Monday, July 31, 2017

Caffe Nero is opening in Boston's Seaport District

A rapidly-growing chain of European-style coffee places will expand further into the Boston area, with a new shop now slated for the city's waterfront.

According to a tweet from @ConciergeBoston, Caffe Nero is coming to Seaport Square in Boston's Seaport District, with a follow-up post indicating that it will be moving into The Benjamin and VIA luxury apartment complex on Northern Avenue. Once it opens, the new outlet will join a number of others in and around Boston, including a shop on nearby Congress Street in Fort Point.

Caffe Nero is a London-based chain of coffeehouses that opened its first Boston-area location in 2014.

The address for the new Caffe Nero in the Seaport District is 55 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the chain is at http://www.caffenero.com/

[November 3 update: A Twitter post from Caffe Nero indicates that the new location in the Seaport District soft-opens today, with free coffee served until 3:00 PM.]

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]





Figs in Boston's Beacon Hill Is Getting Ready to Reopen

Nearly a year after being hit by a fire, it looks like a Beacon Hill dining spot owned by a celebrity chef is finally preparing to open.

According to a Craigslist post, Todd English's Figs on Charles Street is hosting an open call for all front of house positions on Tuesday, August 1, while sources tell us that construction has been taking place at the restaurant and a note on its site says that it is opening soon. In early October, Figs was hit by a fire in the ductwork that extended up to the roof, which is similar to what happened to another Todd English restaurant in 2010--Olives in Charlestown--with that place never reopening.

Another location of Figs can be found on Main Street in Charlestown.

The address for Figs in Boston's Beacon Hill is 42 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

[October 17 update: The Beacon Hill Times reports that Figs is open once again.]

[Earlier Article]
Figs in Boston's Beacon Hill Remains Closed After Fire Earlier This Month

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]





Clover's Food Trucks to Be Taken Off the Road

Say goodbye to a local group of food trucks that are among the best-known in the Boston area.

Eater Boston is reporting (via a blog post from the business) that Clover's food trucks are being taken off the road, as founder Ayr Muir has decided that "This is the end of a process that started a few years ago....As I look at Clover today I want to focus our attention on the restaurants. I love trucks so much, it was how I started. But they add a lot of daily complexity. We'll be a better company if we're more streamlined and more focused." The Clover truck on Newbury Street has already shut down, while the truck at Dewey Square will stay open for what appears to be the rest of this week--and all but two of the trucks will be sold, with the remaining two being used for events and catering.

The brick-and-mortar restaurants in Boston, Cambridge, and Burlington will remain in operation, as will the two locations within the Whole Foods shops in Sudbury and Westford.

The website for Clover can be found at https://www.cloverfoodlab.com/

[August 4 update: Boston Magazine mentions that today is the last day for the Clover truck at Dewey Square, with free food being handed out starting at 11:15 AM and continuing until the food runs out.]

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]





Sunday, July 30, 2017

730 Tavern, Kitchen & Patio Taking Over the Tavern in the Square Space in Cambridge's Central Square

The people behind a group of Brazilian eateries may be opening an American spot in Cambridge, and it appears to be taking over the space where a location of a local group of restaurants and bars currently resides.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, 730 Tavern, Kitchen & Patio is planning to open in Central Square, while an earlier licensing hearing page indicates that it would be opening in the Tavern in the Square space on Mass. Ave. The job post refers people to 120 Washington Street in Somerville on August 2 for job interviews, which is the address for Oliveira's Steak House, and the licensing page lists Deneir Rosa as the proposed manager; Rosa is indeed behind the Somerville restaurant, and also may be involved with other locations of Oliveira's in East Boston and Everett as well.

The Craigslist post for the 730 Tavern, Kitchen & Patio says that "We're opening a new concept, an American Classic with a distinctive new shine! Fresh, chef-driven approach updated for today's palate, and a Craft Bar with inspired updates of American Classics!"

Earlier this month, we reported that the other Cambridge location of Tavern in the Square may be replaced as well, as Shaking Crab is apparently looking to open in the Porter Exchange building in Porter Square, and the Cajun seafood place would be taking over the liquor license held by Tavern in the Square's parent company, JMRSS Restaurant, Inc. [UPDATE--The Porter Square location of Tavern in the Square is now closed.]

The address for Tavern in the Square in Central Square (and the upcoming 730 Tavern, Kitchen & Patio) is 730 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[July 31 update: Cambridge Day confirms that 730 Tavern, Kitchen & Patio plans to take over the Tavern in the Square space in Central Square, mentioning that the latter will close briefly in August before the new spot debuts--and whose concept is seen as "an updated sports bar." The article says that Deneir Rosa (who is also manager at La Gran Manzana in East Boston) is indeed one of the people behind the place, while Davidson Bettero, who was the original chef at Tavern in the Square, is another owner as well.]

[August 16 update: Eater Boston states that Tavern in the Square in Central Square is now closed, which means that both Cambridge locations are now gone.]

[August 24 update: According to a Facebook post from the place, 730 Tavern, Kitchen & Patio is now open in the former Tavern in the Square space in Central Square.]

[Earlier Article]
Shaking Crab May Be Taking Over the Tavern in the Square Space in Cambridge's Porter Square

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]





Update: Oxford Spa in Cambridge Has Closed; Could Be Reopening Under New Ownership

[Ed note: This article was updated on August 3 to reflect the fact that the place now hopes to reopen.]

A neighborhood spot in Cambridge that has been in business for 20 years is shutting down and it is not known for sure what the future might hold for the space.

According to a Facebook post from Tom Meek and a tweet from @Sharalee_Field, the Oxford Spa on Oxford Street is closing today, with signs out front saying "We are sorry to announce that due to [losing] our lease Oxford Spa will close 7/30/2017." A subsequent article from Cambridge Day on August 2 indicates that this may only be a temporary closure, as an unnamed "experienced Cambridge retail owner" could be reopening the place, based on what George George--who is the son of the property owner and former owner Bill George--told Cambridge Day.]

The Oxford Spa offers breakfast and lunch items mainly to locals in the surrounding area as well as nearby students, including from Harvard. The Manta site says that it was established in 1997.

The address for the Oxford Spa is 102 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[December 4 update: It looks like the latest plans for the Oxford Spa space have fallen through, as a proposed restaurant called Country Mile has posted on Facebook that "we had to say good bye to the Oxford Spa....The neighborhood didn't want a night time establishment in that location... not even 2-3 nights a week and 4-5 lunches (which is what we were pitching.) Also seemed very unlikely we would get a booze license..." It appears that Country Mile will look for another space, and it is not known what will now happen to the Oxford Spa site. (Note: We have been told that another restaurant owner had been looking at the space before Country Mile looked at it, with the unnamed person apparently being the one mentioned above.)]

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, July 28, 2017

Lanes & Games in Cambridge to Close for Good August 13

A Cambridge landmark will be closing next month.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Lanes & Games on Route 2 is shutting down for good after the weekend of August 12 and 13, confirming what sources have been saying over the past few days, that it was planning to close in a couple of weeks. As mentioned earlier, the complex is slated to be replaced by an apartment complex that will also be taking over the adjacent Gateway Motel site.

Lanes & Games first opened more than 30 years ago featuring bowling, pool, video games, food, and drink.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at http://lanesgames.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

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]





Honeygrow Is Opening in Boston's Seaport District

A Philadelphia-based group of dining spots that opened its first Boston location earlier this month is planning to open another shop in the city, with this one being in a rapidly-growing area by the water.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Honeygrow is looking to open in the Seaport District and is currently hiring a kitchen manager for the upcoming outlet on Northern Avenue at Fan Pier. Once it opens, the new eatery will join another on Boylston Street in the Fenway, and based on the other locations, it will likely offer salads with house-made dressings along with stir-fry noodle dishes with meat and veggie options and sauces. No opening date has been given for the new location of Honeygrow as of yet, so keep checking back for updates.

Honeygrow first started out in Philadelphia in 2012.

The address for this new dining spot in the Seaport District is: Honeygrow, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for all locations is at http://www.honeygrow.com/

[September 19 update: Boston Magazine states that the new Honeygrow in the Seaport District opens October 13.]

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, July 26, 2017

Aprile's European Restaurant in North Chelmsford Is Closing; The Establishment to Replace It

A suburban restaurant that features dishes using recipes from a landmark North End spot is shutting down.

A job posting on the Craigslist site indicates that a new restaurant is opening at the mill at 75 Princeton Street in North Chelmsford, and it shows a picture of Aprile's European Restaurant which is located in the mill. A thread on the Chelmsford News Facebook group page shows several people saying that Aprile's is closing (a worker at the restaurant is also on the thread), and we have subsequently been able to confirm that it is indeed shutting down. A poster on the Facebook page says that a sports bar will be moving in, but we are still trying to confirm this, and more will apparently be coming from Aprile's, so stay tuned.

Aprile's European Restaurant is known in part for its pizza that is made using the old recipe of the long-closed European on Hanover Street in Boston's North End. The place has been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants), with the review being found here:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/European.html

The address for Aprile's European Restaurant is 75 Princeton Street, North Chelmsford, MA, 01863.

Thanks to a source for helping with some of this information.

[July 27 update: A Facebook post from the restaurant indicates that Aprile's closes for good at the end of business hours on Sunday, July 30, and that all gift certificates for the place will be honored at their sister restaurant (Gaetano's in Stoneham) as well as a new restaurant coming to the Aprile's space in September. The post also says that the upcoming dining spot--which will be under new ownership--will have "a modified concept but with many of the same faces and pizza you know from Aprile's."]

[September 3 update: A new job post on Craigslist indicates that the upcoming restaurant replacing Aprile's will be called The Establishment, and that the "new, fun, exciting, family owned restaurant" is currently hiring for a variety of positions.]

[October 1 update: According to a poster on this page, The Establishment is now open, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this, showing a menu that includes such items as wings, burgers, pizza, steak tips, macaroni and cheese, and more.]

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]





Blossom Bar Is Opening within Sichuan Garden Space in Brookline Village

In late 2015, we reported that one of the best-known bars in the Boston area could be getting a sibling. Now it looks like this is finally about to happen--and the bar now has a name.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Blossom Bar is opening inside Sichuan Garden in Brookline Village, joining The Baldwin Bar and Sichuan Garden II in Woburn along with the original restaurant on Washington Street. A hearing page within the Town of Brookline website hints that the dining area at Sichuan Garden will be rearranged, while a new bar will be constructed within the space and the furniture, floor, and ceiling will be replaced. It is not known for sure what kinds of drinks might be offered at Blossom Bar and whether it will have its own menu, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for Sichuan Garden (and the new Blossom Bar) is 295 Washington Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. Its website can be found at http://sichuangardenrestaurant.com/ while the website for Blossom Bar will be at https://www.blossombarbrookline.com/

[July 31 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that Blossom Bar will focus on South American and Latin American cocktails, with the 10-seat spot offering lower-priced drinks than that of The Baldwin Bar. If all goes well, the new bar--and the renovated Sichuan Garden--will open in the fall.]

[September 27 update: Boston Magazine mentions (via an Instagram post) that Sichuan Garden in Brookline will temporarily close at the end of business hours on October 1 as renovations get ready to begin, with Ran Duan (who is behind The Baldwin Bar at Sichuan Garden II in Woburn) telling us that Blossom Bar will be within Sichuan Garden, which will remain in operation.]

[December 28 update: An Instagram post gives a sneak peek as to some of the drinks that will be offered at Blossom Bar, including cocktails with names such as Caracas Express, Broken Spanish, Bocadillo Sour, Girl from Ipanema, and Big Sur. (The post also says that the Sichuan Garden/Blossom Bar space will be opening "really really soon.")]

[January 2, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Blossom Bar opens to the public tomorrow (and is doing a soft opening this evening), and that some of the old favorites from Sichuan Garden--including pork dumplings with chili vinaigrette, dan dan noodles, Chongqinq dry hot chicken, and house special eggplant--will be on the menu.]

[Earlier Article]
Changes Coming to Bar Program at Sichuan Garden in Brookline

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]





Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe in Boston's South End Is Open Once Again

A legendary Boston dining spot has officially returned.

Eater Boston is reporting that Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe in the South End has reopened, and as reported here earlier, Damian and Sheree Marciante of Victoria's Diner on Mass. Ave. are the new owners of the Columbus Avenue place--and they are focused on "upholding the institution's historic elements." The post says that the diner is expected to have a grand opening next week, but it is indeed open for business now, with hours being 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily.

Charlie's first opened in 1927, shutting down in the summer of 2014 before reopening under new ownership in early 2016, then closing once again in April of this year. The diner has seen such patrons as Barack Obama, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Julia Child over the years, and has been known in part for its turkey hash.

The address for Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe is 429 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA, 02116.

[Earlier Articles]
Victoria's Diner Owners Taking Over Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe Space in Boston's South End
Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe in Boston's South End Papered Over; Exact Status Unknown

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, July 25, 2017

Iron Furnace in Quincy Is Closing

A restaurant and bar in Quincy is shutting down after being in business for a couple of years.

According to sources, Iron Furnace on Hancock Street in the downtown area of the city is getting ready to close, with a post on the Quincy Is Everything Facebook group page mentioning what we had heard earlier today--that one final comedy show (Unscene Comedy) will be taking place there tonight before the doors shut for good at the end of business hours on Thursday. More details as to why the dining and drinking spot is shuttering are coming out shortly, so stay tuned for updates.

Iron Furnace first opened in September of 2015, moving into the space where a location of Stadium Sports Bar and Grill had been. The restaurant focused mainly on classic and modern American fare along with craft beers and cocktails.

The address for Iron Furnace is 1495 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

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]





Nagoya Opens in Medford

A brand new restaurant that features mostly Chinese and Japanese fare has opened its doors in Medford.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Medford Chamber of Commerce) that Nagoya is now open on Riverside Avenue, with the dining spot featuring such items as hot and sour soup, fried rice, teriyaki, tempura, sushi, ramen, and a variety of chicken, beef, and seafood entrees. The post indicates that the eatery is open for lunch and dinner daily, with hours being 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

The address for this new restaurant in Medford is: Nagoya, 38 Riverside Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155.

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]





Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House Is Opening at the Prudential Center in Boston

It looks like a small group of high-end steakhouses is opening another location in Boston, with this one apparently being in the heart of the Back Bay.

According to a source, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House is looking to open at the Prudential Center, with a quarterly statement from the restaurant group saying that they have indeed signed a lease for a new location in Boston along with another in Atlanta. Once it opens (sometime in 2018), the new Double Eagle will join another in Boston's Seaport as well as locations of the more casual Del Frisco's Grille concept in Burlington and Chestnut Hill.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House offers such items as steaks, chops, and seafood as well as beer, wine, and cocktails; the Del Frisco's Restaurant Group currently has more than 50 locations of Double Eagle, Del Frisco's Grille, and Sullivan's Steakhouse across the United States.

The website for Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House can be found at https://delfriscos.com/

[July 18, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House opens later today at the Pru, and that it will offer more than 12,500 bottles of wine.]

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, July 24, 2017

Chez Henri's Cuban Sandwiches to Start Being Offered at The Automatic in Cambridge

A legendary sandwich is returning to Cambridge, as the people behind a neighborhood spot now have its recipe.

The Tables section of The Boston Globe mentions that The Automatic will start offering Chez Henri's Cuban sandwiches, with chef Paul O'Connell of that now-closed restaurant sharing the recipe with the Hampshire Street dining and drinking place. The post says that the sandwich will start being offered at The Automatic on July 31 and will be available every night from that point on, while a Boston Magazine article points out that it will be on the late-night menu for now, but it could become a permanent food item on the regular dinner menu as well at some point.

Chez Henri, which had been located on Shepard Street between Porter Square and Harvard Square, closed in late 2013 after nearly 20 years in business. The Automatic opened its doors last November, with Dave Cagle (B-Side Lounge, Green Street, Lone Star Taco Bar, Deep Ellum, Trina's Starlite Lounge, the ONCE Lounge) and Chris Schlesinger (East Coast Grill, Back Eddy, Jake and Earl's Dixie BBQ, The Blue Room) being behind it.

The address for The Automatic is 50 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website is at http://www.theautomaticbar.com/

Thanks to The Passionate Foodie for initially bringing this to our attention.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Sandwiches from Boston-Area Dining Spots]





Aquitaine in Chestnut Hill to Close for Renovations

One of a trio of upscale French bistros is following in the footsteps of its original location, shutting down for awhile while it undergoes renovations.

According to a press release, Aquitaine in Chestnut Hill has closed for upgrades, and it will remain shuttered until sometime this fall while its other two locations in Boston's South End and Dedham's Legacy Place remain open for business as usual. The flagship location of Aquitaine in the South End shut down for similar reasons in February of 2016, with the Tremont Street restaurant reopening in June; some of the changes made to that eatery included a larger bar, a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, a second bathroom, and some additions to the menu.

The Chestnut Hill location of Aquitaine first opened in 2000, two years after the South End restaurant opened its doors. In addition to the three Aquitaine locations, The Aquitaine Group also operates Cinquecento, Gaslight, La Motta's [ed note--now closed], and Metropolis Cafe in the South End, and another location of Gaslight in Lynnfield.

The address for Aquitaine in Chestnut Hill is 11 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467. The website for The Aquitaine Group can be found at http://www.aquitainegroup.com/

[September 10, 2018 update: According to a press release, the revamped Aquitaine reopens in Chestnut Hill tomorrow (Tuesday, September 11) after extensive renovations.]

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]





Union Street Restaurant in Newton Centre Is Reopening Under New Ownership

Last week, we reported that a decades-old Newton spot that was known in part for its spacious outdoor patio had closed. Now we have learned that it has new owners and will reopen.

According to a Facebook post, Union Street in Newton Centre has been sold and will open back up again, confirming what a few sources told us over the weekend. The note says the following:

"We do [apologize] for the abrupt closing of our doors and wish we could have notified everyone sooner. But have no fear! We will be reopening under new ownership very shortly. They are a great group of gentleman, who own many successful Boston bars and cannot wait to expand into Newton to get to know you all."

As stated in an earlier article, Raji Pine of The Draft in Allston is one of the new owners of Union Street, but no other names have come up as of yet.

The original incarnation of Union Street, which first opened in the late 1980s, focused mostly on pub grub and comfort food as well as beer, wine, and cocktails, and it also had a large patio and a space for functions, while the upstairs section used to feature local bands. It is not known what types of changes might be coming to the revamped Union Street, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for Union Street is 107 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459.

[July 25 update: A message from Raji Pine indicates that Union Street plans to be closed for approximately two weeks for light renovations.]

[August 19 update: According to a Facebook post from the place, Union Street has reopened, with hours being 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM this weekend and 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM starting Monday, August 21.]

[Earlier Article]
Union Street Restaurant in Newton Centre Closed, Has Been Sold

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, July 21, 2017

Evergreen Eatery Is Opening in Former La Rana Rossa Space in Jamaica Plain

A new dining spot is opening where a Jamaica Plain pizzeria had been until closing last month, and the person behind it is also the owner of a nearby Asian restaurant.

Based on a Facebook thread on the Jamaica Plain Facebook group page, Evergreen Eatery is planning to open on Green Street in the former La Rana Rossa space, with a couple of posters saying that the new spot may be an American-style diner (though this concept has not yet been confirmed). A Facebook post from the Jamaica Plain Business & Professional Association page mentions that a request for a license to operate a restaurant at that address is indeed being looked at, with Phil Paik of JP Seafood being named as the manager, while another post on the page mentions the Evergreen Eatery name. As soon as more information comes out on the proposed spot, we will post an update here.

La Rana Rossa shut down on June 16 after only a few months in operation, though the owner's other business--the  Blue Frog Bakery, also on Green Street--remains in operation.

The address for the proposed Evergreen Eatery is 154 Green Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[July 31 update: Eater Boston states that Evergreen Eatery will be a farm-to-table spot that offers classic American diner items, and it will also include an express coffee and juice bar that serves sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and more.]

[June 2, 2018 update: Although there has been chatter over recent months (including on the Jamaica Plain Facebook group page) about the exact status of Evergreen Eatery, it now appears that the place is on track to open, as a licensing board hearing page indicates that it is now seeking a common victualler license and that the restaurant would include a seasonal outdoor patio along with an indoor dining area.]

[July 9, 2018 update: Eater Boston says that Evergreen Eatery is now open, with its diner side being open for breakfast and lunch from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM and its express cafe side being open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. (The place is closed on Mondays.)]

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]





Pokeworks Is Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A group of dining spots with one location in Somerville is expanding to Cambridge, and it will feature a couple of increasingly-trendy food items.

Eater Boston is reporting that Pokeworks is looking to open in Harvard Square, joining another shop on Elm Street in Davis Square, along with others in four states--California, New York, Washington, and Virginia--and more on the way to such states as Illinois, Georgia, and New Jersey. The chain of eateries offers a Hawaiian raw fish salad known as "poke" and it also serves "pokirritos," which are a type of sushi burrito. Both items have increased in popularity in and around Boston of late, with Manoa and OGinger in Somerville, Poke City in Cambridge, Yoki Express in Boston's Seaport District, Love Art Sushi in the Fenway/Back Bay area, and New Sushi in Beacon Hill serving one or both dishes.

The website for Pokeworks can be found at http://www.pokeworks.com/

[August 3 update: Eater Boston mentions (via Cambridge Day) that the new Pokeworks is taking over the Liquiteria space at 1440 Mass. Ave.]

[March 13, 2018 update: A new post from Eater Boston states that Pokeworks is now open in Harvard Square.]

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]





Kantipur Cafe Plans to Open in Cambridge

It looks like a new dining spot may be coming to a storefront between Cambridge's Inman Square and Kendall Square, and it would be opening in a space that has seen its share of restaurant--and name--changes of late.

 According to a License Commission General Hearing page, Kantipur Cafe is seeking to open on Hampshire Street, with the address given indicating that it would open in the space that has been home to Cafe Kiraz, then a dining spot with no name before it became Cafe 135, and finally The Taste, which appears to be basically the same spot as Cafe 135. Very little is known about the proposed Kantipur Cafe, so stay tuned for updates.

Cafe Kiraz closed in March of 2015 after being in business for approximately a decade; the unnamed spot eventually moved in before becoming Cafe 135, then The Taste.

The address for the proposed Kantipur Cafe is 119 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[January 17, 2020 update: Two and a half years after first being announced, Eater Boston reports that Kantipur Cafe finally has signage up at its storefront, though it is not known exactly when it might open. (Eater also mentions that the restaurant will offer a mix of Indian and Nepali food.)]

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]

Boston Burger Company May Open Second Location in Cambridge

A trio of burger spots with one location in Cambridge could be opening a second location in the city, and it looks like it is eyeing a new development for its latest outlet.

According to a License Commission General Hearing page, Boston Burger Company has applied for a license to operate at 610 Main Street, which is between Central Square and Kendall Square and is part of a complex that includes 610 Main Street South and 610 Main Street North, the latter of which is home to Sulmona restaurant and Cafe Luna. If approved, the new location of the burger spot would join others between Cambridge's Harvard Square and Central Square, Somerville's Davis Square, and Boston's Back Bay.

In addition to burgers, Boston Burger Company also offers soups, salads, boneless wings, chicken sandwiches, and more. Its website can be found at http://www.bostonburgerco.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]





Olde Salt House in Cohasset Is Open Once Again; Patio Back in Place

A South Shore restaurant is back in business after its patio fell into the sea last month.

According to an article in Wicked Local, the Olde Salt House in Cohasset has reopened after getting the green light from the building inspector, and its outdoor dining area is back in place after it crumbled into the ocean due to erosion in late June. The post says that most of the patio was able to be saved, and that it looks much like it did before while also getting new guardrails and fencing along with stone that gives it support.

The Olde Salt House is part of The Cohasset Harbor Resort, which includes Brisa, Atlantica, and the Cohasset Harbor Inn.

The address for The Cohasset Harbor Resort is 44 Border Street, Cohasset, MA, 02025, while the website for the Olde Salt House is at http://www.oldesalthouse.com/

[Earlier Article]
Patio at Olde Salt House in Cohasset Falls into the Sea; Restaurant Closed for Now

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, July 20, 2017

Cafe Algiers Considering a Possible Move to Cambridge's Central Square

A Harvard Square institution that is planning to shut down next month could be reopening in another part of Cambridge, though nothing is written in stone yet.

According to an article in Harvard Magazine, Cafe Algiers on Brattle Street may move to Central Square if co-owner Leo Diodato can secure a location over the coming weeks. The post says that Diodato and Sami Herbawi became the new owners of the spot last fall after Emile Durzi (the original owner) could not continue to run the place due to illness, with Diodato saying "We wanted to try and keep it open, because this place was his whole life." The landlord of the space, however, recently made the decision not to renew the lease and a new dining spot called Longfellow will take over the space, with chef and restaurateur Michael Scelfo (Alden & Harlow, Waypoint) being behind it.

Harvard Magazine notes that Leo Diodato also runs Andala Coffee House in Central Square.

[Earlier Article]
Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square Closing Again; Michael Scelfo to Open Longfellow in Space

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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]





J&M Diner Reopening in Big Fresh Space in Framingham

A popular diner that was destroyed in a fire earlier this year has found a new home, and it will be replacing another eatery.

According to a Twitter post from @mrbcpa99 and a tweet from @PhantomGourmet, J&M Diner is returning to Framingham, with a Facebook video from the place stating that it will be moving into the space on Route 9 where Big Fresh currently resides. (Big Fresh will be closing later this month.) The video indicates that the dining spot plans to open sometime this fall, though a specific opening date has not been given as of yet.

J&M Diner was one of 11 businesses at the Old Path Village Plaza that were hit by a fire in March.

The address for the new location of J&M Diner is 50 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA, 01702.

[July 31 update: According to its Facebook page, Big Fresh in Framingham is now closed.]

[November 26 update: A new post from its Facebook page indicates that J&M Diner opens tomorrow (Monday, November 27) and that customers are asked to wear their pajamas.]

[Earlier Article]
J&M Diner in Framingham Destroyed in Early-Morning Fire

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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]





Wednesday, July 19, 2017

The Broadway to Open in Former Boston Beer Garden Space in South Boston

A new spot is replacing a restaurant and bar in South Boston that had been around for more than 20 years--and it appears to have at least an indirect connection to a local group of dining and drinking places.

A licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website indicates that a spot tentatively called "The Broadway" is looking to open in the space where the Boston Beer Garden had been until closing in Feburary, with the manager listed being Guiseppe Acari. This appears to be the same Guiseppe Acari who is a stakeholder in the Tavern in the Square restaurants along with Tavitas at South Station, though it is not known what other connections (if any) there might be between this new place and those spots.

No other information has been given on The Broadway other than a description of the space, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for this upcoming restaurant and bar in South Boston is 734 E Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127.

[August 8 update: Caught in Southie mentions that The Broadway plans to open sometime in October, with an Instagram page indicating that it indeed has a connection to Tavern in the Square.]

[September 17 update: A Craigslist job post says that The Broadway will feature "craft beer, scratch cooking, inspired service, live music," and more.]

[November 14 update: An update from Caught in Southie indicates that The Broadway opens its doors tomorrow (Wednesday, November 15).]

[Earlier Article]
Boston Beer Garden in South Boston Is Closing

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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, July 18, 2017

Update: Union Street Restaurant in Newton Centre Closed, Has Been Sold

A decades-old restaurant and bar in Newton that was known in part for its large outdoor patio has shut its doors.

According to a source, Union Street in Newton Centre is no longer in business, with a phone call placed to the dining and drinking spot confirming that it indeed closed for good last night. Our source tells us that the people behind a Boston bar may be taking over the space, but this has not been confirmed as of yet.

Union Street, which first opened in the late 1980s, featured comfort food and pub grub such as chili, burgers, wings, nachos, macaroni and cheese, steak tips, and chicken pot pie, along with beer, wine, and cocktails. In addition to its outdoor dining area, the spot also had a space for functions including office gatherings, birthday parties, and more.

The address for the now-closed Union Street was 107 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459.

[July 20 update: A Facebook post from Raji Pine of The Draft in Allston confirms what several sources have told us, that he and his business partners have purchased the Union Street restaurant and will be making some "slight renovations" before reopening in a few weeks. It is not yet known whether the Union Street name will remain or what kinds of changes might be coming, so stay tuned for more updates. (We have reached out to Pine for more details are are waiting to hear back.)]

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]





Trattoria Orsini in Salem Has Closed; Antique Table Is Replacing It

A short-lived Italian restaurant on the North Shore has shut down, and it looks like a pair of Italian eateries is expanding into the space.

According to several sources, Trattoria Orsini in Salem is no longer in business, with a Facebook post on the North Shore Eats page indicating that Sunday may have been its last day. A few sources have said that Antique Table--which has locations in Lynn and Winthrop--plans to open in the Congress Street space (the Facebook post also mentions this), though this has not been completely confirmed as of yet.

Trattoria Orsini first opened last July, moving into the space where Grapevine had been for more than 15 years; the restaurant offered such items as grilled octopus, arancini, linguine with clams, bolognese, veal piccata, and parmesan-crusted chicken breast.

The address for the now-closed Orsini (and upcoming Antique Table) is 26 Congress Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

[July 20 update: A Facebook post from the place confirms that Antique Table will indeed be opening in the former Orsini space, with the restaurant planning to open sometime in early September. (Thanks to a source for bringing this to our attention.)]

[March 7, 2018 update: Eater Boston mentions (via a Facebook post from the business) that Antique Table opens in Salem on Friday, March 9.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Pasta Dishes from Restaurants in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Monday, July 17, 2017

Sushi Kappo Opening in Boston's Fenway; Co-Owner Also Behind Ebi Sushi in Somerville's Union Square

A new sushi spot is on its way to one of the region's "restaurant rows," and one of the owners of a Somerville eatery is behind it.

Eater Boston is reporting that Sushi Kappo is opening on Peterborough Street in Boston's Fenway, with the address indicating that it will move into part of the space where Swish Shabu had been. (Bennett's Sandwich Shop has taken over the other part of the space.) The article says that owner Jose Garcia is also the co-owner of Ebi Sushi in Somerville's Union Square, and that the new spot will have a menu that is "very much the same" as that of Ebi. If all goes as planned, Sushi Kappo could be opening on October 1.

Garcia also co-owns the location of Sapporo Ramen within H Mart in Cambridge’s Central Square, according to Eater.

The address for this new restaurant in the Fenway is: Sushi Kappo, 86 Peterborough Street, Boston, MA, 02215.

[December 8 update: A new post from Eater Boston states that Sushi Kappo plans to open on Sunday, December 10, and that it will offer sushi, poke bowls, ramen, sushi burritos, and more.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Food Items from Asian Restaurants in the Boston Area]





Dockside Restaurant at Riverview in Malden Has Closed

A small local group of restaurants featuring classic American fare has gotten a bit smaller.

According to a message from musician and radio host/consultant Michael Scott Stewart, Dockside Restaurant at Riverview in Malden has shut down, leaving three locations remaining (a second outlet in Malden along with restaurants in Wakefield and Chelsea). No reason has been given for its closure, and it is not known what might go into the Medford Street space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Dockside Restaurant at Riverview first opened in 2011, taking over the space where Agave Mexican Grille and Tequila Bar had been. Like the other Dockside locations, the now-closed Malden spot focused on comfort food and traditional American dishes, with soups, salads, sandwiches, wings, burgers, macaroni and cheese, and steak tips being a few options on the menu.

The address for this shuttered dining and drinking spot in Malden was: Dockside Restaurant at Riverview, 270 Medford Street, Malden, MA, 02148. The website for all of the Dockside Restaurants can be found at: http://www.docksiderestaurants.com/

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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]





Friday, July 14, 2017

Barracuda on the Fly Opening in Former Pedro's Tacos Space in Boston's Downtown Crossing

What looks to be a quick-service version of a seafood restaurant and bar in downtown Boston is on the way, and it will be moving into the space where a Mexican eatery had been until closing earlier this year.

According to a Twitter post from @CappyinBoston, Barracuda on the Fly is opening on Bromfield Street in Downtown Crossing, with the address indicating that it is taking over the former Pedro's Tacos space. The upcoming spot takes its name from a food truck run by the Barracuda Tavern (a restaurant that is located on nearby Bosworth Street), though we have been told that the truck may no longer be in operation. It is not yet known what the exact concept will be for Barracuda on the Fly, so stay tuned.

Barracuda Tavern, which first opened in 2010, is a nautical-themed dining and drinking spot that features such items as calamari, conch fritters, fish tacos, clam chowder, lobster quesadillas, grilled salmon, and fried scallops.

The address for the new Barracuda on the Fly is 55 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA, 02108. The website for Barracuda Tavern can be found at http://www.barracudatavern.com/

[July 19 update: Eater Boston states that Barracuda on the Fly will be a lunch-only weekday spot that offers Key West-inspired seafood items and it will have seating for dining in along with the option for takeout.]

[September 28 update: According to an Instagram post from the place, Barracuda on the Fly opens Monday, October 2 at 11:00 AM. (Thanks to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting for bringing this to our attention.)]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Seafood Dishes from Boston-Area and New England Restaurants]