Germantown - Quincy, MA Area Guide

Once known as "Shed's Neck," the charming neighborhood of Germantown has seen its fair share of development throughout the years. Originally founded with the intention of being a dominantly industrial community in 1752, German workers made the pilgrimage to this small town in search of profitable employment. Although the idea of a planned community didn't stand the test of time, it wasn't long before Germantown made a swift transition into a new outlet and became a major player in the shipbuilding industry during the late 18th century.

In 1861, a ferry connecting Germantown to Quincy Point was constructed, both incorporating a major method of transportation and facilitating the expansion of the community. From that point on, the town continued to advance into the future with the addition of various businesses, establishments and residential buildings, eventually becoming present day Germantown.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat at a well known chain establishment, or an intimate and high quality dining experience, Germantown offers everything from fast food to top quality international cuisines.

Acclaimed as one of the hidden gems of Germantown, The Fat Cat located on Chestnut St serves a hefty assortment of classic American dishes in an industrial style setting. With the key ethics of quality, service and value, The Fat Cat prepares great meals comprised of fresh ingredients to ensure consistent customer satisfaction. Try an order of irresistible spicy chicken wings, and finish it off with the restaurant's signature Thick as a Brick Chocolate Brownie Sundae, which is everything you would imagine it would be. From a quick and tasty burger, to a full-fledged dinner, The Fat Cat has it all.

Punjab Cafe serves the widest selection of authentic Indian food that Germantown has to offer. From start to finish, a team of experienced and dedicated chefs prepare each and every meal from scratch with intense attention to detail, using fresh premium ingredients to create only the highest quality Punjabi dishes. In an ambient and inviting setting, Punjab Cafe provides its customers with an unforgettable dining experience time and time again. When you visit be sure to order the lamb bahar, a popular dish consisting of rice, vegetables and a blend of luscious spices and fresh meat.

Despite its small-town feel, Germantown still has plenty of nightly entertainment. Those looking for affordable drinks and good company should make their way to the Sly Fox Tavern, a true neighborhood bar heavily frequented among locals. It draws an extremely diverse crowd, ranging from young professionals to seasoned old timers. Stocked with an expansive assortment of top shelf drinks and a robust selection of local and nationally recognized brews, this local bar has something for everyone. Customers can kick back and listen to some tunes on the classic jukebox or catch the game while enjoying the warming atmosphere. If you're hungry, try the beef stew, a local favorite. Patrons also enjoy the Sly Fox's sandwiches, including both the ham and the chicken salad.

Like the majority of most close-knit communities, basic forms of transportation are mostly limited to automobiles and buses. The MBTA offers a direct route from Germantown to Quincy Center with multiple stops along the way. Fares will typically run between $1.50 to $2.10 per ride.

Interstate 93 and U.S Route 1 are the major highways within the area, stretching from the northern end of Quincy down to the southern tip. Quincy Cab and Uber services the area with 24-hour availability and cross-city transportation, even on the holidays.

Due to its relatively small stature, traveling to destinations by foot tends to be fairly convenient, but the fair spread of bicycle lanes allows for an additional means of travel. There are two major airports approximately 30 miles from the town, as well as six Amtrak stations.

Residents of Germantown can choose to broaden their knowledge of their town's history while roaming a beautiful historical landscape or retreat to one of the many outdoor parks scattered throughout the area for a day of recreation.

Adams National Historical Park, located in the heart of Quincy, contains the original residences of the John Quincy Adams family. Visitors have the option of a guided tour at $5 and can visit the lavish estate owned by the family on Peace Field. A quaint family farm is located at the foot of Penn's Hill. The park contains several acres of beautiful foliage and green hills to walk through, perfect for escaping the commotion of the city. Activities are available for kids, including a Junior Rangers program. However, pets are not welcome at the park.

Quincy Quarries Reservation is one of the most popular recreational spots in the Quincy area, providing a serene combination of natural trails, forestation and a rock climber's paradise all in one. To top it off, visitors will be gifted with a breath-taking view of the Boston skyline unlike any other. Even with the abundance of street art atop the rocky structures, Quincy Quarries Reservation maintains a perfect urban beauty that can only be fully understood through first-hand experience.

As a neighborhood of Quincy, Germantown calls for an above average cost of living. A single bedroom will typically start at $1,300 per month and will peak around $1,900 per month. The price of gas sits at approximately 4 percent higher than the national average, but on the plus side, a pint of beer will only run you about $5.

Although not heavily populated with nationally known chain retailers of either standard or high-end status, shoppers in Germantown can find such stores in the surrounding areas within Quincy. Independently owned businesses and smaller boutiques characterize the shopping district of the town, dominantly located along Palmer Street. As far as farmers markets are concerned, there are none in the Germantown area; however, residents can travel to the John Hancock Municipal Parking Lot in Quincy for the Quincy Farmers Market, available from June through November.

In Germantown, Kam Man Marketplace is one of the most heavily visited grocery locations in the area. Conveniently located in the President Plaza off of Quincy Ave, the store offers a well-stocked selection of groceries and everyday housing needs. From fresh produce to seafood and meats, Kam Man Marketplace has it all. The store specializes in maintaining a well-rounded stock of Asian spices, condiments and other specialty foods, but it also carries other various international food and drink items. Customers who frequent the store love the affordable pricing and the efficient, professional service offered at Kam Man Marketplace.

Urban Beauty Lounge more than effectively fills the void left by an absence of major beauty salon stores within the community. Hailed for its quality customer service, inviting atmosphere and affordable prices, Urban Beauty Lounge is a community favorite. The establishment combines the elements of a cosmetic supply store and beauty salon, and it maintains a distinct reputation for the quality of its professional services. The store sits on the corner of Billings Road and West Elm Ave.