In a vibrant move for South Boston, a new outdoor gathering space named Park City has officially opened its doors, promising a lively atmosphere for families, friends, and furry companions alike.
Park City, conceptualized by the team behind local favorites Fat Baby and Loco Taqueria, spans an impressive 30,000 square feet and features cozy Adirondack chairs, multiple bars, and plenty of room for enjoying delicious comfort food and lively entertainment.
Owner Mike Shaw describes the venue’s essence with the motto of ‘summer fun,’ likening it to ‘summer camp for adults’—a place where children can also play freely.
“The biggest call to action for us in opening Park City was the need for a family-friendly venue where we could gather during the summer,” Shaw explains, sharing his personal stake in the mission as a father of three young children living in Southie.
The outdoor space is designed to be inviting on its own, but the food offerings play a significant role in attracting crowds. Initially, Shaw envisioned a simple setup with just a couple of grills; however, as the planning progressed, the vision evolved into a full-fledged kitchen and diverse food program.
Executive chef Chelven Randolph, known for his previous work at Nosh and Grog, emphasizes the connection between the menu items and nostalgic New England summers.
Featured prominently are innovative dishes such as fish tacos, where local haddock is battered in Takis Fuego chips, and salt-and-pepper wings mirroring favorites from chef Mike Sanchez’s childhood.
Other offerings include dry-aged smash burgers, all-beef hot dogs with beer mustard, fried chicken sandwiches glazed with Korean soy, lobster rolls, lomo saltado, and an “adult Lunchable” of cheese and charcuterie.
Additionally, a section titled “Bark City” caters to canine companions, serving simple beef patties and chicken tenders, with part of the proceeds benefiting the MSPCA.
For adult patrons, an array of festive drinks awaits, including a selection of four spritzes and magnums of rosé. “I can picture myself here with friends, surrounded by kids playing, as we enjoy a glass of rosé without the noise bothering us,” Shaw reflects.
A standout feature of Park City is the freshly canned cocktails, which are crafted to order and canned quickly right at the bar, allowing for easy handling as guests navigate the outdoor space. “This self-canning apparatus we’ve seen down in Florida is really impressive,” Shaw remarks, highlighting its practicality in a lively outdoor environment.
As the seasons change, the future for Park City during colder months remains uncertain; however, Shaw and the team are hopeful to keep the space operational for as long as weather permits.
Fire pits and heaters will be on hand to ensure comfort during chilly nights. For now, the focus lies on summer activities, placing Park City among Greater Boston’s expanding list of outdoor entertainment options, akin to the recently opened Island Creek Raw Bar in the Seaport.
Shaw voices his appreciation for the city’s efforts in transforming outdoor areas into vibrant gathering spots. “The support from the city has been incredible for activating these outdoor spaces,” he notes.
“Rather than seeking escape during the summer, we’ve observed a trend where people want to stay in town. We are excited to contribute to that shift.”
While Park City aims to retain its appeal throughout the year, Shaw expresses a desire for the restaurant to provide an escape from the routine of everyday life, maintaining the ethos of their restaurant group.
“With our venues, we prioritize taking guests out of their daily routine, making them feel transported, even if just for a moment,” he concludes.
image source from：bostonmagazine
