What began as a vague message about a Netflix production evolved into a high-stakes feature for dozens of Boston businesses.
As Season 11 of the reality hit followed local singles from the isolation of the pods to the streets of Boston, the city’s local haunts found themselves in the spotlight, sparking new opportunities and a moment that will live on the world’s biggest streaming platform for years to come.
Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar in South Boston was the backdrop for a date between Blake Carver and Erika Ellis, and also the place where Carver’s friends challenged him about his intentions toward Ellis. “It’s something that a lot of us have been talking about since they filmed,” Spugnardi said. “It’s been fun now seeing it come to life.” The Lansdowne Pub, which hosted a St. Patrick’s Day meetup for all contestants in episodes 9 and 10, witnessed a highly emotional scene when fashion executive Michaella Giorgio had a breakdown in the women’s restroom, declaring that she couldn’t marry her then-fiance, Rob Feeley.
“I was shocked,” said general manager Lindsey Diozzi, when she saw what had happened on TV for the first time. The cast and crew spent hours at the Lansdowne, so she and her staff had no idea what would be included in the final cut.
“You just heard whispering,” she said, describing patrons at a watch party who realized they were occupying the same seats the cast had sat in during filming. “And then someone goes, ‘Oh, that’s the Lansdowne Pub.’”
A Boost for Local Businesses
The exposure from the show has led to tangible benefits for the featured businesses. The Lansdowne hosted watch parties for the show, creating custom-made gold cups, special cocktails, and prizes for “Love is Blind”-themed bingo. Their finale watch party was sold out on Eventbrite, and during Halloween weekend, a group of girls waiting to get into the bar told Diozzi they were from out of state and had come because they had seen it on the show. Diozzi mentioned she’s considering organizing other watch parties in the future, perhaps for other shows set in Boston. Even businesses that didn’t get a direct mention in the show are reaping rewards.
For example, Morrey Eglin’s pale blue blazer ensemble, which he wore during his first moments on the show, was courtesy of South Boston native Brendan Carter, stylist and owner of The Point Clothing Lounge.
Filming Locations Across the City
Season 11 of “Love is Blind” was filmed at numerous locations throughout Boston and the surrounding area. Specific spots include Umbria, where formerly engaged couple Scott “Stew” Stewart and Jacqueline “Jax” Guelli met up; Bosse Pickleball in Natick, where Carver and Ellis played pickleball against Feeley and Giorgio; and Sonsie, where Monteiro and Louis grabbed dinner with Louis’s friends. Other filming locations include Xaco Taco in Providence, American Flatbread Brighton, Pier 6, Lockheart Restaurant in Wellesley, Rumble Boxing Watertown, Sweeneys, the New England Aquarium, Margeaux Supper Parlor in Porter Square, Salsa y Control Dance Studio Allston, Park-9 Dog Bar in Everett, View Boston, and Encore Boston Harbor.
Local Reactions to the Show
The show’s impact has been felt not only by businesses but also by locals who have watched the season unfold. Fans gathered at watch parties across the city, including one at Bill’s Bar that featured appearances from cast members Aneha Singh and Morrey Eglin. Locals weighed in on the cast, with some expressing admiration. “Morrey… His personality, like I heard it in the pods, and I was just like, I would’ve fallen for that right there.
He’s just goofy,” said Mina Pabst, of the South Shore. Others shared their thoughts on dating in Boston. “Yes … with caveats,” said Oliver Brown, of Somerville. “You’re not finding love in Southie. You’re not finding love in Faneuil Hall.
But I think if you stick around your neighborhood, go to your neighborhood bars, go to the place that might be a little dingy, I think you can find more of a real connection.”
