Sullivan's Castle Island image

Sullivan's Castle Island

Restaurant Fast food restaurant American restaurant Seafood restaurant

Circa-1951 shack drawing crowds for fried seafood & more to eat while strolling nearby Pleasure Bay. People often mention good, great, fries, Sullivan', time, clam, lobster, fried, service, seafood,


Address

2080 William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA 02127

Website

www.sullivanscastleisland.com

Contact

(617) 268-5685

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (28) great (22) fries (16) Sullivan' (13) time (13) clam (12) lobster (12) fried (10) service (9) seafood (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Bob L. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is crazy popular so make sure to brace for the crowds or go during the off hours (or better yet off season BUT do note that they close during the winter months). I've been here a few times but finally got around to making a review for it. There's nothing better than having a great meal while having a scenic view of the ocean (be prepared to not get too distracted unless you want the seagulls making a move on your food!). Items we had on this trip (as of 10/20): - Small fries - $2.50 - Nothing special. Could be crispier. - Onion rings - $6.95 - These are on the greasy side but man are they delicious! The batter is very crunchy and perfect for any onion ring lover out there. You also get a LOT for what you pay (see photos as a reference). - Chicken Caesar salad - $7.95 - not bad considering the price but definitely not something I would go out of my way to get if you're here. - Crab cake sandwich - $9.95 - Great crab flavor without too much breading. For $10 it's definitely not a bad option to have. If you're in the area stop by, enjoy the views and have some great food at a very reasonable price! (NOTE: During the summer months parking can be a bit hectic so be prepared to find parking before you reach the restaurant if it looks crazy).
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dean C. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent food at a fair price! Clam chowder was so flavorful. Lobster rolls were delicious and fresh. The fried clam strips and fries were perfectly executed. Even the rice side was fantastic! The online ordering process was smooth. Staff was friendly. Raspberry Lime Rickey was out of this world! Actually, everything was. Planes flew overhead, so it was very cool, if really loud! Update (a day later): looking back, this clam-forward clam chowder was sensational and out-of-this-world! It seems unbelievable, but we have had the clam chowder from Union Oyster House, and Sullivan's is much more clam-forward and easily topped the one we had from Union Oyster House! Probably the best clam chowder I've ever had that I could buy was the one I had here at Sullivan's.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seth M. 1 year ago on Google
    Sullivan's is terrific in all the ways you could ask for, and I really don't say any of this lightly: Speed and accuracy of orders: 10/10 - all food is made to order, no pre-cooked soggy hamburgers. Sullivan's will often have long lines, but the lines move impressively fast. Quality of food: 10/10. It's not fine dining, but it's the best you can do with fast food. The quality food is consistent and actually looks like their marketing pictures look. How many restaurants can say that? Value: 10/10. A good cheeseburger costs $4.50. They're not ripping anybody off. Sullivan's has an extensive menu from burgers, hot dogs and fries to fried clams, lobster rolls, fish dinners, ice cream and mote. Their menu is thorough, seriously good quality and a great value. I expected this place to be overrated the first time I ever went but every time I go I marvel at the quality and value and leave happy. There's a food stand on Carson Beach that charges $8.50 for a low quality and pathetic burger that doesn't even have lettuce on it. Sullivan's provides quality, and that's why it's a Boston institution. Plus, it's hard to beat the views.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike S. 3 years ago on Google
    Always consistently good. And at 5pm on a Saturday, no lines, no waiting! One downside - no onion rings again... how do you run out of onion rings!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Godfrey A. 1 year ago on Google
    Wanna grab a quick bite to eat after enjoying a day on Castle Island? Sullivan's is the perfect place to do that. Simple beach fare at affordable prices, Sullivan's has been around for a long time, and doesn't pretend to be anything other than a seaside shack to grab some food on the beach. Service is friendly, and the food is not bad.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Film Professor Angelo F. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been eating at Sullivan's since I was kid in the early 1980s. My grandmother lived locally and we would walk the Head Causeway and Castle perimeter than grab a burger or hot dog and fries. Such a great memory to experience. I recently introduced my own kids to this South Boston treasure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yolanda B. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic shack with a good selection of seafood and classic American fair foods! It was very busy on Sunday lunchtime but they kept the line moving and orderly so just be mindful it can take a bit. I had their fried clams with fries SO GOOD paired with the famous raspberry lime rickey. Def order this if you love clams and a good time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jack S. 1 year ago on Google
    Sully’s never disappoints. Been coming here for 50 years and it’s always great. Fast service, good food, good prices, friendly staff. Sully’s has expanded its menu over the years and there should be something for everyone. I’m so happy they have included GF rolls and ice cream cones. My grandson has Celiac disease and now he can once again enjoy our trips to Castle Island and “ Sully’s” They provide everything you can ask for plus a great setting. Great place to walk, fly a kite, let kids use the playground, etc. The area offers great views and scenery. One of Boston’s true treasures. Very little has changed over the years and that in this case is a good thing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 emi c. 9 months ago on Google
    My family and I have been coming here for decades. Always a queue when it’s the summer season. Have to patient to find parking. Through the decades of visiting here, quality has had its ups and downs. But that’s with every business. These last few years, the best thing on the menu is the broiled fish sandwich… Not fried. Sullivan’s will probably be here long after I’m gone lol.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Adam N. 8 months ago on Google
    We went on a rainy day. They have NO indoor seating. Food was good, not great. Was priced pretty high. Was expecting more with the great reviews... Quick service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 M M. 3 years ago on Google
    Ordered 2 lobster rolls, fries and onion rings for delivery. Service & delivery were excellent. It was more than enough food for 2 people (great portions). Onion rings were some of the best I've ever had. Fries were also great. The lobster rolls were terrible. The lobster had a fishy taste, something I've never experienced. I took 2 bites and threw it out. My husband ate only half of his. I would definitely go back but not for the lobster rolls!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edsa 5. 3 years ago on Google
    Sullivan's is always great! I think the line/pickup system they've set up works great. It was far more efficient than it was originally. Nice job Brendan!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 What’s up for D. 8 months ago on Google
    Given the monopoly they have in this location, I think their ( non seafood) items are priced reasonably. The parking can be a lot challenging, however there is plenty of paid street parking available at a short walking distance. The kids at the counter are great, they are very nice and polite. We had the fish sandwich ( fried) this was very good, wish the fries were a bit freshly fried they were luke warm, what is the fun of having Luke warm fries. The cheese burger was decent, nothing great. Grilled cheese was average. Enjoy !
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David G. 10 months ago on Google
    Great location. I tried the lobster roll and bowl of clam chowder and washed it down with raspberry lime Rickey. Very tasty!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jennifer K. 4 months ago on Google
    Lobster is super fresh but it wouldve tasted even better warm..! Still a great lobster roll though.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan T. 5 months ago on Google
    Historic eatery on the water. Fish was world class. The seating not so much but the fish is worth it!

  • 5/5 Smith D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great restaurant for all the seafood lovers!

  • 5/5 Little N. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is great. Tasty seafood, love the clam bellies, scallops, and shrimp. Although I do not go there often, being so far from it, when I go it's always worth the trip. The prices are decent in comparison, the food is good, the lines can be long but move very well. They are friendly, and if I could, I'd eat there more often when craving good seafood. Good place to eat with the family, but it is not a dine in experience, you will need to take your food to go, carry-out only.

  • 5/5 Greg C. 3 years ago on Google
    Its just so nice to have an old school place like this. Affordable good quality food. Perfect for families, friends gatherings, dates, or to just stop in while you’re walking. Thank you for being a nice and comfortable spot.

  • 5/5 liz j. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place, great people great food.

  • 5/5 Evan D. 3 years ago on Google
    Sully's is timeless: the food tastes just as amazing as it did when I was little. They know what to do to keep the lines moving, and are keeping things tight, especially now in the time of COVID. Any time I have an out of town guests, I bring them to Castle Island and to Sully's.

  • 5/5 Celia G. 3 years ago on Google
    Just had an amazing walk around Castle Island, and stopped for food at Sullivans. They have the perfect outdoors snacks, I had an amazing Crab Cake Sandwich with aoli and I also had a hot dog, why not. Delicious. and right on the water. I'd say Sullivan's is a staple and must go to!

  • 2/5 Mary Beth H. 3 years ago on Google
    Overpriced and poor selection.

  • 4/5 Kathleen F. 3 years ago on Google
    I like walking around the castle. And then when I was done walking I went to Sullivan's and got a hot dog and French fries which was very good

  • 5/5 David N. 3 years ago on Google
    They have good selection of foods, clean and good place to eat with family and friends

  • 5/5 New England W. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is always busy. There hotdogs are good and the fries are good. I come here every week so I always go to Sullivan’s.

  • 4/5 Patrick C. 5 months ago on Google
    My Father is 85 years old & lives in CTown & never made it to Sully's. I had to make it happen for him and he wasn't disappointed. You guys have always rocked.

  • 2/5 Takeyra I. 4 months ago on Google
    Name recognition is what seems to bring people here. Food price vs. quantity is a disaster. Clam chowder has to from a can, $21 lobster sandwich was so small you a child would be hungry and you could tell it was previously frozen. Fish sandwich was about as good as McDonald's. The only decent thing was the shake. Also no respect for veterans with no discount.

  • 5/5 Karthik K. 1 year ago on Google
    Super fast service, don’t go by the long lines, they do a good job of clearing the lines. Most people line up inside the cafe but it’s faster to order at the counter outside or even better online. Liked their fries, grill cheese, and Raspberry lime pop. Their shakes were so so.

  • 5/5 Julie A. 1 year ago on Google
    Fast service, friendly staff and the food was delicious! Recommend the clam strips, they were amazing. Warning..there are alot of seagulls and they are food aggressive. We were literally physically swarmed as we left the building. Managed to save everything but a ckn nugget!

  • 5/5 justin p. 10 months ago on Google
    Out of state visitor. Stopped for some sight seeing and Lobster Rolls. Was not disappointed with either. Very busy, so prepare to wait a bit. They have a good system for moving the orders, but there were simply a lot of customers when I was there.

  • 5/5 Patti W. 10 months ago on Google
    Best service. I was a first time customer here and had some questions, the lady cashier took time to explain to me with great attitude and recommended me some dishes. I ordered for 3 people for take away : 2 bowls of clam chowder, 1 small clam strip, 1 small clam bellies and fried scallop. The waiting time was around 5-7 minutes and all of the food I ordered was fresh and delicious. I will come back for sure in the future.

  • 5/5 Tracy F. 8 months ago on Google
    Sullivan’s has created the perfect space in the new Hanover Crossing! The menu has all the classics from Castle Island along with modern additions and a craft beer and cocktail menu. The staff is amazing, and when I visited I was able to sit on the extended patio. Well worth the visit!

  • 4/5 Robert M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great joint! Incredibly good fried scallops served with fries and cocktail or tarter sauce. clean and efficient friendly staff. beautiful area—castle island. food was well prepared and served hot. one complaint is that they don’t offer any combination plates—I would have liked to also try the shrimp or clams but I had to choose only one—and nothing smaller than $18.50 an order—so didn’t make sense to order two-theee dishes for myself. Ok please change that and i’ll change my 4 to a 5 😉

  • 5/5 Hector N. 3 years ago on Google
    🍔 & 🍟 (they have Krinkly Fires🤑) and if NOT THE BEST SOFT SERVE 🍦 DEF TOP 3 in Boston!!!!!! Even with this CRAZY time we're going through they make it WORK.... The 2 Gentlemen who were taking care of the online orders and ticket orders on Saturday November 7, 2020 were doing a GREAT JOB MAJOR PROPS to them and the Crew inside getting food out FAST & DELICIOUS!!!!

  • 2/5 Matthew T. 3 years ago on Google
    Ordered two lobster rolls. Completely unappetizing. Fishy and funky. Took a couple bites and we threw them out. Not one to write a review, especially a bad one but I'm not a fan of throwing money away. The chicken nuggets for my son were good...

  • 5/5 michael a. 3 years ago on Google
    Best seafood ever. Fresh, fresh, fresh. Prices are great. A Boston institution. Free parking, then walk Castle Island. I never get tired of Sullivan’s.

  • 5/5 Ian G. 3 years ago on Google
    We love taking our son here for the playground, the scenery, the boats and planes, the old fort and last but not least.... Sullivan's! Top notch seafood plates and things like Hot Dogs and Fried chicken sandwiches. Can't go wrong coming here for a day trip!

  • 5/5 Víctor M. 3 years ago on Google
    It is very close to the fortress of independence, the typical American food, to go with the family and have a good time, it's fine. wheelchair accessible

  • 5/5 Pamela 5 years ago on Google
    best lobster roll in boston. definitely the most affordable as well. the crinkle cut fries are amazing too. in the summer, you can bring you food around castle island and watch the ships take off. in the winter, they don’t have any seats inside but they do have some standing room. otherwise, just go back into your car and eat your food there

  • 5/5 S. J. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent, professional, staff. The food is ALWAYS fresh and flavorful. It’s “fast food” done right. This place is the gem of Southie. They are making a considerable effort to make customers safe right now while still serving up summer happiness in a meal. Appreciate your team!

  • 5/5 Nicole C. 3 years ago on Google
    Sully's is amazing. The food, service, and staff are top notch. My go to for the best burger and hand made onion rings. ❤❤

  • 4/5 Lizzie P. 3 years ago on Google
    Lobster roll is solid, but the fried clam strips are fantastic. They were out of rings the day we visited, so we got the fries which are fine. But those clam strips...

  • 5/5 Corey D. 3 years ago on Google
    Good food. Just don’t get caught in the huge line sometimes.😅

  • 5/5 Patricia C. 3 years ago on Google
    Quick service...delicious food!

  • 3/5 Emily D. 3 years ago on Google
    The reason for the three stars is as follows: I placed my order for a rootbeer float with chocolate ice cream and got a look from the woman behind the counter. The look persisted and then she told me that she had never made one of these before. Who cares what kind of ice cream I want in my rootbeer float.

  • 5/5 Dani 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome place, Awesome food and awesome location

  • 5/5 Courtney C. 3 years ago on Google
    The lobster roll is to die for when I’m in the mood for good seafood I ordered that to go and the service is pretty good for this part of Boston

  • 5/5 Dhanasri N. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing healing experience! Do visit and have a good time! 😊

  • 5/5 Kelly H. 3 years ago on Google
    The best cheese burgers you can get as far as fast food 💯 the ff are delicious and never taste fishy. By far, the best place to get almost anything you want to go! Also c'mon, your on a beautiful island 🏝️ & unbelievable scenery, as far as you can see. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❤️

  • 5/5 steven b. 3 years ago on Google
    Unbelievable burgers and fries

  • 5/5 Pat m. 3 years ago on Google
    Its sullys need i say more

  • 5/5 Donald L. 3 years ago on Google
    Always the same happy people, the manager Chris has been there at least 40 yrs, wouldn't run as smoothly without him

  • 5/5 greg r. 3 years ago on Google
    Best burgers on the water. Fast service.

  • 5/5 Gina P. 3 years ago on Google
    Always great and you can't beat the fresh ocean air

  • 4/5 Davis L. 3 years ago on Google
    Pleasantly surprised at how good the fried shrimp and fish sandwich were!

  • 5/5 Kerry S. 3 years ago on Google
    Long line moves very fast

  • 1/5 Alison S. 3 years ago on Google
    The food was terrible

  • 4/5 Terrence C. 3 years ago on Google
    Steeped in tradition heavy on local flavor

  • 5/5 Hector N. 3 years ago on Google
    1 of the BEST Soft serve 🍦 in BOSTON the 🍔 are 🔥 🌭 are VERY GOOD & the Krinkly Fries 🍟 YUUUUUUUMMMMMY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • 5/5 erica f. 3 years ago on Google
    I've been a customer for my entire life it's the best

  • 5/5 Judie V. 3 years ago on Google
    This was our first time there. Had Burgers, not bad.

  • 5/5 Hayley D. 3 years ago on Google
    The menu is huge! I have been several times and am still working my way through it. You can’t go wrong with a lobster roll, chicken tenders, fries, fish and chips, hot dog, etc.


Call (617) 268-5685 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Seafood restaurants nearby

Last updated:
()