty Korean kimchi broth). During lunch, you can order your hot pot in one of two sizes: regular and jumbo, depending on how hungry you are and the size of your party. Shabu-Zen serves up plenty of sides, appetizers, and sushi for those wanting something other than a hot pot.

Punjab Palace
109 Brighton Ave.

The first thing you notice about Punjab Palace, which specializes in Northern Indian cuisine, is the aromatic scent of spices. Inexpensive meets top-quality food in this idyllic dining experience. The dishes are rich, and pack in plenty of flavor. Don’t miss out on their chicken tikka masala paired with their homemade naan. For a yummy and sweet dessert, try the creamy rice pudding, also known as kheer. One visit and you’ll understand why it’s been rated as one of the city’s best Indian restaurants.

Brighton Music Hall
158 Brighton Ave.

Formerly called Harpers Ferry, this music venue has become a favorite of Allston residents and music lovers from all over Boston. It’s known for hosting some of the nation’s best touring indie and alternative acts. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster, at the Paradise Rock Club box office (617-562-8800) at 967 Commonwealth Ave., or at the venue one hour before events begin. Check here for upcoming shows. Tickets are not replaceable, so treat them like cash.

Silhouette Cocktail Lounge
200 Brighton Ave.

This dive bar is an Allston staple. The mostly under-30 crowd gathers here on weekends to take advantage of cheap pitchers of beer (brands include PBR, Miller, and Narragansett). If you’re looking for a cheap meal, the bar also serves hot dogs for $3.50. And if you get a Silhouette tattoo, enjoy free dogs for life. The place is popular with students, who come to enjoy the pool table, jukebox, dartboards, and weird computer games. The lounge also hosts weekly pinball tournaments on Sundays (winners receive gift cards to the Sil) and live music, featuring performances by local bands on Mondays and Wednesdays. This is the place to go for a chill night of socializing.

The Draft Bar & Grill
34 Harvard Ave.

If you’re over 21 and go to BU, odds are you’ve been to the Draft. One of the neighborhood’s most popular sports bars, The Draft serves up draft and bottled beers and a menu befitting any good sports bar: appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and basic entrees like mac ’n’ cheese and beer-battered fish and chips. Be sure to check out their menu specials: $1 wings on Sunday/Monday; a $12 burger, fries, and beer meal on Tuesdays; a $10 cheese pizza with draft beer deal on Wednesdays; and $2 sliders on Thursdays. The bar hosts a popular pub trivia Wednesdays at 8 pm.

Kaju Tofu House
58 Harvard Ave.

Kaju Tofu House has become a local favorite for those in search of hearty Korean comfort food. The restaurant serves up sizzling hot stone bibimbap, bubbling tofu stews, and savory Korean BBQ dishes. Known for its soondubu—soft tofu stew packed with your choice of meat, seafood, or vegetables, and served with a side of rice—the restaurant is a go-to spot for flavorful Korean cuisine. Each meal comes with banchan (small side dishes), offering a variety of tastes to complement your dish. The restaurant’s small, cozy interior means that there are frequently lines forming outside the door during peak hours, but the food is well worth the wait. Pickup and delivery options are also available for those who want to enjoy Kaju’s dishes at home.

Café Weekend
120 Harvard Ave.

Café Weekend’s motto is “make every day feel like the weekend.” And the eatery, open seven days a week, more than delivers on its promise. The brunch and dessert café, which includes a hint of Korean flair, includes specials like the shakshuka (two eggs, meatballs, feta cheese, house-made sauce, and sourdough) and avocado toast. The fig prosciutto panini (with brie, arugula salad, and fontina cheese, served on a ciabatta roll) is delicious. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the matcha or chocolate basque cheesecake. Be sure to try one of their signature croissant-waffle hybrid treats—“croffles”—offered in flavors ranging from caramel cookie to bacon cheddar.

Café Brazil Bakery
125 Harvard Ave.

The aromatic smells of coffee and fresh pastries hit your nose as soon as you walk into Café Brazil Bakery. A haven for coffee lovers, the bakery offers a section of fresh-brewed options, including espressos, cappuccinos, Americanos, cold brews, and lattes. There are many delectable pastries and snacks behind the glass, but you’ll regret not trying the sweet bread, a traditional staple of Brazilian cuisine. The empadas, burgers, and croquettes will appeal to hungry customers looking for something a bit more substantial. Other traditional options include a sweet and smooth flan (pudim) and beijinho, a traditional Brazilian birthday candy. The combined price of a coffee and pastry can run you under $6, a deal you’ll be hard-pressed to find at any other cafe. For Brazilian students missing home, or anyone wanting to sample a traditional Brazilian café, it’s a must.

Mr. Music Guitars
128 Harvard Ave.

Mr. Music has been the heart of Allston’s music scene since it opened in 1973. It began as a small shop specializing in guitars and musical gear. Over the decades, it has evolved into a go-to destination for new and used electric and acoustic guitars, basses, vintage and collectible instruments, and amps. In addition to their brick-and-mortar location, Mr. Music operates an eBay auction site and e-commerce store, shipping products worldwide. Despite its growth, the store has stayed true to its roots—providing personalized service and expertise to everyone who walks through the door. Open daily, it’s the perfect spot to discover your next instrument, whether you’re chasing a rare collectible or picking up your first guitar.

Garlic ’n Lemons
133 Harvard Ave.

Offering Mediterranean food at reasonable prices, this mom-and-son-operated restaurant is one of Allston’s lesser-known treasures. There is a wide array of menu options to appeal to both carnivores and vegetarians. The shawarma, kebabs, Greek salads, and falafel are fresh and prepared quickly. One taste and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean.

Dumpling Kingdom
137 Harvard Ave.

You may have heard of Chinatown’s Dumpling Cafe, or Back Bay’s highly favored Dumpling Palace, known for their spicy wonton soups, and mouthwatering noodle stir-fries. But if you don’t feel like braving the T, check out Dumpling Kingdom, open Monday to Friday until 1 am and Saturdays and Sundays until 2 am (prime dumpling-consumption hours!). Diners will find a delectable Chinese-Taiwanese, pan-Asian fusion menu featuring juicy, steamed xiaolongbao and oyster pancakes, also known as Chinese pizza. You can also order 50 frozen dumplings to-go for $53.49.

Basics Carpet & Furniture
151 Harvard Ave.

Basics Carpet & Furniture has been helping students settle into apartments for nearly 40 years. The store sells a wide variety of reasonably priced and appealing furniture, rugs, and decor for the living room, kitchen, and bedroom. Desks with built-in outlets, platform beds, and matching night table and dresser sets are all available. And they offer same and next-day delivery on all furniture, much of which comes pre-assembled—or they’ll assemble it for you at a reasonable additional cost. So, skip the hour-long trip to Ikea and shop local for all your apartment needs.

Tous les Jours
152 Harvard Ave.

Those with a sweet tooth will want to head over to this French-Asian bakery just a short walk from West Campus. The chain, which began in South Korea, opened its second Boston location in Allston in 2017 (there are now five in the Boston area), serving up mouthwatering pastries, cakes, and breads. Try the honey bun cake bread, a purple sweet potato loaf, or some of the house-made macarons with a cup of cold brew tonic or an iced ube latte. Tous les Jours also has a delicious selection of colorful cakes, all served in a welcoming environment.

Ritual Arts
153 Harvard Ave.

Allston’s favorite go-to for all things spiritual offers incense, crystals, candles, jewelry, books, statues, and more. A distinctive sandalwood scent greets you as you enter the store, along with a resident black cat you’ll be sure to dote on. You can reserve astrological and tarot card readings on the store’s Instagram, @ritualartsallston.

Regeneration Tattoo
155 Harvard Ave.

If you’re thinking about a tattoo, this is the place to go. There are currently five artists on staff, and consultations can be scheduled over the phone. Prices are lower than, or comparable to, other tattoo parlors in the area. If you’re a tattoo novice, you can flip through the artists’ portfolios on Regeneration’s website to decide who can best draw what you have in mind. Custom tattoos must be made by appointment via your favorite artist’s email, but they do offer walk-ins on a case-by-case basis. However, make sure you are over 18 and bring your ID with you, or service will be refused. The shop is cash only and artists generally require $100 to book an appointment. Check out their Instagram, @regenerationtattoos.

Salsa y Control Dance Studio
161 Harvard Ave., Suite 13

This dance studio offers evening salsa and bachata partnering classes for all levels, as well as a kids salsa class. Most dance classes are offered as five-week sessions, but drop-ins are welcome ($18 a class). Private lessons are also available. Find a complete list of classes and register here.

@UNION
174 Harvard Ave.

Looking for a casual breakfast, brunch, or a quick coffee fix? You’ll find it @UNION. There are plenty of delicious breakfast and lunch items to choose from, along with an extensive coffee menu served up in a cozy, inviting space. Caffeine lovers take note: @UNION offers bottomless house coffee if you order a meal—and you’ll want to, the food is too good to pass up. Try the Nutella-stuffed French toast—add strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or chocolate chips to make it even sweeter. Not in the mood for something sweet? Order the Benedict with spicy chorizo, spinach, avocado, and chipotle hollandaise with a side of home fries. @UNION sells its coffee, made with 100 percent fair-trade Arabica beans, by the pound, so you can take some home for brewing later.

Oppa Sushi
185 Harvard Ave.

If you’re looking for a casual sushi destination, this is your place. Try the tornado maki (shrimp tempura, avocado, and cucumber, topped with spicy crab sticks, tobiko, eel sauce, and spicy mayo) served with miso soup, or the maki combo, which comes with 24 pieces of California, salmon avocado, and tuna avocado maki, edamame, and miso soup for $47. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are also a lot of other menu options like bulgogi bibimbap or ramen. The restaurant offers takeout and delivery options.

AWOL
190 Harvard Ave.

Short for “Addictive Way Of Life,” AWOL is Allston’s best bet for sneakerheads looking for that next pair to add to their collection. The small store is lined not just with sneakers, but also with cutting-edge apparel (brands include LaRopa, Stussy, Ksubi, and more). You’ll also find more familiar brands like Nike and New Balance. Their prices beat what you’ll find at many other sneaker boutiques, and the carefully curated selection of footwear, apparel, and accessories make AWOL an essential stop for fashion fiends.

Grasshopper
1 North Beacon St.

Vegetarians and vegans flock to Grasshopper—and it’s no wonder. It’s one of the few vegan Chinese restaurants in the Boston area. The spicy steak fillet, for example, is actually sliced soft tofu, pan-fried with red bell peppers and onions in a black bean sauce and served over a bed of steamed spinach. The No Name—battered gluten in a sweet-and-sour sauce, with steamed vegetables and sesame seeds—is another popular dish. The restaurant offers house specials for less than $20, and you can add a soup, salad, and your choice of white or brown rice for less than $3.

Vivant Vintage
318 Lincoln St.

Vivant Vintage, named Best of Boston vintage by Boston magazine in 2023, has been serving up fashion seven days a week since it opened its doors in 2014. This eccentric secondhand store has racks and shelves filled with a wide selection of denim, leather, crystals, and jewelry. Their ’90s style shirts and accessories serve up plenty of nostalgia. Every item is artfully curated from private collectors rather than the public, meaning every item you buy has a unique backstory. The boutique regularly hosts Opening the Vault events, where they offer a wide range of sterling silver jewelry and present a themed special collection. On Wednesdays, the store offers a 10 percent discount to students and teachers. Everything listed on their Instagram is also available for delivery or in-store pickup.

Zone 3
267 Western Ave.

This hip spot on Western Avenue, formerly a dry cleaner and auto body garage, has been transformed into a space for creative programs and events. Made possible by a Harvard University initiative designed to energize Western Avenue with retail and creative programming, Zone 3 hosts outdoor movie nights, comedy parties, and art scrims in partnership with various community organizations. It’s also home to the PRX Podcast Garage, a public podcast studio that offers studio space and radio equipment to local audio producers and those interested in audio storytelling. During the warmer months, Zone 3 hosts Aeronaut Allston, a musical beer garden run by Aeronaut Brewing Company for those 21-plus. For a list of upcoming events, check out Zone 3’s calendar.

Getting there: by foot, walk west down Comm Ave (toward Boston College, with Kenmore Square at your back). You’ll know you’ve reached Allston when the avenue veers left. By MBTA, take the Green Line B trolley to either Harvard Avenue or Packard’s Corner. The #66 bus also shuttles back and forth through different sections of the neighborhood.

Click on the points in the map above for more information on the places listed in our guide to the Allston area.

This article was updated on October 29th, 2024.

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