Thursday, January 31, 2019

Milk Bar and &pizza Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A couple of highly-anticipated spots are in the process of opening in one of the busiest parts of Cambridge, and both are located within the same space.

The Tables section of The Boston Globe reports that Milk Bar and &pizza are now open in Harvard Square, taking over the old Tory Row/Crimson Corner space by the corner of Mass. Ave. and Brattle Street (Crimson Corner has moved to a storefront nearby). As mentioned earlier, the New York-based Milk Bar has a two-time James Beard Award winner behind it in Christina Tosi, with the website for the place saying that Bon Appetit Magazine once called it "one of the most exciting bakeries in the country." Michael Lastoria is behind the Washington, D.C.-based &pizza, and as the Globe says, he is also a longtime friend of Tosi--and the pizzeria has a variety of options available, including gluten-free and vegan choices.

Plans for Milk Bar and &pizza to come to Harvard Square have been in the works since at least 2017, though the entire deal almost fell through in part because of issues with the Cambridge Historical Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeal.

The address for Milk Bar and &pizza is 1-3 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for Milk Bar is at https://milkbarstore.com/ while the website for &pizza can be found at https://andpizza.com/

[January 31 update: According to a couple of sources, Milk Bar is actually not open yet, though &pizza is indeed open; it looks like Milk Bar will be opening on Saturday, February 2 instead.]

[Earlier Articles]
Milk Bar and &pizza Teaming Up to Open Shop in Cambridge's Harvard Square
Plans for &pizza to Open in Cambridge's Harvard Square Fall Through
&pizza Plans to Open in Tory Row, Crimson Corner Spaces in Cambridge's Harvard Square

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]




Real Is Opening in the Former Lincoln Kitchen/AKA Bistro Space in Lincoln

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant is on its way to a Boston suburb that currently has very few dining options, and the people behind it come from a few of the best-known dining spots in the region.

An email sent to us indicates that Real is planning to open in Lincoln, moving into the space by Lincoln Station that had been home to both Lincoln Kitchen and AKA Bistro. The new spot, which will initially be open for dinner only but will eventually add a weekend brunch, will be a casual upscale restaurant featuring comfort food dishes and seasonal items, while a full bar will include 10 beer taps.

Both the email and a posting within the bostonchefs.com jobs section mention that the husband-and-wife team behind the place are Tom Fosnot and Ruth-Anne Adams, and that they are partnering with Lindsey Parker; Fosnot comes from The Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton and the now-closed Rocca Kitchen and Bar in Boston's South End and Rialto in Cambridge's Harvard Square while Adams comes from the now-closed Casablanca in Harvard Square--and the bostonchefs.com page also says that they have worked at Clio and Hamersley's Bistro (both of which are closed).

If all goes as planned, Real could be opening sometime in March.

The address for Real is 145 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, MA, 01773. Its website will be at www.keepitreallincoln.com

[March 15 update: A post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com indicates that Real 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]




Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Taiyaki NYC Is Opening a Shop in Boston’s Seaport District

by Marc Hurwitz

An ice cream shop in New York City that is known in part for its unusual cones is expanding to the Boston waterfront.

Eater Boston is reporting that Taiyaki NYC is opening an outlet in the city's Seaport District, with the Seaport Boulevard shop joining two locations in New York along with a couple of others in Miami and Toronto. Based on its other stores, expect to see soft-serve ice cream in fish-shaped cones offered at the upcoming location, and toppings such as unicorn horns, stars, and hearts. (Drinks such as floats and slushes will also be available.)

If all goes as planned, the Boston location of Taiyaki could be opening this spring.

The address for this new ice cream shop in the Seaport District is: Taiyaki, 121 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the business can be found at https://taiyakinyc.com/

[April 19 update: A new article from Eater Boston states that Taiyaki opens on Friday, April 26.]

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]




Nine Bar Espresso Is Opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a coffee shop in Somerville will soon be joined by a new location in the heart of downtown Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Nine Bar Espresso is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, with the address indicating that it will be moving into the Boston Brewin Coffee space on Bromfield Street. The hearing notice lists the manager as Erick Vlassidis, who has been involved with Nine Bar Espresso in Davis Square, so there is definitely a connection between the two places--and as reported here earlier, Nine Bar is also connected to Simon's Coffee Shop in Cambridge.

The address for this new coffee shop in Downtown Crossing is: Nine Bar Espresso, 45 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA, 02108. The website for the original location in Somerville is https://www.ninebarespresso.net/

[April 24 update: Eater Boston states that Nine Bar Espresso is now open in Downtown Crossing.]

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]




Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill in Foxboro Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a restaurant and bar that is also a popular venue for country music has shuttered.

According to multiple sources, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill in Foxboro has abruptly closed, with country music singer Annie Brobst posting about this while country singer Shanna Jackman has also said that it has indeed shut down. While there has been chatter as to why the place has shuttered, we have not confirmed an exact reason for its closure, so keep checking back for updates.

Toby Keith's, which first opened in Foxboro in May of 2011, has been known in part for its live music, mechanical bull, bar food, and drinks while also being a popular place for sports lovers, as it is located at Patriot Place by Gillette Stadium. There used to be a number of locations of the restaurant and bar around the country but it now appears that only four remain, including three in Oklahoma and one in Las Vegas.

The website for Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill is at https://www.tobykeithusa.com/ while more information can be found at https://www.tobykeith.com/restaurants

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, January 29, 2019

La Cucina Italian Eatery Opens at Somerville's Assembly Row

by Marc Hurwitz

A long-awaited Italian restaurant has come to Somerville, and as mentioned earlier, the person behind a now-closed North End spot is behind this place.

According to a post from Eater Boston, La Cucina Italian Eatery is now open at Assembly Row, with Jeff Malloy of Carmen running the restaurant which is currently just open for dinner (but will add lunch service in the next couple of weeks or so). Eater mentions that the new eatery honors the automotive history of the Assembly Row area, with pictures of the Ford Edsel displayed along with a vintage Ford logo on the wall, while the space itself has high ceilings, exposed brick, a fireplace, and both a dining area and a bar area along with a semi-open kitchen and a pizza oven. The dinner menu at La Cucina includes such items as roasted marinated olives, sausage soup with kale and potatoes, an antipasto, arancini with braised boar, linguine with clams, lasagna with seafood, rigatoni bolognese, spice crusted tuna, grilled swordfish, and rack of lamb, while drinks include a variety of wines and cocktails.

Carmen resided at North Square in the North End for more than 15 years until closing in the summer of 2016.

The address for La Cucina Italian Eatery is 400 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA, 02145. Its website can be found at https://lacucinaassemblyrow.com/

[Earlier Article]
Team Behind Carmen in Boston's North End to Open La Cucina at Assembly Row in Somerville

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]





Pancho's Taqueria in Dedham Is Expanding to Needham

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a suburban Mexican restaurant is going to be joined by a second location in the suburbs--though the government shutdown has delayed its opening.

According to an article in the Needham Times, the people behind Pancho's Taqueria in Dedham will be expanding to a new space in Needham, with the plan being to open sometime around the middle of April. Owners Carlos Chavira and Nohely Chavira-Williams had been hoping to open the Highland Avenue eatery in early March, but because the Small Business Administration was closed due to the shutdown, their loan application couldn't be processed. The owners of Pancho's are also concerned that another government shutdown could cause more issues for the opening of the Needham location, but they are hopeful that they can get the loan before a possible second shutdown while also hoping to get the necessary permits to open when they meet with the town planning board on February 5.

The original Pancho's Taqueria opened on High Street in Dedham in March of 2016, offering such items as tortilla soup, guacamole, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tostadas, and tortas.

The address for the Needham location of Pancho's is 1450 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492. The website for the Dedham location can be found at https://www.panchostaqueria.com/

[March 28 update: The Needham Times states that Pancho's Taqueria in Needham is now looking at a mid-July opening.]

[October 30 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Pancho's Taqueria is now open in Needham.]

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]

Five Spices House Opens in Former Shalimar of India Space in Cambridge's Central Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A bit more than a year ago, we had reported that a new restaurant was on its way to Cambridge, and it could have a connection to a dining spot in Boston's Chinatown neighborhood. Now we have learned that the restaurant has opened--and it appears to be a second location of that eatery.

According to a Twitter post from @hoover_dam, Five Spices House is now open in Central Square, taking over the space on Mass. Ave. where Shalimar of India had been. Shalimar closed down in March of 2016, and at the time, it was not known if this was a permanent closure but in October of 2017, it was learned that a new dining spot with an apparent connection to Five Spices House on Beach Street in Chinatown was coming to the space, with its parent company being called Five Spices Buffet. Based on the menu at the Chinatown location of Five Spices House, the new restaurant in Cambridge could have Szechuan-style Chinese fare, though we are still waiting to see a menu before confirming this.

The address for Five Spices House in Central Square is 546 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[Earlier Articles]
New Restaurant May Open in Former Shalimar of India Space in Cambridge's Central Square
Shalimar of India in Cambridge's Central Square Is Closed

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





The Grateful Dedham Diner Is Opening in Dedham Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new diner with an interesting name is on its way, moving into the space where a location of a sandwich chain had been.

According to a source, The Grateful Dedham Diner is planning to open in Dedham Square in the former D'Angelo's space on High Street, with a Facebook post from Dedham Square Circle confirming this, saying that "Progress is being made on Dedham's newest diner." It does not look like there is a specific opening date for the eatery, nor is there a menu as of yet (the restaurant's Facebook page simply says "We are a family diner that is grateful that we are able to cook home-cooked classics and serve them with love in Dedham Square"), so keep checking back for updates as they come in.

The address for The Grateful Dedham Diner is 573 High Street, Dedham, MA. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/gratefuldedham/

[March 5 update: According to a source, The Grateful Dedham Diner has soft-opened, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this, saying that its hours for now are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM with breakfast being served all day.]

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]




Lisa's Family Pizzeria Is Opening in Belmont

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of pizza spots will be opening its first location in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Lisa's Family Pizzeria is planning to open in Belmont, taking over the space on Trapelo Road where Thyago's Pizza  had been. Once it opens, the new pizza place will join others in Dracut, Medford, Melrose, Tewksbury, Wakefield, and Woburn, and based on those locations, expect to see such items as Italian thin-crust pizza along with soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, calzones, and grill items.

The address for this new pizza spot in Belmont is: Lisa's Family Pizzeria, 368 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA, 02478. The website for all locations of Lisa's can be found at http://www.lisasfamilypizzeria.com/

[February 19 update: The Medford Transcript states that Lisa's Family Pizzeria is now open in Belmont.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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




Monday, January 28, 2019

Sweet Heart Opens in Belmont

by Marc Hurwitz

A new spot for bubble tea and more has come to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to an article in the Belmont Citizen-Herald, Sweet Heart is now open on Trapelo Road, with the shop offering a variety of milk teas along with smoothies, milk foam, and classic brewed teas, and some snacks such as veggie chips and cake are available as well. Hours for Sweet Heart are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.

The address for this new bubble tea shop in Belmont is: Sweet Heart, 386 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA, 02478.

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]





Coppersmith in South Boston May Lose Its Home; Biotech Building Could Replace It

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like yet another South Boston restaurant may be facing an uncertain future due to new development.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Coppersmith on West 3rd Street could see its warehouse building demolished to make way for a life sciences building that would house biotech companies, with the plan being to tear down other structures at the site. The post mentions that plans for the project will be submitted by late March, and that the proposal will include a six-story 210,000-square-foot building that is 95 feet high and possibly having ground-floor retail space.

Coppersmith, which first opened in September of 2015, includes a cafe and a dining area, a rooftop bar, indoor food trucks, and more in an old industrial warehouse.

The address for Coppersmith is 40 West 3rd street, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at http://www.coppersmithboston.com/

[March 25 update: The Boston Business Journal reports that more details have come out about the proposal to open a lab building where Coppersmith currently resides; the article says that Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. and Anchor Line Partners are looking to replace Coppersmith's home along with multiple industrial and manufacturing buildings that had once been owned by Gillette with a 133-foot-high structure that would have ground floor retail and a "food-drink establishment," though it is not known if Coppersmith might be able (or willing) to take over that space. If all goes as planned, construction on the project could begin in 2020 and finish up by 2022.]

[April 29 update: A tweet from @FPNA_Boston indicates that a public meeting is taking place tonight that will look at the proposal of a life sciences building taking over the Coppersmith space.]

[October 23 update: According to a post from the Fort Point Boston site, a public meeting will take place this evening on a revised proposal to replace Coppersmith with a life sciences development.]

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]

Barrington Coffee Roasting Company in Boston's Fort Point Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A pair of coffee shops with roots west of Boston will soon be down to one location.

According to an article from Eater Boston, the Fort Point outlet of Barrington Coffee Roasting Company is shutting down at the end of business hours today, with one source for Eater saying that the Congress Street shop could be replaced by a bank. Once it shutters, the sole remaining location of Barrington will be on Newbury Street in the Back Bay.

Barrington Coffee Roasting Company, which first started out in 1993, is headquartered in Lee out in the Berkshires and is also a wholesaler whose coffee can be found in a variety of Boston-area shops and cafes, while also selling its coffee online as well.

The address for the Fort Point location of Barrington Coffee is 346 Congress Street, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at https://barringtoncoffee.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]





Pollo Campero in Chelsea Destroyed in Fire

by Marc Hurwitz

A Boston-area location of a chain of chicken spots has been destroyed in a fire.

According to an article from NBC Boston, Pollo Campero in Chelsea was hit by a two-alarm blaze overnight that apparently started in the rear of the Park Street structure, with firefighters having to pull away from the fire because conditions went downhill too much to allow them to safely try to put it out. The post says that the building is a total loss, while The Boston Globe mentions that one firefighter sustained minor injuries in the blaze.

Pollo Campero first opened in Chelsea approximately 10 years ago and has since been joined by two others in East Boston and Lynn; the chain got its start nearly 40 years ago in Guatemala.

The address for the Chelsea location of Pollo Campero is 115 Park Street, Chelsea, MA, 02150. The website for the chain can be found at http://us.campero.com/

[February 1 update: A Facebook post from the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce indicates that Pollo Campero plans to reopen in Chelsea, though the rebuild will "take time," and there is apparently no specific timeline for the rebuilding of the restaurant as of yet. (Thanks to a source for letting us know about this.)]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Friday, January 25, 2019

The Little Crepe Cafe Is Opening in the Former Oxford Spa Space in Cambridge

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new cafe is on its way to a quiet part of Cambridge, moving into the space where another dining spot had been until closing a year and a half ago.

According to a license commission hearing agenda page within the city's website, The Little Crepe Cafe is planning to open on Oxford Street (a road parallel to Mass. Ave. basically between Harvard Square and Porter Square), with the exact address indicating that it would be taking over the old Oxford Spa space. The notice mentions that the place would be a counter service cafe/bistro and that it would have a "very simple kitchen" with no ventilation needed, including no heavy cooking, frying, or stoves. The proposed hours indicate that The Little Crepe Cafe would be open for breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner daily.

The Oxford Spa, which had been open for approximately 20 years until shutting down in the summer of 2017, offered breakfast and lunch items mainly to locals in the surrounding area as well as nearby students.

The address for The Little Crepe Cafe is 102 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website will be at https://www.littlecrepecafe.com

[September 25 update: Eater Boston states that The Little Crepe Cafe plans to open in October, and it will feature crepes along with waffles, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and more.]

[January 15, 2020 update: Eater Boston mentions that The Little Crepe Cafe is in the process of opening.]

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]

Darwin's to Open on Putnam Avenue in Cambridge, Taking Over Petsi Pies Space

by Marc Hurwitz

Several years ago, we reported that a location of a pie shop/cafe in Cambridge could be closing to make way for a new location of a group of sandwich shops, but the plans ultimately appeared to fall through. Now it looks like this will be happening after all.

According to a license commission hearing agenda page within the city's website, Darwin's Ltd. is looking to open a new outlet at 31 Putnam Street, with the address indicating that it will be moving into the space where Petsi Pies cafe resides. Back in 2013, an article about Petsi opening in East Cambridge mentioned that it appeared these plans had been in the works with the Putnam Avenue location of Petsi closing at some point and Darwin's taking over the space, but Petsi never did end up closing.

Other locations of Darwin's can be found in Harvard Square, Central Square, and between Inman and Harvard Squares while another location of Petsi Pies can be found on Beacon Street in Somerville.

[January 28 update: A message sent to us confirms that Darwin's will definitely be taking over the Petsi space on Putnam Avenue, with Petsi apparently closing this week. (We have also been told that the Beacon Street location of Petsi will remain in operation.)]

[January 30 update: A new message sent to us says that Petsi Pies will close its Putnam Avenue shop tomorrow (Thursday, January 31) and Darwin's plans to open in its space on Saturday, February 2.]

[Earlier Articles]
Petsi Pies Is Opening in East Cambridge
Petsi Pies Moving to New Location in East Cambridge

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]




Shy Bird Is Opening in Cambridge's Kendall Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant may be on its way to Cambridge, and it has a connection to at least two of the most popular dining spots in the Boston area.

According to a source (William Simpkins), Shy Bird is planning to open in Kendall Square, with our source indicating that the group behind Eastern Standard in Boston's Kenmore Square and Branch Line in Watertown will be behind this place as well. This news has been confirmed in a just-posted licensing commission hearing agenda page within the city's website, saying that the place would have seating for 89 inside, a total occupancy of 140 inside, and a seasonal patio, and the manager listed is Andrew Holden, who is indeed involved with both Eastern Standard and Branch Line.

If approved, Shy Bird will be located by the corner of Third Street and Broadway, with the exact address being 390 Third Street.

[February 14 update: Boston Magazine confirms that Andrew Holden is indeed involved with Shy Bird, saying that it will be a wine bar, cafe, and rotisserie restaurant offering such options as soups, salads, sandwiches, coffee, rotisserie chicken, pork shoulder, and more, along with beer, wine, cider, and some cocktails. If all goes as planned, the new spot could be opening early this summer.]

[May 15 update: A job post within the Craigslist site indicates that Shy Bird plans to open in July.]

[August 18 update: According to a source, Shy Bird has been going through a soft opening, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this, though no official opening date has been given as of yet.]

[August 21 update: Eater Boston states that Shy Bird is now officially open.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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

The Beacon Hill Pub in Boston Has Reopened

by Marc Hurwitz

A dive bar in the heart of Boston that closed down a few months ago is open once again.

tweet from @eclevine indicates that the Beacon Hill Pub on Charles Street opens back up today, with the pub itself confirming this within the thread. This more or less follows the trend of other bars that the Greater Boston Bar Co. took over by purchasing the buildings housing the watering holes, including both The Tam in the Theatre District and Sullivan's Tap near North Station, both of which shut down in early December and reopened at the end of the month. Another bar whose building was taken over by the company--Mary Ann's in Brighton's Cleveland Circle--continues to face an uncertain future, as its space may be taken over by a dispensary, though nothing is set in stone as of yet.

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

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

[Earlier Articles]
Beacon Hill Pub in Boston Temporarily Closes, Plans to Reopen Soon
The Tam, Sullivan's Tap Reopen; No Major Changes Expected to Either Bar

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, January 24, 2019

Caffe Aromi in Jamaica Plain Is Closed Once Again; Space for Lease

by Marc Hurwitz

A cafe in Jamaica Plain that reopened a couple of months ago after being closed for a long time is shuttered once again--and it is now on the market.

According to a poster on the Jamaica Plain Facebook group page, the Caffe Aromi space on Centre Street is for lease, with a Craigslist post showing a picture of the place and saying "Turn Key Coffee Shop Available for lease of JP!...Perfect for Coffee shop/ Sandwiches / Wraps Etc.." Earlier this month, posters on the same Facebook thread had mentioned that the cafe appeared to be closed once again, though no specifics on its exact status were known at the time.

Caffe Aromi first opened in 2012 and remained in operation until 2015, staying closed until late November of 2018.

The address for the now-closed Caffe Aromi was 403 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[Earlier Article]
Caffe Aromi in Jamaica Plain Has Reopened

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]





Solid Ground Cafe Opens in Boston's Mission Hill/Brigham Circle Neighborhood

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new cafe that serves breakfast all day has come to an increasingly hot section of Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting that Solid Ground Cafe is in the middle of what appears to be a soft opening in the Mission Hill/Brigham Circle section of the city, with the 18-seat eatery offering breakfast from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays and lunch (including salads and sandwiches) starting at 11:00 AM. The article says that a grand opening will take place on Monday, January 28, and that once it is fully open, the dining spot will include Saturday hours as well from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. (If the weekday hours also change, we will post an update here.)

The address for this new dining spot in the Mission Hill/Brigham Circle area is: Solid Ground Cafe, 742 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website can be found at https://www.solidgroundcafe.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]





Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Monumental Cupcakes in Jamaica Plain Has Been Sold, Is Apparently Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a popular neighborhood cupcake shop is saying farewell.

According to a post within the Jamaica Plain Facebook group page, Monumental Cupcakes has a sign out front saying "It has been our great pleasure and honor to serve you! Monumental Cupcakes has been sold! But -- we look forward to something very Monumental opening here in the spring! We might host a farewell party, if so, we'd love to invite you." It is not known what might be replacing the South Street store, nor is it known why the place is closing; as soon as we get more information, we will post an update here.

Monumental Cupcakes, which has been in business for nearly 10 years, offers cupcakes as well as donuts, birthday cakes, coffee, tea, and more.

The address for this cupcake shop in Jamaica Plain is: Monumental Cupcakes, 36 South Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://monumentalcupcakes.com/

Thanks to a source for initially bringing this to our attention.

[February 4 update: Based on information from a source along with the fact that the phone number for the place appears to be down, it appears that Monumental Cupcakes is now closed.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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




The Oyster Club Is Opening in Park Square; Will Take Over Former Doretta Space

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new seafood restaurant is on its way to Boston's Park Square area, and it will be taking over the space where an upscale Greek spot had been--and it looks like a familiar name within the local restaurant scene could be behind it.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, The Oyster Club is looking to open at at 79 Park Plaza, which is the same address as that of the now-closed Doretta Taverna and Raw Bar. The hearing notice mentions that the proposed spot would have a main dining section, a bar area, a raw bar, and an outdoor patio during the warmer months, and the manager listed is Christopher Parsons, who is presumably the same person who had been behind the now-closed Parsons Table and Catch in Winchester along with Steel & Rye in Milton (which he left in 2017) and who is now planning to open Lily P's, a new place for fried chicken, oysters, and more in Cambridge's Kendall Square. The hearing for The Oyster Club is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 30, so more information should be out by later next week.

Doretta Taverna and Raw Bar closed last spring after approximately three years in business, with Michael Schlow (Tico, Alta Strada) being behind it; previously, the space had been home to Via Matta, which Schlow also ran.

[February 21 update: Boston Magazine states that The Oyster Club will include a raw bar, classic New England seafood dishes, and a "lobster of the day" along with beer, wine, ciders, and cocktails.]

[July 12 update: A Facebook post from the place mentions that The Oyster Club plans to open later this month.]

[July 23 update: Eater Boston says that The Oyster Club opens this Saturday (July 27).]

[Earlier Articles]
Chris Parsons to Open Lily P's in Cambridge's Kendall Square Area
Doretta Taverna and Raw Bar in Boston's Park 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]




Servia Is Planning to Open in Downtown Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant may be coming to the heart of downtown Boston, and a familiar name is involved with the place.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Servia is looking to open on State Street and is seeking the liquor license from the now-closed Vanderbilt, which was located on nearby Water Street. The manager listed is Ozcan Ozan, who had run Sultan's Kitchen, an iconic Turkish eatery that was also on State Street until it closed around the beginning of 2018 after more than 35 years in business. The hearing notice mentions that Servia would include a dining room and bar on the ground floor of the building, with a total of 5,040 square feet of space--and with some of that used for an office area and restrooms. It is not yet known what food the proposed restaurant might offer, though Sultan's Kitchen served such items as lentil soup, kebabs, humus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, musakka, and rice pilaf.

Vanderbilt closed in 2018 after being in business for a bit more than a year; the dining and drinking spot resided in a former bank building and had been called The Vault until changing its name in 2015.

The address for the proposed Servia is 126 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109.

[January 31 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe says that Servia will focus on Turkish fare (rotisserie lamb and mezze are mentioned), and that the restaurant hopes to open this spring.]

[Earlier Articles]
Sultan's Kitchen in Downtown Boston Has Closed
Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar in Boston's Financial District 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]





Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Brit Bakery Is Opening in Cambridge

by Marc Hurwitz

A bakery business that has had popups in Arlington over the past year or so is opening a brick-and-mortar shop in Cambridge, moving into the space where another bakery had been before moving to a new storefront.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston indicates that Brit Bakery is opening in the former Violette Gluten Free Bakery space on Concord Avenue, with a note on Brit's website stating that the store is slated to open on Thursday, January 24. The business, which has had pop-ups at The Local Fare on Lake Street in East Arlington, offers such items as cakes, cupcakes, scones, tarts, cookies, and breads, with its website being set up for customers to buy products online.

Violette Gluten Free Bakery moved from Concord Avenue to a space on Mass. Ave. near Porter Square last fall.

The address for Brit Bakery is 407 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://britbakery.com/

[Earlier Article]
Violette Gluten Free Bakery in Cambridge Is Moving, Cites Increased Rent As Reason

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Friday, January 18, 2019

Longfellow Bar Opens in Former Cafe Algiers Space in Harvard Square January 19

by Marc Hurwitz

Two years ago, we reported that a Cambridge institution was closing for good and that one of the region's best-known chefs and restaurateurs was going to open a new spot within the space. Now we have learned that the new place is just about ready to open.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Longfellow Bar opens in Harvard Square tomorrow (Saturday, January 19), taking over the former Cafe Algiers space on Brattle Street. The new dining and drinking spot from Michael Scelfo is located above Alden & Harlow, which is another restaurant from Scelfo, with the the Longfellow space having two floors including a seasonal roof deck. As mentioned earlier, Longfellow features finger foods along with a "geeky" cocktail program and some lesser-known varietal wines, with the menu including such items as warm rye pretzels, deviled eggs, fried chicken tortas, buttermilk-fried sweetbreads, burgers, and waffle fries. Initially, the place will be open for dinner only, but lunch service will be added over the coming weeks.

Cafe Algiers actually closed twice--briefly in the fall of 2016 and a permanent closure in the summer of 2017; the place was known for its Mediterranean fare along with coffee and tea.

The address for Longfellow Bar is 40 Brattle Street #3, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[February 6 update: An update from the Boston Magazine article above indicates that Longfellow is now serving lunch as well as dinner.]

[Earlier Article]
Longfellow to Replace Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square

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]





Manoa Poke Shop in Somerville Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A Somerville restaurant that focuses on a dish that has been trendy over the past few years is shutting down.

According to a source, Manoa Poke Shop on Beacon Street is closing, with an Instagram post from the eatery thanking customers for their support and saying that "It has been a crazy amazing journey for us all, and we wouldn't trade it for anything." No specific closing date has been given, but it looks like it may be shuttering over the next week or so.

Manoa first opened in January of 2017, offering poke (which is a Hawaiian raw fish salad) along with fried chicken, chili rice bowls, kalua pig (slow-cooked pork shoulder), and more. It is one of a number of poke shops that have opened in the Greater Boston area over recent times, including Pokeworks in Somerville's Davis Square, Poke City in Cambridge, Yoki Express in Boston's Seaport District, Love Art Sushi in the Back Bay/Fenway area, and Poke Garden in Brookline.

The address for this soon-to-close restaurant in Somerville is: Manoa Poke Shop, 300 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at https://manoa.fish

[January 21 update: Boston Magazine states that Manoa Poke Shop will close for good after business hours on Saturday, January 26.]

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]

Spice Delight Opens in Former Golden Garden Space in Belmont

by Marc Hurwitz

A brand new Indian restaurant has come to the western suburbs of Boston, and it takes over the space where a Chinese spot had once been.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Spice Delight is now open in Belmont, moving into the former Golden Garden space on Concord Avenue. A Belmont Citizen Herald article mentions that the new eatery features North Indian cuisine, including such items as naan, lentil soup, chicken tikka masala, goat biryani, lamb kababs, tandoori chicken, and fish curry.

Golden Garden closed in June of 2017 after being in business for approximately seven years, though another location remains in operation in Malden; both the now-closed Belmont location and the current Malden location have been known in part for their northeastern Chinese fare.

The address for this new restaurant in Belmont is: Spice Delight, 63 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at https://spicedelightma.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Thursday, January 17, 2019

Peet's Coffee & Tea in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

Earlier today, we reported that a Boston location of a coffee chain was getting ready to close, and now we have learned that another location in the Boston area will be shutting down that day as well.

According to an article in the Patch, Peet's Coffee & Tea in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline is closing on January 25, with the Harvard Street spot having a similar sign to that of the Charles Street location in Beacon Hill, referring customers to Peet's at Capital One on Boylston Street in Boston and a location of Peet's in Cambridge's Harvard Square. (The sign at the Beacon Hill shop referred patrons to the Peet's within Capital One banks on both Boylston Street and Tremont Street in Boston.) It appears that other locations of the chain in Lexington, Sudbury, and Wellesley will remain in operation, though if this changes, we will post an update here.

The address for Peet's in Coolidge Corner is 285 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the chain is at http://www.peets.com/

[Earlier Article]
Peet's Coffee & Tea in Beacon Hill 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]





Posto Is Opening in Bedford, Taking Over Comella's Space

by Marc Hurwitz

The person behind several Boston-area dining and drinking spots is expanding to another suburban space.

According to a Twitter post from @bedfordma, the Alpine Restaurant Group is looking to open a restaurant in the space in Bedford where Comella's resides (in the Bedford Marketplace on Great Road), with a public hearing notice posted by @bedfordma showing that a public hearing was recently held to look into the proposed liquor license transfer from Comella's to Posto, with Joseph Cassinelli of the restaurant group being the manager listed. It is not known when Comella's might close if the plans are approved, and it also is not known if this location of Posto would be similar to the Somerville location of Posto--which is basically an Italian trattoria--or more like Osteria Posto in Waltham--which is more of an Italian steakhouse--so stay tuned as any updates come in.

In addition to the two locations of Posto, Cassinelli and his restaurant group also run Rosebud and the Painted Burro in Somerville as well as the Burro Bar in Boston and Brookline. (Comella's is a small chain of Italian eateries with a number of locations in the Greater Boston area.)

[March 19 update: According to an email from the Corbett Restaurant Group, the group behind Posto will indeed be opening a restaurant in the Comella's space in Bedford, as the sale was finalized last week.]

[April 2 update: A notice from E.F. Smith & Son indicates that Comella's in Bedford is now closed, as an auction took place at the site last week.]

[April 16 update: A post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site indicates that the new restaurant coming to the former Comella's space in Bedford will indeed be a new location of Posto, with the restaurant having a wood-burning oven and offering pasta, pizza, roasted meats, and local seafood.]

[November 27 update: A Facebook post mentions that Posto is now open in Bedford.]

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]

Dough in East Boston Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A popular spot in East Boston for pizza and more is saying farewell.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Dough on Maverick Street is closing down tomorrow (Friday, January 18), with an Instagram post from the place saying that "We are taking the opportunity to explore new and exciting opportunities and to spend more time with our families, which is our highest priority." The dining spot, which opened 13 years ago, has been known in part for its pizza along with its subs and sandwiches, with the Phantom Gourmet pointing out its Cajun chicken cheesesteak and its Vermonter a number of years back while boston.com featured it as a cheap eats place that "takes its laid-back vibe seriously."

The address for Dough is 20 Maverick Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Peet's Coffee & Tea in Beacon Hill Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A coffee shop in Boston that was shut down for a few weeks last summer appears to be closing for good this time.

According to several sources, Peet's Coffee & Tea in the city's Beacon Hill neighborhood is shutting down, with one source sending a picture showing a sign out front at the Charles Street spot saying it will be closing on January 25. The note also refers customers to locations of Peet's within Capital One banks on Tremont Street and Boylston Street, while other locations of Peet's remain in operation in Brookline, Cambridge, Lexington, Sudbury, and Wellesley. [Ed note: A subsequent article indicates that the Brookline location of Peet's is closing on January 25 as well.]

The Beacon Hill location of Peet's temporarily shuttered in mid-July, with a sign out front at the time saying "Closed by order of Licensing Board for the City of Boston." The shop ended up reopening in early to mid-August.

The address for Peet's in Beacon Hill is 66 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for Peet's is at http://www.peets.com/

[Earlier Article]
Peet's Coffee & Tea in Beacon Hill Reopens After Being Closed by the City of 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, January 16, 2019

Jazz Urbane Cafe Could Be Opening in Roxbury's Dudley Square

by Marc Hurwitz

About a year ago, we reported that a new restaurant featuring live music could be coming to an increasingly-hot section of Roxbury. Now we have learned a bit more about the upcoming place.

According to an article from Universal Hub, musician and Berklee College of Music professor William Banfield is planning to open JazzUrbane Cafe within the historic Bolling Building in Dudley Square, with the place featuring food and live entertainment at night while being a space for arts organizations and community groups during the day. Banfield mentions in a statement that "I am excited for the opportunity to create a truly unique experience in Roxbury, to bring back jazz to Dudley Square, and build an establishment that will become a destination for all residents and visitors," while a Boston Magazine article says that Banfield also states the place will be "designed to bring neighbors together and celebrate through the shared love of food, art, and community in a warm and inviting venue." No opening date has been given for JazzUrbane Cafe, so stay tuned for updates.

The Bolling Building is currently home to Soleil restaurant and Dudley Cafe, though two other dining spots--Dudley Dough and Tasty Burger--no longer reside in the structure, which dates back to the 1880s.

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]