This week on the blog we’re celebrating Black History Month with a roundup of some of the best Black-owned restaurants and venues within walking distance of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and the Hynes Convention Center.
RESTAURANTS
MIDA (0.9 miles from the Hynes) is one of the top-rated Italian restaurants in Boston with a menu focusing on many regions of traditional Italian food and culture, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Owner Chef Douglass Williams was named as one of the top 10 Best New Chefs in America in 2020 by Food & Wine magazine.
Another spot to check out near the Hynes is Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen (0.9 miles from the Hynes). The restaurant is famous for dressed-up southern comforts like country-fried chicken wings with sweet peach chili and oh-so-perfect collard greens and live entertainment. The bands play on thanks to still-new owner Nia Grace, who not only stewarded the storied spot to the other side of a pandemic, but — as cofounder of the recently launched Boston Black Hospitality Coalition — uses her significant stage to advocate for a more equitable restaurant industry in the city.
Lucy Ethiopian Café (0.6 miles from the Hynes) serves a variety of authentic Ethiopian dishes with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
If you happen to be attending an event at the BCEC, stop by Larry J’s BBQ Café (0.4 miles from the BCEC) which brings the taste of high-quality Texas barbecue to Boston and is rated one of the best BBQ spots in the city according to TripAdvisor users. The eatery serves the obligatory pulled pork and brisket along with some unexpected items like smoked turkey legs, smoked bologna, chili-stuffed potatoes, and “Texas caviar”.
Savvor Restaurant & Lounge (0.9 miles from the BCEC) offers the perfect combination of authentic Southern comfort cuisine with delectable Caribbean influences. Their robust menu is replete with eclectic small plate options inspired by the owners’ rich Caribbean roots. Guests are invited to complement their dining experience with a Savvor signature drink or unique house-recipe cocktail featuring one of the exotic island rums hailing from all corners of the West Indies.
HISTORICAL SITES
The Black Heritage Trail® is a 1.6 mile walk through the heart of Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood (approx. 1.3 miles from the Hynes). The trail showcases residences and community buildings associated with a Black community that thrived on, and near, the north slope of Beacon Hill before, during, and after the American Civil War. Throughout that time, this community struggled and organized for equal rights and access to equal education. Community members championed the movement to abolish slavery and even housed freedom seekers on their journey along the Underground Railroad.
Most sites along the trail remain private residences. However, the final stops—the Abiel Smith School and the African Meeting House—are part of the Museum of African American History which is open to the public.
The Museum of African American History, Boston (1.5 miles from the Hynes) is New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving and interpreting the contributions of African Americans. In Boston and Nantucket, the Museum has preserved two historic sites and two Black Heritage Trails® that tell the story of organized Black communities from the Colonial Period through the 19th century. Exhibits, programs, and education activities at the Museum showcase the powerful stories of Black families who worshipped, educated their children, debated the issues of the day, produced great art, organized politically and advanced the cause of freedom.
>>To learn more about Black-owned establishments and events around the city, visit Boston USA’s Guide to Black Boston.
Check out our guide of What To Do for shopping, dining, arts & music, historic landmark, and sports & entertainment suggestions. To give you a better idea of Boston’s make-up, also check out our guide to all the neighborhoods of Boston.
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