Friday, March 31, 2017

Limoncello 2 Is Opening in Urban Cantina Space in Boston's North End

It looks like a North End restaurant is opening a second location in the space where a Mexican dining spot used to be.

A post from NorthEndWaterfront.com indicates that the people behind Limoncello on North Street are planning to open a new spot called Limoncello 2 on Salem Street in the former Urban Cantina space, with the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) hearing about the plans on April 10. Last spring we had reported that another proposed spot called North End Oyster had been eyeing the Urban Cantina space--and at the time, the NEWNC had unanimously approved of the license transfer--but it appears that those plans may have fallen through.

The hearing page mentions that no major renovations would be made to the Urban Cantina space and that the closing hour (midnight) would remain the same.

The address for the new Limoncello 2 (and now-closed Urban Cantina) is 76 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

[July 18 update: A Twitter post indicates that Limoncello 2 appears to be on the verge of opening, as the picture within the tweet shows balloons set up out front.]

[July 27 update: A tweet from @ConciergeBoston indicates that Limoncello 2 is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
North End Oyster to Replace Urban Cantina in Boston's North End

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Thursday, March 30, 2017

Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill Is Opening in Mattapan

A chain of Jamaican restaurants is opening a new location in a part of Boston that has very few dining options.

Eater Boston is reporting that Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill is planning to officially open in Mattapan on Saturday, April 1, with the Blue Hill Avenue eatery offering such items as pastries, soups, sandwiches, beef patties, and combo plates that include curried goat, stewed chicken, braised oxtail, whole fish, and more. This will be the second location to open in Massachusetts (the other being in Springfield), and more than 100 other outlets can be found in a number of states around the country. (It appears that the new location in Mattapan will be moving into the space where a location of McDonald's had been.)

The address for this new Jamaican restaurant in Mattapan is: Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill, 1614 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA, 02126. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.goldenkrustbakery.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





FoMu to Return to Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay

A trio of vegan ice cream shops that has set up a few pop-up stores around the Boston area is returning to one of the city's busiest streets for at least awhile.

Eater Boston is reporting that FoMu is going to be setting up shop at 177 Newbury Street in the Back Bay, moving into the space where the clothing store Scoop NYC had been. It looks like the ice cream store will be in that space through the end of 2017, though it is not known if it will definitely leave the space at that time or whether it could end up staying there longer. FoMu had also opened a pop-up shop at 144 Newbury Street last August, remaining there until October.

FoMu currently has permanent locations in Allston, the South End, and Jamaica Plain, and in addition to its present and past temporary locations on Newbury Street, the business also once had pop-ups set up in the Fenway and Cambridge's Inman Square. The website for all locations can be found at http://www.fomuicecream.com/

[April 28 update: Eater Boston mentions that FoMu is now open on Newbury Street.]

[Earlier Article]
FoMu Alternative Ice Cream + Cafe Pops Up on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





The Lower Depths in Boston's Kenmore Square Becoming Poe's Taco Cielo

A pub and beer bar in Boston's Kenmore Square/Fenway area is getting a makeover, and Mexican street food is part of the plans.

Boston Magazine is reporting that The Lower Depths Tap Room on Commonwealth Avenue will become what will apparently be known as Poe's Taco Cielo at Lower Depths, with Brian Poe and the Wilcox Hospitality Group (Bukowski Tavern, Tip Tap Room, Parish Cafe) deciding to change the Lower Depths concept. It is not yet known what menu items from The Lower Depths might remain, but Boston Magazine does mention (via a rep for the restaurant group) that a variety of corn and flour tortilla taco options will be offered. A specific opening date has not been given, but it looks like the new concept will debut around the time of the Red Sox home opener next week.

The Lower Depths first opened in 2006, offering such items as tater tots, burgers, hot dogs, and more, along with an extensive beer list.

The address for The Lower Depths (and the upcoming Poe's Taco Cielo) is 476 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

[March 30 update: Eater Boston mentions that Poe's Taco Cielo at Lower Depths plans to open on Monday (April 3) and that its menu will include chips and salsa, nachos, several sides, and six types of tacos; it appears that tater tots will no longer be available--at least for now--and no other main dishes have been mentioned. (The place will still have an extensive beer list.)]

[April 1 update: Good news for tater tot lovers, as a tweet from The Lower Depths mentions that "Chef Poe heard your tots, and will save 'em. We're also working on a tot taco!"]

[April 14 update: Based on a photo on the restaurant's Facebook page today, it appears that tater tot tacos are now available at Poe's Taco Cielo.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





LimeRed Teahouse Is Opening in Allston

A few months ago, we reported that a dining and drinking spot in Allston was closing and a couple of the people behind the place would be opening a new "sister" spot nearby. Now we have learned where it will be located.

A licensing board page within the city of Boston website indicates that LimeRed Teahouse has applied for a common victualler license to operate on Commonwealth Avenue by Packards Corner, a short distance west of where Limoo Tea Bar had been until shutting down in late December. Limoo Tea Bar had featured bubble tea-inspired cocktails as well as items such as steamed buns, popcorn chicken, meat on a stick, and pita pockets, and while it is not yet known whether the offerings at LimeRed Teahouse will be the same, the fact that it has a similar name and is considered a sister restaurant may indicate that it could be comparable to the now-closed spot.

Another person who was involved with Limoo Tea Bar was also planning to open a new restaurant as well, though no further information on that place has been given as of yet.

The address for this new spot in Allston is: LimeRed Teahouse, 1092-1104 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

[June 26 update: Eater Boston mentions that LimeRed Teahouse is now open, joining two other locations in Amherst and Northampton; the article also says that the place offers a variety of teas and coffees along with smoothies, ice cream-filled egglet waffle cones, macarons, and more.]

[Earlier Article]
Limoo Tea Bar in Allston Is Closing

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Marcos Tacos Plans to Open at Revere Beach

A brand new taco spot could be on its way to a seaside location, and it appears that it would replace a now-closed watering hole.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Marcos Tacos is planning to open at Revere Beach, with the address given indicating that it may be moving into the space where Boulevard Bar and Grill had been. The listing mentions that the eatery--which is currently seeking a kitchen manager--will offer fresh tacos along with a full bar that features margaritas and sangria.

An exact opening date has not yet been given for Marco Tacos; as soon as we find out when it might open, we will post an update here.

The address for this proposed taco spot at Revere Beach is: Marcos Tacos, 320 Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere, MA, 02151.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Update: The Middle Gray in Brookline Village Has Closed; Looking for New Space

[Ed note: This article was updated on April 24 to reflect new information given on the business.]

It looks like a multi-concept spot in Brookline has closed at least part of its business.

According to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting, The Middle Gray on Station Street in Brookline Village has posted a sign out front saying that its coffee shop is currently closed, though its art gallery remains open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. The sign also says that the place will have weekly live music performances where food and drink will be offered, and that patrons should check the social media pages of the business for updates, including event dates.

The Middle Gray first opened in August of 2015, taking over the space where Olea Cafe and a yarn shop had been. The original concept included a coffee shop/cafe, art gallery, wine bar, and performance space.

The address for The Middle Gray is 6 Station Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. Its website (which is currently under construction) can be found at http://www.themiddlegray.com/

[April 24 update: According to a source, The Middle Gray has completely closed its space in Brookline Village, with a check on its website seeming to confirm this, as it says that it is now looking for a new space and that it is currently operating "digitally," promoting artists on their social media pages and website.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Washington, D.C.-based Cava to Expand to Boston

A growing group of Mediterranean dining spots based in Washington, D.C. will be expanding to Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting that Cava has received $30 million in funding which will help the company expand to Boston and two other markets, with the fast-casual chain arriving in the local area sometime next year. Once it debuts in the region, expect to find customizable items that begin with a salad/grain/soup/pita base and with such items as hummus, feta, falafel, braised lamb, meatballs, grilled chicken, olives, and pickled banana peppers added.

Cava first started out in Washington in 2011 and now has 27 locations in the D.C. area along with several states along the East Coast and in California. Its website can be found at http://cava.com/

[August 16 update: Based on recent job posts within the Craigslist site, it looks like more than one location of Cava will be coming to Boston.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Philadelphia-Based Honeygrow Is Opening in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

A Philadelphia-based group of restaurants featuring salads and stir-fry options is going to be expanding to Boston.

According to a press release, Honeygrow is going to be opening on Boylston Street in the Fenway area, with this being the first of multiple locations on their way to New England. The upcoming eatery will offer seasonally-sourced and customizable food items including salads with house-made dressings along with stir-fry noodle dishes with meat and veggie options and house-made sauces. No specific opening date has been given for the Fenway location of Honeygrow yet (it may debut late in the summer), so stay tuned for updates.

The address for this new dining spot in the Fenway is: Honeygrow, 1282 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the chain--which started out in Philly in 2012--can be found at http://www.honeygrow.com/

[June 23 update: According to a press release, Honeygrow opens in the Fenway on July 14.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





110 Grill Is Opening in Braintree

A group of upscale New American restaurants located north and west of Boston will be opening a new location, with this one being located south of the city.

The Braintree Forum is reporting that 110 Grill will be opening within the upcoming Residence Inn by Marriott on Forbes Road, with the dining spot having seating for 190 and a 50-seat outdoor patio with a fire pit during the warmer months. Once it opens, the new restaurant will join others in Berlin, Chelmsford, Hopkinton, Leominster, and Wayland, along with locations in Nashua and Rochester, NH. (Another outlet will soon be opening in Haverhill as well.)

If all goes as planned, the new 110 Grill--and the Marriott hotel-- in Braintree will open sometime this summer.

The address for both the restaurant and the hotel will be 170 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA, 02184; the website for all locations of 110 Grill can be found at http://www.110grill.com/

[June 25 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that the new 110 Grill in Braintree will open on July 6.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Bow Market Planned for Somerville's Union Square

A new development is in the works for one of the hottest parts of Somerville, and it will include at least a handful of dining and drinking options.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Bow Market has been proposed for a space between Somerville Avenue and Bow Street that was formerly home to a storage facility. The complex would consist of more than 30 little storefronts with relatively short-term leases (half of which may be food vendors), as well as one or two brick-and-mortar businesses, a brewery, and a theater. Bow Market would also have a common seating area and a courtyard outside, and one space would be set aside for a quarterly rotating food pop-up.

If all goes as planned, Bow Market could be open by later this year, according to the article.

[July 18 update: The Boston Globe mentions that the brewery coming to Bow Market will be called Remnant Brewing, and it will have 2,700 square feet of space that includes a taproom, with coffee offered all day.]

[May 9, 2018 update: A new article from Boston Magazine indicates that Bow Market will open sometime this month, and as mentioned previously, a few of the businesses opening there include Remnant Brewing, Jaju Pierogi, Buenas, Rebel Rebel, Maca Macaronerie, Saus, Hooked Fish Shop, The Comedy Studio, and many others.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Sweetgreen to Open at Legacy Place in Dedham

A growing chain of farm-to-table dining spots is going to be expanding yet again in the Boston area, this time opening a shop in a development near Route 128.

According to a source, Sweetgreen is planning to open at Legacy Place in Dedham, with a page within the Legacy Place website confirming this. It is not yet known which space the eatery will be moving into, nor is it known exactly when it might open (the Legacy Place page simply says "Opening 2017"). As soon as we get more details, we will post an update here.

Sweetgreen, which is based in Washington, DC, is known for its salads and grain bowls; a number of locations can currently be found in the Greater Boston area, including in Boston's Downtown Crossing, the Financial District, the Ink Block in the South End, Fort Point, the Back Bay (2), the Fenway, Cambridge's Harvard Square, Chestnut Hill Square on the Newton/Brookline border, and MarketStreet Lynnfield.

The website for Sweetgreen is at http://www.sweetgreen.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





The Wild Horse Cafe in Beverly Has Closed

A well-known North Shore bistro has quietly shut its doors.

According to several sources, the Wild Horse Cafe in Beverly is no longer in business, with OpenTable seeming to confirm this, saying that the Cabot Street restaurant is permanently closed. No reason has been given for its closure, nor is it known what might happen to the space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The Wild Horse Cafe was an upscale but casual dining spot that featured mostly New American fare along with an array of cocktails and martinis. The place was originally called the Wild Horse Tavern, but changed its name when it was taken over by new owners a few years ago.

The address for this now-closed bistro in Beverly was: The Wild Horse Cafe, 392 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Pat Sheehan's Pub to Replace Yesterday's in Quincy

An Irish pub is going to be replacing a now-closed dive bar in Quincy.

According to a post on the Quincy Is Everything Facebook group page, Pat Sheehan's Pub is currently under construction and will be opening soon in the former Yesterday's space on Washington Street in the Quincy Point area of the city. A Facebook page for the upcoming place mentions that it will be an "authentic Irish pub," while posters on the QIE group say it will offer craft beer and will have Irish music on weekends. It appears that if all goes as planned, Pat Sheehan's Pub could be opening sometime in mid-April.

Yesterday's had been in business for approximately 10 years.

The address for the upcoming Pat Sheehan's Pub in Quincy Point will be 536 Washington Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

[May 16 update: A new Facebook post from the place indicates that Pat Sheehan's Pub is now open.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]





Monday, March 27, 2017

Temazcal Tequila Cantina to Open at Legacy Place in Dedham

A pair of upscale Mexican restaurants will be joined by at least one more location, with a new one on the way to a mixed-use development near Route 128.

According to a couple of sources, Temazcal Tequila Cantina is planning to open at Legacy Place in Dedham, with one source hinting that it could be moving into the space where Wicked Restaurant and Wine Bar had been until closing last month. (A page within the Legacy Place website confirms that it will indeed be coming sometime this year.) Once it opens, the new dining spot will join others in Boston's Seaport District and MarketStreet Lynnfield--and it will either be the third or fourth location depending on whether a planned outlet in the former Papa Razzi space in Burlington opens before/after it.

Temazcal first opened its doors in the Seaport District in April of 2011, with its Lynnfield location opening in October of 2014. The website for Temazcal can be found at http://www.temazcalcantina.com/

[May 18 update: The Burlington Union mentions that the new location of Temazcal in Dedham plans to open this summer, which means it will be the fourth location of the place, as the Burlington opens this month.]

[November 20 update: According to a press release, the new Temazcal at Legacy Place will have two floors of space along with an outdoor patio during the warmer months.]

[December 15 update: A press release indicates that Temazcal opens at Legacy Place on Monday, December 18, with dinner service only being offered next week and both lunch and dinner being available the following week.]

[Earlier Articles]
Wicked Restaurant and Wine Bar Closes Its Legacy Place Location
Temazcal, Tony's Coal Fire Pizza to Open in Former Papa Razzi Space in Burlington

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Cucchiello's Bakery in East Boston to Move to Saugus

An Italian bakery in East Boston that has been in business for 70 years is moving to the suburbs--and its current space could become home to a donut chain.

Universal Hub is reporting (via a Facebook post) that Cucchiello's Bakery on Bennington Street is going to move to Saugus, with the plan being to open in a space in Cogliano Plaza on Lincoln Avenue. An earlier article from the East Boston Times-Free Press had mentioned that the space where Cucchiello's Bakery resides may be turned into a location of Dunkin' Donuts, with UH saying this as well, though it does not appear that this has been completely confirmed as of yet. The Facebook post--which is from Michael Cucchiello--mentions that they are also looking for a new home in East Boston as well, but for now, they will be focusing on their upcoming move to Saugus.

Cucchiello's is a neighborhood bakery in Day Square that is known for its breads, pizza, calzones, subs, cookies, cannoli, and more.

[April 7 update: According to an Instagram post, Cucchiello's Bakery is now open in its new home in Saugus.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Chloe Coscarelli, by CHLOE Part Ways; Name Change Possible

A New York-based group of vegan restaurants that recently expanded to Boston has cut ties with one of its founders, and it could result in a name change for the eateries.

Eater New York is reporting (via the Wall Street Journal) that Chloe Coscarelli and ESquared Hospitality have gone their own ways after a legal battle, and now Coscarelli is seeking to get her name taken out of the group of dining spots, saying that "I will protect the integrity of my brand." The relationship between Coscarelli and ESquared started to unravel last year, even as the group of restaurants expanded, including a new one that came to Boston's Seaport District last month. (Another new shop is being planned for the Fenway.)

Chloe Coscarelli is known in part for being the first vegan chef to win the Food Network's "Cupcake Wars."

The website for by CHLOE can be found at http://bychefchloe.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Waltham Has Closed

A longtime location of a Boston-based group of deep-dish pizza spots has closed down, and it appears to be a quiet--and sudden--closure.

According to a source within the restaurant industry, Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Waltham is no longer in business, with a tweet from @EyesOnWaltham seeming to confirm this today as well. This is the second Uno location to close of late, as the outlet in Cambridge's Harvard Square shuttered this past September; it looks like locations in Boston (3), Braintree, Burlington, Dedham, Framingham, Revere, Swampscott, and Woburn remain in operation.

Uno was established in Chicago in 1943, with Uno Restaurant Holdings now having its headquarters in West Roxbury.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Waltham was: Uno Pizzeria and Grill, 155 Bear Hill Road, Waltham, MA, 02451. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.unos.com/>

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Pizzas in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Sunday, March 26, 2017

Vine Brook Tavern in Lexington Has Closed; Reason for Closure Unknown

An upscale suburban restaurant featuring New American fare has suddenly shut its doors, and it is not known why it has closed.

According to multiple sources, Vine Brook Tavern in Lexington Center is locked up and dark, with a picture sent to us last night indicating that a sign out front simply says "Closed. Thank you." Most sources say that this is a permanent closure, though this has not been confirmed as of yet--and a tweet from the Waltham Street dining spot from Thursday mentioned that live music and family pasta nights would be coming in April. As soon as we can confirm why Vine Brook Tavern may have closed, we will post an update here.

Vine Brook Tavern first opened its doors in November of 2012.

The address for Vine Brook Tavern is 20 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA, 02421. Its website is at http://vinebrooktavern.com/

[May 17 update: The Lexington Minuteman mentions that nearly two months after its closure, it remains a mystery as to why Vine Brook Tavern closed, and that even the landlord of the space doesn't know why it shut down. The article says that the license for the restaurant was surrendered to the Board of Selectmen on May 8, but the Board apparently is in the dark about the reason for the closure as well.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Friday, March 24, 2017

South of the Clouds Is Replacing Umai in Brighton

It looks like a Japanese restaurant in Brighton is being replaced by a new spot with an interesting name.

According to a source, Umai on Market Street in Brighton Center is petitioning to transfer its liquor license to a restaurant called South of the Clouds, which would operate at the same address. Very little is known about the proposed eatery at this point in time, though it appears that the dining spot could focus on Chinese fare, as the term "South of Clouds" often refers to the Yunnan province in the southwestern part of the country (near Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam).

Umai first opened in early 2016, taking over the space where Jasmine Bistro had once been.

The address for Umai (and the new South of the Clouds) is 412 Market Street, Brighton, MA, 02135.

[April 5 update: Universal Hub mentions that South of the Clouds will be a noodle spot, and that the space will only be receiving cosmetic changes. (The Boston Licensing Board is expected to make a decision on the license transfer tomorrow.)]

[June 27 update: A source tells us that South of the Clouds has soft-opened.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Food Items from Asian Restaurants in the Boston Area]





Flour Bakery to Open New Shop in Boston's Back Bay in April

Last summer, we reported that the person behind a local group of bakery-cafes was planning to open three new shops; two have since opened, and now the final new one (for now) is apparently very close to opening.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Joanne Chang is opening her latest location of Flour Bakery in the Back Bay late next month, with the Dalton Street outlet being on the first floor of a new luxury residential tower called 30 Dalton. The article says that the new shop will have seating for 20 and a small patio section, and it will offer food and drink items found at Flour's other stores, including sandwiches, sticky buns, slices of pie, and more.

Flour has recently opened new shops in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Cambridgeport, joining others in the South End, Fort Point, another Back Bay location, and Cambridge's Central Square.

The address for the upcoming Flour Bakery in the Back Bay is 30 Dalton Street, Boston, MA, 02115. The website for all Flour locations can be found at http://www.flourbakery.com/

[April 19 update: Eater Boston mentions that the new Flour in the Back Bay hopes to open on Monday, April 24.]

[Earlier Article]
Joanne Chang to Open Three New Locations of Flour

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





The Ice Box at Quincy's Wollaston Beach Is Becoming The Baja Box

A seasonal seaside ice cream spot is changing its name and its concept a bit, making it a place that should be popular with both ice cream and Mexican food lovers.

According to a Facebook post on the Quincy Is Everything group page, The Ice Box on Quincy Shore Drive at Wollaston Beach is going to become The Baja Box, with the ownership remaining the same and the place offering street tacos in addition to ice cream. An article from The Quincy Sun mentions that the spot will open in April and it will serve "tacos and related food in addition to ice cream and beverages."

The people behind The Ice Box/The Baja Box also run The Clam Box next door.

The address for The Baja Box is 793 Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy, MA, 02170.

[May 22 update: Eater Boston states that The Baja Box is now open, and it is serving tacos, tortilla soup, Mexican street corn, nachos, and chips and salsa, along with ice cream and Richie's slush.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Poke Bento Plans to Open in Former Samurai Space in Boston's Back Bay

It looks like a new dining spot that taps into an increasingly hot food craze will be coming to Boston's Back Bay, taking over the space where a Japanese and Korean restaurant had been.

A licensing board page within the city's website indicates that Poke Bento is planning to open on Boylston Street, moving into the former Samurai space across from the Prudential Center. Based on the name, it appears that the proposed eatery would offer poke, a Hawaiian raw fish salad that has been showing up at a number of new Boston-area restaurants of late, including Pokeworks and Manoa in Somerville, Poke City in Cambridge, Yoki Express in Boston's Seaport District, and New Sushi in Beacon Hill.

Samurai closed its doors last fall after being in business for approximately 10 years.

The address for this upcoming dining spot in the Back Bay is: Poke Bento, 827 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Bennett's Sandwich Shop Is Opening in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

A Maine institution that is known in part for its lobster rolls is on its way to Boston.

A licensing board page within the city's website indicates that Bennett's Sandwich Shop is planning to open in the Fenway, taking over the space on Peterborough Street where Swish Shabu had been until closing last November. Based on the name of the manager listed (Brendin McCord) and a note on its website, this is the same Bennett's that is located in Kennebunk, ME, along with a second location in Portsmouth, NH; the Kennebunk shop is a legendary place frequented by countless beachgoers and visitors to nearby Kennebunkport for its lobster rolls and other subs/sandwiches.

The original location of Bennett's first opened in Kennebunk in 1982, while the Portsmouth location opened in 2015.

The address for this new dining spot in the Fenway is: Bennett's Sandwich Shop, 84 Peterborough Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the original location can be found at http://www.bennetts-store.com/

[July 10 update: Eater Boston states that Bennett's Sandwich Shop is now open in the Fenway.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Sandwiches from Restaurants in the Boston Area and Elsewhere in New England]





Old Sully's in Charlestown May Be Closing Down

One of Boston's classic dive bars--and one that was used in a scene for a critically-acclaimed movie--may be shutting down.

A licensing board page within the City of Boston website indicates that Old Sully's in Charlestown is petitioning to transfer its liquor license to Guira y Tambora Restaurant in Roslindale, with an earlier post in the Charlestown Patriot-Bridge stating that "Though not official, 'Old Sullys' will be closing its doors permanently before the end of winter." A Facebook post on a page for the Union Street watering hole mentioned last fall that the space may be turned into condos, but this has not been confirmed as of yet.

Old Sully's is one of Boston's few remaining true dive bars, as a number of others around the city have closed over the past several years, including the Lower Mills Pub in Dorchester, Aces High and the Quencher Tavern in South Boston, and the Castlebar in Brighton. The bar can be seen in The Town, a Ben Affleck movie released in 2010 that was nominated for a number of awards. The place is often confused with another "Sully's" nearby--Sullivan's Pub on Main Street in Charlestown.

A photo of Old Sully's can be seen on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) at this link:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/dive-sullys.html

The address for Old Sully's is 56 Union Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129.

[March 29 update: Universal Hub mentions that there there has been a delay in the proposed sale of Old Sully's liquor license to Guira y Tambora Restaurant, as not all of the 14 shareholders of the bar have given their approval for the sale at this point in time. It appears that the Boston Licensing Board may defer action on the vote--which was to have taken place tomorrow--until after the president of the corporation behind the bar returns from Florida April 7.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]





P.F. Chang's at the Northshore Mall in Peabody Is Closing

A chain of Chinese restaurants is going to be closing another one of its Boston locations.

According to a couple of sources, P.F. Chang's at the Northshore Mall in Peabody is shutting down, with a message from both the chain and the mall confirming this, saying that the dining spot will close its doors at the end of business hours on April 11. This comes on the heels of the shuttering of P.F. Chang's at the Prudential Center earlier this week, though it appears that locations at Park Plaza, the CambridgeSide Galleria in East Cambridge, Legacy Place in Dedham, and the Natick Mall in Natick will remain in operation.

P.F. Chang's, which was established more than 20 years ago in Arizona, features Chinese fare along with other Asian dishes.

The website for P.F. Chang's is at https://www.pfchangs.com/

[Earlier Article]
P.F. Chang's at the Prudential Center in Boston Is Closing

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Food Items from Asian Restaurants in the Boston Area]





Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Baja Betty's in Brookline Village Is Closing; Boca Grande to Replace It

A favorite spot for burritos in Brookline is getting ready to shut its doors for good, while a familiar name on the local dining scene will be taking over its space.

The Brookline Tab is reporting that Baja Betty's in Brookline Village closes on March 31 after two decades in business, with a location of Boca Grande moving into the Harvard Street space possibly in June. The article says that Baja Betty's owner Brett Albert isn't sure what he will be doing once the eatery closes, though it is possible that he may decide to open another dining spot somewhere.

Once it opens, the new location of Boca Grande will join its sole existing location in East Cambridge; its four other locations have all shut down, though the business is now under new ownership and there had been talk of new expansion on the way.

Baja Betty's, which first opened its doors in 1997, has been known in part for its Cal-Mex style burritos.

The address for Baja Betty's (and upcoming Boca Grande) is 3 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02445.

[June 19 update: According to a Twitter post from @BostonTweet, the new Boca Grande opens in the former Baja Betty's space on Wednesday, June 21.]

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Spring Street Cafe in West Roxbury Has Closed

A restaurant featuring Italian and American fare has apparently shut its doors for good after more than a decade in business.

According to a couple of sources, Spring Street Cafe in West Roxbury is no longer in operation, with posts on its Facebook page seeming to confirm this. The dining spot offered breakfast items such as waffles, pancakes, French toast, and eggs, while also serving such items as burgers, gnocchi, chicken broccoli and ziti, linguine, shrimp scampi, chicken parmigiana, and baked haddock for lunch and dinner.

As soon as we find out what might happen to the Spring Street Cafe space, we will post an update here.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in West Roxbury was: Spring Street Cafe, 320 Spring Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132.

[March 22 update: According to a source on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Spring Street Cafe is actually hoping to reopen in a new space--possibly in Dedham--with another Facebook post on the Chronicles of West Roxbury II page seeming to confirm this, saying that they plan to open back up in September. And while there is chatter as to where they might move, no confirmation has been given as of yet, so keep checking back for more updates.]

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Cafe Luna Moves to New Location in Cambridge

A cafe in Cambridge's Central Square has moved to a new space on the outer edge of Kendall Square.

According to a source, Cafe Luna is now located on Main Street, a few blocks east of its former location at the corner of Mass. Ave. and Main Street, with a page on the dining spot's website saying that the new space is larger and that its menu will be expanded as well. The note also says that Cafe Luna will not be taking reservations until April 1, with walk-ins only between now and then.

Cafe Luna offers breakfast items, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, baked goods, coffee, beer, and wine, and it is open for breakfast and lunch with a brunch menu offered on Saturdays and Sundays. As mentioned here earlier, the people behind the place are also looking to open a new spot in the former Verna's Donut Shop space on Mass. Ave. in North Cambridge.

The former address for Cafe Luna was 403 Massachusetts Avenue, while the new address is 612 Main Street. Its website can be found at http://www.cafeluna-centralsq.com/

[Earlier Article]
Owner of Cafe Luna Plans to Take Over Former Verna's Space in Cambridge

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Will Ferrell-Themed Bar Popping Up in Boston

A pop-up bar is on its way to Boston, and it will pay tribute to an actor and comedian who is known in part for his role as a scotch-loving news anchor.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Metro) that a Will Farrell-themed bar will be setting up shop at Umbria on Franklin Street in the Financial District from April 14 to April 23, with the place having seating for 250 (and standing room for an additional 150) and offering drinks such as the Glass Case Of Emotion and You're My Boy Blue while also offering food options such as Ma's Meatloaf. The bar--which goes by the name "Stay Classy"--is run by Zach Neil and Brian Link of Beetle House, a Tim Burton-inspired bar in New York, and while Ferrell is not directly connected with the upcoming Boston bar, Stay Classy did help raise money for his Cancer for College charity when it popped up in Los Angeles in December, according to the Metro. (Stay Classy got its start in New York.)

Will Farrell has been in such movies as Anchorman, Elf, Wedding Crashers, and Old School, while also being a cast member of Saturday Night Live.

More information on Stay Classy (including reserving a space) can be found at the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/stayclassybar/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Fiddlehead Brewing Expands Distribution to Massachusetts

Another Vermont-based brewing company is bringing its beers to Massachusetts.

According to an Facebook events page from the business, Fiddlehead Brewing has expanded its distribution to the state, with a ceremonial tapping of Fiddlehead IPA taking place later today at Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks in Boston's Kenmore Square. Another Facebook post from the company says "After 5 exciting years of building our brand locally here in Vermont, we are excited to announce that this week, we will begin full-time draft distribution to Massachusetts....We hope to have a full list of current Boston area draft accounts soon, but until then, check with your favorite local spots to see if we're there!" One other spot mentioned as having Fiddlehead is the Tip Tap Room in Boston's Beacon Hill while Stoked Pizza in Brookline tweets that they will have it as well.

Fiddlehead Brewing, which is headquartered in Shelburne, joins another Vermont brewer that recently expanded to Massachusetts--Warren-based Lawson's Finest Liquids--though Lawson's Sip of Sunshine and Super Session #2 are produced at Two Roads Brewing in Stratford, CT. Fiddlehead produces a number of beers in addition to its flagship IPA; as soon as we find out what other beers the company might be bringing to the state, we will post an update here.

The website for Fiddlehead Brewing can be found at http://www.fiddleheadbrewing.com/

[March 26 update: A new Facebook post from the brewery indicates that Fiddlehead IPA is apparently the only Fiddlehead beer available at restaurants and bars at this point in time, and the post also gives a list of places where it can be found, including Canary Square, Highland Kitchen, Lulu's, Solas, Stoddard's, and many more.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]