Boston Restaurant Talk: April 2021

Friday, April 30, 2021

Juanita Restaurant and Grill Is Moving into Former Morrell's BBQ Space in Stoughton

A Brazilian restaurant in the southern suburbs is in the process of moving to a larger location, taking over the space where a barbecue spot had been.

According to a tweet from @JeremyKrantz, Juanita Restaurant and Grill is opening in the old Morrell's BBQ space on Washington Street in Stoughton, moving from its previous location on Canton Street. A Facebook post from the place mentions that the new space is expected to include a buffet as well as an upstairs bar while also offering delivery, with the sign up for the spot indicating that it will be a Brazilian steakhouse.

Morrell's BBQ left its space in Stoughton in late 2019, saying at the time that it would focus on catering along with its food truck for corporate and private events.

The new address for Juanita Restaurant and Grill will be 577 Washington Street while its old address was 79 Canton Street.

[July 26, 2022 update: A new tweet from @JeremyKrantz indicates that Juanita Restaurant and Grill has opened its doors.]

[Earlier Article]

Morrell's BBQ in Stoughton Has Closed; Business to Focus on Catering and Food Truck

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.)

WakuWaku Ramen & Sake Is Opening in the Former Suishaya Space in Boston's Chinatown

A new dining spot that will feature ramen and sake is on its way to Chinatown, replacing a Korean restaurant and sushi spot that appeared to be under the same ownership.

According to a post from Eater Boston, WakuWaku is planning to open in the space on Tyler Street where Suishaya had been, with the eatery being open for lunch and dinner daily. The upcoming spot has a connection to KLW Hospitality which is behind such places as Hong Kong Eatery, Quic Pic BBQ, Limelight Stage & Studios, The Ming Dynasty, and the now-closed Suishaya, based on Eater's post along with a corporate page showing that the parent company for WakuWaku is Suishaya, Inc.

The address for WakuWaku is 2 Tyler Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website can be found at https://www.wakuwakuramen.com/ while the website for KLW Hospitality is at https://klwhospitality.com/

[June 16 update: A tweet from @FortPointer indicates that WakuWaku 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.)

EBO & Co. Grocery Is Opening in East Boston

The founder of a business that hosts oyster- and caviar-based popup events is going to be opening a brick-and-mortar neighborhood market.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Alexis Cervasio of East Boston Oysters is planning to open EBO & Co. Grocery at an undisclosed location in Eastie, with the store carrying everyday items along with oysters, caviar, sake, cheese, coffee, produce, natural wines, and more. In the article, Cervasio says that "Our entire mission is to make things like oysters and caviar more approachable, so I think it will be fun to have some old-timers in there trying caviar for maybe the first time....The timing feels right personally, and I know that the neighborhood is ready for it."

A fundraising page for EBO & Co. Grocery can be found at https://www.numarket.co/ebo (the $30,000 goal was met in two days) while the website for East Boston Oysters is at https://www.eastbostonoysters.com/

[December 7 update: Eater Boston states that EBO & Co. Grocery is now open at 110 Meridian Street.]

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, April 29, 2021

Street Bar, Contessa Opening within The Newbury Boston

A rebranded hotel in Boston is getting ready to open, and it will include a lobby bar and a rooftop restaurant.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Street Bar and Contessa are going to be opening within The Newbury Boston, a hotel at the corner of Newbury Street and Arlington Street (across from the Public Garden) that had previously been The Taj, and before that, the Ritz-Carlton. Eater says that Street Bar is slated to open May 18 when the hotel debuts, while Contessa, which will be an Italian restaurant located on the roof of the hotel, plans to open in the middle of June. (The restaurant will have a glass roof with retractable panels.) Both spots will be run by Major Food Group, which operates two dozen dining and drinking places in the United States and overseas, with these two spots being their first two in Massachusetts.

Plans for The Newbury Boston were first announced in the fall of 2019.

The address for The Newbury Boston is 1 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its website can be found at https://www.thenewburyboston.com/

[June 22 update: Eater Boston states that Contessa opens today.]

[Earlier Article]
Taj Boston to Become The Newbury; Will Include Rooftop 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.)

Hemlock Grill Is Opening in the Former VineRipe Grill Space in Brookline

A new restaurant is on its way to a golf course in Brookline, and a couple of familiar names are behind the spot.

According to an article in Wicked Local, Hemlock Grill is planning to open in the former VineRipe Grill space at the Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course off the West Roxbury Parkway, with Hemlock Grill owner Chris Yorty and business partner Alex Saenz currently being behind Bisq Meats & Sandwiches at Time Out Market Boston in the Fenway (Saenz is also co-owner of Taqueria El Barrio at Time Out Market). The post mentions that Hemlock Grill will be a casual restaurant that focuses on American fare, including such items as breakfast sandwiches, a summer beet and berry salad, a Caesar wrap, a cold fried chicken sandwich, and a smokehouse BLT, along with beer and wine.

The upcoming opening of Hemlock Grill, which has a one-year contract at the golf course, comes on the heels of a controversial decision by town officials to say goodbye to VineRipe Grill after 13 years, which led to public outrage over the closing of the beloved restaurant. Yorty indicates that Hemlock Grill hopes to continue the community connection that VineRipe had, saying the following:

I was in all those meetings, listening to the outpouring of support for [owner Lisa Wisel], and then I spent a week with her when she was moving out and I was offering her the ability to use our space while we're there to keep her commitments through the summer and everything....Just serving good food doesn't strictly, you know, dictate success....You need to be involved in the community, so once we get our feet under us, we would love to make the same connections that Lisa had, whether it's donations of food, time, the space – all of that stuff is on the table.

The website for Hemlock Grill can be found at https://www.hemlockgrill.com/

[June 17 update: A message sent to us indicates that Hemlock Grill 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.)

Chattermark Distillers Plans to Open in Charlestown; Tasting Room in the Works

A brand new distillery is in the process of opening in a hidden corner of Boston, and the plan is to open a tasting room as well.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Chattermark Distillers is looking to set up a tasting room in Charlestown, with the business being below the Tobin Bridge on the small peninsula formed by Little Mystic Channel and the Mystic River. A check on its website and social media pages indicates that the distillery is currently offering two types of rye and a gin for curbside pickup, while also saying that they are "Boston's only rye and bourbon distiller" (it looks like a bourbon, an American whiskey, and another rye are in the process of being aged right now).

Chattermark Distillers mentions on their website that they are a veteran-owned business, with John Sorgini being the founder and CEO and Kyle LeClerc being the head distiller.

The address for Chattermark Distillers is 200 Terminal Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. The website for the business can be found at https://www.chattermarkdistillers.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.)

Two-Alarm Fire Hits Thai Moon in Arlington

A longtime Thai restaurant in the northwest suburbs is closed for now after suffering damage in a fire.

According to a source, Thai Moon in Arlington was hit by a two-alarm fire this morning, with a check on the Mass. Ave. space showing smoke in the air and firefighters walking in and out of the space. The fire has been knocked down, with our source mentioning that it may have gone up into the second floor of the building, though we are still waiting on an official report so keep checking back for updates.

The address for Thai Moon is 663 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. Its website can be found at https://www.thaimoonarlington.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.)

Drifter's Tale Is Opening in the Former Bukowski Tavern Space in Cambridge's Inman Square

It looks like a new restaurant and bar is on its way to Cambridge, taking over the space where a dining and drinking spot known in part for its beer options had been.

According to a license commission page, Drifter's Tale is planning to open in the city's Inman Square area, with the address indicating that it would take over the former Bukowski Tavern space on Cambridge Street. The meeting notice mentions that the proposed spot would include a dining area and a separate bar and that the manager listed is Aron Freeman, while the parent company mentioned--Devonshire Restaurant Group, LLC--indicates that Jairo Dominguez (Publico, Casa Cana, Bar Mercato) is apparently involved as well. Very little is known about Drifter's Tale at this point in time, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

Bukowski Tavern shut down permanently last summer after being in business for approximately 17 years; the original location on Dalton Street in Boston's Back Bay remains in operation.

The address for Drifter's Tale is 1281 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[July 27 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Drifter's Tale is now open, with Google reviews mentioning that the menu includes tacos, wings, burgers, flatbreads, and a sausage platter.]

[Earlier Article]
Bukowski Tavern in Cambridge's Inman Square Has Closed for Good

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

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

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

JMP Fine Indian Cuisine at Hong Kong Supermarket/Super 88 Food Court in Allston Has Closed

An Indian restaurant that has resided within a Boston food court for a long time has shut down for good.

According to a source (Sarah Wu), JMP Fine Indian Cuisine at the Hong Kong Supermarket/Super 88 Food Court in Allston has closed permanently, with a note posted saying that its last day was April 25 while also referring customers to a restaurant that is affiliated with it--Al Maidah Cuisine, which is located on Cambridge Street in Burlington.

JMP Fine Indian Cuisine first opened its doors approximately 18 years ago.

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.)

City of Boston to Delay Easing of Some Restrictions by Three Weeks

Yesterday, the Baker administration gave a timeline for the easing of various restrictions that affect Massachusetts restaurants, bars, and clubs, but now we have learned that the city of Boston will be lagging behind the state in some areas.

According to a Twitter thread from Mayor Kim Janey, a three-week delay will be instituted for various reopening measures, including singing being allowed in indoor restaurants, bars, and event venues (June 1 for Boston, May 10 for the state), bars, beer gardens, breweries, and wineries that do not serve food being able to reopen (June 19 for Boston, May 29 for the state), customers no longer having to order food with alcoholic beverages (June 19 for Boston, May 29 for the state), restaurants and bars being able to increase maximum table capacity from six to ten (June 19 for Boston, May 29 for the state), capacity of restaurants, bars, and other businesses to return to 100% (August 22 for Boston, August 1 for the state), and presumably, nightclubs and dance clubs reopening (August 22 for Boston, August 1 for the state).

Janey does say that the easing of outdoor face mask usage will align with that of the state (April 30) as will venues having a capacity of 5,000 or more being able to increase their maximum capacity from 12% to 25% (May 10).

[Earlier Article]
Baker Administration to Allow Bars That Don't Serve Food to Reopen Starting May 29

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, April 27, 2021

Menya Jiro Plans to Open at Legacy Place in Dedham

An award-winning group of ramen spots based in Japan is on its way to a development just off Route 128.

According to a press release, Menya Jiro is opening at Legacy Place in Dedham later this year, with this being the first Boston-area location of the restaurant which has outlets in New York City and Japan. The new location will be open for lunch and dinner daily and outdoor dining will be available during the warmer months.

Menya Jiro, which has won street ramen competitions in New York, focuses on build-your-own ramen dishes including spicy and vegetarian options, with garlic and fried onions added to the ramen just before it is served.

The address for the upcoming Menya Jiro in Dedham will be 756 Legacy Place, Dedham, MA, 02026. The website for Menya Jiro can be found at https://menyajiro.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.)

Baker Administration to Allow Bars That Don't Serve Food to Reopen Starting May 29

It looks like Massachusetts bars that have been closed for more than a year due to pandemic-related restrictions will be able to reopen late next month.

In today's update, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito stated that starting May 29, bars that do not serve food will be able to reopen, as will those beer gardens, breweries, and wineries in the state that also don't offer food--and in addition, customers will no longer need to order food with their drinks at any of these businesses, though patrons will need to be seated while groups will have to be spaced six feet apart--and the 90-minute limit will continue for now. (The maximum table capacity will be increased from six to ten.)

In the update, Polito also stated that starting May 10, venues having a capacity of 5,000 or more will be able to increase their maximum capacity from 12% to 25%, and singing will be allowed indoors as of May 10 as well. (Polito also mentioned that the plan is for dance clubs and nightclubs to be able to reopen as of August 1, or possibly earlier depending on public health data, and capacity of restaurants, bars, and other businesses will increase to 100% by or before August 1.)

Finally, the outdoor mask mandate gets lifted on Friday, April 30, which could have at least some effect on patio 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.)

The Banks Fish House Is Opening in the Former Post 390 Space in Boston's Back Bay

Last fall, it was reported that an upscale tavern in the Back Bay of Boston had closed down, though the group behind the place was looking to open something new in the space. Now we have learned that this will indeed be the case.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, Himmel Hospitality Group (Bistro du Midi, Grill 23, Harvest) is opening a restaurant tentatively called Grand Banks Fish House in the former Post 390 space on Stuart Street, with the upcoming two-story restaurant planning to offer New England seafood options such as clam chowder, baked stuffed lobster, and lobster boils along with Dover sole, uni, and razor clams, while the space itself will include a raw bar, a cocktail bar, and an upstairs dining room with two fireplaces, a horseshoe bar, and an open kitchen. If all goes as planned, the new spot will open in July.

Post 390 first opened in 2009, offering New American and classic American fare.

The address for the new restaurant is 406 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[July 15 update: A new website for the business indicates that its name will now be "The Banks Fish House" or simply "The Banks," and that the space will include a raw bar and cocktail bar upstairs called The Top Shell. In addition, boston.com states that the restaurant plans to open on Wednesday, July 21. (The new site for the place can be found at https://thebanksboston.com/)]

[July 21 update: Local hospitality writer Cheryl Fenton confirms that The Banks opens today for dinner, with lunch service commencing tomorrow.]

[Earlier Article]
Post 390 in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed Permanently

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

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

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, April 26, 2021

Update: Five Horses Tavern, Worden Hall, Elm Street Taproom Reopen After Closing for the Winter

[Ed note: This article was updated on April 26, 2021 to reflect the fact that all of the restaurants/bars from Hawkeye Hospitality are now open again.]

A local restaurant group that runs four dining and drinking spots has decided to shut them all down for the time being.

According to a message sent to us, Hawkeye Hospitality is pausing operations at Five Horses Tavern in Somerville's Davis Square and Boston's South End, Worden Hall in South Boston, and Elm Street Taproom in Davis Square starting the week leading up to Christmas, with the plan being to reopen all four places in March. All of the spots have put up Facebook posts, which say the following:

Unfortunately the current advisories and state regulations do not allow us to provide the level of hospitality that we feel meets our standards....Although 2020 has been challenging in many ways we are excited and hopeful for the upcoming year. Together we can take the next few months to remain safe and focus on better days ahead.

The four restaurants and bars from Hawkeye are among countless other places in the Boston area that have closed for the winter--or have announced plans to do so--in light of the pandemic and the resulting state and local restrictions along with decreased foot traffic.

The website for Hawkeye Hospitality is at http://www.hawkeyehospitality.com/

[April 27, 2021 update: According to posts on social media, both locations of Five Horses Tavern are open once again, as are Worden Hall and Elm Street Taproom.]

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.)

Harbor Lounge Replaces Sinatra at Encore Boston Harbor

A new cocktail spot has come to a resort and casino near the Boston line, and it replaces a high-end Italian restaurant that is no longer in business.

According to a source, Harbor Lounge is now open within Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, with a Facebook post indicating that the new place has moved into the space where Sinatra had been. The post shows that the menu includes small bites, cocktails, and mocktails, with food offerings including cheese and charcuterie boards, spring pea hummus, and serrano ham panini, with cocktails having Boston-themed names to them. (Harbor Lounge also has live entertainment, including piano music.)

Sinatra was an upscale eatery that was known in part for its classic Italian and Italian-American dishes along with its wines, cocktails, and spirits.

The web page for Harbor Lounge can be found at https://www.encorebostonharbor.com/dining-and-nightlife/dining/harbor-lounge

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.)

Sunday, April 25, 2021

Update: Miracle of Science Bar + Grill in Cambridge Reopens After Being Temporarily Closed for Several Months

[Ed note: This article was updated on April 25, 2021 to reflect the fact that the place has reopened.]

A Cambridge spot known in part for its burgers and beer is one of the latest restaurants to close for the winter.

According to a source, Miracle of Science Bar + Grill on Mass. Ave. near MIT has gone into hibernation as of early November, with a message sent to us by the dining spot confirming this, indicating that it will remain shuttered until a vaccine becomes a reality. Miracle of Science is one of many restaurants and bars hibernating during the colder months, with others that have already shut down including Commonwealth in Cambridge's Kendall Square, The Emory in Beacon Hill, The Kenmore in Kenmore Square, Grand Tour in the Back Bay, Pier 6 in Charlestown, ReelHouse in East Boston and Quincy, Gray's Hall in South Boston, Orfano and Tiger Mama in the Fenway, and Sligo Pub in Somerville's Davis Square.

The address for Miracle of Science Bar + Grill is 321 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at http://www.miracleofscience.us/

[April 26, 2021 update: According to an Instagram post from the place, Miracle of Science is open once again.]

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, April 23, 2021

Bird & Wolf Restaurant in North Andover to Open May 5

The restaurant part of a business north of Boston that recently opened a bakehouse and cafe is getting ready to open its doors.

According to a press release, Bird & Wolf restaurant is planning to open in North Andover on May 5, with the Osgood Street spot including a dining room, a full bar, and a covered patio that will be open year around, along with its indoor cafe. The restaurant will focus on New American fare with its produce being grown locally and in-house, while its menu will include such items as smoked and cured seafood, short rib, risotto, mushrooms, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixed drinks.

Bird & Wolf cafe and bakehouse debuted last month, offering baked goods and pastries from executive baker and pastry chef Giselle Miller (formerly of Liquid Art House in Boston) as well as coffee, tea, and vegan milks.

The address for Bird & Wolf is 1268 Osgood Street, North Andover, MA, 01845. Its website can be found at https://www.birdnwolf.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.)

Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine Is Opening in the Vittorio's Grill and Kitchen Space in Brookline

A Cambridge restaurant that features Central Asian cuisine is expanding to Brookline.

According to an article from Wicked Local, Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine is opening on Beacon Street, taking over the space where Vittorio's Grill and Kitchen currently resides. Once the new location opens, expect to see dishes that are typically found in the far northwest part of China (including kebabs, mutton, kebabs, and roasted fish and rice), with most of the food being halal. It looks like work could begin on the space in early May, possibly taking one or two weeks to complete.

The Cambridge location of Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine, which resides on Cambridge Street, first opened in June of 2017.

The address for the new location of Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine in Brookline is 1398 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the original location in Cambridge is at https://www.silkroadcambridge.com/

Thanks to Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.

[July 16 update: Based on its Instagram page, the new Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine in Brookline 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.)

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Eve & Murray's Farm to Home Is Opening in West Acton

A new shop that features cheese, charcuterie, and more is on its way to the northwest suburbs.

A message sent today indicates that Eve & Murray's Farm to Home is going to be opening in West Acton, moving into a space on Massachusetts Avenue within the West Acton Villageworks, a group of independent businesses that includes True West Brewing Company. Owners Dawn (Eve) Aguiar and Tamara (Murray) Deluzio will be setting up a cheese and charcuterie counter at the store, while also offering cold sandwiches, grab-and-go cheese/charcuterie "bento boxes," breads, baked goods, vegan options, and more. (Cheese boards, serving platters, bitters, craft mixers, and barware will also be available.)

If all goes as planned, Eve & Murray's Farm to Home will open sometime in July.

The address for the upcoming Eve & Murray's Farm to Home will be 525 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA, 01720. Its website can be found at https://www.eveandmurrays.com/

[November 9 update: A Facebook post indicates that Eve & Murray's opens today.]

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, April 21, 2021

BBQ Chicken Is Opening in Lowell

A Korean chain that focuses on all things chicken appears to be opening a new location north of Boston.

According to a source (Aron Levy), BBQ Chicken is expanding to Lowell, with a Facebook post on the Lowell Live Feed Forum group page indicating that it will be taking over the space on Merrimack Street where Lowell Burger Company had been. Based on the menu at the Harvard Avenue location in Allston, expect to see a variety of options for wings and boneless chicken at the new spot, along with whole chicken dishes as well.

The address for the new location of BBQ Chicken in Lowell is 143 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA, 01852. The website for the Allston location can be found at https://www.bbqchickenallston.com/

[February 3, 2022 update: A message from Aron Levy indicates that the Lowell location of BBQ Chicken is now open (Ed Note--another outlet appears to be on its way to Malden as well).]

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.)

Benedetto in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Closed Permanently

An upscale Italian restaurant inside a Cambridge hotel will not be reopening.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Benedetto within the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square has shut down for good, with owners Mike Pagliarini and Pam Ralston saying that the restaurant's lease is being terminated. An announcement sent out via a newsletter says the following:

As owners, we are still processing this loss of the business that for the past five years has been a tremendous source of pride and joy....For us, Benedetto has been a success story in every way. We made delicious, inspired food. We created a community that meant so much to our guests and to our team. Despite the hardships the pandemic placed on our industry, we were financially sound. We were so inspired by the way our team came together to get us through the hardest parts of the past year, and it feels so unfair that we've reached this point only to be forced to close.

Benedetto was slated to reopen later this month after being closed for the winter and part of the spring; Pagliarini and Ralston also run Giulia, a nearby restaurant on Mass. Ave. that remains in operation and which will honor Benedetto gift cards.

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: The Kenmore in Boston's Kenmore Square Reopens After Being Closed for the Past Several Months

[Ed note: This article was updated on April 21, 2021 to reflect the fact that the place has reopened.]

Yet another Boston-area restaurant has decided to shut down for the foreseeable future as the colder weather approaches.

According to an Instagram post, The Kenmore on Commonwealth Avenue has gone into "hibernation" for the winter as of October 4, with a source telling us that the plan may be that the place could be a "little different" by springtime. We have also been given updates on restaurants and bars that are affiliated with The Kenmore, with the nearby Corner Tavern in the Back Bay in the midst of reopening this week while White Horse Tavern, Avenue Bar and Grille, and the Hopewell in Allston and Harry's Bar and Grill in Brighton are all open. (The Westland near Symphony Hall and The Last Drop in Brighton remain closed for now.)

The Kenmore, which replaced The Lower Depths last fall, joins at least two other restaurants that have gone into hibernation as the pandemic continues, with Grand Tour in the Back Bay and Commonwealth in Cambridge's Kendall Square also shutting down for now.

The address for The Kenmore is 476 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. Its website can be found at https://www.thekenmorebar.com/

[April 21, 2021 update: A tweet from the place indicates that The Kenmore opens back up at 4:00 PM today.]

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, April 20, 2021

HAN May Be Opening in the Former Wonder Bar Space in Allston

A new spot may be replacing an Allston nightclub, and it has an apparent connection to several dining and drinking places in the local area.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, HAN is planning to open in the former Wonder Bar space on Harvard Avenue, with the manager listed (Henry Wong) indicating that it may have a connection to KLW Hospitality, which is behind such spots as Hong Kong Eatery, Quic Pic BBQ, Limelight Stage & Studios, and The Ming Dynasty. It is not yet known what kind of place HAN might be, as the listing only mentions that the business is seeking a full liquor license; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Wonder Bar, which closed down this past fall, was known in part for its live music and DJs along with open mic nights and private parties, while the place also served food and drink as well.

The address for the proposed HAN is 186 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

[Earlier Article]
Wonder Bar in Allston 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.)

Not Your Average Joe's in Arlington Has Closed Permanently

A location of a local chain of family-friendly restaurants has shut down for good.

An article from Your Arlington confirms what a source told us over the weekend, that the Arlington Center location of Not Your Average Joe's will not be reopening, with an email from CEO/chair Peter D'Amelio saying that "We have truly enjoyed being part of the fabric of the Arlington Community, and we will miss all the great moments and friendships we've shared for years." D'Amelio refers customers to the Watertown location, which is the closest outlet to Arlington along with its Waltham restaurant.

Earlier this year, it was learned that locations of Not Your Average Joe's in Arlington, Burlington, Methuen, and Randolph were all closing for the winter; it is not known when the Burlington, Methuen, and Randolph restaurants might reopen, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for the now-closed location of Not Your Average Joe's in Arlington was 645 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for all other locations can be found at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

[Earlier Article]
Locations of Not Your Average Joe's in Arlington, Burlington, Methuen, and Randolph to Close for the Winter

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.)

Saffron Indian Grill in Tewksbury Has Apparently Closed

It looks like an Indian restaurant in the northern suburbs has closed its doors.

According to a source (Aron Levy), Saffron Indian Grill in Tewksbury appears to have shut down for good, as the windows are papered over and a Google search shows the Main Street spot as being permanently closed--and phone calls to the place are unable to go through. Saffron served a mix of classic and modern Indian curries along with street food items, with the restaurant offering takeout, delivery, and catering along with sitdown service.

The address for Saffron Indian Grill was 1921 Main Street (Route 38), Tewksbury, MA, 01876.

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.)

Walloon's Opens Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Swampscott

The people behind a food truck known in part for its fried chicken sandwiches have opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant on the North Shore.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Walloon's is now open in Swampscott, moving into a space on Essex Street across from the high school. A Facebook post within the Swampscott Nest group page shows pictures of the restaurant's menus, with items such as chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders, empanadas, chimis, quesadillas, Dominican hot dogs, and more offered.

The address for the new location of Walloon's in Swampscott is 197 Essex Street, Swampscott, MA, 01907.

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, April 19, 2021

Casa Cana in Allston-Brighton Is Reopening with a New Taqueria/Tequila Bar Concept

A Latin restaurant and rum bar located inside a hotel across from the Charles River is getting ready to reopen, and when it does it will have a new concept.

According to a press release, Casa Cana in Allston-Brighton is planning to open back up on May 5 as a taqueria and tequila bar, with the Soldiers Field Road spot offering such options as tacos, nachos, burritos, and guacamole along with beer, wine, cocktails, and an array of tequila options. The dining spot first opened within the Studio Allston Hotel in the summer of 2018, featuring nuevo latino fare as well as rum-based drinks in its original incarnation, with the food having Central American, South American, and Caribbean influences.

The address for Casa Cana is 1234 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, MA, 02135. Its website can be found at http://www.casacanaboston.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.)

Brass Union in Somerville's Union Square Is Being Replaced by Vera's

A dining and drinking spot in Somerville is changing into a new space with a new name, though it will be under the same ownership.

According to an article from boston.com, Brass Union in Union Square is morphing into Vera's, a new restaurant and bar that will offer comfort food, cocktails, and more. The post indicates that the Independent Restaurant Group--which ran Brass Union and is also behind Foundry on Elm, The Independent, The Rockwell Theatre, and Saloon--will also be operating Vera's, whose menu will include such items as house-made fried mozzarella sticks, buttermilk-fried whole belly clams, seasonal pastas, a chicken parm sandwich, and seasonal slushies.

Vera's plans to open on April 29, and will initially be open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with both indoor and outdoor dining available along with takeout and delivery.

The address for Vera's is 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/verasunionsq/

[April 30 update: A Facebook post confirms that Vera'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.)