Sullivan’s Castle Island

A South Boston Institution

A South Boston staple since 1951, Sullivan’s Castle Island serves-up fried seafood and soft serve ice cream from the base of Fort Independence. Open since 1951, Sully’s is an institution. Their annual spring opening allows the whole city of Boston to take a collective (and cautious) sigh of relief, as it’s typically our first sign of warmer weather and good eats to come. 

What To Order

When it comes time to order, we’re all about the staples. The fried clams come as whole bellies (yes, please!) or strips, and in meals, sides, or sandwich portions and hot dogs are available in both regular or footlong variety. But as the star, served on a toasted hot dog bun at an amazingly reasonable $15, the lobster roll is our favorite, and typically one of the the first Boston-based New Englanders indulge in to kickoff summer given its proximity to our homes. 

Before we wrap on recommendations, though, we have to mention one more must-have — a delicious, hot order of the Sully’s crinkle-cut french fries. From Cane’s to Shake Shack, large national chains have been trying to get a piece of the prize for tops in all the land, but those of who know, know. Sully’s is where it’s at for this beloved style of fry. Few do it well, Sully’s does it best. 

Where to Go

Sullivan’s has a different setting than the rest of the clam shacks on our list, with industrial city scapes, historic sites, water views, and beaches on all sides. Located on the Northeast corner of Castle Island, a peninsula on the shore of Boston Harbor, Sully’s has views of Pleasure Bay, Pleasure Beach, the Massport’s Conley Shipping Terminal, and Fort Independence. 

One trip around the 1.84 mile Pleasure Bay Loop will have burning off your lunch while crossing paths with walkers, bikers, kite-boarders, sailors, and (most importantly) a lot of very good dogs. There are plenty of picnic tables, benches, and open lawn nearby to eat, watch, and enjoy the weather.