Exploring Boston Neighborhoods: Roslindale

Nearby Guides

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.3 miles / 2.1 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: Roslindale is a tiny corner of Boston that has a small-time neighborhood feel with big-city benefits – classy restaurants, boutique shops and foodie treats – and it borders the Arnold Arboretum, one of Boston’s best green spaces. This section of Boston, 6 miles from downtown, is tucked in between Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury and Hyde Park. Somewhat oddly though, many people, even lifelong residents, don’t know where it is. That may be in part because it was down-at-the-heels for many years, but in the last decade, it has had a major renaissance.

What is now Roslindale used to be known as South Street Crossing, but it needed a new name when it grew large enough to need a post office in the 1800s. Allegedly, the name Roslindale came about thanks to a well-traveled member of the community who said the area reminded him of the beautiful historic town of Roslyn, Scotland, which was surrounded by hills. The combination of “Roslyn” and “dale” were submitted to the Post Office and the name “Roslindale” was formally established.

Today, Roslindale Village, or Roslindale Square, depending upon whom you are talking to, is centered around Adams Park, a triangular green space at the intersection of Washington, Poplar and South streets. Most of the shops and restaurants are easily reached on foot, so you can leave your car parked and forget about it, or come by public transportation. This guide takes you to some of Roslindale’s best spots, but by no means all of them. There are plenty of places you’ll no doubt be pulled in to explore. A word to the wise, many shops in Roslindale are closed on Mondays. And from late spring through the fall, there’s a fantastic, bustling farmer’s market every Saturday in Adams Park.

Tips: Roslindale is easily accessible via the MBTA Orange subway line (and then a short bus ride) or by the commuter rail, which drops you right in town. You can leave your car in the MBTA parking lot all day(even if you don't ride the train; it's $4) or park in a municipal lot or on the street, but only for two hours in the same spot.

Points of Interest

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Sugar Baking Co. & Restaurant

This bustling spot on Washington Street serves up everything from classic breakfast meals such as French toast, to sandwiches and salads. Crab mac-and-cheese and a conch po’boy are some of the more unusual offerings. And if you just want a sweet treat, there’s plenty to choose from at the tempting display case.

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Birch Home & Garden

Everything from wooden utensils to dinner plates can be found at Birch Home & Garden. Look for the funky vintage garden furniture and tools mixed in with new products. The offerings are constantly changing, so the store is never the same place twice.

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Arnold Arboretum

The Arnold Arboretum is the oldest public arboretum in North America and one of the world’s leading centers for the study of plants. It’s also a link in Boston’s Emerald Necklace of parks, and a fantastic place to walk, bike, skate and just enjoy the outdoors (no picnicking, though!).

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Fornax Bread Company

Fornax was one the first businesses to reignite Roslindale’s business district when it was in decline and locals have repaid it with their loyalty, for good reason. At any given time there are a variety of breads -- we’re partial to the garlic twist -- plus cookies, scones, sandwiches, soups and salads. Enjoy coffee or a meal at one of the mismatched Formica tables, which feels like sitting in a favorite aunt’s toasty, good-smelling kitchen.

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Boston Cheese Cellar

With dozens cheeses on offer from around the world, it’s an excruciatingly delicious process to pick out what you want. No doubt, you’ll have to sample at least a few before you settle on something. In addition to cheese, the store sells marmalades, dips, pastas and other goodies to stock the larder. If visiting around lunchtime, order a “Ploughman’s Lunch.” It includes the cheese of the day, bread, relish and fruit.

Boston Cheese Cellar Cheese_KFM.JPG Photo

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Joanne Rossman Design

You never know what you’ll find at Joanne Rossman Design, where the artist/owner calls herself a “purveyor of the unnecessary and the irresistible.” The eclectic offerings at her shop range from a variety of Buddhas to hand made slippers (by Rossman) to Kanthas (saris turned into gorgeous blankets) to unusual jewelry. The ever-revolving stock is never the same and it’s almost impossible to leave the store empty-handed.

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Solera

This boutique wine shop is pretty as a picture and the proprietress and her staff remember their customers’ likes and dislikes. If you come in just once, you can be assured that next time you’ll be greeted like an old friend. With a focus on smaller vineyards and less well-known wineries, it is easy to discover a new favorite, especially with the smart suggestions and guidance always offered.

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Sophia's Grotto

Tucked in an alley off Birch Street, Sophia’s Grotto feels like a secret discovery. The cozy Italian restaurant serves up classic antipasto and risotto, but the spicy mussels in a tomato fennel stew are to die for. In warm weather, sit outside under twinkling lights with a glass of sangria and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported far from Boston to a piazza in Florence. The restaurant is open for dinner every night and lunch and brunch on the weekends.