In Boston.com’s Perfect Day series, we’re talking to a local expert in each of Boston’s 23 neighborhoods about how they’d spend their perfect day. See what makes this city so special to your neighbors, and share your perfect day with us at [email protected].
An urban neighborhood with a small-town suburban vibe might seem like an impossible paradox. But West Roxbury defies labels.
Nestled between Roslindale, Hyde Park, and Brookline, West Roxbury serves as a gateway intersecting multiple parts of Boston, making it an elusive neighborhood to move to and stay in.
Founded in 1630, West Roxbury was annexed by the City of Boston in 1874. The neighborhood has long been a hotspot for commuters working downtown with access to the Commuter rail and the MBTA.
When people live in West Roxbury, their love for the neighborhood’s small businesses and local spirit is contagious, according to West Roxbury Main Streets executive director Lindsey Chase.
“The people who live here are really proud of it,” said Chase. “There is a nostalgic quality. This place is about the memories and community that people have spent so many years building.”
Chase grew up in West Roxbury and knew that she wanted to return when she was ready to have a family. The connections that run deep in the neighborhood were one of the many factors she looked at when deciding to come home when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and changed her job trajectory.
“West Roxbury is where you go if you want to have a yard and a single family home. I don’t know that there are many other places like it in the city,” said Chase. “My two young kids go to school right up the street and I want my family to grow up here like I did.”
The pandemic was hard on West Roxbury’s many multigenerational families and businesses, according to Chase. Between post-pandemic financial hardships and a city project to change the roads on Centre Street by adding bike lanes, business owners have taken many hits.
Chase believes businesses took a significant financial hit as a result.
West Roxbury has the largest aging population in the city — 32.4% of West Roxbury’s residents are over 55, according to 2023 research made available by Boston’s Age Strong Commission. In addition to the pandemic hurdles, road changes on the busy streets have impacted the older long-time residents who are eager to be contributing community members, according to Chase.
“I am able to park up the street and walk but they can’t,” said Chase. “So there are business owners that help their older customers get out of their cars and move the vehicles themselves just so that person can come inside.”
Parking and navigating the busy streets can be a struggle for the residents, but they keep returning to the small businesses despite obstacles.
West Roxbury Main Streets focuses on empowering the community with resources and events to drive customers to their shops. Every month, Chase works to increase foot traffic with art showcases, holiday markets, and fundraisers. Beautifying the neighborhood with planters and meaningful veteran banners has helped bring more people back to the stores, according to Chase.
The nonprofit is gearing up for a packed spring calendar including sidewalk sales and a gala to fundraise for the community.
“We have to adapt and our focus is to bring people together,” said Chase.
This is how the West Roxbury Main Streets director spends her perfect day in West Roxbury.
Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Map | Share your perfect day in Boston
Morning
Chase loves the nostalgic vibe of Recreo Coffee & Roasterie (1876 Centre St.), a coffeehouse that is perfect for gathering with friends for a cup of delicious coffee. When the weather is less brutal, the shop opens up their back patio for customers to enjoy.
“Everyone is so friendly there. One of their baristas bought their first house a few months ago and people were coming in to celebrate,” said Chase.
If a quick treat is more your speed, Anna’s Hand Cut Donuts (2056 Centre St.) is a community staple that is no frills and all delicious. Chase recommends asking owner Costa Keskinidis for a honey-dipped doughnut at the cash-only counter.
After breakfast, Chase recommends strolling down the street and looking at the veterans banners that decorate the poles. The project she helped lead is a coveted initiative to honor hometown heroes.
As you take in the banners, Chase recommends stopping in to local businesses like Pretty Moon Mercantile and Tea Bar (111 Park St.) to gain some inspiration from the woman-owned gift boutique. As a bonus, the shop owns a barn in the back where they host parties and rent to anyone looking for a special place to celebrate.
If you are looking for a touch-up after some shopping, Chase recommends heading to the salon at Perfect 10 (1896 Centre St.) where owner Kanessa Alexander is adept at styling all hair types and textures. If you’re looking for an old-school barber shop, book an appointment at Phil’s Barber Shop (2091 Centre St. A).
“The chair my son gets his hair cut in is about 130 years old,” said Chase.
Afternoon
After you are feeling your best, head to Rox Diner (1881 Centre St.) to show off your new ‘do. Named after the neighborhood itself, the diner is a staple of West Roxbury and the waitstaff is sure to make you feel like family as soon as you walk through their doors.
If a sub and a sweet sounds like the best combination, try The Real Deal (1882 Centre St.) where you can find pizza, melts, and signature wraps like a corned beef and roasted turkey called “The Godfather.” A non-negotiable dessert for Chase is a Bramble at Sugar Baking Co. (1884 Centre St.) at the attached storefront especially if you have kids with you for a fun afternoon.
“Everyone has to get a Bramble to feel the nostalgia of this place,” said Chase. “This bakery is where every kid knows you have to go here to get your birthday cake.”
Once bellies are full, bring your kids to the West Roxbury Library for an engaging storytime. The children’s library is a colorful knowledge fun-house and the engaging team is dedicated to highlighting diverse authors.
After perusing the shelves of the library, head to Kids R Kids for a dynamic and authentic toy store experience. Whether you are struggling to find a gift for a last-minute birthday party or hoping to customize something special for your own little one, the store has friendly attendants ready to help.
Evening
If knocking back a pint after a long day is what you need, head to Corrib Pub (2030 Centre St.) or Boston Ale House (1885 Centre St.) for a killer Guinness. As a bonus, both restaurants host groups for trivia nights scattered throughout the week.
Alternatively, finish out your tour of West Roxbury’s food scene at Tony’s Place (188 Baker St.) where the little Italy vibes are strong or Somtum Modern Thai Cuisine (1894 Centre St.) where Chase recommends getting a warm soup on a cold day.
“Everyone is looking out for each other in the neighborhood,” said Chase. “I can’t say I love this place enough.”
Map: Where to spend the perfect day in West Roxbury
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