Review: Bodega

Wait, is this a speakeasy-style shop?
The brown-and-brick facade off Massachusetts Avenue—with stacks of cleaner, paper towels, and canned goods in the windows—looks like any old corner store. Walk through the doorway and you’ll see an ordinary bodega, which serves as an offbeat preamble to the sleek interior of the independent boutique that follows.

Excellent! So why are we actually here?
At Bodega, you’ll find a highly styled mix of expensive sneakers from marquee brands, plus caps and a small selection of clothing, mostly men’s shirts and sweatshirts. Their tiny space narrows the picks, but the owners regularly switch up inventory to feature limited-edition collections.

If the sky is the limit, what goes in the cart?
Whether money is no object or very much an object, this is the place to buy sneakers that function as a fashion statement not as workout gear. Hometown company New Balance makes a solid showing, and buying their footwear gives you a true Boston souvenir (especially if you pick out a pair made in New England).

And … what if we’re on a strict budget?
Bodega’s staff have been known to give a slight discount when you fall in love with shoes that hit just above your price range.

Who else shops here?
Bodega’s hidden storefront, a light walk from Newbury Street, ensures that those who pass through the door are only customers with intention. In part because of its booming e-commerce platform, you’ll be surrounded by fans making the trek here from around the country and local college kids who come to “ooh and ahh” over the latest kicks.

What's the bottom line?
The crisp white showroom shines even brighter after walking through the rundown bodega, which fools you up until the last minute. A world of contrasts, it’s a delightful experience in an age of e-commerce and big box department stores. After years of maintaining the facade, Bodega’s team is as dedicated as ever to their well-executed concept.