Boston Restaurant Talk

Thursday, July 03, 2025

Taqueria Jalisco Opens in East Boston's Orient Heights Neighborhood

Last summer, it was reported that a Mexican restaurant in East Boston was planning to open a second location not too far away, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Taqueria Jalisco is now open in Orient Heights in Eastie, moving into the former Donna's space on Saratoga Street and joining its existing location on Bennington Street in Day Square. The post mentions that the new location has a full liquor license and it also has "a lot" more seating for dining in, and it also has an expanded menu. (Its Instagram page states that the new outlet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.)

The address for the new location of Taqueria Jalisco in Orient Heights is 980 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The Instagram page for both locations can be found at https://www.instagram.com/taqueriajaliscoeb/

[Earlier Article]
Taqueria Jalisco Plans to Expand to Second Location in Orient Heights in East Boston

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

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Salsa Shack Opens at the Charles River Speedway in Brighton

A new place for tacos has debuted within a marketplace across from the Charles River.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Salsa Shack Opens is now open at the Charles River Speedway in Brighton, with local mixologists Will Isaza and Jen LaForge being behind the spot. Eater says that the new eatery features "New England-style" street tacos while also offering corn chowder and guacamole with Nantucket Crisps as well, and a video from the Instagram page for the business indicates that it is a counter service takeout spot.

The address for Salsa Shack is 525 Western Avenue, Brighton, MA, 02135. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/salsashackbos_/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Wednesday, July 02, 2025

Amelia's Taqueria by Northeastern University in Boston Has Been Rebranded to Amelia's Cluck & Smash

A local group of Mexican restaurants has changed the concept of one of its locations.

According to a source, Amelia's Taqueria by Northeastern University in Boston is now Amelia's Cluck & Smash, with the rebranding of the Huntington Avenue place turning it into a spot for such items as chicken sandwiches, smash burgers, hot dogs, fries, and salads, while also offering churros for dessert. It appears that locations of Amelia's in Allston, by Berklee College, Boston University, Boston College, and at Assembly Row in Somerville will remain as is, at least for now.

The address for Amelia's Cluck & Smash is 309 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. Its website is at https://www.ameliacluckandsmash.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Tuesday, July 01, 2025

Pressed Cafe Opens in Boston's Seaport District

A local group of dining spots that focus on healthy, freshly-made options has expanded to the Boston waterfront.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Pressed Cafe is now open in the city's Seaport District, moving into a space on Pier 4 Boulevard. Based on the social media pages for the business, the new location is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and it offers breakfast dishes, soups, panini, bowls, fresh-pressed juices, coffee, and more--and it joins existing locations in Boston's Back Bay, Burlington, Chelmsford, Lawrence, and Newton, along with four in New Hampshire (Bedford, North Nashua, Salem, and South Nashua).

The address for the new location of Pressed Cafe is 49 Pier 4 Boulevard, Boston, MA, 01843. The website for all locations is at https://www.pressedcafe.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Monday, June 30, 2025

Rabia's Dolce Fumo in Boston's North End Has Closed

A North End restaurant that was known in part for its seafood has shut down.

According to a source, Rabia's Dolce Fumo on Salem Street is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the dining spot saying the following:

2,034 days in a chapter we’ll never forget. From our opening day on December 2, 2019, three months before the official declaration of the nation’s pandemic, to our closing night on June 26, 2025, the past five years were nothing short of a wild ride. From our hard working and dedicated team, to our patrons who honored us by celebrating life’s important moments with us, and to our loyal families and friends who supported us the whole way, we are FOREVER GRATEFUL. It was time to close this chapter and for us to explore new endeavors (stay tuned).

Rabia's offered such dishes as clam chowder, oysters, antipasto, steamed mussels, lobster rolls, linguini with clams, frutti di mare, steamed lobsters, fettuccine carbonara, bolognese, and veal parmigiana.

The address for the now-closed Rabia's Dolce Fumo was 73 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Restaurant News for the Week Ending June 29, 2025

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between June 23, 2025, and June 29, 2025.

Noodle Lab Reopens at Boston Public Market
A noodle spot in downtown Boston has very quietly opened back up.
Full Story

Vita Bella Ristorante in Essex Has Closed
An Italian restaurant on the North Shore has closed its doors.
Full Story

Drop Zone Brewery and Taproom in Winthrop Has Closed
A brewery just north of Boston has shut down.
Full Story

Mike & Patty's to Open in Lexington
The people behind a local group of breakfast places and sandwich shops will be opening a new location in the northwest suburbs of Boston.
Full Story

Park City Opens in South Boston
A new outdoor dining and drinking spot with a connection to a local restaurant group is up and running.
Full Story

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

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)