Boston Restaurant Talk: December 2020

Thursday, December 31, 2020

Anthony's in Beverly Has Closed

A North Shore dining spot that was popular with office workers has shut down.

According to an article from Wicked Local, Anthony's at the Cummings Center in Beverly is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the place saying that "It is with a heavy heart that I have to share this news with all of you. The time has come for us to MoveOn. After 11 years here at the Cummings Center and 35 years in Beverly." The note hints that owner Anthony Prizio may have a new restaurant in the works, saying that "More details will come about my next venture."

Prizio first opened Anthony's back in 2010, with the place serving breakfast dishes, salads, pizza, subs, pasta, and more, while also offering catering as well.

The address for Anthony's was 800 Cummings Center (Suite 147R), Beverly, MA, 01915.

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.)

Teddy Gallagher's in Franklin Has Closed; Future of Place in Question

A popular Irish pub southwest of Boston has shut down, and it is not known if it might be able to open back up again.

According to a source, Teddy Gallagher's in Franklin has closed its doors, with an article from Wicked Local saying that the decision to close was based on the ongoing pandemic and the restrictions placed on the Main Street spot, including the recent change from the Baker administration to institute a maximum capacity of 25% for dining and drinking spots. In the article, Joe Gallagher, who is one of the owners, says in an email that "The pandemic has basically taken our business....We can not serve 30 people and make any type of profit....We have minimums we need to order from our providers; it simply will not come close to working. We are down to 15 employees. We have single moms, and young people that rely on working here." The door remains open for Teddy Gallagher's to possibly return, though a Facebook post from the pub indicates that this is by no means a given, saying that "We do not know what the future holds, or if we will be able to come back from this but we will indeed try."

Teddy Gallagher's first opened in 2016 and quickly became a local favorite, featuring Irish step dancers on St. Patrick's Day, Christmas parties with Santa, and a New Year's toast including a midnight feed from Dublin that would be shown on the big screen.

The address for Teddy Gallagher's is 30 Main Street, Franklin, MA, 02038. Its website is at http://www.teddygallagherspub.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.)

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Ocho Cafe Is Opening in the Former British Beer Company Space in Westford

A Connecticut-based pair of Mexican restaurants with one location on the South Shore will be opening a new outlet northwest of Boston.

According to an article from Wicked Local Ocho Cafe is planning to open in Westford, moving into the space on Route 110 that had been home to a location of British Beer Company. The upcoming eatery will join the original restaurant in West Hartford and a second location that opened in the former Margaritas space in Weymouth last year--and Wicked Local mentions that Ocho also has an ownership connection to locations of Frontera Grill and Rio Bravo (a total of 18 locations of the three concepts can be found in New England and elsewhere).

Based on the other locations of Ocho Cafe, expect such options as nachos, ceviche, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, fajitas, chile relleno, carne asada, margaritas, and more at the new outlet.

The address for the new location of Ocho Cafe in Westford is 149 Littleton Road (Route 110), Westford, MA, 01886. The website for Ocho can be found at https://www.ochocafema.com/

[July 22, 2021 update: According to its website, Ocho Cafe has opened its Westford location.]

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.)

2 Jerks Kitchen & Bar in Raynham Reopens After Being Hit By Fire

A barbecue spot south of Boston has returned to its space after closing down due to a fire that heavily damaged it in the spring.

According to a source, 2 Jerks Kitchen & Bar in Raynham is open once again, with a Facebook post from the place saying that they are open for dinner with lunch service on the way soon--and as mentioned earlier, the back room of the place has been turned into "a more authentic southern market dining experience." The post also indicates that 2 Jerks will continue to work with the Easton Country Club, where they offered indoor/outdoor dining and takeout while recovering from the fire, saying that "We look forward to continuing that partnership for many years to come!"

2 Jerks Kitchen & Bar was hit by a blaze in May that apparently started due to excess grease in a smoker that caused quite a bit of damage to the space, though the fire took place when the restaurant was empty and no one was injured.

The address for 2 Jerks Kitchen & Bar is 701 Broadway, Raynham, MA, 02767. Its website can be found at http://2jerksbbq.com/

[Earlier Article]
2 Jerks Kitchen & Bar in Raynham Hit By Fire

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, December 29, 2020

Northern Spy Opens in Canton

A new family-friendly restaurant that features regional comfort food--and which has been in the works for awhile--has debuted in an historic space in the southern suburbs of Boston.

According to a press release, Northern Spy is now open at the Paul Revere Heritage Site in Canton, with the restaurant featuring seasonal New England fare while initially being open for takeout and delivery. The menu for the new dining spot includes such items as baked clam dip, braised beef flatbread, parsnip and cheddar pierogi, pork chops, sea scallops, beef stew, baked beans, Parker House rolls, maple pie, and baked apple cornmeal pudding. As mentioned earlier, the people behind Northern Spy also run Loyal Nine, a restaurant in Cambridge that features New England cuisine as well.

The Paul Revere Heritage Site will include an historical museum, residential space, and a town green, while Northern Spy will feature a spacious garden patio during the warmer months.

The address for Northern Spy is 4 Rolling Mill Way, Canton, MA, 02021. Its website can be found at https://www.northernspycanton.com/

[March 5 update: According to a new press release, Northern Spy will add in-person outdoor dining on its patio starting Thursday, March 11, with lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch offered.]

[Earlier Article]
Northern Spy Plans to Open at Paul Revere Heritage Site in Canton

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.)

Amrheins in South Boston Temporarily Suspends Operations, Will Reopen for Breakfast/Lunch on January 6

[Ed note: This article was updated to reflect new information given on when it will be opening back up.]

An iconic South Boston restaurant is closed for now.

According to a source, Amrheins in South Boston is shuttered, with a photo taken of a sign out front saying that "After much consideration we have decided to suspend business until further notice. Please continue to support the small businesses of your community buy gift cards, order take out, tip your delivery drivers. We look forward to serving you in the future." Amrheins, which first opened its doors in 1890, is known in part for its hand-carved bar which is the oldest of its kind in the United States.

The address for Amrheins is 80 West Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website is at https://www.amrheinsboston.com/

[December 29 update: A tweet from Kara Baskin of The Boston Globe mentions that Amrheins plans to open back up on January 6 for breakfast and lunch.]

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 Local in Woburn Is Now Krave Kitchen + Bar

A location of a group of suburban gastropubs that has been under new management since earlier this year now has a new name.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Local in Woburn has been rebranded to Krave Kitchen + Bar, with another poster on the thread saying that the new name was put in place about a week ago and that the menu is similar to that of The Local but with a few additions. The menu for Krave shows such offerings as buffalo cauliflower, poke bowls, wings, steak tips, chicken parmigiana, baked haddock, and a warm skillet cookie.

The Woburn location of The Local first opened in the fall of 2016, taking over the former Masa Taqueria and Tequila Bar space; other locations of The Local can be found in Waltham, Wayland, and Wellesley, with the original location in West Newton planning to reopen 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.)

Monday, December 28, 2020

Avocados, Cask 'n Flagon (Fenway), Galway House, Painted Burro, Rosebud, Squeeze Juice Company Announce They Will Be Closing for Now

Another group of dining spots in the Greater Boston area have decided to shut down for the time being, joining countless other restaurants that have already done so.

According to a number of sources, including some on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Avocados in Stoughton, the Fenway location of Cask 'n Flagon, Galway House in Jamaica Plain, The Painted Burro and Rosebud in Somerville's Davis Square, and Squeeze Juice Company's locations in downtown Boston, the Seaport District, and Somerville's Assembly Row have all announced that they will be closing for some or all of the winter--or an undisclosed amount of time--with all but The Painted Burro and Rosebud (which will close after business hours on December 31) already shutting down. As reported in earlier articles, a huge number of dining and drinking spots in and around Boston have made similar decisions as the pandemic continues and state and local have put restrictions on restaurants and bars, while foot traffic in many parts of the region has decreased dramatically.

Earlier articles on places that have temporarily closed (or are about to do so) can be found here.

[January 4, 2021 update: According to a source, Avocados opens back up today.]

[March 4, 2021 update: A Facebook post indicates that Galway House opens back up on Monday, March 8 while another post mentions that Cask 'n Flagon reopens its Fenway location on March 19.]

[March 31, 2021 update: A Facebook post from the place says that Rosebud is open once again.]

[April 8, 2021 update: According to its Facebook page, the Painted Burro is open once again, including for outdoor dining.]

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.)

China Roma in Revere Is Closing

Another decades-old Chinese restaurant is calling it a day.

According to several sources who have gotten in touch with us over the past few weeks, China Roma in Revere is getting ready to close its doors. An article from the Revere Journal talks about the closing of the Broadway eatery, saying that the City Council honored owners Paul and RoseAnne Musto (who are retiring) and their family a couple of weeks ago while the post also mentions that a Peruvian dining spot plans to open in its space. (The article says that the Musto family has run China Roma for 65 years.)

China Roma's closing comes on the heels of China Moon in Stoneham shutting down earlier this month, with that place being in business for nearly 70 years.

The address for China Roma is 258 Broadway, Revere, MA, 02151.

[December 30 update: A couple of posters on the North Shore Eats Facebook group page indicate that China Roma may be looking to close around mid to late January, with one of the posters saying that this was confirmed in a phone call to the place.]

[January 15, 2021 update: According to a source, China Roma 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.)

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Fiya Chicken Opens by Boston University

A brand new dining spot that features fried chicken options--and fried corn dogs--has come to Boston.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Fiya Chicken is now open on Commonwealth Avenue just east of Packard's Corner, with the address indicating that it has taken over the space that had been home to Love Art Udon. The website for the new place shows such items as wings, tenders, fried chicken sandwiches, Taiwan basil fried chicken, bibimbap, and Korean corn dogs that are fried in pancake batter.

Love Art Udon closed this summer after being in business for approximately two years.

The address for Fiya Chicken is 1024 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. Its website can be found at https://fiyachicken.square.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.)

Black and Orange Bar and Grill in Woburn Is Closing Permanently

A dining and drinking spot in the northern suburbs of Boston is getting ready to shut down for good.

According to a source, the Black and Orange Bar and Grill in Woburn is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from owner Michael Palmer (which was shared on the North Shore Eats Facebook group page) saying that "The Black & Orange Bar and Grill will be closing permanently on December 31st. Thank you to everyone who supported us!" The Black and Orange Bar and Grill first opened last year in the former Tanner Tavern space (which Palmer once ran), offering mostly comfort food and pub grub along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the Black and Orange Bar and Grill is 474 Main Street, Woburn, MA, 01801. Its website can be found at https://blackandorangebarandgrill.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.)

Update: Back Deck, Brewer's Tap & Table, Cambridge Brewing Company, French Quarter, La Catrina, ROOTED Cafe, Warehouse Bar & Grille Have All Reopened

The trend toward Boston-area restaurants closing for the time being continues to pick up steam, with a number of dining and drinking spots shutting down.

According to several sources, including posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Back Deck and French Quarter in Downtown Crossing, Brewer's Tap & Table in Waltham, Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square, La Catrina in Brighton, ROOTED Cafe at the Armory in Somerville, and Warehouse Bar & Grille in the Financial District have all stated that they are shutting down for the time being, with social media posts indicating that all of these spots except for CBC (which shutters as of December 28) have already closed while most indicate that they will remain shuttered for much or all of the winter, though La Catrina hints that their closure may only be for a few weeks and that they are also selling frozen pre-made foods to go on Mondays for now.

For earlier articles on dining and drinking spots in the local area that have temporarily closed, please click here.

[February 19, 2021 update: According to a Facebook post from the place, Cambridge Brewing Company has reopened.]

[February 27, 2021 update: According to its social media, La Catrina is open once again.]

[March 3, 2021 update: A Facebook post from Arts at the Armory mentions that ROOTED Cafe reopened yesterday.]

[April 7, 2021 update: According to their social media pages, Warehouse Bar & Grille is open once again while French Quarter reopens today--and La Catrina is open as well now.]

[April 28, 2021 update: According to their social media, Back Deck opens back up today at 5:00 PM.]

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, December 23, 2020

British Beer Company in Cedarville Is Being Replaced by Plymouth Public House

Yet another location of a small local group of British pubs is shutting down, with this one being replaced by a new restaurant and bar.

According to an article from Wicked Local, British Beer Company in Cedarville will become home to Plymouth Public House, with new owner Paul Tupa (who also runs Tavern on the Wharf on the Plymouth waterfront) planning to close the BBC and make renovations to the space, possibly opening the new spot around April 1. The closing of the Cedarville location of British Beer Company follows several other outlets being closed over the past several years, including in Framingham, Danvers, Walpole, Franklin, Westford, Worcester, and Manchester and Portsmouth, NH. (Existing locations remain in Falmouth, Hyannis, Pembroke, Plymouth Center, and Sandwich.)

The address for the Plymouth Public House is 2294 State Road, Plymouth, MA, 02360. The website for the Plymouth Public House is at https://www.plymouthpublichouse.com/ while the website for the other locations of BBC can be found at https://www.britishbeer.com/

[December 17, 2021 update: According to its website, the Plymouth Public House 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.)

Grant Program Coming for Massachusetts Restaurants and Other Businesses

One day after the Baker administration increased restrictions on restaurants and other businesses in Massachusetts, a new state stimulus program has been announced that is designed to help support those businesses that have been hurt badly by the pandemic and the subsequent restrictions.

In today's press conference, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced that a $668 million relief package is on its way for small businesses in the state, with restaurants and other hard-hit businesses being eligible for grants of up to $75,000 or three months' worth of operating expenses starting as soon as next week. The Baker administration says that the new program will be linked to the existing grant program and that businesses do not need to reapply if they have already done so, while those that have not yet applied can do so starting December 31 via empoweringsmallbusiness.org and that they have until January 15 to apply. (The grant money can be used for rent and utilities along with paying down debt and other costs of operation.)

Yesterday, Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito announced that the maximum capacity of dining spots and other businesses and industries will be lowered to 25% beginning Saturday, December 26 and lasting for at least two weeks.

[Earlier Article]
Baker Administration Rolling Back Maximum Restaurant Capacity to 25% for at Least Two Weeks

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.)

Peruvian Taste Opens in Charlestown

A new dining spot that features Peruvian food has come to a hidden little corner of Charlestown.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Peruvian Taste is now open on Arlington Avenue, taking over the space that had been home to the Charlestown Cafe. The new eatery--which is tucked away on a side street just north of Sullivan Square--offers such items as aguadito (Peruvian chicken soup), lomo saltado (steak with tomatoes and onions), causa rellena de pollo (chicken and potatoes), chicharron de pescado (deep-fried fish), arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), and more, including Peruvian-style Chinese food and a variety of breakfast dishes.

The address for Peruvian Taste is 78 Arlington Avenue, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Its website can be found at https://www.peruvian-taste-restaurant.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.)

Hei La Moon in Chinatown May Be Able to Stay in Its Home

Last spring, it was reported that one of the largest Chinese restaurants in Boston might be losing its home to development. Now we have learned that they may be able to stay on thanks to revised plans for the space.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Oxford Properties has filed new plans with the city to build a 14-story building on Lincoln Street in Chinatown that would mainly be used for research and development, while also having space on the ground floor for Hei La Moon if things can be worked out with the restaurant. Originally, the developer had submitted plans to open a 24-story office tower that would replace both the restaurant and the parking garage that also resides in the space.

Oxford mentioned that it had also talked with the people behind C-Mart to see about their returning to the site as well, but the owners have no interest in reopening the store there, which has been closed since the spring due to the pandemic.

Hei La Moon is a longtime local favorite in Chinatown that is known in part for its dim sum. Its address is 88 Beach Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

[Earlier Article]
Building Housing Hei La Moon in Chinatown May be Replaced by Office Tower

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.)

Common Ground Bar and Grill in Arlington Is for Lease

It looks like the future of an Arlington gastropub is very much in doubt.

A check on the space last night indicates that Common Ground Bar and Grill at Broadway Plaza is for lease, with a sign out front showing a phone number to call for those interested in the space. "For Lease" signs don't necessarily mean that a restaurant has definitely closed--especially in this environment as The Local in West Newton has proved--but we have also been told by a businessperson in Arlington Center that they Common Ground not be reopening.

Common Ground first opened in Arlington in 2014, joining its original location in Allston. (The Allston location shut down last year.)

The address for the Common Ground space in Arlington Center is 319 Broadway, Arlington, MA, 02474.

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, December 22, 2020

Zuru Zuru Has Opened in Malden

A new restaurant featuring noodle and rice dishes has come to Malden.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Zuru Zuru has opened on Pleasant Street, with a sign out front and its Facebook page indicating that it serves ramen and donburi. Based on the picture along with its Facebook page, it appears that the dining spot offers a variety of heat options for its dishes that range from "no spicy" to "hell spicy." One of its posts on Facebook indicates that Zuru Zuru opened its doors over the weekend though its exact first date is not known.

The address for Zuru Zuru is 74 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA, 02148.

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

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

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: Baker Administration Rolling Back Maximum Restaurant Capacity to 25% Until at Least January 24

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 7 to reflect a two-week extension of the restrictions.]

Earlier this month, the Baker administration issued a rollback to Phase 3, Step 1 due to the latest surge in the pandemic, and now new restrictions have been announced that will affect restaurants and other businesses in Massachusetts.

In today's press conference, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito gave details on the latest mandates, including lowering the maximum capacity of dining spots to 25% (not including workers and staff) starting on Saturday, December 26. Baker mentioned that because this and other decisions made today will certainly affect local businesses, a significant economic relief fund will be presented tomorrow that will be geared toward helping those small businesses that are affected the most by the restrictions.

In addition to restaurants, the capacity restrictions also apply to most other industries and businesses (including theaters, grocery stores, and performance venues) along with houses of worship, while outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people and indoor gatherings will be capped at 10 people.

[January 7, 2021 update: According to an article from NBC10, the capacity restrictions issued by the Baker administration are being extended for two more weeks to January 24.]

[Earlier Article]
Governor Baker Issues Rollback to Phase 3, Step 1 Starting December 13

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.)

Hopsters in Newton and Boston Are Hitting the Auction Block

Last month, it was reported that a local brewery with two locations in the Boston area appeared to be headed toward liquidation. Now we have learned that this has indeed happened and that pieces of the places are going to be sold off.

According to a tweet from @TheDrewStarr (via an ad on Brewbound), Hopsters in Newton and Boston are going on the auction block, with auction and appraisal firm Paul E. Saperstein Co. showing that brewery equipment, kitchen and bar equipment, fixtures and furniture, and electronics are being offered via online auctions for the Boston location on January 5 and the Newton location on January 12. In November, a judge rejected a bid by Hopsters to prevent a trustee from changing a September bankruptcy filing to a liquidation; back in September, Hopsters founder/owner Lee Cooper had been looking to reorganize and reinvent the business in order to keep it going.

Hopsters' two locations were in Newton Corner and Boston's Fort Point neighborhood.

[Earlier Articles]
Hopsters Appears to Be Headed Toward Liquidation
Hopsters Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

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.)

Donut Villa Diner in Malden Is Expanding to Cambridge's Central Square, Moving into The Field Space

A longtime diner in Malden that is known in part for its donuts is expanding to Cambridge, taking over the space where an Irish pub had been.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, Donut Villa Diner on Highland Avenue is planning to open a second location on Prospect Street in Central Square, moving into the space where The Field was until closing this summer. Based on the offerings at the Malden location, the proposed outlet in Cambridge would likely feature diner fare with an emphasis on donuts, while Cambridge Day said it would also offer vegan dishes.

The Malden location of Donut Villa Diner dates back more than 40 years, with the original owners calling the place Donut Villa; the eatery changed ownership approximately three years ago, and with it, a change to its present name.

The address for the new Donut Villa Diner in Central Square is 20 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The website for the Malden location can be found at https://www.donutvilladiner.com/

[May 24, 2021 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Donut Villa Diner is now open in Cambridge.]

[Earlier Article]
The Field in Cambridge's Central Square Is Closing

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

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

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: Legal Sea Foods Restaurant Chain Has Been Sold to PPX Hospitality Brands

[Ed note: This article was updated on December 22 and 23 to reflect the fact that the deal has now been finalized.]

An iconic local group of seafood restaurants has a new owner.

According to a post from WCVB 5 and a subsequent press release, the restaurant part of Boston-based Legal Sea Foods has been sold to PPX Hospitality Brands, a holding company that is headquartered in Medford and is known for its Strega and Smith & Wollensky brands. While the sale applies only to the Legal dining spots, Roger Berkowitz--whose family founded the company--is holding onto other parts of the business, including the retail and online aspects of the company.

WCVB says that PPX, which is part of Dublin-based Danu Partners, has invited current employees of Legal Sea Foods to stay on board.

Legal Sea Foods has been in business since 1968.

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, December 21, 2020

Bar Mezzana, Benedetto, Black Lamb, Cornwall's Tavern, Gustazo, Nathalie, Playmakers, The Poynt, River Bar All Announce Plans to Close for Now

Even more restaurants in the Greater Boston area are making plans to close temporarily.

According to a number of sources, including posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Bar Mezzana in Boston's South End, Benedetto in Cambridge, Black Lamb in the South End, Cornwall's Tavern in Kenmore Square, Gustazo in Cambridge and Waltham, nathálie Wine Bar in the Fenway, Playmakers Restaurant and Bar in Waltham, The Poynt in Newburyport, and River Bar in Somerville' Assembly Row have all announced that they will be shutting down for the time being, with social media posts indicating that Bar Mezanna closes as of December 23, Benedetto shuttered this weekend, Black Lamb closes as of December 23, Cornwall's Tavern closed over the weekend, Gustazo's two locations shut down starting today, nathálie Wine Bar and Playmakers closed over the weekend, River Bar closed as of today, and The Poynt shutters as of December 24. It appears that all plan to remain closed for part or all of the winter, with their exact reopenings presumably being dependent on a number of factors related to the ongoing pandemic, including progress with vaccines, increased foot traffic, and lifting of local and state restrictions.

For earlier articles on restaurants in the local area that have temporarily closed, please click here.

[January 14, 2021 update: A message sent to us indicates that Cornwall's is open once again.]

[February 5, 2021 update: An Instagram post indicates that Gustazo's two locations in Waltham and Cambridge are open once again.]

[March 31, 2021 update: Facebook posts indicate that Nathalie reopens April 2 while River Bar is now open once again.]

[April 2, 2021 update: According to a list from boston.com, Bar Mezzana and Black Lamb are both open once again.]

[April 6, 2021 update: According to its Facebook page, The Poynt is open once again.]

[April 21, 2021 update: Eater Boston states that Benedetto will not be reopening.]

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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The Charles Has Opened in Reading; Owner of Bunratty Tavern Is Behind the Place

Several months ago, it was reported that the person behind a suburban Irish pub was planning to expand into a former bakery space next door. Now we have learned more about the new spot, which opened for business over the weekend.

According to Eilish Carlyle-Havey of Bunratty Tavern in Reading, The Charles is now open next door in the old D'Amici's Bakery space, with the new restaurant featuring decor that is "classic American/Hollywood from around the 40s-50s" while also having a private back room with prints that go back more than 100 years showing how the space has changed over time. We have been told that The Charles features steak and seafood dishes along with pasta and some vegetarian items, while drinks include classic cocktails such as Vieux Carre, Old Fashioneds, and espresso martinis.

While The Charles opened its doors yesterday, it will not open back up until Wednesday, then it will close again for the holiday (Thursday and Friday) and reopen on Saturday and Sunday, at which point it will be open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday each week. (Brunch service will soon be added as well.)

The address for The Charles is 614 Main Street while the address for Bunratty Tavern is 622 Main Street. The Facebook page for The Charles can be found at https://www.facebook.com/thecharlesreading

[Earlier Article]
Bunratty Tavern in Reading to Expand into Former D'Amici's Bakery Space Next Door

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.)

Max Brenner in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed Permanently

A small chain of upscale chocolate bars and cafes has shut down its Boston location.

A message sent to us today from the company indicates that Max Brenner in the Back Bay has closed permanently, which confirms rumors we have heard of late that the Boylston Street spot had been cleared out. The combination chocolate bar/restaurant was known for its variety of chocolate-based items, including cookies, waffles, ice cream, shakes, hot chocolate and chocolate martinis, along with food options such as salads, sandwiches (including waffle sandwiches), flatbreads, and more.

Max Brenner, which is based in Israel, has locations in New York City and Philadelphia, as well as a number of others overseas; their Boston location first opened back in 2011.

The address for the now-closed location of Max Brenner in the Back Bay was 745 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the company can be found at https://maxbrenner.us/

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, December 18, 2020

Legal Oysteria in Charlestown Has Closed

A local chain of seafood restaurants has closed a Boston location that had a slightly different concept from its other dining spots.

Based on information from several sources, including @Scott_Mac12, who posted a tweet about it earlier this week, Legal Oysteria in Charlestown has shut down, with one source (who has connections to the local restaurant industry) telling us that today was the last day for the City Square eatery, and that this is a permanent closure. A call placed to the restaurant confirms this, with the voicemail message saying that the place has indeed ceased operations.

Legal Oysteria first opened in 2014 in the former Olives space, with the restaurant focusing in part on coastal Italian seafood dishes.

The address for Legal Oysteria was 10 City Square, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Its website can be found at https://www.legalseafoods.com/restaurants/charlestown-legal-oysteria-104

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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Crush Pizza in Downtown Boston Is Closing Down; Quincy Location to Remain Open

A pizzeria in downtown Boston that is known for its Neapolitan-style pies is shutting its doors, though its other location will remain in operation.

A message sent to us indicates that Crush Pizza on State Street is closing after business hours tomorrow (Saturday, December 19), with the closure being due in part to business being down substantially in a section of the city that has been hit particularly hard by a lack of foot traffic as so many office workers are now working from home through the pandemic. We have been told that the outlet of Crush on Hancock Street in Quincy Center will remain in operation and that the team in Boston will be moving there--and the hope is to open a new outlet in another part of Boston at some point, though no specifics have been given as of yet.

Crush Pizza first opened in Boston in 2013, with the Quincy location opening last summer.

The address for Crush Pizza in downtown Boston is 107 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for both locations can be found at https://www.crushpizza.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]

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Nando Is Opening in Boston's North End

It looks like a brand new restaurant is on its way to the North End of Boston, and it will be moving into a space where a decades-old pharmacy had been until closing last year.

According to an article from northendwaterfront.com, Nando is planning to open on Hanover Street in the former Green Cross Pharmacy space, and it is seeking the liquor license held by the now-closed Zuma Tex-Mex Grill/Mezcala Tex-Mex Grill which had been located at Faneuil Hall. The article mentions that Mira Giangregorio is behind the proposed Italian eatery and that she is a member of the family that owned the pharmacy.

The North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) gave unanimous approval of a liquor license transfer to Nando Trattoria, according to northendwaterfront.com.

The address for Nando is 393 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

[April 9, 2021 update: According to a source, Nando is now open, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this.]

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.)

Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot May Be Replacing New Jumbo Seafood Restaurant in Boston's Chinatown

It looks like a longtime favorite for Chinese food could be going away, with a new restaurant planning to take over its space.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot is looking to acquire the license held by New Jumbo Seafood Restaurant to operate in its space on Hudson Street, with Feng Chen being the manager listed and with a proposed closing time of 3:00 AM. No other information has been given on the proposed eatery, so as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

New Jumbo Seafood Restaurant was once called Jumbo Seafood until it went through an ownership change a bit less than 15 years ago; both versions of the restaurant have been known for their Hong Kong-style dishes, and back when it was Jumbo Seafood, it was one of a few places in Chinatown (including the long-closed King Fung Garden on Kneeland Street) where well-known local chefs might be seen dining out during their off-hours.

The address for the proposed Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot (and New Jumbo Seafood Restaurant) is 5 Hudson Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

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

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

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.)

Jeffrey Gates Has Four New Projects in the Works for Boston's South End

It looks like a well-known local restaurateur may have multiple projects on the way to a Boston neighborhood.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Jeffrey Gates is looking to open four places on Harrison Avenue in the SoWa section of the South End, including Roma 500 in the former Cinquecento space, Brasserie in the former Gaslight space, The Power Station in the historic SoWa Power Station space, and Pho on Thayer, which would presumably be where Harrison Avenue and Thayer Street meet. It looks like Roma 500 would be an Italian restaurant, though we are still waiting to hear more about Brasserie, and the Power Station would be an events venue according to an article from The Boston Sun, while BosGuy indicates that Pho on Thayer would be an Asian eatery.

As BosGuy says, Jeffrey Gates is a former partner of The Aquitaine Group, which currently runs Metropolis Cafe in the South End and Aquitaine in the South End and Chestnut Hill--and which had operated the now-closed Cinquecento and Gaslight (including a location of the latter in Lynnfield), and a location of Aquitaine in Dedham, which is also shuttered.

[January 28, 2021 update: A post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com indicates that Brasserie will be a classic French brasserie with a "carefully curated beverage program."]

[April 15, 2021 update: A message sent to us indicates that Brasserie is looking to open sometime in early May (an earlier update from a job posting had given a specific date but that date might not be definite).]

[May 4, 2021 update: Eater Boston states that Brasserie opens on Thursday, May 6.]

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, December 17, 2020

Wolf Next Door Coffee Is Opening in Salem

A brand new coffee shop is opening on the North Shore, and a familiar name is behind the place.

According to a message sent to us, Wolf Next Door Coffee is getting ready to debut in Salem, moving into a space on Derby Street where Derby Joe had been. We are told that Diane Wolf, who runs the nearby Lobster Shanty with her husband Lee, will be running the spot, which will initially be takeout only and will offer pastries, baked goods, soups, sandwiches, coffee, and tea, with salads possibly being added to the menu in the summer. (The plan is to also add indoor seating once things start to feel safer.)

If all goes as planned, Wolf Next Door Coffee hopes to open sometime next week.

The address for Wolf Next Door Coffee is 142 Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website can be found at https://www.wolfnextdoorcoffee.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.)

Update: Za in Cambridge's Kendall Square Reopens After Closing for Much of the Winter

A pair of restaurants known for their specialty pizzas will be temporarily shutting down one of their locations as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc throughout the restaurant industry.

According to a Facebook post from Steve Kurland of Za in Cambridge and Arlington, the Cambridge location (in Kendall Square) is getting ready to close for now, with the post saying the following:

Za in Cambridge will be pausing operations (the word "hibernating" sounds too cute for such a painful decision). Our final day in 2020 will be December 23rd. Za in Arlington will remain open. Ultimately, pausing now will allow us to reopen when the time is right. We hung in there as long as we could and we appreciate the outpouring of support from our guests and the incredible performance of our staff.

Kurland--who is also behind Evoo in Kendall Square --goes on to thank The City of Cambridge and the Kendall Square Association and Cambridge Local First who have been "tremendously helpful" during this time, along with the restaurant's workers and customers, saying at the end of the post to "Please consider using our Arlington location for takeout and delivery and, if you are looking for ways to help us or other restaurants, please continue to patronize all of us in any way you can and to back programs that will aid in small business recovery."

The address for Za in Kendall Square is 350 Third Street, while the address for the Arlington location is 138 Massachusetts Avenue. (The website for both can be found at https://zarestaurant.com/)

[March 5, 2021 update: Steve Kurland tells us that Za is now open once again in Kendall 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.)

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

China King in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood Is Closing; Could Return Elsewhere

A beloved restaurant in the Chinatown section of Boston is shutting down, though it might open back up in another space.

According to a source, China King on Beach Street is closing its doors after business hours on December 31, with owner Doris Huang indicating in a boston.com article that the COVID-19 pandemic played a role, saying "The past months, [there's been] no business....It's empty. Every day there's not enough business in Chinatown. So I just wanted to sell [China King] and take a break and take time." The post hints that the restaurant could return at some point, however, possibly in the South End or Cambridge, though no specifics have been given as of yet.

China King is known in part for its Peking duck along with its dumplings and noodle dishes, and Huang had also been co-owner of the old King Fung Garden on Kneeland Street which was a legendary spot that was a favorite among food critics and local chefs alike.

The address for China King is 60 Beach Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website can be found at https://bostonchinaking.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.)

Blue Coyote Grille in Maynard Is Closing Permanently

A longtime local fave in the western suburbs for comfort food is shutting down.

According to a source, Blue Coyote Grille in Maynard is closing for good, with a Facebook post from the Main Street spot saying the following:

Well, Maynard, Thank you. Some news leaked out before I had the chance to make the announcement. I apologize to those that heard it elsewhere. We will be closing on December 20th, 2020 after a decade run at 137 Main Street. We will be open this week from Wednesday through Sunday 5-9PM so please come and say goodbye to your favorite staff....Thank you from the bottom of my heart and support local businesses this Holiday!

The post also indicates that Tryst in Arlington, which has an ownership connection to Blue Coyote Grille, will remain in operation, with Taek-Soo Kim (who wrote the post) saying that "You can still find me at Tryst restaurant...or you can always call me for anything."

Blue Coyote Grille, which has been in business for nearly 20 years, is known for its rustic atmosphere along with such options as wings, nachos, steak tips, pulled pork quesadillas, and burgers, along with various entrees that they had offered before the pandemic hit.

The address for Blue Coyote Grille is 137 Main Street, Maynard, MA, 01754. The website for the place can be found at https://www.bluecoyotegrillema.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.)