Boston Restaurant Talk

Friday, May 22, 2026

The Exchange Plans to Open in the Former Boston Chops Space in Boston's Downtown Crossing

Early this year, it was reported that a pair of steakhouses in Boston had shut down, and now we have learned that a new dining spot will be moving into one of the spaces.

According to an article from The Boston Business Journal (via the Downtown Boston Alliance), The Exchange is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into the former Boston Chops space on Temple Place. The article mentions that the New Hampshire-based NNE Hospitality (which runs The Puddle Dock, a Portsmouth dining spot that focuses on modern takes on colonial food) is behind the upcoming restaurant, though no other details have been given other than the possibility that it could debut sometime this year.

The Downtown Crossing location location of Boston Chops first opened in 2018, while the location in the South End opened in 2013.

The address for the upcoming Exchange is 52 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111.

(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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Trillium Garden Opens at Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf in Boston

Earlier this year, it was reported that a popular outdoor beer garden would not be returning to the Rose Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston, but now we have learned that the brewery behind the beer garden has opened a new seasonal space a very short walk away from the old space.

According to the Boston Harbor Hotel website, Trillium Garden is now open at lower patio of the hotel at Rowes Wharf, moving into a space with water views and offering beer on tap, wine, and cocktails while also serving some snacks as well. The new beer garden is very close to its old space, which is home to a beverage garden from Boston Harbor Distillery this summer.

In addition to the new beer garden, Trillium also has locations in Fort Point, the Fenway, and Canton. The website for the business is at https://trilliumbrewing.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.)

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Carbone's in Hopkinton Is Closing

A longtime Italian restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston that appeared to be closing around the start of the pandemic only to remain open is now closing for real.

According to a source, Carbone's Restaurant in Hopkinton is shutting down, with a MassLive article mentioning that the Cedar Street dining spot is planning to close on June 27, as co-owners (and siblings) Mary Ann Lorentzen and Peter Carbone are looking to retire. The restaurant, which has been around for 93 years, looked like it was going to shutter in the fall of 2020, as the owners were seeking to sell the business with the hope being that a new owner would continue to run the restaurant, though the decision would have ultimately been made by the person who purchased the place; Carbone's never did get sold and remained open for business through the pandemic and beyond.

The address for Carbone's Restaurant is 280 Cedar Street (Route 85), Hopkinton, MA, 01748. Its website can be found at http://carboneshopkinton.com/

[Earlier Article]
Carbone's in Hopkinton May Be Closing; Restaurant Space Apparently Going Up for Sale

(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.)

Foodie's Market in Boston's South End Is Closing Today

A beloved neighborhood grocery store is saying farewell today.

According to a poster within the South End Community Board Facebook group page, Foodie's Market in the South End of Boston is shutting down permanently at 4:00 PM, with a sign out front at the Washington Street store saying "Thank you for 28 wonderful years. It has been our sincere honor, pleasure and joy to serve the South End Community. We value your loyalty and friendship very much and wish you well in the future." The South Boston location of Foodie's on W Broadway will remain in operation.

The address for Foodie's Market in the South End is 1421 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02118. The website for the business is at https://foodiesmarkets.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.)

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Shkodra Byrek to Open in Dedham

A new restaurant that features a cuisine not commonly found in the region will soon be opening just southwest of Boston.

According to its website, Shkodra Byrek is planning to open in Dedham, moving into a space on Washington Street on the northern edge of Dedham Square. The website and social media for the place indicate that the dining spot will be offering Albanian dishes (along with other Mediterranean fare), including such options as tripe soup, stuffed cabbage, cheese and yogurt pie, beef and onion pie, baked meat dumplings, skillet corn bread, layered pancakes, sausage, grilled octopus, smoked trout, baked lamb, grilled kebabs, pasta, and more.

The address for the upcoming Shkodra Byrek is 338 Washington Street, Dedham, MA, 02026. Its website can be found at https://shkodrabyrek.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.)

Off the Rails Boston to Replace Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Crossing

A few days ago, a restaurant and bar in the heart of Boston closed after 15 years in business, but a new concept is on its way to the space, and it will be under the same ownership.

According to an article from boston.com, Off the Rails Boston is planning to replace Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Crossing, with the upcoming School Street spot focusing more on live music and entertainment while its menu will tend to lean toward "elevated Americana-inspired" fare. The article mentions that Off the Rails will also have a setting that is influenced by Nashville as well as Boston, and if all goes as planned it could be debuting sometime late this summer.

The address for the upcoming Off the Rails Bosto is 25 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

[Earlier Article]
Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Boston's Downtown Crossing Is Closing

(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.)