-- Boston's Hidden Restaurants --

McKenna's Cafe

109 Savin Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125
(617) 825-8218 Find location!

Photo of McKenna's Cafe, Dorchester, MA The sprawling Boston neighborhood of Dorchester sure seems to be an increasingly popular destination for restaurants these days. Great restaurants such as the Ashmont Grill, Shanti: A Taste of India, and Pho So 1 Boston attract people who ordinarily might not consider dining in this working-class section of Boston. And then there are the classic old Boston dining spots such as the Blarney Stone and CF Donovan's, which are frequented mainly by the locals. And add to this latter list a wonderful breakfast and lunch spot in Savin Hill (across the street from CF Donovan's, actually) that has been serving Dorchester folk for several years now, dishing out delicious meals to the people of this low-key neighborhood.

Upon entering McKenna's Cafe, one is instantly struck by its warmth and friendliness. Like a number of Dorchester restaurants, McKenna's is unpretentious, family-oriented, and closely tied to the neighborhood. Police officers, retirees, young couples, and groups of friends can be seen at McKenna's Cafe, eating stacks of pancakes, huge omelettes, and, at lunchtime, a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Service is quick and friendly, and the prices are very reasonable for the amount of food served.

This writer has been to many good breakfast spots in Dorchester and other neighborhoods just south of Boston, including Gerard's in Adams Village and Doyle's in Jamaica Plain. But McKenna's Cafe may be the best of the lot. And in many ways, McKenna's is the ultimate hidden gem: A place that few people know about, but one which diners return to again and again once they find out about it. It may not be easy to find, but McKenna's Cafe is one breakfast place that is well worth seeking out.