Friday, November 30, 2018

Su Casa Opens in Plymouth; Patrick Gilmartin (River Bar, Independent, Staff Meal) Is Executive Chef

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant that features dishes with Mexican influences has opened south of Boston, and a familiar name within the Boston-area restaurant scene is running the kitchen.

According to a message sent to us, Su Casa opened a couple of weeks ago in Plymouth Center, with the Main Street dining spot featuring "modern Baja cuisine" while also pulling influences from all over Mexico. The Executive Chef at the restaurant is Patrick Gilmartin, who is known in part for being one of the people behind the highly-rated Staff Meal food truck while also being involved with the River Bar in Somerville's Assembly Row, the Independent in Union Square, and Park in Cambridge's Harvard Square. A few items on the menu at Su Casa include scallop ceviche, duck empanadas, lobster tostadas, octopus tacos, ribeye carne asada, and oxtail pozole along with a selection of "farm-to-glass" cocktails, a number of tequila and mezcal options, and more.

The address for this new restaurant in Plymouth Center is: Su Casa, 30 Main Street, Plymouth, MA, 02360. The website for the place can be found at https://www.sucasaplymouth.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]





Essex County Brewing Company Opens in Peabody

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new nanobrewery has come to the Greater Boston area, and its space includes a taproom.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Essex County Brewing Company is now open in Peabody, with the Pulaski Street spot offering such beers as a double IPA with citra, a kolsch, a stout, and more. The brewery includes a taproom with a capacity of 60, and that its hours are currently 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

The address for this new brewery in Peabody is: Essex County Brewing Company, 58 Pulaski Street (Building A), Peabody, MA, 01960. Its website can be found at https://www.essexcountybrewing.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]





Navy Yard Bistro in Charlestown Is Losing Its Home

by Marc Hurwitz

One of the great restaurant spaces in Boston could be without a restaurant by next year.

According to a source, Navy Yard Bistro in Charlestown is losing its home and is expected to close by late August of 2019, with a message from the dining spot confirming this, saying that the lease is going to be up and they will not be able to renew it. The message indicates that they are currently looking at new spaces for the restaurant, while our source indicates that their current space might end up being used for something other than dining--though this has not been confirmed as of yet.

Navy Yard Bistro first opened nearly 15 years ago in an historic structure in the heart of the navy yard that includes an outdoor patio along a tree-shaded cobblestone walkway out front. The restaurant features mostly New American fare along with a variety of wines.

The address for Navy Yard Bistro is 1 6th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Its website can be found at https://www.navyyardbistro.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]

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Squinny's Pizza Is Opening in Plymouth; Will Include Equipment from Al's and Ernie's

by Marc Hurwitz

A new pizzeria is opening south of Boston and its equipment is coming from two beloved spots that are no longer in business.

Wicked Local is reporting that Squinny's Pizza is going to open in the former front office of Quintal Bros. Produce in Plymouth, with owner Dicky Quintal installing equipment from both Al's and Ernie's including the iconic "chicken machine" from the former. The article says that the Scobee Circle spot will also have Al's pizza oven and Ernie's decades-old dough mixer among other items, and that Ernie's pizza chef (Johnny Lombardi) and head chef (Stephen Moore) will be working at the place. Once it opens, Squinny's will offer pizza--which will apparently be somewhat similar to Ernie's--along with soups, salads, and subs, and it is slated to be open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday.

The chicken machine from Al's has a chicken that starts clucking, spinning around, and laying an egg with a prize inside for those who insert money into the machine.

The address for this new pizzeria in Plymouth is: Squinny's Pizza, 11 Scobee Circle, Plymouth, MA, 02360.

[December 24 update: A Facebook post indicates that Squinny's Pizza is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Al's Restaurant in Plymouth 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]





Condesa Restaurante Mexicano Plans to Open New Location at Arsenal Yards

by Marc Hurwitz

Another restaurant is coming to a new complex just west of Boston, and this one has its roots in Rhode Island.

According to a press release, Condesa Restaurante Mexicano is planning to open at Arsenal Yards in Watertown, with its menu including food items with influences from Southern Mexico (including the Yucatan), while tequila options from Jalisco will be available. Based on the two locations of the restaurant in Smithfield and West Warwick, such items as flautas, burritos, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, tostadas, quesadillas, chile relleno, tamales, and tableside guacamole may be offered, while the new eatery will also feature mariachi bands and live Mexican jazz. If all goes as planned, the new location of Condesa could be opening sometime in 2019.

Arsenal Yards will be a mixed-use development located at the site of the old Arsenal Mall in East Watertown, with the complex including retail, office, and residential space. A few restaurants already announced for the place include Shake Shack, Pokeworks, and City Works Eatery and Pour House.

The website for Condesa Restaurante Mexicano can be found at http://www.condesarestaurant.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]





7 Central in Manchester-by-the-Sea Is Closing; Antique Table to Replace It

by Marc Hurwitz

A decades-old restaurant and bar that resides in an historic space on the North Shore is saying farewell, and a growing group of Italian dining spots will be moving in.

The Gloucester Daily Times is reporting that 7 Central in Manchester-by-the-Sea is closing at the end of the year, as owner Paul Barclay is going to be retiring from the business. The article mentions that a location of Antique Table will open up in the space and that employees at 7 Central staff will have the option to work there--and they will also have the chance to work at other locations of Antique Table in Lynn, Winthrop, and Salem while renovations are being done. If all goes well, the new outlet of Antique Table could be opening anytime between the middle of January and late February.

7 Central first opened nearly four decades ago in a structure that has been a tavern, stage coach stop, and post office over the past 250+ years, according to 7 Central's website. Barclay took over the dining and drinking spot approximately four years ago from The Landing Group, which is behind The Landing in Marblehead.

The address for 7 Central (and the upcoming Antique Table) is 7 Central Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, 01944. The website for 7 Central can be found at http://7central.net/ while the website for Antique Table is at http://antiquetablerestaurants.com/

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

[January 3, 2019 update: The Facebook page for the restaurant confirms that 7 Central closed its doors on January 1.]

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]





Curry Express Opens in Former Pizza King Space in Somerville

by Marc Hurwitz

A new Indian restaurant has opened in Somerville, replacing a pizza shop that was also known in part for its roast beef sandwiches.

Eater Boston confirms what we had heard from a source, that Curry Express is now open on Highland Avenue, taking over the space on Spring Hill where Pizza King had been. The new eatery offers an array of dishes including naan, momo dumplings, tandoori items, vindaloo, biryani, halal burritos, and more.

The address for this new Indian spot in Somerville is: Curry Express, 147b Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143.

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]





Agostino's in Natick Reopens After Burst Water Pipe Shut It Down Over the Winter

by Marc Hurwitz

A decades-old Italian restaurant opens back up today nearly a year after being forced to close due to a burst water pipe.

A Facebook post confirms what we had reported a few days ago, that Agostino's in Natick Center is reopening this evening; the post says that "We can not say thank you enough to everyone that helped us through these last 10 months. Your patience has been wonderful and we can't wait to see every face we've missed in the next couple weeks!! Get ready it's going to be better than ever!" The Washington Street restaurant, which first opened in 1982, suffered water damage in January from a frozen sprinkler pipe that burst, and it had initially been hoping to open back up in May or June but was hit by delays, including building code issues.

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

[Earlier Article]
Agostino's in Natick Closed Due to a Burst Water Pipe

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, November 28, 2018

New Proposal Submitted for a Restaurant to Open on the Beverly Waterfront

by Marc Hurwitz

Another restaurant proposal has been submitted for a long-vacant waterfront space on the North Shore.

According to an article in the Beverly Citizen, Martin A. Bloom of MAB Management Corp. (Mission on the Bay Restaurant in Swampscott, Mission Oak Grill in Newburyport) has given a proposal to the city for a restaurant whose working name is The Boathouse and which would be located in a Water Street space that was once home to a McDonald's. The plans show that the dining spot would have a takeout area on the ground floor, a dining area and an outdoor deck on the second floor, and a seasonal dining terrace on the third floor and that it would be an upscale casual restaurant with at least part of its focus being on seafood. If the bid is approved by the city of Beverly, construction on the place could possibly be completed in the fall of 2020.

Several years ago, a location of the Black Cow had been proposed for the same waterfront spot in Beverly, though that fell through along with plans for Flatbread Company to open there as well.

[Earlier Article]
Black Cow May Be Opening on the Beverly Waterfront

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]





Esquire's Best New Restaurants List for 2018 Includes Celeste in Somerville

by Marc Hurwitz

A popular men's magazine has posted its picks for best new restaurants in the United States for 2018, and a dining spot in Somerville has been included.

According to the article, Esquire Magazine has picked Celeste in Somerville's Union Square as one of the best new restaurants in the country, placing it at number 5 among the 20 mentioned. The article says of the Bow Street eatery, "hospitality and home entertaining merge into an instant and intimate bash" and dinner there "is the most fun you'll have anywhere within twenty miles of Boston."

Celeste, which opened in March of this year, is known in part for its Peruvian fare along with its focus on the surrounding community including collaborations with local musicians and artists.

For a complete look at Esquire's list of best new restaurants for 2018, please go to the link below:

Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America, 2018

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Royal Bengal in Somerville's Winter Hill Neighborhood Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

An Indian restaurant that moved from Cambridge to Somerville a few years ago has shut down.

Eater Boston is reporting that Royal Bengal in the Winter Hill area of the city is no longer in business, though it is not known exactly when the Medford Street dining spot closed (it was still open as of last month). It is also not known what restaurant, if any, might go into its space, so keep checking back for updates.

Royal Bengal had resided in a space on Mass. Ave. near Central Square for approximately 15 years until moving to Winter Hill in the spring of 2014. The restaurant featured a variety of Bengali dishes, including spicy goat meat with rice, chicken stew, and fish with ground mustard sauce.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Winter Hill was: Royal Bengal, 364 Medford Street, Somerville, MA, 02145.

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]





Masala Square Is Opening in the Former Godavari Mini Space in Somerville's Union Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant is on its way to Somerville's Union Square, and it will replace another dining spot that did not last very long at all.

Eater Boston is reporting that Masala Square is planning to open in the former Godavari Mini space, with the upcoming eatery offering both Indian and Nepali food while also possibly having cooking classes and other events. No opening date has been given as of yet, so keep checking back for updates.

Godavari Mini opened in April of this year, replacing India Palace which had been in the space since the 1980s; the restaurant, which offered Indian food along with Chinese-influenced dishes, apparently shut down shortly after it opened.

The address for the new Masala Square is 23 Union Square, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/masalasquare23/

[March 15 update: A new post from Eater Boston states that Masala Square 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]




Monday, November 26, 2018

George's Bakery Products in Medford Opens Outlet Store

by Marc Hurwitz

A bakery company that has been supplying bread and rolls to dining spots for more than 60 years has added a retail outlet.

According to a Facebook post from the business, George's Bakery Products in Medford opened a bakery outlet store to the public a couple of weeks ago, with the shop offering such items as sliced bread, rolls, wraps, and English muffins. The Hall Street store is open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays.

George's Bakery Products distributes bread and rolls to such places as restaurants, sub shops and caterers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine. Its address is 25 Hall Street, Medford, MA, 02155 while its website can be found at http://www.georgesbakery.com

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Grounder Cafe Opens in South Medford

by Marc Hurwitz

A new breakfast and lunch spot has come to a section of Medford that is known in part for its Italian dining options.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Grounder Cafe is now open on Main Street in South Medford, with the address indicating that it has taken over the space where Cafe Deia had been, and before that, Caffe' Baccini. Eater says that the new eatery offers such items as muffins, omelets, acai bowls, panini, coffee, smoothies, and juices and it open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PMdaily.

The address for this new dining spot in South Medford is: Grounder Cafe, 394 B Main Street, Medford, MA, 02155.

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]





Hafez House of Kebab Opens in Former Jasmine Taste of Persia Space in East Watertown

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new Persian restaurant has come to the western suburbs of Boston, and it has moved into the space where another Persian dining spot had been.

Eater Boston is reporting that Hafez House of Kebab is now open in East Watertown, taking over the former Jasmine Taste of Persia space on Mt. Auburn Street in Coolidge Square. The post mentions that the new eatery offers such items as falafel roll-ups, lamb shanks, shawarma, beef stew, kebabs, and more.

Jasmine Taste of Persia closed in early 2017 after being in business for more than 10 years.

The address for this new Persian restaurant in East Watertown is: Hafez House of Kebab, 580 Mt. Auburn 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]





Turtle Swamp Brewing to Open Winter Beer Hall in Roslindale Substation

by Marc Hurwitz

Last winter, a local brewery opened a seasonal beer garden in an historic structure that dates back to the early 1900s. Now we have learned that another local brewery will be doing something similar in the same space this fall and winter.

According to a post from Roslindale Village Main Street, Turtle Swamp Brewing is bringing an indoor beer hall called the Turtle Swamp Winter Bierhalle to the Roslindale Substation, and it will include beers on tap, seating, and some pop-up food spots from local businesses. The beer hall is expected to debut on November 30 and will operate until the middle of January, being open Friday through Sunday as well as for holiday events.

 Last winter, Trillium set up a beer garden in the substation, while also having an outdoor beer garden on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston during the warmer months.

The Roslindale Substation can be found on Washington Street in Roslindale Village while Turtle Swamp's brewery is on Washington Street in Jamaica Plain.

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, November 20, 2018

BRIO Tuscan Grille at Chestnut Hill Square Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A chain of Italian restaurants will be closing its only Boston-area (and Massachusetts) location next month.

According to a source, BRIO Tuscan Grille at Chestnut Hill Square is shutting down in December, with a message from the company confirming that the dining spot will indeed be closing on December 2. Once it closes, there will only be two locations of the chain in New England--in Danbury and Farmington, CT.

BRIO Tuscan Grille first opened at Chestnut Hill Square in November of 2012; the chain is part of the Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, which is headquartered in Columbus, OH. (The website for BRIO Tuscan Grille can be found at https://www.brioitalian.com/index.html)

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]





Changes May Be Coming to Sullivan's Tap in Boston's North Station Area

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a dive bar near North Station that has been around for a long time could be undergoing some changes.

A tweet from yesterday from Sullivan's Tap on Canal Street says "You've all been great, thanks for everything....." while a Facebook post says "Change happens fast...." leading to speculation that something is happening to the place. The drinking spot has not yet responded to viewers asking about the Twitter post (nor has it responded to a message sent by us), though a Facebook thread from several days ago hints that Sullivan's Tap may be closing for renovations shortly and that it is changing ownership. An earlier licensing board hearing page confirms this last bit of information, and that the name of the parent company taking over Sullivan's Tap is Sullivan's Saloon, LLC; an Open Corporates page for that company lists the same people who have purchased the Beacon Hill Pub, The Tam in the Theatre District, and Mary Ann's in Cleveland Circle, confirming what an earlier boston.com article had said. (The Beacon Hill Pub closed in September and has yet to reopen, though it appears that it will do so at some point.)

Sullivan's Tap first opened in 1933, according to the about section of its Facebook page.

The address for Sullivan's Tap is 168 Canal Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

[December 3 update: Eater Boston mentions (via a Facebook post from the place) that Sullivan's Tap is now closed, but "only for a few days," according to the bar, with the note saying that "we are going to reopen asap, not sure what day but hopefully it will be sooner rather than later."]

[December 30 update: The Boston Globe reports that Sullivan's Tap will reopen tomorrow, with no real changes expected to the place. (The Tam in the Theatre District will be reopening today as well, and will apparently have no major changes.)]

[Earlier Article]
Beacon Hill Pub in Boston Closes Temporarily, Will Reopen Soon

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





The Red Parrot In Hull Being Sold to Local Restaurateur; Changes on the Way

by Marc Hurwitz

A seaside restaurant and bar on the South Shore is going to be changing hands, and with it, updates to both the space and the food and drink offerings.

According to an article in The Patriot Ledger/Wicked Local, The Red Parrot in Hull is in the process of being sold to Brian Houlihan, who owns Bia Bistro in Cohasset, Galley Kitchen & Bar in Scituate, The Tinker's Son in Norwell, and Trident Galley & Raw Bar in Hingham. The post says that Houlihan plans to have the front bar area focus on traditional seaside options including tacos, burgers, and margaritas, while the back will have the feel of a tavern with local beers and cocktails offered, and the main dining area upstairs will be an upscale restaurant with steak and seafood dishes. The sale of The Red Parrot is expected to go through by the end of the year, at which point renovations would take place in the winter with the place reopening in phases by April and into the summer.

It is not yet known what current owners Bea and Richard D'Angelo will be doing next, with the couple telling The Patriot Ledger in an email that "Here we are 26 years later, it's bitter sweet....We are extremely pleased to turn our establishment over to Brian Houlihan, whose excellent reputation speaks for itself."

The address for The Red Parrot is 1 Hull Shore Drive, Hull, MA, 02045. Its website can be found at https://www.theredparrot.com/

[February 22, 2019 update: Wicked Local states that The Red Parrot space is now under construction, with the hope being to open at least the first and third floors by Memorial Day. (The second floor will have a host stand along with overflow seating for the third-floor restaurant.) The article also indicates that the new place might not be called The Red Parrot, as Brian Houlihan says he is thinking of names for the 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]

Monday, November 19, 2018

Burton's Grill Opening in Former Outback Steakhouse Location in Framingham

by Marc Hurwitz

A small local chain of upscale restaurants is opening a new location, taking over the space where a location of a chain of Australian-themed restaurants had been.

The Framingham Source is reporting that Burton's Grill is looking to open in the former Outback Steakhouse space on Route 9 in Framingham, with the License Commission looking into the proposal later today. If approved, the 190-seat restaurant would offer contemporary American fare including sandwiches, burgers, steak, and seafood--along with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Currently, outlets of the Andover-based Burton's can be found locally in Burlington, Hingham, North Andover, Peabody, Shrewsbury, Westford, and Nashua, NH, with a handful of others being in Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

Outback's Framingham location shut down in early 2017.

The address for the new location of Burton's Grill in Framingham is 30 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA, 01702. The website for all locations can be found at https://burtonsgrill.com/

[Marc 17, 2019 update: The website for the chain states that the Framingham location of Burton's Grill opens for dinner tomorrow (Monday, March 18).]

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 Bento in Boston's Back Bay Has Apparently Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a Back Bay restaurant featuring a food item that has become popular over recent times has closed.

According to a source (Brian Morrison of Noodle Lab), Poke Bento on Boylston Street is shuttered with a sign out front saying "Closing Down" and its last day apparently being yesterday. No reason has been given for its closure, nor is it known what might go into the space, so keep checking back for updates.

Poke Bento, which opened last year in the former Samurai across from the Prudential Center, offered poke (a Hawaiian raw fish salad) as well as such items as bento boxes, sushi burritos, and ramen, as well as cream puffs from Beard Papa's, which was part of the space.

The address for this now-closed dining spot in the Back Bay was: Poke Bento, 827 Boylston 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]





Butternut Bakehouse Plans to Open in Former Bagels by Us Space in Arlington

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new bakery is on its way to the northwest suburbs, and it will be moving into the space where a shop known for its bagels had been.

According to a post from YourArlington, Butternut Bakehouse is planning to open in the former Bagels by Us space on Mass. Ave., with the Select Board giving unanimous approval of its license last week. The article mentions that the shop will have seating for 14 and will offer such items as cakes, pastries, cookies, salads, coffee, tea, and juice. If all goes well, Butternut Bakehouse could be opening sometime in January.

Bagels by Us closed in March after being in business for more than 20 years; the place offered bagels as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches, French toast, waffles, pancakes, and more.

The address for this upcoming bakery in Arlington is: Butternut Bakehouse, 789 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476.

[May 31, 2019 update: According to a poster within The Arlington List Facebook group page, Butternut Bakehouse 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]

Popover King to Open in Boston's North Station/Haymarket Area

by Marc Hurwitz

A bakery-cafe that focuses on a beloved regional food item is on its way to Boston.

According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Popover King is opening on Canal Street between North Station and Haymarket in the city's West End area. The website and Facebook page for the business indicate that a variety of popover options will be offered at the shop, while the "about" section of its Facebook page mentions that it will be a "bakery/cafe by day and an elegant bistro by night," celebrating "the venerable New England popover and the rich classic tastes of the region." (Coffee, espresso, and cappuccino will also be available at the place, according to the menu on its website.)

No specific opening date has been given as of yet for Popover King, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for this upcoming bakery-cafe in Boston is: Popover King, 74 Canal Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website can be found at http://www.popoverking.com/

[March 12, 2019 update: An article from The Improper Bostonian indicates that Popover King appears to be very close to opening, as it plans to debut sometime in the middle of this month.]

[March 14, 2019 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Popover King soft-opens tomorrow, with its grand opening taking place on April 23.]

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, November 15, 2018

Naked Fish in Waltham Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

What was once a local chain of seafood restaurants will officially disappear from the landscape next month.

According to a source, Naked Fish in Waltham is closing, with a Facebook post from The Waltham Channel confirming this, indicating that the Totten Pond Road eatery will shut down for good on December 22. The note says that one reason for its closure is the "changing restaurant business" and that other dining spots have shown interest in the space, though no names have been given as of yet.

At its peak, Naked Fish had a number of locations in and around the Greater Boston area, including in Billerica, Boston, Framingham, Hingham, Lynnfield, Quincy, Waltham, Watertown, and Westborough; the Waltham location has been in business for 19 years.

The address for the soon-to-close location of Naked Fish in Waltham is 455 Totten Pond Road, Waltham, MA, 02451.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Concert Hall, Mexican/Latin Restaurant Coming to Hub on Causeway Development at Former Boston Garden Site

by Marc Hurwitz

A few years ago, we reported that a project bringing new development to the old Boston Garden space would include a number of businesses, with a subsequent update mentioning a venue for live concerts along with a restaurant being part of the plans. Now we have learned a bit more about both.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Big Night Entertainment and Live Nation are looking to open a concert venue called Big Night Live within the Hub on Causeway project, with the $25 million music hall having views of Boston Harbor and the Zakim Bridge and being able to fit 1,500 people for live concerts and 2,000 overall. The post also says that what looks to be a 200-seat Mexican restaurant will be attached to it, though no name has been given yet for the dining spot. If all goes as planned, the concert hall and restaurant could be opening in the fall of 2019.

As mentioned earlier, Hub on Causeway is also expected to have a movie theater and a market, and it looks like retail stores and more restaurants will be included as well. (A sports bar and a bowling alley had initially been part of the plans as well, but it is not known if this is still the case.)

[November 16 update: Boston Magazine mentions that the dining spot attached to the concert hall will be called Poco Diablo, and it will be a "Latin-inspired restaurant."]

[Earlier Article]
Sports Bar, Bowling Alley Part of Development Plans for Former Boston Garden Site

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, November 14, 2018

SeaGrilz and North Shore Lobster in Peabody Closes; Seawitch Moving Back In

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on December 9 to reflect confirmation that Seawitch has returned.]

A seafood spot and fish market that replaced a longtime Route 1 restaurant have both shuttered, and it appears that the space may become home to the previous spot.

According to multiple sources (including @CappyinBoston as well as a post on the Boston's Wicked North Shore Facebook page and North Shore Eats), SeaGrilz and North Shore Lobster in Peabody are no longer in operation, while a listing on the bizbuysell.com site indicates that the owner is planning to retire and is looking to sell the business. A couple of the sources say that the restaurant and fish market that was previously in the space--Seawitch--may be moving back into the space, though specific details are not known at this time.

SeaGrilz and North Shore Lobster opened in November of 2017, replacing Seawitch, which had been in the space for at least a half century.

The address for the now-closed SeaGrilz and North Shore Lobster is 203 Newbury Street (Route 1), Peabody, MA, 01960.

[December 9 update: According to a message from @CappyinBoston, Seawitch restaurant and fish market is open once again in the former SeaGrilz and North Shore Lobster space, with a check on the Facebook page for the business confirming this.]

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





Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Jack's Abby Opening Track Zero Taproom at North Station/TD Garden

by Marc Hurwitz

A new taproom is on its way to Boston's North Station/TD Garden area, and a familiar name is behind it.

According to a press release, Jack's Abby Craft Lagers is opening Track Zero Taproom, which will take over the train bar (also known as the North Station Bar) on the platform at North Station, with the space including 10 tap lines offering beers from both Jack's Abby and Springdale (which is affiliated with Jack's Abby and is located in the same Framingham facility). The release mentions that the new drinking spot will gradually take over the space and is expected to debut this winter.

Jack's Abby was also in the news last week, as a bakery may be coming to its facility, supplying the restaurant there while also possibly being open to the public as a retail outlet at some point.

The website for Jack's Abby can be found at https://jacksabby.com/

[April 3, 2019 update: A new press release states that Track Zero Taproom is now open on the platform at North Station, with the 32-seat spot including a 28-foot bar and--as mentioned above--10 tap lines featuring both Jack's Abby and Springdale beers. The email also says that food items such as soups, salads, wraps, and soft pretzels will be offered as well.]

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]





BOND Restaurant and Lounge in Boston's Financial District to Close December 1; Exact Status Unknown

by Marc Hurwitz

An upscale restaurant and bar in downtown Boston is getting ready to close, as the hotel in which it resides is going to be renovated--and it is not known what might become of the spot.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting (via the Boston Real Estate Times) that BOND Restaurant and Lounge on Franklin Street is shutting down December 1, as part of a planned renovation of the Langham Hotel where the hotel itself will close next April and reopen in 2020 after extensive changes. There is no word on what might happen to BOND right now, though the Boston Real Estate Times article mentions that "New guest rooms and suites, updated event and function spaces, and innovative food and beverage concepts will all be introduced" once the hotel opens back up.

BOND Restaurant and Lounge, which first opened in early 2009, is known in part for its New American fare and cocktails.

the address for BOND (and the Langham Hotel) is 250 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110. The web page for the restaurant and lounge can be found at http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/boston/dining/bond-restaurant/

[November 28 update: A Facebook post from the Langham Hotel states that after December 1, the BOND space will only be open for private events, while a comment in the thread indicates that two dining spots will open within the hotel once renovations are complete in 2020 (it is not known if BOND will be one of them).]

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, November 12, 2018

Sushi Momento Is Opening in Cleveland Circle

by Marc Hurwitz

A new sushi spot is on its way, and it looks like it will be opening within a new complex on the Boston/Brookline border.

According to a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, Sushi Momento is planning to open in Brookline, with the restaurant being described in the listing as a "contemporary eatery serving inventive sushi and cocktails." The address given indicates that the upcoming dining spot will be located at The Circle, a mixed-used development located at the former site of the Circle Cinema and Applebee's in Cleveland Circle, and based on a page from Phase Zero Design, it is opening inside the AC Marriott hotel there, which straddles the Brighton/Brookline line (the restaurant has a Brookline address).

The address for this new restaurant in Cleveland Circle is: Sushi Momento, 399 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brookline, MA, 02445. Its website will be at https://www.sushimomento.com/

[November 27 update: According to Justin Alpert (Restaurant Architect from Phase Zero Design), Sushi Momento is waiting on final permit approval and is planning to open the week of December 10.]

[January 3, 2019 update: Eater Boston states that Sushi Momento 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]





Sunday, November 11, 2018

Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes in Jamaica Plain Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A small Texas-based burger chain that starting expanding into the region last year has closed its first Boston-area location.

A tweet from yesterday hinted that Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes in Jamaica Plain may have closed, with Universal Hub seeming to confirm that the Centre Street eatery is indeed no longer in business, as the outlet has been removed from the chain's website. It appears that other locations in downtown Boston, Billerica, Hudson, and Northborough remain in operation, and a new outlet is planning to open in Sudbury later this month as well.

Mooyah first opened in the Jackson Square section of JP in June of 2017, with the eatery offering burgers made with "never-frozen beef" along with hand-cut fries, salads, and milkshakes.

The address for this now-closed burger spot in Jamaica Plain was: Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes, 225 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.mooyah.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]





Friday, November 09, 2018

Brothers Kouzina in Peabody to Remain Open

by Marc Hurwitz

A few months ago, we reported that a popular Greek restaurant was planning to close around the end of the year to make way for a dispensary. Now we have learned that this apparently will not be the case after all.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Brothers Kouzina will not be leaving its space on Route 1 in Peabody, with the note thanking people for their support. No details have been given on why plans for a medical marijuana dispensary to replace it fell through; we had first learned about that proposal in July, and at that time it looked like the restaurant might close at the end of the month and that the owners were looking to open in another space.

Brothers Kouzina first opened in 2006, offering customers mostly a mix of Greek and American dishes including souvlaki, stuffed grape leaves, grilled octopus, spinach pie, gyros, broiled scallops, burgers, and more.

The address for Brothers Kouzina is 25 Newbury Street (Route 1), Peabody, MA, 01960.

Thanks to multiple sources for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Brothers Kouzina in Peabody Plans to Close at the End of the Year

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 Garden Is Opening in Former Clover Space in Brookline Village

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new dining spot is coming to Brookline, and it will offer a food dish that is getting more and more popular.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Patch) that Poke Garden is opening in Brookline Village, taking over the space on Harvard Street where a location of Clover had been until closing in April. Both articles mention that the new eatery will offer poke bowls (a Hawaiian dish featuring raw fish) along with sushi, though no menu is available as of yet--and an opening date is not known at this point in time.

The address for this new dining spot in Brookline Village is: Poke Garden, 10 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02445.

[December 5 update: According to a source, Poke Garden is now open in the former Clover space in Brookline Village.]

[Earlier Article]
Clover Food Lab in Brookline Village 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]





Lord Hobo Brewing Company's "Humble Castle" Beer Hall Opens in Woburn

by Marc Hurwitz

A beer hall that has been a long time in the making has opened within a brewery north of Boston.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Lord Hobo Brewing Company has soft-opened the "Humble Castle," a new beer hall inside its facility in Woburn. As mentioned earlier, the 3,500-square-foot space has room for approximately 150 people, while a total of 40 tap lines are set up there (which is more than what was earlier thought), and in addition to its own beers, Lord Hobo will also offer "guest" beers as well. Food at the beer hall will include shareable plates along with salads and pizza, and drink options in addition to beer will include wine on tap, cold-brewed coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Hours for the Humble Castle will be 11:00 AM to midnight daily, with food being served starting at 3:00 PM.

The address for Lord Hobo Brewing Company (and the new Humble Castle beer hall) is 5 Draper Street, Woburn, MA, 01801. Its website can be found at https://lordhobobrewing.com/

[November 17 update: A Facebook post indicates that Humble Castle is now fully open and that a "Grand Re-Opening" party will take place today.]

[Earlier Article]
Lord Hobo Brewing Company in Woburn to Open Beer Hall

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]