Friday, June 29, 2018

Avenue 153 Plans to Open in Roxbury

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new restaurant is on its way to Roxbury, opening in the space where another dining and drinking spot had been.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Avenue 153 is looking to open on Blue Hill Avenue, with the address indicating that it would be moving into the former Breezeway Bar & Grill space across the street from Merengue restaurant. The listing mentions that the dining spot is hoping to acquire a beer, wine, and liqueur license and that the manager would be Edwin Olivio; little other information is known about the proposed spot, so as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Breezeway Bar & Grill closed down approximately six years ago.

The address for Avenue 153 would be 153 Blue Hill Avenue, Roxbury, MA, 02119.

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]





Kohi Coffee Company Is Opening in Downtown Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A coffee shop with locations in Brighton and Provincetown will soon open a third location in the heart of downtown Boston.

A licensing board hearing page within the city's website indicates that Kohi Coffee Company is opening on Summer Street, with an article from capeplymouthbusiness.com indicating that the shop will be accessible from the lobby of its building while also having a walk-up window along the sidewalk. Once it opens, the new outlet will join others at Brighton's Boston Landing and on Commercial Street in Provincetown.

If all goes as planned, the new location of Kohi could be opening sometime in August.

The address for this new coffee shop in downtown Boston is: Kohi Coffee Company, 125 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for the other locations is at http://www.kohicoffee.com/

[November 28 update: A message sent from the place indicates that Kohi Coffee Company is open on Summer Street, and it actually opened its doors back on August 3.]

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]





Peggy O'Neil's in Dorchester Plans to Become Blend

by Marc Hurwitz

It appears that a dive bar in Boston is getting a new name.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Peggy O'Neil's in Dorchester is petitioning to change its name to Blend, though the listing seems to indicate that the ownership will remain the same. No other information has been given on what changes might be coming to the Dorchester Avenue space, so stay tuned for updates.

Peggy O'Neil's has been in business for more than 50 years, according to its social media pages.

The address for Peggy O'Neil's is 1310 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122.

[July 25 update: Eater Boston confirms that the people behind Peggy O'Neil's will indeed be changing its name to Blend, and that it is temporarily closed as minor renovations are being made. According to Eater, the bar will reopen this Friday (July 27) but it may close again for a week in August in order to complete upgrades to the interior.]

[August 26 update: According to a Facebook post, Peggy O'Neil's is still in the middle of morphing into Blend (its Facebook page shows logos for Blend while also saying "formerly Peggy O'Neil's") and that it hopes for a "soft reboot" in late September.]

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]





Rhythm 'n Wraps Opens Brick and Mortar Location in Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

The person behind a food truck featuring vegetarian fare has opened a permanent restaurant on the Boston/Brookline border.

According to a post from the Brookline TAB, Rhythm 'n Wraps is now open on Commonwealth Avenue in Packard's Corner, with owner Aaron Cohen bringing his veggie-friendly wraps and curries--along with a new vegan pizza option--to the brick-and-mortar location. Cohen, who used to have a hip hop record label and a music studio in Dorchester, says that he will keep his food truck running in Cambridge.

An earlier article from Eater Boston mentioned that Rhythm 'n Wraps was making plans to come to the Packard's Corner space.

The address for this new eatery in Boston is: Rhythm 'n Wraps, 1096 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02134. Its website can be found at http://rhythmnwraps.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]





Tasty Pot Replacing In House Cafe in Allston

by Marc Hurwitz

A small group of Taiwanese hot spot places is expanding to Boston, opening where a Mediterranean eatery had been.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Tasty Pot is opening in Allston in the former In House Cafe space on Brighton Avenue, with the dining spot offering an array of hot pot options along with appetizers, desserts, and a variety of milk teas. Currently, the mini-chain has a dozen outlets in California and one in Ontario, with this shop being its first on the East Coast.

Eater says that In House Cafe plans to open in a new location, though it is not known exactly where at this point.

The address for the new Tasty Pot (and now-closed In House Cafe) is 194 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for its other locations can be found at https://www.tastypotusa.com/

[October 9 update: Eater Boston states that Tasty Pot is now open in Allston.]

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]





Twist Bakery & Cafe in Millis to Expand to Burlington

by Marc Hurwitz

A bakery-cafe southwest of Boston that is up for a national award will be expanding to the northern suburbs.

The Daily Times Chronicle is reporting that Twist Bakery & Cafe in Millis is opening a second shop in Burlington, moving into the space on Second Avenue (within the 3rd Ave development) where Paul Bakery had been until closing in the summer of 2016. Twist, which was recently nominated by USA Today for best gluten-free bakery in the United States, offers baked goods, soups, salads, sandwiches, and more, with the focus being on the use of gluten-free, peanut-free, and mostly tree nut-free ingredients.

No specific opening date has been given as of yet for the new location of Twist Bakery & Cafe, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for this upcoming bakery-cafe in Burlington is: Twist Bakery & Cafe, 62 Second Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the original location in Millis can be found at http://www.twist-bakery.com/

[July 29 update: The 3rd Ave Burlington Facebook page states that Twist Bakery & Cafe opens its new shop in Burlington this fall.]

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, June 27, 2018

The Joshua Tree in Somerville's Davis Square to Be Replaced by Elm Street Taproom

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a longtime restaurant and bar in Somerville is shutting down, and a new dining and drinking spot is moving into the space.

According to a licensing commission meeting page within the city's website, The Joshua Tree is transferring its license to the Elm Street Taproom, with a comment within the Davis Square Facebook group page seeming to confirm this, referring to a notice about the "Elm Street Brew Pub" coming. Based on what a poster and a source both say, The Joshua Tree could be closing this weekend, though this has not been confirmed as of yet.

The Joshua Tree first opened in 1997 in Davis Square, with a second location opening in Allston in 2007. (The Allston location shut down in the early part of 2014.)

The address for The Joshua Tree in Davis Square (and upcoming Elm Street Taproom) is 256 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144.

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

[June 29 update: According to another source, The Joshua Tree is now shuttered, with a picture of a public notice in the window mentioning the license transfer.]

[September 5 update: Eater Boston states that Hawkeye Hospitality, which is behind Worden Hall in South Boston and Five Horses Tavern in Somerville and Boston's South End, are also behind the upcoming Elm Street Taproom. This ties in to an earlier article that had been posted here about the restaurant group opening a new place somewhere in the Boston area.]

[January 6, 2019 update: A post from boston.com indicates that the Elm Street Taproom opens on Tuesday, January 8.]

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]





Owen O'Leary's in Brockton May Move to New Space

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated to reflect the fact that the pub is planning to move to a new space.]

An Irish pub that has been in business for more than a quarter century is shutting down, and it is apparently due to a lease issue.

Wicked Local is reporting that Owen O'Leary's in Brockton is closing next Friday, with owner Kevin Gill saying that he was not able to agree to new lease terms with landlord Philip Nessralla. Gill says that "Our lease was up. And that was it. We wanted to stay, but it seems some people didn’t necessarily want that," while Nessralla mentions that "No, we couldn’t come to terms....We decided maybe it's better if we try another avenue." It looks like a new, more upscale restaurant will come to the Belmont Street space in the fall, while Gill hopes to find a new location in the Brockton area for Owen O'Leary's. (Other locations of the pub remain open in Southborough and Westborough.)

Owen O'Leary's first opened in Brockton in 1992.

The address for Owen O'Leary's (and upcoming new restaurant) is 1280 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA, 02301. The website for all three locations of the pub can be found at http://www.owenolearys.com/

[October 17 update: Wicked Local states that Owen O'Leary's may have found a new home in Brockton, as it hopes to reopen in the old No. 1 Hong Kong Buffet space at 863 Belmont Street. Kevin Gill says that "It's not 100 percent yet, but we're almost there," as he is getting close to a lease agreement on the space. If all goes well, the new location of the pub could be opening in time for St. Patrick's Day of 2019.]

[March 19, 2019 update: A Facebook post from the place mentions that Owen O'Leary's hit "a couple speed bumps" but is still planning to open in a new space in Brockton, with the pub hoping to open sometime in the spring or summer.]

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, June 26, 2018

Cappy's Tavern in Readville Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

One of Boston's oldest dive bars is closing down.

A Facebook post this evening confirms what we had heard earlier from a source, that Cappy's Tavern in the Readville section of Hyde Park is closing on July 24. It isn't known for sure what will become of the Wolcott Court space, though the Facebook post mentions something about a catering company moving in; as soon as we get more information, we will post an update here.

Cappy's Tavern, which first opened approximately 80 years ago, is a classic old-school neighborhood bar that offers such items as steak tips, pizza, burgers, steak and cheese subs, and pastrami sandwiches along with cheap beer and strong drinks.

The address for Cappy's is 11 Wolcott Court, Hyde Park, MA, 02136.

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]





Sushi Today Opens in Boston's Brigham Circle/Mission Hill Neighborhood

by Marc Hurwitz

A new sushi spot has arrived in a section of Boston that is starting to see more and more dining options.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Sushi Today is now open in the Brigham Circle/Mission Hill section of the city, with the Tremont Street restaurant offering a wide variety of sushi options along with starters such as seaweed salad, miso soup, and edamame. The dining spot is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, with dinner only being served on Sundays.

The address for this new sushi spot in Brigham Circle/Mission Hill is: Sushi Today, 1562 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02120. Its website can be found at https://sushi-today.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]





Mario's Pizzeria Is Opening in Roxbury

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new pizzeria and Portuguese eatery is on its way to Boston, opening in a neighborhood that currently has very few dining options.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Mario's Pizzeria is opening in a mostly residential section of Roxbury between Egleston Square and Grove Hall and a few blocks north of Franklin Park, with the Humboldt Avenue dining spot focusing on takeout and delivery. The post mentions that the place will feature New York-style pizzas as well as Portuguese fare such as cod cakes, bifana sandwiches, sardine pate flatbreads, and shrimp cakes. If all goes as planned, Mario's Pizzeria could be opening sometime in July.

Eater says that the people behind Mario's are Rebecca Greening and Mario Bailote, with Bailote being a native of Portugal and working as a longtime manager and pizza maker at the Same Old Place in Jamaica Plain.

The address for this new dining spot in Roxbury is: Mario's Pizzeria, 197 Humboldt Avenue, Roxbury, MA, 02121. The website for the eatery will be at https://www.pizzabymario.com/

[July 16 update: A new article from Eater Boston mentions that Mario's Pizzeria is now open, though with a limited menu.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Monday, June 25, 2018

Update: Refuge Cafe in Allston Has Closed; Mala Kungfu to Replace It

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on July 30 to reflect the fact that a new hot pot restaurant is moving into the former Refuge Cafe space.]

A cafe in Allston that was planning to close a couple of years ago only to remain open has closed for real this time.

According to a source, Refuge Cafe is no longer in business, with the Facebook page for the Brighton Avenue spot posting a video last month of "Mama, I'm Coming Home" by Ozzy Osbourne and saying "I'm not coming to work tomorrow. We're done here now." This was followed up by a rather interesting post that seems to refer to the closure of the place, saying (among other things) that "I do not believe [humans] shall ever return to my cafe.....I'm sitting on a digital beach, sipping on synthetic oil & basking in the glory of my evil genius."

Refuge Cafe first opened in September of 2011, offering such items as bagels, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, coffee, tea, smoothies, and more; the dining spot had mentioned the possibility of shutting down in September of 2016 but it never did close, instead remaining open until last month.

The address for this now-closed eatery in Allston was: Refuge Cafe, 155 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA 02134.

[July 30 update: Eater Boston mentions that Mala Kungfu plans to open in the former Refuge Cafe space and that it will focus on hot pot.]

[Earlier Article]
Refuge Cafe in Allston Planning to Close

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Comella's in Marblehead Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of Italian eateries has gotten a bit smaller, as it has closed its only North Shore location.

According to a Facebook post from All Marblehead, Comella's on Atlantic Avenue has shut down, with a sign out front saying "Thank you for 5 years of business" while referring customers to their other locations. With the closing of the Marblehead shop, the only remaining outlets directly north of Boston are in Melrose and Winchester.

Existing locations of Comella's can be found in Bedford, Belmont, Chestnut Hill, Concord, Hingham, Melrose, Natick, Needham, Wellesley, West Newton, West Roxbury, Westwood, and Winchester.

The address for this now-closed dining spot in Marblehead was: Comella's, 50 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA, 01945. The website for all locations can be found at: http://www.comellasrestaurants.com/

Thanks to a source 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]





Sunday, June 24, 2018

Casa Cana Is Opening within the Studio Allston hotel in Allston-Brighton

by Marc Hurwitz

A new Latin restaurant and rum bar is opening within a hotel across from the Charles River, moving into the site where a Chinese restaurant (and another hotel) had been.

Eater Boston is reporting that Casa Cana is opening in the Studio Allston hotel on Soldiers Field Road where the Days Hotel and Joyful Garden were. The article mentions that the upcoming spot may be focusing on nuevo latino fare while focusing on rum-based drinks as well, with the food apparently including Central and South American options along with Caribbean dishes. A specific opening date has not been given as of yet for Casa Cana (EB mentions that it plans to open soon), so keep checking back for updates.

Joyful Garden is reopening in the former Old Country Buffet space at the Watertown Mall, with earlier reports saying it could open in August though it isn't known if this is still a possibility.

The address for Casa Cana is 1234 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA, 02135.

[August 9 update: A Twitter post indicates that Casa Cana has soft-opened, with its official opening taking place this weekend.]

[Earlier Article]
Joyful Garden Is Reopening in Watertown

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, June 22, 2018

Ristorante Olivio in East Arlington Closing; Town Tavern Replacing It

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban Italian restaurant that has been in business for more than 15 years is closing, and a new restaurant and bar is moving in.

According to a post from Your Arlington, Town Tavern is looking to replace Ristorante Olivio on Mass. Ave. in East Arlington, with a PDF file that links to a Town of Arlington page indicating that the new spot will offer "contemporary American pub fare" with seating for approximately 120, and the place is currently seeking a full liquor license. Little other information has been given on the proposed restaurant other than the fact that George Mullan is behind it, and while a menu has been included in the PDF file, these menus are often placeholders so we will hold off mentioning some of the items on it for now.

Ristorante Olivio, which first opened in 2002, offers a variety of Northern and Southern Italian dishes in a casual upscale environment.

The address for Olivio (and the new Town Tavern) is 193 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

[June 28 update: The Arlington Advocate mentions that Town Tavern will be a 120-seat restaurant with an outdoor patio, and that it hopes to open in mid-August; in addition, a source also tells us that Ristorante Olivio could remain open into at least a part of July, though it will be closed for a few days around July 4.]

[July 6 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Ristorante Olivio will close later this summer and that the owner is planning to retire.]

[July 24 update: A new Facebook post states that Ristorante Olivio closes for good on Sunday, July 29.]

[September 10 update: According to a source, Town Tavern is now open, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this while its website (which is at https://towntavern.net/) shows that the place offers a mix of classic American and New American dishes such as chicken meatballs, pastrami sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, ratatouille, seared salmon, chicken bao, sirloin, Mongolian French dip, and fish and chips.]

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]





Home Taste in Watertown to Open New Location in Former La Posada Space in Arlington Heights

by Marc Hurwitz

A Chinese restaurant in Watertown is expanding to Arlington, moving into the space where a Mexican dining spot had been until late last year.

According to a note from @kcbaskin of The Boston Globe and a post from Your Arlington, Home Taste is planning to open on Mass Ave. in Arlington Heights, taking over the former La Posada space. Based on the menu at the location on Mt. Auburn Street in Watertown Square (which opened back in September of 2015), expect to see hand-pulled noodles, handmade dumplings, Chinese "burgers," mala pots, spicy Szechuan dishes, and more at the upcoming restaurant. No opening date has been given as of yet for the new location of Home Taste, so keep checking back for updates.

La Posada closed its doors last December after being in business for a bit less than eight years.

The address for the upcoming Home Taste in Arlington Heights is 1312 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for the Watertown location can be found at https://www.hometastema.com/

[June 27 update: Wicked Local states that Home Taste plans to open in Arlington Heights in mid-July.]

[July 29 update: A post on The Arlington List Facebook group page indicates that Home Taste opens its new Arlington Heights location on August 1.]

[August 1 update: A check on the place last night indicates that the opening of Home Taste in Arlington Heights has been delayed and that it is now looking at an August 8 opening.]

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]





Joe's American Bar & Grill in Framingham Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A small local group of family-friendly restaurants continues to get smaller, as another one of its suburban locations is getting ready to close.

According to a post in the Framingham Source, Joe's American Bar & Grill in Framigham is shutting down, with the restaurant and bar--which is located at Shoppers World--planning to close for good on June 30. Once it shutters, it will be the third location of Joe's to close over the past couple of years, with outlets in Braintree and Peabody also shutting down. It appears that locations in Boston (two), Dedham, Franklin, and Woburn will remain in operation, as well as another in Fairfield, CT.

The website for Joe's American Bar & Grill is at http://www.joesamerican.com/

[July 1 update: It appears that Joe's in Framingham has indeed closed for good, as it has been taken off the locations page of the restaurant's website.]

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, June 21, 2018

Feng Shui Is Opening in Burlington

by Marc Hurwitz

A group of Chinese and Japanese restaurants with four locations in the local area is opening another outlet, with this one being in a red-hot suburb for dining out.

The Burlington Union is reporting that Feng Shui is planning to open in The District, which is a rebranding of the New England Executive Park that contains such restaurants as Island Creek Oyster Bar, Pressed Cafe, Tavern in the Square, and Tuscan Kitchen. Once it opens, the new eatery may be offering sushi, Chinese and Japanese entrees, and hibachi based on its other locations in Chelmsford, Cohasset, Tyngsboro, and Waltham. If all goes well, the Burlington location of Feng Shui may be opening in the next few weeks. (Another location of the restaurant is being planned for Brighton.)

A Daily Times article from last summer had actually mentioned that Feng Shui was coming to Burlington.

The website for all locations of Feng Shui can be found at: http://www.gofengshui.com/

[November 6 update: According to a Facebook post from the place, the Burlington location of Feng Shui is now open.]

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]





Spud's Restaurant & Pub in Saugus Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

What was once a small local group of casual dining spots will soon be down to just one, as another one of its locations is shutting down.

An article from Wicked Local confirms rumors that we have been hearing over the past couple of weeks, that Spud's Restaurant & Pub in Saugus is closing at the end of this month, with the general manager of the Lincoln Avenue eatery citing slow sales and a "lack of staffing" as reasons for its closure. It appears that the sole remaining location of the restaurant will continue to operate in Rowley, though if this changes, we will post an update here. (Spud's used to have outlets in Danvers, Woburn, and North Hampton, NH as well.)

The Saugus location of Spud's had been in business since 1989.

The address for Spud's Restaurant & Pub is 22 Lincoln Avenue, Saugus, MA, 01906. The website for Spud's can be found at http://spudsrestaurant.net

[July 1 update: It appears that Spud's in Saugus has indeed closed, as phone calls today went unanswered and Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini mentions in an article from Advocate News Online that its last day was indeed 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]





Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Vitamin Sea Brewing Is Opening in Weymouth

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like another brewery is on its way to the South Shore, and this one will be a very short distance from another brewery.

According to an article from Wicked Local, Vitamin Sea Brewing is planning to open in Weymouth, moving into a building on Moore Road that is around the corner from Barrel House Z on Woodrock Road. The post says that the place will include a taproom and a brewing area, and that it will be mainly a production facility, closing each night at 8:00 PM. If all goes as planned, Vitamin Sea Brewing could be opening as early as September.

In addition to the upcoming Vitamin Sea Brewing and Barrel House Z, another brewery that recently opened nearby is Widowmaker, which is located in Braintree just west of the Braintree Split.

The address for Vitamin Sea Brewing is 30 Moore Road, Weymouth, MA, 02189. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Vitaminseabrewing/

[February 8, 2019 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Vitamin Sea Brewing opens its doors tomorrow at noon. (Thanks to a source for bringing this to our attention.)]

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, June 19, 2018

Roost Bistro in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

An upscale Back Bay restaurant that focused mainly on New American fare has closed its doors.

According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Roost Bistro has shut down, with website for the Newbury Street spot simply saying "Sorry we are now closed. We thank you for your patronage in the past." This confirms what we have heard from a few sources over the past few days who said it looked like the restaurant was no longer in operation.

Roost Bistro first opened in the spring of 2014, replacing The Creperie which was under the same ownership; the restaurant offered such items as clam chowder, steak tips, filet mignon, statler chicken, baked scrod, and grilled salmon.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in the Back Bay was: Roost Bistro, 259 Newbury Street, 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]





Chick-fil-A Plans to Open in Walpole

by Marc Hurwitz

A controversial chain of chicken spots is looking to open another location in the Greater Boston area, with this one being southwest of the city.

The Walpole Times is reporting that Georgia-based Chick-fil-A is planning to open at the Walpole Mall on Route 1, with the dining spot possibly having seating for 120 inside and a small outdoor area with 16 additional seats. This outlet would join others in Burlington, Dedham, Framingham, Marlboro, and Peabody along with six other shops in Massachusetts.

Chick-fil-A was in the local news several years ago when former Boston mayor Thomas Menino said he wouldn't allow the chain to open within the city because of the CEO's opposition to same-sex marriage. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.chick-fil-a.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]





Chilacates Is Opening in The Wholy Grain Space in Boston's South End

by Marc Hurwitz

A bakery-cafe in the South End has shut its doors, and a growing local group of highly-regarded Mexican restaurants is moving into its space.

According to a Facebook post, The Wholy Grain on Shawmut Avenue has closed, with the note saying that "it's with great sadness that we have to let you know that we have sold The Wholy Grain as we prepare for our next adventure. We will miss you terribly as you have become such great friends, but we hope to see you all day to day in the neighborhood." The post goes on to say that Chilacates will be opening in its space, joining other locations of the Mexican eatery in Jamaica Plain (two) along with upcoming outlets in Mission Hill and Chestnut Hill. [Ed note: Both are now open]

The Wholy Grain, which first opened in the winter of 2011, was a neighborhood spot that offered such items as scones, croissants, muffins, cupcakes, soups, salads, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and a variety of breads.

The address for the now-closed Wholy Grain (and new Chilacates) is 275 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.

[February 19, 2019 update: An update from a Boston Magazine article states that the new Chilacates in the South End 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]




Monday, June 18, 2018

Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Cambridge's Porter Square Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A Chicago-based chain of sub shops that quickly expanded through the Boston area several years ago has closed one of its locations.

According to a Twitter post from @codeman38, Potbelly Sandwich Shop in the Porter Square section of Cambridge is no longer in business, with a sign out front directing customers to their Downtown Crossing locations in Boston as well as their Burlington location. The chain debuted in the local area with a shop at Logan Airport in the spring of 2012, with the two locations in downtown Boston soon opening along with the Burlington outlet and another in Braintree. (The Cambridge shop opened in the summer of 2013.)

Potbelly Sandwich Shop, which started out in 1977, features a variety of sandwiches as well as soups, salads, and more.

The address for this now-closed location of Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Cambridge was 1 Porter Square, Cambridge, MA, 02140. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.potbelly.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]





Ellis Square Social Replacing Barrel House American Bar in Beverly

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on June 20 to reflect new information given on the restaurant moving into the space.]

A North Shore bistro that was located in an historic space has closed, though a new spot will soon be opening there.

According to a Facebook post, Barrel House American Bar in Beverly shut down over the weekend, with the note indicating that the people behind the Cabot Street spot will bring something new into the space, saying that "...we hope to see you again soon! As they say when one door closes, another opens and what is coming next will be truly special." A comment within the thread mentions that gift cards will be accepted at the upcoming restaurant or at Soma (which is in the same block and is under the same ownership), and that refunds are available as well. Another comment within the thread indicates that the new place should be opening in the next four to six weeks.

Barrel House American Bar was known in part for its comfort food options with American and French influences as well as its classic and modern cocktails; the restaurant was housed in a building that dates back to the Great Depression.

The address for the now-closed Barrel House American Bar (and new spot on the way) is 252 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.

[June 20 update: A message sent to us today indicates that the new restaurant moving into the Barrel House space will be called Ellis Square Social, and that Jay Murray (Avenue, Grill 23, The Stonehedge Hotel & Spa) and Todd Maul (Cafe ArtScience, Clio, Rialto) will be involved, along with the people behind Soma.]

[July 20 update: Boston Magazine states that Ellis Square Social plans to open in August.]

[August 21 update: A Facebook post from Jay Murray mentions that Ellis Square Social opens today.]

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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]





Sillari's Pizza in Malden Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A highly-rated pizzeria whose partners included a butcher shop owner has quietly closed.

A message sent from musician and radio host/consultant Michael Scott Stewart indicates that Sillari's Pizza in Malden is no longer in business, with a Facebook post seeming to confirm this, saying that the Medford Street shop has indeed shut down. The takeout pizzeria first opened in the spring of 2016, with Michael Dulock of M.F. Dulock Pasture-Raised Meats in Somerville and New England Culinary Institute graduate Scott Sillari being behind it. Sillari's was known in part for its customizable brick-oven pizzas with a marinara or pesto base and a variety of toppings offered.

The address for this now-closed pizza shop in Malden was: Sillari's Pizza, 97 Medford Street, Malden, MA, 02148.

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





Wok N' Roll in Cambridge's Porter Square Has Apparently Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a Chinese restaurant in Cambridge that had been around for at least a quarter century has closed its doors.

According to a couple of sources, Wok N' Roll in Porter Square appears to be no longer in business, with a "closed" sign out front at the Mass. Ave. eatery. It is not known why the place may have closed or what might become of the space, so keep checking back for updates.

Wok N' Roll had been open since at least the early 1990s according to one of our sources, with the restaurant offering mostly Chinese-American fare for both dining in and takeout.

The address for this now-closed dining spot in Porter Square was: Wok N' Roll, 1908 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

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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 Well Coffee House Is Opening in Former Pret A Manger Space on State Street in Downtown Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A coffee place that has a connection to a Christian ministry is on its way to downtown Boston, moving into the space where a sandwich shop had been.

According to a Twitter post from @GlennWhidden, The Well Coffee House is planning to open on State Street in the former Pret A Manger space, joining its original location in South Station which opened in early 2014. The website for the business says that it is a non-profit organization while an earlier press release on prweb.com says it is staffed by volunteers from Church @ The Well on Sumner Street in East Boston.

Pret A Manger closed earlier this year after being in business for a bit more than three years; several other locations in the Boston area remain in operation, including outlets in the Financial District, South Station, the Back Bay, and the Longwood medical area.

The address for this new coffee spot in downtown Boston is: The Well Coffee House, 1 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the original location at South Station can be found at http://www.thewellcoffeehouse.com/

[June 20 update: Eater Boston states that The Well could open on State Street in the next two to three weeks, and that it will offer baked goods from the Haley House Bakery Cafe in Roxbury.]

[October 25 update: A new article from Eater Boston says that The Well Coffee House is now open on State Street.]

[Earlier Article]
Pret A Manger on State Street in Downtown Boston 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]





Redd's in Rozzie Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A beloved neighborhood spot is shutting down, and the owner of the restaurant is citing the potential devaluing of its liquor license as being the reason for its closure.

According to a note from the place, Redd's in Rozzie is closing, with owner Charlie Redd saying that "the largest asset of this business, the liquor license, is going to be devalued tremendously by a Boston City Council initiative...to flood Boston with free liquor licenses....The license has been sold and will be moved out of Roslindale." The note goes on to say that the Washington Street eatery plans to remain open into the month of July, though no specific closing date has been given as of yet.

One of our sources tells us that Charlie Redd was recently looking at a storefront in Somerville, but since very little additional information has been given on this, we will hold off on mentioning which space for the time being.

Redd's in Rozzie first opened in the spring of 2011, taking over the space where Geoffrey's Cafe had been; the restaurant is known in part for its New American fare, comfort food, and cocktails and organic wines, as well as its garden patio along the side of the place that is a popular spot during the warmer months..

The address for Redd's in Rozzie is 4257 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131. Its website can be found at http://www.reddsinrozzie.com/

[June 27 update: A licensing commission meeting page indicates that Delicious & Co. is planning to move into the former Cristo's space in Somerville's Davis Square, with a check on the company name (Olive, Viola, and Will Inc.) indicating that Charles Redd is behind it. This jibes with a report from Boston Magazine that stated Redd is involved in the opening of a summer pop-up 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.]

[July 22 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Redd's in Rozzie is now 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]

Friday, June 15, 2018

The Soup Shack Is Opening in Jamaica Plain

by Marc Hurwitz

A new place for soup is getting ready to debut in Jamaica Plain, moving into the space where a sushi spot had been.

According to an article in the Jamaica Plain News, the Soup Shack is planning to open on Monday, June 18 on Centre Street in the former Kamado Super Fusion space, with the eatery featuring Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese soups (including Thai noodle soup, ramen, and pho). This seems to jibe with what we had mentioned in an earlier article, that a noodle shop would be opening in the space, though at the time it looked like its name might be Asian Noodle Soup.

Kamado closed in January after being in business for approximately four years.

The address for this new soup spot in Jamaica Plain is: The Soup Shack, 779 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[Earlier Article]
Kamado Super Fusion in Jamaica Plain Has Closed; Asian Noodle Soup Plans to Open in Space

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]