Sunday, September 30, 2018

Beacon Hill Pub in Boston Temporarily Closes, Plans to Reopen Soon

by Marc Hurwitz

One of the last remaining dive bars in or near the downtown area of Boston has closed, though now it looks like it will be returning soon.

According to multiple posters on social media as well as a couple of sources--both of whom have connections to the local restaurant industry--the Beacon Hill Pub on Charles Street shut down over the weekend, and while we were initially told that a new bar may be opening in the space, The Boston Globe states that the pub will open back up again once a license transfer takes place, which could be as early as October. Universal Hub had reported in July that the Greater Boston Bar Co., which purchased the building housing the bar, did not plan to make any changes to the place other than apparently hiring a new manager while also saying the same for The Tam in the Theatre District and Mary Ann's in Cleveland Circle, which they also took over.

The Beacon Hill Pub, which has been in business since at least the 1980s, is considered one of the few dives left in the heart of the city, with others including Biddy Early's in the Financial District, the Corner Cafe in the North End, the Sidebar and the Hub Pub in Downtown Crossing, and J J Donovan's in Faneuil Hall.

The address for the Beacon Hill Pub is 149 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

[January 24, 2019 update: A tweet from @eclevine indicates that the Beacon Hill Pub opens tomorrow (Friday, January 25), with the pub itself confirming this within the thread.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Friday, September 28, 2018

Life Alive Plans to Open in Former Au Bon Pain Space in Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of cafes featuring healthy, organic food will be opening another new location, with this one being in a busy section of Boston.

According to an email (and as posted by Eater Boston), Life Alive is planning to open in the Back Bay, moving into the space on Boylston Street where a location of Au Bon Pain had been. Once it opens (possibly in the spring of 2019), the new eatery will join other locations in Brookline, Cambridge, Lowell, and Salem, and based on the menus at those locations, expect to see vegetarian dishes that use organic ingredients, including soups, salads, grain bowls, wraps, smoothies, coffee, tea, and more.

The address for this upcoming restaurant in the Back Bay is: Life Alive, 431 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.lifealive.com/

[April 24, 2019 update: An email sent to us indicates that the Boylston Street location of Life Alive plans to open in early June.]

[June 11, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Life Alive opens in the Back Bay tomorrow (Wednesday, June 12).]

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]




Changsho in Cambridge May Be Changing Its Name to Lotus Parc

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a longtime Cambridge restaurant could be changing its name.

According to a license commission hearing agenda page, Changsho on Mass. Ave. has applied for a change of name to Lotus Parc, which would be closer in name to two other restaurants run by the same group--Lotus Blossom in Sudbury and Lotus Flower in Framingham. The hearing is slated to take place on October 3, so stay tuned for possible updates later next week or the week after.

Changsho is a popular neighborhood spot that was originally known as Wong Foon in the late 1970s, according to the restaurant's website; the place features a mix of Chinese-American and more traditional Chinese fare, and is known in part for its lunch buffet.

The address for Changsho is 1712 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at http://changshorestaurant.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]





Cava Is Opening in Cambridge's Kendall Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A Washington, D.C.-based group of fast-casual Mediterranean spots is planning to expand further into the Boston area, with a new one possibly on its way to Cambridge.

According to a license commission hearing page, Cava is looking to open in Kendall Square, with the proposed Ames Street eatery including seating for 38 inside and an outdoor patio with additional seating for 20. If approved, the new restaurant would join existing locations in Boston's Fenway and Back Bay along with outlets in Dedham and Hingham.

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

The address for this new dining spot in Kendall Square is: Cava, 82 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for all of the locations can be found at http://cava.com/

[October 1 update: Restaurant Architect Justin Albert confirms in a LinkedIn thread that Cava will indeed be opening in Kendall Square.]

[November 21 update: Eater Boston mentions that the new location of Cava in Kendall Square is slated to open on Tuesday, November 27.]

[November 27 update: According to Justin Alpert (Restaurant Architect from Phase Zero Design), Cava in Kendall Square opens today with its Community Day, which includes free lunch, free dinner, and donations to a nonprofit.]

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]





Twisted Tree Cafe Is Opening in Former Trail's End Cafe Space in Lincoln

by Marc Hurwitz

A new cafe and coffee shop is on its way to a Boston suburb that has very few dining options.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Twisted Tree Cafe is opening in Lincoln, moving into the space on Lincoln Road where a location of Trail's End Cafe had been. An earlier article from The Lincoln Squirrel confirms this, saying that the place will be serving breakfast and lunch, while the website for the eatery indicates that it could be very close to opening, stating that it plans to open late this month (it isn't known for sure whether this is still the case).

Trail's End Cafe first opened in Lincoln in late 2016, taking over the space where the Whistle Stop Cafe had been; the people behind that restaurant also run another location of Trail's End in Concord along with the newly-opened Concord Market and the now-closed Lincoln Kitchen, the latter of which was next to the former Trail's End in Lincoln (and upcoming Twisted Tree Cafe).

The address for this new dining spot in Lincoln is: Twisted Tree Cafe, 145 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA, 01773. Its website can be found at https://www.thetwistedtreecafe.com/

[October 2 update: @citylivingboston tells us that Twisted Tree Cafe is now open in Lincoln.]

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, September 27, 2018

Crave - Mad for Chicken Plans to Open in Allston

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a Chinatown restaurant that features Korean fried chicken may be expanding to another part of Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page, Crave - Mad for Chicken on Kneeland Street is apparently planning to open in Allston, with the proposed Brighton Avenue eatery looking to get its liquor license from the now-closed Market Lounge in downtown Boston. While the hearing notice only mentions the word "Crave," the manager listed is Susan Cheng, and an online search does show that Cheng is indeed behind the Chinatown location of Crave - Mad for Chicken. It appears that the new spot would have a dining area and a bar, with the space being a total of 5,300 square feet.

Crave - Mad for Chicken first opened in Chinatown in the summer of 2014, offering such items as fried chicken, sushi, salads, dumplings, and more.

The address for this proposed dining spot in Allston is: Crave - Mad for Chicken, 128 Brighton Avenue Allston, MA, 02134. The website for the Chinatown location can be found at http://cravemadforchicken.com/

[September 28 update: Eater Boston confirms that Susan Cheng is opening a second location of Crave - Mad for Chicken in Allston, with the menu being much the same as that of the Chinatown location except for a few minor changes. No opening date has been given as of yet, but it appears that the new spot could be opening by next spring if all goes well (they are currently renovating the space).]

[February 11, 2020 update: Crave - Mad for Chicken has not yet opened in Allston, but a source (Geoff Wong) hints that it appears to be getting closer to opening, and this location will apparently be a restaurant and lounge with a full bar. (This has been confirmed on the website for the upcoming location, saying that it will also have a completely new menu.)]

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, September 26, 2018

PZA Gourmet Pizza Is Opening in Salem

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new pizza spot is coming to a new mixed-use development on the North Shore.

According to a source, PZA Gourmet Pizza is opening in Salem, moving into a recently-constructed building on Lafayette Street that includes office and retail space. The people behind PZA include Stephen Sampson and George Tsatsis, the latter of whom has been involved with such places as The Berry Tavern in Danvers and the Lynnfield House of Pizza and who says on a Facebook post that the opening is slated for tomorrow (Thursday, September 27).

It appears that PZA Gourmet Pizza is not connected with PZA, a small group of pizza spots that are found in airports and service plazas.

The address for this new pizzeria in Salem is: PZA Gourmet Pizza, 331 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website is at http://pzasalem.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Boom Crispy Chicken Opens in Boston's Chinatown

by Marc Hurwitz

A new option for fried chicken has come to downtown Boston.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Boom Crispy Chicken is now open in Chinatown, moving into the space on Kneeland Street where The Little Kitchen had been. The post says that the new eatery focuses on takeout, with fried chicken options being front and center (including wings, popcorn chicken, and chicken strips) while also offering such items as hot dog skewers, fish ball skewers, takoyaki (stuffed dough balls), braised pork rice, and more. Boom Crispy Chicken is open for lunch and dinner daily, and it plans to set up online ordering soon.

The address for this new dining spot in Chinatown is: Boom Crispy Chicken, 22 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website can be found at http://www.boomcrispychicken.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]





Gong Cha Is Opening at the Burlington Mall

by Marc Hurwitz

A Taiwan-based chain that claims to be "one of the most recognized bubble tea brands around the world" is planning to open a third Boston-area location, with this one being its first outlet in the suburbs.

According to a post from Burlington Cable Access Television, Gong Cha is looking to open a shop at the Burlington Mall, joining other locations in Boston's Chinatown and in Allston. If approved, the new outlet would offer a variety of bubble tea options, including milk foam, brewed tea, latte, yogurt, milk tea, creative mixes, and coffee-based drinks.

Gong Cha started out in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and currently has more than 1,500 locations around the world. Its website can be found at http://www.gongchausa.com/

[January 22, 2019 update: A Facebook post from the place indiates that Gong Cha is now open in Burlington.]

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, September 24, 2018

Sapa Is Opening in Former Zendo Space within The Launch at Hingham Shipyard

by Marc Hurwitz

A new Asian restaurant is on its way to a waterfront development on the South Shore, and it will be replacing a now-closed Asian fusion spot.

According to a source, Sapa is planning to open in the former Zendo Asian Bistro & Lounge space at The Launch at Hingham Shipyard, with the minutes from a Board of Selectmen meeting confirming that the dining spot is indeed looking to open in that space. Our source indicates that a sign out front says Sapa will feature "modern Asian Japanese cuisine" while also having a lounge, though specific details have not been given as of yet. The board approved of Sapa's plans, with upcoming steps toward opening including approval from all town boards and departments along with the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

Zendo closed this spring after being in business for approximately seven years.

The address for this new Asian restaurant at the Hingham Launch is: Sapa, 25 Shipyard Drive, Unit 18, Hingham, MA, 02043.

[December 18 update: According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Sapa has soft-opened in Hingham, with the Hingham Anchor Facebook page saying that it is indeed open. (It appears that the official opening might be taking place in January.)]

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]





Cafe by Salon Is Opening in Boston's Beacon Hill Neighborhood

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new cafe is on its way to the Beacon Hill section of Boston, though very little is known about the place at this point in time.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Cafe by Salon is planning to open somewhere around the corner of Charles Street and Revere Street, with the business currently looking for a General Manager to run its "coffee shop operations." No other information has been given on the spot as of yet, including an exact address, when it might open, and what it might offer other than coffee, so keep checking back for updates as they come in.

[October 11 update: A job post within the LinkedIn site indicates that Cafe by Salon will be opening this month within another business--a gallery called Salon Design--and that it will offer coffee, tea, and pastries. A website for Salon Design shows the address as being 122-126 Charles Street, which is indeed at the corner of Charles Street and Revere Street.]

[November 28 update: A Facebook post from the place states that Cafe by Salon 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]





Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar in Boston's Financial District Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A restaurant and bar in downtown Boston that came under new ownership last year is shutting down for good next week.

According to a source, Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar in the city's Financial District is officially closing October 1, with a check on the website for the Water Street spot confirming this, referring customers to Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale on Temple Place in Downtown Crossing. The owners and operators of Stoddard's took over Vanderbilt in May of 2017, reopening the place a month later with the concept being similar to Stoddard's, with classic and New American dishes offered along with local craft beers, vintage cocktails, and more. Vanderbilt has actually been locked up and dark for the past couple of months, but there has been no official word on its status until now.)

Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar resides in a former bank building and had been called The Vault until changing its name in 2015.

The address for Vanderbilt is 105 Water Street, Boston, MA, 02109.

[September 25 update: A message sent to us confirms that Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar has already closed and that the October 1 date is simply an official closing date.]

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]





Wow Barbecue in Malden Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A trio of restaurants featuring Chinese BBQ is now down to just two, as one of its Boston-area locations has shut down.

According to poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Wow Barbecue in Malden has shut down, with a message from the place confirming that the Salem Street eatery has indeed closed after four years in business, referring customers to its location on Washington Street in Brookline Village. (Another outlet can be found in Providence as well.) The Malden location of Wow first opened in March of 2016

Wow Barbecue started out as a food truck that had been set up mainly in the Chinatown section of Boston. The brick-and-mortar restaurants are known for their meat skewers and tapas dishes, including such items as lamb, chicken skin, pork belly, pepper frog, and spicy stir-fry clams.

The address for this now-closed Chinese BBQ spot in Malden was: Wow Barbecue, 184 Salem Street, Malden, MA, 02148. The website for the remaining two locations can be found at https://wowbarbecue.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]





Friday, September 21, 2018

Tim and Nancy Cushman to Open New Restaurant at The Street in Chestnut Hill

by Marc Hurwitz

The husband and wife team behind two of Boston's best-known restaurants will apparently be opening a new spot a bit west of the city.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Tim and Nancy Cushman are planning to open a restaurant at The Street in Chestnut Hill, with a rep for the development saying that "The Street in Chestnut Hill is excited to confirm that Chef Tim and Nancy are opening a new restaurant concept at The Street in 2019. There are no further details to share as the concept is still in development." The Cushmans are behind o ya, an award-winning sushi spot in the Leather District, and Hojoko, an eclectic izakaya within the Verb Hotel in the Fenway. [Ed note: They have also opened Gogo Ya and Ms. Clucks Deluxe Chicken & Dumplings at Time Out Market Boston in the Fenway.]

As soon as we get more details about the upcoming restaurant from Tim and Nancy Cushman, we will post an update here.

The Street in Chestnut Hill is currently home to a handful of dining spots, including Aquitaine, Shake Shack, Bernard's, Legal Sea Foods, Ronsky's, Davio's, and more.

[March 7, 2019 update: Boston Magazine states that the new restaurant from Tim and Nancy Cushman (which does not yet have a name) plans to open later this summer.]

[September 18, 2019 update: Eater Boston mentions (via The Boston Globe) that the new restaurant from the Cushmans will be called Bianca, and that it will focus at least in part on wood-fired dishes, including pizza. If all goes as planned, the dining spot could be opening around the holidays.]

[March 12, 2020 update: According to an update from Eater Boston, the long-awaited Bianca will indeed be offering pizza, and it will be via a Roman pizzeria within the space called Mr. Roni Cups. It looks like Bianchi and the pizzeria could be opening later this month, but stay tuned for a specific opening date.]

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, September 20, 2018

Black Jack Pasta Kitchen, Union Park Pizza Taking Over Morse Fish, Harry O's Spaces in Boston's South End

by Marc Hurwitz

A landmark fish market and a longtime pizzeria in the South End that both closed this spring will be replaced by a pasta spot and another pizzeria.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Black Jack Pasta Kitchen and Union Park Pizza are moving into the former Morse Fish Company and Harry O's spaces on Washington Street, respectively, with both businesses possibly debuting as soon as early October. Black Jack Pasta Kitchen is connected to Black Jack Pasta Bar, which closed its Fenway restaurant earlier this year, and the new spot will have more room than the Queensbury Street eatery had. Little is known about Union Park Pizza other than the fact that it will serve flatbreads, so stay tuned for updates on that place.

Morse Fish Company closed in late May after being in business since 1903; Harry O's closed on the same day as Morse after being open for more than 30 years.

The address for the upcoming Black Jack Pasta Kitchen is 1401 Washington Street while the address for Union Park Pizza is 1405 Washington Street.

[November 14 update: According to restaurant critic and food/drinks feature writer @mcslimjb, Union Park Pizza is now open, with a post on the South End Community Board Facebook page mentioning this as well.]

[July 2, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Black Jack Pasta Kitchen is now open in the former Morse Fish space.]

[Earlier Articles]
Morse Fish Company in Boston's South End Is Up for Lease
Harry O's in Boston's South End Is Closing

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Sufra Is Opening in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

by Marc Hurwitz

A new dining spot is on its way to the Fenway section of Boston, and the people behind a food truck that focuses on Mediterranean food will be opening the place.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page, Sufra is planning to open on Queensbury Street, moving into the space where Blackjack Pasta Bar had been. The website for the business confirms that the restaurant is indeed coming soon to the space, and based on a menu shown within the site, the new dining spot will be serving such items as falafel, chicken shawarma, lamb kababs, tabouleh, kibbie balls, steak sandwiches, and more.

The Sufra food truck can be found at several sites in Boston, including at BU East, the Seaport District, and the Back Bay.

The address for this new Mediterranean dining spot in the Fenway is: Sufra, 52 Queensberry Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the business can be found at https://www.sufraofboston.com/

[March 3, 2019 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page mentions that Sufra is now open in the Fenway, with its website confirming that it indeed opened on February 22.]

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]




Table by Jen Royle Is Opening in Boston's North End

by Marc Hurwitz

A family-style Italian dining spot is on its way to the North End of Boston, and the person behind it is a familiar name in both the sports and food worlds.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Table by Jen Royle is opening on Hanover Street in a former nail salon space, with the restaurant being open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and brunch on Sundays, while the setup of the place includes a large table for 22 people and several other smaller tables. The fixed-price dinner menu at Table will include bread, two salads, three appetizers, and two main courses along with side dishes, while brunch will include such items as fried dough, chicken and waffles, buttermilk biscuits, and breakfast flatbreads.

Jen Royle comes from the world of sports reporting and writing, and she is also a chef who has been on Beat Bobby Flay and The Taste.

The address for this new restaurant in the North End is: Table by Jen Royle, 445 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the place is at https://tableboston.com/

[January 9, 2019 update: A Twitter post says that Table by Jen Royle opens on January 22.]

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]





Poke Burri Is Coming to Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

An Atlanta-based dining spot that features an eclectic mix of sushi and poke items appears to be on its way to Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting that Poke Burri is planning to expand to the local area, possibly offering such items as sushi pizza, sushi corn dogs, sushi doughnuts, sushi burritos, and poke bowls based on the menu items at its Atlanta location along with a second location in Raleigh, NC. The article mentions that the sushi pizza includes a filled roll "crust" and a triangular bed of rice while the sushi corn dogs are made with deep fried rice and crab salad along with three sauces, and the sushi doughnuts include rice made into a circular shape and topped with tuna, salmon, or crab salad and sauce.

It is not yet known exactly where (or when) Poke Burri may open in the local area; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The website for Poke Burri can be found at https://www.pokeburri.com/ while the Instagram page for the upcoming Boston location is at https://www.instagram.com/pokeburriboston/

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]





Cafe Jaffa in Boston's Back Bay Is on the Selling Block

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime favorite for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food is being sold.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Cafe Jaffa in the Back Bay is up for sale, as the owner has decided to retire after running the Gloucester Street restaurant for 27 years. The post mentions that the dining spot will remain open while the place is on the market, serving lunch and dinner daily.

Cafe Jaffa first opened in 1991, serving such items as falafel, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, shish kabob, chicken schnitzel, lamb chops, stuffed peppers, and schwarma.

The address for Cafe Jaffa is 48 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website can be found at http://www.cafejaffa.net/

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]





Cugini's Market Is Opening in Watertown

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like the people behind an Italian restaurant and deli in Newton are going to be opening a brand new spot.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Cugini's Market is getting ready to open in Watertown, with the post mentioning that "Depasquales at night caps corner is adding on another deli to the family! This one...will be opening up in the next week." A check on superpages.com shows that the new Italian market and deli will apparently be opening on Waltham Street in a space located just east of the Waltham line. It is not known exactly what will be available at Cugini's Market, but the job posting hints that breakfast items could be offered as well as sandwiches.

DePasquale's At Night Caps Corner, which is located on River Street in Newton between Auburndale and the Waltham line, is a place that our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured as an under-the-radar spot for Italian dishes, with the review being found at this link:

https://www.hiddenboston.com/DePasquales.html

The address for Cugini's Market is 129 Waltham Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

[November 1 update: A tweet from @HarmyG indicates that Cugini's Market is now open, with the Facebook page for the place confirming this.]

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 Plans to Open in Roslindale

by Marc Hurwitz

A growing local group of Mexican spots is expanding further into the Boston area, with a new location now being planned for the space where a restaurant and a market had been.

Universal Hub is reporting (via Roslindale Village Main Street) that Chilacates is planning to open in Roslindale, moving into the space on Washington Street where Redd's in Rozzie and Tony's Market were. The new eatery will join existing locations on Centre Street and Amory Street in Jamaica Plain along with upcoming shops in the South End, Mission Hill, and Chestnut Hill, and Chilacates owner Socrates Abreu is also in the process of reopening Grass Fed in JP as well.

Redd's in Rozzie closed its doors this summer while Tony's Market moved to a new location on Washington Street a couple of years ago.

The address for the upcoming location of Chilacates in Roslindale will be 4253-4257 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131. The website for Chilacates can be found at http://chilacates.mx/

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, September 19, 2018

Totto Ramen Is Opening at South Bay Town Center in Dorchester

by Marc Hurwitz

A pair of Boston-area ramen shops that are connected to others in New York could be joined by a third location in a new mixed-used development just off the Southeast Expressway.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Totto Ramen is looking to open at South Bay Town Center in Dorchester, with the space slated to have a dining room and bar with seating for 40, while a seasonal outdoor patio is being planned as well. If it gets approved, the new location of Totto would join others in Allston and Assembly Row in Somerville, along with Midtown West, Midtown East, and Hell's Kitchen in Manhattan. (Two others can be found in Taiwan.)

South Bay Town Center is an expansion of the old South Bay Shopping Center, with the new development being home to J.P. Licks, a location of Wahlburgers, and a few other dining spots.

The website for Totto Ramen is at http://tottoramen.com/

[November 25 update: According to a source, Totto Ramen is now open at South Bay.]

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]

Aceituna Grill Opening New Location in Boston's Financial District

by Marc Hurwitz

A pair of restaurants featuring Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine may be joined by a new location in the heart of downtown Boston.

According to a licensing commission hearing page within the city's website, Aceituna Grill is looking to open in the Financial District, with the description indicating that the Federal Street eatery may be looking to focus at least in part on takeout, as it will have a kitchen in the back and a "serving line" in the front. If the city approves of its plans, the new location of Aceituna would join others in  Cambridge's Kendall Square and Boston's Seaport District, possibly offering such items as Greek salads, hummus, baba ganoush, shawarma, falafel, moussaka, and baklava, based on the menus at the other locations.

The address for the new location of Aceituna Grill in downtown Boston would be 100 Federal Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for the two existing locations can be found at http://aceitunagrill.com/

[September 27 update: Eater Boston states that Aceituna Grill will include both indoor and outdoor dining with a capacity of 200.]

[December 7 update: A new post from Aceituna Grill indicates that Aceituna Grill is now open in the Financial 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]





Pho Viet's II Is Replacing No. 1 Noodle House in Newton Centre

by Marc Hurwitz

A Chinese restaurant in Newton has very quietly closed, and it looks like a second location of a highly-rated Vietnamese eatery in Allston will be moving into its space.

According to a post within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, a sign is up at the site of No. 1 Noodle House in Newton Centre showing that Pho Viet's II is coming soon, with another sign at the Langley Road space saying "closed for renovations." It is not known exactly when (or why) No. 1 Noodle House shut down, though another post on the page indicates that it may have closed over the past week or so.

The sign shown for Pho Viet's II has the same logo as that of Pho Viet's within the Hong Kong Supermarket/Super 88 food court in Packard Corner, so this appears to be a second location of that restaurant. The original Pho Viet's has received much praise from media outlets over the years, and our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured it as an under-the-radar spot to go to for Vietnamese food. The review can be found at the link below:

https://www.hiddenboston.com/PhoViets.html

The address for the now-closed No. 1 Noodle House (and the new Pho Viet's II) is 51 Langley Road, Newton, MA, 02459. The website for the original location can be found at https://www.phoviets.com/

[December 18 update: According to a note on its website, Pho Viet's II plans to open in Newton Centre sometime this month.]

[January 17, 2019 update: A source tells us that Pho Viet's II is now open in Newton Centre.]

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, September 18, 2018

Giacomo's Ristorante Is Opening in Wayland

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Boston is expanding once again.

According to a web page, Giacomo's Ristorante is planning to open in Wayland, with the page simply saying "coming soon" and mentioning an Elissa Avenue address within Wayland Town Center. Once it opens, the new spot will join the original Giacomo's in Boston's North End along with another location in the South End and a suburban outlet in Melrose.

The North End location of Giacomo's is known in part for its long lines out the door, as it is particularly popular with tourists and other visitors to Boston.

The address for this new Italian restaurant in Wayland is: Giacomo's Ristorante, 14 Elissa Avenue, Wayland, MA, 01778.

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

[September 24 update: The Wayland Town Crier reports that Giacomo's will take over the space where Bertucci's had been until closing earlier this year.]

[December 11 update: According to a tweet, Giacomo's is now open in Wayland, with a Facebook post from the restaurant confirming this.]

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]





KO Catering & Pies in South Boston Is Closing; Building Has Been Sold

by Marc Hurwitz

The original location of a pair of Australian pie spots is saying farewell.

According to a Facebook post from the business, KO Catering & Pies in South Boston is closing, with the note saying that "it is somewhat bittersweet to announce that we have sold our building on A street and will not be returning to our original home." The post indicates that the newer location at the shipyard in East Boston remains open and that catering is still available as well.

The South Boston location of KO Catering & Pies first opened in 2010, taking over the space where St. Alphonzo's Kitchen had been; the East Boston location opened its doors in 2012.

The address for KO Catering & Pies in Southie was 87 A Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the East Boston location can be found at http://www.kocateringandpies.com/

Thanks to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page 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]





Monday, September 17, 2018

Angry Ham's in Framingham Is Now Beacon Street Bar & Grill

by Marc Hurwitz

A troubled restaurant and bar that once included a former Boston Bruins player among its partners has changed its name--and it is looking to clean up its image as well.

The Framingham TAB is reporting that Angry Ham's on Beacon Street in Framingham is now called the Beacon Street Bar & Grill, with owner Mahesh Sharma telling the Board of License Commissioners that it is going to become a more family-friendly spot, saying that "I never liked the name...but we didn't have a chance to change that." The article says that Sharma purchased the business in 2016 and that the dining and drinking spot originally had three investors behind it, including Lyndon Byers. A number of incidents have occurred at the place resulting in suspensions of its liquor license, including a fight in the parking lot that was never reported to the police, another fight where a doorman was hit in the head by a rock, and two underage customers drinking at the spot.

Angry Ham's first opened in 2010, taking over the space where a Chinese restaurant called Green Tea II had once been.

The address for Angry Ham's/Beacon Street Bar & Grill is 2 Beacon Street, Framingham, MA, 01701.

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]





Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes Is Opening in Sudbury

by Marc Hurwitz

A small but growing Texas-based burger chain is planning to open another location in the Greater Boston area, with this one being in the western suburbs.

According to a source, Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes is opening in Sudbury, with the locations section within the company's website confirming this, showing that it will be opening within the Meadow Walk complex on Route 20. Once it opens, the new location of Mooyah will join others in downtown Boston, Jamaica Plain, Billerica, Hudson, and Northborough. [Ed note--the Jamaica Plain location has closed.]

Mooyah, which was established in 2006, offers "never-frozen beef" as well as salads, hand-cut fries, and ice cream milkshakes

The address for this new location of Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes is 526C Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776. Its website can be found at http://www.mooyah.com/

[December 14 update: A message from the place indicates that Mooyah opens in Sudbury today.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Friday, September 14, 2018

5 Napkin Burger at Boston's Prudential Center Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A New York-based group of burger spots has closed its sole Boston location.

According to a source, 5 Napkin Burger at the Prudential Center is no longer in business, with its website confirming this, saying that "It has been our pleasure to serve you for the last 7 years. We have enjoyed every minute of our time in Boston. Unfortunately, our run has come to an end and we are now closed. We are sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment this causes." No reason has been given for its closure and it is not known exactly when the place closed, though a check on the spot last week indicated that it appeared to be open at the time.

5 Napkin Burger first opened at the Pru in the spring of 2011, offering a variety of burgers along with clam chowder, wings, tuna poke, chicken and waffles, and more. It currently has four other locations, all of which are in New York City.

The website for 5 Napkin Burger can be found at: http://www.5napkinburger.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Certified Meatball Company in South Boston Has Closed; New Concept Apparently on the Way

by Marc Hurwitz

A restaurant that focused on a popular food item has shut down, and it appears that a new concept from the group behind the spot will be replacing it.

According to several sources over the past couple of days, Certified Meatball Company in South Boston has closed, and we were able to confirm this today, being told that a new dining spot will apparently move into the W Broadway space, possibly in approximately ten weeks or so. The dining spot, which first opened last August, offered a variety of meatballs and sauce options along with soups, salads, and side dishes.

The company behind Certified Meatball Company is Boston Nightlife Ventures, which runs Griddler's, Southern Kin Cookhouse, and Wink & Nod.

The address for the now-closed Certified Meatball Company (and upcoming new restaurant) is 429 West Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127.

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, September 13, 2018

Update: Yassou Is Opening in Former Capri Space in Arlington Heights

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on September 17 to reflect new information on the upcoming dining spot.]

It looks like a new eatery is on its way to Arlington Heights, taking over the space where a pizzeria had been for a quarter century.

According to several sources, work is being done on the old Capri Pizza & Subs space in Arlington Heights, with a check on the Mass. Ave. storefront showing a sign out front that says "Closed Due to the New Opening." We hear from a few sources that the upcoming dining spot may be featuring gyros and that it will not be called Capri, though nothing has been completely confirmed as of yet.

Capri shut down twice over the past few years, including in early March of 2016 (briefly) and then again in March of 2017; it had previously been home to Charlie's Pizza.

The address for the former Capri Pizza & Subs (and the upcoming eatery) 1323 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476.

[September 17 update: According to a poster on The Arlington List Facebook group page, the new restaurant going into the former Capri space will be called Yassou, with a check on the space indicating that the place will apparently be a Greek eatery, offering such items as gyros, souvlaki, spinach pie, and feta pie, while it also looks like it will serve pizza as well.]

[January 18, 2019 update: A new post on The Arlington List Facebook group page indicates  that Yassou plans to open on January 25.]

[January 25, 2019 update: A post on The Arlington List Facebook group page mentions that Yassou did not open today, instead opening tomorrow (Saturday, January 28).]

[Earlier Article]
Capri Pizza in Arlington Heights Is Currently Closed; Exact Status Unknown
Capri Pizza & Subs in Arlington Heights Is Closed Again

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]