Boston’s South Street Diner isn’t your ordinary diner. The 24/7 diner first opened in 1947 as the “Blue Diner.” Since opening it remained an all-day, everyday destination (even remaining open through the pandemic) and is thus Boston’s longest running late-night restaurant.
Night crawlers frequent the diner between the hours of 1 and 4 AM for their famous Boston Cream Pancakes. And while a favorite among locals, South Street Diner has a fandom beyond the 617. Esquire ranked it among “the best late-night food” in America, and Thrillest called it one of the “best 24-hour diners in America.”
It’s appeared as itself on Food Network, and in fictional Boston-filmed works like The Blue Diner and 21.
And, if you recognize the diner from your DC Comics, you’re not mistaken. South Street Diner even made it into one of the issues of “Batgirl” in 2015.
You can say the diner is somewhat of a celebrity. And speaking of, A-listers like Kathy Griffin, Neil Young, Kevin Hart, Christopher Walken, Don King, Morgan Freeman, and Donnie Wahlberg are just a few of the famous faces to visit the diner over the last 77 years.
What’s on the menu at South Street Diner?
The diner loves to celebrate and shake things up based on the season. You’ll find specials for just about every holiday, from St. Patrick’s Day to Valentine’s Day. As noted, the Boston Cream Pancakes are a bestseller.
Other sweet favorites include blueberry pancakes, chocolate fantasy French toast made with brioche, and Belgian waffles. Savory favorites on the menu include lobster eggs benedict, specialty and build-your-own omelets with just about every topping you can imagine, and a classic egg and cheese. South Street Diner also serves heartier sandwiches and “anytime dinners.”
Good Morning America hosted South Street Diner last summer on its “United States of Breakfast” segment, touring America to determine who makes the best breakfast in Boston. South Street Diner was runner up to North Street Grille, who presented their famous caramelized banana french toast. It wasn’t just a restaurant rivalry, but a sibling rivalry too.
South Street Diner owner Solomon Sidell was up against North Street Grille owner, Robin Sidell, who also happen to be siblings. Robin did end up winning, but as Solomon noted “she might be the best breakfast in Boston, but I’m the longest breakfast in Boston.”
Find South Street Diner, Boston’s longest running late-night restaurant at:
178 Kneeland Street Boston, MA 02111
Open 24/7