Barrel House Z in Weymouth Has Closed

A local brewery that resided on the South Shore for approximately ten years has shut down.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Barrel House Z in Weymouth is no longer in business, having closed its doors permanently on February 7. The post says the following about the closure:

And…that's a wrap.  For multiple reasons, Barrel House Z has closed its doors....The market has changed dramatically over the last 2-3 years. Demand for alcoholic beverages have declined generally, and demand for craft beer has declined specifically.  People are not going out as much for food and beverage. We attempted to pivot in the direction of the "experience" business, offering food and events/entertainment but found ourselves now not only competing with other breweries and tap rooms, but hospitality providers generally. In summary, we struggled mightily in the face of a shrinking market, rising costs to operate, and a substantial debt service that was taken on in the aftermath of Covid.  Less cash income + rising expenses do not make for a solid business, and we found ourselves in an untenable cash flow situation. 

Barrel House Z first opened on Woodrock Road in September of 2016, though its founder--Russ Heissner--has been in the business for a long time, being Harpoon's first brewer back in 1986.

The address for the now-closed Barrel House Z was 95 Woodrock Road, Weymouth, MA, 02189.

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

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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]

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Nohri Opens in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood

A new fusion restaurant has debuted in downtown Boston.

According to an article in boston.com as well as a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Nohri is now open in Chinatown, moving into a space on Tyler Street a short distance south of where it meets Beach Street. The post says that the new spot features "the marriage of Japanese technique and Peruvian ingredients" focusing mostly on handrolls while also having tasting menus and ceviche.

The address for Nohri is 5 Tyler Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website is at https://www.nohriboston.com/ while its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/nohriboston

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

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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]

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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.)

Willie's to Open in Boston's Beacon Hill

A local restaurant group will be opening another dining spot, with this one focusing in part on pizza.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, Willie's is going to be opening in the Beacon Hill section of Boston, moving into a space between Chestnut Street and Beacon Street. The article mentions that BCB3 Hospitality (Zurito, Somaek, Sushi @ Temple Records) is behind the upcoming spot, which will be a "neighborhood pizza joint" that be a dine-in place with takeout and delivery options, and in addition to pizza, it will also offer pasta dishes, small plates, beer, soju, and more.

If all goes as planned, Willie's will open in the early spring (and based on the address, it will be next to Zurito).

The address for Willie's in Beacon Hill is 20 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/williesboston/

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

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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]

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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.)

Update: Little Black Dress Restaurant Plans to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing

[Ed note: This article has been updated to reflect a different address for the place.]

It looks like a new dining spot could be moving into the heart of Boston, and it would get its license from a now-closed North End spot known in part for its seafood.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Little Black Dress Restaurant is looking to open on West Street in Downtown Crossing, and it is seeking the license of Rabia's Dolce Fumo which was on Salem Street until closing last June. The notice states that the proposed spot would have a lounge and cafe area on the ground floor in the front, a dining area at the mezzanine level, and a large open dining area on the second floor while the plan is to have a beer, wine, and liqueurs license. No other information has been given about Little Black Dress other than the manager listed being Obi Anosike, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for the proposed Little Black Dress Restaurant is 13-15 West Street, Boston, MA 02111.

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

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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]

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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.)

Tiki Cove Plans to Open in Downtown Boston

A new dining and drinking spot may be coming to downtown Boston, moving into a space that has been home to several restaurants and bars over the years.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Tiki Cove is planning to open on Union Street with the address indicating that it would be taking over the space where Loyal Nine had been, and before that, Sons of Boston, The Tap Trailhouse, and The Tap. The notice mentions that the proposed place would include a 19-seat bar and a seasonal outdoor patio, and the manager listed is So Lim Ting, who is presumably the same person who runs franchised locations of boba shop Moge Tee in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Central Square.

The address for the proposed Tiki Cove is 17 Union Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

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

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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]

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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.)

Behan Caffe Plans to Open in Jamaica Plain

A new cafe may be on its way to Jamaica Plain, and it appears that it may have a connection to an iconic Irish pub next door.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Behan Caffe is planning to open on Centre Street, with the address indicating that it would take over the space adjacent to the Brendan Behan Pub. The listing mentions that the manager is Michel Soltani of the Brendan Behan, and it also says that the space would include one room with dining and bar seating and that it hopes to acquire a full liquor license.

The Brendan Behan Pub dates back to the late 1980s, with Soltani taking ownership of the place in 2007.

The address for the proposed Behan Caffe is 380 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

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

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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]

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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.)