Wednesday, January 31, 2018

CBS Scene at Patriot Place in Foxborough to Become CBS Sporting Club

by Marc Hurwitz

A sports bar that is a popular spot with football fans is shutting down for renovations, and when it reopens, a local hospitality group will be running it.

According to a post in the Patch, CBS Scene at Patriot Place in Foxborough will close on February 12, with The Sun Chronicle saying that it hopes to reopen this summer with Big Night Entertainment Group managing the place. (BNEG also operates Scorpion Bar at Patriot Place.) Though the extent of the changes have not been mentioned as of yet, it appears that this is more of an upgrade to the space, and it appears--for now--that the concept and name could remain the same.

CBS Scene, which first opened in 2008, is a three-floor restaurant and bar that is known in part for its nearly 150 high definition screens and views of Gillette Stadium.

The website for CBS scene can be found at http://www.cbsscene.com/

[May 17 update: CBS Boston states that the former CBS Scene at Patriot Place will reopen as CBS Sporting Club and that the "newly renovated gastro sports pub" will include a large bar, stadium-style seating, and an upgraded outdoor patio/bar. (Its website can be found at http://www.cbssportingclub.com/)]

[July 18 update: According to social media posts from the place, CBS Sporting Club 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]





Monday, January 29, 2018

New Sushi, Inc. Is Opening in Allston

by Marc Hurwitz

A Beacon Hill restaurant that taps into two increasingly-popular food trends will soon be joined by another location in Allston.

Eater Boston has confirmed what a source (Geoff Wong) told us earlier this month, that New Sushi, Inc. is planning to open on Brighton Avenue in the former Mixx Frozen Yogurt shop space. Based on the location of the original New Sushi on Cambridge Street, expect to see both sushi burritos and poke bowls, the latter of which is a Hawaiian raw fish salad.

According to Eater, the person behind New Sushi is Henderson Li, who is also behind Hoshi-ya in Brighton and Nijiya in Medford.

The address for this new dining spot in Allston is: New Sushi, Inc., 66 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for the original location in Beacon Hill is http://www.newsushiboston.com/

[February 8 update: According to an update to the Eater Boston article above, New Sushi, Inc. opens tomorrow (Friday, February 9) at 5:00 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]





Friday, January 26, 2018

Waxy O'Connor's in Brookline Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a group of Irish pubs with a handful of locations in Eastern Massachusetts has closed one of its Boston-area outlets.

According to a note from Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting, Waxy O'Connor's in Brookline is apparently no longer in business, with multiple sources telling him the Beacon Street spot was shuttered (No confirmation from any personnel at that location, however), and it was locked up around 9:00 PM this evening with phone calls going to voicemail. In addition, a sign had been posted on the front door yesterday that said "No hot water - open at 8pm," but it did not open after 8:00 PM last night or tonight.

The Brookline location of Waxy O'Connor's first opened in April of 2016, taking over the space where Mission Cantina had once been, and before that, the Beacon Street Tavern.

It appears that other locations of Waxy O'Connor's in Foxboro, Kingston, Lexington, and Woburn remain in operation, as well as others in Keene, NH, Plainville, CT, San Antonio, TX, and Ft. Lauderdale, FL (its first location).

The address for Waxy O'Connor's in Brookline was 1032 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the other locations can be found at http://www.waxys.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]





Caffe Nero Is Opening in Brighton Center

by Marc Hurwitz

A rapidly-growing chain of European coffee places continues to expand through the Boston area, with yet another new location on its way to the city.

According to a Twitter post, Caffe Nero is opening in Brighton Center, with a job post within the LinkedIn site confirming that it will be located on Washington Street where it meets Winship Street along the eastern edge of the center. This is the second new location of the coffeehouse to be announced here this week, as another outlet is being planned for the Burlington Mall as well.

Caffe Nero, which is based in London, opened its first Boston shop at the Millennium Place building on in Downtown Crossing in 2014; the chain now has a number of outlets in and around the city.

The address for this new coffee spot in Brighton Center is: Caffe Nero, 298 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for Caffe Nero can be found at http://www.caffenero.com/

[April 2 update: A tweet from the chain indicates that Caffe Nero is now open in Brighton.]

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]





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

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like the days could be numbered for a waterfront restaurant and bar, as plans for a residential tower have taken a big step forward.

According to an article in The Boston Herald, Cronin Holdings has reached a settlement with the Conservation Law Foundation on plans to build a 22-story building by Seaport Boulevard and Pier Four Boulevard where the Whiskey Priest currently resides, with Cronin agreeing to set up a fund for a new public park on the waterfront park and give annual funding for disadvantaged children in the city in order for them to experience the area. In return, the Conservation Law Foundation will suspend its appeal of the demolition of the building housing Whiskey Priest and the space where Atlantic Beer Garden had been, while also suspending its appeal of the approval of an amended municipal harbor plan for project.

The Whiskey Priest and Atlantic Beer Garden both opened approximately 10 years ago, taking over the former Seaport Bar and Grille/Eastern Pier II space.

[Earlier Articles]
Atlantic Beer Garden in Boston's Seaport District Has Closed
Residential Tower Proposed at Site of Atlantic Beer Garden and The Whiskey Priest in Boston's Seaport District

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]





Bistro Duet in East Arlington Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

Another French restaurant in the Boston suburbs is shutting down, and this one was only in business for one year.

The Arlington Advocate is reporting that Bistro Duet in East Arlington is closing, though a voicemail from the Mass. Ave. spot seems to indicate that it may have already shuttered--while a Facebook post from the place mentions that it was closed on Wednesday due to a "maintenance issue." The voicemail states that Bistro Duet is apparently shutting down due to various issues and challenges, including pre-opening delays early on and the rising cost of doing business in the restaurant world, with these factors being "enough to force us out of business." Bistro Duet first opened around the beginning of 2017, moving into the space where Flora had been for 20 years.

The closing of Bistro Duet comes on the heels of another suburban French restaurant shutting down--Petit Robert Bistro in Needham, which will be replaced by a new spot called Cappella.

The address for Bistro Duet is 190 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

[Earlier Article]
Petit Robert Bistro in Needham Has Closed; Will Be Replaced by Cappella

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]





Thursday, January 25, 2018

Met Restaurant Group and Stephanie's Restaurant Group to Unite Under the Sidell Hospitality Name

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like two big names on the Boston restaurant scene are going to be joining forces.

According to an email from Image Unlimited Communications, the Met Restaurant Group and Stephanie's Restaurant Group are uniting and forming a new group called Sidell Hospitality, with a PR Newswire page saying that sisters Kathy Sidell and Stephanie Sokolove will ultimately have all of their dining and drinking spots under the one name, including locations of Stephanie's in Boston's Back Bay, the South End, and South Boston along with locations of Met in the Back Bay, Dedham, Natick, and Nantucket, and Saltie Girl which is next to the Back Bay location of Met.

The name Sidell Hospitality is a nod to Sidell and Sokolove's father Jack Sidell, a businessperson and financier who helped launch the careers of such well-known chefs as Todd English and Jasper White.

The website for the Met Restaurant Group can be found at https://www.metrestaurantgroup.com/ while the website for Stephanie's Restaurant Group is at http://www.stephaniesrestaurantgroup.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Pret A Manger on State Street in Downtown Boston Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a London-based chain of sandwich shops has closed one of its locations in Boston.

According to a Twitter post, Pret A Manger by the corner of State Street and Washington Street in the downtown section of the city is no longer in business, with a sign out front thanking customers for their patronage. Calls placed to the eatery this afternoon are not going through, with multiple rings being followed by a busy signal. Several other locations of Pret A Manger remain in operation in the city, including in the Financial District (Arch Street, Federal Street, Franklin Street), South Station, Boylston Street in the Back Bay, and Longwood Avenue in the Longwood medical area.

the address for this now-closed dining spot in downtown Boston is: Pret A Manger, 1 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.pret.com/en-us/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Cappella Is Replacing Petit Robert Bistro in Needham

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban restaurant that focused on French fare has closed, and a new dining spot is moving into its space.

According to a Facebook post from last month, Petit Robert Bistro in Needham is no longer in business, while another Facebook post from Tonno in Gloucester mentions that Rob Picardi--who comes from Prezza in Boston's North End--is opening Cappella in the Chapel Street space, with the address being confirmed by a Needham Board of Selectmen agenda page. Very little is currently known about Cappella, so stay tuned for updates.

Petit Robert Bistro has a sister spot in Needham called French Press Bakery and Cafe that remains in operation, while another location of Petit Robert Bistro remains open in the South End of Boston. (Another South End restaurant called Frenchie is connected to that location of Petit Robert Bistro.)

The address for the now-closed Petit Robert Bistro in Needham (and upcoming Cappella) is 45 Chapel Street, Needham, MA, 02492. Its website is at https://cappellarestaurant.com/

Thanks to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting for initially bringing this to our attention.

[August 7 update: According to its website, Cappella plans to officially open tomorrow (Wednesday, August 8) and that it will focus on authentic Italian fare, including Northern Italian-style grilled meats cooked in a wood-grilled oven along with handmade pasta, seafood items, and more.]

[August 8 update: A source tells us that Cappella did not soft-open last night due to kitchen equipment issues, and a message from the restaurant tells us that it will not be opening to the public today after all; as soon as we hear of a new opening date, we will post an update here.]

[August 11 update: According to our source (and confirmed by the restaurant), Cappella has soft-opened.]

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]





Uno Pizzeria and Grill at the Burlington Mall Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A Boston-based group of deep-dish pizza spots continues to shrink, with one of its suburban locations now getting ready to close.

According to a source, Uno Pizzeria and Grill at the Burlington Mall is shutting down at the end of business hours on Sunday, with a phone call to the place confirming that it will indeed be closing that day. No reason has been given for the closure, with the only information given (via a picture of a sign about the closing of the place) saying that the eatery will have a going-away party in the bar on Friday evening while also saying that much of the staff at the Burlington location will take new job positions at the Woburn location.

The Burlington Mall outlet of Uno Pizzeria and Grill was one of the first in the Boston area, opening its doors nearly 30 years ago; it is one of three to close over the past couple of years, with locations in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Waltham shutting down as well. (Other locations have also closed over the past decade or so, including outlets in Newton Corner, Cambridge's Porter Square, and Allston.) Existing locations can be found in Boston (3), Braintree, Dedham, Framingham, Revere, Swampscott, and Woburn

The website for all locations of Uno 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--Twelve Pizzas in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Sons of Boston Replacing The Tap Trailhouse Near Faneuil Hall in Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new restaurant and bar will be replaced by another dining and drinking spot located just north of Boston's Faneuil Hall, though very little is known about the place at this point in time.

According to a source, The Tap Trailhouse on Union Street is petitioning to transfer its liquor license to a new spot tentatively called Sons of Boston, with a check on that name showing (via opencorporates.com) that the place apparently has a connection to another company called S.O.B. Rum LLC. Not much additional information has been given from our source other than the fact that a hearing on the matter is expected to take place on January 31, so stay tuned.

The Tap Trailhouse opened in September of 2014, with the group behind it (Boston Nightlife Ventures) reconcepting what had been The Tap into the new spot, which has a Colonial theme to it and offers pub grub, New England classics, and beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for The Tap Trailhouse is 19 Union Street, though the address listed for the proposed Sons of Boston is 17 Union Street (it appears that the space takes up both addresses).

[January 26 update: A licensing board hearing page within the city of Boston website confirms that Sons of Boston is indeed looking to replace The Tap Trailhouse.]

[March 5 update: A press release states that The Tap Trailhouse closed its doors over the weekend.]

[April 23 update: A job post within the bostonchefs.com site confirms that Sons of Boston is opening in the former Tap Trailhouse space, and it will include "comfort food classics and Boston staples."]

[July 20 update: A message from the place indicates that Sons of Boston 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]





The Bowery Bar Is Replacing ester in Dorchester's Lower Mills

by Marc Hurwitz

A restaurant in Dorchester that is known in part for its terraced patio is being replaced by a new spot, and it appears to have at least an indirect connection to a number of other dining and drinking places in the Boston area.

According to a source, The Bowery Bar is seeking to open in the space in Lower Mills where ester currently resides, with the name of the parent company--Cool Hand Luke Inc.--being run by local restaurateur Julian Bolger, according to a Bizapedia page. This jibes with similar information given to us by someone in the restaurant industry yesterday, along with chatter on social media indicating that a new restaurant would be taking over the Dorchester Avenue space. Bolger has been involved with such restaurants and bars as Lucy's American Tavern in Dorchester, The Punk & Poet and The Broadway in South Boston, and Cityside in Brighton, along with Tavern in the Square, which has a number of locations in the Greater Boston area.

ester first opened in the spring of 2014, taking over the space where Ledge Kitchen and Drinks had once been; the restaurant--which includes a large outdoor dining area out back--focuses mostly on creative comfort food and New American fare.

The address for ester (and the upcoming Bowery Bar) is 2261 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02124.

[January 30 update: The Dorchester Reporter states that ester plans to close on February 11, at which point the space will be renovated for a period of at least two months. There is still no word on the exact type of restaurant that will open in its space, though the article does say that Julian Bolger and his team will change the name and the concept (there is no mention of the name "The Bowery," so that may possibly be a working name).]

[February 8 update: A Facebook post from the restaurant confirms that ester is closing on Sunday, February 11, and that it is open normal hours until then.]

[May 8 update: According to a job post within the Craigslist site, The Bowery Bar is opening soon and is currently hiring for all positions, with the listing saying that its menu will feature a "unique 'scratch' approach to American fare featuring an extensive beer selection from New England and the around the world, as well as a creative cocktail and wine menu."]

[July 1 update: A check on the place indicates that The Bowery Bar opens tomorrow (Monday, July 2).]

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]





Tilted Kilt in Boston's Fenway Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A small chain of Celtic-themed sports bars has closed its sole Boston location after less than a year in business.

Eater Boston is reporting that Tilted Kilt in the Fenway is no longer in business, leaving only one left in all of Massachusetts (in Billerica), while another outlet that had tried to open in Quincy a few years ago was ultimately rejected by that city. The Las Vegas-based chain is known in part for its female servers who dress in revealing Scottish-style outfits (it is often called both a "Scottish Hooters" and a "breastaurant"), while offering pub grub and comfort food with Scottish, Irish, and British influences.

Tilted Kilt first opened on Brookline Avenue last February, taking over the space where Copperfield's had been.

The address for this now-closed sports bar in the Fenway was: Tilted Kilt, 96 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the chain can be found at http://tiltedkilt.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]





Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Kelly's Roast Beef in Natick Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A renowned group of roast beef spots will soon be closing one of its locations.

According to an article from the Framingham Source, Kelly's Roast Beef in Natick is expected to shut down this month, with the post indicating that the people behind the eatery have decided not to renew the lease for the space, which is inside Jordan's Furniture on Underprice Way (just south of Route 9). The Natick location of Kelly's first opened approximately 20 years ago and is one of five shops in the Greater Boston area, including the original location at Revere Beach and others in Danvers, Medford, and Saugus.

In addition to roast beef sandwiches, Kelly's also offers such items as clam chowder, burgers, hot dogs, and seafood dishes.

The address for Kelly's Roast Beef at Jordan's Furniture in Natick is 2 Underprice Way, Natick, MA, 01760. Its website can be found at http://www.kellysroastbeef.com/

[February 1 update: A Twitter photo from @sophotavo confirms that Kelly's at Jordan's Furniture is now closed.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Caffe Nero Opens at the Burlington Mall in Burlington

by Marc Hurwitz

A growing chain of European coffee places continues to expand into the Boston area, with a new location now open north of the city.

The Burlington Union is reporting that Caffe Nero has opened at the Burlington Mall in Burlington, with an earlier Daily Times Chronicle article indicating that the new shop is located within the first-floor concourse below the food court, joining such dining spots as Au Bon Pain, Besito, The Friendly Toast, and Legal Sea Food in that part of the mall. The new location of the London-based coffeehouse is one of a number of outlets now open in the region, though it is only the fourth to open between Route 128 and Route 495 (the others being in Wellesley, Reading, and Andover, while a fifth plans to open at some point in Concord as well).

The website for Caffe Nero can be found at http://www.caffenero.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]





Monday, January 22, 2018

Delta Haus Opens Under Finn McCool's in Downtown Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A bar that gets its inspiration from a classic comedy film has opened in downtown Boston, and the people behind it also run another bar inspired by a movie.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Delta Haus is now open underneath Fin McCool's on High Street, with the place being operated by the team that runs the adjacent Bushwood Cocktail Club. As mentioned earlier, Bushwood's name is a play on a country club shown in Caddyshack, and Delta Haus's name comes from Animal House while its website says that Old School and Revenge Of The Nerds are two other college-based films that are influences on the place. The menu at Delta Haus includes a "Bleu-Tarsky burger" and "pledge pretzels" and drinks named "Fawn Liebowitz" and "Mrs. Dean Wormer," and bar games such as air hockey, pool, and darts are set up within the place.

Eater says that events such as toga parties and Greek Olympics may start taking place at some point in the future at Delta Haus.

The address for this new bar in downtown Boston is: Delta Haus, 200 Broad Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its website can be found at https://www.deltahausboston.com

[Earlier Article]
Bushwood Cocktail Club Opens in Former Broad Street Riot Space in Downtown Boston

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]





Momo Cafe Opening in Quincy's Wollaston Neighborhood

by Marc Hurwitz

A new dining spot is in the midst of debuting in the heart of a Quincy neighborhood, and one of the items it features is donuts.

According to a Twitter post from @melgotserved, Momo Cafe has soft-opened in the city's Wollaston area, with the Hancock Street eatery apparently taking over the space where New Lucky Star convenience store had been. Based on the tweet as well as pictures shown within a Google page for the place, the new spot offers donuts, croissants, cheesecake, lemon tarts, coffee pudding, coffee, and tea, and a few of the donuts that are available include chocolate bacon, dried pork, matcha (green tea), and milk chocolate.

Based on the Google page for Momo Cafe, it appears that the place is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM seven days a week.

The address for this new eatery in Quincy's Wollaston neighborhood is 649 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02170.

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, January 19, 2018

Tasty Thai Is Opening in Former Seven Star Street Bistro Space in Roslindale

by Marc Hurwitz

A new Thai restaurant is getting ready to open, and it will take over the space where a beloved Asian street food spot had been.

Universal Hub is reporting (via a Facebook post) that Tasty Thai is looking to open in Roslindale, moving into the former Seven Star Street Bistro space on Belgrade Avenue. The Facebook post, which is from Chris Lin of Seven Star Street Bistro, introduces the upcoming place and its owners, saying that "Wan and her husband have come from Thailand. I got a warm feeling the first time I met them and I know you will too! I am excited to pass on a family tradition to a new family who will embrace all of things that make Rozzie businesses great!" If all goes well, Tasty Thai could be opening sometime in February, according to the post.

Seven Star Street Bistro first opened in 2011, offering inventive takes on Chinese food and other Asian fare in a casual atmosphere, and it received much praise over the years, including boston.com listing it among the "best of the new" in 2011. (The restaurant closed in June of this year.)

The address for Tasty Thai is 153 Belgrade Avenue, Roslindale, MA, 02131.

[March 9 update: A note from Universal Hub indicates that Tasty Thai opens its doors today.]

[Earlier Article]
Seven Star Street Bistro in Roslindale Is Closing Indefinitely

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, January 18, 2018

Fusion Kitchen Opens in Former Alfredo's Restaurant Space in Quincy

by Marc Hurwitz

A new Asian restaurant has opened in Quincy, and it moves into the space where a decades-old Italian spot had been.

According to a Facebook post from Kerry Byrne, Fusion Kitchen is currently going through a soft opening on Franklin Street, moving into the former Alfredo's space just south of the downtown area of the city. As mentioned here earlier, the new eatery has a connection with Fusion Taste in Arlington and Stoneham, and it also has an apparent connection with Fusion House in Methuen and Sato II in Stoneham as well. Based on the other Fusion restaurants, expect to see a mix of Chinese and Japanese fare at the new Fusion Kitchen.

Alfredo's, which first opened in 1960, was a casual spot that focused mainly on Italian-American fare; the restaurant closed for good in late 2016.

The address for Fusion Kitchen is 75 Franklin Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

[January 22 update: A note posted on Facebook indicates that Fusion Kitchen is now fully open in Quincy.]

[Earlier Article]
Alfredo's Restaurant in Quincy Closing; May Be Replaced by Fusion Kitchen

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]





Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Jacob Wirth Restaurant in Boston's Theater District Is Up for Sale

by Marc Hurwitz

A downtown Boston institution that has been in business for 150 years is on the selling block.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Jacob Wirth Restaurant in the city's Theater District is up for sale, with the Stuart Street dining and drinking spot going on the market for $1,025,000. The post says that  it will be "business as usual" for the 220-seat eatery until it is sold, and the hope is that a new owner will continue on with the place, though it is expected that there could be at least some changes once it changes ownership.

Jacob Wirth, which first opened in 1868, is known in part for its German food and extensive beer list, along with its Thursday and Friday piano singalongs. The eatery is housed in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is the second-oldest continually operating restaurant in the city, according to Boston Magazine.

The address for Jacob Wirth is 31-37 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its website can be found at http://www.jacobwirth.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]

Oppa's Kitchen and Bar in Malden Has Been Seized, Forced to Shut Down for the Time Being

by Marc Hurwitz

A Malden restaurant that has been in business for a bit more than three years is closed for now, as it has been seized for what appears to be money-related issues.

According to a message from The Passionate Foodie, Oppa's Kitchen & Bar on Pleasant Street is locked up and dark with an orange "Seized" sign in the window that apparently indicates the closure of the place may be due to back taxes and/or rent. It is not known if/when the restaurant might reopen again, so stay tuned for updates.

Oppa's Kitchen & Bar first opened in September of 2014 in the space where Massimo's had been until it closed and moved to Wakefield; the dining spot offered such items as wings, bibimbap, bulgogi, ramen, teriyaki, and more.

The address for Oppa's Kitchen & Bar is 157 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA, 02148. Its website can be found at http://www.oppaskitchenandbar.com/

[January 18 update: Based on a photo sent by a source, the "Seized" sign indicates that the Oppa's space is now in possession of the landlord and that it has been vacated by order of the court, with the name of a constable given on the sign.]

[January 23 update: According to a couple of sources, it appears that Oppa's may indeed be gone for good, though a new restaurant may eventually move into the space (as soon as we hear more on this last bit of information, we will post another update here).]

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, January 16, 2018

Blue Hills Brewery Remains Closed, Is Undergoing "Restructuring"

by Marc Hurwitz

A local brewery that closed last summer is still shuttered, and it is not known when--or where--it might reopen.

According to an update within its website, Blue Hills Brewery in Canton remains closed, with the note saying the following:

Blue Hills Brewery is undergoing restructuring, which takes time to sort out. Our end goal is still to build a craft brewery at a new location in the Canton area with a tap room and serve the best tasting and enjoyable craft beer around. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have a specific date to offer our customers as to when and where we will be back up and running.

In July of 2017, the brewery posted a note saying that it was going to build a tap room in the Canton area, though little other information was given at the time.

Blue Hills Brewery first opened on Turnpike Street (Route 138) in 2009.

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]





Agostino's in Natick Closed Due to a Burst Water Pipe

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime Italian restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston is closed for the foreseeable future after a water pipe burst, causing major damage to the place.

According to a Facebook post, Agostino's in Natick Center is shuttered, with the note saying that the Washington Street spot "will be closed indefinitely due to water damage. We are working rigorously to rebuild and reopen" while someone involved with the restaurant says on the thread that it could be "months" before it can open back up again. As soon as an update from Agostino's comes on a possible reopening date, we will post here, so stay tuned.

Agostino's first opened in 1982, offering Italian-American food in a family-friendly environment; according to its website, the place had recently redone its lounge area.

The address for Agostino's is 23 Washington Street, Natick, MA, 01760. Its website can be found at https://agostinositalianrestaurant.com/

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

[February 20 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Agostino's hopes to reopen in May or June.]

[June 11 update: A phone call to the restaurant goes to a voicemail mentioning that due to building code issues, Agostino's will not be opening until the early fall.]

[November 25 update: According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Agostino's is reopening on Thursday, November 29, with a Wicked Local article confirming that it will indeed be opening for dinner that day.]

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]





Pikaichi Is Moving into the Former Emiliano'z Space in Medford

by Marc Hurwitz

A Japanese restaurant that left its space in Allston because of increasing rent has found a new home in Medford, taking over the space where a Mexican spot had been.

Eater Boston is reporting (via a Facebook post) that Pikaichi is going to be reborn in the former Emiliano'z Mexican Grill space on Boston Avenue, with the post saying that it could be reopening as soon as March. The Japanese eatery had shut down last month, saying that they would not be able to sustain their business due to a major rent increase, but at the time they mentioned that they would be looking for a new home somewhere in the area. Pikaichi, which is known for such items as ramen, rice bowls, fried octopus balls, boneless fried chicken, and more, had been squeezed into a space between the Hong Kong Supermarket/Super 88 market and its adjacent food court where Brighton Avenue meets Commonwealth Avenue. Our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured it as an under-the-radar spot to go to, with the review being found at this link:

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

Emiliano'z, a restaurant known in part for its burritos and tacos, shut down late last month after approximately 10 years in business.

The address for the new location of Pikaichi is 123 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155. Its website can be found at https://www.pikaichiramen.com/

[April 17 update: Eater Boston states that Pikaichi opens in its new home in Medford tomorrow (Wednesday, April 18).]

[Earlier Articles]
Pikaichi in Allston Is Closing; May Move to New Location
Emiliano'z Mexican Grill in Medford 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]





Friday, January 12, 2018

Bertucci's at Faneuil Hall in Boston Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A local chain of Italian dining spots is closing its location in downtown Boston.

According to a Twitter post from @kenjimallon, Bertucci's at Faneuil Hall is shutting down, with a message from the chain confirming this, saying that today is its last day in business. The message mentions that the closing is a business decision, as they were not able to come to terms on their lease. It appears that all other locations of Bertucci's will remain in operation, including its outlets located within the Boston city limits in Kenmore Square, the Longwood medical area, and in West Roxbury along with a number of others in the surrounding area.

Bertucci's, which first started out in 1981, opened its Faneuil Hall location in 1989 according to the message sent to us; the chain focuses mainly on brick-oven pizza and Italian dishes.

The address for Bertucci's in Faneuil Hall is 22 Merchants Row, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.bertuccis.com/

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]





Revolution Axe Throwing Plans to Open in Everett

by Marc Hurwitz

Yesterday we reported that an axe-throwing facility complete with alcohol was being planned for Somerville. Now we have learned that this might not be the only place of its kind in the Boston area.

Eater Boston is reporting that Revolution Axe Throwing is looking to open in Everett, moving into an old warehouse on Norman Street in the city's "Fermentation District." The post says that the team behind the upcoming business will not be offering food initially, but they are seeking a beer and wine license--and there is also the possibility of collaborations with two nearby breweries (Bone Up, Night Shift) and a distillery (Short Path). If all goes well, Revolution Axe Throwing could be opening sometime in April, according to Eater.

As reported earlier, a Philadelphia-based group of axe-throwing facilities called Urban Axes will be coming to Somerville's Union Square as early as this summer, and that spot could include a full bar.

The address for the proposed Revolution Axe Throwing is 69 Norman Street, Everett, MA, 02149. Its website will be at http://www.revolutionaxe.com/

[June 13, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Revolution Axe Throwing plans to open in Everett on June 26.]

[Earlier Article]
Urban Axes Is Coming to Somerville's 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]

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Giacomo's Ristorante in Boston's South End Is Open Once Again

by Marc Hurwitz

An outpost of an iconic Italian restaurant has reopened approximately a month after it mysteriously closed.

According to a source, Giacomo's Ristorante in Boston's South End of Boston is open once again, with photos showing an "Open" sign out front and customers inside the Columbus Avenue dining spot. No specific reason was ever given for the restaurant's closure, though a note out front last month said that "Due to circumstances beyond our control Giacomo's South End will be temporarily closed! We deeply apologize for any inconvenience and hope to make it up to you in the near future."

The North End location of Giacomo's is one of the most popular restaurants in that neighborhood, with long lines often found outside the place. (A third location can be found on Main Street in Melrose as well.)

The address for Giacomo's in the South End is 431 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA, 02116.

[Earlier Article]
Giacomo's Ristorante in Boston's South End Is Temporarily Closed; 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]





Urban Axes Is Opening in Somerville's Union Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A group of axe-throwing facilities that include alcohol will be expanding to the Boston area as soon as this summer.

Eater Boston is reporting (via BizBash) that Philadelphia-based Urban Axes is planning to open in the Union Square section of Somerville, with the place including a full bar and having room for 80 to 100 people. The upcoming location will apparently be available for groups or corporate events and walk-in hours will be offered as well, and there will be axe-throwing leagues of all levels. The posts mention that workers will give safety information and oversee patrons who are throwing the 1.5-pound hatchets, which are aimed at wooden targets that have bullseyes.

The website for Urban Axes can be found at https://urbanaxes.com/

[March 15 update: An update from Eater Boston indicates that Urban Axes plans to open in the former Riverside Motor Sports space at 2 Union Square.]

[December 5 update: A new article from Eater Boston states that Urban Axes opens its doors to axe-throwing on Friday, December 7, though the bar part of the place is not yet ready to open.]

[December 13 update: An update from Eater mentions that the bar part of Urban Axes is now open as well (public walk-ins start at 6:00 PM) though only some food is available, with the full menu slated to debut around Christmas week.]

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]





Cardullo's in Cambridge's Harvard Square Expanding to Boston's Seaport District

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like an iconic grocery store in Cambridge will be joined by a second shop on the Boston waterfront.

The Boston Herald is reporting that Cardullo's in Harvard Square is planning to open in the Seaport District, with a licensing board page mentioning that the Brattle Street shop is eyeing a space in an office tower on Seaport Boulevard that is also home to such spots as Aceituna Grill, by Chloe, Tikkaway Grill, and Yoki Express. Few details are known about the proposed store in the Seaport District other than the fact that it plans to sell alcohol, so keep checking back for updates.

Cardullo's, which first opened in 1950, is a gourmet market that sells a variety of cheese, chocolate products, honey, spices, coffee, tea, liquor, pasta, sandwiches, and more. The store changed hands in 2015, with Kim and Richard Wilson purchasing it from the Cardullo family.

The address for the original Cardullo's is 6 Brattle Street in Harvard Square, while the address for the upcoming shop in the Seaport District is 101 Seaport Boulevard. (Its website can be found at http://www.cardullos.com/)

[January 18 update: Eater Boston states that the new location of Cardullo's in the Seaport District will be similar to its Harvard Square shop, though it will also offer small batch spirits and it will include a deli that sells breakfast sandwiches in the morning as well as sandwiches, salads, charcuterie, and cheese at lunch.]

[June 22 update: A tweet from @FortPointer mentions that Cardullo's has opened in the Seaport District.]

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]