Situated between the banks of the Charles River and surrounded by some of the best colleges in the country, Allston is the perfect place for students and young professionals alike. From the incredible murals decorating otherwise bland building walls to the lively bars and restaurants that draw huge crowds of locals night after night, Allston has a lot going for it. Here’s everything you need to know about one of Boston’s hippest neighborhoods.
The Basics
Borders: Bound by Brookline/Packard’s Corner to the south and Brighton/Oak Square to the west, Allston is tucked nicely into the banks of the Charles River, which serves as its northern and eastern borders. Across the river lies Cambridge, home to MIT and Harvard, while Boston University is next door in the Fenway-Kenmore area to the east.
Commute: The easiest option (well, arguably) is to hop on the Green Line of the T. It runs directly through the neighborhood and will take you to Boston University, Boston College, Back Bay, and Downtown Crossing before crossing the river and heading into Cambridge. The T and the Green Line itself are both notorious for breaking down and being delayed, so be sure to leave early if you really have somewhere to be. If you’re more of a bus fan, take the 66 north into Cambridge or south to Brookline.
Allston Today
Allston is largely a neighborhood catered to students at Boston University, Harvard, and other schools (there are 50+ in the Greater Boston area!) in the city. Which is why every year, on September 1st, Allston Christmas takes place. On this day, the apartment leases of more than 4,000 Allston residents (mostly students) will end, and they’ll leave their treasures on the streets to be collected and repurposed by incoming residents. If you can avoid moving on September 1st, take advantage and move in another day.
On every other day of the year, Allston is a pleasant, albeit student-driven, neighborhood to live. It offers easy access to the Boston area colleges and universities, bars and restaurants within walking distance, and a young adult population. It’s a great central location with everything just a T or bus ride away.
Eat
Whole Heart Provisions: It can be hard to eat healthy food when you’re on a budget. Enter Whole Heart Provisions. This healthy spot (and a vegan one, at that), offers build-your-own bowls which you can fill with inventive veggie combos–like bulgogi-style beets and pickled cauliflower–or their own house specials like the Kaya–red cabbage slaw, roasted broccoli, basil, savory green beans, currants, pickled jalapeno, and a peanut crumble. They also serve “street food snacks”, like the crispy Brussels sprouts with lemon, spicy crema, and Old Bay, and brunch specials on Sundays including a tofu scramble with korean black beans and pineapple salsa.
Lulu’s: Another spot that gets packed (especially on the weekends), Lulu’s is the perfect brunch place. They have a new menu coming soon, but in the past they’ve served up farm fresh omelets, strawberry cheesecake pancakes, latke benedict, and something called White Trash Hash–tater tots topped with a poached egg and short ribs. Lulu’s is always coming up with something new and festive, so it’s worth visiting a few times to see what they’re up to.
Coreanos: This Mexican-Korean fusion spot has people drooling for their Kimchi Fritas (french fries topped with kimchi, cheese, scallions, a sunny side up egg, and sauce), fried chicken with spicy garlic soy sauce, and the Coreanos Rice Bowl. It’s a small location, so you might want to order to go unless there’s a table available when you get there.
Kaju Tofu House: If it’s classic Korean food you’re looking for, head to Kaju Tofu House. It can get a little crowded (but that’s how you know it’s good), so put your name down and grab drinks a few doors down at The Draft Bar and Grille. When your table’s ready, plan on ordering the Soondobu (a soft tofu soup with the option to add meat or seafood), Galbi Clay Pot, and the Ttokbokki. Bring a friend and an appetite
Play
Brighton Music Hall: This standing-room only venue always draws a crowd. Whether it’s an Indie band trying to make a name for themselves, a solo performer rocking the house, or an “Emo Night” party playing nothing but the best Emo music from the late 90s and early 2000s, Brighton Music Hall is Allston’s premier entertainment venue. Tickets are usually pretty cheap and there’s a show on any given night of the week.
Art Murals: If you’ve got some time on your hands and want to do a little walking, take yourself on a tour of the many art murals in Allston. Harvard-affiliated Zone 3 is leading the way with Walls on Western, a program designed to highlight local artists and creatives. Their murals rotate annually, so there’s always something new to look out for on your walk.
Charles River Reservation: You might not expect a state park to be within Allston’s boundaries, but alas. Charles River Reservation is a 20-mile-long urban park located along the banks of the Charles. It features paved walking, running, and biking paths, plus picnic spots and. It’s also right next to Christian Herter Park, a public space with an amphitheater, community garden, and the (invisible) finish line to the wildly popular Head of the Charles Regatta annual race.
Drink
Deep Ellum: Don’t let the name fool you, this place is still located in Allston. Deep Ellum was opened by Aaron Sanders and Max Toste and named after the historical blues and jazz neighborhood in Dallas. The house cocktails here are what keep people coming back, and the food doesn’t hurt either. The True grit–mezcal, agave, peychaud’s, mole bitters, and chartreuse– pairs perfectly with the truffle gorgonzola fries or the half pound angus burger with Vermont cheddar, special sauce, house pickles, and greens. Grab your food and drinks and head out to their patio; it’s one of the most popular ones in the city, and it’s glorious on a sunny day.
White Horse Tavern: White Horse is an Allston institution, and with two billiards tables, ample TVs for game-watching, a back patio, and pub food, it’s easy to see why. Come on Wednesdays and test your knowledge with Stump Trivia, every week at 8pm.
The Draft Bar and Grille: Allston’s (self-proclaimed) #1 neighborhood bar is a great spot to go for a quick drink, a few games of beer pong (Tuesdays), or to watch the Pats play on Sundays. Along with a decent craft beer selection that you can get by the glass or pitcher, The Draft offers cocktails and a full food menu. They have nightly specials, like $1 sliders on Thursdays, a shuffleboard table, and an outdoor patio out back.
Hopewell Bar & Kitchen: You might go here for the food, but you’ll be equally drawn here for the drinks. The shareable dishes, like house made garlic knots and wild mushroom grilled pizza, compliment any drink choice you make here. From draft beers and canned ciders to specialty liquors and cocktails, there isn’t much you can’t find at Hopewell. Their front patio is great on a warm spring day, and the shuffleboard table is always available, not to mention the downstairs area features a pool table and arcade games.
Think you’re ready to live with the college kids? Find your apartment on Zumper.com and get ready to call Allston home.
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