Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Gabriella's Italian Pizza Opens in Melrose

by Marc Hurwitz

A new pizzeria has opened in Melrose, and it has a connection to another pizzeria in Medford.

According to several sources, Gabriella's Italian Pizza is now open on Main Street in the former Gerry's Pizza space, while an article from the Melrose Free Press indicates that owners Joe and Rose Canestaro are also behind Joe Pizza on Route 60 in West Medford, with the two places having nearly identical menus which include pizza, calzones, subs, pasta dishes, and more. The post mentions that Rose will be running the new eatery, and that it is named after their daughter Gabriella.

The address for this new pizzeria in Melrose is: Gabriella's Italian Pizza, 517 Main Street, Melrose, MA, 02176. The website for the place can be found at https://www.gabriellapizza.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Watertown Diner Has Apparently Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

An old-fashioned diner that changed its name approximately five years ago has closed, and it is not known what might become of the space.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Watertown Diner on N Beacon Street is no longer in business, with several Yelp posters mentioning this as well, including one who says that a "real estate poster" was apparently up a few weeks back. (A call placed to the restaurant today indicates that its phone is out of service.) No specifics have been given on why the diner may have closed, nor is it known what might take over the space, so keep checking back for updates.

The Watertown Diner, which had been called Victor's Diner until early 2013, was a retro spot that offered a variety of breakfast and lunch items including pancakes, eggs benedict, sandwiches, steak tips, souvlaki, and more.

The address for this now-closed eatery in Watertown was: Watertown Diner, 212 N Beacon Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

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, October 30, 2018

Playa Bowls Is Opening by Boston College in Brighton

by Marc Hurwitz

A New Jersey-based chain of spots featuring bowls, smoothies, and more will be expanding to Boston, and its upcoming location should be popular with students.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Playa Bowls is planning to open a shop on Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton by Boston College, with the place possibly offering such items as banana bowls, green bowls, acai bowls, chia pudding bowls, coconut bowls, oatmeal bowls, booster smoothies, green smoothies, orange power smoothies, and a variety of fresh juices, based on the offerings at its other locations. If all goes as planned, the new spot could be opening in early 2019.

Playa Bowls first started out as a cart in Belmar, NJ, and now has more than 60 brick-and-mortar shops along the East Coast.

The address for this new spot in Brighton is: Playa Bowls, 2199 Commonwealth Avenue, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for the chain can be found at http://playabowls.com/

[February 15, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Playa Bowls opens in Brighton tomorrow (Saturday, February 16).]

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]




Yo! Sushi in Boston's Seaport District Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like another Seaport District restaurant has shut its doors.

According to a tweet from @FortPointer, Yo! Sushi at the Watermark Seaport tower in Seaport Square has closed after being in business for two years, with another Twitter post and a post sent to the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page both showing a photo of a note out front saying "It is with regret that we are announcing that due to some recent changes, Yo! Sushi has had to close." It is not yet known what the changes leading to its closure were, so check back for any updates that we might receive.

Yo! Sushi is a London-based group of conveyor-belt sushi places that has approximately 100 locations around the world, including one other in the United States--in Woodbury, NY. The Boston location is one of several restaurants and bars to shutter in the Seaport District recently, including Salvatore's, The Whiskey Priest, 75 on Courthouse Square, and La Casa de Pedro.

The address for this now-closed sushi spot in the Seaport District was: Yo! Sushi, 79 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.yosushiusa.com/

[October 31 update: Boston Magazine reports that the closing of Yo! Sushi in the Seaport District was a "business move," as the parent company purchased Bento Sushi last year and appears to be focusing more on that concept now, which is the second largest sushi brand in North America. (No locations of Bento can be found in New England at this point in time.)]

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, October 29, 2018

Boston Common Coffee Co. Has Closed Its Washington Street Location in Downtown Crossing

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of independent coffee roasters and retailers has closed another one of its locations, leaving the company with two shops remaining.

According to a tweet from @FortPointer and another Twitter post from @I3Moore, Boston Common Coffee Co. on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing is no longer in business, with a note out front indicating that the place closed on Friday and that "We apologize for such short notice as we continued exploring every option available to us right up to the last moment." The note refers customers to its locations on High Street in the Financial District and Canal Street in the North Station/West End area. (Another shop had been located on Salem Street in the North End, but it closed in the fall of 2016.)

The Washington Street location of Boston Common Coffee Co. had been in business for 10 years.

The address for this now-closed coffee shop in Downtown Crossing was: Boston Common Coffee Co., 515 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111. The website for the company can be found at http://bostoncommoncoffee.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]





Friday, October 26, 2018

UBurger by the BU West Campus in Boston Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of burger spots is getting ready to close one of its locations.

A message from the business mentions that UBurger by the BU West campus in Boston is closing at the end of the month, as its lease is expiring and they have made the decision not to renew it. This more or less confirms what a Twitter poster put up today, showing a "For Lease" sign in the window of the Commonwealth Avenue space. UBurger does tell us that their locations in Kenmore Square, Northeastern University, and Andover remain in operation.

The address for this soon-to-close burger spot by BU West is: UBurger, 1022 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations can be found at https://uburger.com/

[November 7 update: The Boston Globe states that UBurger at BU West is now closed.]

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]





Balani Opens in Former Raffaele's Space in Waltham

by Marc Hurwitz

A new dining spot has quietly opened on Waltham's "Restaurant Row," and the person who runs two other suburban eateries is behind it.

Eater Boston is reporting that Balani is now open in the former Raffaele's Ristorante space on Moody Street, with Dave Becker of Juniper in Wellesley and Sweet Basil in Needham looking to have it be a flexible and experimental restaurant with a variety of small plates and main dishes, including poutine, burgers, scallop paella, adobo chicken, smoked pork ribs, chicken liver manti, pizza, pulled short rib, smoked monkfish kofta, and more. Balani is currently open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

Raffaele's closed in April after less than two years in business; the space had previously been home to Nonna's Italian Bar and Grill had been and Erawan of Siam as well.

The address for Balani is 469 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/balani_restaurant/

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, October 25, 2018

Madera 83 in Charlestown Changes Back to Tangierino

by Marc Hurwitz

A French and Moroccan restaurant is back, having replacing the Spanish tapas bar that had replaced it last year.

Eater Boston confirms what we had heard a few weeks ago, that Tangierino is open once again in Charlestown, taking over its former space--and where Madera 83 had been since last October. The post mentions that owner Samad Naamad actually decided earlier this year to bring the upscale eatery back to its Main Street location, telling Eater that "It's back and it's better." (A hookah lounge is located in the basement of the space as well.)

Matthew Leddy, who had previously worked at Townsman in downtown Boston, had been in charge of the reconcepting of the space into Madera 83 last year; he is now working with Bar Harbor Catering Company in Maine.

The address for Tangierino (and the former Madera 83) is 83 Main Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Its website can be found at http://tangierino.com/

[Earlier Article]
Madera 83 Tapas Bar and Kitchen to Replace Tangierino in Charlestown

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 Pies at the Shipyard in East Boston May Close Down or Be Sold

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like the future of a beloved East Boston restaurant is up in the air.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, KO Pies at the Shipyard in East Boston could be shutting down or end up being sold to a new owner next year, as owner Sam Jackson is planning to leave Boston. The post mentions that three possible scenarios could take place--the business could be sold to a new owner who could then open a different restaurant in its space; the dining spot stays open until its lease runs out at the end of 2019, at which point its beer and wine license is sold; or a new owner buys the place and continues to run it as KO Pies. This news comes on the heels of the original KO Catering & Pies in South Boston closing down, as its building on A Street was sold.

KO Pies at the Shipyard first opened in East Boston in 2012, taking over the space where Scup's in the Harbour had been. The restaurant is known in part for its Australian meat pies.

The address for KO Pies at the Shipyard is 256 Marginal Street (Building 16), East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website can be found at http://www.kocateringandpies.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]





Monica's Pasta Shop Has Opened in Boston's North End

by Marc Hurwitz

A new retail shop featuring pasta and more has come to the North End of Boston.

According to an article from northendwaterfront.com, Monica's Pasta Shop is now open on Richmond Street, with the store being next to Vinoteca di Monica between Hanover Street and North Street. The post mentions that the new shop offers fresh pasta along with meats, cheeses, breads, prepared foods, and various Italian products.

The family behind Monica's Pasta Shop and Vinoteca di Monica also runs Trattoria di Monica on Prince Street and Monica's Mercato & Salumeria on Salem Street.

The address for this new shop in the North End is: Monica's Pasta Shop, 141 Richmond Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for Vinoteca di Monica (with info also being added soon for the shop) is at https://monicasboston.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





110 Grill Is Opening at South Bay Town Center in Dorchester

by Marc Hurwitz

A growing local group of casual upscale restaurants is expanding once again, as it is now planning to open its first location within the Boston city limits.

According to a site plan page within the eden.com site, 110 Grill is looking to open within the South Bay Town Center in Dorchester, with the dining and drinking spot having 6,000 square feet of space and being two doors down from an upcoming location of Wahlburgers. Once it opens, the new outlet of 110 Grill--which focuses mostly on New American fare--will join a number of others in the region, including three inside/along Route 128--Braintree, Saugus, and Woburn.

South Bay Town Center can be found by the old South Bay mall/shopping center just off the Southeast Expressway.

The website for 110 Grill is at https://www.110grill.com/

[July 23, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that 110 Grill opens its South Bay outlet on Thursday, July 25.]

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, October 24, 2018

American Fresh Beer Garden in Somerville's Assembly Row Has Closed for Good (Again)

by Marc Hurwitz

A Somerville beer garden that closed for good last fall only to reopen this spring has shut down once again, and it may indeed be a permanent closure this time around.

According to a Facebook post from the place, American Fresh Beer Garden at Assembly Row in Somerville is now shuttered, with co-owner Caitlin Jewell saying "Goodbye #beergarden Thank you @assemblyrow for the encore season. Thank you to hundreds of staff over four years and the 100,000+ guests we served." Jewell mentions in the comment within the thread that this is a "permanent" closure, but follows up by saying "we'd like to do another someday."

The beer garden, which debuted in the fall of 2014, was part of a trio of spots that includes Somerville Brewing Company/American Fresh Brewhouse Brewery and Taproom on Ward Street and American Fresh Brewhouse at Assembly Row. The website for the business can be found at http://www.slumbrew.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Shake Shack Is Opening at Arsenal Yards in Watertown

by Marc Hurwitz

A New York-based group of burger and shake spots is expanding further into the Boston area, with one now being planned for a new development just west of the city.

Eater Boston is reporting that Shake Shack is going to be opening a new outlet in Watertown, moving into the upcoming Arsenal Yards complex along Arsenal Street near the Charles River. Once it opens, the new location will join others in Boston's Seaport District and Back Bay along with outlets in Cambridge's Harvard Square, The Street Chestnut Hill, and Legacy Place in Dedham. [Ed note: Another new outlet is now open in Boston's Downtown Crossing as well.]

Arsenal Yards will be a mixed-use development located at the site of the old Arsenal Mall, with the complex including retail, office, and residential space; it looks like much or all of the project will be finished by 2020, which is when Shake Shack could open.

The website for Shake Shack can be found at http://www.shakeshack.com/

[December 13, 2019 update: According to a press release, the new Shake Shack at Arsenal Yards has its grand opening on December 21.]

[December 16 update: A Twitter thread from @HarmyG indicates that Shake Shack has actually already opened at Arsenal Yards, with a page within the Arsenal Yards website confirming this.]

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]

Tawakal Is Reopening in East Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A beloved Somali restaurant in East Boston that closed seven years ago is getting ready to return, albeit it in a new space and with a slightly different name.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Tawakal Halal Cafe is opening on Maverick Street in the Jeffries Point area, which is more or less on the other side of Eastie from its old home on Bennington Street in Orient Heights. The post says that the dining spot--which was formerly called Tawakal Halal Cuisine--will soft open on October 28, with an official opening taking place on October 29. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner daily, with the plan being to have a "small" menu at the outset.

Tawakal Halal Cuisine debuted in 2010 but closed approximately a year later, transitioning itself at the time into more of a caterer for various events; the eatery had been a favorite among locals and food writers alike, with restaurant critic MC Slim JB praising its "beguiling" cuisine in a Boston Phoenix review, saying it was "food-nerd nirvana."

The address for Tawakal Halal Cafe is 389 Maverick Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/TawakalHalalCafe/>

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, October 23, 2018

Usushi Cafe Is Opening in Former Yummys Space in Arlington Center

by Marc Hurwitz

A new sushi spot is planning to open in Arlington, and it looks to move into the space of a long-closed frozen yogurt shop.

According to an article from Your Arlington, Usushi Cafe is hoping to open on Mass. Ave. in the center of town in the former Yummys Frozen Yogurt space, with the post saying that it is receiving a food license and now has a menu up along with hours of operation. The person behind the upcoming sushi place is Ping Zheng, who has a Quincy address, though little other information has been given about her, including what other restaurants (if any) she might be involved with.

Yummys closed its doors in the summer of 2015 after being open for approximately two years.

The address for this new sushi spot in Arlington Center is: Usushi Cafe, 474 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

[December 18 update: The print edition of the Arlington Advocate mentions that Usushi Cafe hopes to open in January.]

[March 22, 2019 update: A message from the place mentions that Usushi Cafe is now open, and that it offers sushi, rice bowl, sushi sandwiches, bubble tea, and more.]

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]




The Circle Plans to Open in Brighton, Moving into Former Agoro's Space

by Marc Hurwitz

A new dining spot may be on its way to Brighton, and it looks like it would take over at least part of the space that had been home to a troubled watering hole and pizza spot--and before that, another place that got into trouble as well.

According to a licensing board page within the City of Boston website, The Circle is planning to open on Chestnut Hill Avenue, with the address indicating that it could be moving into the space where Agoro's Pizza Bar and Grill had been until it closed in February. The notice mentions Davis Square Pizza, Inc. as being the parent company, which indicates that there could be at least an indirect connection to Davis Square Pizza on Highland Avenue in Somerville, though this has not been confirmed as of yet.

Agoro's had faced disciplinary hearings from both the city of Boston and the commonwealth during its relatively brief existence that stemmed from underage drinking, according to a post from Universal Hub. Roggies, which had been in the space before Agoro's, was shut down by the city after an incident involving a customer; according to reports, the patron fell down the stairs of the bar, with the owner allegedly having workers bring the injured person into an alleyway, then the owner reportedly tampered with the video-surveillance system.

The address for The Circle is listed as 356B Chestnut Hill Avenue while the address for Agoro's was 356 Chestnut Hill Avenue.

[January 23, 2019 update: A new post from Universal Hub mentions that George and Bob Kariotis--who are behind The Circle--will try to keep trouble from happening at the place, with their plans including the purchasing of a "sophisticated ID scanner" while also installing 32 security cameras. (The licensing board could make a decision on the place tomorrow.)]

[Earlier Article]
Agoro's in Brighton 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]





Monday, October 22, 2018

Noodles King Has Opened at the Longwood Galleria in Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A collection of shops and eateries in Boston's Longwood medical area is now home to a new dining spot, and this one focuses on a food item that is becoming increasingly popular in the local area.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Noodles King is now open at the food court within the Longwood Galleria, with the place serving hand-pulled noodles along with some other Chinese dishes. The post mentions that the new eatery is run by the same people behind Dragon Bowl, a Chinese and Japanese spot that is also located in the food court.

Hand-pulled noodles have become hot in the Greater Boston area over the past several years, with such places as Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe in Boston and Woburn, Chili Squared in Quincy, Home Taste in Watertown and Arlington, and others offering the dish.

The Longwood Galleria food court can be found at the intersection of Longwood Avenue and Brookline Avenue.

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, October 19, 2018

Thai Bar Shi Is Opening in Former Chile Mango & Lime Space in Weymouth

by Marc Hurwitz

A new Asian restaurant is on its way to the South Shore, and it will be taking over the space where a Thai and Bangladeshi eatery had been.

According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Thai Bar Shi is planning to open in Weymouth, moving into the old Chile Mango & Lime space on Washington Street. The Facebook page for the upcoming spot mentions that it will offer Thai food and Japanese fare (including sushi) and that it will be soft opening soon, possibly sometime this month.

Chile Mango & Lime closed in the spring of 2017 after being in business for less than a year; the business had started out as a food truck before being joined by its brick-and-mortar restaurant.

The address for this new Asian eatery in Weymouth is: Thai Bar Shi, 336 Washington Street (Route 53), Weymouth, MA, 02188. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ThaiBarShi/

[October 30 update: An Instagram post indicates that Thai Bar Shi now is open, with the place soft-opening over the past weekend.]

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]





Santa Fe Burrito Grill in Franklin Opening Second Location in Weymouth

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a Mexican restaurant in Franklin will be expanding to a second location, and this one will be much closer to Boston.

According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Santa Fe Burrito Grill is opening a location in Weymouth, with the eatery moving into the former Friendly's space on Washington Street, while the website for the business has confirmed that a second location is indeed on its way. Based on the menu at the Franklin restaurant, expect to see burritos, tacos, tortas, bowls, nachos, and more at the new spot.

Santa Fe Burrito Grill debuted on W Central Street in Franklin this spring.

It looks like the address for the new location of Santa Fe Burrito Grill in Weymouth will be 415 Washington Street (Route 53), Weymouth, MA, 02188. The website for the original location in Franklin can be found at https://santafeburritogrill.com/

[October 24 update: A Facebook post indicates that the new Santa Fe Burrito Grill in Weymouth 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]





Trillium Opens New Brewery and Restaurant in Boston's Fort Point

by Marc Hurwitz

A couple of years ago, we reported that a Boston brewery was going to be moving to a newer and much larger space. Now we have learned that it has opened in the space, though the grand opening will be taking place later this month.

According to an article from Eater, Trillium Brewing Company opens today on Thomson Place in the city's Fort Point neighborhood, which is within walking distance of its old space on Congress Street. Unlike the original space which simply sold beer to go, the new multi-level space includes a brewery, taproom, restaurant, and retail area, while a roofdeck will be coming once it gets warmer. For now, a preview menu is set up for those dining at the restaurant, while a grand opening will be held on October 29.

A second location of Trillium can also be found on Shawmut Road in Canton, with that space including a taproom.

The address for the new location of Trillum is 50 Thomson Place, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the company is at http://www.trilliumbrewing.com/

[Earlier Article]
Trillium Brewing Company to Relocate in Boston's Fort Point

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Thursday, October 18, 2018

Dumpling Galaxy in Queens May Be Expanding to the Boston Area

by Marc Hurwitz

A highly-regarded restaurant in New York that features an array of dumplings may be headed to the local area.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Dumpling Galaxy in the Arcadia Mall in the Flushing section of Queens is planning to expand to Boston and other urban areas such as Chicago and Los Angeles, as it is working on a franchise plan that could get going sometime in 2019. The post mentions that owner Helen You and Steven Gardner of QSR Franchise Development Group may be looking at such spots as Faneuil Hall, the Financial District, Chinatown, South Station, Kenmore Square, Commonwealth Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue, Brookline, and Cambridge's Harvard Square, though it is not yet known how many locations of Dumpling Galaxy might be coming at this point in time. The original Dumpling Galaxy features 100 types of dumplings, while its first expansion within Flushing's Super HK Supermarket will serve 10 to 12 dumplings, which is apparently what the franchised locations in the Boston area and elsewhere will likely offer.

Dumpling Galaxy was included among Eater's 38 essential restaurants in the United States last year, while in 2014, Pete Wells wrote the following about the place in a review for the New York Times: "I've eaten entire meals that delivered less flavor than a single one of Ms. You's dumplings stuffed with terrific little meatballs of duck and shiitakes."

The website for Dumpling Galaxy can be found at http://dumplinggalaxy.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]





Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Blake's Is Opening Near Boston's North Station

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new restaurant is coming to an increasingly hot section of Boston, and it will be located next to a hotel.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Blake's is planning to open on Friend Street near North Station and TD Garden, with the listing mentioning that it will be a 50-seat dining spot that offers New England cuisine and classic cocktails. The exact address indicates that the restaurant will reside by the Hotel Indigo, which is confirmed by the hotel's website, showing a "coming soon" page for the eatery. It is not yet known when Blake's might open, nor has a menu been posted, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for Blake's is 276 Friend Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website can be found at https://www.blakesboston.com/

[January 17, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Blake's is now open and that it is serving breakfast and dinner, offering classic American and regional items such as lobster Benedict, steamers and mussels, wings, soft pretzels, steak tips, lobster rolls, and more, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.]

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, October 16, 2018

Meatland in Jamaica Plain Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A butcher shop that has been in business for more than 60 years has shut down.

According to an article from the Jamaica Plain News, Meatland in Jamaica Plain is no longer in business, with a tweet from @HydeJacksonSq asking if any "creative and aspiring butchers" might be interested in taking over the Centre Street shop. The article mentions that the lease on the store was expiring and that the store owner had been looking to sell the business, with any new store owner then needing to negotiate a lease with the building's owner.

Meatland, which first opened in 1957, offered an array of beef, chicken, pork, and seafood items.

The address for this now-closed butcher shop in Jamaica Plain was: Meatland, 306 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

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]





Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill in Peabody Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A Boston-area location of a small chain of BBQ spots has shut down after three years in operation.

According to a message from @CappyinBoston, Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill at the Northshore Mall in Peabody is no longer in business, with an email from the place referring customers to their locations in Tyngsboro and Stoughton. No reason has been given for the closure of the restaurant (which first opened in the spring of 2015), and it is not known what might go into its space, so stay tuned for updates.

Florida-based Smokey Bones features mostly barbecue and classic American fare, with its locations being mainly along the Eastern Seaboard. Currently, a total of four outlets can be found in New England, including the two mentioned above along with others in Taunton and Warwick, RI.

The website for Smokey Bones is at http://smokeybones.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Monday, October 15, 2018

Neponset Cafe Has Opened by Neponset Circle in Dorchester

by Marc Hurwitz

A new dining spot has opened just off the Southeast Expressway, and it features a variety of Asian items along with some cafe fare.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Neponset Cafe is now open near Neponset Circle in Dorchester, with a menu from the Neponset Avenue eatery showing such items as bagels, toasted Vietnamese baguettes, miso soup, pork belly buns, wings, calamari, gyoza, tempura, pho, ramen, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and more. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

The address for this new cafe in Dorchester is: Neponset Cafe, 400 Neponset Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122.

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]





SoBol Is Opening a Location in Beverly

by Marc Hurwitz

A Long Island-based chain that features acai bowls and more is expanding to the local area, with its first Massachusetts location being on the North Shore.

According to an email, SoBol is opening in Beverly, with the Commodore Plaza spot being a vegetarian-friendly place that offers such items as customizable acai bowls, pitaya bowls, green bowls, and smoothies. Once it opens--possibly in October--the new outlet will join a number of locations in New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

SoBol, which is headquartered in Patchogue, started out in Sayville (also on Long Island) in the fall of 2014, according to a page from the company.

The address for this new eatery in Beverly is: SoBol, 43-47 Enon Street (Route 1A), Beverly, MA, 01915. The website for the company can be found at https://mysobol.com/

[October 23 update: A message sent from one of the owners indicates that the Beverly location of SoBol hopes to open in early November and that it will be an express location as opposed to a full-service location like what is found on Long Island.]

[November 6 update: A Facebook post from the place mentions that today is opening day for SoBol in Beverly.]

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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]





The Remedy Exchange Opens in the Former Porch Space in Wakefield

by Marc Hurwitz

A new spot featuring healthy fare has moved into the space where a Southern-style restaurant had been until closing a few months ago in anticipation of a move.

According to a source, The Remedy Exchange is now open in Wakefield, taking over the space on Tuttle Street where The Porch was. A check on the website and Facebook page for the new eatery indicates that it calls itself a "superfood cafe," focusing on dishes using locally-sourced and responsibly raised ingredients. A few of the menu items for The Remedy Exchange include salads, chia seed pudding, acai bowls, sea-salted almonds, and toast topped with such spreads as sweet potato and cashew cream cheese, along with smoothies, juices, and iced tea.

The Porch is in the process of moving into a larger space at the River's Edge development in Medford.

The address for this new restaurant in Wakefield is: The Remedy Exchange, 41 Tuttle Street, Wakefield MA, 01880. Its website can be found at https://theremedy.exchange/

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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]





Friday, October 12, 2018

Big Night Entertainment Group to Open Mystique and Mémoire at Encore Boston in Everett

by Marc Hurwitz

The group behind a number of local restaurants, bars, and clubs will be opening two more spots in the area, with these two being within the upcoming casino complex in Everett.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Big Night Entertainment Group (BNEG) is planning to open Mystique and Mémoire at Encore Boston Harbor resort and casino along the Mystic River, with the former being an Asian restaurant with sushi and shareable plates and the latter being a glamorous nightclub. Expect the two spots to debut anytime from the summer of 2019 on, which is when the Encore complex is due to open.

BNEG is known for such places as CBS Sporting Club, Empire, Explorateur, The Grand, Red Lantern, and Scorpion Bar, and it also just opened a new restaurant and arcade bar in downtown Boston called Versus.

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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]





Rangla Punjab Is Replacing Singh Saab in Arlington Center

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new Indian restaurant is replacing a short-lived Indian spot in Arlington Center, but not without a minor controversy surrounding its name.

The Arlington Advocate is reporting that Rangla Punjab is looking to open on Mass. Ave., taking over the space where Singh Saab resides. The article mentions that original name for the place had been Mini Punjab, but there was concern at a town meeting last month over the similarity of the name to that of Punjab--a dining spot that is basically across the street--so the owners made a slight change to the name which was mentioned in another meeting this week, and the Select Board ended up unanimously approving the restaurant's common victualler and all alcohol licenses.

Singh Saab first opened in Arlington Center in the summer of 2017, replacing another restaurant with "Punjab" in its name--Punjabi Tadka.

The address for Singh Saab (and Rangla Punjab) is 444 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

[July 26, 2019 update: It appears that Singh Saab is now closed, as its sign has been taken down.]

[February 12, 2020 update: According to a source within the local food/drink industry, Rangla Punjab soft-opens this week in Arlington, and it has an ownership connection to both Sher-a-Punjab in Quincy and Shan-a-Punjab in Brookline.]

[February 16 update: A Facebook post from Sher-a-Punjab indicates that Rangla Punjab 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]

Building Housing The Garage in Allston May Be Torn Down, Replaced by Residential Complex

by Marc Hurwitz

A building in Allston that is currently home to a nightclub could be demolished and replaced by apartments and condos, though plans are in their very early stages for now.

Universal Hub is reporting that the owner of the Linden Street building (Partners Properties) where The Garage resides is seeking to tear down the structure and put up a three-building residential complex that would also include a shop or a cafe. The article mentions that in addition to The Garage's home being torn down, an office building on Linden Street and five houses on Pratt Street would also be demolished, while one of the three new buildings would be 14 stories high. UH does say that Partners has not filed a formal application with the Boston Planning & Development Agency and that there are concerns among nearby residents and the Brighton Allston Improvement Association as to the project itself, including traffic issues and the character of the neighborhood possibly being changed.

The Garage, which first opened in the spring of 2014, is a luxury nightclub that features DJs and special events while also having space for functions and private parties.

The address for The Garage is 20 Linden Street, Allston, MA, 02134. Its website can be found at http://www.garageboston.club/

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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, October 11, 2018

Pho #1 Replacing Chilli Thai Bistro in Brighton

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a Vietnamese and Thai restaurant with a connection to two other Boston-area eateries is replacing a Thai spot in Brighton.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Pho #1 is looking to open in the Commonwealth Avenue space where Chilli Thai Bistro resides, with the listing stating that the parent company is Tawan Shine, Inc. and the manager would be Chanathip Tangmunkong. Both the company name and the manager are connected with Pho #1 in Woburn, according to a page on opencorporates.com, while an earlier blog entry from The Daily Lunch mentions that both the Woburn and Waltham locations of Pho #1 are connected.

The hearing is slated to take place on Wednesday, October 17, so more may be known on the opening of Pho #1 in the Chilli Thai Bistro space later next week.

The address for Chilli Thai Bistro (and the new Pho #1) is 1799 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02135.

[April 18, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Pho #1 is now open, and that it offers pho as well as items such as satay, banh mi, dumplings, and more.]

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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]




Jonquil's Cafe and Bakery Plans to Open on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new dining spot is on its way to the Back Bay of Boston, and it may be focusing on steamed items.

According to a Facebook page from the place, Jonquil's Cafe and Bakery is planning to open on Newbury Street, with an earlier article from The Boston Sun saying that the eatery was planning to have both indoor and outdoor seating and healthy food items that would mostly be cooked by steaming. A menu has not been seen yet for the restaurant, and it is not known when it might open, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for this upcoming dining spot in the Back Bay is: Jonquil's Cafe and Bakery, 125 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]