It looks like a pair of soup places in Jamaica Plain and Brookline could be joined by a third location in a busy part of Cambridge.
An email sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston states that Soup Shack plans to open on White Street, with the exact address seeming to indicate that it would move into a space in the Porter Square Shopping Center. Based on the offerings at its other locations, the new eatery would likely offer ramen, pho, and Thai noodle soup, while a City of Cambridge license commission page shows that the restaurant would be open for lunch and dinner daily with a seating capacity of 16.
The address for this proposed dining spot in Porter Square is: Soup Shack, 9 White Street, Cambridge, MA, 02140. The website for the other two locations can be found at https://soupshacknoodles.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 30, 2020
Mike Dent of Bar Boulud Takes Over Boston Hot Dog Company in Salem
A hot dog place on the North Shore is getting ready to reopen, and when it does, it will be run by an alum of a now-closed high-end restaurant in Boston.
According to a source, Boston Hot Dog Company plans to open back up tomorrow (Wednesday, July 1), with a Salem Digest Facebook post stating that the Washington Street eatery is under new management. The post says that Mike Dent, who had been both a Sous Chef and Executive Chef at Bar Boulud in Boston's Back Bay, has taken over the hot dog spot, with Dent previously being involved with The Ginger Man at Faneuil Hall and Cafe Boulud in New York City as well.
The new menu at Boston Hot Dog Company shows a variety of hot dog options, including corn dogs, Chicago dogs, reuben dogs, Cubano dogs, and more. (Fries, chili, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and root beer floats are also on the menu.)
The address for Boston Hot Dog Company is 60 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.
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]
According to a source, Boston Hot Dog Company plans to open back up tomorrow (Wednesday, July 1), with a Salem Digest Facebook post stating that the Washington Street eatery is under new management. The post says that Mike Dent, who had been both a Sous Chef and Executive Chef at Bar Boulud in Boston's Back Bay, has taken over the hot dog spot, with Dent previously being involved with The Ginger Man at Faneuil Hall and Cafe Boulud in New York City as well.
The new menu at Boston Hot Dog Company shows a variety of hot dog options, including corn dogs, Chicago dogs, reuben dogs, Cubano dogs, and more. (Fries, chili, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and root beer floats are also on the menu.)
The address for Boston Hot Dog Company is 60 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.
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]
Muku Is Opening in Cambridge's Central Square/MIT Area
A new restaurant plans to open in Cambridge, and it appears to have at least an indirect connection to an award-winning sushi place in the western suburbs of Boston.
According to a City of Cambridge license commission page, Muku is looking to open on Mass. Ave. on the eastern edge of Central Square (near MIT), with the proposed manager being Kumiko Oga, who is one of the people behind Oga's in Natick. It is not yet known exactly what kind of food might be offered at the proposed eatery, but based on the fact that Oga's offers both sushi and Japanese entrees, Muku could be focusing on Japanese fare (as soon as we find out exact details about the place, we will post an update here).
Oga's, which first opened in Natick approximately 20 years ago, has been a favorite among both diners and media folks since it debuted, with Boston Magazine once giving it a "Best Sushi, West" award, saying it is "the kind of place that breeds fanatics."
The address for Muku in the Central Square/MIT area of Cambridge is 411 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.
According to a City of Cambridge license commission page, Muku is looking to open on Mass. Ave. on the eastern edge of Central Square (near MIT), with the proposed manager being Kumiko Oga, who is one of the people behind Oga's in Natick. It is not yet known exactly what kind of food might be offered at the proposed eatery, but based on the fact that Oga's offers both sushi and Japanese entrees, Muku could be focusing on Japanese fare (as soon as we find out exact details about the place, we will post an update here).
Oga's, which first opened in Natick approximately 20 years ago, has been a favorite among both diners and media folks since it debuted, with Boston Magazine once giving it a "Best Sushi, West" award, saying it is "the kind of place that breeds fanatics."
The address for Muku in the Central Square/MIT area of Cambridge is 411 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.
[September 13, 2021 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Muku is now open, and its focus is on ramen.]
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
Monday, June 29, 2020
Eat at Jumbo's Is Returning to Somerville's Ball Square
A comfort food spot in Somerville that morphed into a vegetarian eatery is returning to its old space.
According to a Facebook post, Eat at Jumbo's is coming back to Ball Square, moving into the space on Broadway that has been home to Sassafras since the spring of 2018. Grover Taylor, who is behind both restaurants, may be doing some "Sassafras ticketed private dinners" in order to give a proper goodbye to that restaurant, though exact details have not been given as of yet, and it isn't known exactly when Eat at Jumbo's will officially reopen, so keep checking back for updates.
Eat at Jumbo's first opened in 2009, featuring such items as wings, pizza, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and more when it first opened, with the focus becoming more on vegetarian and vegan items before it changed into Sassafras.
The address for Eat at Jumbo's (and Sassafras) is 688 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144. The website for Eat at Jumbo's can be found at https://www.eatatjumbos.com/
According to a Facebook post, Eat at Jumbo's is coming back to Ball Square, moving into the space on Broadway that has been home to Sassafras since the spring of 2018. Grover Taylor, who is behind both restaurants, may be doing some "Sassafras ticketed private dinners" in order to give a proper goodbye to that restaurant, though exact details have not been given as of yet, and it isn't known exactly when Eat at Jumbo's will officially reopen, so keep checking back for updates.
Eat at Jumbo's first opened in 2009, featuring such items as wings, pizza, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and more when it first opened, with the focus becoming more on vegetarian and vegan items before it changed into Sassafras.
The address for Eat at Jumbo's (and Sassafras) is 688 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144. The website for Eat at Jumbo's can be found at https://www.eatatjumbos.com/
[December 6 update: A new Facebook post from the place indicates that Eat at Jumbo's has opened, with takeout, delivery, online ordering, and a limited amount of indoor seating available. (The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.)]
[Earlier Article]
Eat at Jumbo's in Somerville's Ball Square Is Now Sassafras
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
[Earlier Article]
Eat at Jumbo's in Somerville's Ball Square Is Now Sassafras
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
Fuddruckers in Methuen Has Apparently Closed
It looks like a burger chain that was once headquartered in the Greater Boston location has closed one of its three Eastern Massachusetts locations.
According to a source, the Methuen outlet of Fuddruckers has shut down permanently, with a check within the locations section of the website seeming to confirm this, showing that it has been removed from the page. (A phone call placed to the Broadway Street eatery also indicates that the number has been disconnected.) With the closing of the Methuen location, Fuddruckers now has two locations remaining in the local area, with one in Reading and another in Saugus, and the only other location in New England can be found at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.
Fuddruckers is currently headquartered in Texas, but it once had its headquarters in Beverly and Danvers.
The address for the now-closed Fuddruckers in Methuen was 436 Broadway Street, Methuen, MA, 01844. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.fuddruckers.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]
According to a source, the Methuen outlet of Fuddruckers has shut down permanently, with a check within the locations section of the website seeming to confirm this, showing that it has been removed from the page. (A phone call placed to the Broadway Street eatery also indicates that the number has been disconnected.) With the closing of the Methuen location, Fuddruckers now has two locations remaining in the local area, with one in Reading and another in Saugus, and the only other location in New England can be found at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.
Fuddruckers is currently headquartered in Texas, but it once had its headquarters in Beverly and Danvers.
The address for the now-closed Fuddruckers in Methuen was 436 Broadway Street, Methuen, MA, 01844. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.fuddruckers.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]
Owner of Season to Taste Catering/Season to Go in North Cambridge Is Opening Season To Taste Restaurant
Last month it was reported that a highly-rated Cambridge restaurant that resided in a catering space was closing down. Now we have learned that the person behind the business will be opening a new dining and drinking spot.
Based on a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, Robert Harris of Season to Taste (and Season to Go) will be opening a full-service gastropub-style restaurant that features "locally-sourced ingredients that are thoughtfully and consistently prepared, diverse and eclectic wine and beers, and a unique, craft cocktail list." It appears that the upcoming place might be opening within the Season to Taste/Season to Go space on Mass. Ave., possibly where The Table at Season to Taste had been until announcing its permanent closure in early May, though this has not yet been confirmed, so stay tuned for any updates as they come in.
The Table at Season to Taste debuted in early 2016, with the dining spot offering prix fixe menus with French influences and having chef Carl Dooley--who had been on season 13 of "Top Chef"--teaming up with Harris. The Season to Taste catering operation itself is closed for the time being as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, with the business currently offering takeout and delivery via a new concept called Season to Go.
[July 14 update: According to a press release, the new dining spot will simply be called "Season to Taste" and its team will include owner Robert Harris (who will also head up the kitchen) along with Chef de Cuisine Mark Thompson (Menotomy Grill), Beverage Director Olivia Rose Vienneau (Sycamore, Bergamot), and Pastry Chef Mary Edinger (The Table at Season to Taste). The restaurant's cabana-style outdoor patio plans to open on July 17, while its indoor dining area could be opening in the fall. (Season to Taste Catering and Season to Go will remain in operation.)]
Based on a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, Robert Harris of Season to Taste (and Season to Go) will be opening a full-service gastropub-style restaurant that features "locally-sourced ingredients that are thoughtfully and consistently prepared, diverse and eclectic wine and beers, and a unique, craft cocktail list." It appears that the upcoming place might be opening within the Season to Taste/Season to Go space on Mass. Ave., possibly where The Table at Season to Taste had been until announcing its permanent closure in early May, though this has not yet been confirmed, so stay tuned for any updates as they come in.
The Table at Season to Taste debuted in early 2016, with the dining spot offering prix fixe menus with French influences and having chef Carl Dooley--who had been on season 13 of "Top Chef"--teaming up with Harris. The Season to Taste catering operation itself is closed for the time being as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, with the business currently offering takeout and delivery via a new concept called Season to Go.
[July 14 update: According to a press release, the new dining spot will simply be called "Season to Taste" and its team will include owner Robert Harris (who will also head up the kitchen) along with Chef de Cuisine Mark Thompson (Menotomy Grill), Beverage Director Olivia Rose Vienneau (Sycamore, Bergamot), and Pastry Chef Mary Edinger (The Table at Season to Taste). The restaurant's cabana-style outdoor patio plans to open on July 17, while its indoor dining area could be opening in the fall. (Season to Taste Catering and Season to Go will remain in operation.)]
[October 13 update: According to a press release, the indoor dining area at Season To Taste Restaurant is now open.]
[Earlier Article]
The Table at Season to Taste in North Cambridge Is Closing for Good
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
[Earlier Article]
The Table at Season to Taste in North Cambridge Is Closing for Good
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
Friday, June 26, 2020
Mt. Auburn Grill in Watertown Is Reopening
Early this month, it was reported that a decades-old suburban dive bar was up for sale and that its future was uncertain. Now we have learned that it will be returning.
According to Carolyn Stella, who is a member of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Mt. Auburn Grill in Watertown is reopening, with a post within the You Know You're From Watertown If...... page showing that the "For Sale by Owner" sign is down and a new sign says that it plans to open back up on July 8. It isn't known if the bar now has a new owner or if it will remain under the same ownership, so keep checking back for updates.
As mentioned in an earlier article, the Mt. Auburn Grill first opened its doors back in 1978.
The address for the Mt. Auburn Grill in Watertown is 645 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.
[Earlier Article]
Mt. Auburn Grill in Watertown Is Up for Sale
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]
According to Carolyn Stella, who is a member of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Mt. Auburn Grill in Watertown is reopening, with a post within the You Know You're From Watertown If...... page showing that the "For Sale by Owner" sign is down and a new sign says that it plans to open back up on July 8. It isn't known if the bar now has a new owner or if it will remain under the same ownership, so keep checking back for updates.
As mentioned in an earlier article, the Mt. Auburn Grill first opened its doors back in 1978.
The address for the Mt. Auburn Grill in Watertown is 645 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.
[Earlier Article]
Mt. Auburn Grill in Watertown Is Up for Sale
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]
The Common Cafe & Kitchen in Natick Has Closed
A suburban restaurant that featured Persian fare along with live entertainment has shut down permanently.
According to an article from the Framingham Source, The Common Cafe & Kitchen in Natick is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the South Main Street eatery saying that "We tried hard but could not survive the epidemic." The dining spot, which Eater Boston says opened in 2016 and featured live music and open mic nights, offered such dishes as lamb chops, kabobs, falafel wraps, hummus, and saffron rice pudding.
The address for this now-closed restaurant in Natick was: The Common Cafe & Kitchen, 9 South Main Street, Natick, MA, 01760.
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]
According to an article from the Framingham Source, The Common Cafe & Kitchen in Natick is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the South Main Street eatery saying that "We tried hard but could not survive the epidemic." The dining spot, which Eater Boston says opened in 2016 and featured live music and open mic nights, offered such dishes as lamb chops, kabobs, falafel wraps, hummus, and saffron rice pudding.
The address for this now-closed restaurant in Natick was: The Common Cafe & Kitchen, 9 South Main Street, Natick, MA, 01760.
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]
Infused Kreyol in Malden Has Closed
A Malden restaurant that featured a type of fusion cuisine that isn't easy to find in the Boston area has shut down.
A message sent to us by The Passionate Foodie indicates that Infused Kreyol on Main Street is no longer in business, with a check on its Facebook page showing a post that says the following:
Infused Kreyol first opened in 2018, offering Haitian/Dominican fusion including dishes such as dishes pulled pork with rice and plantains, shrimp and grits, traditional Haitian fried pork, and puff pastries filled with beef, chicken, or cod.
The address for this now-closed restaurant in Malden was: Infused Kreyol, 423 Main Street, Malden, MA, 02148.
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]
A message sent to us by The Passionate Foodie indicates that Infused Kreyol on Main Street is no longer in business, with a check on its Facebook page showing a post that says the following:
We're heartbroken that we are permanently closing our restaurant. We were hoping to bounce back even stronger but unfortunately that's not possible at this time. Please know that this was a difficult decision but it is out of our control. It has been a very challenging time for us, especially with deciding to re-opening. We will miss you all and will provide updates of any future plans. Thank you for your support!
Infused Kreyol first opened in 2018, offering Haitian/Dominican fusion including dishes such as dishes pulled pork with rice and plantains, shrimp and grits, traditional Haitian fried pork, and puff pastries filled with beef, chicken, or cod.
The address for this now-closed restaurant in Malden was: Infused Kreyol, 423 Main Street, Malden, MA, 02148.
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]
Blue Bottle Coffee Is Opening at The Street Chestnut Hill
It looks like a California-based coffee roaster is opening another new outlet in the Greater Boston area, and this one would be coming to a development a few miles west of the city.
A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston indicates that Blue Bottle Coffee is planning to open at The Street Chestnut Hill, with a picture showing signage up at a storefront there along with a "Coming Soon" sign. Once it opens, the new location would join other cafes from the company in downtown Boston, the Back Bay, the Prudential Center, and Harvard Square and Kendall Square in Cambridge.
Blue Bottle Coffee, which is based in Oakland, is considered part of the "third-wave" of specialty coffee shops that focus on high-quality beans. The website for the company is at https://bluebottlecoffee.com/
A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston indicates that Blue Bottle Coffee is planning to open at The Street Chestnut Hill, with a picture showing signage up at a storefront there along with a "Coming Soon" sign. Once it opens, the new location would join other cafes from the company in downtown Boston, the Back Bay, the Prudential Center, and Harvard Square and Kendall Square in Cambridge.
Blue Bottle Coffee, which is based in Oakland, is considered part of the "third-wave" of specialty coffee shops that focus on high-quality beans. The website for the company is at https://bluebottlecoffee.com/
[February 2, 2021 update: A Twitter post from @ccmckenzie confirms that Blue Bottle Coffee is indeed on its way to Chestnut Hill, with the website for the company now listing the location and saying that it is coming soon.]
[February 19, 2021 update: A press release states that the new location of Blue Bottle Coffee in Chestnut Hill 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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Boston's Kenmore Square Has Closed
A Boston-based group of deep-dish pizza spots has closed its last location within the Boston city limits.
A message sent to us from the company states that Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Kenmore Square has shut down permanently, confirming what a member of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page had mentioned earlier. With the closing of this location, there are now no more outlets of Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Boston itself, as a location in the Back Bay shuttered last fall while another in the Symphony area closed a couple of years ago. (A downtown Boston location of another concept from the company called Uno Due Go is closed until further notice due to the pandemic and it is not known when--or if--it might reopen.)
Other locations of Uno in the Greater Boston area--including in Braintree, Dedham, Framingham, Revere, and Swampscott--remain in operation.
The address for the now-closed location of Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Kenmore Square was 645 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations of Uno can be found at https://www.unos.com/
[June 25 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page indicates that the headquarters for Uno recently moved from West Roxbury to Norwood, so it is no longer technically located 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]
A message sent to us from the company states that Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Kenmore Square has shut down permanently, confirming what a member of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page had mentioned earlier. With the closing of this location, there are now no more outlets of Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Boston itself, as a location in the Back Bay shuttered last fall while another in the Symphony area closed a couple of years ago. (A downtown Boston location of another concept from the company called Uno Due Go is closed until further notice due to the pandemic and it is not known when--or if--it might reopen.)
Other locations of Uno in the Greater Boston area--including in Braintree, Dedham, Framingham, Revere, and Swampscott--remain in operation.
The address for the now-closed location of Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Kenmore Square was 645 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations of Uno can be found at https://www.unos.com/
[June 25 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page indicates that the headquarters for Uno recently moved from West Roxbury to Norwood, so it is no longer technically located 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]
Olivadi in Norwood Has Closed
A casual upscale suburban restaurant that offered modern takes on Italian dishes has closed down.
According to a number of sources, including members of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Olivadi in Norwood has shut its doors permanently, with a statement from the Guild Street dining spot saying that "like many restaurants, Olivadi has faced unprecedented financial hardship due to the impact of Covid-19. In addition, we are mourning the recent, unexpected passing of our owner and founder, Anthony F. Delapa." The restaurant, which first opened in 2008, offered pizza and pasta dishes along with chicken, veal, and seafood items.
The address for the now-closed Olivadi was 32 Guild Street, Norwood, MA, 02062.
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]
According to a number of sources, including members of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Olivadi in Norwood has shut its doors permanently, with a statement from the Guild Street dining spot saying that "like many restaurants, Olivadi has faced unprecedented financial hardship due to the impact of Covid-19. In addition, we are mourning the recent, unexpected passing of our owner and founder, Anthony F. Delapa." The restaurant, which first opened in 2008, offered pizza and pasta dishes along with chicken, veal, and seafood items.
The address for the now-closed Olivadi was 32 Guild Street, Norwood, MA, 02062.
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]
L'Andana in Burlington to Be Replaced by Mooo...
An award-winning suburban restaurant known for its Italian food and extensive wine list is going to be saying farewell, and it will be replaced by a steakhouse from the same restaurant group.
According to multiple sources, including posters on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, L'Andana in Burlington is being replaced by Mooo..., with both restaurants being part of the Columbus Hospitality Group and the latter restaurant having a location in Boston's Beacon Hill. A post from BCAT states that renovations to the Cambridge Street space are expected to begin this later summer, with alterations including turning the function room into three separate dining areas while the front section will be opened up so that it has more room for patrons. (No opening date for the new location of Mooo... has been given as of yet, and L'Andana's outdoor patio remains open for now.)
L'Andana, which first opened in 2007, has received high marks over the years from a number of publications, with Boston Magazine including it among its 50 best restaurants in the Boston area in 2010.
The address for L'Andana (and the upcoming Mooo...) is 86 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the Columbus Hospitality Group can be found at http://columbushospitalitygroup.com/
According to multiple sources, including posters on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, L'Andana in Burlington is being replaced by Mooo..., with both restaurants being part of the Columbus Hospitality Group and the latter restaurant having a location in Boston's Beacon Hill. A post from BCAT states that renovations to the Cambridge Street space are expected to begin this later summer, with alterations including turning the function room into three separate dining areas while the front section will be opened up so that it has more room for patrons. (No opening date for the new location of Mooo... has been given as of yet, and L'Andana's outdoor patio remains open for now.)
L'Andana, which first opened in 2007, has received high marks over the years from a number of publications, with Boston Magazine including it among its 50 best restaurants in the Boston area in 2010.
The address for L'Andana (and the upcoming Mooo...) is 86 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the Columbus Hospitality Group can be found at http://columbushospitalitygroup.com/
[December 21. 2021 update: A message from Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie indicates that L'Andana plans to shut down January 1, with an Instagram post from the business saying that Mooo... plans to open in its space in the early spring of 2022.]
[July 11, 2022 update: A Facebook post from the place mentions that the Burlington location of Mooo... hopes to open in the middle of this month.]
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
North End Restaurants to Face Random Inspections; Outdoor Permits (and More) Could Be at Stake
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Boston Licensing Board would be holding an emergency hearing for all North End restaurants on the heels of multiple complaints concerning social distancing and more as related to temporary outdoor spaces, and now the dining spots have been put on notice that they need to adhere to guidelines or face immediate punishment.
According to an article from Universal Hub and a segment on WBZ NewsRadio 1030, city licensing officials told North End restaurants in yesterday's mandatory Zoom meeting that the Licensing Unit of the Boston Police Department and Inspectional Services Department inspectors will be randomly checking dining spots starting today to see if they are in compliance with guidelines, including workers wearing masks, tables being spaced properly, restaurants not expanding their outdoor areas more than allowed, and more, including making sure that diners are not smoking and couches and piped-in music are not part of the outdoor setups. If it is discovered that any restaurants are not complying with Covid-19 regulations from both the city and the state, their outdoor patios could be immediately shut down and the outdoor permits taken away, with diners being asked to leave on the spot; at that point, the police inspectors would take a look at the entire restaurant--both inside and out--with licensing board disciplinary hearings being a possibility.
Many restaurants in the North End and elsewhere have been able to set up temporary outdoor areas as part of Phase 2 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy, thanks in part to the fast-tracking of the approval process for outdoor dining permits.
[Earlier Article]
Boston Licensing Board to Hold Emergency Hearing for North End Restaurants to Address Numerous Complaints
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]
According to an article from Universal Hub and a segment on WBZ NewsRadio 1030, city licensing officials told North End restaurants in yesterday's mandatory Zoom meeting that the Licensing Unit of the Boston Police Department and Inspectional Services Department inspectors will be randomly checking dining spots starting today to see if they are in compliance with guidelines, including workers wearing masks, tables being spaced properly, restaurants not expanding their outdoor areas more than allowed, and more, including making sure that diners are not smoking and couches and piped-in music are not part of the outdoor setups. If it is discovered that any restaurants are not complying with Covid-19 regulations from both the city and the state, their outdoor patios could be immediately shut down and the outdoor permits taken away, with diners being asked to leave on the spot; at that point, the police inspectors would take a look at the entire restaurant--both inside and out--with licensing board disciplinary hearings being a possibility.
Many restaurants in the North End and elsewhere have been able to set up temporary outdoor areas as part of Phase 2 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy, thanks in part to the fast-tracking of the approval process for outdoor dining permits.
[Earlier Article]
Boston Licensing Board to Hold Emergency Hearing for North End Restaurants to Address Numerous Complaints
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]
Great Scott Space in Allston to Go to Another Tenant
Earlier this month, it was reported that an iconic music club that closed down this spring could be coming back thanks in part to a collaborative fundraiser. Now we have learned that if it does return, it apparently won't be coming back to its old space.
According to an article from Vanyaland, Oak Hill Properties LLC, has gotten a new tenant for the Great Scott space in Allston, dashing hopes for the music venue to reopen in its Commonwealth Avenue home. The club had closed temporarily in March due to the statewide stay-at-home advisory, and it was subsequently learned that the landlord would not renew its lease. Hope for a possible reopening returned, however, as Great Scott's booking agent Carl Lavin started working with the Salem-based investment platform Mainvest to raise enough funds to reopen the club, with the $150,000 goal being easily met and surpassed (currently, nearly $200,000 has been raised).
For now, it appears that if Great Scott is to return, it will have to be in another location, but it isn't known at this point in time whether this is even an option. If the club ends up not reopening, Vanyaland says that any funds given would be returned to investors without any additional fees.
[Earlier Articles]
Great Scott in Allston Has Closed for Good
Could Great Scott in Allston Be Returning?
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]
According to an article from Vanyaland, Oak Hill Properties LLC, has gotten a new tenant for the Great Scott space in Allston, dashing hopes for the music venue to reopen in its Commonwealth Avenue home. The club had closed temporarily in March due to the statewide stay-at-home advisory, and it was subsequently learned that the landlord would not renew its lease. Hope for a possible reopening returned, however, as Great Scott's booking agent Carl Lavin started working with the Salem-based investment platform Mainvest to raise enough funds to reopen the club, with the $150,000 goal being easily met and surpassed (currently, nearly $200,000 has been raised).
For now, it appears that if Great Scott is to return, it will have to be in another location, but it isn't known at this point in time whether this is even an option. If the club ends up not reopening, Vanyaland says that any funds given would be returned to investors without any additional fees.
[Earlier Articles]
Great Scott in Allston Has Closed for Good
Could Great Scott in Allston Be Returning?
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 24, 2020
Parsnip in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Closed
An upscale American restaurant in one of the busiest parts of Cambridge has shut down permanently, though the people behind it could eventually be opening another dining spot in the space.
According to a post from The Boston Globe, Parsnip in Harvard Square has closed for good, with a spokesperson for the Winthrop Street spot indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic played a part in the decision, saying that "Given the way people have changed their habits of living due to the global health crisis, they didn't think they could reopen and have a viable business at this point in time." The spokesperson does hint that a new concept could open there at some point, stating that "They'll have other ideas once this is over for that beautiful space."
Parsnip first opened in 2015, initially offering New American fare with European influences, with the food offerings having Filipino influences of late.
The address for the now-closed Parsnip was 91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.
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]
According to a post from The Boston Globe, Parsnip in Harvard Square has closed for good, with a spokesperson for the Winthrop Street spot indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic played a part in the decision, saying that "Given the way people have changed their habits of living due to the global health crisis, they didn't think they could reopen and have a viable business at this point in time." The spokesperson does hint that a new concept could open there at some point, stating that "They'll have other ideas once this is over for that beautiful space."
Parsnip first opened in 2015, initially offering New American fare with European influences, with the food offerings having Filipino influences of late.
The address for the now-closed Parsnip was 91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.
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]
Troquet on South in Boston's Leather District to Bring Back Speed's Hot Dogs
An upscale Boston restaurant that is known in part for its French-influenced fare and its wine list is bringing back a legendary food item that is much different from what they traditionally offer.
According to a source, Troquet on South in the city's Leather District is planning to reopen both its indoor and outdoor sections tomorrow (Thursday, June 24), and with it, they will be offering Speed's Hot Dogs daily for both dine-in and takeout. An earlier Boston Herald article talked about how Troquet owner Chris Campbell inherited the recipe from the widow of Ezra "Speed" Anderson, as Campbell had been close to Anderson and his widow asked if he would be interested in bringing the famous hot dog back. The original Speed's recipe is slated to be used, including a half-pound Pearl frank, grilled bun, and a Detroit-style all-meat chili along with sauce (made with a secret recipe) and condiments.
Anderson founded Boston Speed's Famous Hot Dog Wagon in 1975, with the wagon being sold to Gregg Gale in 2008; the hot dog cart--which was renamed Boston Super Dog in 2012, was taken off the road after Gale died in 2013 and it never reopened. (Anderson passed away in 2015.)
The address for Troquet on South is 107 South Street, Boston, MA, 02111.
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]
According to a source, Troquet on South in the city's Leather District is planning to reopen both its indoor and outdoor sections tomorrow (Thursday, June 24), and with it, they will be offering Speed's Hot Dogs daily for both dine-in and takeout. An earlier Boston Herald article talked about how Troquet owner Chris Campbell inherited the recipe from the widow of Ezra "Speed" Anderson, as Campbell had been close to Anderson and his widow asked if he would be interested in bringing the famous hot dog back. The original Speed's recipe is slated to be used, including a half-pound Pearl frank, grilled bun, and a Detroit-style all-meat chili along with sauce (made with a secret recipe) and condiments.
Anderson founded Boston Speed's Famous Hot Dog Wagon in 1975, with the wagon being sold to Gregg Gale in 2008; the hot dog cart--which was renamed Boston Super Dog in 2012, was taken off the road after Gale died in 2013 and it never reopened. (Anderson passed away in 2015.)
The address for Troquet on South is 107 South Street, Boston, MA, 02111.
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]
Gabriella's in Melrose Has Closed; Tenoch to Open in Its Space
A short-lived pizzeria in the northern suburbs of Boston has shuttered, but a popular local group of Mexican restaurants is expanding into the space.
According to a message sent by The Passionate Foodie, Gabriella's Italian Pizza in Melrose is now closed, with Tenoch planning to open a new location in the Main Street space. A Patch article confirms this, saying that signs are already up for the new spot, while an earlier post from the Patch mentioned that Gabriella's was closed and papered over as of last week, though it is not known the exact closing date for the pizzeria (Gabriella's first opened in the fall of 2018).
Other locations of Tenoch can be found in Boston's North End, Medford Square, and Davis Square in Somerville.
The address for the now-closed Gabriella's Italian Pizza (and the upcoming location of Tenoch) is 517 Main Street, Melrose, MA, 02176. The website for Tenoch can be found at https://www.tenochmexican.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]
According to a message sent by The Passionate Foodie, Gabriella's Italian Pizza in Melrose is now closed, with Tenoch planning to open a new location in the Main Street space. A Patch article confirms this, saying that signs are already up for the new spot, while an earlier post from the Patch mentioned that Gabriella's was closed and papered over as of last week, though it is not known the exact closing date for the pizzeria (Gabriella's first opened in the fall of 2018).
Other locations of Tenoch can be found in Boston's North End, Medford Square, and Davis Square in Somerville.
The address for the now-closed Gabriella's Italian Pizza (and the upcoming location of Tenoch) is 517 Main Street, Melrose, MA, 02176. The website for Tenoch can be found at https://www.tenochmexican.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]
Isaac's Restaurant in Plymouth Has Closed
A South Shore mainstay that was known for its ocean views and casual upscale atmosphere has shut down permanently.
According to several sources, including a tweet from @JeremyKrantz along with several members of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Isaac's Restaurant in Plymouth is no longer in business, with a Taunton Daily Gazette article indicating that its closure was the result of both a lease issue and the COVID-19 pandemic. The post mentions that because the Water Street dining spot resided in a second-floor space, outdoor dining was not a viable option, while indoor dining at a reduced capacity was also unsustainable, with owner Bob Infusino saying that "... I can't face both a high rent and pandemic at the same time."
Issac's, which first opened more than 30 years ago, featured classic American fare and seafood dishes along with beer, wine and cocktails, with the restaurant being popular with both locals and tourists (the dining spot was located just north of Plymouth Rock).
The address for Isaac's Restaurant was 114 Water Street, Plymouth, MA, 02360.
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]
According to several sources, including a tweet from @JeremyKrantz along with several members of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Isaac's Restaurant in Plymouth is no longer in business, with a Taunton Daily Gazette article indicating that its closure was the result of both a lease issue and the COVID-19 pandemic. The post mentions that because the Water Street dining spot resided in a second-floor space, outdoor dining was not a viable option, while indoor dining at a reduced capacity was also unsustainable, with owner Bob Infusino saying that "... I can't face both a high rent and pandemic at the same time."
Issac's, which first opened more than 30 years ago, featured classic American fare and seafood dishes along with beer, wine and cocktails, with the restaurant being popular with both locals and tourists (the dining spot was located just north of Plymouth Rock).
The address for Isaac's Restaurant was 114 Water Street, Plymouth, MA, 02360.
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 23, 2020
Sofa Cafe in Framingham Has Closed for Good
A suburban coffee shop with roots in Boston's Back Bay has closed down.
According to a source, Sofa Cafe in Framingham has shut down permanently, with a post from the Framingham Source saying that the Concord Street spot has decided not to reopen after shuttering in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the article, building owner (and real estate agent) Marlene Aron says that "The owners were two doctors whose vision was to help young Brazilian men & women learn to become baristas....Regretfully, Sofa Cafe will not be re-opening."
Sofa Cafe had originally resided in a space on Newbury Street in Boston, with the place closing in the fall of 2016 in anticipation of its move to Framingham, which was completed in the spring of 2017.
The address for the now-closed Sofa Cafe was 181 Concord Street, Framingham, MA, 01702.
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]
According to a source, Sofa Cafe in Framingham has shut down permanently, with a post from the Framingham Source saying that the Concord Street spot has decided not to reopen after shuttering in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the article, building owner (and real estate agent) Marlene Aron says that "The owners were two doctors whose vision was to help young Brazilian men & women learn to become baristas....Regretfully, Sofa Cafe will not be re-opening."
Sofa Cafe had originally resided in a space on Newbury Street in Boston, with the place closing in the fall of 2016 in anticipation of its move to Framingham, which was completed in the spring of 2017.
The address for the now-closed Sofa Cafe was 181 Concord Street, Framingham, MA, 01702.
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]
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Newton Has Closed
A Florida-based chain of pizza spots with several locations in the Greater Boston area has closed one of its outlets.
According to a member of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Newton has shut down for good after being temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a Facebook post from a worker there confirming this, saying that "I sadly found out today [Monday, June 22] that this location will be permanently closed." Based on the locations page for the chain, it appears that its other locations in the region--in Littleton, Natick, Reading, and Westwood--remain in operation.
The Newton location of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza first opened in early 2017, offering pizza along with salads, meatballs, sandwiches, and more. The chain has locations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states as well as in Florida.
The address for the now-closed location of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Newton was 180 Needham Street, Newton, MA, 02464. The website for the chain can be found at https://acfp.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]
According to a member of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Newton has shut down for good after being temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a Facebook post from a worker there confirming this, saying that "I sadly found out today [Monday, June 22] that this location will be permanently closed." Based on the locations page for the chain, it appears that its other locations in the region--in Littleton, Natick, Reading, and Westwood--remain in operation.
The Newton location of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza first opened in early 2017, offering pizza along with salads, meatballs, sandwiches, and more. The chain has locations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states as well as in Florida.
The address for the now-closed location of Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in Newton was 180 Needham Street, Newton, MA, 02464. The website for the chain can be found at https://acfp.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]
Night Shift Brewing, Level99 Opening at The Natick Mall
Last month it was reported that one of the biggest breweries in the region has canceled its plans to expand to another city, but now we have learned that it will be expanding to the western suburbs of Boston via a collaboration with a gaming company.
According to an article from the Natick Report, Night Shift Brewing is teaming up with Level99 to open a combination immersive gaming venue/taproom that will include 34 gaming rooms, a taproom area that is somewhat away from the games, and an area with tables between the two where people can dine and drink. The post mentions that the complex will take up part of the old Sears space, which is also home to a location of Dave & Busters, a sports bar and arcade that has other locations in Braintree and Woburn.
As reported earlier, Night Shift recently pulled the plug on its planned expansion to Philadelphia due at least in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, though it does leave the door open to revisiting those plans again at some point in the future. (Night Shift currently has locations in Everett and Boston's Lovejoy Wharf Area.)
According to an article from the Natick Report, Night Shift Brewing is teaming up with Level99 to open a combination immersive gaming venue/taproom that will include 34 gaming rooms, a taproom area that is somewhat away from the games, and an area with tables between the two where people can dine and drink. The post mentions that the complex will take up part of the old Sears space, which is also home to a location of Dave & Busters, a sports bar and arcade that has other locations in Braintree and Woburn.
As reported earlier, Night Shift recently pulled the plug on its planned expansion to Philadelphia due at least in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, though it does leave the door open to revisiting those plans again at some point in the future. (Night Shift currently has locations in Everett and Boston's Lovejoy Wharf Area.)
[February 26, 2021 update: According to a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, Level99 and Night Shift plan to open in May.]
[June 14, 2021 update: Eater Boston states that the Level99/Night Shift collaboration is now open in Natick, and that one of the food items available at the new space is Detroit-style pizza, thanks in part to a partnership between Night Shift and Little Branch Hospitality (the group behind Branch Line and Shy Bird).]
[Earlier Article]
Night Shift Brewing Pulls Plug on Philadelphia Expansion
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
[Earlier Article]
Night Shift Brewing Pulls Plug on Philadelphia Expansion
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
Boston Licensing Board to Hold Emergency Hearing for North End Restaurants to Address Numerous Complaints
An emergency licensing board hearing is taking place tomorrow regarding restaurants in the North End, and attendance will be mandatory for all dining spots in that Boston neighborhood.
According to a hearing notice within the city's website, the Boston Licensing Board is holding a virtual emergency hearing on Wednesday, June 24 at 2:00 PM that will look into "numerous" complaints that have been received by both the Licensing Board and the Inspectional Services Department. The complaints that will be addressed include the following:
-- failure to adhere to the guidance issued by the state regarding social distancing and mandatory operational requirements
-- failure to adhere to the terms and conditions of approved temporary extensions onto outdoor space
-- failure to adhere to city, state, and federal laws, codes, and ordinances regarding tobacco use and the presence of animals in food service establishments including outdoor patios
The notice says that any North End restaurant that fails to attend the emergency hearing could immediately lose any temporary extension of its outdoor dining area along with the potential of additional disciplinary action regarding its license.
With the start of Phase 2 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy earlier this month, many restaurants in the North End were able to set up temporary outdoor areas, thanks in part to the fast-tracking of the approval process for outdoor dining permits.
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]
According to a hearing notice within the city's website, the Boston Licensing Board is holding a virtual emergency hearing on Wednesday, June 24 at 2:00 PM that will look into "numerous" complaints that have been received by both the Licensing Board and the Inspectional Services Department. The complaints that will be addressed include the following:
-- failure to adhere to the guidance issued by the state regarding social distancing and mandatory operational requirements
-- failure to adhere to the terms and conditions of approved temporary extensions onto outdoor space
-- failure to adhere to city, state, and federal laws, codes, and ordinances regarding tobacco use and the presence of animals in food service establishments including outdoor patios
The notice says that any North End restaurant that fails to attend the emergency hearing could immediately lose any temporary extension of its outdoor dining area along with the potential of additional disciplinary action regarding its license.
With the start of Phase 2 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy earlier this month, many restaurants in the North End were able to set up temporary outdoor areas, thanks in part to the fast-tracking of the approval process for outdoor dining permits.
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]
The Wenham Tea House Has Closed Down
An iconic North Shore dining spot that has been around for more than 100 years has called it a day.
According to several sources, including a source within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Wenham Tea House has shut down, with a Wicked Local article confirming this. A Facebook post from owner Chris Keohane says that "I have ended my tenure at the Wenham Tea House. After many years of enjoyment at the Tea House, I will not be able to operate it any longer. Challenges with product, staffing, and finances due to the pandemic has really put pressure that I cannot handle anymore" while another post from him calls it "The end of an era." The Wicked Local article indicates that the dining spot could maybe return someday if a new owner can be found, with Keohane saying, "I am truly sorry for this outcome and I hope to see all of you back again at the Tea House under someone else's leadership."
The Wenham Tea House dates all the way back to 1912 as "a women's exchange to provide an outlet for local homeworker goods and a cozy place for the townspeople to gather," according to its website; more recently it has been known in part for its afternoon tea along with its breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings.
The address for the Wenham Tea House was 4 Monument Street, Wenham, MA, 01984.
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]
According to several sources, including a source within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Wenham Tea House has shut down, with a Wicked Local article confirming this. A Facebook post from owner Chris Keohane says that "I have ended my tenure at the Wenham Tea House. After many years of enjoyment at the Tea House, I will not be able to operate it any longer. Challenges with product, staffing, and finances due to the pandemic has really put pressure that I cannot handle anymore" while another post from him calls it "The end of an era." The Wicked Local article indicates that the dining spot could maybe return someday if a new owner can be found, with Keohane saying, "I am truly sorry for this outcome and I hope to see all of you back again at the Tea House under someone else's leadership."
The Wenham Tea House dates all the way back to 1912 as "a women's exchange to provide an outlet for local homeworker goods and a cozy place for the townspeople to gather," according to its website; more recently it has been known in part for its afternoon tea along with its breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings.
The address for the Wenham Tea House was 4 Monument Street, Wenham, MA, 01984.
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]
Tango Restaurant in Arlington Center Is Closing for Good
An Arlington mainstay that features a cuisine not commonly found in the Greater Boston area is shutting down permanently.
According to multiple sources, Tango Restaurant on Mass. Ave. in the center of town is closing its doors, confirming what we had heard last week. A Facebook post from the dining spot indicates that even though this appears to be a permanent closure, there could be at least a slight glimmer of hope down the road, as they say, "These last few months have been difficult in so many ways. But our hearts were filled by the outpouring of support from our customers, and the dedication and perseverance of our staff.....I hope one day we might be able to bring it all to life again." The last day for Tango will be Sunday, June 28, according to the Facebook post.
Tango first opened 18 years ago, featuring Argentinian fare with its menu including such items as grilled pork chorizo, empanadas, skirt steak, pork rib chops, grilled salmon, chicken milanese, stuffed red and green peppers, and crepes with caramel.
The address for Tango Restaurant in Arlington Center is 464 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website can be found at http://tangoarlington.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]
According to multiple sources, Tango Restaurant on Mass. Ave. in the center of town is closing its doors, confirming what we had heard last week. A Facebook post from the dining spot indicates that even though this appears to be a permanent closure, there could be at least a slight glimmer of hope down the road, as they say, "These last few months have been difficult in so many ways. But our hearts were filled by the outpouring of support from our customers, and the dedication and perseverance of our staff.....I hope one day we might be able to bring it all to life again." The last day for Tango will be Sunday, June 28, according to the Facebook post.
Tango first opened 18 years ago, featuring Argentinian fare with its menu including such items as grilled pork chorizo, empanadas, skirt steak, pork rib chops, grilled salmon, chicken milanese, stuffed red and green peppers, and crepes with caramel.
The address for Tango Restaurant in Arlington Center is 464 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website can be found at http://tangoarlington.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]
Monday, June 22, 2020
Blue Hills Grille in Canton Is Closing for Good
An upscale comfort food spot that gets its name from a massive state park across the street is getting ready to shut down permanently.
According to a source, Blue Hills Grille in Canton is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Washington Street spot saying that "We will be closing our doors this Monday the 29th We hope to use this last week to say goodbye to our friends, regulars and staff that have allowed us to serve countless cocktails and dinners to the great communities that we have had the opportunity of taking care of." It is not known if the COVID-19 pandemic played a direct role in their decision to close; they had been offering takeout/delivery during the outbreak, and outdoor dining of late as well.
Blue Hills Grille first opened in the fall of 2014, taking over the space near the Canton/Milton border that had been home to the Suffolk Grille.
The address for The Blue Hills Grille is 2790 Washington Street (Route 138), Canton, MA, 02021.
[June 28 update: The Facebook page for Blue Hills Grille indicates that today was its last day in operation.]
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]
According to a source, Blue Hills Grille in Canton is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Washington Street spot saying that "We will be closing our doors this Monday the 29th We hope to use this last week to say goodbye to our friends, regulars and staff that have allowed us to serve countless cocktails and dinners to the great communities that we have had the opportunity of taking care of." It is not known if the COVID-19 pandemic played a direct role in their decision to close; they had been offering takeout/delivery during the outbreak, and outdoor dining of late as well.
Blue Hills Grille first opened in the fall of 2014, taking over the space near the Canton/Milton border that had been home to the Suffolk Grille.
The address for The Blue Hills Grille is 2790 Washington Street (Route 138), Canton, MA, 02021.
[June 28 update: The Facebook page for Blue Hills Grille indicates that today was its last day in operation.]
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]
News Elsewhere: Chef Wayne's Big Mamou in Springfield Is Closing; Cajun on the Go to Remain in Operation
A legendary Pioneer Valley restaurant is shutting down for good, though a kiosk that is affiliated with the place will remain open.
According to a source, Chef Wayne's Big Mamou in Springfield is closing permanently on July 1, with a Facebook post from owner Wayne Hooker saying that he is planning to retire from the Liberty Street eatery, though an affiliated takeout and delivery spot on Worthington Street called Chef Wayne's Big Mamou Cajun on the Go will continue to run. (In the Facebook post, Hooker says "it will become my new job.") A Mass Live article mentions that the COVID-19 pandemic played a big role in Hooker's decision to close, as he says that "I can't survive on a partial dining room. And even if it opens up at full capacity, you're still going to have those people who have the corona anxieties and don't want to be in crowds." Chef Wayne's Big Mamou offered takeout during the restaurant shutdown that began in March, and the dining spot will continue to do so until it closes next week.
Chef Wayne's Big Mamou first opened in the mid-1990s, with the restaurant offering a variety of Cajun and Creole dishes including crawfish quesadillas, po'boys, spinach and chicken cakes, fried oysters, jambalaya, chicken etoufee, meatloaf, and blackened catfish.
The address for Chef Wayne's Big Mamou is 63 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA, 01103.
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]
According to a source, Chef Wayne's Big Mamou in Springfield is closing permanently on July 1, with a Facebook post from owner Wayne Hooker saying that he is planning to retire from the Liberty Street eatery, though an affiliated takeout and delivery spot on Worthington Street called Chef Wayne's Big Mamou Cajun on the Go will continue to run. (In the Facebook post, Hooker says "it will become my new job.") A Mass Live article mentions that the COVID-19 pandemic played a big role in Hooker's decision to close, as he says that "I can't survive on a partial dining room. And even if it opens up at full capacity, you're still going to have those people who have the corona anxieties and don't want to be in crowds." Chef Wayne's Big Mamou offered takeout during the restaurant shutdown that began in March, and the dining spot will continue to do so until it closes next week.
Chef Wayne's Big Mamou first opened in the mid-1990s, with the restaurant offering a variety of Cajun and Creole dishes including crawfish quesadillas, po'boys, spinach and chicken cakes, fried oysters, jambalaya, chicken etoufee, meatloaf, and blackened catfish.
The address for Chef Wayne's Big Mamou is 63 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA, 01103.
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]
Wit's End in Cambridge's Inman Square Has Closed for Good
A restaurant and bar in Cambridge that focused on games and social interaction has shut down permanently.
According to a source, Wit's End in Inman Square is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Cambridge Street spot stating that "The impact of such an extended shut-down was just too great to overcome" while also referring people to other dining and drinking places, saying that "As you frequent other neighborhood bars and restaurants, please keep the Wit's spirit in mind - leave your pretenses at the door, be true to yourself and enjoy the time with your friends and loved ones - even if from a comfortable 6 foot, masked distance!" Wit's End first opened in the former Hops N Scotch space in the fall of 2017, offering a mix of small plates and larger meals as well as beer, wine, and cocktails while also being a place to "play games, solve puzzles, and start conversations with friends or strangers in the spirit of new interactions."
The address for the now-closed Wit's End was 1248 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.
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]
According to a source, Wit's End in Inman Square is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Cambridge Street spot stating that "The impact of such an extended shut-down was just too great to overcome" while also referring people to other dining and drinking places, saying that "As you frequent other neighborhood bars and restaurants, please keep the Wit's spirit in mind - leave your pretenses at the door, be true to yourself and enjoy the time with your friends and loved ones - even if from a comfortable 6 foot, masked distance!" Wit's End first opened in the former Hops N Scotch space in the fall of 2017, offering a mix of small plates and larger meals as well as beer, wine, and cocktails while also being a place to "play games, solve puzzles, and start conversations with friends or strangers in the spirit of new interactions."
The address for the now-closed Wit's End was 1248 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.
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]
Sakurabana Japanese Restaurant in Boston's Financial District Has Apparently Closed for Good
It looks like a decades-old Japanese restaurant in downtown Boston has shut down permanently.
According to a tweet from @mariebmorris, Sakurabana in the city's Financial District appears to have closed its doors, with a note on the door saying, "The pandemic made it more difficult to continue the business." The Broad Street restaurant was known in part for its sushi and its quiet, laid-back atmosphere, which made it a bit of an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.
Sakurabana first opened back in 1984.
The address for this Japanese dining spot in the Financial District was: Sakurabana, 57 Broad Street, Boston, MA, 02109.
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]
According to a tweet from @mariebmorris, Sakurabana in the city's Financial District appears to have closed its doors, with a note on the door saying, "The pandemic made it more difficult to continue the business." The Broad Street restaurant was known in part for its sushi and its quiet, laid-back atmosphere, which made it a bit of an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area.
Sakurabana first opened back in 1984.
The address for this Japanese dining spot in the Financial District was: Sakurabana, 57 Broad Street, Boston, MA, 02109.
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 21, 2020
O'Leary's in Brookline Has Closed for Good
A longtime Irish pub that was popular with both Red Sox fans and locals has shut down permanently.
According to a source, O'Leary's in Brookline has closed down, with a Facebook post from the Beacon Street spot saying that "...after much conversation as a family, and many tears shed, we are announcing that the beloved O'Leary's restaurant will not be reopening. While COVID-19 is definitely a factor, overall it is the best decision for our family as a whole to make at this time." O'Leary's first opened 28 years ago, with the dining and drinking spot featuring a mix of Irish fare and American classics, while also being known as a laid-back place that featured traditional music.
The address for this now-closed Irish pub in Brookline was: O'Leary's, 1010 Beacon 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]
According to a source, O'Leary's in Brookline has closed down, with a Facebook post from the Beacon Street spot saying that "...after much conversation as a family, and many tears shed, we are announcing that the beloved O'Leary's restaurant will not be reopening. While COVID-19 is definitely a factor, overall it is the best decision for our family as a whole to make at this time." O'Leary's first opened 28 years ago, with the dining and drinking spot featuring a mix of Irish fare and American classics, while also being known as a laid-back place that featured traditional music.
The address for this now-closed Irish pub in Brookline was: O'Leary's, 1010 Beacon 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]
Friday, June 19, 2020
Winnisimmet Lounge in Chelsea Is Up for Sale
A cocktail lounge that opened last year--and that was run by the people behind a highly-rated pizzeria nearby--is on the market.
According to a source, the Winnisimmet Lounge in Chelsea is up for sale, with an Instagram post from the Winnisimmet Street spot saying the following:
The Winnisimmet Lounge, which first opened in the Parrotta's Alpine Lodge space in the spring of 2019, has been known in part for its small plates and craft cocktails; the owners of Ciao! Pizza & Pasta and Ciao! on Williams Street in Chelsea were behind the place.
The address for Winnisimmet Lounge is 73 Winnisimmet Street, Chelsea, MA, 02150.
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]
According to a source, the Winnisimmet Lounge in Chelsea is up for sale, with an Instagram post from the Winnisimmet Street spot saying the following:
At this time, and with the overwhelming challenges posed to us all by the Covid-19 virus pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to list The Winissimmet Lounge for sale. In the short time we were part of the Chelsea community with this concept, we were grateful for the support we received and for the friendships we gained over that time. We wish you all health and happiness as we continue to navigate this difficult time in our hard-hit city.
The Winnisimmet Lounge, which first opened in the Parrotta's Alpine Lodge space in the spring of 2019, has been known in part for its small plates and craft cocktails; the owners of Ciao! Pizza & Pasta and Ciao! on Williams Street in Chelsea were behind the place.
The address for Winnisimmet Lounge is 73 Winnisimmet Street, Chelsea, MA, 02150.
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]
Update: FAB Gastropub Is Replacing Bergamot in Somerville
[Ed note: This article was updated on September 8 to reflect the fact that the new place has opened, and that it has a different name than originally thought.]
Another one of the region's best-known restaurants is shutting down, though the people behind it are opening a new spot within its space.
The Boston Globe is reporting that Bergamot in Somerville is closing permanently, with owner Servio Garcia indicating that the Beacon Street restaurant was not a place that could focus on takeout/delivery. In the article, Garcia says that "Once COVID came in, it was pretty much the nail that sealed the coffin....Bergamot is no longer going to exist, as we know it. All the support we have had in the last 10 years means a lot to us. The numerous accolades and memories will be put in a box to be brought out at some drunken walk down memory lane. We are going through a time in which most of us never envisioned."
It appears that the Bergamot space will not be empty for long, as the team behind it will open what is tentatively called B2, a gastropub that will focus on pub food along with beer that comes from the Somerville brewery Fermentation Arts Brasserie (FAB). The Globe says that takeout/delivery from the place could start in the coming weeks, while the space will also be used as an art gallery as well.
Bergamot, which first opened ten years ago, has received countless accolades over the years for its New American fare and wine program, including OpenTable including it among the top 50 restaurants in the country back in 2010.
The address for Bergamot (and the new gastropub) is 118 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.
[September 8 update: A Facebook post indicates that FAB (which is the new name, not B2) soft-opened over the weekend and that it will be open Thursday through Saturday moving forward.]
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
Another one of the region's best-known restaurants is shutting down, though the people behind it are opening a new spot within its space.
The Boston Globe is reporting that Bergamot in Somerville is closing permanently, with owner Servio Garcia indicating that the Beacon Street restaurant was not a place that could focus on takeout/delivery. In the article, Garcia says that "Once COVID came in, it was pretty much the nail that sealed the coffin....Bergamot is no longer going to exist, as we know it. All the support we have had in the last 10 years means a lot to us. The numerous accolades and memories will be put in a box to be brought out at some drunken walk down memory lane. We are going through a time in which most of us never envisioned."
It appears that the Bergamot space will not be empty for long, as the team behind it will open what is tentatively called B2, a gastropub that will focus on pub food along with beer that comes from the Somerville brewery Fermentation Arts Brasserie (FAB). The Globe says that takeout/delivery from the place could start in the coming weeks, while the space will also be used as an art gallery as well.
Bergamot, which first opened ten years ago, has received countless accolades over the years for its New American fare and wine program, including OpenTable including it among the top 50 restaurants in the country back in 2010.
The address for Bergamot (and the new gastropub) is 118 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.
[September 8 update: A Facebook post indicates that FAB (which is the new name, not B2) soft-opened over the weekend and that it will be open Thursday through Saturday moving forward.]
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
Phase 2, Step 2 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts Begins Monday; Indoor Dining Spaces Allowed to Open
Earlier this month, Governor Charlie Baker gave the green light for Phase 2 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy, and now he has announced a date for the next part of the phase, which, like the first part, will help restaurants in their reopening plans.In his press conference today, Governor Baker said that Step 2 of Phase 2 will commence on Monday, June 22, with this step allowing dining spots to open indoor dining areas, though with a number of restrictions in areas such as social distancing, hygiene protocols, safety and operations, and cleaning and disinfecting (see guidance/safety standards link below). The first part of Phase 2 had allowed restaurants in the state to open outdoor dining areas, which led to many places scrambling to set up patios and decks for the first time ever.
As mentioned earlier, bars with kitchens along with breweries, wineries, and beer gardens that provide seated food service can also open their indoor areas, though any such spots with no kitchen and/or seated food service will have to wait until Phase 4.
Each of the first three phases of the reopening plan lasts for at least three weeks, so if all goes well, Phase 3--which currently does not affect restaurants--could begin as early as Monday, June 29, though Phase 4 might not begin for a long time because it is based on the development of vaccines and/or treatments that would allow for the resumption of the "new normal."
More information on Step 2 of Phase 2 can be found here.
[Earlier Article]
Phase 2 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts to Begin Monday; Outdoor Dining Spaces Allowed to Open
The Baker Administration Releases Guidance/Safety Standards for Massachusetts Restaurants
Guidelines Set in Place for Reopening of Beer Gardens, Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries in Massachusetts
The Uncertainty of Phase 4 and How It Creates a Nightmarish Situation for Certain Bars and Clubs in Massachusetts
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]
Jamaica Mi Hungry Opens Long-Term Popup Restaurant in Lower Allston
The people behind a pair of Jamaican restaurants in Jamaica Plain and Hampton Beach, NH and a food truck have opened a dining spot in an increasingly-hot section of Boston.
According to a press release, Jamaica Mi Hungry has opened a long-term popup in Lower Allston, taking over a food incubator space that has been home to Cafe Beatrice and Rabottini's Pizza. The new spot, which debuts today, will initially be offering lunch on weekdays for pickup only from its food truck outside the space, with the plan being to move into the restaurant space this fall and add takeout dinner service. Some of the items offered at the new location include coconut rice and beans, jerk chicken wraps, oxtail, sweet plantains, and more, with the release mentioning that Jamaica Mi Hungry plans to remain in the space through the end of the year.
In addition to its three restaurant locations and food truck, Jamaica Mi Hungry chef/owner Ernie Campbell also had a popup at the CommonWealth Kitchen kiosk in Cambridge's Kendall Square and has recently been managing the kitchen operations for CommonWealth Kitchen's CommonTable initiative, which helps provide meals for families in need.
The address for the new location of Jamaica Mi Hungry in Lower Allston is 182 Western Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.jamaicamihungry.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]
According to a press release, Jamaica Mi Hungry has opened a long-term popup in Lower Allston, taking over a food incubator space that has been home to Cafe Beatrice and Rabottini's Pizza. The new spot, which debuts today, will initially be offering lunch on weekdays for pickup only from its food truck outside the space, with the plan being to move into the restaurant space this fall and add takeout dinner service. Some of the items offered at the new location include coconut rice and beans, jerk chicken wraps, oxtail, sweet plantains, and more, with the release mentioning that Jamaica Mi Hungry plans to remain in the space through the end of the year.
In addition to its three restaurant locations and food truck, Jamaica Mi Hungry chef/owner Ernie Campbell also had a popup at the CommonWealth Kitchen kiosk in Cambridge's Kendall Square and has recently been managing the kitchen operations for CommonWealth Kitchen's CommonTable initiative, which helps provide meals for families in need.
The address for the new location of Jamaica Mi Hungry in Lower Allston is 182 Western Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.jamaicamihungry.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]
Hopothecary Ales Is Opening Brewery in North Reading
A beermaker that is based in Wilmington is planning to open a brewery in a neighboring town, and it may also include a brewpub and/or taproom as well.
A message sent to us from a source (Cheryl Fenton) indicates that Hopothecary Ales is planning to open a brewery in North Reading, with an Instagram post from the business indicating that it is teaming up with the people behind several restaurants in the local area. The post says that "We are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with the owners of Dos Lobos/Joe Fish/The Loft to bring our brewery to North Reading. Our partner has years of restaurant experience and this allows our brewery to have a full kitchen."
A message sent to us from a source (Cheryl Fenton) indicates that Hopothecary Ales is planning to open a brewery in North Reading, with an Instagram post from the business indicating that it is teaming up with the people behind several restaurants in the local area. The post says that "We are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with the owners of Dos Lobos/Joe Fish/The Loft to bring our brewery to North Reading. Our partner has years of restaurant experience and this allows our brewery to have a full kitchen."
The website for Hopothecary Ales will be at https://hopothecaryales.com/
[November 17, 2021 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Hopothecary Ales is on the verge of opening, with a Facebook post from the place saying that "We are going to do a few 'invite only' events at the brewery before we officially open. (That will be announced soon!!) We would like to extend an invitation to all industry (brewery or restaurant) staff on 11/23, 1st responders and educators on Wed 11/24, and health care workers on 11/26!" In addition, the website for the brewery--which will be located at 303 Main Street--says that the space will include a taproom, lounge, bar, restaurant, and beer garden.]
[December 6 update: According to its Facebook page, Hopothecary Ales 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]
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]
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]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)
Au Bon Pain on State Street in Downtown Boston Has Closed
One day after reporting that the Somerville location of a chain of bakery cafes is saying farewell, we have learned that another outlet as closed as well, and this one was in the heart of Boston.
According to multiple sources, Au Bon Pain on State Street in downtown Boston has shut down, with a check in the locations section of the local chain seeming to confirm this, showing that it no longer shows up on that page. The State Street outlet joins another closure in Davis Square, with that location sending an email to a number of other sources saying that it is "closing permanently" (it appears that the Somerville shop has already closed, as it has now been removed from the locations page as well).
Other locations of Au Bon Pain--which is headquartered in the Seaport District of Boston--seem to remain in operation, including other downtown Boston shops at South Station, One International Place, Park Plaza, and Merrimac Street, though they are all labeled as currently being "temporarily closed" on the site, apparently because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The address for the now-closed location of Au Bon Pain in downtown Boston was 53 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.aubonpain.com/
[Earlier Article]
Au Bon Pain in Somerville's Davis Square Is Closing
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]
According to multiple sources, Au Bon Pain on State Street in downtown Boston has shut down, with a check in the locations section of the local chain seeming to confirm this, showing that it no longer shows up on that page. The State Street outlet joins another closure in Davis Square, with that location sending an email to a number of other sources saying that it is "closing permanently" (it appears that the Somerville shop has already closed, as it has now been removed from the locations page as well).
Other locations of Au Bon Pain--which is headquartered in the Seaport District of Boston--seem to remain in operation, including other downtown Boston shops at South Station, One International Place, Park Plaza, and Merrimac Street, though they are all labeled as currently being "temporarily closed" on the site, apparently because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The address for the now-closed location of Au Bon Pain in downtown Boston was 53 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.aubonpain.com/
[Earlier Article]
Au Bon Pain in Somerville's Davis Square Is Closing
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 18, 2020
Battery Park in Boston's Financial District Has Been Replaced by Lily's Garden & Patio
A downtown Boston restaurant and bar that was known in part for its outdoor patio has closed, and its space has been taken over by a new dining and drinking spot.
According to a post from Eater Boston, Battery Park on Batterymarch Street is no longer in operation, with Lily's Garden & Patio now open in its space. The new spot--which is under different ownership from Battery Park--also has an outdoor patio and it features such lunch/dinner items as salads, burgers, pizza, and more.
Battery Park first opened its doors in the fall of 2010.
The address for the now-closed Battery Park (and the new Lily's Garden & Patio) is 33 Batterymarch Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for Lily's can be found at http://www.lilysboston.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]
According to a post from Eater Boston, Battery Park on Batterymarch Street is no longer in operation, with Lily's Garden & Patio now open in its space. The new spot--which is under different ownership from Battery Park--also has an outdoor patio and it features such lunch/dinner items as salads, burgers, pizza, and more.
Battery Park first opened its doors in the fall of 2010.
The address for the now-closed Battery Park (and the new Lily's Garden & Patio) is 33 Batterymarch Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for Lily's can be found at http://www.lilysboston.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]
Floating Restaurant Proposed for Charlestown Could Be Coming to East Boston Instead
Early last year, it was reported that a restaurant on a ship might be on its way to the Charlestown waterfront, and now we have learned that plans for the floating dining spot are still in the works but at another space across the water.
According to an article from the East Boston Times-Free Press, a restaurant and bar on a Tall Ship and a separate outdoor patio at a dock on land is being proposed for "Eastie Landing," which would be at Pier 1 in East Boston near Piers Park just off Marginal Street. The post mentions that the patio could also include special event and activity spaces along with food trucks, and the team behind it (the Navy Yard Hospitality Group) is hoping to be there for two years--and maybe more once the Portside at East Pier residential complex is completed at the site.
As mentioned in an earlier article here as well as in a new post from The Charlestown Bridge, The Navy Yard Hospitality Group had originally hoped to set up a floating restaurant adjacent to Pier 6 restaurant at the Charlestown Navy Yard, though those plans were eventually shelved; the group runs Pier 6 along with the Reel House in East Boston and Quincy, and like with the Charlestown and East Boston restaurants, they would offer free water shuttle service between the two places and the Tall Ship.
Thanks to Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.
[Earlier Article]
A Floating Restaurant May Be Coming to the Charlestown Navy Yard
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]
According to an article from the East Boston Times-Free Press, a restaurant and bar on a Tall Ship and a separate outdoor patio at a dock on land is being proposed for "Eastie Landing," which would be at Pier 1 in East Boston near Piers Park just off Marginal Street. The post mentions that the patio could also include special event and activity spaces along with food trucks, and the team behind it (the Navy Yard Hospitality Group) is hoping to be there for two years--and maybe more once the Portside at East Pier residential complex is completed at the site.
As mentioned in an earlier article here as well as in a new post from The Charlestown Bridge, The Navy Yard Hospitality Group had originally hoped to set up a floating restaurant adjacent to Pier 6 restaurant at the Charlestown Navy Yard, though those plans were eventually shelved; the group runs Pier 6 along with the Reel House in East Boston and Quincy, and like with the Charlestown and East Boston restaurants, they would offer free water shuttle service between the two places and the Tall Ship.
Thanks to Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.
[Earlier Article]
A Floating Restaurant May Be Coming to the Charlestown Navy Yard
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]
Bar Louie in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood Has Closed
It looks like a Texas-based chain of "gastrobars" has closed its sole Boston location, leaving only one remaining in Eastern Massachusetts.
According to a post from Eater Boston, Bar Louie in the Fenway is no longer in operation, with a check on the website for the chain showing that it has indeed been removed from the locations section. It appears that the Patriot Place location in Foxborough remains open, as it continues to be shown in the locations section of the Bar Louie site.
As reported here earlier, Bar Louie filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, with Eater saying that it closed approximately 40 locations around the time of the filing. The chain started out in Chicago 30 years ago and now has its headquarters in the Dallas area.
The address for the now-closed Bar Louie in the Fenway was 121 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.barlouie.com/
[Earlier Article]
Bar Louie Has Filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
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]
According to a post from Eater Boston, Bar Louie in the Fenway is no longer in operation, with a check on the website for the chain showing that it has indeed been removed from the locations section. It appears that the Patriot Place location in Foxborough remains open, as it continues to be shown in the locations section of the Bar Louie site.
As reported here earlier, Bar Louie filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, with Eater saying that it closed approximately 40 locations around the time of the filing. The chain started out in Chicago 30 years ago and now has its headquarters in the Dallas area.
The address for the now-closed Bar Louie in the Fenway was 121 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.barlouie.com/
[Earlier Article]
Bar Louie Has Filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
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]
Au Bon Pain in Somerville's Davis Square Is Closing
It looks like a local chain of bakery-cafes is shutting down one of its most popular locations in the Greater Boston area.
According to several sources (including Ron Newman, who brought this to our attention on the Davis Square Facebook group page), Au Bon Pain is closing its outlet on Holland Street in the heart of the square, with all of the sources posting an email sent to them that simply says "Au Bon Pain located at Davis Square Somerville, MA is closing permanently." We have reached out to the company to find out if any other locations are closing locally and will post any updates we receive.
Au Bon Pain, which is headquartered in the Seaport District of Boston, has closed down other locations of late, including one in Cambridge's Central Square and another in Boston's Beach Hill/West End area late last year.
The address for Au Bon Pain in Davis Square is 18-48 Holland Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website for the chain is at https://www.aubonpain.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]
According to several sources (including Ron Newman, who brought this to our attention on the Davis Square Facebook group page), Au Bon Pain is closing its outlet on Holland Street in the heart of the square, with all of the sources posting an email sent to them that simply says "Au Bon Pain located at Davis Square Somerville, MA is closing permanently." We have reached out to the company to find out if any other locations are closing locally and will post any updates we receive.
Au Bon Pain, which is headquartered in the Seaport District of Boston, has closed down other locations of late, including one in Cambridge's Central Square and another in Boston's Beach Hill/West End area late last year.
The address for Au Bon Pain in Davis Square is 18-48 Holland Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website for the chain is at https://www.aubonpain.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]
Bella Luna and The Milky Way in Jamaica Plain Have Closed for Good
A beloved dining, drinking, and entertainment spot that resided in an historic brewery building has shut down permanently.
According to an article in The Boston Globe, Bella Luna and The Milky Way in Jamaica Plain have closed for good after being shuttered temporarily since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a Facebook post from the Amory Street business saying the following:
Bella Luna and The Milky Way had once been located on Centre Street in Hyde Square, with the latter featuring bowling in the basement of the space. The two places--which had been in that site since 1993--moved to the old Haffenreffer Brewery complex on Amory Street in 2009 where it featured an outdoor patio, Italian-American and comfort food dishes, craft beer and cocktails, and a variety of entertainment including live music, dance nights, comedy shows, and more, while also supporting countless local artists over the years.
The address for Bella Luna and The Milky Way was 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain MA, 02130.
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]
According to an article in The Boston Globe, Bella Luna and The Milky Way in Jamaica Plain have closed for good after being shuttered temporarily since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a Facebook post from the Amory Street business saying the following:
After several months of considering all options, we have concluded that we cannot reopen Bella Luna & The Milky Way. We are heartbroken to announce that we will remain closed permanently. The mission of our business is to gather people together in groups, to foster social closeness --the opposite of social distancing. Gathering in groups is not going to be a safe activity until there is a widely-available vaccine or treatment. We are not comfortable putting our team members and guests at risk of contracting the virus while working and dining in our space. Also, the public health hazards of Covid-19 will exist for over a year; and without being able to operate at full capacity, our business is not financially sustainable.
Bella Luna and The Milky Way had once been located on Centre Street in Hyde Square, with the latter featuring bowling in the basement of the space. The two places--which had been in that site since 1993--moved to the old Haffenreffer Brewery complex on Amory Street in 2009 where it featured an outdoor patio, Italian-American and comfort food dishes, craft beer and cocktails, and a variety of entertainment including live music, dance nights, comedy shows, and more, while also supporting countless local artists over the years.
The address for Bella Luna and The Milky Way was 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain MA, 02130.
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 17, 2020
News Elsewhere: Magic Hat Is Selling Brewery in South Burlington, VT, to Zero Gravity
One of the oldest breweries in Vermont is leaving the state, and another brewery will be taking over its space.
According to an article from VTDigger, Magic Hat is selling its South Burlington brewery to Zero Gravity, with the plan being to shift its production to Rochester, NY, where it already produces some of its beer. A tweet from Magic Hat says that "We could no longer keep multiple breweries open," while Rich Andrews, who is CEO of parent company FIFCO USA, says in the article that "In the end, this was the best long term opportunity for both us and our friends at Zero Gravity." The entire staff of 43 workers has been laid off, but they will be able to receive severance packages and they will also considered for positions at Zero Gravity, which currently has a brewpub and taproom in Burlington.
Magic Hat was established in 1994, while Zero Gravity started out in 2004; the website for the former is at https://www.magichat.net/ while the site for the latter is at https://www.zerogravitybeer.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]
According to an article from VTDigger, Magic Hat is selling its South Burlington brewery to Zero Gravity, with the plan being to shift its production to Rochester, NY, where it already produces some of its beer. A tweet from Magic Hat says that "We could no longer keep multiple breweries open," while Rich Andrews, who is CEO of parent company FIFCO USA, says in the article that "In the end, this was the best long term opportunity for both us and our friends at Zero Gravity." The entire staff of 43 workers has been laid off, but they will be able to receive severance packages and they will also considered for positions at Zero Gravity, which currently has a brewpub and taproom in Burlington.
Magic Hat was established in 1994, while Zero Gravity started out in 2004; the website for the former is at https://www.magichat.net/ while the site for the latter is at https://www.zerogravitybeer.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]
Cafe Pamplona in Cambridge's Harvard Square Files for Bankruptcy, Closes
A longtime cafe in the heart of Cambridge has shut down, though it hasn't been confirmed whether it has closed for good.
Eater Boston is reporting (via The Harvard Crimson) that Cafe Pamplona in Harvard Square has closed and filed for bankruptcy, with owner Nina S. Hovagimian telling the Crimson that "There's no Commencement, there's no Boston Calling, there's no Fourth of July. All of our busy season is not busy....Financially, it's impossible for us to survive without these two months." Based on the Crimson article--which was posted in late May--it isn't clear whether the Bow Street eatery is closed permanently, as Hovagimian says "I don't think our business will survive this" while the article itself states that "the coronavirus might just kill the cafe." As soon as we find out the exact status of Cafe Pamplona, we will post an update here.
Cafe Pamplona has been in business since 1958, according to the Crimson.
The address for Cafe Pamplona is 12 Bow Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.
[June 18 update: An article from The Boston Globe confirms that Cafe Pamplona has closed permanently.]
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]
Eater Boston is reporting (via The Harvard Crimson) that Cafe Pamplona in Harvard Square has closed and filed for bankruptcy, with owner Nina S. Hovagimian telling the Crimson that "There's no Commencement, there's no Boston Calling, there's no Fourth of July. All of our busy season is not busy....Financially, it's impossible for us to survive without these two months." Based on the Crimson article--which was posted in late May--it isn't clear whether the Bow Street eatery is closed permanently, as Hovagimian says "I don't think our business will survive this" while the article itself states that "the coronavirus might just kill the cafe." As soon as we find out the exact status of Cafe Pamplona, we will post an update here.
Cafe Pamplona has been in business since 1958, according to the Crimson.
The address for Cafe Pamplona is 12 Bow Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.
[June 18 update: An article from The Boston Globe confirms that Cafe Pamplona has closed permanently.]
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]
New Saigon Sandwich in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood Has Closed for Good
A popular dining spot for sandwiches and more in downtown Boston has shut down permanently.
According to a tweet from @EricFromWV, New Saigon Sandwich on Washington Street has closed for good, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this, saying that "Chinatown as we know it has changed drastically. We are proud to have been a part of the community for almost 2 decades....New Saigon Sandwich will miss you all." The dining spot, which was located on the western edge of Chinatown, was known mainly for its banh mi, while also offering spring rolls, teriyaki chicken, fried rice, bubble tea, and more.
The address for the now-closed New Saigon Sandwich was 696 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111.
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]
According to a tweet from @EricFromWV, New Saigon Sandwich on Washington Street has closed for good, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this, saying that "Chinatown as we know it has changed drastically. We are proud to have been a part of the community for almost 2 decades....New Saigon Sandwich will miss you all." The dining spot, which was located on the western edge of Chinatown, was known mainly for its banh mi, while also offering spring rolls, teriyaki chicken, fried rice, bubble tea, and more.
The address for the now-closed New Saigon Sandwich was 696 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111.
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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