Friday, August 31, 2018

Los Amigos Taqueria Is Opening in the Former Blue Shirt Cafe Space in Somerville's Davis Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A growing local group of Mexican restaurants is expanding to Somerville, taking over the space where a cafe had been for more than 20 years until closing last month.

According to a poster on the Davis Square Facebook group, Los Amigos Taqueria is opening in the Blue Shirt Cafe space on Highland Avenue, with an earlier licensing commission meeting page confirming this. Once it opens, the new dining spot will join other locations in Brighton, Brookline, Newtonville, and West Roxbury, and based on the offerings at those restaurants, expect to see such items as burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more on the menu.

Blue Shirt Cafe, which first opened in 1997, was known in part for its breakfast dishes, sandwiches, smoothies, and fresh-squeezed juice options.

The address for this Mexican restaurant in Davis Square is: Los Amigos Taqueria, 424 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website for all locations of Los Amigos can be found at http://www.amigosburritos.com/

[February 7, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Los Amigos is now open in the former Blue Shirt Cafe space in Davis Square.]

[Earlier Article]
Blue Shirt Cafe in Somerville's Davis Square Is Closing

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 Whiskey Priest in Boston's Seaport District Closes This Weekend

by Marc Hurwitz

A waterfront restaurant and bar that resides at the site of a planned residential tower has announced a closing date.

According to a Facebook post from the place, The Whiskey Priest is closing at the end of business hours on Sunday, September 2, saying that they "had a great run and have had some unforgettable times. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your patronage over the years and we hope you had as much fun as we did. To all the staff who have been part of the family over the years and helped make this place a home away from home, a true thank you and much Love." As reported earlier, the plan is to demolish the building housing both The Whiskey Priest and the now-closed Atlantic Beer Garden, replacing it with what could be a 22-story structure.

The Whiskey Priest opened approximately 10 years ago by what is now the corner of Seaport Boulevard and Pier Four Boulevard, taking over the former Seaport Bar and Grille space.

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

[Earlier Article]
Whiskey Priest in Boston's Seaport District Is One Step Closer to Closing as Plans for Tower Move Forward

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, August 30, 2018

Which Wich May Come to Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

A Texas-based chain of sandwich shops may be opening its third Boston-area location, with this one being its first within the city itself.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Which Wich is looking to open on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, with the address indicating that it would be located near the corner of Hereford Street. The post mentions that the Board of Appeals has approved of the plans to open the new shop, though the Boston Licensing Board will still need to give its approval as well. If it gets the green light and does open, the new location of Which Wich would join others at Somerville's Assembly Row and University Station in Westwood.

The address for this proposed sandwich shop in the Back Bay is: Which Wich, 324 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the company can be found at https://www.whichwich.com/

[March 13, 2019 update: Which Wich could be one step closer to opening on Newbury Street by tomorrow, as a licensing board hearing page indicates that its application for a common victualler license is being discussed today (the board often makes its decisions on the Thursday after the hearing).]

[May 28 update: According to a source, Which Wich is now open on Newbury Street.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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

The Local Kitchen & Drinks Is Opening in the Former Bonefish Grill Space in Waltham

by Marc Hurwitz

A small local group of gastropubs will be opening a fifth location, taking over the space where the last Boston-area location of a chain of seafood restaurants had been.

Eater Boston is reporting that The Local Kitchen & Drinks is planning to open in Waltham in the former Bonefish Grill space on 3rd Avenue. Once it opens, the dining and drinking spot will join others in Wayland, Wellesley, West Newton, and Woburn, and based on the offerings at those locations, expect to see small plates, New American fare, and beer, wine, and cocktails. Eater says that the new location of The Local plans to open this fall, though a specific opening date has not yet been given.

The Florida-based Bonefish Grill chain once had locations in Burlington and Westwood as well as Waltham, but all three locations have shut down, including the Waltham outlet earlier this year; they also had locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island, but those are no longer in operation, either.

The address for the upcoming location of The Local in Waltham is 99 3rd Avenue, Waltham, MA, 02451. The website for all locations can be found at http://www.liveeatlocal.com/

[December 4 update: The Patch says the website for The Local shows that the Waltham location is now expected to open sometime in 2019.]

[January 29, 2019 update: A Facebook post from The Waltham Channel mentions that The Local plans to open in the former Bonefish Grill space in early February. (Thanks to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page for bringing this to our attention.)]

[February 6, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that The Local is now open in Waltham, though its website indicates that the new location is currently open for dinner service only.]

[Earlier Article]
Bonefish Grill in Waltham 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]




Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Oishii Sushi Bar in Chestnut Hill Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

One of the area's biggest names in sushi is going to be closing one of its locations.

According to a source, Oishii Sushi Bar in Chestnut Hill is shutting down, with Henry Santoro of WGBH confirming this for us this morning. The website for the dining spot gives further confirmation, saying that "On Sept. 23rd, After 20 years of operation at the Hammond Street, and with the end of our lease, we will hold our last dinner service at the 612 Hammond Street location. We would like to thank our Chestnut Hill Team who have made a significant contribution to its success over the years." The note goes on to say that many of the workers at the Chestnut Hill eatery will move to their other locations in Boston's South End and Sudbury.

The Chestnut Hill location of Oishii first opened in 1998, offering maki, sushi, and sashimi, along with a variety of appetizers and entrees.

The address for this soon-to-close sushi spot in Chestnut Hill is: Oishii Sushi Bar, 612 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467. The website for Oishii can be found at http://www.oishiiboston.com/

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]





Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Da Bomb BBQ Opens in Revere

by Marc Hurwitz

The person behind a Boston-area food truck that focuses on barbecue has opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant a bit north of the city.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Da Bomb BBQ is now open in Revere, with the Broadway eatery joining a food truck with the same name. The menu for the new spot includes such items as chili, fried pickles, pulled pork sandwiches, a burger stuffed with pulled pork, ribs, brisket, baked macaroni and cheese, bacon-wrapped chicken, and corn bread.

The person behind Da Bomb BBQ is Meghan Fitzgerald, who used to work at Jacob Wirth, an iconic Boston restaurant that is currently closed and whose future remains up in the air.

The address for this new BBQ spot in Revere is: Da Bomb BBQ, 744 Broadway, Revere, MA, 02151. The website for the restaurant and the food truck can be found at https://www.dabombfood.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, August 27, 2018

75 on Courthouse Square in Boston's Seaport District Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A waterfront restaurant that opened earlier this year is closed for the time being, and it is not known what the future holds for the space.

Eater Boston confirms what a source told us a couple of weeks ago, that 75 on Courthouse Square in Boston's Seaport District is shuttered. We sent a message to the place at the time, checking to see its exact status but we never heard back, and while its website and Facebook page have been taken down, Mike Hughes, who is the general manager of the place, tells Eater that it is "closed for renovations at the moment....We do not have a timeline as to when we will re-open" and that it would remain closed "until further notice."

75 on Courthouse Square first opened in January, joining other restaurants from the Hampshire House group, including the nearby 75 on Liberty Wharf as well as 75 Chestnut and Cheers, both of which are in Beacon Hill, and another location of Cheers at Faneuil Hall.

The address for 75 on Courthouse Square is 60 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210.

[August 28 update: An update from Eater Boston indicates that 75 on Courthouse Square will apparently not be reopening, as a PR rep for the place tells Eater that it is permanently 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]

Petsi Pies in East Cambridge Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A trio of bakeries known in part for their pies is now down to just two, as one of their Cambridge locations is now closed.

According to a source, Petsi Pies in East Cambridge is no longer in operation, with a check on the Facebook page for the business confirming that the Cambridge Street shop shut down over the weekend. It appears that locations of the bakery on Putnam Street in Cambridge (which is a bakery-cafe) and Beacon Street in Somerville (which is a bakery and coffee bar) remain in operation.

The East Cambridge location of Petsi Pies had originally been a few blocks away from its most recent location, with both locations being on Cambridge Street.

The address for the now-closed location of Petsi Pies in East Cambridge was 594 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. The website for the remaining two locations can be found at https://petsipies.com/

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, August 23, 2018

Thelonious Monkfish in Cambridge's Central Square Is Now The Mad Monkfish

by Marc Hurwitz

One of the most interesting restaurant names in the Boston area is no longer, though the restaurant itself remains in operation.

Eater Boston mentions that Thelonious Monkfish in Cambridge's Central Square is now The Mad Monkfish, with a Tumblr page from the Mass. Ave. spot stating that the change apparently did not come as a result of any controversy over the use of the name, saying "Please don't believe the rumor floating around that the Monk Estate's fancy lawyer threatened to sue us." A reason was then given for the name change, but as Eater says, the post is "jokey" and it really is not known exactly why the change took place--though its website does say that the name change came about "out of respect for the Monk Estate."

Thelonious Monkfish first opened in early 2011, offering a variety of Asian fare, including Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese dishes.

The address for The Mad Monkfish is 524 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at https://themadmonkfish.com/

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]





OpenTable's Picks for Most Scenic Restaurants in the U.S. Includes Legal Harborside, Top of the Hub

by Marc Hurwitz

An online restaurant reservations provider has come out with its picks for the most scenic dining spots in the United States, and two Boston restaurants have been included on the list.

According to a post from USA Today, OpenTable has included Legal Harborside and Top of the Hub among the country's top 100 most scenic restaurants, with the former being located in the city's Seaport District and the latter being at the top of the Prudential Tower in the Back Bay. The list also includes several other dining spots in New England, including the Boat House in Tiverton, RI, The Mooring Restaurant in Newport, RI, The Ocean House Restaurant in Dennis Port, MA, and Simon Pearce Restaurant in Quechee, VT.

The list is based on reviews of more than 28,000 restaurants in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. collected between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Fifteen New England Restaurants and Bars in Scenic Locations]





Grecian Diner Tavern Replacing Kayla's Diner in Peabody

by Marc Hurwitz

A Route 1 diner is being replaced by what appears to be another diner.

According to a source, Kayla's Diner in Peabody is going to become home to Grecian Diner Tavern, with a Facebook post on the "North Shore Eats Without Greg" Facebook group page indicating that Kayla's is now closed with a sign up for the new place. It isn't known what might be on the menu at Grecian Diner Tavern, nor is it known when it might open, so keep checking back for updates.

Kayla's Diner was a family-owned retro-style diner that first opened a bit more than three years ago; the eatery offered such dishes as pancakes, waffles, eggs Benedict, baked haddock, chicken pot pie, ribs, macaroni and cheese, and a yankee pot roast.

The address for the now-closed Kayla's Diner (and the new Grecian Diner Tavern) is 136 Newbury Street (Route 1), Peabody, MA, 01960. The Facebook page for Grecian Diner Tavern can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Grecian-DINER-Tavern-177623973098505/

[September 4 update: According to a message sent from @CappyinBoston, Grecian Diner 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]





Cafe Piazza Dolce in Winchester Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban Italian restaurant that started off as a cafe has closed its doors.

According to an article in the Winchester Star, Cafe Piazza Dolce has shut down, with a note on its website telling customers that "We will remember each and every kind work of support and appreciation along the way. With a heavy heart we bid you farewell for now, and wish you good health and happiness." The Star mentions that owner Alessandra Siniscalco Troisi closed the Main Street eatery for no other reason but "by choice," saying that she is now looking forward to traveling and spending more time with her family.

Cafe Piazza Dolce first opened in 2005, morphing from a cafe into a higher-end Italian restaurant, with the menu including such items as calamari, bruschetta, gnocchi, lobster ravioli, clam linguini, lamb chops, pizza, panini, cannoli, and gelato.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Winchester was: Cafe Piazza Dolce, 831 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

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, August 22, 2018

Formaggio Kitchen Is Opening a New Location in Cambridge's Kendall Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A popular gourmet food shop with two locations in the Boston area is going to be opening a third, as it also gets ready for a special anniversary.

According to an article in Cambridge Day, Formaggio Kitchen is planning to open a new outlet on the edge of Cambridge's Kendall Square (next to Lord Hobo), with the Hampshire Street spot having approximately 2,500 square feet of space, a small retail section, and a large kitchen. Once it opens, the new location of Formaggio will join others in Cambridge's Huron Village and Boston's South End, along with a small branch on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

If all goes well, Formaggio's will open in September, possibly in time for the 40th anniversary celebration at the original Huron Avenue location on September 23.

The address for this upcoming specialty food shop is: Formaggio Kitchen, 94 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.formaggiokitchen.com/

[November 8 update: An Instagram post indicates that the new location of Formaggio is now looking at an opening sometime this winter.]

[December 26 update: Eater Boston states that Formaggio plans to open in Kendall Square on Thursday, December 27.]

[December 27 update: A tweet from @theplaceilove says (via an Instagram post from the place) that because of some technical issues, the Kendall Square location of Formaggio won't have its soft opening until tomorrow (Friday, December 28).]

[December 28 update: A new Instagram post from the place confirms that Formaggio's new Kendall Square shop 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]





Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Confirmed: J.P. Licks Is Returning to Newbury Street

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on September 11 to reflect confirmation of J.P. Licks returning to Newbury Street.]

A local group of ice cream cafes that shut down its Newbury Street location several years ago may be coming back, though to a new location a few blocks to the east.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, J.P. Licks is seeking a license to operate at 173 Newbury Street, which is between Dartmouth Street and Exeter Street. The ice cream spot used to reside in a space at 352 Newbury Street between Hereford Street and Mass. Ave., but that shop closed in March of 2012 because its lease had expired and the landlord was reportedly looking for a larger tenant. Plans for J.P. Licks to return to Newbury Street have apparently been in the works for awhile, as a Back Bay Architectural Commission Review page from last year shows blueprints, photos, and other information on the proposed shop.

Currently, locations of J.P. Licks can be found in a number of locations in and around Boston, including another in the Back Bay as well as other locations within the city in Beacon Hill, Dorchester, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury. The website for the business is at http://www.jplicks.com/

[September 11 update: A job post within the Craigslist site confirms these plans, saying that "We are excited to be coming back to Newbury Street."]

[Earlier Article]
J.P. Licks on Newbury Street 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]





Massimo Is Replacing Met Bar & Grill at Legacy Place in Dedham

by Marc Hurwitz

Last week, we reported that an upscale suburban dining spot that was part of a local restaurant group was closing, and that it was going to be replaced by a new Italian restaurant. Now we have learned more about what will be moving in.

According to a press release, Massimo in Providence is expanding to Legacy Place in Dedham, and based on the address given, it will be taking over the former Met Bar & Grill space. The email says that the upcoming spot will feature a seasonal Italian menu, with the space including a "farmers table," a bar, a fireplace, and an outdoor patio. It appears that the new location of Massimo will be open for lunch and dinner daily along with a Sunday brunch.

Massimo has received much praise since opening a couple of years ago on Atwells Avenue in the Federal Hill section of Providence, including RI Monthly giving it a best "New Italian" in 2017 while Gail Ciampa of the Providence Journal said in a review that she "marveled at the food that was served in a short window of time" and "When a meal ends as strong as it starts, you know you've found a winning recipe for success."

The address for this new Italian restaurant in Dedham is: Massimo, 400 Legacy Place, Dedham MA, 02026. The website for the original location in Providence can be found at http://massimori.com/

[January 18, 2019 update: Based on the reservations section of its website, it appears that Massimo could be debuting at Legacy Place on January 27.]

[January 28, 2019 update: A press release states that Massimo opens in Dedham this evening.]

[Earlier Article]
Met Bar & Grill at Dedham's Legacy Place 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]




Bon Me to Close Its Chestnut Hill Square Location

by Marc Hurwitz

A group of Vietnamese food trucks and brick-and-mortar spots will be getting a bit smaller this weekend, as one of its restaurants will be shutting down.

According to a source, Bon Me at Chestnut Hill Square is closing at the end of business hours on Sunday, August 26, with a Patch article confirming this, saying that the location was a "tricky" one. (Our source indicates that issues included the shop being further away from the base of operations for Bon Me and the place having difficulty finding workers.) It appears that all other brick-and-mortar locations will remain open, including Boston Public Market, Boston's Back Bay and Fort Point, and Cambridge's Fresh Pond and Kendall Square as well as East Cambridge, and that they still plan to expand to the Longwood area and Cambridge's Harvard Square as reported here earlier.

Bon Me first opened at Chestnut Hill Square around the end of 2015.

The address for this soon-to-close restaurant in Chestnut Hill is: 210 Boylston Street (Route 9), Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467. The website for the business can be found at http://www.bonmetruck.com/

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]





ReelHouse in East Boston Plans to Open Second Location at Marina Bay in Quincy

by Marc Hurwitz

A waterfront restaurant in East Boston that features seafood dishes with global influences is looking to open another location along the water, with this one being a few miles south of Boston.

According to an article from n-magazine.com, ReelHouse is planning to open at Marina Bay in Quincy, with the post saying that owner Charlie Larner is also thinking about bringing a restaurant to Nantucket while also preparing to open a new location of Mija Cantina at Logan Airport as well (the original location of Mija is in Boston's Faneuil Hall). Very little is known about the upcoming location of ReelHouse, including its exact location at Marina Bay and when it might open, so keep checking back for updates.

ReelHouse first opened at The Eddy apartment complex in East Boston in April of 2017, with Larner's Navy Yard Hospitality Group being behind it while its menu is led by Culinary Director Marc Orfaly (Pigalle, The Beehive). In addition to ReelHouse and Mija, Larner's restaurant group also runs Pier 6 in Charlestown.

The website for ReelHouse can be found at https://www.reelhouseboston.com/

[August 24 update: Eater Boston states that ReelHouse will open at the Meriel Marina Bay luxury apartment complex and that Marc Orfaly will be the opening chef when it debuts.]

[June 20, 2019 update: Boston Magazine indicates that ReelHouse opens its new location at Marina Bay tomorrow (Friday, June 21).]

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]

Club Bohemia in Cambridge's Central Square to Close

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like another iconic music club is shutting down.

Vanyaland is reporting that Club Bohemia, which is located in the basement of The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge's Central Square, is closing on September 2, with the website for the place stating that its final show is September 1--and also mentioning that The Cantab will remain in operation. No reason has been given for the closure of the club at this point in time, and a post on its Facebook page discusses starting an online petition to save the place, so stay tuned for any updates as they come in.

Club Bohemia has featured many local and regional acts over the years, while the Cantab itself was once known for being home to Little Joe & The Thrillers, an R&B group that played there countless times (Cook passed away in 2014).

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

[August 30 update: Based on a blog post, it looks like the last night at Club Bohemia will be Saturday, September 1.]

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, August 20, 2018

Fiorella's Express Is Opening in Wellesley

by Marc Hurwitz

A trio of Italian eateries that focus on takeout will be joined by a fourth later this year.

The Wellesley Townsman is reporting that Fiorella's Express is planning to open in Wellesley, with the address indicating that it will be moving into a space on Route 16 in Wellesley Square. Once it opens, the new outlet will join others in Belmont, Brighton, and Cambridge [ed note--the Cambridge location has closed], along with full-service locations of Fiorella's in Concord and Newton, and expect to see such items as pizza, calzones, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and more at the new spot.

The address for this new eatery in Wellesley Square is: Fiorella's Express, 575 Washington Street (Route 16), Wellesley, MA, 02482. The website for the other locations can be found at https://www.fiorellasexpress.com/

[January 11, 2019 update: A new article from The Wellesley Townsman states that Fiorella's Express plans to open its new location in Wellesley sometime around February.]

[March 22, 2019 update: The Swellesley Report states that Fiorella's Express is now open in Wellesley.]

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]




Bonapita Opening in Former BurgerFi Space in West Roxbury

by Marc Hurwitz

A quick-service restaurant in downtown Boston is expanding to a second spot, taking over the space where a burger place had been.

Universal Hub is reporting that Bonapita is opening in West Roxbury, moving into the former BurgerFi space on Spring Street. Based on the menu at the original location on Franklin Street, the new eatery might offer salads, stuffed pita, and bowls, all of which could include such items as black bean and beet patties, meatballs, chicken, lentils, hummus, and more.

BurgerFi closed its West Roxbury location in 2016, while its outlet near Boston University had closed for renovations the previous year and never reopened; these were the only two locations of the Florida-based chain of burger spots in the region.

The original location of Bonapita in downtown Boston opened in 2014.

The address for the new location of Bonapita in West Roxbury is 77 Spring Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132. The website for the original location can be found at http://bonapita.com/

[December 12 update: Eater Boston states that Bonapita's new location in West Roxbury 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]





White's Bakery and Cafe Is Opening in Wellesley

by Marc Hurwitz

A trio of bakeries located south of Boston will be joined by a fourth, with this one opening west of the city.

The Wellesley Townsman is reporting what The Swellesley Report had mentioned earlier, that White's Bakery and Cafe is planning to open on Washington Street in Wellesley Hills, taking over the space in the Playhouse Square building where a location of TD Bank had been. Once it opens, the new spot will join other locations in Brockton, Hingham, and Mansfield, and based on the items offered at those locations, expect to find breakfast items, pies, cakes, breads, cookies, and more at the Wellesley shop.

If all goes as planned, the new location of White's Bakery and Cafe could be opening this fall.

The address for this new bakery in Wellesley Hills is: White's Bakery and Cafe, 380 Washington Street (Route 16), Wellesley, MA, 02481. The website for all locations can be found at http://www.whitesbakeryandcafe.com/

[April 23, 2019 update: The website for White's indicates that the new Wellesley shop is now open.]

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]

Friday, August 17, 2018

Ripple Cafe Is Opening in the Flat Black Coffee Space in the Ashmont/Peabody Square Section of Dorchester

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on September 6 to reflect the fact that a new spot is moving into the space.]

A local group of espresso bars has shut down one of its locations, citing lease and construction issues as a couple of reasons for its closure.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Flat Black Coffee has closed its shop in the Ashmont/Peabody Square section of Dorchester and is moving its operations to its other Dorchester location in nearby Lower Mills. The post mentions that in addition to the fact that its lease was up and it was dealing with ongoing construction issues, competition also played a factor in the decision.

Flat Black Coffee has three locations in downtown Boston as well as its original location in Lower Mills--and they also distribute coffee to a handful of local shops as well.

The address for this now-closed espresso bar in Ashmont/Peabody Square was: Flat Black Coffee, 1906 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02124. The website for the business can be found at http://flatblackcoffee.com/

[September 6 update: The Dorchester Reporter states that Ripple Cafe is moving into the former Flat Black space, with the place possibly opening in October if all goes well. Ripple, which got its start as a pop-up in nearby Codman Square, will likely offer baked goods, pastries, coffee, tea, and more based on the offerings at its pop-up shop.]

[January 24, 2019 update: A Facebook post from last week indicates that Ripple Cafe plans to open within the next few weeks.]

[March 2, 2019 update: A tweet from @greaterashmont states that Ripple Cafe 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]




Milano's Deli in East Boston Has Reopened

by Marc Hurwitz

An old-fashioned Italian deli that is known in part for its pizza is back more than a year after it suffered major damage in a fire.

The Eastie Times is reporting that Milano's Deli in the Orient Heights section of East Boston reopened on Tuesday, offering such favorites as pizza, arancini, subs, and other items until running out of food around mid-afternoon. The post says that for now, the shop will offer a limited menu until "all the kinks are worked out."

In June of 2017, a fire in the kitchen section of Milano's resulted in serious damage to the inside of the place, forcing them to close and rebuild.

The address for Milano's is 978 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

Thanks for Eater Boston bringing this to our attention.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Thursday, August 16, 2018

Gigi's Italian Gourmet Market and Deli in Danvers Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A North Shore market with a connection to a top-rated restaurant in the Caribbean has shut down after a very brief time in business.

A message sent to us from @CappyinBoston indicates that Gigi's Italian Gourmet Market and Deli in Danvers is no longer in operation, with a Patch article also saying the Route 1 shop has shuttered while mentioning that its Facebook page states it "will not be reopening in the near future." The Patch says that Michael Fortino, who was the chef at ZoZo's on St. John in the Virgin Islands, helped open Gigi's after the restaurant (which was located at the Caneel Bay Resort on the island) was destroyed by the hurricanes that hit the Caribbean last September. (An earlier Salem News post also says that John Ferrigno, who owned ZoZo's, was behind Gigi's.)

Gigi's first opened in March, offering such items as salads, sandwiches, prepared meals, meats and cheeses, and freshly-made pastas.

The address for this now-closed market in Danvers was: Gigi's Italian Gourmet Market and Deli, 110 Newbury Street (Route 1), Danvers, MA, 01923.

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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]





Plans for Burlington Beer Works to Open in Outback Steakhouse Space Have Fallen Through

by Marc Hurwitz

Three years ago, we reported that a local group of brewpubs was looking to expand to a space in the northern suburbs of Boston. Now we have learned that it will not be happening after all.

According to an article in the Patch, plans have fallen through for Burlington Beer Works to open in the former Outback Steakhouse space in the Burlington Crossroads shopping center on Cambridge Street. The post mentions that the departure of Roche Brothers, Busa Liquors, Bauer Hockey led to the decision, with an attorney for the company saying, "Burlington Crossroads is in construction disarray....If my client had been open in February, as intended, he would have been sandwiched between two large construction sites and I believe he would be out of business right now."

As reported earlier, town selectmen were not happy about the lack of progress in the opening of Burlington Beer Works around the beginning of this year, and they had been looking into revoking the unused liquor license at the time.

Existing locations of Beer Works can be found near Boston's North Station, in the Fenway, at Logan Airport, and in Framingham, Hingham, Lowell, and Salem. The website for the company is at http://www.beerworks.net/

[Earlier Article]
Burlington Beer Works Plans to Open in Former Outback Steakhouse Space

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]





Sweet Rice to Replace Wonder Spice Cafe in Jamaica Plain

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime favorite for Cambodian and Thai food is going away, and it will apparently be replaced by another restaurant that features Thai cuisine.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Wonder Spice Cafe in Jamaica Plain is looking to transfer its license to Sweet Rice, JP, which would go into the Centre Street space. It appears that the proposed eatery has a connection to a Charlestown spot that is also called Sweet Rice; the manager listed for the Jamaica Plain location is Tasanan Boranmool, who is indeed one of the people behind the two-year-old Main Street restaurant, according to an earlier article posted here. As noted before, the Charlestown restaurant features Thai food and sushi, though it is not yet known if the Jamaica Plain location of Sweet Rice would have a similar menu.

Wonder Spice Cafe has been featured by our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) as a place to go for a variety of Southeast Asian dishes, with the review being found at this link:

https://hiddenboston.com/WonderSpice.html

The address for Wonder Spice Cafe (and the proposed Sweet Rice) is 697 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[August 24 update: Eater Boston confirms that this will be a second location of Sweet Rice and that it will offer the same items as that of the Charlestown restaurant. It looks like the Jamaica Plain outlet might not be open until around the end of the year, and it is not yet known when Wonder Spice will close (as soon as we find out, we will post another update here).]

[March 6, 2019 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page along with a couple of posters within the Jamaica Plain Facebook group page, Wonder Spice Cafe is now closed.]

[April 30, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Sweet Rice will open its Jamaica Plain location in early May.]

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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]

The Punk & Poet in South Boston Is Going to Become The Playwright Once Again

by Marc Hurwitz

A restaurant and bar that is inspired by punk rockers and writers is bringing its old name back--and it appears that the concept will be changing as well.

A few posts on its Facebook page indicate that The Punk & Poet in South Boston is looking to change its name back to The Playwright, with confirmation of this coming from @maureencaught this morning. It appears that other changes will be coming to the E Broadway spot as well, though it is not yet known whether its concept will be similar to that of the original Playwright, which shut down last summer to make way for the new place. (We have reached out to the spot, so if/when we get any updates, we will post them here.)

The original Playwright, which first opened in 2000, was known in part for its pub grub and comfort food along with draft beer, wine, and cocktails, while The Punk & Poet also offered classic American fare and pub food as well as a full bar, while also being (according to its website) "an energetic celebration of wordsmiths" that pays "tribute to words well said by the outspoken artists of our time."

The address for The Punk & Poet (and upcoming Playwright) is 658 E Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for The Punk & Poet can be found at http://thepunkandpoet.com/

[August 19 update: An update from Caught in Southie indicates that The Punk & Poet closes tomorrow (Monday, August 20) and that The Playwright could open on Monday, August 27.]

[August 24 update: A new update within the Caught in Southie post indicates that The Playwright opens at 4:00 PM today.]

[Earlier Article]
The Playwright in South Boston Is Being Replaced by The Punk & Poet

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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, August 15, 2018

Casa Blanca to Open in Former Chili's Space in Wilmington

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of Mexican restaurants with several locations north of Boston will soon be opening a new one in the space where a location of a Tex-Mex chain had been.

According to a source, Casa Blanca is going to open in Wilmington in the old Chili's space on Route 38, with the dining spot possibly debuting sometime in September. An earlier article from the Wilmington Apple confirms this, saying that it will be joining other locations in Andover, Billerica, Haverhill, Methuen, and North Andover.

Casa Blanca, which started out in North Andover in 2006, offers such items as wings, nachos, tortilla soup, taco salads, burritos, quesadillas, flautas, tamales, chimichangas, enchiladas, tacos, carne asada, grilled salmon, arroz con pollo, and pork carnitas.

The address for this upcoming Mexican restaurant in Wilmington is: Casa Blanca, 207 Main Street, Wilmington, MA, 01887. The website for all of the locations can be found at https://casablancamexican.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]





Reflections Opens within The Row Hotel at Assembly Row in Somerville

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new restaurant has opened within a growing development in Somerville, and this one is located in a new hotel.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Reflections is now open on Foley Street within The Row Hotel at Assembly Row, which also debuted this week. The article says that the dining spot offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with its menu including such items as crab dip, tuna crudo, gnocchi, a lobster roll, a sirloin burger, pan-flashed swordfish, hanger steak, carrot cake, and a variety of beer, wine and cocktail options.

Reflections is located off the lobby of The Row Hotel, which is part of the Autograph Collection brand from Marriott.

The address for Reflections (and The Row Hotel) is 360 Foley Street, Somerville, MA, 02145. The web page for the restaurant can be found at https://www.therowhotelboston.com/dining.html

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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]





Il Mondo Pizzeria in Boston's Back Bay/Fenway Area Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A pair of pizza and sandwich shops that have played a bit of musical chairs now has only one location once again, as its outlet near where Boston's Back Bay and Fenway meet has shut down.

Eater Boston is reporting that Il Mondo Pizzeria on Mass. Ave. is no longer in business, with its building by Berklee being slated for demolition, according to the restaurant's website. The outlet of Il Mondo on Huntington Avenue in the Brigham Circle/Mission Hill section of the city remains in operation.

Il Mondo first opened in a space on Huntington Avenue on the eastern edge of Brigham Circle in 2004, with the now-closed Mass. Ave. shop opening in 2012; the Huntington Avenue outlet closed last December and moved to its present location on the other side of Brigham Circle in March, opening in the space where Grub had been.

The address for the now-closed location of Il Mondo by Berklee was 182 Massachusetts Avenue; the website for the business can be found at http://www.ilmondopizza.com/index.php

[Earlier Article]
Il Mondo Pizzeria Is Opening in Former Grub Space in Brigham Circle

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





Uno Pizzeria and Grill Has Closed Its Huntington Avenue Location in Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A Boston-based group of deep-dish pizza spots continues to get smaller, as one of its locations in the city has now closed.

According to a source, Uno Pizzeria and Grill near Symphony Hall is no longer in business, with a message sent from the company confirming that the Huntington Avenue eatery has indeed shut down. The message does mention that its other two Boston locations in the Back Bay and Kenmore Square remain open, and other locations in the region, including outlets in Braintree, Dedham, Framingham, Revere, Swampscott, and Woburn, remain in operation as well.

A number of locations of Uno's--whose headquarters are in West Roxbury--have closed over the past decade or so, including restaurants in Allston, Cambridge's Harvard Square and Porter Square, Burlington, Newton Corner, and Waltham.

The address for the now-closed Uno's by Symphony Hall was 280 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.unos.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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