Locals in Boston don’t get to enjoy the outdoors very often, but at Southie’s new Park City, they could.
Just in time for summer, the owners of Fat Baby and Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar opened a massive 30,000-square-foot venue that was mostly uncovered and entirely outside.
Mike Shaw, one of the proprietors, referred to the area as a summer camp for adults and their children. With entertainment for all ages, adult beverage options for the 21+ crowd, and an approachable menu for younger, pickier eaters, the place has a New England cabin vibe.
In a sense, South Boston Park City is a unique location. Indeed, there has been an abundance of adult playgrounds and barcade places in Boston in recent years, particularly around the Seaport and other outdoor multipurpose areas like the Charles River Speedway or Bow Market. Additionally, there are numerous pop-up beer gardens.
The permanent kitchen and bar menu at Park City, however, has not yet been advertised as being available seasonally (Shaw stated that they will remain open as long as patrons are present).
Naturally, the weather will affect how this place functions because it is entirely outside. Although the venue can accommodate 1,300 people, the few cabanas and a pavilion barely offer enough shelter for 200 people if people are looking for cover during rainy weather, as has been the case for over a dozen straight Saturdays.
This week’s triple-digit heat wave in Boston has already put the Park City squad to the test.
We are aware that Boston’s weather makes it difficult to have an outdoor area, Shaw added.
However, the team is hopeful that Bostonians, particularly young families, desire to spend more time outside (of course with lots of conveniences).
Here are the events and food options that Park City has to offer.
Park City food
Shaw is most thrilled about the food, out of all the amenities Park City provides.
Chris Sanchez, the culinary director of Loco and Fat Baby, and Chelven Randolph, who worked at Nosh and Grog before it shuttered, are behind the menu.
Some common foods found at outdoor events include their (so far) highly well-liked smash burger. Adult Lunchable is a fun term for a charcuterie board. Additionally, the menu includes international-inspired dishes like the lomo saltado along with New England favorites like clam boxes and lobster rolls.
Shaw’s favorite dish is the fish tacos, which are served on corn tortillas and consist of battered haddock, avocado crema, and slaw.
Park City drinks
The bar’s staff had to come up with inventive drinks because the proprietors only got a liquor license for beer, wine, and cordials from the City of Boston, not an all-liquor license that would have allowed them to utilize regular spirits in their concoctions.
Shaw claims that their creation, a Mai Tai that comes in a juice pouch and contains orgeat syrup, passionfruit rum, pineapple-flavored vodka, and different fruit juices, has been a success.
Shaw also suggested a drunken Arnold Palmer called Sunny Tea. Their cocktails are made on-site and served to customers while they stroll around the property.
Along with a variety of wines, there are also many local beer selections.
Park City entertainment
Live music will play a significant role in Park City’s offerings because of its integrated stage.
In the week since they opened, Shaw added, they have already seen bands, DJs, and acoustic shows.
A variety of sitting options are also available in the area, including cabanas ideal for dining or enjoying live music, picnic tables, and adirondack chairs.
To get the area moving in the mornings, Park City also intends to provide exercise programs. According to Shaw, visitors should keep an eye out for future Saturday classes.
And without a cornhole board set, which Park City boasts, it wouldn’t be an outdoor watering hole.
Park City for kids
It was essential that the area be family-friendly when Shaw and the Park City team set out to construct the concept.
Shaw, a Southie parent of three children, wanted a place where his family could stroll, where adults could enjoy a few drinks, and where his kids could play without fear.
Outside of playgrounds, it’s really difficult to locate enclosed, kid-safe areas where parents can congregate, Shaw said.
With children enjoying games on the lot’s turfed area, Park City has already experienced success in creating that kind of welcoming environment.
French fries, chicken tenders, and any other portable item on the menu may be modified for a child to eat, making the food menu kid-friendly as well.
The kitchen is now coming up with a plan to give away free ice cream cups to children on weekends, and they will occasionally have face painters on hand.
Additionally, visitors whose children are canines rather than people are welcome. Even the restaurant’s canine menu, called Bark City, features grilled chicken tenders or a puppy patty for your favorite dog to eat.
For Boston.com, Katelyn Umholtz writes about cuisine and dining establishments. In addition, Katelyn writes a weekly food newsletter called The Dish.
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