Thursday, February 28, 2019

Revolution Pie + Pint in Lynn Has Closed; Brew on the Grid to Remain Open

by Marc Hurwitz

A pizza spot on the North Shore has closed after only a brief time in business.

According to a source, Revolution Pie + Pint in Lynn is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from Jaime Figueroa (who had been involved with the Central Avenue spot) confirming this, saying that Brew on the Grid, which is in the same space, will remain open. Both Revolution Pie + Pint and Brew on the Grid opened last August, and around the time of their opening, we had reported that another location of Revolution Pie + Pint was going to be opening in Worcester; that location actually debuted earlier this month. (Another location of Brew on the Grid can be found in Worcester as well.)

The Grid Hospitality Group, which runs both Revolution Pie + Pint and Brew on the Grid, is also behind Craft Table & Bar, which has a location in East Boston.

The address for the now-closed Revolution Pie + Pint (and Brew on the Grid) is 23 Central Avenue, Lynn, MA, 01901. The website for the Worcester location of Revolution Pie + Pint can be found at https://www.pienpint.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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




Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Nothing Bundt Cakes Opens in Newton

by Marc Hurwitz

A chain of bakeries that focus on ring-shaped cakes has come to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Nothing Bundt Cakes is now open in Newton, with the Needham Street shop offering a variety of sizes of cakes, including 8-inch and 10-inch bundt cakes along with smaller sizes and tiered cakes (cakes which have an 8-inch bundt cake on top of a 10-inch bundt cake). A web page for the Newton location indicate that its hours are 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.

Bundt cakes are baked in a bundt pan, which gives it a round shape with a hole in the middle.

The address for this new bakery in Newton is: Nothing Bundt Cakes, 170 Needham Street, Newton, MA, 02461. The web page for the Newton location can be found at https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/ma/newton

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]




Papa Gino's Closes Seven More Locations

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of pizzerias that shut down a number of shops last fall after declaring bankruptcy--and was subsequently sold--has closed seven more of its locations.

According to several sources, including an article in boston.com, Papa Gino's has shut down outlets in Brockton, Framingham (2), Melrose, Natick, Wilbraham, and Seabrook, NH, with the post indicating that no more closings are expected from the chain. Papa Gino's closed more than 50 locations in November and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and PGHC Holdings, which also owned D'Angelo's, sold both chains to Wynnchurch; both Papa Gino's and D'Angelo's now have a new parent company called New England Authentic Eats. The boston.com article says that changes are on the way to Papa Gino's, including new menu options, upgrades being made to the outlets, beer and wine being reintroduced, and new shops coming to higher traffic areas.

Papa Gino's started out in the 1960s in East Boston.

[Earlier Article]
Papa Gino's Closes Dozens of Shops, Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy; Sale in the Works

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]




Monumental Market Is Opening in the Former Monumental Cupcakes Space in Jamaica Plain

by Marc Hurwitz

Last month, we reported that a cupcake shop was closing down and that a new spot would be coming to the space. Now we have learned a bit more about what will be opening there.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Monumental Market is planning to open in the Monumental Cupcakes space in Jamaica Plain, with David Lindsey and Gerly Adrien (Tipping Cow Ice Cream), Javier Amador-Peña (El Colombiano Coffee), and Kelsey Munger (Lavender Bee Baking Co.) being behind the South Street bakery-cafe. The article mentions that the shop plans to offer ice cream, coffee, cakes, tarts, and more in a nut-free environment and that a few seats will be set up within the space, though it will apparently be more of a grab-and-go type of spot than a place where people can do some work while having food and/or drink. If all goes well, Monumental Market could be opening in the spring.

Monumental Cupcakes closed its doors a few weeks ago after being in business for approximately 10 years; the shop offered cupcakes as well as donuts, birthday cakes, coffee, and tea.

The address for Monumental Market will be 36 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[August 13 update: Based on posts within its Facebook page, Monumental Market had its opening delayed because of a possible plumbing issue, but it now looks to open soon and is currently hiring.]

[September 5 update: Monumental Market could be one step closer to opening by next week, as a licensing board hearing page indicates that its application for a common victualler license is slated to be looked at on Wednesday, September 11.]

[February 13, 2020 update: Boston Magazine states that Monumental Market is now open with limited hours, with full hours beginning on February 18--and while plans for the ice cream part of the business fell through, the shop will be selling new and used vinyl records via Chris Antonowich's Light of Day Records as well as coffee and baked goods.]

[Earlier Article]
Monumental Cupcakes in Jamaica Plain Has Been Sold, Is Apparently 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]

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Tatte Bakery & Cafe Is Opening at the Berklee College of Music in Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

A growing local group of bakeries and cafes will be opening yet another location in Boston, and this one should be popular with students.

According to a source within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Tatte Bakery & Cafe will be opening on the ground floor of a tower on Mass. Ave. that is part of the Berklee College of Music. A Facebook post from Roger Brown--who is the president of Berklee--confirms this, saying that the new outlet should open sometime this summer. It appears that Tatte will take over at least part of the Back Bay Beats (B3) space; B3 was a restaurant and music spot that closed last fall after being in business for approximately a year and a half.

Tatte, which has a number of locations in Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline, is also in the process of opening a new outlet at One Boston Place on Washington Street in downtown Boston [ed note--now open].

The address for the new location of Tatte at the Berklee College of Music is 160 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115.

[July 10 update: Eater Boston states that the new location of Tatte at Berklee is now open.]

[Earlier Articles]
Back Bay Beats (B3) at Berklee College of Music Is Closing
Tatte Bakery & Cafe to Open at One Boston Place in Downtown Boston

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]

Taqueria El Barrio Is Opening in the Former UBurger Space by the BU West Campus in Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a Mexican restaurant is on its way to Boston, and it will be moving into the space where a location of a group of burger spots had been.

According to a Twitter post from @sit4aspell, Taqueria El Barrio is opening in the former UBurger space by the BU West Campus, with the Commonwealth Avenue storefront showing a "coming soon" sign for the place. A Twitter page for the eatery is now up as well, though no tweets have been posted as of yet and a search online does not give any hints as to who might be behind the place. As soon as we get more information on Taqueria El Barrio, we will post an update here.

UBurger closed its outlet by BU West last October, as its lease expired and they decided not to renew it. (Locations of the burger place in Kenmore Square, Northeastern University, and Andover remain in operation.)

The address for the upcoming Taqueria El Barrio is 1022 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

[April 30 update: A Facebook post from Alex Saenz of BISq in Cambridge confirms what we had learned several weeks ago, that Taqueria El Barrio has a connection to both BISq and Bergamot in Somerville--and Saenz says that the place is "very close" to opening.]

[August 2 update: Eater Boston states that Taqueria El Barrio opens on Tuesday, August 6, with the restaurant offering tacos, tortas, and quesadillas.]

[Earlier Article]
UBurger by the BU West Campus in Boston 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, February 25, 2019

The Greek Grille in Winchester Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban spot that focused mainly on Greek takeout food has shut its doors.

According to a source, The Greek Grille in Winchester is no longer in business, with another source confirming that the Main Street eatery has indeed closed down while the restaurant itself put up a Facebook post indicating this as well. The dining spot, which first opened approximately 10 years ago, was mainly a to-go place offering such items as egg lemon soup, souvlaki, gyros, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita, and Greek-style pizza.

The address for this now-closed Greek restaurant in Winchester was: The Greek Grille, 599 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

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]

Cafe du Pays in Cambridge Now Has a "Lounge/Salon/Living Room"

by Marc Hurwitz

A French-Canadian restaurant in Cambridge that opened a couple of years ago has converted one of its rooms into a space that focuses more on drinks and lighter meals.

According to an email, the front room, or lower dining room at Cafe du Pays in Kendall Square is now a lounge, salon, and "living room," with the space being geared toward patrons who don't want the full "sit down dinner" experience, though the full menu is available along with some specific food items just for that space. We have been told that the people behind the restaurant have not yet decided on a name for the space, though they mainly call it Salon or the Lounge for now.

Cafe du Pays took over the former Hungry Mother space in July of 2017, with the team behind Hungry Mother and the nearby State Park, and Mamaleh's (minus owner Barry Maiden) being behind the place.

The address for Cafe du Pays is 233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02141. Its website can be found at http://cafedupays.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]




Update: The Faraway May Be Opening in the Riverside/Cambridgeport Section of Cambridge

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on February 15 to reflect the fact that a specific location has not yet been given for the place.]

It looks like a new restaurant and bar may be on its way to a section of Cambridge that is just outside of Central Square.

According to a tweet, The Faraway is planning to open in the Riverside/Cambridgeport area of the city, while a Kickstarter page indicates that two sisters are behind the proposed dining and drinking spot, with the fundraising page saying that it would be "a cozy neighborhood bar & restaurant serving New American, farmer's market-influenced small plates focused on great service with a jukebox & busy brunch....We aim to be an extension for the community, hosting pop-ups with chefs around the world, neighborhood-centered dinners and a place to gather regularly." The Kickstarter campaign appears to have already surpassed its goal of raising $18,000 (which has been set up to help pay for a variety of things, including tables, chairs, and flooring), and that the owners hope to open The Faraway sometime late in the summer if all goes well with the licensing and permitting process along with city inspections.

While the original tweet mentioned a specific location, we have been told that The Faraway does not actually have a confirmed location at this point in time.

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]




Yoki Express Is Opening in the Former Bruegger's Bagels Space in Cambridge's Porter Square

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a fast-casual spot by the Boston waterfront that features a couple of trendy food items is expanding to Cambridge.

According to a source, Yoki Express is planning to open in the old Bruegger's Bagels space in Porter Square, with a public hearing notice posted in a window of the Mass. Ave. storefront indicating that the eatery seeks to "continue the operation of a fast order food restaurant" within the space. If approved by the city and it does open, the new Yoki Express may feature poke bowls and sushi burritos, based on the menu at the Seaport District location. (Yoki Express is also connected to Yoki, a Japanese restaurant and bar in Medford.)

Bruegger's Bagels closed its Porter Square location late last summer, shortly after a Kenmore Square location of the chain shut its doors.

The address for the proposed Yoki Express is 1876 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[July 12 update: Yoki Express could be one step closer to opening in Cambridge by next week, as a license commission hearing agenda page within the city's website indicates that a meeting regarding its request for a common victualler license is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17.]

[December 30 update: According to a Facebook events page, the new location of Yoki Express has its grand opening on January 31.]

[January 13, 2020 update: Eater Boston mentions that Yoki Express in Cambridge is actually open for business as it gets ready for its grand opening at the end of the month.]

[Earlier Article]
Bruegger's Bagels in Cambridge's Porter Square 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]

Friday, February 22, 2019

Jumbo Grill & Pizzeria Has Replaced Helen's Roast Beef & Pizzeria in Medford

by Marc Hurwitz

A pizzeria and sub shop that was popular with college students has closed, and it has been replaced by a new spot that hopes to attract the college crowd as well.

The Tufts Daily is reporting that Jumbo Grill & Pizzeria is now open in the former Helen's Roast Beef & Pizzeria space in Medford, with the new Boston Avenue eatery offering Italian-style pizza and some health-conscious items including the Impossible Burger and other vegetarian options. Like its predecessor, Jumbo Grill will cater to the late crowd, being open until 1:00 AM Sunday through Wednesday and until 3:00 AM Thursday through Saturday.

Helen's was known for such items as pizza, calzones, subs, grill options, and pasta dishes.

The address for Jumbo Grill & Pizzeria (and the former Helen's Roast Beef & Pizzeria) is 321 Boston Avenue, 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]




Thursday, February 21, 2019

Vivi Bubble Tea Cafe Is Opening in Brighton

by Marc Hurwitz

A bubble tea chain with roots overseas is planning to open a second Boston-area location.

According to an article in Eater Boston, Vivi Bubble Tea Cafe is looking to open a shop in Brighton, moving into a space on Washington Street in the heart of Brighton Center. The proposed new outlet would join another location in North Quincy along with a number of stores in the New York City area and some others elsewhere in the country. Based on the offerings at the North Quincy location, expect to see an array of bubble teas at the new place and some snacks such as Korean chicken wings, Taiwanese BBQ sausages, and popcorn chicken.

Vivi, which started out in Taiwan, opened its first shop in New York in 2007, according to its website.

The address for the new location of Vivi Bubble Tea Cafe in Brighton is 364 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.vivibubbletea.com/

[October 17 update: A tweet from @GospelOfIHM indicates that Vivi Bubble Tea Cafe is now open in Brighton, with a check on the spot's social media pages confirming that it has indeed soft-opened.]

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]

Noodle Bar by Iterum Foods May Be Opening in East Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a restaurant featuring all things noodles could be coming to East Boston.

According to an article in Eater Boston, the Noodle Bar by Iterum Foods is hoping to open in the Jeffries Point section of Eastie, with Matthew McPherson (Tiki Rock, Menton, Porto, Craigie on Main, Frogmore, Fairsted Kitchen) currently in lease negotiations for a space on Sumner Street that had once been home to 303 Cafe. Its website indicates that the proposed eatery would be a casual spot that focuses on sustainability and zero waste, featuring a variety of noodle-based dishes with Asian influences--and rice noodles and vegetable noodles would be a couple of options. The Noodle Bar by Iterum Foods plans to be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and would also have to-go items available.

The website for the Noodle Bar by Iterum Foods is at https://noodlesbyiterum.com/

[November 14 update: Based on social media posts and its website, it looks like Noodle Bar by Iterum Foods could be opening in East Boston later this fall.]

[December 24 update: Eater Boston reports (via an Instagram post from the business) that plans have fallen through for Noodle Bar by Iterum Foods to open on Sumner Street in Jeffries Point, and they are now looking at other locations to open around East Boston.]

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, February 20, 2019

Purefections Chocolate in Quincy Is Moving to a New Location

by Marc Hurwitz

A gourmet chocolate shop is getting ready to move to a new space.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Purefections Chocolate is moving from Franklin Street in South Quincy to Hancock Street in Quincy Center, with the note saying that the Franklin Street location will shut down as of February 24. If all goes as planned, the shop will reopen in its new space by the first week of March, though no specific date has been given as of yet.

Purefections offers a variety of items using Belgian chocolate, with a few options including almond clusters, caramel cups, dipped sandwich cookies, sea salt discs, and tartarugas.

The address for the current location of Purefections Chocolate is 102 Franklin Street while the address for the new location will be 1348 Hancock Street. Its website can be found at https://purefectionschocolate.com/

[March 7 update: Based on a Facebook comment, it appears that Purefections Chocolate could be opening in its new home in the next few days, though an official opening date has not yet been given.]

[March 10 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Purefections Chocolate soft-opened in its new home on Hancock Street over the weekend.]

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, February 19, 2019

Namaste Nepali and Indian Cuisine Has Replaced Taj Indian Bistro in Stoneham

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new restaurant featuring Nepali and Indian fare has opened in the northern suburbs of Boston, replacing another dining spot that focused on Indian food.

According to both a message and a post from Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie, Namaste has opened in the former Taj Indian Bistro space in Stoneham, with the Montvale Avenue eatery offering a lunch buffet seven days a week and focusing mostly on Indian cuisine while also serving a number of Nepali items on their regular menu. A few options at the new restaurant include naan, momos, pakoras, chicken tikka masala, chicken chili, saag paneer, potato and pea curry, and more, based on both Auffrey's post and an earlier blog post from The Daily Lunch.

In addition to Taj Indian Bistro, a couple of other restaurants had been in the Namaste space as well--Shabu Sai and Kyotoya, both of which offered Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

The address for Namaste is 58 Montvale Avenue, Stoneham, MA, 02180.

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, February 18, 2019

Update: Sushi Factory and Hi B3ar Ice Cream Roll in Allston Are Closed; Meet Fresh to Replace Sushi Factory

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated to reflect the fact that another nearby spot under the same ownership is closed as well--and that a new place is on the way.]

An all-you-can-eat sushi spot is closed at least for now, and it is not known if/when it could reopen.

According to a source (Geoff Wong), Sushi Factory in Allston is locked up and dark with a sign out front indicating that it is closed for renovations, though the Yelp page for the Brighton Avenue spot indicates that this is a permanent closure, while a poster on that page confirms the "closed for renovations" sign out front. There is no indication as to why the restaurant has closed, nor is it known what the future holds for the place, so keep checking back for updates.

Sushi Factory first opened in the fall of 2017, opening in the space where Kirin Teppanyaki & Wok had been, and before that, Redneck's Roast Beef.

The address for Sushi Factory is 140 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134.

[February 19 update: Eater Boston states that Hi B3ar Ice Cream Roll, which is located across the street from Sushi Factory and is under the same ownership, also has a sign out front saying that it is closed for renovations.]

[March 14 update: Our source now tells us that Meet Fresh (a Taiwan-based group of dessert spots) will be moving into the Sushi Factory space, with the website for the business confirming this.]

[March 26 update: Eater Boston mentions that Meet Fresh could be opening in June if all goes well with the renovations being made to the space.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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




Bourbon Coffee Is Replacing Boston Common Coffee Co. in Boston's North Station/West End Area

by Marc Hurwitz

A group of coffee shops and cafes with roots in Central Africa will be opening a second Boston-area location, and this one will replace a location of another group of coffee shops.

According to a message from the Corbett Restaurant Group, Bourbon Coffee is planning to open in the Boston Common Coffee Co. space in the North Station/West End area of Boston, with the sale of the space apparently going through last week. A check on the Boston Common Coffee Co. website shows that the Canal Street outlet has been removed, so it is possible that the shop has already closed, though we will try to confirm this.

Bourbon Coffee, which started out in Rwanda in 2007, features Rwandan coffee along with pastries, baked goods, tea, and more; they currently have several locations, including one in Cambridge's Porter Square. (The sole remaining location of Boston Common Coffee Co. is on High Street in the Financial District of Boston.)

The address for the upcoming location of Bourbon Coffee is 103 Canal Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website can be found at https://bourboncoffeeusa.com/ while the website for Boston Common Coffee Co. is at https://www.bostoncommoncoffee.com/

[February 20 update: Eater Boston states that Bourbon Coffee may be opening its new location on Canal Street within the next week or so.]

[March 3 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Bourbon Coffee is now open on Canal Street, having soft-opened last week.]
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]




Italo Bakery in South Medford Appears to Have Closed for Good

by Marc Hurwitz

Last summer, we reported that an Italian bakery that was a longtime favorite for pizza had shut down for at least the time being. Now we have learned that this looks like a permanent closure.

According to a source, Italo in South Medford now has a "For Lease" sign out front, indicating that the Main Street shop will not be reopening. Back in July of 2018, the bakery shut down apparently because of a sick family member overseas, but there had also been chatter that it had closed for good. No updates have been given since last summer, but now with the sign being posted in one of its windows, it appears that Italo will indeed not be coming back.

Italo has been known in part for its bakery pizza, along with such items as Italian cookies and scali bread.

The address for Italo Bakery was 509 Main Street, Medford, MA, 02155.

[Earlier Article]
Italo Bakery in South Medford Has Closed; Exact Future Uncertain

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Stephi's on Tremont in Boston's South End Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

What was once a trio of upscale comfort food spots will soon be back down to just one, as another location is getting ready to close.

According to a Twitter post from @TheBostonSun, Stephi's on Tremont in the South End is shutting down this spring after approximately 10 years in operation, which seems to jibe with what we had heard late last year--that the dining spot was going on the market. A Facebook post from Christopher B. Haynes of CBH Communications indicates that the space likely won't be vacant for long, as the group behind Bar Mezzana, Shore Leave, and No Relation will be opening a new restaurant there.

Last spring, Stephi's in Southie closed as well after being in business for five years; the original location--Stephanie's on Newbury--in the Back Bay will apparently remain in business.

The address for Stephi's on Tremont is 571 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02118.

Thanks to @michelejmartin for bringing this to our attention.

[February 26 update: Eater Boston states that the restaurant replacing Stephi's on Tremont hopes to open sometime this summer.]

[April 4 update: According to a couple of sources, Stephi's on Tremont was still open as of a few days ago, but the end may now be near for the place, as a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website says that its petition to transfer its liquor license to the team behind Bar Mezzana, Shore Leave, and No Relation will be looked into next Wednesday.]

[April 8 update: A source tells us that a sign is now up out front indicating that Stephi's on Tremont is now closed.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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




Thursday, February 14, 2019

Peregrine Is Opening within the Whitney Hotel in Boston's Beacon Hill

by Marc Hurwitz

A new hotel restaurant is on its way to an historic section of Boston, and the people behind an award-winning Somerville dining spot will be running the place.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Katrina Jazayeri and Josh Lewin of Juliet in Union Square will be opening Peregrine, which will be located inside the upcoming Whitney Hotel on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. The new restaurant will focus on coastal Mediterranean fare with influences coming from Italy and the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily, along with the Catalonia region of Spain and elsewhere in the region. The post mentions that wines offered will come from Italy and Spain as well, and French and other Mediterranean options will also be available--and craft cocktails will be included. If all goes as planned, Peregrine (and the hotel) will be opening sometime this spring.

Juliet, which first opened in 2016, is a European-style cafe that has received much praise including Bon Appetit nominating it for best new restaurant in America.

The address for Peregrine--and the Whitney Hotel--is 170 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

[June 21 update: Boston Magazine states that Peregrine plans to open in early July.]

[July 3 update: Eater Boston says that Peregrine opens today.]

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]




Sami's in Boston's Longwood Medical Area Has Closed Again

by Marc Hurwitz

A landmark food trailer that closed for a couple of years earlier in the decade has closed once again.

According to a source within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Sami's in Boston's Longwood medical area has closed, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this, saying "It pains me to say this which is why it's taken me so long to post... We are closed, indefinitely. Mom (Amy) and I are heartbroken about this. We feel terrible that we weren't able to give you all any notice either. I don't even know what to say here... We love you all like family and will miss you so much. Jou-jou" A note within the comments section of the post says that "there's a teeny bit of chance" of it being able to reopen, but it "requires lots of fundraising and orchestrating."

In 2012, the Sami's food cart had to close and was facing the possibility of losing its home because it apparently needed to abide by the same codes as brick-and-mortar structures since it did not have wheels. It returned, however, in 2014 and has been open ever since.

Sami's first opened in the Longwood area in 1979, featuring such items as falafel, hummus, lamb gyros, kebab wraps, and chicken shawarma.

[Earlier Articles]
Sami's May Lose Its Home in Boston's Longwood Medical Area
Sami's Has Reopened in Boston's Longwood Medical Area

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]




Rochambeau Is Replacing Towne Stove and Spirits in Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

A new French restaurant and cafe is opening in the Back Bay of Boston, replacing a dining and drinking spot that once had two of the region's best-known chefs behind it.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Rochambeau is replacing Towne Stove and Spirits at the Hynes Convention Center on Boylston Street, with Patrick Lyons and the Lyons Group being behind the place. The Lyons Group had also been behind Towne, which first opened in 2010 and had Lydia Shire and Jasper White initially overseeing the menu, and as hinted at early last month just after Towne's closure, Patrick Lyons wanted to debut a new concept in the space. The post mentions that Rochambeau will actually include two different concepts, with the main restaurant being a brasserie with such items as steak frites and coq au vin while the other section will be a cafe that offers breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks, with croissants and cafe au lait being two options. (An outdoor patio will also be set up along Boylston Street.)

The address for Rochambeau will be 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website will be at https://rochambeauboston.com/

[June 3 update: The website for the place indicates that Rochambeau will open sometime this summer.]

[October 4 update: According to a post from boston.com, the cafe section of Rochambeau is now open, with the brasserie opening this weekend.]

[Earlier Article]
Towne Stove and Spirits in Boston's Back Bay 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]

New Music Venue to Open Above Hong Kong Restaurant in Cambridge's Harvard Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A new place for live music is on its way to Cambridge, and it will be taking over the space where a comedy club had been until moving to Somerville a few months ago.

According to an article in Vanyaland, a new 21-plus music venue is opening above the Hong Kong Restaurant in Harvard Square, with the third-floor place simply being called "Hong Kong." The post mentions that the space will include a bar and that it will host live acts until 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday nights, at which point a DJ will play music until closing time. If all goes as planned, the new spot could be opening next month.

The space above the Hong Kong Restaurant was home to The Comedy Studio which had been there since the mid-1990s and now resides at Bow Market in Union Square; the restaurant itself has been in business for nearly 60 years, according to Vanyaland.

The address for the upcoming Hong Kong music club (and the Hong Kong Restaurant) is 1238 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[March 7 update: A Facebook events page indicates that the first show (as of now) for the new Hong Kong music venue is scheduled for March 21.]

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]




Plans for Lobstah On a Roll/478 Mass. Ave. to Come to Arlington Have Fallen Through

by Marc Hurwitz

One day after announcing that a restaurant known for its enormous lobster rolls was expanding to the North Shore, we have learned that a planned dining spot in the northwest suburbs under the same ownership will not be happening after all.

According to a Twitter post from @dancallahan, the people behind Lobstah on a Roll in Boston will not be opening a new restaurant in Arlington that was either to be called Lobstah On a Roll or 478 Mass. Ave., with a message sent to us by the place confirming that plans have indeed fallen through. As reported yesterday, a location of Lobstah On a Roll will be coming to Salem, with that eatery possibly debuting sometime in March or April.

Plans for Lobstah On a Roll/478 Mass. Ave. to come to Arlington first came about in September of 2017, with the restaurant looking to open in the old Elton's Roast Beef & Pizza space in the center of town. It was never known for sure what the exact name would be (and it was once billing itself as "the biggest little restaurant in America"), as we heard reports of it being 478 Mass. Ave., then Lobstah On a Roll, then 478 Mass. Ave. once again. (A location of Lobstah On a Roll did open in Boston's South End in November of 2017, with that spot featuring soups, sandwiches, and three sizes of lobster rolls, including one that is nearly two feet long.)

[Earlier Articles]
Lobstah On a Roll/478 Mass. Ave. Plans to Open in Former Elton's Roast Beef & Pizza Space in Arlington Center
Lobstah on a Roll Is Opening in Emma's Space in Boston's South End
Lobstah on a Roll Is Opening in Salem

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, February 13, 2019

Lobstah on a Roll Is Opening in Salem

by Marc Hurwitz

A Boston eatery that specializes in huge lobster rolls will be expanding to the North Shore.

According to a poster on The Arlington List Facebook group page, Lobstah on a Roll is planning to open in Salem, joining its original location on Columbus Avenue in the South End. No address has been given as of yet, and a Facebook post from the place only mentions when it may open--with the post stating both a March and an April opening date; as soon as we find out more about the place, we will post an update here.

Lobstah on a Roll opened in the old Emma's space in the South End in the fall of 2017, featuring soups, sandwiches, and three sizes of lobster rolls, including one that is nearly two feet long. Another restaurant under the same ownership--which will either be called Lobstah On a Roll or 478 Mass. Ave.--is supposed to be coming to Arlington as well, though those plans have been in the works for approximately a year and a half.

[February 15 update: According to a source, the upcoming Salem location of Lobstah On a Roll will open at 135 Lafayette Street, which is the former Jimmy John's space.]

[March 13 update: A message from the place indicates that Lobstah On a Roll hopes to open in Salem in the next couple of weeks.]

[April 3 update: Eater Boston states that Lobstah On a Roll is now open in Salem.]

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]




Roadworthy in Dedham Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

An offbeat suburban restaurant that focuses on the types of street-food dishes you might find from food trucks is shutting down.

According to a source, Roadworthy in Dedham is getting ready to close, with a Facebook post from the Washington Street eatery confirming this, saying that "We will serve our last and best meals on Sunday, February 17th." The note also mentions that to those who are unable to come to the restaurant by this weekend, "we will do our best to refund your money," telling customers to message them on Facebook or on their website.

Roadworthy first opened in the spring of 2017, with the dining spot calling itself "the outlandish destination for fun and delicious foods....Inspired by today's wacky food trucks!" Some of its offerings include chili, biscuits, fried dough, pizza,  Italian beef sandwiches, porchetta sandwiches, schnitzel, fried ravioli, beef stroganoff, and more.

The address for Roadworthy is 125 Washington Street, Dedham, MA, 02026. Its website can be found at https://www.roadworthyfoods.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]

Xiang's Hunan Kitchen Replaces Gourmet Garden Near Boston University

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a Chinese restaurant has replaced an Asian fusion spot near Boston University that lasted less than two years.

According to a source (Sarah Wu), Xiang's Hunan Kitchen is now open in the former Gourmet Garden space on Commonwealth Avenue, with the name of the place indicating that it focuses at least in part on hot and spicy dishes. The restaurant appears to have opened over the past few days or so, and very little specific information has been given on it; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Gourmet Garden opened in the spring of 2017, replacing Limoo Tea Bar, an eclectic spot that offered a mix of Asian and Middle Eastern fare.

The address for Xiang's Hunan Kitchen is 1032 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

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]




1855 Bar a Vin Opens Above La Voile in Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new wine bar has come to the Back Bay of Boston, and it is connected to a French restaurant in the same building.

According to a Twitter post from @n1vux, 1855 Bar a Vin is now open on Newbury Street, with the place being directly above La Voile--and under the same ownership. The website for La Voile mentions that the name comes from the fact that 1855 was "the year of the first official classification of Bordeaux wines following the World's Fair in Paris," while also saying that the bar offers 250 French wines as well as French cuisine, with the focus being on small plates.

In addition to its Newbury Street location, La Voile also has a restaurant in the Washington Square section of Brookline.

The address for 1855 Bar a Vin is 259 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The web page for the wine bar can be found at http://www.lavoilerestaurants.com/1855-2/

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, February 12, 2019

Pho Common Has Replaced Pho Countryside in Boston's Kenmore Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A Kenmore Square restaurant has been replaced by a new spot with similar cuisine and a somewhat similar name.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Pho Common has taken over the Pho Countryside space (confirming what a source recently told us), with the new Commonwealth Avenue eatery opening last weekend. As was the case with its predecessor, Pho Common offers a variety of pho (soup) options, and it also offers stir-fried noodles, vermicelli bowls, fried rice, smoothies, and more.

Pho Countryside first opened around the beginning of 2017, taking over the space where Josephine had been, and before that, a location of Petit Robert Bistro. The original location of Pho Countryside remains open in Quincy.

The address for Pho Common is 468 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Pho-Common-254206832166791/

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, February 11, 2019

Cracking Crab in Framingham Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like one of the many Cajun seafood restaurants to come to the Greater Boston area of late has shut down.

According to a source, Cracking Crab in Framingham is no longer in business, with a phone call placed to the Route 9 eatery confirming this, as the phone is no longer in service--and an earlier Framingham Source article also reports that it has closed. Cracking Crab first opened last summer, offering such items as crab legs, crawfish, fried oysters, quail eggs, shrimp, po'boys, and more, with the seafood being served without any utensils.

The address for this now-closed Cajun seafood restaurant in Framingham was: Cracking Crab, 290 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA, 01702.

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]




Maverick's Bar & Grill in Tewksbury Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime dining and drinking spot in the northern suburbs of Boston has shut its doors, and it appears that the closure is connected to an ongoing issue concerning late payments of taxes.

According to a source, Maverick's Bar & Grill in Tewksbury is no longer in business, with a post from Your Tewksbury Today and an article from The Lowell Sun both confirming this, saying that the owners of the Main Street spot have turned in their food and liquor licenses. The articles mention that the restaurant and bar has been late in tax payments for a number of years since it opened in 1997, while Your Tewksbury Today also mentions complaints from residents about noise and behavior of customers as well as late water and sewer payments. A sign out front shows that Maverick's Bar & Grill is "closed for renovations" but it appears that the place will not be reopening.

The address for Maverick's Bar & Grill was 2212 Main Street (Route 38), Tewksbury, MA, 01876.

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]




Red-Eyed Pig in West Roxbury Has Apparently Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It appears that a restaurant featuring BBQ and Southern-style food has shut down.

According to a Facebook post from WGBH news anchor/host, the Red-Eyed Pig in West Roxbury has shuttered, with a 'For Rent' sign in the window and the lights being off this past Saturday night. The Centre Street eatery, which first opened in late 2011, offered such items as hush puppies, wings, brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, smoked pork belly, ribs, Cajun shrimp, macaroni and cheese, and Mississippi mud pie.

We had heard from a couple of sources a few months ago that the Red-Eyed Pig may have been on the verge of closing, but Santoro says that it was apparently open as late as last week.

The address for the now-closed Red-Eyed Pig was 1753 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132.

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]




Tatte Bakery & Cafe to Open at One Boston Place in Downtown Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A growing local group of bakeries and cafes will be opening a second location in downtown Boston, and this one may be moving into an office tower along the northern edge of the city's Financial District.

According to an Instagram post, Tatte Bakery & Cafe is planning to open at One Boston Place on Washington Street (where it meets State Street and Court Street), with that address indicating that it could be taking over the space where a location of Paul Bakery had been, and before that, an Irish pub called Four Green Fields. Once the new outlet of Tatte opens, it will join a nearby location on Summer Street along with shops in Beacon Hill, the Back Bay, the Fenway, the Seaport District, Northeastern University, Cambridge's Kendall Square (three), Harvard Square, and Brookline.

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

The address for the upcoming location of Tatte at One Boston Place is 201 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02108. The website for all locations can be found at http://tattebakery.com/

[March 13 update: A tweet from @TatteBakery mentions that the One Boston Place location of Tatte opens on March 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]




Damnation Alley Distillery in Belmont Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A local small-batch distillery is closing down after being in business for a bit more than five years.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Damnation Alley Distillery in Belmont plans to close its doors on March 31, with the note saying that "we will be...taking a break and determining our next steps." The post also mentions that it will be open regular hours until its final day, with hours continuing to be 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Fridays, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.

Damnation Alley Distillery, which first opened on Brighton Street in the fall of 2013, has been known for its different whiskey offerings along with vodka and gin.

The address for Damnation Alley is 7 Brighton Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at http://www.damnationalleydistillery.com/

[April 11 update: A check on its Facebook page confirms that Damnation Alley is now closed.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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




Meju in Somerville's Davis Square Is Now Jae's Cafe

by Marc Hurwitz

A Somerville restaurant has morphed into a new dining spot--and with it, a once-familiar name has returned to the local area.

According to a post within the Davis Square Facebook group page, Meju Korean Kitchen & Bar in Davis Square is now Jae's Cafe, with an earlier post indicating that this is a rebranding, as the people behind the long-closed Jae's restaurants had apparently purchased Meju last year. Jae's Cafe disappeared from the local landscape in 2015 with the closing of its location in Boston's South End; the group of Asian fusion restaurants had also once included outlets in the Theatre District, Back Bay, Brookline, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, and North Adams as well.
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Meju first opened in early 2015, taking over the space where a location of McDonald's had once been.

The address for Jae's Cafe (and the former Meju) is 243 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144.

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, February 07, 2019

The Landing - L'approdo - Pizza & Kitchen Opens in the Nonantum Section of Newton

by Marc Hurwitz

A new dining spot has come to a section of Newton known in part for its Italian heritage, and it looks like its focus is on Neapolitan pizza.

According to an article from the Patch, The Landing - L'approdo - Pizza & Kitchen is now open in Nonantum, with owner Massimo Ottani coming from Latina (between Naples and Rome) and being certified in Neapolitan pizzamaking while also participating in the Pizza World Championship in 2014. The website for The Landing shows such items as pizza, calzones, focaccia, panzerotti, and salads, with pizza options including margherita, hot soppressata, four cheese, and anchovy and olives.

The address for this new restaurant in Nonantum is: The Landing - L'approdo - Pizza & Kitchen, 223 Adams Street, Newton, MA, 02458. Its website can be found at http://www.thelandingpizza.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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




Tender Greens to Open at Arsenal Yards in Watertown

by Marc Hurwitz

A California-based group of restaurants that includes a famous backer is opening another Boston-area location, with this one coming to a new complex just west of the city.

According to a press release, Tender Greens is planning to open at Arsenal Yards in Watertown, with the eatery joining two others at Copley Place in Boston's Back Bay and The Street in Chestnut Hill. Based on those two locations--and other outlets, most of which are on the West Coast--expect to see options as soups, salads, sandwiches, and meals with a small salad and a side of vegetables. One of the investors in the Tender Greens chain is Danny Meyer, whose New York-based Union Square Hospitality Group operates the Shake Shack restaurants (a location of Shake Shack is also coming to Arsenal Yards).

The new location of Tender Greens is one of several dining spots coming to Arsenal Yards, with places such as Shake Shack, Condesa Restaurante Mexicano, Pokeworks, and City Works Eatery and Pour House opening there as well. The mixed-use development will be located at the site of the old Arsenal Mall in East Watertown, and it appears that it could be complete by late 2019 or 2020.

The website for Tender Greens can be found at https://www.tendergreens.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]