This Boston, Massachusetts Eatery Is a Hole-In-The-Wall Locals Prefer To Keep Off The Tourist Map
Just a few minutes from Logan Airport sits a place that feels like home the second you walk in. Kelley Square Pub in East Boston has been serving up hearty plates and big smiles for years, and it’s the kind of spot locals talk about with quiet pride.
The walls tell stories through old photos, the pizza slices are generous, and the staff greets you like you’ve been coming in forever.
It’s one of those classic Massachusetts hangouts where good food and familiar faces make you forget you’re just steps from the city hustle.
Legendary Thin-Crust Pizza, Boston-Style
The thin-crust pies here are local lore, crisp enough to crackle yet sturdy for generous toppings. Regulars swear by sausage and roasted red peppers, though the Buffalo chicken and steak bomb combo also wins close contests.
Balance your slice with a side salad if you want crunch and refreshment between bites. The red sauce carries a slow-simmered tang that feels homegrown, not hurried.
One verified reviewer put it perfectly: “Pizza is very good. Salads are fresh and crisp.” That snapshot sums up dinner and a smile.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops And Snackable Starters
Before the mains, start with the bacon-wrapped scallops that regulars nudge onto every table. The salty-sweet bite is a quick victory lap for your taste buds.
If you want something heftier, the beef and cheese egg rolls deliver a crunchy, melty payoff. Split a few apps to sample more of the menu without committing too soon. Sharing is half the fun here.
Pair with sparkling water or a lemon-lime soda for a palate reset between bites. Your only challenge is saving room for the next round.
Hearty Steak Tips And Neighborhood Comforts
Steak tips are a local obsession, and Kelley Square Pub cooks them tender with a lightly charred edge. You get big flavor without fuss, the kind of plate that turns first-timers into repeat visitors. The fries deliver that golden, just-right crunch.
Ask for the daily specials by phone or in person to catch unexpected gems. Portions lean generous, so consider splitting if you are on a tasting tour.
One reviewer raved, “Food is solid and good… The steak tips are very nice as well.” That checks out bite after bite.
Calzones, Pastas, And Saucy Detours
Craving a fold-and-go feast? The calzones arrive stuffed and steaming, with options like chicken parm for a classic turn. If you favor a fork, pastas such as shrimp Alfredo with broccoli bring creamy comfort in a bowl.
Order a side of garlic bread for dunking and do not rush the meal. This is a sit-and-chat kind of place.
If a dish feels heavy, ask for extra marinara on the side for bright acidity. Little tweaks like that can make your plate sing.
Photos On The Walls, Stories In The Air
Step inside and the walls tell you who calls this pub home. Old photos, team shots, and snapshots of the neighborhood create a mini-museum of East Boston pride. It feels like a living scrapbook.
Grab a booth and scan the frames while you wait for your order. You will catch something new every time.
As one local put it, “The pictures around the place are amazing.” That vibe turns a simple dinner into a memory with sauce on it and a grin to match.
Friendly Faces And Names You Will Remember
Service here is the neighborhood handshake. Staff like Judy and Sue draw regulars back with quick smiles and quicker refills, plus spot-on menu guidance. Ask what they love and you will likely order it.
If you sit at the counter, you might pick up a story or two. This is the kind of room where strangers become tablemates by dessert.
A verified reviewer said, “Judy is so friendly, funny and personable.” That warmth matches the oven, and your mood rises with it.
Late Hours, Easy Access, And Fair Prices
Kelley Square Pub stays open until 1 AM nightly, making it a clutch stop after flights or late shifts. It is about a ten-minute drive from the rental car center, so travelers can roll in fast. The kitchen keeps things moving without rushing you out.
Expect $10 to $20 for most items, meaning you can sample widely without sweating the bill. That is rare near an airport.
Call ahead for specials or a takeout order. Efficiency tastes pretty great with marinara, too.
How To Order Like A Regular
Start with bacon-wrapped scallops, then split a thin-crust sausage and roasted red pepper pizza. Add steak tips or a daily special for the table and leave space for a calzone to share tomorrow. You will thank yourself at lunch.
Ask for extra marinara and a side salad for balance. If you like heat, request crushed red pepper and take a victory lap.
Pro move: try half-and-half pizza toppings for more variety. And yes, leftovers make the best next-day breakfast. We do not judge.