Like many, my first encounter with Good Will Hunting happened far from the cobbled streets of Boston. It was in Russia, long before I could even imagine setting foot in the USA. The film resonated deeply, and the characters and story stayed with me. Years later, living in a quiet New Hampshire town, just a short drive from Boston, I rewatched it. Suddenly, a line from the movie took on a whole new meaning.
Remember Will Hunting’s (Matt Damon) simple aspiration when Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) asks about his dreams? “I wanna move up to Nashua, get a nice little spread, get some sheep, and tend to them.” Living in Nashua, New Hampshire, that line sparked a laugh of recognition. The film felt different now, viewed from the proximity of its setting. Good Will Hunting isn’t just set in Boston; Boston is a character in the movie.
Exploring the MIT campus, grabbing coffee in Harvard Square, and even navigating the sometimes intimidating streets of South Boston (“Southie” to locals) gave me a fresh perspective on a film I already loved. The city itself breathed life into the story.
Iconic table at L Street Tavern in Boston, featured in the movie Good Will Hunting.
Boston: A City Woven into the Narrative of Good Will Hunting
As Hillary Richard aptly noted in her BBC Travel article, “The Boston Immortalized in Good Will Hunting,” the city is integral to the film’s enduring appeal. She writes:
“The 1997 film resonated with audiences worldwide and is still beloved, thanks in part to its filming location. Boston is a city of neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality and proud residents. And the city is still home to characters like those in the film – from bohemian students and Harvard professors to young fans clad head-to-toe in Boston sports apparel.
This is the beauty – and the genius – of Good Will Hunting’s scenery: Boston got to speak for itself. The most mundane, everyday locations evoked a powerful sense of place.”
Boston’s distinct neighborhoods, from the academic hubs of Cambridge to the working-class grit of Southie, are not mere backdrops in Good Will Hunting. They are characters themselves, shaping the lives and interactions of Will and his friends. The movie captures the spirit of Boston, its intellectual energy, and its strong community bonds.
L Street Tavern: From Movie Set to Beloved South Boston Bar
My recent rewatch of Good Will Hunting was prompted by a visit to a location central to the film’s spirit: L Street Tavern. This unassuming bar in South Boston served as a key filming location, the neighborhood haunt where Will and his friends shared beers and life’s big questions.
Stepping into L Street Tavern is like stepping into a scene from the movie itself. While some changes are inevitable over time, the essence of the bar remains.
Here’s a glimpse of the tavern as it appeared in the movie:
L Street Tavern exterior as seen in the movie Good Will Hunting.
And here’s how it welcomes patrons today, now known as Woody’s L Street Tavern:
Woody's L Street Tavern in Boston today, a popular neighborhood bar.
A nostalgic look back at a scene filmed in 1997:
Scene from Good Will Hunting filmed inside L Street Tavern in 1997.
And the ambiance of Woody’s L Street Tavern in 2015:
Richard’s BBC article further highlights the significance of choosing real Boston locations, noting a quote from Grafft, head of locations for the Massachusetts Film Office:
“Filming in Massachusetts in the 1990s, before officials began offering film-credit incentives, was both challenging and expensive. But when Grafft [the head of locations for the Massachusetts Film Office] took director Gus Van Sant through South Boston to scout locations, Van Sant was immediately drawn to several local spots, including the L Street Tavern – and no sound stage in Toronto could do them justice”.
L Street Tavern wasn’t just a convenient location; it was integral to capturing the authenticity of South Boston and the lives of the characters. It was the backdrop for casual evenings, deep conversations, and where Will introduced Skylar to his close-knit group of friends.
Scene from Good Will Hunting featuring the friends at L Street Tavern.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in a scene at L Street Tavern from Good Will Hunting.
Experiencing Woody’s L Street Tavern Today: A Neighborhood Gem
Walking into Woody’s L Street Tavern, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it be overrun with tourists, capitalizing solely on its movie fame? Would it be a watered-down version of a real neighborhood bar? What I found was a pleasant surprise: a genuine neighborhood pub, filled with locals chatting at the bar, serving up surprisingly excellent cocktails, and staffed by incredibly friendly bartenders.
Woody's L Street Tavern interior showcasing its modern yet classic pub vibe.
While renovated since its Good Will Hunting days, Woody’s L Street Tavern retains the welcoming spirit of a simple, unpretentious pub. And yes, we were lucky enough to snag the iconic table, instantly recognizable from the movie scenes and adorned with photos and quotes from Good Will Hunting.
The famed Good Will Hunting table at Woody's L Street Tavern, a must-see for fans.
Sipping on vibrant green cocktails (a Midori and pineapple juice concoction that was surprisingly delicious), it was easy to imagine Matt Damon and Ben Affleck sharing pints at that very table decades ago.
Delicious green cocktails at Woody's L Street Tavern, a modern twist on pub fare.
For any Good Will Hunting fan, a visit to Woody’s L Street Tavern is essential. Combine it with a tour of the MIT campus where Will worked, a contemplative moment on the bench in Boston Public Garden where Will and Sean had their poignant conversations, and then revisit the movie. You’ll experience Good Will Hunting in a richer, more meaningful way.
A toast at Woody's L Street Tavern, the real Good Will Hunting bar in Boston.
Woody’s L Street Tavern: 658 E 8th St, Boston, MA, https://www.facebook.com/L-Street-Tavern-148636346441/
Beyond the Tavern: Exploring More of Boston
Boston offers a wealth of experiences beyond its movie fame. For those with a sweet tooth, explore the city’s unique desserts and treats. Consider indulging in afternoon tea at the historic Boston Public Library for a touch of elegance.
If you’re craving authentic Italian pizza, MAST’ Boston is a must-try, serving up some of the city’s best slices.
To experience the best of Boston, a well-planned itinerary is key. A 48-hour itinerary can help you hit the highlights, from historical sites to culinary gems. If Cambridge is on your list, a dedicated one-day itinerary will allow you to explore its academic and cultural attractions. And for budget-conscious travelers, Boston offers plenty of free and affordable activities to enjoy.
