Boston Restaurant Talk: 2018

Monday, December 31, 2018

Angelo's Famous Roast Beef in Plymouth Plans to Expand to Stoughton

by Marc Hurwitz

A highly-rated roast beef joint on the South Shore may be expanding to a second location closer to Boston.

A poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions (via a Facebook post from the place) that Angelo's Famous Roast Beef in Plymouth is planning to open a new location in Stoughton, with the Main Street shop saying that "For more than 5 decades this town was well known for a delicious roast beef sandwich. The place was called Murmacs. Well a new sheriff is coming to town." The post from Angelo's is referring to a beloved roast beef spot called Mur-Mac's which closed more than 10 years ago, and while posters have been wondering if Angelo's could be moving into that Park Street space, it will apparently be opening somewhere on Washington Street instead.

Angelo's Famous Roast Beef has received high marks since opening, drawing comparisons to the best roast beef joints on the North Shore (which is better known for roast beef than the South Shore); a boston.com readers' poll from last year included it among the best of the best along with Harrison's in North Andover, Nick's in Beverly, Billy's in Wakefield, Mike's in Everett, and Bill & Bob's in Salem and Woburn.

[January 25, 2019 update: The Enterprise states that plans for Angelo's Famous Roast Beef are on hold for now because of family health issues.]

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]

A&A Deli in Arlington Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A decades-old suburban food shop known in part for its subs has shut down.

A check on the place on Sunday showed that A&A Deli in Arlington is no longer in business, with signs out front simply saying "closed" and the interior of the Mass. Ave. shop looking like it was in the process of being cleared out. Last week, a thread within The Arlington List Facebook group page mentioned that the store was indeed getting ready to shutter, though a specific opening date had not been confirmed at the time, while a call placed on Friday indicated that the store would be open on Saturday.

A&A Deli, which had in business since at least the mid-1980s, featured a variety of sandwiches, pasta dishes, pizza, and more, with one of its most popular items being its steak and cheese sub.

The address for this now-closed food shop in Arlington was: A&A Deli, 1042 Mass.Ave., Arlington, MA, 02476.

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 Tam, Sullivan's Tap to Reopen Today; No Major Changes Expected to Either Bar

by Marc Hurwitz

Early this month, we reported that two dive bars in Boston whose buildings had been sold to an investor group had closed down, and it wasn't known at the time what might be in store for either place. Now we have learned that they are reopening and that neither one will apparently have big changes made.

The Boston Globe is reporting that The Tam in the Theatre District and Sullivan's Tap near North Station are expected to open back up today at 5:00 PM, with spokesperson Sean Martin of the Greater Boston Bar Co. saying that "They will retain the same exact character that people have grown to love and respect." The Tam had shut down December 1, while Sullivan's Tap had closed a day or two later, and while much of the chatter surrounding the two bars centered around their reopening soon with little or no changes, it was not known for sure what might happen until this weekend.

One other bar whose building had been sold to Greater Boston Bar Co.--the Beacon Hill Pub on Charles Street-- remains closed while the exact status of Mary Ann's on Beacon Street in Brighton's Cleveland Circle (whose building had also been sold) is not yet known.

The address for The Tam is 222 Tremont Street while the address for Sullivan's Tap is 168 Canal Street.

[Earlier Articles]
The Tam in Boston's Theatre District Has Closed; Exact Status Unknown
Changes May Be Coming to Sullivan's Tap in Boston's North Station Area
Beacon Hill Pub in Boston Closes Temporarily, Will Reopen Soon
Is Mary Ann's in Brighton's Cleveland Circle Being Replaced By a Dispensary?

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, December 28, 2018

Bali Hai in Lynnfield Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like one of the last of the region's old-school Polynesian restaurants is getting ready to close.

According to a Facebook post from one of the workers at the place, a sign out front says that Bali Hai in Lynnfield is shutting down for good, with the note stating that the Moulton Drive restaurant plans to close its doors on New Year's Eve. A newer Facebook post mentions that the closing date has been moved up to Sunday, December 30--we will try to confirm that this is indeed the final day as soon as we can.

Over the summer, we reported that plans were being made to replace Bali Hai with a luxury apartment complex, though an article from last month from the Daily Item said that those plans were rejected by the Zoning Board of Appeals. It is not known what might become of the space now, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

Bali Hai, which first opened approximately 50 years ago, is known in part for its Chinese-American food along with its Polynesian cocktails and tiki drinks.

The address for Bali Hai is 160 Moulton Drive, Lynnfield, MA, 01940.

[December 30 update: A Facebook post from photographer and diner documentarian Larry Cultera confirms that today is the last day for Bali Hai.]

[Earlier Article]
Proposal Being Looked at to Replace Bali Hai in Lynnfield with Apartment Complex

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]

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Update: Junji Fine Japanese Cuisine in Marblehead Closes, Then Reopens Under New Ownership

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 4, 2019 to reflect the fact that the new restaurant has opened in the space and it has the same name.]

A Japanese restaurant on the North Shore has shut down after four years in business, though it looks like a new spot will be moving into its space.

According to a source, Junji Fine Japanese Cuisine in Marblehead has closed its doors, with a check on the Facebook page of the Pleasant Street eatery confirming this, saying that "New owner is Mr. Chai. They are creating new menus/Website/Facebook page W/new staffs." A comment within the thread indicates that the name of the restaurant will apparently remain the same and the new menu will offer Japanese, Chinese, and Thai fare.

Junji first opened in March of 2014, taking over the space that had been home to Joey's D's.

The address for Junji Fine Japanese Cuisine (and the upcoming restaurant moving into the space) is 114 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

[January 4, 2019 update: A source tells us that the new restaurant moving into the Junji space is now open, and it is also called Junji Fine Japanese Cuisine, though with a different owner.]

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]

The Breakfast Spot Opens in Grove Hall

by Marc Hurwitz

A new breakfast place has come to a section of Boston that has relatively few dining options.

Based on an article from Eater Boston, The Breakfast Spot is now open in the Grove Hall neighborhood by the Roxbury/Dorchester line, moving into a space near the corner of Warren Street and Blue Hill Avenue. The article mentions that the new eatery proclaims itself a "breakfast paradise" and offers such Southern-influenced items as grits with Cajun shrimp, biscuits, chicken and waffles, and a "fish fry" with haddock and grits, along with such everyday items as bagels, English muffins, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and more.

The Facebook page for the restaurant indicates that The Breakfast Spot opened around the beginning of the month.

The address for this new eatery in the Grove Hall section of Roxbury/Dorchester is: The Breakfast Spot, 651 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA 02121. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/TBS617/

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: Shepard in Cambridge Is Closing; Luce Restaurant and Bar Is Opening in Its Space

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 9, 2019, to reflect new information given on the restaurant moving in.]

An award-winning Cambridge restaurant known in part for its French-influenced dishes--while also making the news over its wood-fired grill--is shutting down.

According to a source within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Shepard is closing its doors on December 31, with a post within the bostonchefs.com site confirming this as well. Both our source and bostonchefs.com indicate that a new restaurant will be opening in the Shepard Street space in January, and diners who have a Shepard gift card will be able to use them at the upcoming spot.

Shepard first opened in the spring of 2015, taking over the space between Porter Square and Harvard Square where Chez Henri had been. The eatery, which made it to Bon Appetit's list of top 50 new restaurants in 2016 along with Juliet in Somerville's Union Square, became embroiled in a controversy over its wood grill, with the Cambridge Health Department forcing the restaurant to switch over to gas cooking last year because of complaints from neighbors over smoke.

The address for Shepard is 2 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[January 9, 2019 update: A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston states that Luce Restaurant and Bar will take over the former Shepard space in mid-January, with an OpenTable page for the upcoming spot saying that it will be "A neighborhood restaurant...with a focus on high quality, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients."]

[January 10, 2019 update: A post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com indicates that Luce will be an Italian restaurant with "a focus on seasonal ingredients, handmade pasta and an old world wine program."]

[January 14, 2019 update: Boston Magazine is reporting that Luce opens tomorrow (Tuesday, January 15).]

[Earlier Article]
Bon Appetit Includes Juliet, Shepard Among Nominees for Best New Restaurants of 2016

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, December 26, 2018

L'Espalier in Boston's Back Bay Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

One of Boston's best-known restaurants is getting ready to call it a day.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, L'Espalier on Boylston Street is closing on December 31, as chef/owner Frank McClelland says "The lease is up, and I don't really have the desire to continue to do this and renew." The post says that McClelland is working on a new project, though no information has been given on that as of yet.

L'Espalier, which first opened in 1978, has gained national recognition over the years as a high-end restaurant featuring French and regional cuisine that has seen the likes of such well-known people as Mick Jagger, Henry Kissinger, and Julia Child, according to the Globe. McClelland has owned the place since 1988, when he purchased it from Moncef Meddeb, who was the original owner and chef. The restaurant started out on Boylston Street, moving to Gloucester Street in 1982, then moving back to Boylston Street to its current home in 2008 next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

The address for L'Espalier is 774 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02199. Its website is at http://lespalier.com/

[January 9, 2019 update: According to a note from E. F. Smith & Son, an auction will take place at the site of L'Espalier on Wednesday, January 16.]

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]

Yere 1 Restaurant to Open in Watertown

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new restaurant is getting ready to debut in Watertown, and it will apparently open in the space where a food shop had been.

According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Yere 1 Restaurant is opening at the corner of Bigelow Avenue and Mount Auburn Street in East Watertown, with the photo posted indicating that it will be moving into the former Coolidge Variety & Deli space. This seems to jibe with an old licensing board hearing page mentioning that the eatery had been hoping to get a liquor license at the time, and while little is currently known about the place, the picture posted shows that it could have soups, salads, and "BBQ and butcher" offerings.

The address for this upcoming dining spot in East Watertown is: Yere 1 Restaurant, 4-6 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA, 02472.

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, December 24, 2018

Club Bohemia in Cambridge's Central Square Has Returned

by Marc Hurwitz

An iconic music club in Cambridge that shut down a few months ago is back in business.

According to musician and radio host/consultant Michael Scott Stewart, Club Bohemia has returned to its space in the basement of The Cantab Lounge in Central Square, with Cambridge Day confirming this (via a press release on Facebook), saying that the computer DJ format that The Cantab had replaced it with was not doing well, according to club manager Mickey Bliss. As of now, Club Bohemia is slated to have shows Thursday through Saturday and is currently looking to fill open dates.

Club Bohemia, which shut down in early September, has featured many local and regional acts over the years, while the Cantab itself was once known for being home to legendary R&B group Little Joe & The Thrillers.

The address for Club Bohemia (and The Cantab Lounge) is 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[Earlier Article]
Club Bohemia in Cambridge's Central Square to Close

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: 29 Sudbury to Reopen as 29 Rustic Mediterranean

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on March 1 to reflect a new name given for the place.]

This spring, we reported that a suburban restaurant that had a local radio personality behind it was sold and subsequently closed for renovations but never reopened. Now we have learned that it may be opening back up again.

According to an article from the Sudbury Town Crier, Jordan Mackey, who had been corporate executive of Whole House Group, is hoping to reopen 29 Sudbury, working on a lease with the landlord and attempting to raise funds to help pay for the lease. If all goes well and the Hudson Road dining spot does open up again, Mackey plans to offer a menu that keeps the Mediterranean influences of the former place (though with "flexible options for people" as well) while also adding a new wood grill, more patio seating, and a space for cooking classes in the basement.

Whole House Group, which was founded by Chris Stephans and WAAF radio host Greg Hill, sold both 29 Sudbury and Flank in Waltham in April, with the latter shutting down and being replaced by The Federal, a soon-to-open steakhouse.

The address for 29 Sudbury is 29 Hudson Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776.

[March 5 update: According to its Facebook page, 29 Sudbury will become 29 Rustic Mediterranean, with the page saying that it will feature "mindfully crafted Mediterranean comfort food for the whole family." In addition, a Craigslist job post states that the restaurant plans to open on May 1.]

[Earlier Articles]
Greg Hill's Whole House Group Is Selling Flank, 29 Sudbury
The Federal to Open in Waltham, Taking Over Flank Space

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, December 21, 2018

L Street Station Development in South Boston May Include a Food Hall

by Marc Hurwitz

Plans for a massive mixed-used development at an historic site in South Boston could include options for food.

According to an article in Eater Boston, L Street Station, which would reside at the site of the New Boston Generating Station (formerly the South Boston Edison Power Plant), may include a food hall as well as a market, with a rep for the developers mentioning that the food options would be located in "a beautifully renovated historic turbine hall" that dates back to the early 1900s and "features Italian glazed tile and large clerestory windows and directly fronts the proposed public waterfront open space." The development itself will have nearly two million square feet of space and will include hotel rooms, residential and office space, and retail space, with construction slated to begin in 2019. Eater notes that the timeline for the project is 15 years, so it could be awhile before the food hall and market are up and running.

The New Boston Generating Station/South Boston Edison Power Plant can be found near where Summer Street becomes L Street by the Reserve Channel. (More information on L Street Station can be found at http://www.lstreetstationboston.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]

McCabe's Bar & Grille in Cambridge to Be Reconcepted; Becoming Shine Square Pub

by Marc Hurwitz

A restaurant and bar in Cambridge is going through another reconcepting, and the plan is to bring back the feel of one of the spots that used to be in the space.

According to an article from Eater Boston, McCabe's Bar & Grille on Mass. Ave. near Porter Square is morphing into Shine Square Pub, with Dave Wells (a McCabe's alum who is one of the people involved with the new concept) indicating that they want to bring back the vibe of Spirit Bar, saying that "We really enjoyed the community aspect of it. It was a place filled with regulars, and if you went in and you didn't know the regulars, it wasn't as if you were an outcast -- you were now the new person and everybody started meeting each other." Eater mentions that the space will include a pinball machine, foosball table, and a jukebox, with some of the food options being wings, steak tips, chicken and waffles, and veggie pasta while drinks will include 17 beers on tap, wine on tap, a cocktail on tap, and house-made sambuca on tap. McCabe's plans to shut down this Sunday and reopen as Shine Square Pub on Saturday, December 29.

Spirit Bar changed over to The Dubliner Pub in 2013, with that place becoming McCabe's on Mass. the following year; a slight reconcept and name change took place in 2016 when it became McCabe's Bar & Grille. (The space had originally been home to the Porter House Cafe, which was owned by the Shine family; the name of the new spot is a nod to those owners.)

The address for McCabe's Bar & Grille--and the new Shine Square Pub--is 2046 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[December 29 update: A Facebook post mentions that Shine Square Pub will not be opening today, after all; instead, it will open at 11:30 AM tomorrow (Sunday, December 30).]

[December 31 update: A message sent to us from the place indicates that Shine Square Pub is now open.]

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]

C.F. McCarthy's Is Opening in Canton

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new Irish pub is coming to a southern suburb of Boston.

According to a Facebook post from co-owner Steve Carey, C.F. McCarthy's is opening in Canton, moving into the space in the center of town where Pete's Place had been. The post mentions that the pub will offer "fresh food made from quality ingredients and true independent craft beer," with 20 beers offered on draft, while wine and cocktails will be available as well. If all goes as planned, C.F. McCarthy's will be opening in January.

Carey and co-owner Gilmar Cassiano worked at the now-closed Boston Beer Garden in South Boston, and that the name of the pub is in honor of Christopher Frederick McCarthy who had also worked at the bar and, according to Carey, was "quite simply the most remarkable young man I've ever had the pleasure of knowing."

The address for this new Irish pub in Canton is: C.F. McCarthy's, 614 Washington Street, Canton, MA, 02021.

[March 28, 2019 update: A new Facebook post indicates that C.F. McCarthy's opens on April 8 at 4:00 PM.]

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]

Thursday, December 20, 2018

The Square Kitchen & Bar Opens in Former Pizzigando Space in Sharon

by Marc Hurwitz

A new gastropub has opened in a suburb of Boston that currently has little in the way of dining/drinking spots.

According to a post from Eater Boston, The Square Kitchen & Bar is now open in Sharon, taking over the space on Pond Street where Pizzigando had been until closing this spring. Eater mentions that Rachel Klein (Red Stripe, RFK Kitchen, Liquid Art House, Mandarin Oriental Aura, Tamo Bar) is heading up the kitchen at the new spot, while its Facebook page indicates that it is a casual upscale place that offers such items as tuna tartare, truffle fries, wings, ramen, roasted half chicken, paccheri carbonara, steak frites, and burgers along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for The Square Kitchen & Bar is 1 Pond Street, Sharon, MA, 02067. Its website can be found at http://www.thesquaresharon.com/

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]

Wahlburgers Opens at South Bay Town Center in Dorchester

by Marc Hurwitz

Over the past couple of years, we have been reporting that a burger place with local connections was going to be opening at a new mixed-use development in Dorchester, and that day has finally arrived.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Wahlburgers is now open at the South Bay Town Center, three days after having a public celebration outside the place. The new location of the eatery, which is headed up by former Dorchester residents Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg, joins others in the Fenway, Logan Airport, Hingham, and Lynnfield.

South Bay Town Center is located by the South Bay mall/shopping center between the Mass. Ave./Southampton Street and Columbia Road exits off the Southeast Expressway.

The address for the new location of Wahlburgers is 9 District Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.wahlburgersrestaurant.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Wahlburgers, J.P. Licks, MidiCi, Gyu-Kaku Coming to South Bay Town Center in Dorchester
Wahlburgers Planning to Open within South Bay Town Center in Dorchester

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

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

Porto Maltese in Brookline's Washington Square Has Temporarily Closed; Exact Status Unknown

by Marc Hurwitz

A seafood restaurant in Brookline has shut down for at least the time being, and it is not known exactly what the status of the place is at this point in time.

According to multiple sources, Porto Maltese in Washington Square is locked up and dark--apparently having closed last week--while one source sent a picture showing a sign out front that says the Beacon Street restaurant is temporarily closed until January 11. There are rumors going around that it could end up being reconcepted and/or rebranded, though nothing has been confirmed as of yet, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

Porto Maltese first opened in March, moving into the space where The Fireplace had been until closing in the summer of 2017. The restaurant has focused in part on Mediterranean-style seafood dishes, including a variety of shellfish options.

The address for Porto Maltese is 1634 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at http://portomaltese.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]

Bianchi's Pizza Plans to Open in Lynn

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a landmark Revere Beach pizzeria may have found a new home.

According to a source, Bianchi's Pizza is planning to reopen in Lynn, with a licensing hearing page seeming to confirm this, saying that the now-closed JD's Sports Bar on Lewis Street is seeking to transfer its license to Bianchi's which would presumably be at the same location. The notice also mentions another item that our source tells us--that Marcos Tacos, which had been hoping to open at Revere Beach, may be looking to open in the former O'Brien's space on Boston Street. (Interestingly enough, the parent company of both spots is M&M Restaurants LLC.)

Bianchi's, which had been in business for nearly 70 years, left its home on Revere Beach Boulevard to make way for an apartment development that is being built at the site; the pizzeria subsequently moved its ovens to Renzo's just up the street where its pizzas continue to be offered.

[December 23 update: A page on the Bizapedia site indicates that Julius Sokol and Matthew Gateman are behind the company; the former has been involved in the purchases of the buildings housing several Boston bars, including The Tam, Mary Ann's, the Beacon Hill Pub, and Sullivan's Tap, while a source tells us that the latter is related to the people involved with Renzo's. (The Manta site shows Jack Gateman being behind Renzo's.)]

[January 2, 2019 update: The Daily Item confirms that Bianchi's Pizza is indeed coming to Lynn, though it will be taking over the O'Brien's space on Boston Street while Marcos Tacos plans to take over the JD's Sports Bar space on Lewis Street (the Boston Street space has more parking and is better suited to takeout, according to Nicholas Venezia of M&M Restaurants). In addition, the article says that Bianchi's will continue to offer pizza at Renzo's, so the Lynn outlet will end up being a second location of sorts.]

[January 18, 2019 update: A new article from The Daily Item mentions that Bianchi's could be opening its new location in Lynn in two to three months.]

[December 3, 2019 update: A message from Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting indicates that Bianchi's in Lynn is now looking at a possible opening date sometime in May of 2020.]

[Earlier Articles]
New Development Planned for Bianchi's Space at Revere Beach; Pizza to Live on at Renzo's
Marcos Tacos Plans to Open at Revere Beach

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Fifteen Pizzas in the Boston Area]

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Vinal Bakery Moving into Former Pizza Palace Space in Somerville's Union Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A pop-up bakery is going to be moving into a permanent home, and it will be located in one of the hottest parts of Somerville.

According to a Twitter post, Vinal Bakery is opening a brick-and-mortar shop in Union Square, taking over the former Pizza Palace space on Somerville Avenue. The bakery business is known in part for its pop-ups at Bagelsaurus in Cambridge where it sells English muffins, and it also offers such items as banana bread, scones, breakfast shortcakes, tarts, and more.

If all goes as planned, Vinal Bakery could be opening its shop in the spring of 2019.

The address for the brick-and-mortar location of Vinal Bakery is 222 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for the business can be found at https://www.vinalbakery.com/

[April 19, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Vinal Bakery is now open in Union 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]

Cava Plans to Open at the Former Sears Tire and Battery Site in Burlington

by Marc Hurwitz

A Washington, D.C.-based group of fast-casual Mediterranean spots is expanding yet again into the Greater Boston area, with this location opening next to a mall.

According to a message sent from @CMFoster23, Cava is planning to open in Burlington, with a cover letter within the burlington.org site confirming this, saying that the dining spot would take up a portion of the space by the Burlington Mall where Sears Tire and Battery (also known as Sears Auto Center) had been. If approved, the new location of Cava would join others in Boston's Fenway and Back Bay along with outlets in Cambridge's Kendall Square, Dedham, and Hingham.

Cava, which started out in 2011, features customizable items that include a salad/grain/soup/pita base and with options such as hummus, falafel, feta, braised lamb, olives, and grilled chicken added.

The address for the proposed location of Cava by the Burlington Mall would be 85 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for all of the locations can be found at http://cava.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]

Monday, December 17, 2018

Main Street Grille in Weymouth Plans to Close Down

by Marc Hurwitz

Several months ago, we reported that a South Shore restaurant and bar could be shutting down to make way for new development. Now we have learned that this will indeed be the case.

According to a Facebook post from the place, the Main Street Grille in South Weymouth is slated to shut down on December 30, as co-owner Chris DiMambro mentions that a new apartment building will be constructed at the site which will include 153 residential units along with 7,000 square feet of retail space (possibly including a restaurant). The post says that a final farewell party for the dining and drinking spot will take place on December 28 and December 29, with festivities starting at 6:00 PM each night.

The Main Street Grille, which opened approximately 15 years ago, is a neighborhood tavern that offers mostly pub grub and classic American fare along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the Main Street Grille is 1400 Main Street, Weymouth, MA, 02190.

[December 30 update: A new Facebook post indicates that the Main Street Grille did not close today after all, as the new project for the site has been delayed, allowing the dining and drinking spot to stay open through "the first quarter of 2019." The post does say that the place will have to be shuttered for a couple of weeks this month while it gets its licenses renewed.]

[February 8, 2019 update: A Facebook post from the place states that the Main Street Grille has reopened after being closed for the past month in order to go through the process of renewing its licenses.]

[Earlier Article]
Main Street Grille in Weymouth May Be Torn Down to Make Way for New 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]

Garcia Brogan's in Waltham Has Apparently Closed; Exact Status Unknown

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a pair of Mexican-Irish restaurants is back down to one, at least for the time being.

According to a Twitter post from @HarmyG, Garcia Brogan's is apparently closed, and the Facebook post from the Moody Street spot that was included in the link is now gone as is the entire Facebook page for the Waltham location. A reply from @brandnewwatch within the thread mentions that the place closed last weekend, while a check on the Facebook page for the Lowell location indicates that it is still in business--though an events page mentions a "re-launch" party for that location last week. As soon as we find out the exact status of the Waltham location (including whether it could return or be rebranded), we will post an update here.

Garcia Brogan's moved into the former Skellig space in Waltham in the spring of 2015.

The address for the now-closed Garcia Brogan's in Waltham is 240 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453. The website for the Lowell location can be found at http://www.garciabrogans.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]

Chocho's Reopens at the Porter Exchange Food Court in Cambridge

by Marc Hurwitz

A Korean restaurant that has been featured on our sister site is open once again, more than a half year after a fire shut the place down.

A check on the spot over the weekend indicates that Chocho's has reopened within the food court of the Porter Exchange building in Cambridge, with the restaurant having a similar setup as before but an upgraded look. The dining spot received major damage in a May 2 blaze that apparently started in the restaurant's kitchen and also caused the other dining spots in the food court to briefly close (it took awhile longer for a sushi bar called I Love Sushi to open back up).

Chocho's has been mentioned on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site as a little-known place to go to for such items as bibimbap, japchae, soft tofu stew, and more. The review can be found at the following link:

https://hiddenboston.com/ChoChos.html

The address for Chocho's (and the other restaurants in the Porter Exchange building) is 1815 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA, 02140.

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]

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Margaritas in Medford Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A local chain of Mexican restaurants has closed one of its locations.

According to a source, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in Medford is no longer in business, with a Facebook post confirming that the Station Landing location has indeed shut down. The note mentions that the lease for the dining spot had expired, and it refers customers to other outlets in Framingham, Lexington, Methuen, Northborough, Revere, and Waltham. A few other sources had told us earlier that the Medford location of the chain (which first opened approximately eight years ago) was getting ready to close, but at the time, there was no confirmation on its closure.

The New Hampshire-based Margaritas is a family-friendly chain of casual restaurants that features both Mexican-American and traditional Mexican cuisine.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Medford was: Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 75 Station Landing, Medford, MA, 02155. The chain's website can be found at: http://www.margs.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]

Friday, December 14, 2018

Emone Tofu Is Opening in Former Wow Barbecue Space in Malden

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new restaurant is coming to Malden, and it will be replacing a Chinese BBQ spot that recently closed.

According to a source, Emone Tofu is planning to open in the former Wow Barbecue space on Salem Street, with a licensing board page within the city's website seeming to confirm this. Very little is known about the new eatery, though based on the name, it appears that it will be a Korean restaurant; as soon as we find out more about the place, we will post an update here.

Wow Barbecue closed its Malden location in September, though its other outlets in Brookline Village and Providence remain in operation.

The address for this new restaurant in Malden is: Emone Tofu, 184 Salem Street, Malden, MA, 02148.

[December 31 update: According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Emone Tofu is now open and is indeed a Korean spot with such items as soft tofu stew, bibimbap, and more. (The Facebook page for the restaurant also confirms that it is open.)]

[Earlier Article]
Wow Barbecue in Malden Has 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]

Piezoni's in Stoughton Has Apparently Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a regional group of pizza spots has closed its closest location to Boston.

According to a Twitter post from @JeremyKrantz, Piezoni's in Stoughton is no longer in business, with a check on the locations page of the company seeming to confirm this, as the Park Street outlet has been taken off the list. It appears that locations of the pizzeria in Attleboro, Easton, Fall River, Franklin, Plainville, Raynham, and Taunton remain in operation, along with a number of outlets in Rhode Island.

Piezoni's, which first started out in 2006, is headquartered in East Providence, RI.

The address for this now-closed pizza spot in Stoughton was: Piezoni's, 839 Park Street, Stoughton, MA, 02072. The website for the other locations can be found at https://piezonis.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Fifteen Pizzas in the Boston Area]

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Dot Tavern in Dorchester Has Closed; Exact Status Up in the Air

by Marc Hurwitz

Yet another dive bar has closed down, though there is a chance that this one could reopen, at least for a little while longer.

According to an article in the Dorchester Reporter, Dot Tavern shut its doors last month, though local real estate developer Doug George--who purchased the Dorchester Avenue building in which the bar resides--is looking for someone to open the place back up as soon as possible. The post says that George ultimately plans to have major renovations done to the space and have a spot that focuses more on food, but that might not be completed for at least a year, so in the meantime, he would like to reopen the Dot Tavern for the time being.

The address for the Dot Tavern is 840 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125.

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]

Six Po Hot Pot Is Replacing Rani Indian Bistro in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated to reflect the fact that a new dining spot will be moving into Rani's space.]

A restaurant in one of the busiest parts of Brookline is getting ready to call it a day.

According to a source within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Rani Indian Bistro in Coolidge Corner is closing, with a Facebook post from the Brookline TAB confirming this, saying that the Beacon Street dining spot will be shutting down after lunch service on December 19. No reason has been given for the closing as of yet, and we are waiting to see what the TAB might report in their upcoming article, so keep checking back for updates.

Rani, which first opened approximately 15 years ago, is known in part for their daily lunch buffet.

The address for Rani Indian Bistro is 1353 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

[December 14 update: The Brookline TAB is reporting that Six Po Hot Pot, a franchised brand that originates in Chengdu (the capital of the Sichuan province of China), is looking to open in the space currently occupied by Rani, with this being its first U.S. location. If all goes as planned, expect the new restaurant to open in April of 2019.]

[May 22, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Six Po Hot Pot is now open 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]

Cafe Bonjour to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new dining spot is on its way to the heart of downtown Boston.

According to a message from @cappyinboston, Cafe Bonjour is opening in Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Temple Place between Tremont Street and Washington Street. This jibes with an earlier licensing board hearing page that mentioned the place had been seeking a common victualler license to operate there, with the space including a dining room and a kitchen/storage area in the back. Very little is known about Cafe Bonjour at this point in time, and its website shows that more information will be coming soon, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for this upcoming dining spot in Downtown Crossing is: Cafe Bonjour, 55 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website will be at https://www.cafebonjourboston.com/

[November 26 update: A new message from @cappyinboston indicates that Cafe Bonjour hopes to open tomorrow.]

[December 18 update: Cafe Bonjour did not end up opening last month, but @cappyinboston tells us (via an Instagram post from the place) that it plans to open this weekend.]

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, December 12, 2018

Liuyishou Hotpot Is Expanding to Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A large chain of Chongqing hot pot restaurants based in China is making its way to Boston.

According to a source (Geoff Wong), Liuyishou Hotpot is opening in Chinatown, moving into the former Joy Luck Hot Pot space on Washington Street. This has also been confirmed by Eater New York, which says that "two more locations are set to open in Boston and Seattle by the end of this year." Once it opens, expect to see such broth options as a beef oil spicy soup base and a vegetable oil based along with a combination of the two, while ingredients include beef, pork, lamb, veggies, and more. (The city of Chongqing is known in part for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, including Chongqing hot pot.)

Currently, only three other locations of Liuyishou Hotpot can be found in the United States, including in Flushing, NY, Princeton, NJ, and San Mateo, CA.

The address for this new hot pot restaurant in Chinatown is: Liuyishou Hotpot, 702 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.liuyishouna.com/

[January 10, 2019 update: A message from Geoff Wong indicates that Liuyishou Hotpot has soft-opened.]

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]

Max and Leo's Opening in Former Sierra's Space in Sudbury

by Marc Hurwitz

A pair of coal-fired pizza spots will be opening a third location, with this one moving into the space where a Mexican restaurant had been before closing due to financial issues.

According to a source, Max and Leo's is opening in Sudbury, taking over the old Sierra's space on Route 117, with confirmation of this seeming to come from an old Facebook post from the place. Once it opens, the new location of the dining spot will join others in Newton Corner and in Boston's Fenway; it isn't yet known when it might open, so stay tuned for updates.

Sierra's was a Mexican eatery that went through a troubled stretch during its final years in business, temporarily closing in April of 2013, then reopening before closing once again in August of 2014, two months after we reported that it was going through financial difficulties and asked the town for more time to pay off its debt. A new restaurant from the Sierra's owners called Erica's Italian Table was looking to open in the space, but plans for that apparently fell through.

The address for the new location of Max and Leo's in Sudbury is 470 North Road (Route 117), Sudbury, MA, 01776.

[December 20 update: According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Max and Leo's is now open in Sudbury, with a post from the place confirming this.]

[Earlier Article]
Erica's Italian Table on Track to Open in Former Sierra's Space in Sudbury

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Fifteen Pizzas in the Boston Area]