Thursday, May 31, 2018

The Hungry I in Boston's Beacon Hill Is for Sale

by Marc Hurwitz

A Beacon Hill restaurant that has received local and national recognition over the years for its romantic atmosphere is on the market.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, The Hungry I on Charles Street is up for sale along with the building in which it resides, with the price (approximately $4 million) also including the restaurant's liquor license and entertainment license. The post says that the dining spot, which has been run by Peter Ballarin since 1981, has been included in "most romantic" restaurant lists from TimeOut BostonUSA Today, and Zagat.

The Hungry I consists of three rooms and a patio, while its building includes three one-bedroom apartments, according to Boston Magazine.

The address for The Hungry I is 71 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website can be found at http://www.hungryiboston.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]





Foodie's Market in Belmont Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A small local group of grocery stores is closing its newest location after being in business for less than a year.

According to an article from Wicked Local and the Belmont Citizen-Herald, Foodie's Market in Belmont Center shuts down for good today, with this news coming after a few days of speculation as to the status of the Leonard Street shop due in part to the shelves no longer being stocked. The post indicates that this was a financial decision, with owner Victor Leon, Jr. saying "It's hard to believe we weren't able to generate the business we wanted to," with low sales possibly being due to the price of items at the store, parking issues both out front and in the back, and its location below street level.

Foodie's first opened in Belmont last summer, taking over part of the space where Macy's had been; it was the fourth location to open, with other stores being in Boston's South End as well as South Boston and Duxbury.

The address for this market in Belmont Center is: Foodie's Market, 75 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. The website for the remaining locations can be found at http://foodiesmarkets.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]





The Square Root Is Opening in Roslindale

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new spot is opening in Roslindale, and it may end up being a multi-use concept.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, The Square Root is seeking a beer and wine license to operate on Corinth Street in Roslindale Square, with the address indicating that it plans to move into the space where Marla's Obsession Boutique had once been. An earlier post from Universal Hub (via Roslindale Village Main Street) mentions that a three-in-one business had been looking to open in this space, with the spot being a breakfast and lunch cafe as well as a co-working space during the day, and a performance space at night. It is not known if this is still what is being planned for the site; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The address for this new spot in Roslindale Square is: The Square Root, 2 Corinth Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131. Its website can be found at http://www.squarerootrozzie.com/

[February 21, 2019 update: A message sent to us from Universal Hub indicates that The Square Root is now open, with this being confirmed by the website for the place, saying that "The wait is over! We are now open with a limited menu."]

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]




Paul Bakery in Downtown Boston Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A chain of French bakery-cafes that once had four locations in the Greater Boston area is now back down to two, as its outlet in the heart of the city has shut down.

According to a source, Paul Bakery at One Boston Place on Washington Street is no longer in operation, with a message from the company confirming that it has indeed closed for good. The message does mention that locations of the bakery at Assembly Row in Somerville and the Natick Mall in Natick remain open for business; another outlet of Paul Bakery had been at Burlington's 3rd Ave development as well, but that shop closed a couple of years ago.

Paul first opened in France in 1889 and now has approximately 500 locations in a number of countries, including a handful of outlets in the United States.

The address for this now-closed bakery in downtown Boston was: Paul Bakery, 201 Washington Street (One Boston Place), Boston, MA, 02108. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.paul-usa.com/en/

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]





Mogogo Ethiopian Cuisine in Malden Has Apparently Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like an Ethiopian restaurant north of Boston has shut down after a very brief time in business.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Mogogo Ethiopian Cuisine in Malden appears to be out of business, with a tipster for Eater and a Yelp poster saying that the Highland Avenue eatery is indeed closed, while its phone is no longer in service. The dining spot, which had only been open since last September, offered such items as injera, lentil stew, chickpea dumplings, boiled lamb, chicken stew, steak tips, and prime beef.

As soon as we find out why Mogogo may have closed--and what could be going into the space, if anything--we will post an update here.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Malden was: Mogogo Ethiopian Cuisine, 1 Highland Avenue, Malden, MA, 02148.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Boston Chops Opens in Downtown Crossing

by Marc Hurwitz

A long-awaited second location of a steakhouse debuts today in the heart of Boston.

As reported earlier, Boston Chops opens in the former Mantra space in Downtown Crossing for dinner service this evening, with the Temple Place restaurant joining its original location on Washington Street in the South End. an article from Eater Boston mentions that the new two-floor dining spot--which moves into what was once a bank building--includes three bars, a lounge within an old bank vault, and three private dining rooms, while its menu features raw bar items, steak and seafood dishes, sandwiches, and beer, wine, and cocktails. Lunch service will begin sometime around the middle of June, but for now, the new Boston Chops is open for dinner only.

In addition to the two Boston Chops locations, owners Chris Coombs and Brian Piccini also run dbar in Dorchester and Deuxave in the Back Bay.

The address for this new steakhouse in Downtown Crossing is: Boston Chops, 52 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111. The website for both locations can be found at http://www.bostonchops.com/

[Earlier Article]
Chris Coombs, Brian Piccini to Open New Location of Boston Chops in Downtown Crossing

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, May 30, 2018

The Island Caribbean Cuisine and Drinks Opens in Former Ferry Street Food and Drink Space in Malden

by Marc Hurwitz

A Caribbean restaurant has opened in a "haunted" space where a dining and drinking spot had been until it closed last summer.

According to a post from Eater Boston, The Island Caribbean Cuisine and Drinks is now open in Malden, taking over the old Ferry Street Food and Drink space. The menu shows such offerings as jerk chicken, fried pork with Creole seasoning, sauteed red snapper, grilled quail, baked tilapia, and vegetable soup with goat meat, while also including a children's menu and a Sunday brunch menu as well.

Ferry Street Food and Drink, which shut down in July of 2017, was known in part for its New American fare and craft cocktails, and its website once mentioned that the space in which it resided could be haunted, saying that a customer at the old Jimmy O'Keefe's Restaurant there "died in a slip down the basement stairs" and "is rumored to be seen sitting in his regular stool."

The address for The Island Caribbean Cuisine and Drinks is 118 Ferry Street, Malden, MA, 02148. Its website can be found at http://www.theislandmalden.com/

[Earlier Article]
Ferry Street Food and Drink in Malden Is 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]





Update: British Beer Company in Danvers Has Closed; Mexicali Grill Is Opening in Space

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on July 9 to reflect the fact that a new restaurant is moving in.]

It looks like yet another outlet of a small regional chain of British pubs has shuttered, essentially leaving the Greater Boston area with no locations remaining.

According to a source, British Beer Company in Danvers is no longer in business, with a sign out front saying that the Andover Street spot is closed until further notice. It appears that this is a permanent closure, as the website for the chain has removed this location; if so, the Danvers outlet joins others in Framingham and Walpole that have shut down of late, which means the closest locations to Boston are ones in Westford, Pembroke, Plymouth, and Franklin, all of which are between 30 and 40 miles away from the city. (Other locations can be found in Cedarville, Falmouth, Hyannis, Sandwich, Worcester, Manchester, NH, and Portsmouth, NH.)

The address for this now-closed pub in Danvers was: British Beer Company, 29 Andover Street, Danvers, MA, 01923. The website for the chain can be found at: http://www.britishbeer.com/

[July 9 update: According to a message from @CappyinBoston, a sign out front at the former British Beer Company site says that Mexicali Bar and Grill is coming soon; while this has also been confirmed by a page within mandsbureau.com, it is not known if this will be a location of Mexicali Mexican Grill, which currently has locations in Holden, Natick. Spencer, Ware, Webster, and South Windsor, CT. As soon as we find out who is behind the place, we will post another update here.]

[December 20 update: According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mexicali Grill is now open in Danvers, and the locations page for the group of restaurants mentioned above confirms that this is indeed connected to them.]

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]





The Future of Bull McCabe's in Somerville's Union Square Is in Question

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a popular Somerville pub faces an uncertain future.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Bull McCabe's in Union Square could be closing depending on the outcome of a lease issue, with the note saying the following:

We signed a ten year lease on the property with a five year option. We have always planned on executing the option. Late last year, however, our landlord told us that we needed to renegotiate terms on the lease...I know...doesn't make sense to me either; it goes against the option. There's a discrepancy in the lease that he says means one thing when for ten years, my partners and I have believed the opposite.

The note goes on to say that the people behind the Somerville Avenue drinking spot are now trying to renegotiate the rent, but if an agreement cannot be reached, the place could close on June 30 when its initial ten-year term expires.

Bull McCabe's, which first opened in 2008, is an Irish pub that features food, drink, and live music including everything from Irish music to jazz to reggae and more.

The address for Bull McCabe's is 366 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at http://bullmccabesboston.com/

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

[June 12 update: A follow-up post from the place indicates that things might be moving in the right direction for Bull McCabe's, with the note saying that "After months of not budging, we're now actively negotiating, and our landlord is open to movement on his way-too-high number....No promises yet, but we're far closer today than we were yesterday."]

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, May 29, 2018

Doretta Taverna and Raw Bar in Boston's Park Square Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like an upscale Greek restaurant in Boston has called it a day.

According to several sources, Doretta Taverna and Raw Bar in the city's Park Square/Park Plaza area has closed after a bit less than three years in business. Phone calls to the place have gone to voicemail this afternoon while its online reservations system does not seem to be working, and a recent email sent confirms its closure, with owner Michael Schlow saying that it is shutting down at the end of the month (though it appears to already be closed).

Doretta first opened in September of 2015, taking over the space where Via Matta had been. Schlow, who was behind both Doretta and Via Matta, is also behind such spots as Tico and Alta Strada, with the former having a location in the Back Bay and the latter having a location in Wellesley.

The address for Doretta Taverna and Raw Bar was 79 Park Plaza, Boston, MA, 02116.

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, May 25, 2018

Fusion Taste in Arlington Center Has Reopened

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban restaurant known mostly for its Chinese and Japanese fare is open once again, a few months after mysteriously shutting down.

According to a source, Fusion Taste in Arlington Center has reopened, with a check on the Broadway eatery confirming this. In February, the restaurant closed with no notice, and a sign out front had indicated at the time that it was a temporarily closure due to an unspecified equipment problem.

Fusion Taste first opened in Arlington Center in 2009, taking over the space where Mifune and Viet's Cafe had once been.

The address for Fusion Taste is 303 Broadway, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website can be found at http://www.fusiontastearlington.com/

[Earlier Article]
Fusion Taste in Arlington Center Is Closed; Exact Status Unknown


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





Veggie Grill to Open in Cambridge's Harvard Square

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a California-based vegan restaurant chain is opening its first location on the East Coast, and it will be located right in the heart of Cambridge.

According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Veggie Grill is planning to open this fall in Harvard Square, moving into a space within the Crimson Galeria on JFK Street. Once it opens, expect such items as a taco salad, avocado toast, black bean soup, veggie burgers, a masala bowl, Korean tacos, crispy cauliflower, nachos, and roasted yams.

Veggie Grill debuted in Irvine, CA, in 2006 and is now headquartered in Santa Monica; the chain currently has approximately 30 locations, mostly on the west coast.

The address for this upcoming dining spot in Harvard Square is: Veggie Grill, 57 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.veggiegrill.com/

[August 6, 2019 update: According to a source, it appears that the long-awaited Veggie Grill is finally close to opening, with the restaurant apparently planning to debut in a few weeks.]

[October 11, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Veggie Grill opens in Harvard Square on Sunday, October 13.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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

Thursday, May 24, 2018

The Porthole Restaurant in Lynn Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

An iconic waterside restaurant that has been around for more than 50 years is closing its doors, and it looks like it will be replaced by condos.

According to an article in itemlive.com, The Porthole Restaurant in Lynn is planning to shut down sometime in the next few months, with Robert Gaudet of the Lynnway eatery saying that "the time has come....I'm tired, I just want to relax." The post says that the property has been sold to a developer who plans to tear down the building and put up 55 luxury condominiums with views of both the city and the ocean, with construction possibly starting in late 2019.

The Porthole first opened in 1967, replacing a spot called the Blue Dolphin; the restaurant has been known over the years as a family-friendly restaurant to go to for seafood and classic American fare.

The address for The Porthole Restaurant is 98 Lynnway, Lynn, MA, 01902. Its website can be found at http://www.portholerestaurant.com/

[June 14 update: A new post on Facebook indicates that The Porthole Restaurant remains open, but just for lunch, and that it may be shutting down for good at the end of the month.]

[June 30 update: According to a few posts on social media, including a Facebook post from last week, it appears that today is the last day for The Porthole Restaurant.]

[August 6 update: A note from E.F Smith and Son indicates that an auction will take place at the Porthole Pub site on Wednesday, August 8, with the page also saying that the building is coming down.]

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]





Kimchipapi Kitchen Opens in Allston

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new Korean and Japanese restaurant has come to Allston.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Kimchipapi Kitchen is now open on Harvard Avenue (where a location of Chicken & Rice Guys had been), with owner/head chef Joon Son returning to the space where he once ran a sneaker store called At the Buzzer. The post says that the dining spot will have a limited menu at first and will only be open for dinner at the outset, with lunch service possibly coming at some point in the future. Currently, Kimchipapi Kitchen is offering "kravings," or appetizers, along with "glory bowls" which include meat/tofu, sauce, toppings, and side dishes.

Son's mother used to own Wu Chon House, a now-closed Korean restaurant in Somerville's Union Square.

The address for this new restaurant in Allston is: Kimchipapi Kitchen, 81 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/kimchipapiktchn/

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]





Diane's Bakery in Roslindale Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A decades-old spot for pastries, baked goods, and more will soon be closing its doors.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Diane's Bakery in Roslindale shuts down for good on June 8, with owner Bob Anderson indicating that it is time for a change after many years of waking up early to make food items each day. The closing of the Poplar Street shop, which first opened 50 years ago, means that only one bakery will remain in Roslindale Square--Fornax, which is located on Corinth Street.

UH says that Anderson's father ran Diane's Bakery until he passed away in 2016.

The address for this soon-to-close bakery in Roslindale is: Diane's Bakery, 9 Poplar Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131.

[June 7 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Diane's Bakery will actually be closing down today.]

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]





Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Royalty Iron Grill Plans to Open in Dorchester

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on June 11 to reflect a new name given for the place.]

It looks like a rather large restaurant featuring barbecue may be opening in a part of Boston that currently has few full-service options for dining and drinking.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, a restaurant tentatively called Daisy Duke's BBQ Pit and Royal is planning to open on Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester between Franklin Park and Harambee Park (the former Franklin Field), with the listing stating that it would have a total of six rooms, 5,000 square feet of space, and an outdoor patio during the warmer months. The hearing notice indicates that the eatery is seeking a full liquor license, with the manager of the place listed as being Boris Sapozhnikov. No other information has been given for Daisy Duke's as of yet, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for this proposed restaurant in Dorchester is 881 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02119.

[June 11 update: Universal Hub states that the new restaurant being proposed for Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester will actually be called Royalty Iron Grill and it would have seating for 240, an outdoor patio, and offerings that include Southern-style BBQ smoked in-house and some vegetarian options. If all goes well, the dining spot could open by mid-June.]


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]





J.P. Licks Opens at South Bay Town Center in Dorchester

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of ice cream cafes has opened a brand new location, and this one is located in a new mixed-use development just south of downtown Boston.

Caught in Dot states that J.P. Licks has its grand opening today at South Bay Town Center in Dorchester, which is located at the site of the old South Bay mall/shopping center between the Mass. Ave./Southampton Street and Columbia Road exits off the Southeast Expressway. The new shop joins a number of others in the local area, including outlets within the city in the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, and West Roxbury.

As mentioned earlier, a few other dining options appear to be on their way to South Bay Town Center as well (which is still under development), including Wahlburgers, MidiCi, and Gyu-Kaku.

The website for J.P. Licks can be found at http://www.jplicks.com/

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

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]





El Rincon de Moody's Opens in Waltham

by Marc Hurwitz

The person behind an award-winning deli along with an adjacent restaurant and wine bar has opened a new taqueria and BBQ spot.

Boston Magazine is reporting (via an update) that El Rincon de Moody's is now open in Waltham, with Joshua Smith being behind the Moody Street eatery. As mentioned earlier, the new counter-service place offers tacos, sandwiches and meals using meats cooked in the wood-fired rotisserie at The Backroom next door, beer, wine, sangria, and more, with seating available for approximately 30 people. El Rincon de Moody's plans to be open for lunch and dinner daily while also offering catering.

Joshua Smith runs Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions and The Backroom, both of which are in a separate space next door to El Rincon de Moody's; Smith is also behind New England Charcuterie, a meat-processing plant near the Waltham/Belmont line. (A second location of Moody's Deli can be found in Boston's Back Bay.)

The address for this new dining spot in Waltham is: El Rincon de Moody's, 456 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453. Its website is at https://www.elrincondemoodys.com/

[May 26 update: A new update from Boston Magazine mentions that El Rincon de Moody's is now officially open, with hours being 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.]

[Earlier Article]
Joshua Smith Opening Oyster/Ceviche Bar and Taco/BBQ Spot Next To Moody's Deli and The Backroom

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]





Harvest Co-op Markets in Cambridge and Jamaica Plain in Danger of Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like the future of a pair of community-owned markets may be in question.

An article from Cambridge Day states that Harvest Co-op in Central Square could close by August unless $300,000 is raised by then, with the Jamaica Plain News saying the same about the Forest Hills location of the store. Both posts say that a letter went out to members and the communities saying that it is "an ambitious task" to raise this amount of money in such a short period of time, and that steps that could help include the shops selling more local, natural and organic foods and focusing more on community organizing and marketing, while customers can help by buying in cash, purchasing gift cards but not using them right away, and buying items in bulk along with prepared foods, body care items, and supplements. (Other ways to help are also mentioned in the letter.)

The Cambridge location of Harvest Co-op Market can be found at 580 Massachusetts Avenue while the Jamaica Plain location can be found at 3815 Washington Street. The website for both stores is at http://harvest.coop/

[July 24 update: A new article from the Jamaica Plain News states that the people behind Harvest Co-op Market are considering the possibility of the National Co+op Grocers (NCG)--which is a cooperative of food cooperatives--purchasing the assets of the two markets. A town hall meeting will take place on August 6 where people can learn more about the proposal, with the exact time and location of the community meeting being given soon.]

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, May 22, 2018

Sullivan's at Castle Island Returns to the Hood Milk Bottle by the Boston Children's Museum

by Marc Hurwitz

An iconic seaside snack shack has returned to one of the most distinct landmarks in all of Boston.

According to a Facebook post, Sullivan's at Castle Island is back at the Hood Milk Bottle by the Boston Children's Museum along Fort Point Channel, with the note indicating that they will be there seven days a week from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Fridays) until the end of September. Last year, Sullivan's took over the Milk Bottle in late June, offering a limited menu that included such items as hot dogs, lobster rolls, salads, and soft-serve ice cream. It is not yet known if the offerings are the same this season; as soon as we see the menu, we will post an update here.

Sullivan's first opened at Castle Island in South Boston in 1951.

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

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Love at First Bite Is Replacing Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine in Lexington

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban Thai restaurant that has been around for a long time is now closed, and it will be replaced by another Thai spot with an interesting name.

According to a post from The Lexington Minuteman, Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine in Lexington is no longer in operation, with the Mass. Ave. storefront being renovated and its new owners planning to open Love at First Bite in the space. The article mentions that the new dining spot will "blend Thai flavors and American sensibilities," according to one of the co-owners, with the eatery opening in August if all goes as planned.

Lemon Grass had been open since at least the early 1990s, while the space had once been home to a location of Pewter Pot as well.

The address for the now-closed Lemon Grass (and upcoming Love at First Bite) is 1710 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420. The website for Love at First Bite will be at https://loveatfirstbitema.com/

[July 11 update: A new article from The Lexington Minuteman indicates that Love at First Bite is one step closer to opening, as the Lexington Board of Selectmen has approved of a transfer of a liquor license from Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine. (The post also mentions that the new spot will open after "extensive" renovations are made, though it is not known if it might still open next month as previously mentioned.)]

[January 6, 2019 update: According to a source, Love at First Bite is planning to open on Friday, January 11, with a check on the restaurant's website confirming this.]

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]





Monday, May 21, 2018

Cristo's Pizzeria in Somerville's Davis Square Has Closed; Dragon Pizza Moving In

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a longtime pizza spot in Somerville's Davis Square is no longer in business, and it appears that a new restaurant is moving into the space.

Eater Boston mentions (via the Davis Square Facebook group page) that Cristo's Pizzeria is shuttered, with a sign out front simply saying "closed" and the drinks refrigerator no longer being in the Elm Street space. The pizza place and sub shop appears to have shut down last week though it is not known exactly which day it closed. Cristo's Pizzeria first opened sometime in the mid to late 1980s, based on information from a couple of posters in the Facebook thread along with personal memories of the space (it had once been home to another spot called Speedy's).

According to a source, another restaurant owner had been looking at the Cristo's space, but since nothing has been confirmed, we will hold off on any additional information for now.

The address for this now-closed pizza place was: Cristo's Pizzeria, 233 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144.

[June 27 update: A licensing commission meeting page indicates that Delicious & Co. is planning to move into the former Cristo's space, with a check on the company name (Olive, Viola, and Will Inc.) indicating that Charles Redd of Redd's in Rozzie--which is closing--is behind it. This jibes with a report from Boston Magazine that stated Redd is involved in the opening of a spot called Dragon Pizza within the space. It is not yet known exactly how long Dragon Pizza could be there or what Delicious & Co. might be, so keep checking back for more updates.]

[September 7 update: Eater Boston states that Dragon Pizza opens today in the former Cristo's space, and that Charlie Redd (of the now-closed Redd's in Rozzie) and Keenan Langlois (who used to be involved with Publico Street Bistro and the Sinclair) are running the place. The dining spot will be open from 5:00 to midnight starting tonight, according to Eater.]

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]

Luigi's Italian Kitchen Opening in Former Sabatino's Space in East Arlington

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new Italian dining spot is opening where a popular pizzeria had been until closing due to a heating oil spill.

According to a poster on The Arlington List Facebook group page, a sign is up for Luigi's Italian Kitchen at the site of the now-closed Sabatino's in East Arlington, with a check on Bizapedia seeming to confirm that the eatery is indeed coming to the Mass. Ave. space. No information can currently be found on the restaurant other than the fact that Lisa Cronin appears to be involved with it and that the company itself (Luigi's Italian Kitchen, LLC) has a Franklin address. As soon as we find out more about the place, we will post an update here.

Sabatino's was forced to close in 2016 after something went wrong with a delivery of heating oil, flooding the basement of the building and causing Sabatino's to shutter. Shortly after it closed, it appeared that the people behind Sabatino's hoped to open in a new space somewhere in town, though this has not happened as of yet.

The address for Luigi's Italian Kitchen is 242 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

[August 30 update: Luigi's appears to be close to opening, as a sign is now up for the place and Your Arlington states that it was recently granted a common victualler license. Multiple sources also confirm that this is not connected to the long-closed Luigi's in Bedford.]

[September 25 update: According to a source (and confirmed by a check on the place), Luigi's Italian Kitchen is now open, though it has no online presence as of yet and no menu is available, so check back for more updates once we find out more about the restaurant.]

[Earlier Article]
Sabatino's Italian Kitchen in East Arlington Looking for New Home After Heating-Oil Spill

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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]





Thursday, May 17, 2018

The Future of the Village Restaurant in Essex Is in Question

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a decades-old seafood spot on the North Shore could be closing at some point, though nothing has been decided as of yet.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, a vote taken this month on a proposal to replace the Village Restaurant in Essex with a new fire station did not reach the two-thirds majority needed to pass, but a temporary tax increase to raise funds for the town to build a new station did pass, which now could leave this in the hands of the Board of Selectmen. An earlier post in The Salem News had mentioned that the owners of the dining spot will continue to run the place until the plan to have it replaced by a fire station is officially approved.

The Village Restaurant, which first opened in 1956, is known in part for its family-friendly atmosphere and its extensive menu which includes such items as fried clams, oyster stew, calamari, baked haddock, shrimp scampi, grilled salmon, a twin lobster dinner, and lobster rolls.

The address for the Village Restaurant is 55 Main Street, Essex, MA, 01929. Its website can be found at https://wedigclams.com/

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





Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Central Bistro in Boston's Downtown Crossing Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A French restaurant in the heart of Boston is closing down, and it appears that it will not be replaced by another dining spot.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Central Bistro in Downtown Crossing is shutting its doors for good after lunch service on Friday, May 18, with a note on the restaurant's website indicating that as its lease comes to an end, it will be transformed into upscale office space. The Arch Street dining spot first opened in 2010 as Petit Robert Central, with the name change coming five years later when it changed ownership.

The group behind Central Bistro is also involved with such places as Abby Lane, Citrus & Salt, Lion's Tail, and Lower Mills Tavern, with workers at Central Bistro being moved to those restaurants.

The address for this soon-to-close French eatery in Downtown Crossing is: Central Bistro, 101 Arch Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its website can be found at https://www.centralbistroboston.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]





Chilli Duck in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a popular Back Bay spot for Thai food has closed down.

According to a source, Chilli Duck on Boylston Street is no longer in business, with a sign out front saying that due to business conditions, the eatery is closed for good. Another source who checked the space out this morning confirmed this, saying that it has indeed shut down permanently, with the sign mentioning that the closure is "due to our inability to generate sufficient business profits to sign a new lease with tremendously high rent per month."

Chilli Duck, which first opened approximately 15 years ago, offered a variety of Thai dishes, including tom yum soup, pad Thai, mango curry, spicy tofu, crispy chicken, seafood hot pot, chili duck, and steamed lemon fish.

The address for this now-closed Thai restaurant in the Back Bay was: Chilli Duck, 829 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

Thanks to both sources for helping with some of the information given here.

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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]





Gong Cha and Cheers Cut Opening in Former Hot Spot Space in Allston

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on June 28 to reflect the fact that not one, but two spots appear to be moving into the space.]

It looks like a Taiwan-based group of bubble tea shops will be opening its second Boston location, with this one taking over a space in Allston where a Cantonese eatery had been.

According to a source (Chris Tam), Gong Cha is opening in the space on Harvard Avenue where The Hot Spot was for only a few months, with a "coming soon" sign shown out front. A check on the website for Gong Cha confirms this, showing that it plans to open sometime this spring, joining another location on Harrison Avenue in Chinatown along with other outlets in New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Texas. Once it opens, expect a variety of bubble tea options including ones with coffee, yogurt, brewed tea, milk tea, and more.

The Hot Spot first opened last summer but shut down around the end of the year, and at the time, it appeared that it was a temporary closure but the place never reopened.

The address for the new location of Gong Cha in Allston is 154 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for all locations can be found at http://www.gongchausa.com/

[June 28 update: Eater Boston states that a Taiwanese restaurant called Cheers Cut is also opening in the former Hot Spot space, though it is not known how/if Cheers Cut and Gong Cha are connected. According to EB, other locations of the eatery--whose signature item is crispy fried chicken--can be found in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida.]

[July 12 update: An update within the Eater Boston article indicates that Gong Cha and Cheers Cut are now open in the former Hot Pot space in Allston.]

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]





Harry O's in Boston's South End Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a longtime pizzeria and sub shop in the South End of Boston is closing down, as its building appears to be slated for redevelopment.

According to a note sent by Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting, it looks like Harry O's on Washington Street will be closing sometime around the end of the month, with the word being that the space in which both the shop and the adjacent Morse Fish Company reside could be seeing some kinds of changes or updates. Harry O's first opened more than 30 years ago, serving such items as pizza, calzones, pasta dishes, subs, grill items, and salads.

The address for this soon-to-close pizzeria and sub shop in the South End is: Harry O's, 1405 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02118. Its website can be found at http://www.harryospizza.com/

[May 25 update: A message from Patrick Maguire states that Harry O's plans to close today.]

[Earlier Article]
Morse Fish Company in Boston's South End Is Up for Lease

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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]





Monday, May 14, 2018

Strip-T's in Watertown Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A cult favorite that has been seen as one of the Boston area's true destination spots over the past decade or so is closing its doors.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Strip-T's in Watertown is shutting down after more than 30 years in business, with owner Paul Maslow saying of the School Street restaurant, "Business is just not consistent....It's kind of impossible to know why. Everybody has theories." The post mentions that the space is now on the market and that Maslow had let his staff know after he made the decision to shutter, with some already leaving while others apparently staying until the final day. (It does not appear that there is an official closing date as of yet, as it likely depends on when it is sold.)

Strip-T's first opened in 1986 and was a little-known neighborhood cafe at first, but in 2011, Maslow's son Tim came on board and helped transform the place into one of the best-known restaurants in the entire Boston area.

The address for Strip-T's is 93 School Street, Watertown, MA, 02472. Its website can be found at http://stripts.com/

[May 21 update: According to a Facebook post from the place from last week, Strip-T's plans to open all of this week "except Monday and Tuesday dinner from 5-9 pm and Sunday all day," at which point Maslow will base things on the number of workers he has remaining, possibly cutting down to lunch only for awhile. The post also mentions that reservations will no longer be taken and online ordering has stopped.]

[June 3 update: A new Facebook post states that Strip-T's had its final dinner service over the weekend, with the plan being to serve lunch only Monday through Saturday for the month of June.]

[June 25 update: Eater Boston says that Strip-T's closes for good at the end of lunch service on Saturday, June 30.]

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]





Frank Anthony's Marina Cafe Is Opening at Fan Pier on the Boston Waterfront

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like the people behind a grocery store on the Boston waterfront will be opening a cafe nearby.

According to a Twitter thread from @FortPointer, Frank Anthony's Marina Cafe is planning to open at Fan Pier, moving into a space under the new pavilion/steps by the Harborwalk and near where Fan Pier Boulevard meets a new road called Waterside Avenue. This jibes with an earlier hearing page within the city of Boston website that mentions the cafe plans to open at that site with 1,200 square feet of space that includes seating, and hours possibly being 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Frank Anthony's Gourmet Market first opened at 9 Fan Pier Boulevard toward the end of 2016.

The address for the new Frank Anthony's Marina Cafe is 10 Waterside Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210.

[June 9 update: A Twitter post from @stevebikes shows that Frank Anthony's Marina 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]