Visiting South Dorchester, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this Boston neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a dessert cafe to a lighting store.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in South Dorchester, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Lambert's Rainbow Market
Topping the list is deli Lambert's Rainbow Market, which offers fruits and veggies, sandwiches and more. Located at 777 William T Morrissey Blvd., it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 185 reviews on Yelp.
The business, which also has a Westwood location, was started by four brothers 65 years ago. It aims to provide the best and freshest produce in the area and has evolved with the times to offer even more, including a full-service nursery. Read more about it here.
Yelper Alex G. wrote, "Rainbows is a Boston standard. I love this place. It truly is as good as it gets. The hot bar is amazing and worth the price. They have a great salad bar for lunch or a healthy dinner. The sandwiches are filled to the brim with meat. The desserts are great and huge. The people there are great. Plus, you can get your shopping done and buy local produce."
2. Coco Leaf
Next up is Coco Leaf, a spot to score desserts, coffee, tea, juice and smoothies, situated at 1480 Dorchester Ave. (between Lincoln and Faulkner streets). With 4.5 stars out of 179 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
Enjoy a smoothie or bubble tea, or even complimentary fruit-infused water, with a sweet or savory crepe. The sweet side includes the Banana Nutella, with strawberry, banana, homemade Nutella, whipped cream and chocolate Pocky. On the savory side, you'll find the Hello America! It's made with Black Forest ham, scrambled eggs, cheese, spinach and mornay sauce. (Check it out here.)
Christina C., who reviewed it on Nov. 30, said, "Hands down one of the best places in Boston to get bubble tea! They also have a wide variety of pastries and beverages. Prices are cheap considering the huge portions."
3. Home.Stead Bakery & Cafe
Breakfast and brunch spot Home.Stead Bakery & Cafe, which offers coffee and tea and sandwiches, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 1448 Dorchester Ave. (between Charles and Adams streets), 4.5 stars out of 104 reviews.
Boston Magazine named it "Best of Boston" in 2017, citing its "selection of artisanal impulse buys, from Goga bags to Alexis Mattox Design cake toppers."
As for the menu, you'll find breakfast, paninis, salads and sandwiches, like the Old Man & the Sea with tuna salad, avocado, arugula, cilantro and Sriracha mayo on seven-grain bread.
Mary E. wrote, "This is my favorite breakfast place in Dorchester. The atmosphere is welcoming and cozy. The food is delicious and has vegetarian options. Coffee is good too. They support bikes and have a place to park your bikes."
4. Anh Hong
Anh Hong, a Vietnamese spot, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 230 Yelp reviews. Head over to 291 Adams St. (between Christopher and Lincoln streets) to see for yourself.
This restaurant offers hot pots, soups, phở, noodles, various seafood and rice dishes and even a barbecue at your table. Try the special fish salad or the fish fondue with special vinegar sauce. Various smoothies and desserts are also available. (See the menu here.)
Yelper Peter C. said, "Excellent phở. Good prices. I really enjoyed my visit here. I highly recommend the phở and Vietnamese iced coffee. You won't be sorry."
5. Yale Appliance + Lighting
Check out Yale Appliance + Lighting, which has earned four stars out of 226 reviews on Yelp. You can find the appliances and repair spot, which offers appliances and lighting fixtures and equipment, at 296 Freeport St. (between Everdean and Mill streets). The business has been family owned and operated since 1923 and offers same-day delivery.
Yelper Shawn W., who reviewed it on Dec. 23, wrote, "We had the best experience here. We needed a new stove and checked this place out because friends recommended it. They were helpful, showing us all the stoves that fit our needs. They even encouraged us to check it out online and other places. They ended up having the best prices, with the best service. Their delivery team was outstanding!"
