Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Stoked Wood Fired Pizza Is Apparently Looking to Expand

It looks like an award-winning pizza spot in Brookline may be planning to open another location.

A page on surveymonkey.com shows that Stoked Wood Fired Pizza is currently asking where people would like to see them open a new location, with the choices including Boston's Fenway/Kenmore area, the South End of Boston, the Back Bay, Cambridge's Harvard Square, the area between Harvard and Porter, Jamaica Plain, Somerville's Union Square, and Newton. If a new Stoked outlet does end up opening somewhere in the region, it would join the brick-and-mortar on Beacon Street in Washington Square along with a food truck that can be found in various parts of Boston and Cambridge.

Stoked has received much praise since debuting its pizza truck in early 2014 and its restaurant in April of 2016, including Boston Magazine awarding it a "best of" for 2015 and the Improper Bostonian giving it a "best of" for 2016. The website for Stoked is at http://www.stokedpizzaco.com/

Thanks to Steven from the Hub Food Trucks site for initially bringing this to our attention.

[February 1 update: A job post on Craigslist further confirms that Stoked is planning to expand, as the page says that they "are looking to promote to management level positions from within as we prepare to open another location."]

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]

Chiharu Sushi & Noodle Is Opening in Brookline

A new Asian restaurant is on its way to Brookline, and it looks like it will move into the space where another Asian eatery had been.

Eater Boston is reporting (via Wicked Local) that Chiharu Sushi & Noodle is planning to open on Boylston Street, with the address indicating that it would take over the former King Fung Garden II space. Wicked Local mentions that the 20-seat place will offer grab-and-go breakfast items while featuring sushi and noodle dishes for lunch and dinner. EB says that the owners are Qun Li, who comes from Haru in Boston's Back Bay and Mix-It in Cambridge, and Mei Pan, who was the owner of the now-closed May's Cafe in Allston.

If all goes as planned, Chiharu Sushi & Noodle could be opening sometime in April.

The address for this new dining spot in Brookline is: Chiharu Sushi & Noodle, 370 Boylston Street (Route 9), Brookline, MA, 02445.

[June 20 update: Eater Boston states that Chiharu Sushi & Noodle is now open.]

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]





VERTS Mediterranean Grill Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A growing group of restaurants based in Austin, TX is going to be opening a second location in Boston.

According to its website, VERTS Mediterranean Grill is planning to open in the Back Bay, with the address indicating that the dining spot will move into a space on Boylston Street that is across from Copley Square. Once it opens, the new eatery will join another location on Summer Street in the Financial District, which opened this past November.

VERTs is a fast-casual concept that focuses on "fresh and customizable" Mediterranean fare, including such items as salads, bowls, and pitas.

The address for this new restaurant in the Back Bay is: VERTS Mediterranean Grill, 545 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain is at http://www.eatverts.com/

[February 27 update: The Boston Business Journal mentions that the Back Bay location of VERTS opens on Friday, March 3.]

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]





Monday, January 30, 2017

Lawson's Sip of Sunshine IPA Coming to Massachusetts; Super Session #2 Also on the Way

A nationally-recognized Vermont microbrewery is bringing one of its best-known beers to Massachusetts--and a second beer from them will soon be coming as well.

According to a post from BostInno, Lawson's Finest Liquids will distribute its Sip of Sunshine IPA to the state starting tomorrow (Tuesday, January 31), with the Warren-based brewery having Atlantic Beverage Distributors bring both cans of the IPA and draft beer to Massachusetts on a regular basis. The article says that Super Session #2, which is a session IPA, will soon be on its way to the state as well, though it doesn't appear that this will happen right away. Lawson's and Two Roads Brewing in Stratford, CT, are partners, and both Sip of Sunshine and Super Session #2 are produced at the Two Roads facility--but as Boston Magazine indicates, both beers have been very difficult to find in Massachusetts other than at a few bars here and there, and sources say that beer shops and package stores have very occasionally seen small amounts of Lawson's of late.

Lawson's has won a number of awards for its beers, including at the World Beer Cup, Great American Beer Festival, and two National IPA championships, according to its website. The company first started out in 2008.

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]





Friday, January 27, 2017

Bar Lyon Is Opening in Boston's South End

A new restaurant and bar is on its way to the South End, and it looks like the place may be connected to one of Boston's best-known restaurants.

According to a source (via a hearing notice), Bar Lyon is looking to open at the corner of Washington Street and Massachusetts Avenue, with the notice indicating that Mark D'Alessandro of Mistral is the manager of the proposed spot. Very little is known about the place other than the fact that it hopes to have seating for approximately 60 people and that it will have both a dining area and a bar.

Mark D'Alessandro is currently the general manager at Mistral, which is a high-end French restaurant on Columbus Avenue in the South End.

The address for Bar Lyon is 1750 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02118. The website for the restaurant will be at http://barlyon.com/

[September 18 update: Boston Magazine confirms that the upcoming Bar Lyon indeed has a connection to Mistral, as chef/owner Jamie Mammano and the Columbus Hospitality Group are behind the place, which will be a French restaurant with seating for 50 in the dining area and less than a dozen at the bar.]

[July 11, 2018 update: The website for Bar Lyon indicates that the place will open sometime this summer.]

[September 12, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Bar Lyon opens on Friday, September 14, and that it will focus on the foods of southeastern France including items such as salmon tartare, soft-cooked omelets, steamed mussels, duck confit, broiled oysters, foie gras, and roasted chicken. Eater also mentions that the restaurant is not taking reservations, instead having a walk-in only policy.]

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]





Blackbird Doughnuts in Boston's South End Is Opening a New Location in the Fenway

A gourmet donut shop in the South End of Boston is opening a second location, and it is coming to a neighborhood not too far away from where the original resides.

Eater Boston is reporting that Blackbird Doughnuts on Tremont Street isexpanding to a new space, with an Instagram post of a blueprint having comments from Tiffani Faison (Sweet Cheeks and Tiger Mama in the Fenway) and the Craft Beer Cellar in the Fenway both welcoming their new neighbor. EB says that owner Rebecca Roth Gullo does not have any information to share at this point, but the post mentions that Gallo has indeed registered an LLC that has the name "RRG Fenway."

Blackbird Doughnuts first opened in the South End in early 2015 and is one of three spots in the South End that Gallo is behind (the other two being The Gallows and Banyan Bar + Refuge).

The website for Blackbird Doughnuts can be found at https://www.blackbirddoughnuts.com/

[March 8 update: According to a tweet from @DGoodison of The Boston Herald, the new Blackbird Doughnuts will open at 20 Kilmarnock Street in the Fenway.]

[May 1 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that the new location of Blackbird Doughnuts opens on May 8.]

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]





Thursday, January 26, 2017

Turtle Swamp Brewing to Open in Jamaica Plain

It looks like yet another brewery is on its way to the city of Boston.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Turtle Swamp Brewing is planning to open in Jamaica Plain, taking over a space on Washington Street that is only a few blocks south of the Samuel Adams brewery. The post says that Nicholas Walther--who had been a brewer at Harpoon--and John Lincecum are behind the brewery, which could possibly include a brew house and hopes to be opening its doors sometime this spring if all goes as planned.

The address for this upcoming brewery in Jamaica Plain is: Turtle Swamp Brewing, 3377 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the business will be at http://www.turtleswampbrewing.com/

[May 4 update: BostInno states that Turtle Swamp Brewing soft-opens on Saturday (May 6), with crowlers being sold and some free samples of beer expected.]

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]





Blaze Pizza Is Opening in Burlington

A group of California-based pizza restaurants that has some big names involved is opening its fourth location in the Greater Boston area.

The Daily Times Chronicle is reporting that Blaze Pizza is planning to open in the Vinebrook Plaza in Burlington, with the town planning board recently approving of a special permit for the place. The article says that the upcoming dining spot will have seating for 88 inside, seating for 22 more outside, and a bit more than 4,000 square feet of space. Once it opens, the new location of Blaze will join others at CityPlace within the State Transportation Building in Boston's Theatre District, Boylston Street in the Fenway, and One Canal Park near the CambridgeSide Galleria in East Cambridge. If all goes as planned, the restaurant could be open sometime this spring.

A few investors who have been involved with Blaze Pizza include Red Sox chairman Tom Werner, author/journalist Maria Shriver, and Cleveland Cavaliers basketball star LeBron James.

The address for this new location of Blaze is 91 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for Blaze can be found at http://www.blazepizza.com/

[March 23, 2018 update: Eater Boston mentions that the new location of Blaze Pizza in Burlington opens today with free pizza offered from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.]

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]





A New Scotch Lounge Opens at The Intercontinental Hotel in Boston

A new bar has come to a hotel on the Boston waterfront, and it should be popular with whiskey lovers.

Eater Boston is reporting that The Intercontinental Hotel is now home to a high-end scotch lounge that is open to the public when the space is not being used for private events. The article mentions that the bar features Glenmorangie scotches as well as wine and champagne, and it will host events on Wednesdays such as tastings, a hand-rolled cigar event, suit tailorings, and golf club fittings. A source tells us that the new scotch lounge is in the space where the champagne lounge had been.

The Intercontinental Hotel, which is located along Fort Point Channel between Seaport Boulevard and Congress Street, is also home to such dining and drinking spots as Miel, Sushi-Teq, RumBa, and VodkaBa.

The address for The Intercontinental Hotel (and the new scotch lounge) is 510 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at http://www.intercontinentalboston.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]





Bully Boy Distillers in Roxbury Getting Ready to Open a Tasting Room/Craft Cocktail Bar

A local distillery will soon have a space where people can enjoy some cocktails.

According to a licensing board page within the City of Boston website, Bully Boy Distillers has applied for a license to operate a tasting room within its new facility on Cedric Street in Roxbury, with the space being just over 350 square feet in size. An earlier Boston Magazine article had mentioned that the tasting room would be a "still-to-glass" craft cocktail bar located in Bully Boy's new 8,000-square foot home, which is across the street from its original space. It is not yet known when the tasting room might open, but more should be learned around the time of the hearing on February 1.

Bully Boy Distillers features handcrafted whiskey, rum, and vodka, along with gin, punch, and a bottled version of the Old Fashioned cocktail.

The website for Bully Boy can be found at http://www.bullyboydistillers.com/

[April 18 update: An email indicates that the tasting room cocktail bar at Bully Boy Distillers opens to the public Friday evening (April 21), and that the space will have seating for 28.]

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, January 25, 2017

City of Quincy Strips Clash of the Ash of Liquor License, Effectively Shutting It Down

A troubled Irish pub in Quincy that was allowed to remain open while appealing the revocation of its liquor license has apparently had its license taken away for good.

According to an article in the Patriot Ledger, the city's license board voted this week to revoke the license of Clash of the Ash on Hancock Street in Quincy Center after it was cited for serving alcohol to a minor. The board voted last spring to take away the bar's license for the same charge, but the drinking spot appealed the charge and was allowed to stay open during the appeal process. The post says that at this point, Clash of the Ash would need to get an injunction from Norfolk County Superior Court if it wanted to stay open for the time being, but with the bar's lawyer saying earlier this month that the place would either be sold or close down over the coming days, it does not seem that this is would be a viable option.

Clash of the Ash first opened back in 2008, taking over the space where Sarsfield's had been.

The address for Clash of the Ash is 1464 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

Thanks to a poster on the Quincy Is Everything Facebook group page for bringing this to our attention.

[February 7 update: A new article in the Patriot Ledger says that the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission has tossed out the first revocation of Clash of the Ash's license by the city of Quincy from last spring, saying the punishment was too harsh. The bar owner's attorney states that a request is now planned to ask the ABCC to suspend the second revocation as well so that it can be sold with the license intact. The Quincy licensing board is expected to talk about the situation in a meeting today, possibly looking at coming up with another punishment for the infraction from last spring, while also discussing whether the bar could reopen while the appeal on the second charge is pending.]

[Earlier Article]
Clash of the Ash in Quincy Gets Liquor License Revoked

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, January 24, 2017

Kaki Lima to Take Over Wink and Nod Space in Boston's South End

A pop-up restaurant that features Indonesian food is going to be moving into a temporary home in Boston's South End in a couple of months.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Kaki Lima will be opening within the Wink & Nod space on Appleton Street on March 20, taking over the spot where the Nepalese eatery Gita currently is until this week, and where Little Owl Tavern will be from January 30 until March. Kaki Lima has been both a media and industry favorite since starting out in 2014, with Chef Retno Pratiwi and her husband Peter Gelling having pop-ups at such places as Tavern Road in Boston's Fort Point, KO Pies at the Shipyard in East Boston, and Honey Paw in Portland, ME.

Wink & Nod is a culinary incubator run by Boston Nightlife Ventures that features ongoing pop-ups from different businesses. Its address is 3 Appleton Street, Boston, MA, 02116, while its website can be found at http://winkandnod.com/

[March 20 update: According to a post on its website, Kaki Lima moves into the Wink & Nod space today.]

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]





Superfine to Replace Jack-Tar American Tavern in Marblehead

A North Shore restaurant is shutting down after nearly a decade in business, and another eatery is moving into the space.

According to a Facebook post from OctoCog, Jack-Tar American Tavern in Marblehead is closing, with an earlier post that has since been deleted saying that it is selling the Washington Street space to another restaurant north of Boston (that place won't be named here until this has been confirmed). A note from the owners of Jack-Tar say that they will be moving to Saratoga Springs, NY, where they will open a new restaurant, saying that "it was not an easy decision" but "it is an exciting change that we have been looking forward to." The dining spot first opened in Marblehead back in 2008.

The address for Jack-Tar American Tavern is 126 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

Thanks to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page for bringing this to our attention.

[February 2 update: The Marblehead Reporter confirms what had been heard earlier, that Superfine Food in Manchester-by-the-Sea will be opening Superfine Marblehead in the Jack-Tar space. The article says that it will have the same menu as the original, so expect to see burgers, pizza, fried chicken, ribs, and other comfort food items there. (The post also says that Jack-Tar expects to close around the end of this month or in early March.)]

[March 7 update: According to its website, Jack-Tar closes for good on Saturday, March 11.]

[May 18, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that the long-awaited Superfine in Marblehead finally opens this spring, while another location in Newburyport is on the way as well this summer.]

[May 23, 2018 update: Wicked Local says that Superfine opens its doors in Marblehead on Friday, serving dinner Friday through Sunday and lunch and dinner on Memorial Day. The article also says that it will be a family-friendly restaurant that offers such items as fried chicken, burgers, pizza, and ribs along with beer, wine and cocktails.]

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]





Churrascaria Vulcao Opens in Dorchester's Fields Corner

A brand new restaurant featuring Cape Verdean and Portuguese cuisine has come to a Boston neighborhood.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Dorchester Reporter) that Churrascaria Vulcao is now open in Dorchester, with the dining spot moving into a space on Adams Street in the Fields Corner area. The new eatery offers Cape Verdean-Portuguese fusion items on its menu, including such options as octopus, Portuguese soup, grilled half chicken, spaghetti with seafood and vegetables, Portuguese steak with an egg and chorizo, grilled pork ribs, sauteed whelks, red snapper, and custard pudding.

Churrascaria Vulcao has seating for 46 people and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The address for this new Cape Verdean and Portuguese restaurant in Fields Corner is: Churrascaria Vulcao, 203 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA, 02122. Its website can be found at http://www.churrascariavulcao.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]





Saturday, January 21, 2017

Tequila Rain in Boston's Kenmore/Fenway Has Closed

A nightclub in the Kenmore/Fenway section of Boston has closed its doors.

A phone call placed to the spot indicates that Tequila Rain on Lansdowne Street has shut down, confirming a post on its Facebook page that said it was closing. The club, which was part of the Jillian's/Lucky Strike entertainment complex, was known for its "south of the border" vibe along with music and dancing. (Both Jillian's and Lucky Strike remain in operation.)

Tequila Rain first opened its doors more than 12 years ago.

The address for Tequila Rain was 3 Lansdowne Street, Boston, MA, 02215.

Thanks to for @Caddy2489 for bringing this to our attention.

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, January 20, 2017

Crumbs Closes All Stores, Including in Boston's Financial District; E-Commerce Site Remains

A New York City-based chain of cupcake shops that closed down three years ago only to reopen some of its stores has shut down once again--including its Boston shop.

According to several sources, Crumbs Bake Shop on Federal Street in Boston's Financial District has been locked up and dark for at least a couple of weeks, and a message from the chain indicates that the Boston store--and all others--have shuttered. The message from Crumbs did say that its online business remains in operation and that national shipping for their cupcakes is available via its e-commerce site.

The Crumbs chain initially closed down in the summer of 2014, but some stores soon reopened, including the Federal Street location in Boston. Other shops had once been in the local area as well, including ones at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay and the Natick Mall in Natick.

The address for the now-closed Crumbs Bake Shop in the Financial District was 176 Federal Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for Crumbs can be found at http://www.crumbs.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Crumbs Bake Shop Closes All Of Its Locations
Crumbs Bake Shop Reopening in Boston's Financial District

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]





Rattlesnake Bar & Grill in Boston's Back Bay Going to Auction January 25

An iconic Back Bay spot is on its way to the auction block after closing its doors in the fall.

According to a source, the Rattlesnake Bar & Grill on Boylston Street is having a bankruptcy sale on Wednesday, January 25, with a page from bostonrestaurantequipment.com showing that an array of kitchen items and fixtures will be auctioned off that day, including tables, chairs, draft beer systems, doors, pots, pans, file cabinets, and more. The dining and drinking spot shut down in November of 2016 and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation around the time of its closure, with a creditor's meeting apparently taking place late last month.

The Rattlesnake Bar & Grill had been in business for more than a quarter century.

The address for the now-closed Rattlesnake Bar & Grill was 384 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[January 25 update: A Facebook post from E. F. Smith & Son indicates that the auction of the Rattlesnake Bar & Grill took place at 11:00 AM today.]

[Earlier Article]
Rattlesnake Bar & Grill in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

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]





Hilltop's Cactus Sign on Route 1 in Saugus Apparently Staying Put

It looks like another piece of the "old" Route 1 will be staying put.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, plans have been unveiled for residential and retail development at the old Hilltop Steak House site in Saugus, and the iconic 68-foot cactus sign will be staying put. The post states that the sign will probably need new lighting along with other upgrades, but Michael Roberts of AvalonBay Communities indicates that it will remain, saying that "It really is an important marker for the site. It really does represent the history of the site, and our intent is to keep it."

The saving of the Hilltop cactus mirrors that of another Route 1 icon, as it was reported here a few months ago that the orange dinosaur from the now-closed Route 1 Miniature Golf complex will be incorporated into new development there, which is expected to include apartments, two hotels, and three restaurants.

[Earlier Articles]
Hilltop Steak House in Saugus Is Closing
Route 1 Miniature Golf/Dairy Castle Complex in Saugus Closing for Good; Dinosaur to Stay

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Note: Please join the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook Group Page to get more info on dining spots and also chat with others about Boston-area restaurants.]





Thursday, January 19, 2017

Amsterdam Falafelshop in Boston's Kenmore Square Has Closed

A pair of falafel shops in the Boston area is back down to one, as its newer location has shut down.

According to an article in The Daily Free Press, Amsterdam Falafelshop in Kenmore Square has closed, with owner Matt D'Alessio, citing a "dry business environment" as the reason why the Beacon Street eatery shuttered. The post mentions that the shop was unable to "integrate itself into Boston University's dining plans," and that real estate development nearby apparently caused a dropoff in foot traffic at the site of the place. The location of Amsterdam Falafelshop in Somerville's Davis Square remains open for business.

Amsterdam Falafelshop, which is based in Washington, DC, has a total of five locations, including the Somerville shop, three stores in DC, and one in Dallas.

The address for this now-closed falafel shop in Kenmore Square was: Amsterdam Falafelshop, 642 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the other shops can be found at http://www.falafelshop.com/

Thanks to a source for initially bringing this to our attention.

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]





Centre Bar in Dorchester Is Closing to Make Way for New Development

A few days ago, it was learned that yet another Boston dive bar could be closing its doors, and now we have confirmed that this will indeed be the case.

According to an article in the Dorchester Reporter, the Centre Bar on Dorchester Avenue plans to shut down sometime this year, with an earlier article here mentioning that the owner is looking to sell the liquor license to Explorateur, a proposed restaurant coming to the Masonic Temple space near Boston Common. The post says that four new apartments are slated to be built at the site of the bar, with commercial space on the ground floor being part of the plans as well, though it is not yet known what might open in that space.

A number of dive bars and neighborhood watering holes have closed in both Dorchester and neighboring South Boston over the past few years, including the Lower Mills Pub, Sonny's, the Freeport Tavern, Aces High, the Blackthorn, Williams Tavern, the Cornerstone Pub, Kiley's, and the Quencher Tavern..

The address for the Centre Bar is 1664 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122.

[Earlier Article]
Explorateur Plans to Open at Masonic Temple in Downtown 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]





Sonia Is Opening in the Former T.T. the Bear's Space in Cambridge

Nearly a year and a half after first being announced, a new music club is finally on the verge of opening within a landmark space in Cambridge.

Cambridge Day is reporting that Sonia is weeks away from debuting in the old T.T. the Bear's space on Brookline Street in Central Square, with an opening date possibly being announced by the end of January. The article said that owners Joseph and Nabil Sater (who also run the adjacent Middle East club) had hoped to open six months ago, but the permitting and construction process has been slow going, with new codes apparently slowing down progress. Once Sonia does open, the nightclub will have a capacity of 350 and will feature food from The Middle East--though it will initially not be able to serve alcohol, as the liquor license is still held by T.T.'s owner Bonnie Bouley, who is trying to sell it and was recently given a three-month extension on the selling process by the city license commission. (The lack of a liquor license will allow Sonia to have all-ages shows.)

T.T. the Bear's Place closed in July of 2015 after being in business since the late 1980s; the club featured countless local, national, and international acts over the years.

The address for the upcoming Sonia (and former T.T. the Bear's Place) is 10 Brookline Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[February 22 update: Vanyaland gives a bit more information on the upcoming Sonia (via the Clicky Clicky Music Blog), saying that the space will have a capacity of 320 and that it will be able to host live bands, DJ nights, and various functions and events such as weddings. It looks like the new place may be opening in the spring, though this has not yet been confirmed.]

[February 28 update: A new post from Vanyaland states that Sonia opens March 31.]

[Earlier Articles]
Sonia's to Move into T.T. the Bear's Space in Cambridge
City of Cambridge Warns Now-Closed T.T. the Bear's Place About License Fee

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 White Bull Tavern Is Opening Near Haymarket/Faneuil Hall in Boston

It looks like a new restaurant and bar is on its way to an historic block in Boston--and the owners of an adjacent dining and drinking spot appear to be behind it.

According to a source, The White Bull Tavern is looking to open in the former Panera space on Union Street near Haymarket Square and Faneuil Hall in an area known as the Blackstone Block. A check on a licensing board hearing page confirms this, with the notice saying that the proposed place is seeking the license of The Briar Rose, a Hyde Park pub that closed a bit more than a year ago. The manager listed for The White Bull Tavern is Jeffrey Baird, who is also one of the owners of the Blackstone Grill next door, and a sign had actually been up for awhile at the site mentioning the Blackstone's name, though no other information was given at the time.

The address for this new restaurant and bar in Boston is: The White Bull Tavern, 1 Union Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

[August 25 update: Zagat mentions that The White Bull Tavern plans to open in September, and that it will be a modern colonial tavern offering small plates, oysters, artisanal pizzas, rotisserie items, craft beer, and cocktails that use locally-made spirits.]

[January 22, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that The White Bull Tavern is now open.]

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, January 18, 2017

Luna's Italian and Latin Cuisine Opens in East Boston

A new restaurant has come to East Boston, and it focuses a couple of different cuisines.

Eater Boston is reporting that Luna's is now open on Saratoga Street in the Orient Heights area, and that it offers Italian fare along with Latin American items. The post mentions that the dining spot, which opened earlier this month, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, with the restaurant's website showing that it offers such dishes as shrimp crostini, risotto balls, yuca frita, lobster ravioli, linguine with clams, chicken marsala, shrimp tacos, baked cod, Chilean spiced short ribs, and a NY sirloin strip with chorizo, rice, chicharron, sweet plantains, and black bean puree.

The address for this new restaurant in East Boston is: Luna's Italian and Latin Cuisine, 945 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website can be found at https://www.lunasboston.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]





Symphony 8 in Boston Still Planning to Reopen

A long-closed watering hole near Symphony Hall that once included a speakeasy is still looking to open back up again.

Universal Hub is reporting that Symphony 8 on Westland Avenue could be reopening in a few months, nearly four years after closing its doors. The post mentions that owner Douglas Bacon said to the Boston Licensing Board that renovations on the space are more difficult than he had hoped, and that he continues to pay rent on the space even as upgrades are being done. If all goes well, Symphony 8 could open by July 15--though this also depends on whether the city allows him to keep his long-dormant liquor license for the space.

Symphony 8 first opened in the fall of 2009, featuring a mix of modern American fare and comfort food; the place also had a hidden basement bar called Prohibited where a password was needed in order to get into place.

The address for the Symphony 8 space is 8 Westland Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115.

[July 26 update: A licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website indicates that a request has been made for Symphony 8 to change its name to "The Westland," and based on the name of the parent company (Music Hall Dining, Inc.), it appears that Douglas Bacon is still behind the place. The hearing will be held on August 2; if the name change is approved, we will post another update here.]

[Earlier Article]
Symphony 8 in Boston Could Be Reopening

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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, January 17, 2017

SoulFire in Allston Is Closing

One of Boston's best-known BBQ spots is shutting down.

Vanyaland is reporting that SoulFire in Allston closes its doors for good this Friday (January 20), with the restaurant possibly being replaced by a Korean eatery, though this has not been confirmed as of yet. The announcement of SoulFire's closure comes exactly a week after we reported that its other location in the Brigham Circle/Mission Hill section of Boston had shuttered; it is not yet known what might be going into that space.

SoulFire, which first opened in Allston a bit more than a decade ago, is known for such items as brisket, wings, ribs, pulled pork, and fried chicken.

The address for this soon-to-close BBQ joint in Allston is: SoulFire, 182 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

[Earlier Article]
SoulFire in Boston's Brigham Circle/Mission Hill Has Closed

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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]





Roxy's Grilled Cheese Opens in Lynnfield

A restaurant and food truck owner known for his grilled cheese sandwiches has just opened a brand new location, with this one being in a growing development north of Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting that Roxy's Grilled Cheese is now open at MarketStreet Lynnfield, with owner James DiSabatino's new spot joining another shop in Allston along with a kiosk in the Innovation and Design Building on the Boston waterfront and food trucks in and around the city. The new Lynnfield location of the eatery was first announced in the spring of 2015

As reported here earlier, DiSabatino and Michael Krupp of Area Four are also getting ready to open Roxy's Central/A4cade in Cambridge.

The website for Roxy's Grilled Cheese can be found at http://www.roxysgrilledcheese.com/

[Earlier Article]
Roxy's Grilled Cheese to Open at MarketStreet Lynnfield

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, January 13, 2017

Taco Bell Cantina Eyeing Boston Expansion, May Be Looking at Somerville's Davis Square

A new concept from a fast-food chain is apparently looking at the Boston area, and it might be eyeing one of the busiest parts of Somerville.

According to a post within the Davis Square LiveJournal blog, Taco Bell Cantina has expressed interest in the former iYO Cafe/Bistro space on Elm Street, mentioning  that "Ward 6 Alderman Lance Davis said that Taco Bell has expressed interest in this location" for the new concept. This seems to jibe with an early article from the Kansas City Business Journal, which said back in October that the company was considering a possible expansion of Taco Bell Cantina to Boston.

Based on the other four locations in Austin, Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, any new Taco Bell  Cantinas that come to Boston (or Somerville) could include a tapas-style menu of shareable plates along with beer, wine, and liquor.

The address that Taco Bell Cantina is looking at is 234 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144.

Thanks to Universal Hub for bringing this to our attention.

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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]





Danversport Yacht Club Restaurant to Close

A popular riverside restaurant north of Boston is going to be closing its doors.

The Danvers Herald is reporting that the Danversport Yacht Club Grille and Bistro will be shutting down on April 2, with owner Paul DeLorenzo saying that the restaurant area will become an event venue. DeLorenzo says that gift cards for the dining spot can be used for public events, while unused cards will be fully refunded.

The Danversport Yacht Club first opened in 1970.

The address for the Danversport Yacht Club Grille and Bistro is 161 Elliott Street, Danvers, MA, 01923. The website for the yacht club can be found at http://www.danversport.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]





Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Ship Restaurant in Lynnfield May Be Demolished

It looks like yet another Route 1 landmark could be disappearing.

According to an article in itemlive.com, The Ship Restaurant may be torn down to make way for new development, with the new building apparently including retail space along with a drive-up restaurant and coffee shop. It appears that the adjacent Christmas Tree Shop would remain in operation, while a branch building of East Boston Savings Bank would be built at the site--and there also will be an adjoining condo project that is being constructed by another developer.

The Ship Restaurant returned to Route 1 in 2013 after being replaced by an outlet of The Mount Vernon Restaurant a couple of years earlier. Ship-based restaurants with different names have been at the site since at least the 1930s, as reported here earlier.

Over the past few years, several iconic spots on Route 1 have been demolished, including Hilltop Steak House, Weylu's, and Route 1 Miniature Golf.

The address for The Ship Restaurant is 24 Broadway (Route 1), Lynnfield, MA, 01940.

[January 13 update: According to a post from 7 News Boston, The Ship Restaurant is now closed.]

[February 8 update: The Boston Globe states that an auction for The Ship is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 15, with the liquor license, memorabilia, furniture, and kitchen equipment, all being available. And while The Ship is still facing the wrecking ball, a meeting will take place with the Lynnfield Historical Society on February 22 to decide if the structure holds historic significance that may prevent it from being demolished.]

[February 14 update: A note from E. F. Smith and Son says that the auction for The Ship has been postponed until sometime in late March.]

[March 23 update: A source tells us that the auction for The Ship will now take place on Wednesday, March 29.]

[Earlier Article]
The Ship Restaurant Is Returning to Lynnfield

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]





Spring Shabu-Shabu Is Opening in Allston

An Asian hot pot restaurant located in a borough of New York City is expanding to Boston.

According to a post within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Spring Shabu-Shabu is planning to open in Allston, taking over the space on Western Avenue where Maki Maki had been until closing last spring. A check on the website for the upcoming eatery indicates that Spring Shabu-Shabu currently has a location in the Flushing section of Queens, with that restaurant offering "traditional and not so traditional shabu-shabu side dishes from a buffet setting."

The website for the dining spot mentions that the new location of Spring plans to open sometime in February.

The address for this new restaurant in Allston is: Spring Shabu-Shabu, 370 Western Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for the original location in Flushing can be found at http://springshabu.com/

Thanks to Steven Leibowitz of Hub Food Trucks for bringing this to our attention.

[May 26 update: It appears that Spring Shabu-Shabu could be one step closer to opening by early next month, as a source tells us that Cafe 1221 in Dorchester is petitioning to transfer its license to the place with a hearing on this being held June 7 and a decision possibly coming the following day.]

[June 10 update: Universal Hub mentions that Spring Shabu-Shabu could be opening by the end of the month if all goes as planned (and pending the city's decision on the license transfer tomorrow).]

[August 1 update: A poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Spring Shabu-Shabu is now open in Allston.]

[Earlier Article]
Maki Maki in Allston Has Apparently Closed

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]