Sunday, June 30, 2019

The Kenmore Is Replacing The Lower Depths in Boston's Kenmore Square

[Ed note: This article was updated to reflect the fact that a new spot is on its way to the space.]

A pub and beer bar that is popular with both Red Sox fans and college students has shut down.

According to a source, The Lower Depths in the Kenmore Square section of Boston closes at the end of business hours tonight, with a Facebook post from the Commonwealth Avenue spot saying "And that's a wrap. We're moving on to some new adventures as of July 1st. Cheers to 15 amazing years and all of our awesome regulars!" It is not yet known what might happen to the space, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

The Lower Depths has been known as a place to go for hot dogs, tater tots, and tacos, along with an extensive list of regional, national, and international beers.

The address for The Lower Depths is 476 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

[July 2 update: The Boston Business Journal is reporting that The Lower Depths could be reopening under new ownership, as Douglas Bacon and his Red Paint Hospitality Group plan to open it back up at some point. A licensing board hearing page seems to confirm this, showing that the business is looking to have a change of ownership from Gordon Wilcox (the current owner of The Lower Depths) to Bacon and Dot Boy Inc. Bacon is behind such spots as The Westland, the White Horse Tavern, the Avenue, the Corner Tavern, The Last Drop, Harry's Bar and Grill, and Hopewell Kitchen.]

[July 2 update #2: An update from the above BBJ article indicates that The Lower Depths will not be coming back after all, as Douglas Bacon plans to have renovations done and reopen with a new name, new menu, and new look. If all goes as planned, the new spot could be opening in approximately 60 days.]

[September 4 update: According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, it appears that the new restaurant and bar opening in the former Lower Depth's space will be called The Kenmore.]

[October 22 update: Eater Boston states that The Kenmore is now open, and it features hamburgers and hot dogs along with salads, wings, fries, Brussels sprouts, grain bowls, chili, cheesesteak eggrolls, onion dip, and beer and wine--though no liquor is available.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Friday, June 28, 2019

BearMoose Brewing Company, Deep Cuts Deli Are Opening in Everett July 4

Yet another new brewery comes to the Boston area this weekend, and this one includes a deli as well.

Boston Magazine is reporting that BearMoose Brewing Company will be softly opening this weekend within an old machine shop space in Everett, with the Revere Beach Parkway facility including a taproom and a separate business inside its space--Deep Cuts Deli, which will offer snacks, sandwiches, and coffee to customers. As mentioned in an earlier article here, BearMoose Brewing does not have plans for distribution at least for the time being, instead serving beers in its taproom, and over the coming weeks patrons will start being able to fill crowlers to take home with them.

BearMoose Brewing Company, which expects to be fully open as of July 4 and will be open Thursday through Sunday initially, is the fourth brewery to come to Everett, joining Night Shift Brewing, Down the Road Beer Co., and Bone Up Brewing.

The address for BearMoose Brewing Company and Deep Cuts Deli is 1934 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett, MA, 02149. The website for the brewery is at https://www.bearmoosebrewing.com/

[Earlier Article]
BearMoose Brewing to Open in Everett

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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 Paris Creperie Opens in Boston's Seaport District

A creperie in Brookline has been joined by a second location on the Boston waterfront, and this outlet also features alcoholic beverages.

As reported here earlier, The Paris Creperie is now open in the Seaport District, with the new spot being a creperie and a cocktail bar whose drinks list has been set up by legendary mixologist Brother Cleve. The new Seaport Boulevard eatery also offers salads, small plates, parfaits, omelets, and beer, wine, and hard cider, according to a press release for the place.

The original Paris Creperie can be found in Coolidge Corner, with that location being more of a cafe-style spot.

The address for this new creperie in the Seaport District is: The Paris Creperie, 60 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the business is at http://pariscreperie.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Paris Creperie in Brookline Is Expanding to Boston's Seaport District

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Hello Brother Supermarket and Bakery Is Opening in Burlington

It looks like a new grocery store and place for baked goods is on its way to the northern suburbs.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Hello Brother is planning to open in Burlington, moving into a space within a warehouse building on Cambridge Street that is also home to Ritu Ki Rasoi restaurant. Based on its Facebook page and website, it appears that Hello Brother will be an Indian supermarket and bakery that will include produce, baked goods, frozen items, and more. The Facebook page says that the place is expected to open in June, though as of yesterday, it was not open and no specific opening date has been given as of yet.

The address for Hello Brother Supermarket and Bakery is 207 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, 01803. Its website is at https://hellobrotherstore.business.site/

[October 23 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Hello Brother is now open.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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 and Cafe Plans to Open Production Facility, Test Kitchen, and Cafe in South Boston

A growing local group of bakeries and cafes will be opening a massive new multi-use facility in a new development that is coming to the city.

According to an article in the Boston Business Journal, Tatte Bakery and Cafe is planning to open a 30,000-square-foot production space in South Boston that will also include a test kitchen and cafe along with office space, with the expansion coming to the former Cole Hersee building on Old Colony Avenue about midway between West Broadway and Andrew Square. The post says that cooking and baking classes will be offered at the upcoming spot, and the size of the facility will allow Tatte to bring back its catering program which had to be stopped because of a lack of space. If all goes as planned, the facility could be ready to open by next year.

The Cole Hersee building is slated to have space for as many as 10 other retail shops and restaurants on the ground floor once renovations are done, while the second floor will be used for office space.

The address for Tatte's upcoming production facility, test kitchen, and cafe is 60-70 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for Tatte can be found at http://tattebakery.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Time Out Market Boston Opens in the Fenway; Includes 15 Dining Spots

After more than two years of planning and construction, the highly-anticipated Time Out Market Boston is now open in the city's Fenway neighborhood, and with it, 15 options for food and drink. The list includes the following, based on information from an earlier article here as well as a recent press release. (Time Out Market Boston is located by Brookline Avenue and Park Drive, with its website being at https://www.timeout.com/boston)

Ms. Clucks Deluxe -- a chicken and dumplings place from Tim and Nancy Cushman (Hojoko, O Ya)

gogo ya -- another spot from the Cushmans, with this one featuring inventive takes on sushi

Mamaleh's Delicatessen -- a second location of a modern deli that is located in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge

Saltie Girl -- a seafood restaurant whose original location is in the Back Bay

Union Square Donuts -- an outlet of a popular donut shop that was first established in Somerville

BISq -- a second location of an eclectic restaurant in Cambridge's Inman Square, with cheese and charcuterie boards offered along with sandwiches

anoush'ella -- an Eastern Mediterranean eatery that joins locations in Boston's South End and Lynnfield

George Howell Coffee -- a well-known name among coffee lovers that also offers a variety of pastries and baked goods as well

Revolution Health Kitchen -- a health-based spot that offers organic, plant-based foods, including soups, salads, bowls, smoothies, and juices

Gelato & Chill -- an artisanal gelato spot that also offers gluten-free and dairy-free options

Mobile Cooks -- a vegan place that uses locally-sourced ingredients and which will have different chefs creating daily or weekly specials

Monti Roman Pizzeria -- an eatery from Chef Michael Schlow that features wood-fired Roman-style pizza

Italian Kitchen -- another Michael Schlow spot, this one focusing on Italian dishes including ones created with house-made pasta

a burger spot from Chef Tony Maws -- this place from the owner of Craigie on Main focuses on the legendary Craigie Burger

a dining spot from Chef Peter Ungár -- this is an offshoot of the highly-regarded Tasting Counter in Somerville, with dishes that have global influences offered

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Rivershed in Scituate to Open Second Location in Weymouth Landing

A South Shore restaurant and bar that focuses on Southern-style fare will soon be joined by a second location closer to Boston.

According to a Wicked Local article, Rivershed in Scituate has gotten approval by the Braintree License Board to open in Weymouth Landing, with the dining spot coming to the new Landing 53 development on Commercial Street. The post says that the new location of Rivershed will have seating for 129, including 24 seats on a seasonal outdoor patio, and that the menu will feature "burgers, barbecue, and craft beers" much like its original location. If all goes well, the restaurant and bar could be opening in Weymouth Landing next year.

Landing 53, which opened in January of 2018, is an apartment complex whose residential section has been full since last summer, and while its commercial area on the ground floor is still not completely full, another unnamed tenant appears to be interested in the space as well.

The address for the upcoming Rivershed in Weymouth Landing is 33 Commercial Street, Braintree, MA, 02184. The website for the original location can be found at http://www.therivershed.com/

[November 24, 2019 update: According to a source (and a Facebook post from the place), Rivershed in Weymouth Landing opens its doors tomorrow (Wednesday, November 25).]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]


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Pineapple Thai Opens at The Street Chestnut Hill

A Thai restaurant in Brookline has opened a new location a couple of miles west of its original spot, debuting in a development that is continuing to get more and more dining options.

According to a press release, Pineapple Thai is now open at The Street Chestnut Hill, joining its existing location on Cypress Street just west of Brookline Village. The new eatery offers a variety of Thai and Southeast Asian dishes, including chicken satay, crispy Thai rolls, scallion pancakes, gyoza, pad Thai, mango curry, and pad-ki-mow, and it is open for both lunch and dinner daily.

A number of other restaurants and food spots can be found at The Street Chestnut Hill, including Legal Sea Foods, Aquitaine, Del Frisco's Grille, Shake Shack, The Bagel Table, and a couple of new places--Chilacates and Chef Ronsky's--while a New York-based ice cream shop called OddFellows is on the way as well.

The website for the original location of Pineapple Thai in Brookline is https://www.pineapplethaibrookline.com/#/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Freds at Barneys New York Plans to Open at Copley Place in Boston

It looks like an iconic department store restaurant that is based in New York will be making its way to Boston.

According to an article from CNBC, Freds at Barneys New York is planning to open at Copley Place in the Back Bay, with the restaurant joining five other locations including two in Manhattan. The dining spot dates back to the 1920s when a counter-service eatery opened in the original Barneys location on Seventh Avenue, and today it features mostly American and Italian fare in an upscale environment. If all goes as planned, the new location of Freds at Barneys New York at Copley Place will open in October, and it will feature a "much larger bar space" that will serve as a "focal point" according to CNBC.

The website for Freds can be found at https://www.barneys.com/restaurants/freds

[October 22 update: It looks like Freds at Barneys New York will not be coming to Boston after all, as Universal Hub states (via ABC 7) that all locations of Barneys will be closing (including the Boston outlet) in the wake of a bankruptcy filing by the chain of department stores.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Gen Sou En Tea House in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed

A Japanese tea house in Brookline has shut down after only a relatively brief time in business.

According to a source, Gen Sou En Tea House in Coolidge Corner is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the Harvard Street place thanking the community for their business and referring them to Amazon if they would like to continue purchasing their tea. No reason has been given for the closure, nor is it known what might go into the space, so keep checking back for updates.

Gen Sou En Tea House first opened in February of 2018 in a space formerly occupied by Panera, with the place calling itself a "modern Japanese tea house"that was bringing "100 years of Japanese green tea expertise to Boston," while the name roughly translated to "farm-to-cup." The spot closed for a short time last fall in order to revamp the space and expand the menu offerings.

The address for the now-closed Gen Sou En Tea House in Coolidge Corner is 299 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, June 25, 2019

Coconut Newton Is Replacing Coconut Cafe in Newton Centre; Owners of Rice Passions in Revere Behind It

The people behind a Revere restaurant will be expanding to a space in Newton Centre, and they will be honoring the dining spot that currently resides in that space.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Teradate Suntornnut and Fonthip Suntornnut of Rice Passions are opening Coconut Newton in Newton Centre, taking over the Coconut Cafe space on Beacon Street. The post indicates that the new eatery will feature Thai food (as do both Rice Passions and Coconut Cafe) and that it is keeping elements of both the name and the menu of the outgoing spot. If all goes as planned, Coconut Newton could be opening in the early part of July.

Coconut Cafe has been in business since 1996.

The address for this new Thai restaurant in Newton Centre will be: Coconut Newton, 759 Beacon Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459.

[July 18 update: A Yelp page for the place indicates that Coconut Newton is now open.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Second Cup Coffee Company Opens by North Station in Boston

Early last year, it was learned that a Canadian coffee retailer was planning to open its first cafe in the region in the heart of Boston, and now we have learned that the shop has opened.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Second Cup Coffee Company is now open by North Station and TD Garden in the city's West End neighborhood, with the Causeway Street outlet offering coffee and espresso, tea, pastries, baked goods, parfaits, frappes, and more. As reported earlier, this is the fourth location of Second Cup Coffee Company in the United States and the first to come to New England; the company started out in 1975 and is based in Mississauga, Ontario.

The address for this new cafe by North Station and TD Garden is: Second Cup Coffee Company, 97 Causeway Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website can be found at http://mysecondcup.com/

[Earlier Article]
Second Cup Coffee Company Plans to Open First Location in New England By North Station in Boston

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Ban Toi Restaurant Opens in Dorchester

A brand new Vietnamese dining spot has come to a section of Boston that has a number of options for Vietnamese food.

Eater Boston is reporting that Ban Toi Restaurant is now open in Dorchester, moving into a space on Dorchester Avenue on the northern edge of Savin Hill. The post says that the new eatery offers such items as a jackfruit salad, grilled squid, chicken with rice, and more---and the restaurant's Facebook page also shows grilled wild pig and pho, while one particular item posted on Facebook translates to "grilled brain fat onion" (it's assumed that this isn't an accurate translation).

The address for this new Vietnamese restaurant in Dorchester is 1035 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Encore Boston Harbor Resort and Casino Opens in Everett, Includes 15 Dining and Drinking Options

The highly-anticipated Encore Boston Harbor casino and resort complex is now open in Everett and it includes a total of 15 places to get food and drink. Based on earlier articles here along with press releases for the complex, the list of places includes the following:

Bru -- coffee shop and cafe that is open 24/7

The Buffet -- all-you-can-eat buffet spot that is open for lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch

Center Bar -- drinking spot in the casino area that offers beer, wine, and cocktails

Dunkin's -- location of coffee and donut chain that is open 24/7

Fratelli -- Italian seafood restaurant that also offers pizza

Garden Cafe -- casual dining spot above the garden lobby that is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch

Garden Lounge -- higher-end drinking spot above the garden lobby

Memoire -- nightclub that features live entertainment and DJs

Mystique -- sprawling Asian restaurant that serves sushi and more

On Deck Burger Bar -- casual sports bar that focuses on burgers

The Oyster Bar -- small spot offering raw bar and other seafood items

Rare Steakhouse -- high-end restaurant that features such items as certified authentic Kobe beef

Red 8 -- upscale Chinese restaurant that also serves other Asian fare

Sinatra -- upscale restaurant that features classic Italian-American dishes

Waterfront -- casual dining spot that serves American classics, pub grub, and seafood

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

T&B Pizza Opens in the Union Square Section of Somerville

The husband-and-wife team behind a popular Somerville restaurant have opened a new spot within the same building that focuses on pizza and cocktails.

As reported here earlier, T&B Pizza opens for dinner today in Union Square, with Bronwyn and Tim Wiechmann of Bronwyn restaurant being behind the Washington Street eatery. The new place features wood-fired pizza using locally-sourced ingredients (including cheese and seafood) and two types of pizza are offered--Neapolitan and al taglio, with the latter being a style of Roman sheet pan pizza that is cut into squares. Cocktails such as margaritas, negronis, martinis, and old fashioneds are offered while a selection of wines and craft beers are available as well.

Bronwyn and Tim Wiechmann were also behind the now-closed T.W. Food and Self-Portrait along with the also-closed Playska, all of which were in Cambridge.

The address for T&B Pizza in Union Square is 251 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at https://www.tbpizza.com/

[Earlier Article]
Bronwyn Team Plans to Open T&B Pizza in Former Vango Space in Somerville's Union Square

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Pazza On Porter Is Opening in the Former Craft Table and Bar Space in East Boston

A couple of months ago, it was reported that an East Boston restaurant and bar had closed and that a new spot would be moving into its space. Now we have a name for the upcoming spot along with who may be behind it.

According to a tweet from @pietrob10, Pazza On Porter is planning in the old Craft Table & Bar space on Porter Street, with a page on the opengovus.com site showing that--as mentioned earlier--Boston Amici Group is opening the place. An OpenCorporates page shows that the two people behind Boston Amici Group are Raffaele Scalzi (who is presumably the same Raffaele Scalzi of Casa Mia Cucina Italiana in Marblehead) and Mivan Spencer (who appears to be the same Mivan Spencer of Caffe Dello Sport in the North End). Very little information has been given on when Pazza On Porter might open and what might be on its menu, so keep checking back for updates.

Craft Table & Bar closed in April after being in business for a bit more than a year; the space had also once been home to Ecco as well.

The address for Pazza On Porter is 107 Porter Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

[August 28 update: A Facebook post gives a sneak peek at Pazza on Porter, which will include a restaurant, bar, lounge, and patio, while the menu will include Italian-American fare along with shareable bar food options. No opening date has been given as of yet, though a opening announcement is apparently coming "very soon." (Thanks to a source for letting us know about this.)]

[October 8 update: According to a press release, Pazza on Porter plans to open to the public on Friday, October 11.]

[Earlier Article]
Craft Table & Bar in East Boston Has Closed; New Restaurant Coming to the Space

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

East Regiment Beer Company Opens in Salem

Nearly two years after it was first mentioned here (and after five years of planning), a new brewery has opened on the North Shore.

According to its website and social media pages, East Regiment Beer Company is now open in Salem, with the Church Street spot including a taproom and outdoor area, while food delivery is allowed and leashed dogs are welcome on the patio. The brewery itself is set up in the basement of the building and nine beers are currently offered, including a couple of brown ales, a saison, an American wheat, a few IPAs, and more.

Currently, East Regiment Beer Company is open Wednesday through Sunday, with hours being 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM Wednesday and Thursday, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday, and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday.

The address for East Regiment Brewing Company is 30 Church Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website can be found at https://eastregimentbeercompany.com/

[Earlier Article]
East Regiment Brewing Company Planning to Open in Salem

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Monday, June 24, 2019

Imperial Terrace in Quincy Is Closing

It looks like a Chinese restaurant on the South Shore that has been around for a long time is shutting down.

According to multiple sources, including several within the Quincy Is Everything Facebook group page, Imperial Terrace in Quincy is closing, with a few sources saying that the last day for the Sea Street eatery will apparently be this weekend while a poster within the Everything Quincy - past present and future Facebook group page mentions that the place is selling its decorations and electronics. We have reached out to the restaurant and are waiting to hear back from them on why they are closing and what might happen to the space, so keep checking back for updates.

Imperial Terrace has been in business for at least 50 years, according to a few people on the Quincy Is Everything page, with the dining spot being known in part for its Chinese-American fare and Polynesian drinks.

The address for Imperial Terrace is 105 Sea Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. Its website can be found at https://www.imperialterrace.com/

[June 28 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Imperial Terrace is indeed closing, with tomorrow (Sunday, June 30) being its last day in operation.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Haley House Bakery Cafe in Roxbury Is Reopening

Earlier this year, it was learned that a beloved non-profit restaurant was shutting down after nearly 15 years in business, though at the time it was hoped that the place could reopen at some point. Now we have learned that it will indeed be returning.

According to Facebook posts from the spot, Haley House Bakery Cafe in Roxbury''s Dudley Square plans to reopen later this year and is now looking to hire a General Manager for the Dade Street eatery. The Facebook page also shows that the cafe wishes to know what the community needs and wants as it gets ready to relaunch, having a link to a survey within the page. A specific reopening date has not been given as of yet, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

Haley House Bakery Cafe, which first opened in 2005, has been known over the years as a place to get healthy food items in a community-oriented space while offering opportunities to those who have limited employment options.

The address for Haley House Bakery Cafe is 12 Dade Street, Roxbury, MA, 02119. The website for Haley House itself, which is a nonprofit community organization that has been around since 1966, can be found at http://haleyhouse.org/

[December 3 update: The Boston Globe states that Haley House Bakery Cafe plans to soft-open in the middle of December, with an official opening taking place in January; the article also mentions that a new menu is being set up that will include old faves along with new items with international influences.]

[Earlier Article]
Haley House Bakery Cafe in Roxbury to Close; Hopes to Reopen Later This Year

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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 House in Somerville's Union Square Has Closed

It looks like a Chinese restaurant in Somerville has said farewell.

According to a source, Red House in Union Square is closed, with the Yelp page for the place seeming to confirm this while a call placed to the restaurant indicates that its phone has been disconnected. It is not known exactly when the dining spot closed, nor has a reason been given for its closure; as soon as we find out more information, we will post an update here.

Red House was known in part for being a spot for takeout, with its menu including mostly Chinese-American fare such as chicken fingers, spare ribs, crab rangoon, teriyaki beef, egg drop soup, egg rolls, pork fried rice, chow mein, egg foo young, lo mein, and chop suey.

The address for this now-closed Chinese restaurant in Somerville was: Red House, 24 Union Square, Somerville, MA, 02143.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Chef Mike's Is Opening in Needham

A new Italian restaurant is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston, and the person behind it received some national recognition a couple of years ago.

According to an article in the Needham Times and Wicked Local, Chef Mike's is opening on Highland Avenue in Needham, taking over the space that had been home to a location of D'Angelo. The post says that the eatery will be a fast-casual spot that serves traditional Italian food, and that owner Mike Fucci is known in part for his winning an episode of the Food Network show "Cutthroat Kitchen" in 2017. Among the items offered at Chef Mike's will be a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich with provolone cheese, sweet vinegar peppers, and giardiniera (an Italian relish), and Fucci--who says "Enough of the obnoxious foofy crap that goes on a plate"--will have everything made fresh daily, noting that "if I don't sell something it goes to the local fire department, the police department or town hall. Any first responder, I don't care, they get it."

If all goes as planned, Chef Mike's will open its doors in July.

The address for Chef Mike's is 73 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02494.

[July 31 update: Eater Boston mentions that Chef Mike's opens on Friday, August 2.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Commune Kitchen Space in East Arlington Is Closing; Breadboard Bakery to Replace It

An award-winning suburban bistro that is known in part for its pizza is shutting down and a new business is taking over the space.

According to a poster within the Arlington, MA Pizza Discussions Facebook group page, Commune Kitchen on Broadway in East Arlington is closing, with Megan Langelier--who is one of the people behind the eatery--joining the conservation, confirming that it is indeed saying farewell at the end of business hours on Friday, June 28. Langelier says that "We have sold our business to someone who is going to do great things with the space....Ultimately, we have decided to move on to new opportunities....we are each moving into new opportunities, which will be announced via instagram in the coming weeks."

Commune Kitchen first opened in June of 2016, offering pizza with a variety of topping combinations as well as such items as tartines, poutine, cheesy breadsticks, fried brussels sprouts, tea, coffee, beer, wine, and cider. The restaurant has received high marks in the media over the past three years, with The Boston Globe including it among its 47 best new restaurants in 2017 and Eater Boston mentioning it among its 25 essential pizzas in the Boston area earlier this year.

The address for Commune Kitchen is 203 Broadway, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website is at http://www.commune-kitchen.com/

[June 24 update: A Facebook post indicates that Breadboard Bakery will open in East Arlington, taking over the space where Commune Kitchen currently resides. (As reported in another article here, Commune Kitchen will be closing at the end of business hours on Friday, June 28.)]

[November 20 update: A tweet from @cuttys indicates that Breadboard Bakery is now open.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Friday, June 21, 2019

ReelHouse Opens at Marina Bay in Quincy

A new restaurant has come to the Quincy waterfront, and it happens to be a second location of an East Boston spot that is also on the water.

As reported here earlier, ReelHouse opens in Quincy's Marina Bay neighborhood this evening, with the place being located within the Meriel Marina Bay luxury apartment complex on Victory Road. The new place, which joins its original location at The Eddy apartment complex in Eastie, features seafood dishes with coastal influences while the space includes a dining area, bar, and lounge as well as a spacious patio with views of the water. The group behind both ReelHouse locations--Navy Yard Hospitality--also runs Mija Cantina at Boston's Faneuil Hall and Pier 6 in Charlestown.

The address for the new ReelHouse at Marina Bay is 542 Victory Road, Quincy, MA, 02171. Its website is at https://www.reelhousemarinabay.com/

[Earlier Article]
ReelHouse in East Boston Plans to Open Second Location at Marina Bay in Quincy

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Old Planters Brewing Co. Is Opening in Beverly

A North Shore nanobrewery is on the verge of opening its very own facility in a former auto mechanic space.

According to a source, Old Planters Brewing Co. could be opening as soon as next week in Beverly, taking over the old McNeil's Auto Body space on Rantoul Street. The brewery, which will include a taproom, will be a big upgrade for the people behind it who started the business in a basement back in 2014. Currently, the beers offered by Old Planters include an IPA, a pale ale, and a double IPA, with their beers being available at various restaurants and bars in the local area.

The address for the Old Planters Brewing Co. brewery and taproom is 236 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915. The website for the business can be found at https://www.oldplanters.com/

[June 25 update: A Facebook post indicates that Old Planters Brewing Co. has opened, though it is only open Thursday through Sunday at least for now.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Pin Ming Opens in the Former Cuong's Vegan Space in Boston's Chinatown

A new bubble tea spot has come to the Chinatown section of Boston, taking over the space where a vegan restaurant had been until closing a few weeks ago.

According to a source (Geoff Wong), Pin Ming is now open on Beach Street in the former Cuong's Vegan space just east of Washington Street. Based on the photos sent as well as the Facebook page and website for the business, the new spot offers a variety of bubble teas, including cheese teas with such flavors as strawberry, avocado, and black grape.

Cuong's Vegan shut down around late May or early June after being in business since the latter part of 2015; the restaurant was under the same ownership as My Thai Vegan Cafe next door, which appears to remain in operation.

The address for this new bubble tea spot in Chinatown is: Pin Ming, 5 Beach Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website is at https://www.pinmingtea.com/

[Earlier Article]
Cuong's Vegan in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, June 20, 2019

Revive and Co. Kitchen and Juice Bar Opens in Weymouth

A new restaurant featuring healthy fare has come to the South Shore, opening in a space just off Route 3.

According to a source, Revive and Co. Kitchen and Juice Bar is now open in Weymouth, taking over a former D'Angelo space on Route 18 just north of where it intersects Route 3. The website for the eatery indicates that it offers such options as salads, grain bowls, pressed sandwiches, smoothie bowls, smoothies, and juices, and that it is open for breakfast, lunch, and (an early) dinner with hours being 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday.

The address for this new dining spot in Weymouth is: Revive and Co. Kitchen and Juice Bar, 208 Main Street (Route 18), Weymouth, MA, 02188. Its website can be found at https://reviveandco.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Flames to Open in Dorchester's Ashmont/Peabody Square Area

A local group of Caribbean restaurants will be opening its fourth location, with this one coming to a section of Boston that has seen some revitalization of late.

According to an article in the Dorchester Reporter, Flames is planning to open in the Ashmont/Peabody Square section of Dorchester, moving into a vacant building at 1 Peabody Square. Once it opens, the new eatery could be featuring such items as Jamaican beef patties, jerk chicken wings, conch fritters, roti, oxtail, curried goat, stuffed crab, corn bread, and more, based on the menus at Flames' other locations in Grove Hall, Mattapan, and Mission Hill. If all goes as planned, the new location of Flames is expected to open later this year.

Peabody Square and the Ashmont area have seen some upgrades and development over recent times, including new landscaping and signage as well as the opening of such places as the Treadmark building, which is home to a location of American Provisions.

Thanks to Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.

[June 26 update: Universal Hub reports that Flames is one step closer to opening in the Ashmont/Peabody Square area, as the Zoning Board of Appeal has given its approval of its plans--though the application apparently did not mention anything about takeout, so a new application has to be submitted for food to go, with another hearing process then taking place. (The new location of Flames still needs to be approved by the Boston Licensing Board as well.)]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Shah's Halal Is Opening in Boston's Fenway/Back Bay Area

It looks like a growing group of Middle Eastern restaurants with locations in and around New York City is on its way to Boston.

According to a source (Geoff Wong), Shah's Halal is planning to open on Boylston Street near where the Fenway and the Back Bay meet, with the address indicating that it may be moving into the space where Crazy Dough's Pizza had been. Based on the menus at the other locations of Shah's Halal, the new outlet in Boston could offer such options as gyros, various items over rice (including chicken, lamb, falafel, fish, and kofta kebabs), salads, sandwiches, pita with hummus, baklava, and more, using 100% certified halal products.

Shah's first started out as a food cart in Queens in 2005 and now has a handful of brick-and-mortar locations in Queens, Long Island, and north of New York City.

The address for this new Middle Eastern restaurant in the Fenway/Back Bay area of Boston is: Shah's Halal, 1124 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all of the locations can be found at https://www.shahshalalfood.com/

[January 21, 2020 update: The Boston location of Shah's Halal could be one step closer to opening by later this week, as a licensing board hearing page indicates that the city is expected to look into its request for a common victualler license on January 22.]

[February 3, 2020 update: Eater Boston mentions that Shah's Halal opens its Boston location on Friday, February 7.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Mahaniyom Is Replacing El Centro in Brookline Village

A local group of Mexican restaurants is closing one of its locations, and another dining spot will be moving into its space.

According to an article in the Patch, El Centro in Brookline Village is shutting down, with chef/owner Allan Rodriguez indicating that he has outgrown the Washington Street space. The article says that the restaurant will may in about a month, and that a Thai eatery called Mahaniyom will be taking over the space. Locations of El Centro in Boston's South End, Belmont, and Dedham will remain in operation.

The Brookline location of El Centro first opened in 2013, two years after the first location in the South End debuted.

The address for El Centro (and Mahaniyom) in Brookline Village is 236 Washington Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.elcentroinboston.com/

[August 28 update: El Centro in Brookline remains open, but not for long, as a thread within the Brookline Townwide Discussion Facebook group page mentions that the restaurant is getting ready to close for good while a phone call placed to the dining spot confirms that Friday will be its last day in business.]

[December 5 update: Eater Boston states that Mahaniyom will open in the now-closed El Centro space this winter, and it will feature both small plates and meals while also having a full bar.]

[February 28, 2020 update: A new article from Eater Boston says that Mahaniyom is now open.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Wired Puppy in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

A cafe on one of the busiest roads in Boston has closed, though it appears that its other location remains in operation.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Wired Puppy on Newbury Street in the Back Bay is shuttered, with a sign out front confirming this and thanking customers for their business. The cafe, which had been open in Boston for approximately 10 years and was part of the Alabama-based Revelator Coffee Company, was known for its baked goods, coffee, and tea; a second shop can be found in Provincetown and it appears to still be open.

The address for this now-closed cafe in the Back Bay was: Wired Puppy, 250 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for Revelator can be found at https://revelatorcoffee.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, June 18, 2019

Lexx Restaurant in Lexington Is Closing

An award-winning suburban restaurant is closing its doors after being in business for 15 years.

According to an article from Wicked Local/The Lexington Minuteman, Lexx Restaurant in Lexington Center is shutting down for good on June 29, with owner Chris Bateman indicating that he is ready to move on, saying that "I've been doing this for 26 years... It's a younger man's game to be honest. Not that I'm not young, but the restaurant business is a grind." The Mass. Ave. dining spot, which first opened in 2004, has been known in part for its New American fare along with its wines and craft cocktails, with its website saying that it has been awarded "Best of Lexington" in "numerous" categories while The Boston Globe once gave is a glowing review, saying that "It's what you want in a neighborhood place."

The address for Lexx is 1666 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

OddFellows Ice Cream Co. Is Opening at The Street Chestnut Hill

An offbeat group of ice cream shops based in New York City will be making its way to the Boston area, opening an outlet in a development a few miles west of the city.

According to an article from Eater Boston, OddFellows Ice Cream Co. is planning to open at The Street Chestnut Hill, moving into a space that is under Legal Sea Foods. The post indicates that the shop will offer an array of ice cream flavors--including such unusual options as black pepper fig and chorizo caramel swirl--and beer and wine will also be available along with ice cream dishes using beer and wine, while banana splits, ice cream sodas, milkshakes, sundaes, and more will be served as well. If all goes as planned, the Chestnut Hill location of OddFellows will open this summer.

OddFellows first started out in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn in 2013 and has since expanded to three other locations in Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood and Manhattan's East Village and NoLita. (A fifth NYC location is also on its way to the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.)

The website for OddFellows Ice Cream Co. can be found at https://www.oddfellowsnyc.com/

[August 5 update: Eater Boston states that OddFellows plans to open on Friday, August 9, though beer, wine, and alcohol-based treats will not be available until this fall.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Victor's Italian Cuisine in Saugus Has Closed

An Italian restaurant in Saugus that moved to a new location a couple of years ago has shut down.

According to a couple of sources, Victor's Italian Cuisine at the Route 1/99 fork is no longer in business, with a check on its website indicating that its account has been suspended. The dining spot had been located at 1539 Broadway until 2016 when it closed in order to get ready to move to the former Maddy's space at 1639 Broadway, where it reopened in March of 2017

A restaurant called Sebastiana's had been looking to open in the old Victor's space but those plans apparently did not end up working out.

[Earlier Articles]
Victor's Italian Cuisine in Saugus Is Moving to Former Maddy's Space
Sebastiana's Plans to Open in Victor's Italian Cuisine Space in Saugus; Victor's to Move to New Spot

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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, June 17, 2019

Daisy Chow (Cutty's, Clear Flour) Is Opening Breadboard Bakery in East Arlington

The person behind a bakery business whose products have been available at a popular Brookline spot will be opening her very own bakery in the local area.

According to an article from the Brookline Patch, Daisy Chow is going to be opening a brick-and-mortar shop at an as-of-yet undisclosed location, and she will be leaving Cutty's in Brookline Village where her Breadboard Bakery has operated as a pop-up for the past three years. Chow, who has also worked at Clear Flour Bread in Brookline for the past decade, will sell her goods at Cutty's for the next couple of weekends before focusing on the upcoming bakery, which could be opening this fall. (A tweet just posted mentions that Chow's shop will indeed be called Breadboard Bakery.)

The Breadboard Bakery pop-up has been known for such items as cinnamon rolls, croissants, "wacky" cakes, and kolaches, the last of which is a pastry that has similarities to both donuts and Danish and which can be either sweet or savory. (The Patch says that the new shop will also sell a variety of breads along with croissants, sandwiches, and coffee.)

The website for Breadboard Bakery can be found at http://breadandstuff.com/

[June 24 update: A Facebook post indicates that Breadboard Bakery will open in East Arlington, taking over the Commune Kitchen space on Broadway. (As reported in another article here, Commune Kitchen will be closing at the end of business hours on Friday, June 28.)]

[November 20 update: A tweet from @cuttys indicates that Breadboard Bakery has opened in East Arlington, with a post from the place saying that its hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (closed Mondays).]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ Is Opening in South Easton

It looks like a BBQ spot in Taunton will be joined by a second location just a bit closer to Boston.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ has found a space within the Highlands shopping plaza in South Easton, with the note saying that this will be a "complete rebuild," so it probably will not be open until at least the summer of 2020. Based on the offerings at the location on Route 44 in Taunton, the upcoming restaurant could feature such items as pulled pork, brisket, smoked and/or fried chicken, ribs, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, fried okra, hush puppies, and more.

An earlier article from PigTrip indicates that the owner of Kinfolks has won approximately 200 barbecue awards over the years.

The address for this upcoming barbecue spot in South Easton will be: Kinfolks Award Winning BBQ, 25 Robert Drive, South Easton, MA, 02375. The website for the location in Taunton can be found at https://www.kinfolksbbq.com/

Thanks to @JeremyKrantz for initially bringing this to our attention.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Acapulcos in Needham Has Closed

A local group of Mexican restaurants has closed another one of its locations.

According to a source, Acapulcos in Needham is no longer in operation, with a check on the locations page of the restaurant's website showing that the 1st Avenue location is indeed no longer listed. Another location in Framingham closed in 2016 while a Weymouth outlet shuttered a number of years ago; the Needham location had actually been in Newton originally, but it moved approximately 10 years ago. Other locations of Acapulcos--including Boston-area outlets in Beverly, Norwood, Quincy, and Sudbury--remain open.

Acapulcos, which first started out in Sudbury in 2001, is a family-friendly group of Mexican restaurants that offers such options as tacos, burritos, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and chimichangas.

The address for the Needham location of Acapulcos was 1 1st Avenue, Needham, MA, 02494. The website for all of the locations can be found at http://acapulcos.net/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Fred's Franks in Wakefield Opens Second Location on Pontoon Boat in Gloucester

A popular hot dog cart north of Boston has been joined by a second location that should be popular with sun worshipers.

According to its Facebook page, Fred's Franks in Wakefield is now selling its hot dogs and other food items on a pontoon boat that is set up at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, with one post stating that it is located to the left of the sandbar where other boats are tied off. The Facebook page for Fred's also says that the Gloucester location is only open on weekends and it is assumed that this will be a summer-only location, though an exact closing date does not seem to have been given as of yet. Based on the photos shown and the menu at the Wakefield location, the pontoon boat sells hot dogs, Shnurbles (which includes a hot dog, chourico, mayo, cabbage, and hot sauce), Italian sausages, burgers, drinks, and desserts.

The original Fred's Franks can be found at the northern edge of Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield near where Route 129 and Route 128 intersect. Its website is at http://fredsfranks.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Friday, June 14, 2019

Union Brewhouse in Weymouth Has Closed; Exact Status Unknown

It looks like a popular beer bar that has been around for more than 20 years is shutting down, though the exact details seem uncertain at this point in time.

According to multiple sources, including a source in the restaurant industry, Union Brewhouse in Weymouth appears to be closing, with all sources saying that it is apparently closing at the end of business hours tonight. We have reached out to the place and are waiting to hear back, so stay tuned for updates.

Union Brewhouse first opened in 1996, offering a wide variety of craft beers along with pub grub and comfort food such as chili, burgers, pizza, wings, and more.

The address for Union Brewhouse is 550 Washington Street (Route 53), Weymouth, MA, 02188. Its website can be found at https://www.unionbrewhouse.com/

[June 18 update: According to a source, Union Brewhouse may not have closed for good after all, with a Facebook post from the place saying that "There was a perfect storm of equipment failure and it will take us some time to get things up and running again. With that being said, we're taking time to repair and renovate (and relax)." As soon as more information comes in on the exact status of the place, we will post another update here.]

[July 23 update: The future of Union Brewhouse now appears to be in question, as a Facebook post shows that a "For Sale" sign is now up out front. (Thanks to a source for bringing this to our attention.)]

[September 24 update: A new Facebook post shows that Union Brewhouse is reopening.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

NOCA Provisions in North Cambridge Is Closing

A cafe in North Cambridge that is affiliated with a high-end restaurant a few blocks away is shutting down.

The Table section of The Boston Globe states that NOCA Provisions on Rindge Avenue is closing on Sunday, June 16, with owner Robert Harris indicating that the location was a difficult one, as it was set back on a road with little foot traffic. Harris says that The Table at Season To Taste--as well as Season To Taste Catering--on Mass. Ave. will remain in operation.

NOCA Provisions first opened in June of 2017, offering a variety of breakfast and lunch items along with grab-and-go foods, with a few options including popovers, scones, Sicilian pizza, soups, lunch bowls, and coffee.

The address for this soon-to-close cafe in North Cambridge is: NOCA Provisions,156 Rindge Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Grainmaker Opens in Somerville's Davis Square

A restaurant in downtown Boston that features Southeast Asian street food has opened a brand new location in Somerville, moving into the space where another dining spot had been until closing a few months ago.

As reported here earlier, Grainmaker is now open in Davis Square, taking over the former Amsterdam Falafelshop space on Elm Street. Its opening has been confirmed in a post within the Davis Square Facebook group, and based on that post (which comes from Ron Newman), it appears that the restaurant may have debuted yesterday.

The original location of Grainmaker opened on Summer Street in Downtown Crossing in the fall of 2017, offering such items as salads, street tacos, banh mi, rice bowls, and smoothies.

The address for Grainmaker is 248 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website for the original location in Boston is at https://www.eatgrainmaker.com/

[Earlier Article]
Grainmaker in Boston Plans to Expand to Amsterdam Falafelshop Space in Somerville's Davis Square

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe in Marlborough Has Been Seized by the State

A suburban restaurant that gained national recognition last year has been shut down, and it is not known what the future holds for the place.

According to an article from Wicked Local, Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe in Marlborough is closed after being seized by the Department of Revenue for nonpayment of taxes, with signs out front saying that it is now in possession of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A Facebook page for the Lincoln Street eatery has posted a note about the issue, saying the following:

To our loyal patrons, we will be closed until further notice....What we thought was a turn key restaurant ended needing major renovations that delayed our opening almost a full year and used up our savings....In the end we owe money to the state for meal taxes....I have confidence with a little more time we could fix this problem, but we need help. If anyone knows anyone that is interested in investing in us, please have them contact me."

Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe, which first opened in September of 2016, is known in part for its Guatemalan dishes along with American and regional comfort food items. The eatery was chosen by Travel and Leisure as one of the 25 best diners in the United States last June.

The address for Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe is 353 Lincoln Street, Marlborough, MA, 01752.

[July 16 update: A new article from Wicked Local states that Villatoro Restaurant and Cafe is hoping to open in a new space, though it is first looking to sell the space in which it resided until it was seized.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Jonquil's Cafe and Bakery Opens in Boston's Back Bay

Last fall it was reported that a new dining spot was coming to the Back Bay of Boston and that it would be focusing at least in part on steamed items. Now we have learned that the place has opened its doors.

According to a press release, Jonquil's Cafe and Bakery opens today at 4:00 PM on Newbury Street, and as hinted at earlier, it will offer steamed dishes--in particular, steamed bowls--while also serving sandwiches, pastries and baked goods, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and juices. The release mentions that the dining spot will have seating along the sidewalk as well as on a lower level, with the place having the feel of a "quaint European sidewalk cafe."

The address for this new eatery in the Back Bay is: Jonquil's Cafe and Bakery, 125 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its website will be at https://www.jonquilscafe.com/

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

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Gumax Cafe and Grill May Be Opening in Cambridge

A restaurant known in part for its spicy pies with East African influences could be on its way to Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Gumax Cafe and Grill is looking to open on Mass. Ave. between Harvard Square and Central Square, with a sign out front saying that it plans to open this fall. Based on its sole location in Woodbridge, VA, it appears that the upcoming location of the eatery would offer crispy and spicy pies with such fillings as beef, chicken, lobster, crab, and vegetables while also serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner items such as waffles, pancakes, French toast, omelets, sandwiches, steaks, seafood dishes, and more.

The website for the parent company of Gumax Cafe and Grill indicates that the spicy pies offered reflect owner Augustine Guma's roots in Uganda; Guma is currently planning to open more locations of the restaurant in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, Washington, DC, and California.

The address for this proposed restaurant in Cambridge is: Gumax Cafe and Grill, 1033 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the place can be found at https://www.gumaxcafeandgrill.com/

[January 31, 2020 update: It appears that plans for Gumax to open in the space on Mass. Ave. have fallen through, as a source tells us that a "For Lease" sign is now up at the space.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Baity in Medford Has Closed

A Medford restaurant that was one of the only places of its kind in the Greater Boston area has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Baity on Spring Street is no longer in operation, with a sign out front saying that it is "closed permanently." The dining spot, which resided in a space about a half mile east of Medford Square, was about the only Egyptian restaurant in the local area, with Azama Grill in Allston offering Egyptian fare while Lowell also has at least one option in the Egyptian Grill.

Baity first opened last spring, offering such items as lentil soup, lamb burgers, falafel wraps, kofta kabob, chicken shawarma, and hawawshi and fateer, which are stuffed and layered breads with a variety of meat, veggie, and cheese options

The address for this now-closed Egyptian restaurant in Medford was: Baity, 84 Spring Street, Medford, MA, 02155.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)


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

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

For Five Coffee Roasters to Open Cafe in Downtown Boston

A New York-based coffee roaster that also includes a small group of cafes will be expanding to Boston, opening a shop in the heart of the city.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Boston Business Journal) that For Five Coffee Roasters is planning to open on State Street next to Faneuil Hall, with the cafe offering coffee, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. The BBJ also says that this may be the first of multiple Boston locations, though for now, this is apparently the only one that is definitely in the works. If all goes as planned, the new location of For Five Coffee Roasters could be opening this fall.

For Five Coffee Roasters got its start in 2010 in Queens and initially was set up as just a wholesaler that sold its roasted beans to restaurants and other businesses before opening its first retail shop in Manhattan in 2016. A handful of locations can now be found in the New York City area and in Chicago and Los Angeles.

The address for the upcoming location of For Five Coffee Roasters in downtown Boston is 200 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the business is at http://forfivecoffee.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Life Alive Opens in Boston's Back Bay

A local group of cafes featuring healthy, organic food has opened its first location within the Boston city limits.

As posted in an earlier article, Life Alive opens today in the Back Bay, taking over the space on Boylston Street where a location of Au Bon Pain had once been. Expect the new eatery to offer vegetarian fare including such items as soups, salads, wraps, grain bowls, and smoothies along with coffee, tea, and juices, with the place being open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is the fifth location of Life Alive but the first in Boston, with others being found in Brookline, Cambridge, Lowell, and Salem.

The address for the new location of Life Alive in the Back Bay is 431 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for all locations is at https://www.lifealive.com/

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

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Dig Inn Opens in Boston's Fort Point

A New York City-based group of "farm-to-counter" restaurants has opened another location in Boston, and this one is located near the water in a part of the city that has been seeing a number of dining and drinking spots open of late.

As reported in an earlier article here, Dig Inn opens today in the city's Fort Point Neighborhood, moving into a space on Thomson Place between Congress Street and Seaport Boulevard. Based on its other locations at the Prudential Center, in Downtown Crossing and across from Copley Square, expect to see "market bowls" offered that have a grain or salad base with items such as chicken, beef, and salmon added.

Another location of Dig Inn is also being planned for Cambridge's Harvard Square, though it is not yet known when that outlet might open.

The address for the new location of Dig Inn in Boston's Fort Point area is 25 Thomson Place, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for all locations is at https://www.diginn.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Dig Inn Plans to Open New Location in Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood
Dig Inn Plans to Open in Cambridge's Harvard Square

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

LaMei Hot Pot Is Replacing Chef Chow's House in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A longtime spot for Chinese food in one of the busiest sections of Brookline has shut down, and a new restaurant plans to move in.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Chef Chow's House has closed, with another Facebook post confirming that the Harvard Street eatery is indeed no longer in business. The poster on the group page mentions that a new hot pot place is moving into the space, though no specific information on the new restaurant has been given as of yet, so keep checking back for updates.

The poster on the Facebook group page says that Chef Chow's House has been in business for at least 35 years, offering Chinese-American fare such as chicken fingers, crab rangoon, spare ribs, moo shi pork, sweet and sour chicken, pepper steak, shrimp with broccoli, lo mein, chop suey, and more.

The address for the now-closed Chef Chow's House was 230 Harvard Street, Brookline MA, 02446.

[June 14 update: The Brookline TAB/Wicked Local states that the new restaurant moving into Chef Chow's House space is LaMei Hot Pot, a Chinese hot pot place that has a location in Providence.]

[January 13, 2020 update: Eater Boston mentions that LaMei Hot Pot is now open in Brookline.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]

Happy Lamb Hot Pot Plans to Open in Former Sunset Grill and Tap Space in Allston

It looks like a hot pot place may be opening a third Boston-area location, and this one would take over the space where a renowned beer bar had been.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Happy Lamb Hot Pot is seeking to acquire the beer and wine license held by the now-closed Sunset Grill & Tap in Allston, with the plan being to open within that Brighton Avenue space. If approved, the new eatery would join other locations in Chinatown and Cambridge's Central Square.

Sunset Grill & Tap closed in late 2017, several months after its parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection; the restaurant and bar had been in business for approximately 20 years and was known in part for its nachos and extensive beer list.

The address for the proposed location of Happy Lamb Hot Pot is 130 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also 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]