Bodega

If you meander down Clearway, off of Massachusetts Avenue, you'll spot a slightly dingy looking bodega, or market. The windows are full of Tide and bleach and bottles of soda and juice, and when you peek inside, there are more mixed grocery items lining some wooden shelves. There might be a group of men eating take-out lunch on a picnic table, and there's a slightly suspect looking cash register in the back of the tiny space. In the back on the right, there's a soda vending machine. You want to quench your thirst. So you walk up to the machine.... And it slides to the left, revealing a streetwear store invisible from the road?? Bodega is a hidden gem of the Massachusetts Avenue area near Newbury. Started up a few years ago, as a sort of secret or insiders-only concept, the store is now usually packed, and visitors coming in might ruin the secret-entrance surprise for those just walking in the door. The space has high ceilings, a chandelier that the owner took from his mother's house back when they were first opening, and dark wood shelving built into the wall. Wares include colorful, high-end sneakers from various brands, graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts, a crazy range of baseball caps, jewelry, sunglasses, and a collection of some of the coolest little publications--photos of shoes, graphic design, art, etc. The staff are extremely helpful, really excited about sneakers, and fun to sit around and chat with. The crowd in Bodega can be students, tourists, streetwear enthusiasts, those who heard through word of mouth--Bodega is one of the most unique little spots in Boston right now. get on their mailing list: INFO@BDGASTORE.COM. The website is sparse, but they'll send out pretty regular update emails with sales, etc.