A seasonal Southie institution since 1951, parked by Fort Independence on Castle Island. Cheap hot dogs, fried seafood, and lobster rolls eaten by the water where locals walk and jog. Note: seasonal, typically closed roughly December to late February. Cash-friendly, no-frills, beloved.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Sun 10am-6pm (in season) Typically closed roughly December to late February; hours vary seasonally |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | No direct T; JFK/UMass (Red Line) + bus/long walk, or drive; ~20-30 min from South Station |
| Time needed | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Warm-weather afternoon; walk the loop around Fort Independence after |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility4.5
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get to Castle Island without a car?
- It's not near a T stop. Options are the Red Line to JFK/UMass plus a bus or a long waterfront walk, or simply driving or rideshare. Many locals bike or walk the harborwalk to get there.
- Is Sullivan's cash only?
- It's historically cash-friendly and fast; cards are generally taken now, but bringing cash keeps the line moving at the walk-up window. It's a quick-service operation, not a sit-down restaurant.
- Is there parking at Castle Island?
- Yes, there's a parking lot by Fort Independence, though it fills on warm weekends. Arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday makes parking much easier.
- Is Sullivan's open year-round?
- No, it's seasonal. It typically closes for winter, roughly December into late February, and reopens in early spring. If you're visiting in the cold months, check before making the trip.
- What is there to do at Castle Island besides eat?
- Walk or jog the loop around Fort Independence, take in the harbor and plane-spotting near the airport flight path, and enjoy one of Boston's best free waterfront strolls. Sullivan's is the reward at the end.
- What should I order at Sullivan's?
- The hot dog is the classic cheap thrill, and the fried clams and lobster roll are the seafood picks. Keep it simple, this is a walk-up window, and part of the charm is how affordable it is.
- What is Sullivan's known for?
- Cheap, classic seaside snack-bar food: hot dogs, burgers, fried clams, and lobster rolls, eaten outdoors by the water. It's been a Southie tradition since 1951 and prices stay refreshingly low.
- Is it good for families?
- Very. It's an outdoor, budget-friendly, walk-up spot next to a park and the water, ideal for kids. Grab food and let everyone roam the fort and shoreline.
Nearby in Ask Boston
- Castle Island & Pleasure BayBeach0.1 km · 1 min walk
- Spectacle IslandPark2.51 km · 31 min walk
- Yankee Lobster Co.Restaurant2.65 km · 33 min walk
- Institute of Contemporary ArtMuseum3.17 km · 40 min walk
- Seaport DistrictNeighborhood3.22 km · 40 min walk
Where to stay near Sullivan's Castle Island
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