East Boston

East Boston shopping offers a balance between everyday essentials and a unique array of “mom-and-pop” options. Eclectic gift shops and fashion boutiques allow shoppers the opportunity to support home-grown businesses while familiar storefronts like Marshall’s or Shaw’s Supermarket provide easy access to necessities and home goods.  

You won’t have to go far for a more extensive retail experience, either. Copley Place, Northgate Shopping Plaza, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace are all a short distance away, each offering its own selection of shops and retailers to explore.

Perhaps the most powerful way to experience this community’s international influences resides in its selection of restaurants and eateries. A reflection of its diverse population and ethnic history, dining in East Boston offers no shortage of unforgettably original experiences. 

Santarpio’s Pizza, originally opened in 1903, was one of the first pizzerias to serve the neighborhood’s Italian-American communities—and is still operated by the Santarpio family to this day. Other popular options include Colombian cuisine at El Peñol and Mexican favorites from Taquería Jalisco.

There can be no denying the powerful connections felt between the different communities that make up East Boston’s population. Brought together by history and united by cultural preservation, these residents represent a world of unique experiences—and giving back only fosters a stronger sense of belonging.

Local volunteering opportunities include those found at East Boston Community Soup Kitchen and the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. Other citywide organizations, like Boston Cares, also contribute to community-service efforts year-round.