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A guide to Park City, Boston’s newest outdoor venue that feels like summer camp
Just in time for summer, you can order lobster rolls and Mai Tai cocktails while listening to live music outdoors at this 30,000 square-foot venue.
It isn’t every day that locals get to take advantage of outdoor space in Boston, though at Southie’s new Park City, it could be.
The folks behind Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar and Fat Baby opened a whopping 30,000 square-foot space, completely outdoor and most of it uncovered, just in time for summer.
One of the owners, Mike Shaw, described the space as a summer camp for both adults and their kids. The New England cabin vibe of a space has adult beverage options for the 21+ crowd, there’s entertainment for all ages, and the menu is approachable for younger, pickier eaters.
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In a way, South Boston’s Park City is a first-of-its-kind space. Sure, in recent years Boston has seen no shortage of “adult playground” or “barcade” spots pop up, especially in the Seaport, or other outdoor multi-use spaces, like the Charles River Speedway or Bow Market. And there are plenty of pop-up beer gardens.
But Park City has a permanent kitchen and bar menu, and it hasn’t yet been announced that it’s open seasonally (Shaw said they’ll “stay open as long as people will come”).
With a completely outdoor space, weather will of course play a factor in how this space operates. The space fits 1,300 guests, but if people are seeking coverage when it rains — as it has done for more than a dozen consecutive weekends — then the few cabanas and a pavilion provide only enough refuge for 200 people.
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Boston’s unpredictable weather already tested the Park City team this week due to a triple-digits heat wave.
“We know that having an outdoor space in Boston is a challenge with the weather, for sure,” Shaw said.
But the team is optimistic that Bostonians — especially young families — want more outdoor time (with plenty of amenities, of course).
Here’s what you can expect at Park City, from its meal offerings to events.
Park City food
Of all the bells and whistles Park City offers, Shaw is most excited about the food.
Behind the menu is Chris Sanchez, Loco and Fat Baby culinary director, and Chelven Randolph, who was previously at Nosh and Grog before it closed.
There are some typical food items you’d find at outdoor venues, like their (so far) very popular smash burger. A charcuterie board goes by the playful name of “Adult Lunchable.” And the menu makes space for New England classics — a lobster roll and a clam box — as well as global-influenced items, like the lomo saltado.
A favorite of Shaw’s is the fish tacos, made with battered haddock, an avocado crema, and slaw served on corn tortillas.
Park City drinks
The owners obtained a beer, wine, and cordials liquor license from the City of Boston — not an all-liquor license, which would allow them to use standard spirits in cocktails — so the team behind the bar had to get creative with their offerings.
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What they came up with has been a success, according to Shaw, with a Mai Tai that uses pineapple-flavored vodka, passionfruit rum, various fruit juices, and orgeat syrup, and is offered in a juice pouch.
Shaw also recommended the Sunny Tea, a boozy Arnold Palmer, and their cocktails are canned on the spot so guests can walk around the property with their beverages.
There are also plenty of local beer options as well as a selection of wine.
Park City entertainment
With a built-in stage, live music is going to be a big part of Park City’s offerings.
Shaw said they’ve already had acoustic sets, bands, and DJs perform in the week they’ve been open.
The space is also made up of various seating, like adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and cabanas perfect for meal time or listening to live music.
Park City also has plans to host workout classes in order to activate the space in the mornings. Shaw said guests should be on the lookout for classes to take place on Saturdays in the future.
And it wouldn’t be an outdoor watering hole without a cornhole board set, which Park City has.
Park City for kids
When Shaw and the team behind Park City set out to build the concept, it was crucial that the space be family-friendly.
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Shaw’s a parent of three kids and lives in Southie who wanted a space his family could walk to, where the adults could have a few drinks, and where his children could play safely.
“It’s really hard to find enclosed, safe spaces for kids where parents can hang out, outside of playgrounds,” Shaw said.
Park City hopes to be that kind of inviting space, and has already seen success with kids playing games in the turfed area of the lot.
The food menu is also kid-approved, with chicken tenders, french fries, and any handheld item on the menu can be made for a child to eat.
They’ll have the occasional face painter around, and the kitchen is currently cooking up an idea to serve free ice cream cups to kids on weekends.
And for those guests whose kids happen to be dogs instead of humans, they’re welcome, too. There’s even a dog section of the restaurant menu labeled “Bark City,” and includes a puppy patty or grilled chicken tenders for your beloved pooch to enjoy.
411 Dorchester Ave., South Boston
Open 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday; 4 to 10 p.m. Monday; 4 to 11 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 3 to 11 p.m. Thursday; 3 p.m. to midnight Friday; and 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday
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