The self-declared “quintessential New England seafood shack” Sullivan’s Castle Island opened for its 74th season on Saturday.

The longtime Boston favorite will start this year with a fresh (seagull) feather in its cap: it won the 2025 James Beard America’s Classics Award for the northeast. That’s prestigious national recognition for a local institution.

“Every Bostonian has a story about Sully’s — whether from working there after school as teenagers, having their sports team or fundraiser supported by Sully’s, taking their children for some crinkle cuts like their grandparents took them, or simply enjoying it as a nostalgic seaside gathering place for locals,” the write-up under the James Beard award listing states. “For transplants and visitors to Boston, going there has become a rite of passage.”

Larry Doyle, of Brighton, enjoys his cuisine as the first customer of the season as Sullivan’s of Castle Island opens for the season on March 1. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)

A small group of hardcore hot dog customers await the opening as Sullivan’s of Castle Island opens for the season on March 1. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)

Even in the cool temperatures, customers enjoy the outdoor dining al fresco as Sullivan’s of Castle Island opens for the season on March 1. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)