Boston Restaurant Talk

Friday, June 12, 2026

Stratus at the Top of the Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay to Remain Open

A few months ago, it was reported that an upscale restaurant and a rooftop bar on top of one of Boston's highest buildings were both planning to close, but now we have learned that the bar will remain in operation.

According to an article from the Boston Business Journal, Stratus at the top of the Prudential Center in the Back Bay is not going to be shutting down after all, reversing what was announced back in February when it was mentioned that both Stratus and The Beacon Bistro would be saying farewell in April and that the space would focus on private events instead (the restaurant has indeed closed). The article indicates that not only will Stratus remain in business, but it will also expand its nightlife operations with DJ programming.

The Beacon Bistro and Stratus first opened in September of 2023 in the renovated space called View Boston (which also includes an observation deck), replacing the Top of the Hub restaurant and the Skywalk Observatory which had been there until early 2020.

[Earlier Article]
The Beacon Bistro and The Stratus at the Top of the Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay Are 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.)

Saloniki to Open New Locations in Brighton and Allston

A local group of Greek restaurants will be expanding to two new locations, with both coming to neighborhoods of Boston.

According to multiple sources along with an article from Boston Magazine, Saloniki is planning to open outlets in Brighton and Allston, with our sources indicating that both may be taking over now-closed locations of Amelia's Taqueria on Beacon Street in Cleveland Circle and on Brighton Avenue just west of the Harvard Avenue intersection. Boston Magazine says that the Brighton location could open around July while the Allston location hopes to open this month, and both will join existing locations in the Fenway (which is moving to a new space nearby), the Back Bay, downtown Boston, and Harvard Square and MIT/Kendall Square in Cambridge.

The website for Saloniki (which started out in 2016 with the opening of its first location in the Fenway) can be found at https://www.salonikigreek.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.)

Home.stead Bakery and Cafe in Dorchester's Fields Corner Is Closing

A bakery-cafe in Dorchester that is known for its deep connections to the local community is shutting down.

According to multiple sources along with a Facebook post from the place, Home.stead Bakery and Cafe in Fields Corner is closing its doors on June 20, with the post saying the following:

After ten years of being a third place for the wonderful Dorchester community, we have made the difficult decision with heavy hearts to close our door after June 20....We are deeply grateful for the friendships and support that you have given us over the years. It has truly been a privilege to have known you, and we would love to stay in touch. Thank you again for being a big part of our journey and our family in having created many beautiful memories.

No specific reason was given for the closure of the place, which first opened in March of 2016 and has been known as a business that supports local nonprofits and features works from local artists within their space.

The address for Home.stead Bakery and Cafe in Fields Corner is 1448 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122. Its website can be found at https://dorchesterhomestead.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, June 10, 2026

An S&S Food Truck Is Apparently on the Way

A few days ago, one of the oldest and best-known restaurants in Cambridge shut down, though it looks like something new may be in the works.

According to a video from WGBH, Gary Mitchell, who is co-owner of the now-closed S&S Deli in Inman Square, told Boston Public Radio co-host Jim Braude that an S&S food truck is being planned, saying that "we are...going to have an S&S food truck with the S&S wing sauce, and I'm going to hire special needs kids to do that....I want to be known for something else." This news comes on the heels of the deli saying farewell on June 7 after 107 years in business.

No other news on the plans were given; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

(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.)

Birdcode to Open in Hanover

A small group of chicken spots based in Connecticut will be expanding to Eastern Massachusetts, with a location coming to the South Shore.

According to a Facebook post from realtor Sean Murphy, Birdcode is planning to open in Hanover, moving into a space on Washington Street just north of the Route 3 intersection. Once it opens, the new location will join others in West Hartford, New Britain, Vernon, Cheshire, Brookfield, and Darien, and expect chicken sandwiches (including Nashville hot chicken), tenders, bites, and more at the new outlet.

Birdcode first started out in West Hartford in 2020.

The address for the upcoming location of Birdcode is 1978 Washington Street (Route 53), Hanover, MA, 02339. The website for the business is at https://eatbirdcode.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.)

Chaba Cafe Is Opening in the Former So Kitchen Space in Brookline

A brand new Thai restaurant is getting ready to open in Brookline, and it is replacing another Thai spot that recently closed.

According to an Instagram post from the business, Chaba Cafe is planning to have a grand opening on Cypress Street on June 13, taking over the space where So Kitchen had previously been. The website for the restaurant mentions that it will offer freshly made Thai crepes, desserts, and drinks while its menus also shows such items as curry puffs, wings, potato balls, fried bananas, and Thai donuts.

The address for Chaba Cafe is 224 Cypress Street, Brookline, MA 02445. Its website can be found at https://chabacafe.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.)