Beacon Hill neighborhood guide

1928 Beacon Hill is a true hidden gem. Formerly Lala Rokh on Mount Vernon, just off of Charles Street, the eclectic and cozy restaurant feels as if it has always been there, and is filled with Beacon Hill locals each night.  

Tucked inside the cutest little brick building, Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is a bookworm's paradise. This cozy bookstore and restaurant is outfitted with every element of New England charm: beautiful wooden built-ins, a swath of fireplaces that greet you from room to room, and so many furnished nooks just begging for you to come, sit down and flip through your favorite written work. Once you're done combing the shelves, be sure to snag a table at the in-house cafe, where you can enjoy a breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or supper of simple, clean yet comforting compositions.  

The Beacon Hill Hotel has been around since 2000, but recently underwent a multi-year refurbishment and feels fresh while maintaining the charm of the side-by-side 19th-century townhouses it occupies on Boston’s historic Charles Street on Beacon Hill. The hotel has always been distinctly European, and the recent renovation has brought the best out of the property.

Founded in 1807 as a literary society, the Boston Athenæum published America’s first literary magazine and acquired an extensive library of books and works of art. It moved to its current home, an imposing purpose-built structure, in 1847. Although much of the library is accessible only to members or scholars, the ground floor gallery is open to the public, and free guided tours are conducted three times a week (call in advance to reserve a place).

Designed by Bulfinch and completed in 1798, this magnificent structure—whose dome, originally covered in copper by Paul Revere and sons, was later sheathed in 23-carat gold—remains one of Boston’s best-known landmarks. Among the rooms covered by the tours (call ahead to reserve a place), are the Doric Hall, with its portraits and sculptures of historical politicos, and the House of Representatives and the Senate Chamber—in the public gallery of the House, look out for the Sacred Cod, an 18th-century carved wooden fish symbolizing the importance of the country’s first industry. Visitors can also conduct the tour unaccompanied, and sit in on meetings in the public galleries of the legislative chambers.

Admittedly greater than the sum of its parts, this once-classic greasy spoon (established in 1937) is now a knowingly jazzy version of its original self. The old stainless steel grill, Formica tabletops, and cafeteria-style service at breakfast and lunch proudly advertize its blue-collar roots. The dinner menu opens things up to include chicken tinga nachos, housemade turkey burgers, and other upscale treats. Either way, people-watching during Sunday brunch remains the biggest treat of all.

Though often prohibitively crowded, this unpretentious little Beacon Hill pub is a good spot to seek respite from a hard day of relentless sightseeing and antiques-hunting. The Sevens provides some welcome knuckle and grit to the relative daintiness of the area. Find a booth in the corner, settle down with a Guinness or a Bass and you might just make friends with some locals.

If Carrie Nation’s main bar is too full—which it often is, especially when the nearby State House lets out for the day—head past the shoeshine stand and up the back stairs to the “speakeasy,” home to pool tables and intimate seating. No matter which corner you choose to imbibe, you can select from offerings ranging from punches and barrel aged cocktails to well-crafted classics.

Sink below street level in Beacon Hill for a cozy Italian meal surrounded by exposed brick, shelves of wine and locally sourced artwork. The menu is classic Italian with a creative twist. Ask the friendly, knowledgeable staff for suggested wine pairings.  

On the surface, there's nothing too notable about this small, low-ceilinged bar. Just across the way, however, is the State House, which leads to the happy spectacle of power brokers, legislators, journalists, tourists and local ne'er-do-wells sharing a drink together after-work. The 21st is the ultimate off-hour politico bar; you may well spot some local power brokers in there on "business lunches."