The pond is a natural feature, a "kettle pond" it was formed by glacial recession during the last Ice Age. It is also a park, making up a piece of the "Emerald Necklace". It is approximately a mile around and that makes its circular path a favorite place for walkers and runners. The Jamaica Pond was a habitat for Neponset Indians for part of the year in the era before English settlers arrived. In the 1790s it became a water supply for Boston. The ranger station under the bandstand has one of the high tech waterpipes from that time on display (a hollowed out log). Later, the Pond became a player in the ice industry, with cutters taking the ice, storing it in ice houses on the banks and shipping it far and wide. Nowadays, the Jamaica Pond is an idyllic enclave in a bustling world (that is, if you can ignore the cars zipping by on the roads that surround it!)

It's got an odd name, locals just call it "The Gate" but an Irish pub named for the way Guiness is moved in and out of the factory in Dublin can't be bad, right?
They've got Shepherd's Pie and Blood Pudding (which comes with the full Irish breakfast) or there's always the Bangers and Mash. Like the contemporary menus of pubs back in the old country, you can order curry sauce to dip your chips (fries) in. Being a JP establishment there's plenty for vegetarians to eat too. And the PEI mussels are simply the best thing EVER!
The ambiance is articulated by a long, centrally located, communal table in front of a fireplace - which roars throughout the cold winter months. In the warmer weather, there is a patio with shaded tables to eat al fresco. Trivia is played on Monday nights.

The Midway celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2007. This Jamaica Plain bar and club offers live music, food and beverages. Save the stage for the gays. Queereoke is definitely an avenue for Thursday night aural debauchery. Although, the show doesn't usually get started until after 10pm, once it does... there's nothing that can stop it. Well, nothing except the ten to twenty minute hip hop breaks, which make for longer waits to sing, but overall the party gets hoppin'... after all, the queers DO love to tear it up on the dance floor. Cash only!

Doyle's is a true neighborhood bar - you see old-timers, sports teams, couples, families - pretty much everyone from the diverse JP neighborhood hanging out at Doyle's. Food is consistently good, large selection of beers not commonly offered - but they have been at Doyle's forever. (It's 125 years old!) It even survived prohibition as a speakeasy and was officially reopened by the mayor of Boston when that silly little law was repealed. Doyle's is famous as a stop on the political trail - all the old pols stopped by. You can see that reflected on the walls throughout the rambling rooms that make up the place. It's also used in the movies as the "quintessential Boston Irish bar". It was in 'Mystic River' and 'Bachelor No. 2' just filmed there in September '07. Also, actor Mel Gibson was spotted at Doyle's in August '08. Can't recommend a better place to have brunch/lunch after visitng the Sam Adams brewery tour down the way. Or to watch the ball game with a friendly crowd (providing you root for the home team). And they have their own generator, in the advent you are a JPer who experiences a power outage during a blizzard! Stop by on St. Patrick's Day for one of the area's biggest celebrations (bagpipers perform throughout the day).

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One of the oldest bars in Jamaica Plain, this is an unglorified neighborhood hangout. They serve $2 drafts at the Old Stag. Site of the infamous 1908 shootout - more info on the incident at the JP Historical SocietyJamaica Plain:South Street. There is a pool table at the back of the bar room and The Old Stag sometimes hosts live music too.

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An independent video store - recently relocated into a larger space. They have a large selection of independent and cult movies. In fact, their mission is to make a concerted effort to stock titles not found in mainstream video stores. But they do have all the new releases too. Knowledgeable staff can always help you find what you need or offer up a suggestion. Thursday free film screenings. With free beer. Free. Beer. Be nice and supply the $5 donation because you will get (1) movie and more than (1) beer. A fair steal, that is.

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