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Kenmore Square Review

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Kenmore Square

Address: Convergence of Beacon St., Commonwealth Ave., and Brookline Ave., Boston, MA, 02215 | Map It

Category: Squares
Location: The Fenway and Kenmore Square

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 3.2/5

Fodor's Review:

Two blocks north of Fenway Park is Kenmore Square, where you'll find fast-food joints, record stores, and an enormous sign advertising Citgo gasoline. The red, white, and blue neon sign from 1965 is so thoroughly identified with the area that historic preservationists fought, successfully, to save it—proof that Bostonians are an open-minded lot who don't insist that their landmarks be identified with the American Revolution. The old Kenmore Square punk clubs have recently given way to a block-long development of chain stores and pricey restaurants, as well as brick sidewalks, gaslight-style street lamps, and tree plantings. The Hotel Commonwealth, a six-story luxury European-style hotel, sits smack in the middle of Kenmore Square.

In the shadow of Fenway Park between Brookline and Ipswich is Lansdowne Street, a nightlife magnet for the young and trendy who have their pick of can't-hear-yourself-think dance clubs such as Avalon and Axis. The urban campus of Boston University begins farther west on Commonwealth Avenue, in blocks thick with dorms, shops, and restaurants.

Metro: Kenmore

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by brian_d from Massachusetts on 1/4/07
In all fairness there is some cool stuff in and around Kenmore. Obviuosly, the Sox play around the corner and the night clubs are nearby as well. But this area used to have heart and used to really say a lot about Boston. Many of the old school dives like the Rat and Deli Haus are gone BUT there are still some gems. Recently opened is the Lower Depths, owned by the folks that run Bukowski's. There are also some wortwhile shops like the used book store. In terms of getting there, it is a major bus and Green line stop on the T - this stop currently being rennovated.