Boston Restaurant Talk: September 2020

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

o ya in Boston's Leather District Is Now Home to gogo ya

One of Boston's best-known restaurants has been taken over by a fast-casual eatery known in part for its eclectic fusion fare.

According to a post from Eater Boston, o ya in the city's Leather District is now home to gogo ya, an eatery at Time Out Market Boston in the Fenway that is temporarily closed there. o ya is also closed for now as the pandemic continues, so owners Tim and Nancy Cushman have decided to use its space for gogo ya, which offers sushi tacos along with miso soup, mini rice bowls with sashimi, fried pork ribs, maki, nigiri, and more. gogo ya is open for takeout/delivery only, and the place is also offering sake, wine, Japanese beer, and cocktails to-go.

o ya has received countless awards for its sushi and Japanese small plates since opening in 2007; the Cushmans also run Hojoko in the Fenway and Mr Roni Cups in Chestnut Hill.

The address for gogo ya (and o ya) is 9 East Street, Boston, MA, 02111. The website for both can be found at https://www.o-ya.restaurant/

[October 1 update: According to a source, the location of gogo ya within the o ya space has temporarily closed, as a member of the Hojoko team tested positive for COVID-19; a check on the website for the restaurant confirms this, saying that both gogo ya and Mr Roni Cups have closed for now because of "some staff crossover between restaurants." As soon as we find out when it might reopen, we will post another update here.]

[October 6 update: An email sent to us this afternoon indicates that gogo ya officially opens tonight.]

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.)

Proposal Submitted to Build Prudential Center Observatory in former Top of the Hub Space and Two Floors Below It

Earlier this year, an iconic Boston restaurant known in part for its views of the city closed down after more than 50 years in business. Now we have learned that its space could be taken over by a multi-level observation deck.

According to an article from The Boston Herald, plans have been submitted to build an observatory on the top three floors of the Prudential Center tower in the city's Back Bay, including the 52th floor which was home to Top of the Hub along with the two floors below its space. In the article, Boston Properties, which owns the tower, says the following:

The Project is designed to create a world-class observatory experience comparable to those located in other major metropolitan cities across the country by providing breathtaking, unobstructed views of the entire City of Boston....The Project is designed to provide guests with an immersive experience in local geography and history, show guests the City from a new, three-level indoor/outdoor 360 observation deck 750 feet in the air, and then facilitate guests building their own custom itineraries for travel into Boston and Greater Boston — to explore on foot the same areas just experienced from the air."

If all goes as planned, the project could begin next spring and be completed sometime in 2023.

Top of the Hub, which first opened back in 1965, had originally planned to close down in April of this year, but the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent restaurant shutdown caused the dining spot to cease operations in mid-March.

[Earlier Articles]
Top of the Hub at Boston's Prudential Center Is Closing
Top of the Hub Has Closed 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.)

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Phase 3, Step 2 Begins for Lower Risk Communities in Massachusetts October 5; Some Indoor Performance Venues Can Open with Restrictions

Back in early July, Phase 3 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy commenced, and now a second step of that phase is getting ready to begin--though not for everybody.

In today's press conference, the Baker administration gave the green light for Phase 3, Step 2 to commence as of Monday, October 5, though just for lower risk communities in the state (those cities and towns that have not been a "red" community over the past three weekly reports). Step 2 affects a small number of businesses, and it includes permitting indoor performance venues such as concert halls to open at 50 percent capacity with a maximum of 250 people while outdoor performance venues will be able to increase to the same amounts--50 percent capacity with a maximum of 250 people. Those communities that are not lower risk will remain at Phase 3, Step 1, which means that indoor performance venues cannot open in those cities and towns, while outdoor performance venues will stay at 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 100 people.

As indicated in earlier press conferences, large capacity venues such as stadiums and arenas will not be able to open in any communities until Phase 4.

[September 30 update: A tweet from @AbbeyNBCBoston states that the city of Boston will not be moving to Phase 3, Step 2, as Mayor Marty Walsh says that coronavirus cases are rising in the city and that Boston will likely move into the red zone soon.]

[October 1 update: A Twitter post from @maureencaught confirms that Boston is now in the red zone, joining a number of other communities in Massachusetts that are in the high-risk category for COVID.]

[Earlier Article]
Phase 3 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts Begins for Many on Monday; Phase 4 Not Happening Anytime Soon

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.)

Romano's in Roslindale Is Now Mi Finca

A Roslindale restaurant that featured both Italian and Mexican fare has a new name, and it also focuses on Italian and Mexican dishes.

According to a Facebook post from Roslindale Village Main Street, Romano's on Washington Street has morphed into Mi Finca, with owner Oscar Bonilla--who took over the space earlier this year--continuing to offer such items as pizza, pasta dishes, sandwiches, tacos, burritos, papusas, and more. Romano's had been in business for approximately 10 years before going through an ownership change and ultimately becoming Mi Finca.

The address for Mi Finca (and the former Romano's) is 4249 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131.

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

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

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

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.)

Cafenation in Brighton Reopens; Takeout Window Set Up

Back in late March, a longtime eatery in Brighton closed indefinitely as the coronavirus outbreak was starting to take hold, and its future looked to be in question. Now we have learned that the place has opened back up, though with a different setup for now.

According to a source, Cafenation on Washington Street is open once again, with the dining spot having a walkup window set up where customers can place/pick up their orders. The menu for the restaurant includes bagels and breakfast sandwiches along with coffee and tea, and it is open Monday through Saturday while hinting that it could also be opening on Sundays at some point in time. (We have also been told by another source [Geoff Wong] that the restaurant is under new ownership.)

Cafenation first opened its doors approximately 17 years ago.

The address for Cafenation is 380 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. Its website is at https://www.cafenation.com/

[Earlier Article]
Cafenation in Brighton Is Closing Indefinitely, Faces Uncertain Future

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.)

Casa De Greek Opens in Billerica

A new Greek restaurant has come to the northern suburbs of Boston, and it replaces a location of a chain known by some as the "Scottish Hooters."

According to a source, Casa De Greek is now open in Billerica, taking over the space on Middlesex Turnpike that had been home to an outlet of Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery. The website for the new spot says that it serves "Greek food with a pub twist," with its menu including such items as spanakopita, calamari, souvlaki, lamb chops, and baklava, along with a variety of pub grub options and classic American fare.

Tilted Kilt first opened in Billerica in 2016, with one other location opening in the Fenway section of Boston a year later, though that outlet closed in 2018.

The address for Casa De Greek is 15 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821. Its website is at https://www.casadegreek.com/

[Earlier Article]
Casa De Greek Plans to Replace Tilted Kilt in Billerica

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.)

Monday, September 28, 2020

Bertucci's at Alewife in Cambridge Has Closed

It looks like another location of a local chain of Italian restaurants has shut down.

According to a source, Bertucci's at the Alewife T station appears to be "abandoned," with a check on the chain's website indicating that this outlet has shuttered, as it is now longer shown in the locations area--and a message received from the company this morning states that it has indeed closed. At least two other locations of Bertucci's have shut down over the past few years, including in Boston's Kenmore Square and Faneuil Hall; the message we received does say that one other outlet in Cambridge does remain in operation (on Main Street between Kendall Square and Central Square).

The address for the Alewife location of Bertucci's was 5 Cambridgepark Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02140. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.bertuccis.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]

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.)

Norm's White Horse in Methuen Has Closed

A decades-old restaurant and bar north of Boston that was known in part for a regional chicken dish has shut down.

According to a source, Norm's White Horse in Methuen is no longer in business, with a Facebook comment from owner Diane Frechette confirming that the Lowell Street dining spot has indeed closed. The restaurant, which overlooked the Merrimack River, featured classic American and regional fare including the "chicken barb," which is basically a pulled chicken sandwich (with the chicken being cooked in a pressure cooker) with shredded lettuce and mayo.

Norm's White Horse dates back to 1965, according to an old post from Merrimack Valley Magazine, though its roots come from Marggraf’s White Horse, which was located in the same space and apparently debuted sometime in the late 1930s or early 1940s.

The address for the now-closed Norm's White Horse was 510 Lowell Street, Methuen, MA, 01844.

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.)

Nusr-et Steakhouse in Boston Closed by Licensing Board for Multiple Violations; Hearings Scheduled for Tuesday

A high-end steakhouse that opened in Boston last weekend has been shut down by the city due to several violations including at least one that is COVID-related.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Nusr-et Steakhouse is currently shuttered, with a note out front saying that the Arlington Street dining spot has been closed by order of the the city's licensing board. UH mentions that two hearings on the matter are scheduled to take place tomorrow, with the first one looking into a violation of a state order that bans lines outside of restaurants because of the coronavirus, while the second hearing will focus on two fire exits being blocked. In addition, Nusr-et Steakhouse apparently did not obtain a health permit to operate, while other issues brought up by an ISD health inspector include refrigerators that were too warm and dishwashers using water that was not warm enough. (The post does mention a follow-up inspection indicated that nearly all issues have been resolved, though the dishwaters were still apparently not set high enough.)

In addition to the violations mentioned by Universal Hub, Boston Globe also mentions that there were reports of customers and workers not wearing masks at Nusr-et Steakhouse (including people reportedly standing around the bar and host areas without masks), while many tables appeared to be only three feet apart. The Globe mentions that City Councilor Ed Flynn is unhappy with word of the multiple violations, saying in an email that "It is outrageous that this restaurant continues to place the public health of thousands at risk....This restaurant is not a good neighbor to the Bay Village neighborhood. The restaurant is more interested in making money than the public health of the people of Boston. I will ask the city Licensing Board to suspend the license indefinitely. I have zero tolerance for this reckless behavior."

Nusr-et Steakhouse debuted on September 18, with Turkish chef, restaurateur, and Internet sensation Nusret Gökçe (AKA Salt Bae) being behind it.

The address for Nusr-et Steakhouse is 100 Arlington Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for all locations of the restaurant is at https://www.nusr-et.com.tr/

[September 30 update: Universal Hub reports that Nusr-et Steakhouse will remain closed at least through tomorrow (Thursday, October 1), when the licensing board will decide whether to lift the liquor-license suspension and allow the restaurant to reopen. The post also mentions that an ISD health inspector has fined the place $300 for violations of both city and state social-distancing guidelines. (In referring to the violations, corporate executive Ufuk Soyturk told the board in one of the hearings yesterday that "We aren't making any excuses, we should have done a better job.")]

[Earlier Article]
Nusr-et Steakhouse Opens 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]

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, September 25, 2020

Deep Cuts Deli and Brewery Is Opening in West Medford

Last year, it was reported that a deli that parted ways with a brewery would be opening its own brewery and deli, with the plan being to possibly find a space in Somerville. Now we have learned that the business has found a space in a neighboring community.

According to a source, Deep Cuts Deli and Brewery is opening in West Medford, taking over the space on High Street that had been home to Fruition Vegan Kitchen. (Fruition has since moved its business to what appears to be a commercial kitchen space on Pearl Street.) A message sent from the place indicates that Deep Cuts will initially just focus on food for takeout/delivery including sandwiches and grab-and-go items, with an outdoor patio being set up for customers (they also plan to sell local goods including candles, records, tapes, and art prints). We have been told that the on-site brewing of beer and hard seltzer will be put on hold as the pandemic continues, as will the hosting of small live performances, craft markets, and art shows, and more, all of which are being planned at some point.

Deep Cuts Deli had been briefly set up within BearMoose Brewing Company in Everett, with their initial plans after parting ways with BearMoose being to open a combination deli/brewery possibly in the Winter Hill section of Somerville.

If all goes well, Deep Cuts could be opening around the middle of October.

The address for Deep Cuts Deli is 472 High Street, Medford, MA, 02155. Its website is at http://www.deepcuts.rocks/

[March 1 update: According to its social media, Deep Cuts Deli is now open for takeout and delivery.]

[Earlier Article]
Deep Cuts Deli and Brewery Plans to Open in Somerville's Winter Hill

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.)

Post 390 in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed Permanently

An upscale tavern that debuted in Boston more than 10 years ago has shut down.

According to a source, Post 390 in the Back Bay is no longer in business, with a note within its website saying the following:

With the current pandemic causing unprecedented uncertainty and change in our industry, we are sorry to share with you that Post 390 will not reopen its doors....Himmel Hospitality Group is exploring new and exciting ideas with the current space. We look forward to welcoming the Boston community back through our 406 Stuart Street doors in the future.

The note refers diners to Grill 23 in the Back Bay and Harvest in Cambridge's Harvard Square, both of which are under the same ownership.

Post 390, which first opened in 2009, was known in part for its locally-sourced New American and classic American fare along with its rustic atmosphere and its fireplaces.

The address for the now-closed Post 390 was 406 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

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.)

Nan's Rustic Kitchen + Market Is Opening in Stow

A brand new food store that will be a "natural market" is on its way to a space west of Boston, and the owners of a nearby restaurant are behind the spot.

According to a press release, Nan's Rustic Kitchen + Market is planning to open in Stow, with the Great Road business including groceries, beer, and wine, prepared foods using local ingredients, a "virtual" fish market, a community garden space, and room for outdoor activities and events such as wine dinners, yoga, classes, weddings, and more. Reanna and Jordan Mackey of Rustic 29 in Sudbury will be opening the place, with the plan being to debut sometime this fall.

The address for Nan's Rustic Kitchen + Market is 271 Great Road (Route 117), Stow, MA, 01775. Its website can be found at https://www.nansmarket.com/

[November 3 update: A Facebook comment from the place mentions that Nan's Rustic Kitchen + Market plans to open in mid-November.]

[December 1 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Nan's 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.)

Trillium Garden on The Greenway Reopens Today in Downtown Boston

A popular beer garden in the heart of Boston has finally opened for the season.

According to a press release, Trillium Garden on The Greenway reopens starting today at noon, with small-batch brewing of limited releases taking place on the premises while a completely contactless system of ordering food (from one of the Greenway food trucks) and beer will be put in place. Reservations for the beer garden can be made up to a week in advance, and groups will be limited to no more than six people in compliance with city guidelines.

The Trillium beer garden, which is located at High Street and Atlantic Avenue on the Greenway, will be open (weather permitting) Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM for as far into the season as the weather allows. More information can be found at https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/beer-wine-gardens/

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.)

Zaaki Opens in Allston

The person behind a Halal food truck has opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant that features Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Zaaki is now open in Allston, with Samar Abdalelah of the food truck by the same name being behind the new Commonwealth Avenue eatery along with her husband Basel. A few items available at the restaurant include chicken shawarma, baba ghanoush, a falafel roll-up, hummus, and koshari, the last of which is a street food dish made with rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and fried onions in a spiced tomato sauce (koshari is considered to be the national dish of Egypt).

Samar Abdalelah, who moved from Saudi Arabia to Boston in 2013, first started the Zaaki food truck in 2018.

The address for Zaaki is 1147 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

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, September 24, 2020

The Mad Raven in Waltham to Become Tessie's West

An Irish pub in the western suburbs that has been closed since the start of the coronavirus outbreak is getting a new name.

According to a source, The Mad Raven in Waltham is going to become Tessie's West, with a Facebook post from The Waltham Channel quoting owner Mark McAuliffe as saying that "We decided to rebrand and refresh" while mentioning that The Raven's Nest in Walpole, which is currently open for takeout and is also run by McAuliffe, "kept us alive during COVID....We're selling more food than we ever did pre-COVID." The new name for the Waltham pub is an apparent reference to Tessie's Bar & Kitchen, another dining and drinking spot in Walpole that is owned by McAuliffe.

A date for the changeover of The Mad Raven (which first opened approximately 20 years ago) to Tessie's West is not yet known.

The address for the upcoming Tessie's West is 841 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451.

[June 9, 2021 update: A Twitter post indicates that Tessie's West plans to debut in July.]

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.)

Taqueria El Barrio by the BU West Campus in Boston Has Closed

A Mexican restaurant that was popular with college students during its relatively brief time in business has shut down.

According to multiple sources, Taqueria El Barrio by the BU West Campus in Boston is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from owner Alex Saenz saying the following:

It's official....Permanently Closed. We lost our beautiful little Taquería. We tried. I’m sorry. I honestly don't have the right words to say what I need to say. It never got a chance....Even though I'm deeply saddened that I couldn't keep it going, I'm also aware that I'm lucky to have my health & other opportunities to lean on.

Seanz also says that the team at the Commonwealth Avenue eatery will be at BISq in Cambridge's Inman Square for the next couple of weeks while also mentioning that he is also looking at possibly keeping the place going and that he is currently looking at options to do so.

Taqueria El Barrio first opened in the former UBurger space in the summer of 2019, offering such items as tacos, tortas, and quesadillas.

The address for Taqueria El Barrio was 1022 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

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.)

Blackbird Doughnuts Is Opening in Boston's Beacon Hill/West End Area

A growing local group of gourmet doughnut shops is expanding once again, with a new one coming to a busy section of Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Blackbird Doughnuts is planning to open on Cambridge Street where Beacon Hill and the West End meet (and adjacent to the Charles River Plaza). If it gets approval to open, the new shop would join others in the South End and Fenway along with locations in Allston-Brighton, Harvard University's Smith Campus Center in Cambridge, and Newton Centre. (The people behind Blackbird Doughnuts also run The Gallows, Banyan Bar & Refuge, and Sally's Sandwiches, all of which are in the South End.)

The address for the new location of Blackbird Doughnuts is 175 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.blackbirddoughnuts.com/

[November 9 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that the new location of Blackbird Doughnuts on Cambridge Street 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.)

Group Seating Limit at Massachusetts Restaurants to Increase to Ten; Boston to Keep Limit at Six

The Baker administration will be allowing restaurants to allow larger groups to sit at tables, but this won't be applying to Boston, at least for now.

According to an article from NBC 10 Boston (and mentioned here earlier), Governor Baker announced yesterday in a news briefing that dining spots in the state will be able to seat as many as ten people at a table beginning on Monday, September 28, increasing the number from the current limit of six. Mayor Walsh subsequently said in his daily briefing that Boston will continue to limit groups to six people, as he is concerned that the city is getting close to the red category for coronavirus transmission. It is possible that Walsh could have Boston eventually join other communities in the state in expanding the group limit to ten, but for now, the limit remains as is.

As reported yesterday, Baker also announced that bar seating in Massachusetts will be able to open for food service beginning Monday, though social distancing rules will apply including plexiglass being placed between the customers and the bar spaces unless there are no active work areas or working staff behind the bar at least six feet away from the customers.

[Earlier Article]
Governor Baker Announces That Bar Seating Will Be Allowed to Open for Food Service Starting Next Week

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.)

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

The Dial Opens at 907 Main in Cambridge's Central Square

A brand new restaurant has come to Cambridge, and it opens within a new boutique hotel.

As reported here earlier, The Dial opens today within 907 Main on the eastern edge of Central Square, with the ground-floor restaurant including an indoor dining area, a bar, and an outdoor patio. The Facebook page for the dining and drinking spot mentions that it will feature "eclectic food and drink" with its small plates and main dishes having global influences while classic cocktails will be offered along with beer, wine, and cider. The Dial will be open for lunch, dinner, and a Sunday brunch, with breakfast service coming at some point in the future.

In addition to The Dial, 907 Main will also be home to a rooftop bar called the Blue Owl, a second location of Praline (its original location is in Belmont), and Toscanini's Ice Cream, which had resided in this space before the hotel was built.

The address for The Dial is 907 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at https://thedialcentralsq.com/

[Earlier Article]
Boutique Hotel Near Cambridge's Central Square to Include The Dial, The Blue Owl, Praline, Toscanini’s

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.)

Popeyes Is Opening in Quincy

A chain of chicken spots is opening another new location south of Boston.

A check on the space over the weekend indicates that Popeyes is just about ready to open in Quincy, with a source telling us that one of its final inspections may be taking place today. Once the new place opens on the Southern Artery, it will join another location in Braintree that opened around the beginning of the year along with others in Boston by Northeastern University, Roslindale, Roxbury, West Roxbury, Brockton, Chelmsford, Everett, Lynn, and Randolph.

Popeyes is known in part for its fast food items with Louisiana influences, including red beans and rice, green beans, biscuits, fried chicken, popcorn shrimp, and more.

The address for the new location of Popeyes in Quincy is 502 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA, 02169. The website for the chain is at https://www.popeyes.com/

[October 2 update: A source tells us that Popeyes is now open in Quincy.]

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

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

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.)

Governor Baker Announces That Bar Seating Will Be Allowed to Open for Food Service Starting September 28

While restaurants in Massachusetts have been able to open back up for both indoor and outdoor dining, bar seating within dining and drinking spots that serve food has remained off-limits due to the pandemic, but that is about to change.

According to a tweet from WBZ News Radio, Governor Charlie Baker announced this morning that bar seating will be able to open for food service beginning Monday, September 28, though the usual social distancing protocols will need to be put in place. Up until now, people could eat and drink at tables within bar areas but not at the bars themselves, while bars that don't have food service are still not allowed to open until Phase 4 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy.

An updated safety standards page mentions that in addition to parties being spaced at least six feet apart from other parties while seated at bars, plexiglass needs to be installed between the customers and the bar spaces as well, unless there are no active work areas or working staff behind the bar at least six feet away from the customers. (The plexiglass would have a gap/opening at the bottom that would be no more than eight inches high.)

In addition to the easing of restrictions for bar areas, Governor Baker also says that group seating at tables within restaurants and bars will expand from six to ten people.

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.)

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Sam Adams Taproom by Faneuil Hall Is Reopening (with Some Changes Made)

A taproom in downtown Boston that reopened briefly this summer only to shut down again is opening back up, though things will be a bit different this time.

According to a Facebook post from the place, the Sam Adams Boston Tap Room adjacent to Faneuil Hall is planning to reopen on Wednesday, September 22, with the post indicating that they will offer a mix of limited patio reservations and first-come, first serve walk-in tables, while reservations are available for parties of three to six people and diners have a limit of 1 hour and 45 minutes for their visits. (The taproom will be open Wednesday through Sunday.) Back in mid-July, the taproom closed at least in part because of the influx of out-of-state visitors from COVID-19 hotspots, and it had previous been closed from March until late June due to the pandemic. (It first opened its doors in January of this year.)

The website for the Sam Adams Boston Tap Room can be found at https://www.samueladams.com/taprooms#bostontaproom

[Earlier Article]
Sam Adams Taproom Next to Faneuil Hall Temporarily Closes Due to Visitors from Coronavirus Hotspots

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.)

Stella Express Food Truck in South Boston Has Been Taken Off the Road; Online Petition to Bring It Back Now in Place

A food truck in South Boston that the owner of a popular South End restaurant debuted a few weeks ago is shuttered, and it isn't yet known whether it could return.

According to a source, Stella Express has apparently been told that it can no longer operate at the corner of West Broadway and B Street in Southie, with a petition page from Evan Deluty saying the following:

Help save Stella Express in South Boston! We recently were disappointed to learn that we were being instructed to cease serving on the corner of West Broadway and B Street. But, we are hoping to change some minds and we need your help! Please sign this online petition and, if possible, leave a short note when you sign about how how much you'd like to see us resume food truck operations in Southie.

It is not known why Deluty's food truck had to leave its space in South Boston, nor is it known whether the truck could end up moving to another space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Stella Express, which debuted toward the end of August, was a rebirth of sorts of Stella Restaurant, which resided on Washington Street in the South End until closing this spring. The food truck was serving some favorites from the old Stella menu, including Caesar salad with grilled chicken, bolognese, and chocolate mousse, along with breakfast sandwiches, espresso, latte, macchiato, and cappuccino.

[Earlier Article]
Stella Restaurant in Boston's South End to Be Reborn As Stella Express Food Truck in South Boston
Stella Restaurant in Boston's South End 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.)

La Hacienda Pizza Now Being Sold at Sons of Italy Lodge in Arlington

A few years, ago, an old-school Somerville dining and drinking spot that was known for its pizza closed for good. Now we have learned that its pizza lives on, thanks to a social club in Arlington.

According to the Friends and fans of La Hacienda Restaurant Facebook group page, La Hacienda's pizza is being sold at the Sons of Italy lodge on Prentiss Road, with the pizza currently being available to go on Fridays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Louis DiCecca, who had been co-owner of the Somerville restaurant and bar, tells us that everyone is indeed welcome to purchase the pizza at the Arlington chapter of the century-old fraternal organization, while also mentioning that the pizza is available on the menu of DiCecca Brothers Catering, which caters events at ALOSIA Function Hall within the Arlington location of the Sons of Italy.

La Hacienda first opened on Medford Street in Somerville back in 1939 and was a popular spot for Italian-American food until closing in 2016.

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.)

Monday, September 21, 2020

Number One Taste Opens in Former Tiki Inn Space in East Arlington

A Chinese-American restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston has expanded to a third location nearby, with this one taking over the space that had been home to another Chinese-American eatery for a long time.

According to a post within The Arlington List Facebook group page, Number One Taste Chinese Food is now open in Arlington, moving into the former Tiki Inn space on Mass. Ave. The original location of the new eatery remains open on Trapelo Road in Belmont, and like that location, the Arlington outlet offers such Chinese-American favorites as chicken fingers, Peking ravioli, steak teriyaki, spare ribs, cashew chicken, kung pow beef, lo mein, egg foo young, and more. (Another can be found in Melrose.)

Tiki Inn, which was mainly a Chinese-American takeout spot, had been in business since at least the 1980s.

The address for the new location of Number One Taste Chinese Food is 165 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for the new location is at https://number1arlington.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]

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.)

Mul's Diner Moves Into the Amrheins Space in South Boston

Last year, it was reported that one of Boston's classic old-school diners was facing an uncertain future because of possible new development on the way. Now we have learned that the eatery has moved across the street, joining another restaurant that is under the same ownership.

According to a source, Mul's Diner in South Boston is now housed in the Amrheins building on the other side of West Broadway, with a sign for the diner apparently being shown on the side of the structure along A Street. When we first reported that the old Mul's space could be demolished to make room for mixed-use development in April of 2019 (and again this past May), it was mentioned that the diner might look into the option to indeed move its breakfast operations across the street, and based on the Amrheins website, it looks like Mul's is offering both breakfast and lunch within the space.

Another story that was reported earlier is that the Amrheins building itself may be replaced by new development as well, as a sale of the property was under agreement as of the latter part of 2018 or early 2019.

Mul's Diner first opened its doors in 1955.

The address for Amrheins (and the new location of Mul's Diner) is 80 West Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for both restaurants is at https://www.amrheinsboston.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Mul's Diner in South Boston Facing Demolition Plans
Mul's Diner in South Boston Faces an Uncertain Future
Amrheins Site in South Boston Is Under Agreement

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.)

Dave and Buster's Plans Massive Layoffs, May Be Looking at a Possible Bankruptcy Filing

A chain of restaurants and entertainment spots with three locations in the Greater Boston area is letting go of a huge number of workers, and bankruptcy could be an option if things don't work out.

According to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting, Dave & Buster's is laying off more than 1,300 employees, while the Texas-based company is also considering filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy if it can't work out a deal with its vendors. An article from FSR magazine gives more details on the situation, saying that the workers who are being let go permanently had originally been temporarily furloughed in March as the coronavirus outbreak took hold, and that same-store sales for the chain fell 87 percent in the second quarter.

Dave & Buster's, which is headquartered in Dallas, has three locations in the local area (Braintree, Natick, and Woburn), with those outlets losing a total of 307 employees to layoffs. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.daveandbusters.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]

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.)

Working Man Distillers Opens in North Attleboro

A brand new distillery has come to the region, offering several options for spirits including whiskey.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Working Man Distillers is now open in North Attleboro, with its Facebook page and website indicating that it has moved into a space on Commonwealth Avenue in the Attleboro Falls section of town. A message sent to us from the place indicates that the people behind the business will be offering whiskey, bourbon, cinnamon whiskey and moonshine for now, while they plan to start producing vodka next year as well, and while the facility will have a taproom, it isn't open as of yet and bottle purchases/pickups are the only option for now. (They are also making hand sanitizer and they tell us that they will donate a bottle for every bottle sold.)

The address for Working Man Distillers in the Attleboro Falls neighborhood of North Attleboro is 42 Commonwealth Avenue Unit 4, North Attleboro, MA, 02763. Its website can be found at https://www.workingmandistillers.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]

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.)

Deluxe Station Diner in Newton Centre Is Now Jamie's on Union

A diner within an historic space in the western suburbs of Boston has morphed into a new restaurant.

According to a source, Jamie's on Union is now open in Newton Centre, taking over the space in the old railroad station on Union Street that had been home to the Deluxe Station Diner. It appears that the ownership remains the same, as the website for the new eatery says that "We've made a change, but change is good. Our new name is Jamie's on Union. We have remodeled and updated the interior, upgraded our bar, and have updated our menu." The new spot also features diner food along with American classics, with its menu showing such items as eggs benedict, challah French toast, reubens, burgers, fish and chips, steak tips, and more.

The railroad station in which Jamie's on Union is housed dates back to the 1800s.

The address for Jamie's on Union (and the former Deluxe Station Diner) is 70 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459. Its website can be found at https://www.jamiesonunion.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]

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.)

Saturday, September 19, 2020

Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk Is Opening Back Up

Last month, it was reported that a popular Western-themed restaurant and bar had closed down and that its future was in question. Now we have learned that the place is going to be returning.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk is opening its doors once again, with a Facebook post from the Dedham Street spot saying the following:

We have decided to reopen for takeout beginning on Thursday, September 24th....We are excited and thankful to be celebrating our 39th year and couldn’t be doing that without you, our community....We will begin with takeout: pizza, wings, Eagle Brook ales by the growler (including fall favorite Pumpkin Porter), and more. We'll then slowly phase in indoor dining again with our safety precautions in place....These past six months have been tough for us all. We genuinely feel thankful for all of the love, support, donations, and kind words that have been sent our way. They mean more than you will ever know.

The Eagle Brook Saloon, which first opened in 1981, shut down in mid-August, saying at the time that "It just didn't work out as planned and we're sorry. We'd like to thank all the customers, friends, and family who supported us during this re-opening, and especially our staff and family who really tried so hard to keep us open. Hope we see you again!"

The address for the Eagle Brook Saloon is 258 Dedham Street (Route 1A), Norfolk, MA, 02056. Its website is at https://www.eaglebrooksaloon.com/

[Earlier Article]
Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk Has Closed; Exact Future of Place Unknown

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, September 18, 2020

Moby Dick Restaurant in Boston's Symphony/Northeastern Area Is for Lease

It looks like the future of a longtime favorite for college students may be in doubt.

According to a source, Moby Dick in the Symphony/Northeastern University section of Boston has a "For Lease" sign in its window, with a picture sent to us confirming this. The Huntington Avenue eatery, which has been in business for at least 20 years, has been known for its Persian fare, with its menu including a variety of kebob dishes along with such items as lentil soup, eggplant dip, hummus, baklava, lemonade with rosewater, and more.

The address for Moby Dick is 269 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115.

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.)

Nusr-et Steakhouse Opens in Boston

A group of high-end steakhouses has officially expanded to downtown Boston, and the person behind it is known in part for his style of seasoning meat.

As reported here earlier, Nusr-et Steakhouse is opening in the former Nahita/Liquid Art House space on Arlington Street opens today, with Nusret Gökçe (AKA Salt Bae) saying in an Instagram post earlier this week, "Please wish me good luck for grand opening Nusr-Et [Boston] this weekend." Based on Gökçe's other locations (including one in New York), expect to see a variety of steak and lamb dishes along with burgers, meatballs, sausages, and more on its menu. Gökçe is a Turkish chef and restaurateur whose style of sprinkling salt on meat went viral on the Internet a few years back, both via memes and video.

The space in which Nusr-et Steakhouse is taking over had been home to Nahita, a restaurant with Latin-Asian and Turkish influences that closed last fall; Liquid Art House, which was a combination high-end restaurant and art gallery, had previously been in the space until the fall of 2017.

The address for Nusr-et Steakhouse is 100 Arlington Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.nusr-et.com.tr/

[Earlier Article]
Nusr-et Steakhouse to Open in Former Nahita/Liquid Art House Space 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]

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, September 17, 2020

Foundation Kitchen to Open in Charlestown's Sullivan Square Area

A new dining complex is on its way to a section of Boston that has relatively few options for food and drink.

According to a press release, Foundation Kitchen is planning to open at The Graphic Lofts, a luxury apartment building in the Sullivan Square section of Charlestown, with the business including a food hall, a craft beer and wine bar, and a cafe along with a shared culinary workspace that will feature cooking classes, pop-up dining, and various events. The release says that a husband-and-wife team (Ciaran Nagle and Tara Novak) is behind the place, with their plan being to be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with in-house dining and takeout both being available, while the complex will include both indoor and outdoor spaces for those who choose to dine in.

If all goes well, Foundation Kitchen could be opening in the first quarter of 2021.

The address for Foundation Kitchen (and The Graphic Lofts) is 32 Cambridge Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. The website for Foundation Kitchen can be found at https://www.foundationkitchen.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]

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.)

Could Doyle's Be Returning to Jamaica Plain?

photo of Doyle's, Jamaica Plain, MA. Last fall, an iconic Boston dining and drinking spot closed its doors, and while it looked like the closure might be permanent, we have now learned that there may be just a glimmer of hope that the place could be returning.

According to a message sent from Universal Hub, there is a proposal underway to bring back Doyle's in Jamaica Plain, with a community meeting notice from the Save Doyle's Cafe Facebook page saying the following:

There is a proposal on the table for a revived Doyle's which would include a pub/restaurant and a community room. We've even heard that the road race would some day be revived. Hard to imagine at this particular moment in time, but certainly a ritual that would be great to resume.

The notice says that a meeting on the proposal is slated to take place in the Doyle's parking lot on October 1.

Doyle's Cafe first opened back in 1882, with the restaurant and bar being a popular hangout for politicians, celebrities, tourists, and locals alike over the years. The place, which closed last October, was located at 3484 Washington Street.

[Earlier Article]
Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain Has Closed

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.)