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06/23/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/24/2026 09:03

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Newbury Street

Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Newbury Street

Photo by Danny Dolan

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Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Newbury Street

A guide to shopping, eating, and hanging out in Boston's crème de la crème commercial area

June 23, 2026
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What Fifth Avenue is to New York, Michigan Avenue is to Chicago, and Rodeo Drive is to Beverly Hills, Newbury Street is to Boston. Located in between Fenway and downtown, Newbury's mile-long stretch of elegant Back Bay architecture is a shopper's paradise. Across eight blocks, spanning from the Public Garden to Massachusetts Avenue, you'll find an eclectic mix of the hottest luxury brands, like Chanel, Ganni, and Cartier, and more affordable haunts, like Newbury Comics and Uniqlo.

Beneath Newbury Street's bustling sidewalks is fascinating history: In the early 1800s, the street and its Back Bay environs were part of Boston Harbor. Developers, seeing potential for an upscale residential area, filled the site with land in 1857 and built what would soon surpass Beacon Hill as Boston's most sought-after place to live. From 1865 to 1916, Newbury was even home to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

On today's Newbury Street, you'll probably find more designer goods and brunch reservations booked weeks in advance than actual residents. But don't let the street's upper-crust reputation turn you away. The iconic stretch is also home to delicious and affordable eats, trendy bookstores, free art galleries, consignment stores, and more.

And starting July 12 and running through October 11, Open Newbury returns. Each Sunday during those dates, the street will be closed to cars and open only to pedestrians. The popular program first launched in 2016.

Read on to see everything Newbury Street has to offer.

Thinking Cup
85 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

Start your Newbury Street journey with an award-winning cup of joe. Thinking Cup, previous winner of Boston magazine's Best Coffee Shop in the city, was also the first café in downtown Boston to serve Stumptown Coffee Roasters beans. Located in the eastern end of Newbury (near the Public Garden), where whitestones and glassy exteriors line the road, Thinking Cup offers coffee classics as well as specialities, such as its honey cinnamon latte. Thinking Cup's matcha latte is also popular, made with matcha from Teasserie. Check out the shop's food menu for breakfast options, innovative sandwiches, and a gluten- and dairy-free menu.

Glossier
120 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

Glossier, the "no-makeup makeup" brand that has amassed a cult-following, opened a brick-and-mortar location on Newbury Street in March 2023. Known for simple, cylindrical packaging and subtly pigmented products, Glossier offers a unique approach to makeup that their TikTok-generation customer base can't seem to live without. At the Newbury location, be sure to check out fun architectural details like Hollywood Regency moldings painted pastel green. Glossier also launches seasonal fragrances, such as its summer 2026 scent, Soie.

Venchi Chocolate & Gelato Boston
123 Newbury St.

Venchi Chocolate & Gelato brings a taste of Italy to Newbury Street with handcrafted chocolates, authentic Italian gelato, and other sweet treats. Opened in December 2025, the Boston shop is the Italian brand's first Massachusetts location, offering classics from a company that traces its roots back to Turin in 1878. Stop in for rich chocolate, a cone of stracciatella gelato or a taste of cremino, and you'll quickly understand why Venchi has built a following far beyond Italy.

Posman Books
127 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

This bookshop's bright, eclectic interior offers a peaceful escape from Newbury Street's busy sidewalks. Enter into this family-owned store for a curated collection of books, as well as assorted gifts and toys. The company, which started selling college textbooks in New York more than 50 years ago, now runs indie bookstores all over the country and says it wants customers "to have as much fun shopping in our stores as you do returning to the pages of your most earmarked paperback." Check out their website for staff picks and to sign up for their newsletter. Shipping and pickup options are expected to become available in June 2026.

Copley Society of Art
158 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

At the Copley Society of Art, you can lose yourself in a world of creativity while supporting America's oldest nonprofit arts association. Founded in 1879, the society currently represents more than 300 artist members, giving each a platform to share their work and engage with the public. For no cost, visitors can explore the elegant gallery's many pieces and even attend events including receptions, fundraisers, film nights, and artist talks. Visitors can also sign up for weekly or monthly newsletters. Students can apply for free membership with access to professional development opportunities.

J.P. Licks
173 Newbury St

This venerable ice cream chain has been serving ice cream, frozen yogurt, and coffee for decades and on Newbury Street since 2019. Along with classic scoops and what it bills as "Boston's best hot chocolate," the shop draws locals and tourists alike for its popular seasonal flavors like pineapple and coconut sherbert and cardamom strawberry swirl. The store also offers frozen beverages, which were introduced about a year ago, and weekly "Newbury Sundaes." With seating inside and outside, it's the perfect place to relax after a busy day of shopping.

Levain Bakery
180 Newbury St.

Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and oh so sweet, Levain's iconic cookies have developed a cult following since their establishment in New York more than 30 years ago. Since then, they have expanded nationwide, creating signature chunky cookies that appeal to chocolate-lovers everywhere. At the Boston location, be sure to also try some of the other baked treats like loaf cakes, baguettes, and brioche buns. Budget some extra time, though-the line often builds up inside the store, with cookie enthusiasts eager to discover the irresistible treats that took the Big Apple by storm.

Joe's on Newbury
181 Newbury St.

Joe's on Newbury is the kind of reliable Back Bay eatery that works whether you're in search of a place to meet friends for brunch, a casual dinner destination for date night, or just a place to refuel while shopping. The restaurant serves classic American comfort food, from burgers and sandwiches to salads, seafood, and cocktails, in a lively space on one of Newbury Street's busiest blocks. With plenty of indoor seating and a patio that provides great people-watching, Joe's offers a comfortable setting and reliably good food.

Rainbows Pottery Studio
216 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

Feeling artistic? Rainbows Pottery offers the chance to paint and glaze pottery with unlimited time and painting materials. Students pay $48 for access to the studio, while the fee for the general public is $54, plus the price of the pottery piece you'll be customizing. Once you've finished painting your creation, the piece will be ready in a week for pickup, or you can opt to have it shipped. Rainbows Pottery also sells unique ceramic pieces for purchase and holds regular events like birthday and bachelorette parties.

Dirty Water Dough Co.
222 Newbury St.

Stop by Dirty Water Dough Co. for a slice that pays homage to a little-known era in the city's culinary history. According to the pizzeria's website, Bostonian home chefs in the 19th century used beer to make bread in order to avoid drawing water from the polluted Charles River. While the Charles' cleanliness has improved markedly-and Boston now gets its water from further afield-this pizza shop uses its own Dirty Water India pale ale in its crust, creating a unique flavor in each slice. If you're buying a pie, choose from funky flavors like Steak 'n Cola, Fenway Frank, or Mac Cheesy. Slices go for $3 to $5, and can be washed down with a house soda.

DeLuca's Market
239 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

From its wooden ceilings and rack of newspapers to its open-air seating area, DeLuca's brings a sense of old-school neighborhood pride to an otherwise touristy area. This charming market opened its doors in 1905 and has a second location on Beacon Hill. A woman-owned family business, DeLuca's sells fresh produce, drinks, cheeses, specialty Italian goods, and more. Head deeper into the store and you'll find a back deli counter that makes fresh sandwiches. If you're over 21, check out the wine cellar for premium bottles. One look at the storefront and it's clear: some things may change, but DeLuca's is forever.

Amorino
249 Newbury St.

Amorino, 249 Newbury Street. Photo by Danny Dolan

At this Italian-style gelateria, each delicious scoop of gelato is arranged on the cone to look like the petals of a flower. Flavors include amarena (Italian cherry), blueberry cheesecake, salted butter caramel, dulce de leche, red berries sorbet, passion fruit sorbet, and more. Amorino also sells treats like Italian hot chocolate, macarons, and waffles. While hot summer days draw long lines outside the store's sleek exterior, Amorino's smooth, creamy gelato-made without artificial dyes or flavors-is well worth the wait. Whether you order a delicate flower cone or a rich hot chocolate, Amorino will take you from the streets of Back Bay right to the heart of Italy.

La Neta
255 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

Looking for delicious Mexican food that won't break the bank? Stop by La Neta. This bright, bustling restaurant offers a robust menu of tacos, burritos, salads, crudo, enchiladas, and more. La Neta's tacos start at $6 each, and you can choose from numerous meat fillings or opt for a veggie version. There's even a "taco light" option that replaces the corn tortilla with a lettuce cup. The rest of the menu is made up of generous platters (starting at $16), burritos ($16), and enchiladas ($16), with a variety of add-ons like refried beans and chiles toreados, or roasted jalapeños.

The Bittersweet Shoppe
257 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

Dentists, look away. The Bittersweet Shoppe is an old-school soda fountain and nostalgic café tucked along Newbury Street, with a dazzling array of sweets to satisfy even the strongest of sugar cravings. Cool off with an Italian cream soda, a classic float, or a seasonal milkshake. Or, if you're looking for a pick-me-up, try one of Bittersweet's signature espresso drinks like the creme brulee latte, cinnamon sticky bun iced coffee, or Heath bar mocha. Not a sugar fiend? Step into Bittersweet's old-timey interior for breakfast favorites, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, and other yummy treats. Once you've decided on your order, take your old-fashioned fare up to the sunlit patio and enjoy some people-watching.

Crazy Good Kitchen
268 Newbury St.

Crazy Good Kitchen is a casual Newbury Street venue, known for serving up comfort food that doesn't try to be subtle. The menu leans into smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, wings, and thick milkshakes, with options like the Oklahoma Style Burger, Hot Mess & Cheese Burger, and Buffalo Chicken Fries. It's the kind of place to visit when you want something quick, filling, and satisfying in the best possible way.

Pressed Juicery
288 Newbury St.

Pressed Juicery offers a range of cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, smoothies, and acai bowls for anyone craving a light pick-me-up. . The shop also serves dairy-free soft serve, giving visitors a frozen treat that compliments the shop's fruit-and-vegetable-forward menu.

Emack & Bolio's
290 Newbury St.

Fun, funky, and flavorful, Emack & Bolio's is a must for ice-cream lovers. It offers both a refreshing dessert and a taste of rock 'n' roll history. The store's original Coolidge Corner location opened in Boston in 1975 as a hangout spot for local musicians. After rock clubs closed at midnight, musicians came to Emack & Bolio's for a late-night snack and jam sessions that lasted into the early morning. Now, the ice cream store has expanded nationwide and offers cheeky flavors like Beantown Buzz and Trippin on Espresso. Root Beer Float, Grasshopper Pie, and more to accompany all the old hits.

Emack & Bolio's, 290 Newbury Street. Photo by Danny Dolan

Red White Boneless Ramen
294 Newbury St.

This ramen restaurant serves up dishes so flavorful you'll have a hard time believing the entire menu is plant-based. Try the miso broth for its mild umami flavor profile or experiment with the truffle salt ramen. Each bowl comes with a variety of traditional and innovative toppings, like corn, arugula, and soboro (made with soy meat and tofu), and you can add crispy onions for an extra $2. RedWhite also sells sides like Mac and Miso and roasted miso avocado rolls. With a steady stream of customers, fast service, and affordable prices, RedWhite's plant-based twist on comfort food classics is a must-try.

Boston Architectural College McCormick Gallery
320 Newbury St.

Explore inspiring design work at Boston Architectural College's free gallery. Inside this airy, bright space is a wide variety of architectural works speaking to broader themes of sustainability, technology, and diversity. The gallery also regularly holds opening receptions and exhibition lectures.

Trident Booksellers & Cafe
338 Newbury St.

Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury Street. Photo by Sangmin Song

There's a reason locals flock to this beloved bookstore and café: Trident has something for everyone. For almost 40 years, the two-story bookstore-slash-café has provided a generous selection of best-sellers and classics, delicious food, and a place for the local community to gather. The shop hosts weekly Sunday night poetry open mics, speed-dating events, and Friday night trivia. Whether you need a quick refreshment or a hearty meal, Trident's cafe has you covered.

Vivant Vintage
332 Newbury St.

This vintage clothing store began life as a unique mobile boutique-a tricycle-pulled cart founder Justin Pomerleau built to resemble a tiny house, affectionately known as "Le Pants King and The Traveling Spectacular." Pedaling through the city, Pomerleau offered a selection of vintage clothing directly to Bostonians, embodying the brand's name, "Vivant," which is French for "living it up." Vivant became a brick-and-mortar store in Allston, attracting college students and local residents drawn to its high-quality vintage pieces, and has just opened a second store on Newbury Street.

Newbury Comics
348 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

Music, pop culture, comics, and more converge in this lively store near the Hynes Convention Center end of Newbury Street. On the first floor, find collectibles and apparel from your favorite fandoms, like Marvel, Pokémon, and more. You'll also see popular manga, recently released vinyl records, and blind boxes with mystery figures inside. More serious music lovers should head downstairs, where hundreds of records in almost every genre await discovery. On the second floor, find an even bigger collection of comic books and manga, with popular favorites like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Sailor Moon, and Naruto. But even if your anime knowledge stops at Studio Ghibli, and you're still not really sure what a "fandom" is, Newbury Comics has something for you. Find goofy gifts like novelty socks and key chains near the back of the store, as well as stuffed animals and T-shirts throughout.

Anime Zakka
349 Newbury St.

Photo by Sangmin Song

Still haven't gotten your anime fix? Head across the street to Anime Zakka, which sells everything from figurines and plushies to mugs and apparel. You can grab a retro poster for only $12.95, try your luck with Gachapon-style blind boxes, or opt for stationery decorated with your favorite anime character. Even if you're not sure what you're looking for, this store's bright ambiance and colorful merchandise will put you in a good mood. A local, family-owned business, Anime Zakka also sells its wide range of products online.

Avra Estiatorio
400 Newbury St.

Avra Estiatorio brings Greek island-style dining to the new Lyrik development. The Boston location, Avra's first in the city, centers its menu on Mediterranean seafood, with whole fish displayed on ice for guests to select before it is grilled, baked in sea salt, or prepared with simple Greek flavors. The restaurant also serves lamb, chicken, steak, seasonal vegetables, and house-made Greek specialties in a bright, coastal-inspired space.

Rosa y Marigold
400 Newbury St.

Also located in the Lyrik Back Bay development is this new restaurant by local restaurateurs JuanMa Calderón and Maria Rondeau, the duo behind New England's acclaimed Celeste, La Royal, and Esmeralda. Rosa y Marigold derives its name from the 2022 novel Marigold and Rose, by the pair's late friend and devoted Celeste regular, poet Louise Glück. The menu features classic Peruvian flavors with a twist. Be sure to try the chanchito asado (Chinese-Peruvian roasted pork, served with five-spices and honey, in soy and hoisin sauce) or the asado de costilla con puré de papas (braised short rib in panca in a mole and red wine reduction and potato puree). The restaurant offers both indoor and patio seating, but plan to make a reservation, as it can be hard to get a table last minute.

Getting there: To access Newbury Street from the Public Garden end, take any MBTA Green Line train to Arlington and walk one block up Arlington Street toward the garden. To access Newbury Street from the Mass Ave end, take any MBTA Green Line train to Hynes Convention Center, turn right on Mass Ave, and Newbury Street is a few steps away.

Click on the points in the map above for more information on the places listed in our guide to Newbury Street.

This article was updated on November 14, 2024.

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Boston University published this content on June 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 24, 2026 at 15:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]