Boston Restaurant Talk: October 2020

Saturday, October 31, 2020

Southside Tavern in Quincy Has Closed

A neighborhood watering hole in Quincy that was known in part for its bar pizza and wings has shut down.

According to a source, Southside Tavern in Quincy is no longer in business, with an Instagram post from the Liberty Street spot confirming this, saying that "With an extremely heavy heart we announce the final closing" of the bar and thanking its customers for their support over the years. It appears that the South Braintree location of Southside Tavern remains in operation.

Last fall, we reported that there was a proposal to demolish the Southside's building and replace it with a residential development, though it is not known if this is still in the works.

The address for the now-closed Quincy location of Southside Tavern was 73 Liberty Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

[Earlier Article]
Southside Tavern in Quincy May Be Replaced by New Residential Development

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, October 30, 2020

Dunkin' Brands to Be Sold to Inspire Brands for $8.76 Billion, Will Be Taken Private

Earlier this week it was reported that a local company that oversees one of the best-known brands in the country may be going up for sale. Now we have learned that the sale will indeed be going through, and the buyer already operates several national chains.

According to an article from Reuters, Dunkin' Brands will be purchased by Inspire Brands with the sale price being $8.76 Billion, and as indicated earlier, the Canton-based company will be taken private. Dunkin' Brands is the parent company of Dunkin' (formerly Dunkin' Donuts) and Baskin Robbins while Inspire Brands includes such brands as Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, and Sonic Drive-In.

Inspire Brands says that including debt, the deal has a total value of approximately $11.3 billion.

[Earlier Article]
Dunkin' Brands May Be Acquired by Inspire Brands, Taken Private

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.)

Elm Street Sweets to Open Shop within Posto in Bedford

A dessert business whose treats can be picked up inside a Somerville restaurant is going to be getting more of a brick-and-mortar location within an affiliated suburban dining spot.

According to a press release, Elm Street Sweets--which currently sells its items out of Rosebud in Davis Square--will soon be opening a shop inside Posto in Bedford, with the bakery offering cakes, pies, cookies, and more and having hours of 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM once it debuts. The business will continue to sell its baked goods and pastries out of Rosebud while both locations will also offer delivery as well.

The Alpine Restaurant Group, which is behind Elm Street Sweets, Rosebud, and Posto in Bedford, also includes Posto in Somerville, Osteria Posto in Waltham, The Painted Burro in Somerville, and Burro Bar in Boston and Brookline.

The address for Posto in Bedford (and the upcoming Elm Street Sweets) is 158 Great Road, Bedford, MA, 01730. The website for Elm Street Sweets can be found at https://www.elmstreetsweets.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.)

Stacy's Juicebar in Needham Is Closing

A suburban juice shop that is run by the person behind a popular pita chip company is going to be shutting down.

According to an article from the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber, Stacy's Juicebar in Needham plans to close permanently on November 25, with owner Stacy Madison saying in an Instagram post that "We do not know what 2021 will bring, however the timing is right for us to sadly end this chapter of the Juicebar." Madison, who opened the Highland Avenue shop seven years ago, was also co-founder of Stacy's Pita Chips, a local business that exploded in popularity between 2000 and 2005 and was eventually acquired by Pepsi Co.

In addition to juices, Stacy's Juicebar also offers such items as soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothie bowls, baked goods, and more.

The address for Stacy's Juicebar in Needham is 1257 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492. Its website can be found at https://www.stacysjuicebar.com/

[November 30 update: Based on its social media, Stacy's Juicebar is now 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.)

Bison County in Waltham Has Closed; Taste House Restaurant Plans to Take Over Space

A barbecue spot that has been around for a long time appears to have shut down permanently, and a new restaurant is looking to move into its space.

According to a source, Bison County in Waltham is closed for good, with a Facebook post from The Waltham Channel saying that "After closing due to COVID and not reopening, Bison County...is gone." The post says that a Sichuan spot called Taste House Restaurant is planning to open in the Moody Street space, with this being confirmed in a license commission agenda page that shows the proposed liquor license transfer.

Bison County, which first opened in 1995, was known for such dishes as chili, pulled pork, brisket, baby back ribs, wings, fried catfish, and more. The restaurant was in the news this summer for having a "seized" sign posted out front that turned out to apparently be not real.

The address for the now-closed Bison County (and the proposed Taste House Restaurant) is 275 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453.

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, October 29, 2020

The Kinsale and The Asgard Will Be Reopening (After a Hibernation)

Earlier this month, it was reported that two of the most popular Irish pubs in the Boston area had closed, though there appeared to be a glimmer of hope that they could reopen if all went well. Now we have learned that they will indeed be returning after all, though not right away.

A series of messages sent to us indicate that the people behind The Kinsale at Center Plaza in Boston and The Asgard in Cambridge's Central Square have been able to work out deals with the landlords that will allow the pubs to hibernate until the spring, with the hope being that by then, the pandemic is more under control and workers and visitors will begin to return to both areas. On October 6, we had reported that notes had been placed out front at both spots saying that "It is with great sadness to announce that the [Kinsale/Asgard] is not able to be a viable business during the Pandemic and is now closed" but the next day, we were told that they were in negotiations to try to reopen, with the message saying that the hope was that "we can work out a scenario where we can reopen, otherwise we can't continue."

The website for both spots can be found at https://www.classicirish.com/

[Earlier Articles]
The Kinsale Irish Pub & Restaurant at Center Plaza in Boston Has Closed
The Asgard in Cambridge's Central Square Has Apparently Closed
A Glimmer of Hope for The Kinsale and The Asgard?

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.)

John Harvard's Brew House at Shoppers World in Framingham Has Closed

It looks like a longtime brewpub west of Boston has shut down.

According to a source, John Harvard's Brew House at Shoppers World in Framingham is no longer in operation, with an article from the Framingham Source saying that its website is no longer working and that its space is for lease. A check on sitecenters.com indicates that the space is indeed for lease, showing space number 513 (its corner space between Marshalls and Michaels) being available.

John Harvard's first opened at Shoppers World 24 years ago, with the place featuring their own craft beers along with classic American fare and pub grub; another location of the brewpub in Cambridge's Harvard Square shut down in the spring of 2019.

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.)

The Future of Topsfield Bakeshop on Main Street in Topsfield Appears to Be in Question

One of a trio of bakeries north of Boston is facing an uncertain future.

According to a message sent to us, the lease for Topsfield Bakeshop on Main Street in the center of Topsfield is set to expire at the end of the year, and based on an earlier Facebook post from the place, it does not look like the lease can be extended because another lease appears to be in place for the space. The store, which has been in business for more than 10 years, gets much of its business from various events including the Topsfield Fair, and we have been told that business has taken a hit this year due to the pandemic resulting in the cancelling of multiple events (including the Topsfield Fair).

Another Topsfield Bakeshop can be found on Boston Street in Topsfield while a popup location is located in Burlington. (The website for all locations is at https://www.topsfieldbakeshop.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.)

Bella Luna/Milky Way Liquor License May Be Headed for Boston's Seaport District

A few months ago, it was reported that a beloved dining, drinking, and entertainment spot in Jamaica Plain had shut down. Now we have learned that its liquor license may be going to an upcoming dual-branded hotel in Boston's waterfront area.

According to a licensing board hearing page, Bella Luna and The Milky Way are petitioning to transfer their license to Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites in the Seaport District, with the notice saying that the development--which will be located by the Raymond F. Flynn Marine Park between Terminal Street and Summer Street--will have nearly 6,500 square feet of restaurant and retail space and could be opening in the spring of 2021, based on the web pages for both hotels which say they are taking reservations for April 1 and beyond.

Bella Luna and The Milky Way announced their permanent closure in June, three months after closing temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak. The two places had resided in the old Haffenreffer Brewery complex on Amory Street, and before that, in the Hyde Square area of JP.

[Earlier Article]
Bella Luna and The Milky Way in Jamaica Plain Have 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.)

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Hometown Cafe in Danvers Has Closed

A North Shore cafe known in part for its sandwiches, desserts, and coffee has shut down permanently.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Hometown Cafe in Danvers is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the Liberty Street eatery saying "I extend my sincere thanks to all my loyal customers who have supported me for the last 3 years due to covid 19 I will not be opening back up thank you all Joey." Hometown Cafe first opened in the early part of 2018, with the place offering such items as breakfast sandwiches, bagels, hot and cold sandwiches and wraps, salads, biscotti, whoopie pies, danish, and more.

The address for the now-closed Hometown Cafe in Danvers was 125 Liberty Street, Danvers, MA, 01923.

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.)

Dumpling Garden Opens in Former Hoya Chinese, Sushi & Teriyaki Space in Saugus

A Chinese restaurant on the North Shore that is known in part for its dumplings has expanded to a second location, taking over the space where a Chinese and Japanese dining spot had been until closing this summer.

According to a message sent from Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie, Dumpling Garden is now open in the old Hoya Chinese, Sushi & Teriyaki space in Saugus, with the Essex Street eatery joining another location in Danvers. The menu for the new Dumpling Garden shows a variety of traditional Chinese and Chinese-American dishes, including an array of house-made dumplings and buns.

Hoya offered a wide variety of Chinese and Chinese-American fare along with sushi, bento boxes (including teriyaki options), noodle soups, and more until closing in July.

The address for the new Dumpling Garden in Saugus is 467 Essex Street, Saugus, MA, 01906. Its website can be found at http://www.dgsaugus.com/

[Earlier Article]
Hoya Chinese, Sushi & Teriyaki in Saugus 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.)

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Venice Italian Kitchen Is Replacing Luigi's Italian Kitchen in East Arlington

It looks like a new Italian eatery is replacing another Italian dining spot in the northwest suburbs of Boston.

According to a post within the Arlington, MA Pizza Discussions Facebook group page, Venice Italian Kitchen is getting ready to open in East Arlington, with the address indicating that it will be taking over the Luigi's Italian Kitchen space on Mass. Ave. Based on the website for the upcoming place, it appears that it would have at least a somewhat similar menu to the spot that it is replacing, with pizza, calzones, pasta, salads, subs, and grill items being offered.

Luigi's Italian Kitchen opened in September of 2018, replacing Sabatino's which closed due to a heating oil spill and never reopened.

The address for Venice Italian Kitchen (and the former Luigi's Italian Kitchen) is 242 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for the new restaurant can be found at https://venicepizzaarlington.com/

[October 28 update: Based on its website, Venice Italian Kitchen 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.)

Sam's Spot Restaurant to Open in Dorchester's Fields Corner Neighborhood

The person behind a local catering company is getting ready to open a brand new restaurant.

Based on a Facebook post along with a licensing board hearing page, Sam's Spot Restaurant is planning to open in the Fields Corner section of Dorchester in November, with Samantha Anson of Sam's Catering being the manager listed for the Dorchester Avenue eatery. The new spot will feature Southern and Caribbean fare, and the catering menu may give a glimpse into possible offerings; some of the items on that menu include wings, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, jerk chicken, macaroni and cheese, pulled pork sliders, fried pork chops, oxtail, curried lobster, fried catfish, black eyed peas, collard greens, corn bread, sweet potato pie, and more. (As soon as we see a menu for the restaurant itself, we will post an update here.)

The address for the upcoming Sam's Spot Restaurant in Fields Corner is 1476 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122. The website for the catering operation can be found at https://www.samsspotcatering.com/

[November 27 update: A boston.com article indicates that Sam's Spot Restaurant plans to open its doors later 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.)

Update: Gray's Hall, Tiger Mama, Sligo Pub Open After Going into Hibernation; Orfano to Open November 19

Over the past several weeks, we have mentioned that some restaurants in the Boston area were going into hibernation for the winter. Now we have learned that a few other local dining and drinking spots are doing the same.

According to an article from boston.com, Gray's Hall in South Boston shut down this weekend, with the plan being to reopen in the spring of 2021, while Orfano and Tiger Mama in the Fenway both plan to close for the winter on November 1 and Sligo Pub (which has been collaborating with Dragon Pizza) in Somerville's Davis Square will go into hibernation on October 31. These four places join The Emory in Beacon Hill, Commonwealth in Cambridge's Kendall Square, Grand Tour in the Back Bay, and The Kenmore in Kenmore Square in their hibernation plans.

Restaurants are going into hibernation for a variety of reasons as the pandemic continues, including outdoor patios no longer being viable as the weather cools, the hope for a vaccine/therapeutic by the spring, and a lack of tourists and office workers in areas that usually have high foot traffic.

[May 6, 2021 update: Based on social media posts, Gray's Hall and Sligo Pub are open once again.]

[June 24, 2021 update: A poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page indicates that Tiger Mama is now open once again, though it appears that Orfano remains closed for now.]

[November 17, 2021 update: According to a press release, Orfano reopens on Friday, November 19.]

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, October 26, 2020

Dunkin' Brands May Be Acquired by Inspire Brands, Taken Private

A Canton-based company that includes one of the best-known brands in the country may be putting itself up for sale.

According to an article in the New York Times, Dunkin' Brands is in negotiations with holding company Inspire Brands, with the plan being for Dunkin' to be taken private at a price of $106.50 a share. The post says that if a deal is reached, it could be announced as early as later today and that based on the proposed 20-percent premium for the stock price, the value of Dunkin' Brands could be somewhere around $8.8 billion.

Dunkin' Brands is the parent company of Dunkin' (formerly Dunkin' Donuts) and Baskin Robbins, while Inspire Brands--which had once been called Arby's Restaurant Group Inc.--includes such well-known brands as Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, and Sonic Drive-In.

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.)

Pratty's CAV in Gloucester Reopens

A couple of months ago, it was reported that a longtime dive bar on the North Shore had closed down because of updated rules about what constitutes a restaurant during the coronavirus crisis. Now we have learned that the place has opened back up with changes made that allow it to be back in operation.

According to a Facebook post, Pratty's CAV in Gloucester is open once again, with the video shown mentioning that their "business has been changed maybe forever....until things get back to normal, we will be following all of the state's guidelines including food will be ordered for every person, masks will be worn at all times standing including while you play pool & darts." The Parker Street watering hole had shuttered in early August on the heels of the Baker administration saying that a bar cannot "masquerade" as a restaurant by offering only pre-packaged or manufactured foods instead of food that is prepared on-site, which meant at the time that a place such as Pratty's would presumably have to wait until Phase 4 to reopen, which might not happen until 2021.

Pratty's is a local hangout that has been in business since 1986.

The address for Pratty's is 10 Parker Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.

[Earlier Article]
Pratty's CAV in Gloucester Has Closed for Now, Apparently Due to Updated Rules About Massachusetts Bars

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.)

Angelica's Restaurant in Middleton to Close in December

A longtime restaurant and event space in the northern suburbs of Boston is going to be shutting down toward the end of the year.

According to an article from Wicked Local (and as first mentioned in Boston's Wicked North Shore Facebook page), Angelica's Restaurant in Middleton is planning to close in December, with the South Main Street spot having a tentative closing date of December 20. The post indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the decision to shutter, with owner Chris Kourkoulis saying that "I don't see the future getting better quickly....I just decided to bite the bullet and look forward to something else" while also mentioning that the rising cost of food over the past eight years apparently played a role as well. (There is the possibility that Angelica's could remain in operation if a buyer can be found for the restaurant.)

Angelica's first opened nearly 30 years ago, with the restaurant being known for its American and Italian fare and its space for functions and events such as business gatherings, wedding receptions, family parties, and more.

The address for Angelica's Restaurant in Middleton is 49 S Main Street, Middleton, MA, 01949. The website for the dining spot can be found at http://angelicasmiddleton.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.)

Paris Baguette Plans to Open in Quincy

A chain of bakery-cafes with roots in South Korea will be opening its second Boston-area location.

According to an article in the Boston Business Journal, Paris Baguette is planning to open a franchised outlet in Quincy, joining another location within H Mart in Cambridge's Central Square. Based on that location, the new outlet could offer items such as croissants, cheesecake, milk bread, brownies, tarts, donuts, soups, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and more.

Paris Baguette started out in 1988 and now has more than 80 locations in the United States and more than 4,000 outlets worldwide, including more than 3,000 in South Korea. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.parisbaguette.com/

[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.)

Liberty Publick House in Holbrook Has Closed

A restaurant and bar that resided within a post of an American veterans' organization has shut down.

According to a source, Liberty Publick House in Holbrook is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the place confirming that it closed over the weekend and saying "To the loyal patrons who have supported us through the years; we thank you for being apart of our Liberty Crew! We wouldn't have made it this far without you. Please take care, be safe, and drink wisely.!" The dining and drinking spot first opened in early 2018 within an American Legion post on Route 139 by the Abington Line, with the place offering mostly pub grub and comfort food such as wings, burgers, steak tips, fish and chips, pizza, hot dogs, and more.

The address for the now-closed Liberty Publick House (and the American Legion post) is 777 Plymouth Street (Route 139), Holbrook, MA, 02343.

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, October 23, 2020

Artifact Cider Project Opens The Station Taproom in Cambridge's Central Square

Earlier this year, it was reported that a craft cider company that has bounced around a bit was coming back to the Boston area once again with a brand new taproom on the way. Now we have learned that it has very quietly opened its doors.

According to a source, Artifact Cider Project opens The Station in the Central Square section of Cambridge today at 4:00 PM, taking over the former Economy Hardware space on Mass. Ave. between Brookline Street and Sidney Street. The new place joins their taproom, production cellar and retail area in Florence called "The Cellar," which became the company's new home after starting out in a garage in Springfield in 2014, than moving to a facility in Everett three years later before heading back west.

The address for The Station taproom in Central Square is 438 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The web page for the place can be found at https://www.artifactcider.com/taproom-cambridge

[Earlier Article]
Artifact Cider Project to Open Taproom in Cambridge's Central Square

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

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

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.)

Cajun Crab Shack Opens in Former Flaming Grill & Buffet Space in Roslindale

A new Cajun seafood spot has replaced a three-year-old Chinese-American buffet place in a Boston neighborhood.

Universal Hub is reporting (via Lisa Beatman in the Keep Roslindale Quirky Facebook group page) that Cajun Crab Shack is now open in the old Flaming Grill & Buffet space on American Legion Highway in Roslindale, with the menu for the new spot showing such items as hush puppies, crabmeat fries, lobster tails, fried catfish, fried flounder, po' boys, and a variety of seafood boil options. Sources tell us that locations of Flaming Grill & Buffet in Malden and Revere may be changing over to Cajun Crab Shack as well, though we are still trying to confirm this.

Flaming Grill & Buffet first opened in Roslindale in the spring of 2017.

The address for Cajun Crab Shack is 950 American Legion Highway, Roslindale, MA, 02131. Its website can be found at https://cajuncrabshackma.com/

[November 6 update: We have received confirmation from sources that Flaming Grill & Buffet in Malden and Revere are indeed becoming outlets of Cajun Crab Shack.]

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.)

Cafe Yafa Opens in Natick

A new dining spot that focuses on Mediterranean food has come to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Cafe Yafa is now open in Natick, moving into a space in a strip mall on Wethersfield Road (just off of Route 9 west). Based on its Facebook page, the new eatery offers such items as tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, falafel, baba ghanoush, kabobs, shawarma, and baklava.

The address for this new Mediterranean restaurant in Natick is: Cafe Yafa, 6a Wethersfield Road, Natick, MA, 01760. Its website can be found at https://cafe-yafa.business.site/

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.)

The Novel Kitchen by Curds & Co. Is Opening Next to Brookline Booksmith in Coolidge Corner

Late last year, it was reported that a longtime bookstore in Brookline was planning to expand, and its plans would include a dining spot. Now we have learned a bit more about the eatery, which is on the verge of opening.

According to posts within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, The Novel Kitchen by Curds & Co. is getting ready to open in the former Verizon space next to Brookline Booksmith on Harvard Street, with the posts saying that it will offer artisanal seasonal plates and snacks along with some specialty foods and houseware items within a small retail section, while the space will have seats for dining in along with takeout. The dining spot looks like it may open sometime this month, though an exact opening date has not been given as of yet.

As reported earlier, Brookline Booksmith, which first opened in 1961 as Paperback Booksmith, has expanded its space, including what appears to be an expansion of its children's section and a new cookbook section added in addition to collaborating with Curds & Co. on the eatery, which will be physically connected to the bookstore. (Curds & Co. is a cheese shop that is located in Brookline Village.)

The address for The Novel Kitchen by Curds & Co. is 283 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the place can be found at https://thenovelkitchen.com/

[November 23 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that The Novel Kitchen by Curds & Co. has soft-opened, with its grand opening being scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving.]

[Earlier Article]
Brookline Booksmith to Expand, Include a Restaurant

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, October 22, 2020

Taffer's Tavern to Expand to the Boston Area

A new tavern concept that has a TV personality behind it is on its way to the region.

According to a source, Taffer's Tavern is planning to expand to the Greater Boston area, with an earlier article from Restaurant News saying that five franchised locations are apparently in the works locally. Jon Taffer, who is the host of Bar Rescue on the Paramount Network, is bringing the first Taffer's Tavern to Alpharetta, GA, over the coming weeks, and it looks like franchised outlets will be coming to the Washington, DC area as well. (The locations page on the website for the restaurant shows both Boston and DC coming soon.)

Taffer's Tavern outlets will include a hoodless/ventless format and advanced food prep technology, with the sous vide method of cooking being part of the plans; some menu items shown on the website include wings, pork belly skewers, French onion soup, steak frites, osso buco, pot roast stroganoff, fish and chips, roast beef au jus, burgers, flatbreads, and croissant-style doughnuts, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The website for Taffer's Tavern can be found at https://www.tafferstavern.com/

[September 10 update: An article from restaurantnews.com mentions that the first Boston-area location of Taffer's Tavern has been announced, and it will be coming to Arsenal Yards in Watertown (possibly early next year).]

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

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

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Cobblestone Cafe in Boston's North End Has Closed

A North End dining spot known in part for its burgers has shut down permanently.

According to a tweet from @rousee, Cobblestone Cafe on Hanover Street is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the place indicating that it actually shut down late last month. The restaurant was part diner and part coffee shop, offering such items as soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, wings, ice cream, coffee, and a variety of burgers.

Cobblestone Cafe first opened in 2013, taking over the space that had been home to Hot Tomatoes Express.

The address for the now-closed Cobblestone Cafe in the North End was 227 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

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.)

Team Behind Sycamore, Little Big Diner, Buttonwood to Open Jinny's Pizzeria in Newton Centre

A new pizza spot is coming to Newton, and the people behind a trio of nearby restaurants are involved.

According to a source, Jinny's Pizzeria is opening in Newton Centre, with the address shown indicating that it will be taking over the former Cupola space on Centre Street. Our source mentions that the new eatery will have an ownership connection with Sycamore, Little Big Diner, Buttonwood, all of which reside in Newton, with the website for the place saying that it will be a "neighborhood pizzeria" that plans to open sometime this winter.

Cupola closed this past winter after being in business for a bit more than two years; the dining spot featured "Italian fast food" including soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, pizza, risotto, and more.

The address for the upcoming Jinny's Pizzeria is 1231 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459. Its website can be found at https://www.jinnyspizza.com/

[March 9, 2021 update: A tweet from @JeremyKrantz indicates that Jinny's Pizzeria opens its doors tomorrow (Wednesday, March 10).]

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, October 21, 2020

Alto Forno in Peabody Is Becoming Daniella's Ristorante

An upscale Italian restaurant on the North Shore is being reconcepted into a new Italian spot.

According to a Facebook post, Daniella's Ristorante is replacing Alto Forno in Peabody, with the note saying that the Cross Street eatery will feature "classic Italian dishes, an elegant European-inspired wine list, and creative cocktails in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere (with a hint of big city charm). A note within the website for the now-closed Alto Forno explains the change, saying that "While we loved Alto Forno (and we know you did too), the challenges of 2020 offered us an unparalleled opportunity to take something that worked well and improve upon it. Most young restaurants don't ever get that chance." The North Shore Hospitality Group, which is behind Daniella's Ristorante, also runs Daniella's Cafe and Market in Danvers and Pellana Steakhouse in Peabody, and the website for Alto Forno states that all gift cards for that spot will be honored at the Daniella's Ristorante.)

The Facebook post indicates that Daniella's Ristorante plans to open its doors on November 9.

The address for Daniella's Ristorante is 41 Cross Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. The website for the place can be found at https://daniellasristorante.com/ while the website for the now-closed Alto Forno is at https://altoforno.com/

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

[November 16 update: The restaurant's Facebook page indicates that Daniella'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.)

Achilito's Taqueria Is Opening at Patriot Place in Foxborough

A few months ago it was reported that a Mexican restaurant in Jamaica Plain was planning to expand to another location in Boston. Now we have learned that it has plans to expand to a space southwest of the city that should eventually be a popular spot for sports fans.

According to the dining page for Patriot Place in Foxborough, Achilito's Taqueria is planning to open there sometime this fall, joining its original location across from the Forest Hills T station, and possibly another on Chestnut Hill Avenue in Brighton assuming that those plans are still in the works. Based on the original location in JP, the new outlet at Patriot Place could feature such items as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas, tostadas, and more.

The website for Achilito's Taqueria can be found at https://www.achilitos.com/

[January 15, 2021 update: A page within the Patriot Place website indicates that the new location of Achilito's Taqueria is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Achilito's Taqueria to Open in Former Dates and Olives Space in Brighton

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.)

Alchemy Is Being Reborn in the Former Gaslight Space at MarketStreet Lynnfield

A popular Cape Ann restaurant that shut down a few years ago is returning to a new space in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, Alchemy, which had been located in Gloucester until 2016, will be reopening in the former Gaslight space at MarketStreet Lynnfield, with the post saying that "Alchemy was the first restaurant that the Serenitee Restaurant Group opened and it was beloved by the community in which it first came to life. Due to popular demand (and their desire to see the concept come to life once again), they'll be launching the new and improved Alchemy in Lynnfield next year." Alchemy, which had been located on Duncan Street in Gloucester for approximately 12 years, was known in part for its New American fare and small plates along with its craft cocktails.

The Serenitee Restaurant Group also includes such restaurants as 15 Walnut in Hamilton, Cala's Restaurant in Manchester, Hale Street Tavern in Beverly Farms, Maggie's Farm in Middleton, Opus in Salem, The Spot in Georgetown and Winchester, and Minglewood Harborside and Taj in Gloucester.

Gaslight announced the closure of its MarketStreet Lynnfield outlet this summer; the original location in Boston's South End remains in operation.

[July 28, 2021 update: According to a press release, Alchemy is now open at MarketStreet Lynnfield.]

[Earlier Article]
Aquitaine in Dedham, Gaslight in Lynnfield Have 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, October 20, 2020

Cafe Iterum Is Opening at Clippership Wharf in East Boston

Last year it was reported that a restaurant focusing on noodles might be coming to the Jeffries Point section of East Boston, only to have those plans fall through. Now we have learned that the person behind those plans has found a location nearby for a different concept, and it will reside in a waterfront location.

According to a press release, Cafe Iterum is going to be opening at Clippership Wharf on Lewis Street in Eastie, with Matthew McPherson (South End Buttery, Porto, Menton, Craigie on Main) being behind the spot. As reported earlier, McPherson's original concept--The Noodle Bar By Iterum Foods--was hoping to open on Sumner Street but a statement sent to us today mentions that they lost the lease for that space, and while looking for a new space for that restaurant, they found a space for what will be a smaller cafe concept. The statement says that The Noodle Bar is apparently still in the works and they continue to look for locations for that concept, so stay tuned for any updates as they come in.

Cafe Iterum will offer comfort food items with global influences along with coffee, and as is the case with the upcoming Noodle Bar, it will focus on sustainability and zero waste. If all goes as planned the cafe will open early next spring.

[February 24, 2022 update: According to a tweet from @bobbyjmain, Cafe Iterum is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Noodle Bar by Iterum Foods May Be Opening in East 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]

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Door No. 7 in Wellesley Is Being Replaced by Wellesley Tavern

An upscale restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston is being reconcepted into a more casual spot.

According to a source, Door No. 7 in Wellesley's Linden Square is morphing into Wellesley Tavern, with an article from The Swellesley Report saying that the new concept will offer such items as salads, sandwiches, tacos, sushi, and both small plates and full meals. A post on the website explains the change, saying that "COVID-19 has shown us that the local dining scene has changed – especially when it comes to fine dining. It is with that in mind that we've made the decision to close Door No. 7 and pivot to a more family-friendly, accessible concept." If all goes as planned, Wellesley Tavern will debut in late November.

Door No. 7 first opened around the start of 2019, with the place being seen as a fine-dining alternative to upscale spots in or near Boston. The people behind both Door No. 7 and the upcoming Wellesley Tavern also run The Cottage, which is located across the street.

The address for Door No. 7/Wellesley Tavern is 165 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA, 02482. The website for Wellesley Tavern can be found at https://wellesleytavern.com/

[March 19, 2021 update: The Swellesley Report mentions that Wellesley Tavern 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.)

Madre Osteria & Bar Is Opening in the Former 88 Wharf/Prime Pizza Space in Milton Landing

An Italian restaurant is on its way to a riverside location by the Boston line that had been home to a couple of other restaurants.

According to an article in the Milton Times, Madre Osteria & Bar is opening in the former 88 Wharf/Prime Pizza space at Milton Landing, with the people behind it being Jairo Dominguez and Teodora Bakardzhieva along with Brian O'Donnell, all of whom are with the Trio Restaurant Group (Publico, Bar Mercato). The restaurant, which will be located on the ground floor of a condo complex facing the Neponset River, would offer Tuscan food along with Italian wines.

88 Wharf first opened in 2009, featuring mostly New American and Mediterranean fare, though it began to focus on Mexican cuisine before being replaced by Prime Pizza in the early part of 2018.

The address for Madre Osteria & Bar is 88 Wharf Street, Milton, MA, 02186.

[July 7, 2021 update: According to its Instagram page, Madre Osteria & Bar 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.)