When Seagulls Attack! A South Boston Favorite Forced to Close Outdoor Dining

Author Ramiro

July 27th, 2023 7:04 AM

20 December 2021, Hamburg: Seagulls raid the food scraps and valuables of passers-by on the Binnenalster. Photo: Marcus Brandt/dpa (Photo by Marcus Brandt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Look out for aggressive seagulls! Anyone who has ever been to Castle Island in South Boston knows that the seagulls can be very aggressive. They can be aggressive especially near Sullivan’s because of the delicious food they serve there. Whether it’s the burgers, the onion rings, the fries, the hot dogs or the fried clams, seagulls in the area have no shame and will steal your food right out of your hands. And it’s because of this, Sullivan’s has been forced to close its outside eating area.

Seating around Sullivan’s is now roped off with caution tape and anyone who is getting food from the popular eatery is now forced to take it to go. People have been either eating it in their cars or taking it for a walk or even taking it home. This can be somewhat of an inconvenience for people going to Sullivan’s for a nice outdoor lunch. One Sullivan’s employee says they’ve never seen it like this before. It’s a normal occurrence for seagulls to try and steal people’s food but for some reason, they’ve been extra aggressive this year.

So what should you do if you’re approached or attacked by a seagull? Try to appear as big and intimidating as you can. Also, as soon as you get your food, you are encouraged to get to a safe space immediately. No word if Sullivan’s plans to reopen its outdoor eating area anytime soon. Reps for Sullivan’s have yet to comment on the closure.

In regards to Sullivan’s food, the menu is really what people travel from all over New England for. Their burgers, fried clams, lobster rolls and ice cream are to die for. Not to mention they have very affordable prices. If you’re planning on going to Sullivan’s, here’s their popular menu items:

Ramiro has been on the air in Boston for over 20 years becoming a household name in the city. An avid health enthusiast with black belts in Jeet Kune Do and Kenpo, he also enjoys Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Crossfit, marathons and triathlons. Spending all his free time with his family, he’s got his hands full with 3 daughters and 2 sons. Ramiro likes to write about trending celebrity topics, personal stories, and Boston-area features.

14 Delicious Summer Favorites To Feast On At Sullivan's Castle Island

Sullivan’s Castle Island in Southie has reopened for its 72nd season and it’s even more spectacular than ever. Sullivan’s is iconic and when it opens, it’s the true sign that spring and eventually summer is upon us. According to the Sullivan’s website: “Founder Dan Sullivan, Sr. opened the doors with the plan to provide quality food at reasonable prices in a family friendly atmosphere to those enjoying leisure time on the 22-acre recreation site, now operated as a state park.” People travel from all over New England to try some of Sullivan’s favorites. From the ice cream, to the shakes, to the fried clams, to the lobster rolls, Sullivan’s is truly a gem right here in Southie.

Believe it or not, there are now three Sullivan’s locations for you to enjoy. Besides the iconic South Boston, Castle island location, there is now one open in Hanover on Washington Street. There is also a location in Boston on Causeway Street. Regardless of which location you go to, you will be able to try any of these suggestions on their menu.

That being said, we asked you what your favorite dishes are at Sullivan’s. Boy did you have answers and you are passionate about them. Hundreds of responses came in but there were many of the same answers which we will include below. The bottom line for the food at Sullivan’s is that it’s just something you can’t explain. The food is just made with love. Not to mention, there’s something to be said about grabbing a shake or a burger and some fries and then taking a walk around Castle Island. Take the family, take a date, walk the dog or just go alone because Sullivan’s is truly a Boston treasure. Next time you go, make sure you try any one of these delicious menu options.

Clam Chowder
Gabby Dumais says “The clam chowder is a must.” According to the Sullivan’s menu:
A New England cream based classic served by the cup or bowl with our oyster crackers

Cup $5.95

Bowl $8.95
Lobster Roll
Brandy Michelle says “Their lobster roll is so good.” It’s a mayo lobster roll, not a warm one. A New England favorite! According to their menu:

Sweet Lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo on a toasted Hot Dog roll

Market
Cheeseburger
Diann Ritchie says “Cheeseburger it’s nice and juicy!” The amazing thing about Sullivan’s food is, the price! Check out the cost of the burgers:

Our fresh Angus Beef patty grilled topped with American cheese served on a toasted burger bun

$4.95
Hot Dog
An overwhelming favorite. Hot dogs were mentioned more than any other menu option. Alyssa Dineen says: “I do not normally eat hot dogs ever but a trip to castle island you have to get a hot dog or two or three and some fries! It’s the best part!”
Crinkle Cut Fries
People love the crinkle cut. They feel it makes these fries very unique. It was suggested to put vinegar on them as well. Rosamaria Alicea says “You have to have the fries w/salt and vinegar or without either way those fries are delicious. “
Onion Rings
Onion rings are one of the most popular sides at Sullivan’s. They are hand cut and super crispy.

Our signature hand battered fresh onion rings cooked to a perfect crisp

$8.95
Clam Strips
Many of you suggested the clam strips. Debbie Sweihorn says “Fried clams…they use to be big bellies and so delicious.”

New England fried clam strips battered and fried to a golden crisp

Regular $14.50

Large $24.00
Fried Fish Sandwich
This was mentioned several times. Rosamaria Alicea loves it with ice cream. It’s hand battered and fried haddock.

Hand battered fried Haddock on a toasted burger bun

$10.50
Shakes
Any of their shakes are a must try. They are super thick and delicious.

Hand crafted with your favorite flavor Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee

Regular $3.95

Large $6.50
Soft Serve Ice Cream
Many say you can’t visit Sullivan’s without trying their soft serve. They use wafer cones and have vanilla, chocolate or strawberry twist

Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Twist on a wafer cone with a cup

$4.25
Cheese Fries
Their signature crinkle cut fries everyone loves topped with ortega cheese sauce. Many suggested these as a must try as well.

Our signature crinkle cut fries topped with our Ortega cheese sauce

$7.95
Raspberry Lime Rickey
A lime rickey is a New England favorite and was mentioned a few times in our poll.

Classic New England beverage, prepared to order, garnished with freshly squeezed limes

$4.95
Hot Fudge Sundae
The hot fudge sundae is a staple at Sullivan’s and was mentioned quite a few times in our poll. Katie Garney loves it with a burger and fries.

Vanilla soft serve ice cream topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry

$7.50
Double Cheeseburger
Two patties of what makes their single burgers so amazing. A Sullivan’s staple. Try it with their soft serve and some crinkle fries.

Two of our fresh Angus Beef patties topped with American cheese and served on a toasted burger bun

$8.20