They don't call it Allston Rock City for nothing. This neighborhood in the western part of Boston houses several of the best music venues in the city, such as
Harper's Ferry,
Great Scott, and
Scullers Jazz Club. While it is home to Boston natives and immigrants, Allston hosts a bevy of college students from nearby
Boston University,
Boston College, and
Harvard University. There are a million and one places to eat, drink, shop, relax, or party to the sound of good tunes. Take the 66 bus down Harvard Street and chill around the intersections of Comm Ave, Brighton Ave, and Cambridge Street for the best action. Start your evening with a bite to eat at
Reef Cafe or
Carlo's Cucina Italiana or Bagel Rising and finish with a drink at
Sunset Grill & Tap or
White Horse Tavern. Need more than a drink to top off your night? Make like Papelbon and dance a jig at
The Kells or tap your toe to the sounds of R&B and hip-hop at
Wonder Bar. What is it that makes this hood so unique? It could be the underground vibe you get from drinking rare brews at rad spots, the packs of new, fine establishments springing up on every corner, and the diversity that make it Boston's unsung melting pot. But we all know what makes Allston really something special-- it's all about the music.
Allston was formerly a part of the town of
Brighton. In 1868, a new railroad depot and post office in Brighton's eastern portion were given the name "Allston" after Washington Allston, a painter and patron of the city of Cambridge. Only a few other locales in the U.S. are named for artists, such as
Copley Square, which was named for famous American portraitist, John Singleton Copley, in central Boston.
In October of 1873, the city of Brighton, including Allston, voted to annex itself to the city of Boston and the decision became official in January of 1874.
This community thrived off of its railroad system and livestock. The Boston and Albany Railroad, which was originally called the Boston and Worcester Railroad, extended its service in 1866 to Allston. Currently, the tracks are still in use by the MBTA and Amtrak.
Midnight on December 21, 1888, the Green Line made its birth as the first cable car in Boston rode from Allston Railroad Depot to Park Square.
In 1903,
Harvard Stadium was built in Allston and its biggest claim to fame came in 1970, when the Boston Patriots (currently the New England Patriots) played one season here.
