-- Boston's Hidden Restaurants --

St. Alphonzo's Kitchen

87 A Street, South Boston, MA, 02127
(617) 269-2233 Find location!

Photo of St. Alphonzo's Kitchen, South Boston, MA What's in a name? Well, in the case of St. Alphonzo's Kitchen, quite a lot. When this restaurant started out, it went under the name Potbellies Kitchen, which was a bit of a strange name in itself. The owners eventually changed the name, however, and borrowed (and slightly altered) a song title from a Frank Zappa album of all things to come up with their new name. And from that point on, the restaurant became known as St. Alphonzo's Kitchen.

You would think that a restaurant with a name like St. Alphonzo's Kitchen would either be totally pretentious or totally offbeat. If you guessed the latter, you are correct, as this tiny dining spot is quite unlike any other restaurant in the Boston area. From its location in a rather rough-and-tumble South Boston neighborhood to its dark, somewhat gloomy industrial feel inside to its penchant for playing obscure (and at times bizarre) music to its limited but quirky menu, St. Alphonzo's Kitchen is truly unique.

The food at St. Alphonzo's Kitchen is at times outstanding, with such mouthwatering dishes as a Caesar salad (which stands head and shoulder above nearly any other that this writer has had), chili con carne (everything but the kitchen sink is added to it), a chicken cutlet plate (complete with a deliciously seasoned coating), and a reuben sandwich (good quality corned beef within perfectly grilled bread. And don't ignore the simple items on the menu, such as the ham and cheese or the grilled cheese sandwich, as both of these are favorites at this restaurant. And while the everyday menu really only has a few items, the blackboard specials are well worth checking out, including two terrific soups: a wonderful watercress soup and a chicken soup that tastes as good as (or better than) the kind grandma used to make. Wine and beer are offered at St. Alphonzo's Kitchen, though choices are a bit limited.

Much like Frank Zappa himself, St. Alphonzo's Kitchen is a bit eclectic and unique in a number of ways. And while this restaurant might not be a true destination spot, it is one really nice little eating place with good food and decent prices. Add to this the fact that parking is free and relatively easy, and crowds are generally light because of its slightly out-of-the-way location, and you have yourself a true gem in the heart of Southie.