Fred Bodin Submits-
Hi Joey, Here’s something a little different. Quite a few Gloucester folks remember Doyle’s, including Donna.
An Old Haunt Revisited: Doyle’s Cafe in JP
Janet and I visited Doyle’s Cafe on our way home from Easter Sunday dinner in Roslyndale. Before I moved to Cape Ann, I lived in Jamaica Plain for 12 years. During that time, I frequented Doyle’s on Washington Street, which was in the shadow of the Orange Line. It was a pretty wild place at times.
Doyle’s was founded in 1882 as the Braddock Cafe. It was bought in 1972 by brothers Eddie and Billy Burke, and then sold to Billy’s son Gerry in 2005. We found Gerry while exploring one of the new function rooms, and he’s one the friendliest guys you’ll meet. Later, he was helping out behind the bar and sweeping the floor. Very cool place.
Politicians schmoozed here, including the Kennedys and Mayor Menino. In fact, Ted Kennedy dedicated one of the function rooms, and there’s also a “Menino Room.”
Here’s a vintage menu from Doyle’s. A comment from Kate via Facebook: “I ate at Doyle’s last fall. THE BEST Rueben and THE BEST sweet potato fries on Earth.” http://doylescafeboston.wordpress.com/
Good Morning Gloucester 
Fred is spot on, I’ve been to Doyle’s many times, cool place. Timeless.
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Because they offer Guiness on tap, my drink of choice is a black and tan.
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*Roslindale
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Thanks.
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This is it – thanks Fred. I’m planning a Boston pub crawl at the request of a schooner pal from Baltimore. Our combined age is 157 so our capacity is a bit diminished. Is there a recommendation for a second place if our endurance holds up? We won’t be driving for we have our senior Charlie cards.
PS He is from Fell’s Point where there are (or were) 68 bars in seven blocks. We are experienced and have very high standards.
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There aren’t a ton of bars in that immediate area of JP, but I would also recommend the following watering holes:
Drinking Fountain – 3520 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA. This is down the street from Doyle’s, and is probably the last legitimate “townie bar” remaining in JP.
Dogwood Cafe – 3712 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA. In the Forest Hills area of JP, somewhat high-end, good food, beer, etc.
Fireside Tavern – 30 Hyde Park Ave., Jamaica Plain, MA. A few doors down from the Dogwood, not particularly fancy, cheap beer, hasn’t been updated in 50 years probably. An interesting joint.
James’s Gate – 5 McBride Street, Jamaica Plain, MA. Very cozy Irish pub, good beer selection, Shepherd’s Pie is great, stone fireplace.
Brendan Behan Pub – 378 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA. Small Irish pub, no food, but good beer selection, people bring their dogs in there, generally very friendly.
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Great recommendations Fluffer! Makes me want to go to some of these JP places. It’s very gratifying to me to see how much there is in the Centre/South Street and Forest Hills sections of Jamaica Plain. There was a very Irish (mostly old timers) bar and family style restaurant on Centre Street just before the Monument and South Street. It was on the south side of the street, near the shoe store. I believe the name started with the letter “M”. Good eats, and OK once they got to know your face. Now the Centre Street Cafe?
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Hmm…I don’t think I know what the Centre Street Cafe was. Down the street there is Costello’s and Galway House. Up towards Hyde Sq. at the corner of Moraine there was Triple D’s (now Canary Sq., I think) and then farther down on South St. there was Lockhorn’s, now Jeanie Johnston Pub. I’ve only known the area for the past 15 years or so, since I’m in my mid-30’s.
But as Paul mentioned below, The Squealing Pig is a good spot. Then there’s Punter’s Pub down near Northeastern…I could take you on an EPIC pub crawl through Roslindale/JP/Mission Hill area if you want. Much of these neighborhoods have been greatly gentrified (some for the good, some for the bad) but many good bars still remain.
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If Guinness on Tap poured well is a requirement The Squealing Pig might be added to a pub crawl. Close to Harvard Med School just across Huntington Avenue.
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The professors always had their meetings in the back room there, I remember brunch
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AL- The Boston area pubs are no longer my stomping’ grounds, so Doyle’s is the only place I can recommend. If I were traveling on the MBTA, I’d probably visit Doyle’s first, and select a second place near the train home.
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Thanks for all the recommendations. That Shepherd’s Pie got my notice. When I was in my prime the whole batch of JP spots could have been handled easily in half an evening. Now a pub crawl is anything beyond two places for me, and it’s a challenge to keep up with my Baltimore friend (80) who keeps in shape in Fells Point. As for Huntington Ave — some contrast to my days there in the 50’s. At the Gainsborough the beers were maybe a quarter, and pricey for my budget. Back then it was Dawson’s or Pickwick Ale. Or “have a ‘Gansett.” But I’ll make a note of that Squealing Pig for a time I find myself visiting a doc around there.
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An epic pub crawl through Roslindale/JP/Mission Hill with Flutternutter as tour guide? Capital idea! Where can I sign up? Allow a couple months and schooner39 will be in Gloucester in suitable condition for onboard planning sessions. I have a fair stash of growlers that can be refilled with fresh suds at Cape Ann Brewing.
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Sure thing, I’ll be waiting for updates!
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I love the murals at Doyles. Venture out of JP to Quincy’s Sly Fox, best guinness without a five hour flight.
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I work at the Dogwood on Sundays, let me know if you end up doing the crawl! Fluffernutter can be your tourguide and I can be your barmaid! I live 3 blocks away from Doyles…
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Thanks Kate. Not sure where the Dogwood is, but if we go on an adventure down that’a way, we’ll find you on a Sunday. You can find my e-mail on my FB Page to give me contact info so I can let you know when we’re coming: http://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto
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