Boston Restaurant Talk: May 2021

Monday, May 31, 2021

Grille 151 American Kitchen & Cocktails Is Opening in Former Hearth 'n Kettle Space in Weymouth on June 2

An upscale dining and drinking spot is getting ready to open in a South Shore space that had been home to a location of an old-fashioned family restaurant.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Grille 151 American Kitchen & Cocktails plans to open in the former Hearth 'n Kettle Space in Weymouth on June 2 for dinner service, with a menu posted from the Main Street restaurant showing such items as chilled lobster tail, steamed mussels, fried oysters, steak tartare, clam chowder, burgers, a spicy fried chicken sandwich, roasted half chicken, fish and chips, pork chops, and filet mignon, while the drinks list includes both classic and modern cocktails along with beer and wine options.

The Weymouth location of Hearth 'n Kettle, which was known in part for its hearty breakfasts and comfort food dishes, shut down last summer after being in business for 23 years; its two remaining restaurants in Hyannis and South Yarmouth remain in operation.

The address for Grille 151 American Kitchen & Cocktails is 151 Main Street, Weymouth, MA, 02188. Its website can be found at https://grille151.com/

[Earlier Article]
Hearth 'n Kettle in Weymouth 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.)

Essex Seafood Reopens After Being Hit by Fire Last Spring

A beloved North Shore seafood shack that was destroyed in a fire last year is back in business.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Essex Seafood on Route 133 in Essex has reopened, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

We just had a 2 day soft open to appreciate the firefighters who responded to our fire last year, contractors and others who helped rebuild our new restaurant. Thank you again to all! WE ARE NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR CUSTOMERS! We can't wait for everyone to see the new restaurant and enjoy some great food!

Essex Seafood sustained major damage in a two-alarm blaze that started after they closed for the night last Mother's Day, with the damage being so extensive that the structure had to be torn down. It is one of several iconic clam shacks along Route 133 in Essex and Ipswich, including such spots as J. T. Farnham's, Woodman's, and the Clam Box.

The address for Essex Seafood is 143 Eastern Avenue (Route 133), Essex, MA, 01929.

[Earlier Article]
Essex Seafood Heavily Damaged in Two-Alarm 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.)

New Restaurant Plans to Replace Little Steve's Pizzeria in Boston's Back Bay/Fenway Area

It looks like a new dining spot is coming to a section of Boston near where the Back Bay and Fenway meet, and it would be replacing a pizza shop that has been around for more than 50 years.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, a restaurant that is tentatively called Food House, Inc. (though this also looks like the parent company's name) is planning to open on Boylston Street, taking over the Little Steve's Pizzeria space just west of the Massachusetts Avenue intersection. The notice mentions that So Lim Ting is the manager of the proposed eatery, while a business profile for Food House, Inc. on Bizapedia also shows Yingqi Su as being involved; the two of them appear to be behind Hot Eastern, a now-closed Chinese restaurant on Harrison Avenue in Chinatown.

Little Steve's Pizzeria first opened in 1968, offering pizza, calzones, sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and more.

The address for Little Steve's Pizzeria (and the proposed new restaurant) is 1114 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215.

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

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

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

Main Street Pasta & Wine Plans to Open in Charlestown

A food and wine shop may be on its way to Charlestown, and a couple of people from a landmark restaurant that is now closed appear to be involved.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Main Street Pasta & Wine is looking to open on Main Street, with the address indicating that it would take over the Charlestown Cleaners space on the corner of Main and Henley. The notice mentions that the proposed spot is seeking a Retail Package Store Malt & Wine License and that the shop would apparently include an area where fresh pasta is made.

The manager listed for Main Street Pasta & Wine is Matthew Delisle, who is an alum of L'Espalier while an OpenCorporates page for the business lists Peter McGough, who also comes from the high-end Back Bay restaurant which closed down at the end of 2018.

The address for the proposed Main Street Pasta & Wine is 40 Main Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129.

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, May 28, 2021

Super Chicken in Beverly Is Closing

A North Shore restaurant known for its chicken dishes and other comfort food items is shutting down permanently.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Super Chicken in Beverly is closing for good today, with a Facebook post from the Rantoul Street eatery saying the following:

It is with a heavy heart to say goodbye....We have been lucky to be part of this great city of Beverly along with all the other amazing restaurants and all the mutual respect and support for each other throughout the years....We wish you all the best and Thank you again for these amazing 20 years!

The post also mentions that the space will come under new ownership which will debut a new concept soon, though no specific details have been given as of yet.

The address for Super Chicken is 289 Rantoul Street, 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.)

Cobblestones Is Opening in the Former Caffe Bella Vita Space in Boston's Beacon Hill

A new restaurant is on its way to the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, replacing an Italian cafe that had been around for a long time.

According to a source, Cobblestones is opening in the former Caffe Bella Vita space on Charles Street, with a picture of the sign for the spot simply saying "Coming Soon!!! Cobblestones: A Beacon Hill Eatery." No information on the place is available as of yet, so keep checking back for updates as they come in.

Caffe Bella Vita had been in business for at least 15 years, offering soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, baked goods, pastries, ice cream, coffee, and tea.

The address for Cobblestones (and the now-closed Caffe Bella Vita is 30 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website will be at https://www.cobblestonesboston.com/

[October 8 update: According to its website, Cobblestones--which is opening soon--will offer such items as breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bowls, and ice cream.]

[January 14, 2022 update: A check on the place indicates that Cobblestones 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.)

Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe Opens in Peabody

A Gloucester ice cream shop has expanded to a second location, with this one being closer to Boston.

According to a source, Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe opens today in Peabody, moving into a space on Route 114 just south of the Route 128 intersection. A Facebook post from the business confirms its opening while also saying the following:

...we thought a nice way to introduce ourselves to the community was to make the most controversial ice cream of 2021 with the Northshore Beefs finest, Jamie's Roast Beef! We give you "NSB 3-Way", made with Au Jus ice cream with fried sesame buns, James River Caramel, American Cheesecake chunks and Mayonnaise frosting.

The original location of Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe, which is located on Pleasant Street in Gloucester, is known for its unusual ingredients such as Lucky Charms, brown butter, whiskey, Fruity Pebbles, cheery merlot sauce, and shortbread.

The address for the new location of Holy Cow Ice Cream Cafe is 86 Andover Street (Route 114), Peabody, MA, 01960. The website for the business can be found at https://www.holycowicecreamcafe.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.)

Flip The Bird Is Opening in Salem

A growing local group of North Shore dining spots that focus on fried chicken sandwiches will be opening another new location north of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Flip the Bird is planning to open a new location in Salem, with a Facebook post from the business saying that "If you know the address: NO SPOILERS! We'll announce it shortly. We can't wait! And thank you Mayor for playing along with us!" This is one of two new outlets of the chicken place on the way, with another opening in Danvers; the new locations will be joining others at the Cabot Plaza in Beverly, Cummings Center in Beverly, and the Swampscott Mall in Swampscott.

Flip the Bird features chicken sandwiches along with ribs, biscuits, salads, side dishes, frappes, and more. The website for all locations can be found at https://flipthebirdfriedchicken.com/

[July 15, 2022 update: According to its Facebook, page, Flip the Bird is now open at 14 New Derby Street in Salem.]

[Earlier Article]
Flip The Bird to Open in Danvers

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, May 27, 2021

Tsaocaa Is Opening in Malden

A chain of tea shops based in China is opening a second Boston-area location, with this one being a few miles north of the city.

A message sent from Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie, Tsaocaa (which is also known as Tsaocha) is planning to open in Malden, with the website for the company indicating that it will move into a space on Main Street in the downtown area. Once it opens, expect to see bubble tea and cheese tea along with fried chicken and Hong Kong-style egg waffles.

Tsaocaa has a location on Tyler Street in Boston's Chinatown neighborhood along with locations in a handful of states including New York and New Jersey.

The address for the Malden location of Tsaocaa is 423 Main Street, Malden, MA, 02148. The website can be found at https://www.tsaocaatea.com/

[October 1 update: According to its website, Tsaocaa is now open in Malden.]

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.)

Bennett's Sandwich Shop Is Opening at the Burlington Mall

A renowned Maine eatery that is known in part for its lobster rolls and steak and cheese subs is opening its second Boston-area location, with this one coming to the northern suburbs.

According to a page within the Simon Property Group website, Bennett's Sandwich Shop is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, with the page indicating that it will move into a space next to the upcoming outlet of Fogo de Chao, both of which will reside in part of the former Sears space based on an NBC Boston post. Once it opens, the new location of Bennett's will join ones in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, Portsmouth, NH, and Kennebunk, ME, the last of which is the original and has been a popular spot with beachgoers since 1982.

The website for Bennett's Sandwich Shop can be found at https://www.bennettssandwichshop.com/

[February 23, 2022 update: According to a source (Aron Levy), Bennett's Sandwich Shop is now open in Burlington.]

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.)

Mark Ladner Is Opening Bar Enza in Former Benedetto/Rialto Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A Michelin-starred chef who is also a James Beard award winner is going to be opening a new Italian restaurant in Cambridge, taking over the space where a couple of other Italian dining spots had been.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Mark Ladner is planning to open what is tentatively called Bar Enza in the space within the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square where Benedetto had been, and before that, Rialto. The post says that the dining spot will be an "Italian version of a brasserie" and that Ladner is partnering with the Lyons Group, which operates such places as Scampo, Lucky's Lounge, Sonsie, and Loretta's Last Call.

Ladner has worked at such restaurants as Olives and Del Posto, the latter of which was a renowned New York spot that earned a Michelin star along with a four-star review from the New York Times.

[September 28 update: An email sent to us indicates that Bar Enza is in the middle of a soft opening, and that it plans to fully open on Saturday, October 2 for dinner (hours will be 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday).]

[October 7 update: A check on its website confirms that Bar Enza 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.)

Update: Highland Kitchen in Somerville Reopens After Being Closed Since December

[Ed note: This article was updated on June 15 to reflect the fact that the restaurant is open once again.]

An award-winning Somerville bar known in part for its comfort food and cocktails is closing for the time being.

According to an Instagram post from the place, Highland Kitchen shuts down after business hours on Sunday, December 13, with the note from the Highland Avenue spot saying the following:

This was not an easy decision to make and we have tried to hold on as long as possible. We have been unable to get any rent relief and we all know @mass.gov is not helping restaurants. Hibernation is the only way Highland Kitchen can get through this winter with the hope of reopening in the spring....If you are looking for ways to support is this winter here are a few: Head to @highlandfriedandtiki for takeout this winter. We are a Mom & Pop team and we will still have one restaurant going, right down the hill in Inman Sq. Cambridge. You can still buy gift certificates to Highland Kitchen.

Highland Kitchen first opened in 2007, with the place featuring dishes with Southern influences including chili, buffalo fried brussels sprouts, pulled pork sandwiches, fried chicken, ribs, and macaroni and cheese; the bar has been mentioned over the years by Food and Wine and Esquire, along with local media outlets such as The Boston Globe and Boston Magazine.

The address for Highland Kitchen is 150 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at http://highlandkitchen.com/

[May 27, 2021 update: According to a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, Highland Kitchen is now making plans to get up and running "for the summer and beyond." This comes after several months of silence from the place, including our reaching out to Highland Fried for an update awhile back but not receiving a response.]

[June 15, 2021 update: Eater Boston states that Highland Kitchen is now open with a limited menu and limited seating.]

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, May 26, 2021

Puttshack, Love & Flour, Madras Dosa Co. to Open in Boston's Seaport District

It looks like at least three new spots are on their way to the Boston waterfront.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Puttshack, Love & Flour, and Madras Dosa Co. will all be opening in the Seaport District, with Puttshack being an upscale high-tech mini golf venue and restaurant/bar at the WS Development project by Seaport Boulevard and Boston Wharf Road, Love & Flour being a bakery that features macarons, cupcakes, and cakes at The Current popup development at 100 Seaport Boulevard, and Madras Dosa Co. being a fast-casual Indian spot at 55 Boston Wharf Road (Madras was also mentioned in a press release that we received).

The Chicago-based Puttshack chain won't be opening until early next year, but Love & Flour--which has a location in Salem, NH--plans to open on May 29 while Madras Dosa Co., which is connected to the Godavari chain along with Khiladi NY, is looking to open next month.

[June 1 update: According to its Facebook page, Love & Flour is now open.]

[July 13 update: Eater Boston indicates that Madras Dosa Co. has opened.]

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.)

Changes Coming to Swampscott: Thai Thani Closing, Zestfriendz, Njord Haven, Cafe Pomona And Cafe, Little G Market Bar and Eatery Opening

A quiet North Shore town is in the midst of a number of changes to its food and dining scene.

According to an article from The Swampscott Reporter and Wicked Local, Thai Thani at 408 Humphrey Street is closing this month and being replaced by Njord Haven, a dining spot that will focus on international dishes including Scandinavian options, with that restaurant planning to open in early July. In addition, a new bakery and small plates bar called Zestfriendz is looking to open at 286 Humphrey Street in mid-June, with the place offering such items as cookies, scones, cakes, and savory hand pies by day and spicy Thai chicken lettuce bites, fried polenta cubes with parmesan, and mushroom wellington at night. Another spot called Cafe Pomona will open in the old Ocean House surf shop at 128 Humphrey Street in June, with this eatery (which will be operated by the people behind Antique Table) offering healthy fare along with smoothies, juices, and coffee. Finally, the owner of G Bar and Kitchen is opening Little G Market Bar and Eatery in June in the old Newman's Bakery space at 252 Humphrey Street, with the place (which will be next door to G Bar) being a casual spot that will offer such items as burgers and steak tips while also having a market area that sells cheeses, olives, marinated meats, and more.

[November 8 update: A new article from The Swampscott Reporter indicates that Zestfriendz is now open, while the Facebook page for G Bar and Kitchen shows that Little G Market is open 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.)

A4 in Boston's South End Has Apparently Closed

A South End restaurant that was known in part for its pizza appears to have shut down.

According to multiple sources, including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, A4 within the Troy Boston apartment building on E Berkeley Street is no longer in business, with the locations page for the group of Area Four/A4 spots seeming to confirm this as the South End outlet is no longer listed. A4 in the South End has been closed for awhile now, with several sources saying over the past few months that it had shut down for good, though messages sent to Area Four went unanswered so we were unable to confirm this.

A4 first opened in the South End in the fall of 2016, joining the original Area Four in Cambridge's Kendall Square/MIT area; another location in Somerville had shut down the previous year, while A4 Cafe by the original Area Four and A4cade near MIT in Cambridge have since opened.

The address for the now-closed A4 in the South End was 264 E Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02118. The website for the other Area Four/A4 locations can be found at https://www.areafour.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.)

Karen Akunowicz Is Opening Bar Volpe in South Boston

A James Beard Award Winner who opened an Italian restaurant in South Boston a couple of years ago is going to be opening another Italian dining spot nearby.

According to an article from Food & Wine, Karen Akunowicz is planning to open Bar Volpe "blocks" away from Fox & the Knife on W Broadway, though no specific address has been given as of yet. The new restaurant will focus at least in part on Southern Italian fare including seafood dishes, and the 5,200-square-foot space will feature an in-house pasta shop and a wood-fired grill. If all goes as planned, Bar Volpe will open in the fall.

Previous to Fox & the Knife, Akunowicz worked at such places as Ten Tables, Via Matta, Oleana, and Myers + Chang.

[June 7 update: According to a press release, Bar Volpe will be opening in the former Backyard Betty's space at 170 W Broadway.]

[November 4 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe mentions that Bar Volpe opens on Saturday, November 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.)

Common Craft Plans to Open in Burlington

A new dining and drinking concept is on its way to a mall in the northern suburbs of Boston, and it would be geared at least in part to beer lovers.

Wicked Local confirms what Aron Levy told us last summer, that Common Craft is planning to open at the Burlington Mall, while an earlier Daily Times Chronicle article indicated that it would be moving into a space between Legal Sea Foods and Fogo de Chao. Based on information from the articles, the upcoming spot will include multiple rooms for specific breweries and distilleries along with a common kitchen that would provide food to the different rooms.

Wicked Local mentions that Common Craft will start off with two beer partners and one distillery partner.

[February 9, 2022 update: According to a press release, Common Craft hopes to open in April, and it will include Idle Hands set up as a traditional German biergarten, Hermit Thrush and its selection of sour beers, Deacon Giles Distillery that has a speakeasy concept and a craft cocktail menu, and the Élevage Wine Room which features boutique wine producers from around the globe. The space will also feature a bottle shop along with an outdoor patio with a lounge and game area, while food offerings will include gastropub-style options, with snacks, starters, salads, sandwiches, and entrees available.]

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, May 25, 2021

Bailey & Sage on State Street in Downtown Boston Has Closed

It looks like another location of a local cafe and caterer has shut down.

According to a tweet from @rousee, Bailey & Sage on State Street in downtown Boston is no longer in business, with a sign out front showing that its space is now available. A check on the website for the business shows that the State Street outlet has indeed been removed from the locations section, though the one on nearby Federal Street is still listed and appears to be doing both takeout and catering, including salads, sandwiches, and bowls

A couple of years ago, Bailey & Sage shut down its shop in Cambridge's Kendall Square, with that one being its original location.

The address for the now-closed Bailey & Sage on State Street was 103 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the business can be found at http://baileyandsage.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.)

Trifecta Opens at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston

A new cocktail lounge has come to Boston, opening inside a hotel in the Back Bay.

According to a Facebook post from Christopher Haynes, Trifecta is now open on the lobby level of Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston, with a press release from the hotel saying that the lounge features cocktails while also offering beer, wine, champagne, and light appetizers. The press release also mentions that Trifecta will have afternoon tea on weekends, and that customers will be able to order scones, sandwiches, and sweets with their tea.

Trifecta (and Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street) is located at the corner of Dalton Street and Belvidere Street across from the western end of the Prudential Center.

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.)

Sousaku Bistro in Malden Has Closed

It looks like an Asian fusion restaurant north of Boston has shut down permanently.

According to a source, Sousaku Bistro in Malden is no longer in business, with a sign out front at the Eastern Avenue spot saying that it has indeed closed down, though no reason has been given for its closure. The restaurant first opened in the fall of 2015, offering Japanese tapas-style options and sushi along with dishes with Taiwanese and other Asian influences.

The address for the now-closed Sousaku Bistro was 166 Eastern Avenue, 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.)

Premiere on Broadway Is Opening in Somerville

A new restaurant is on its way to Somerville, and it will be moving into a new condo development near the Medford line.

According to multiple sources, Premiere on Broadway (which also seems to go by the name "Premiere Broadway") is planning to open in Magoun Square, with the address indicating that it will reside within the 519 on Broadway development near the corner of Broadway and Medford Street. The Facebook page for the restaurant mentions that it will offer Italian-American food along with cocktails, live music, and dancing, and it looks like it will reside in a ground-floor space below the condos. If all goes as planned, Premiere on Broadway could be opening later this spring.

The address for Premiere on Broadway is 523 Broadway, Somerville, MA, 02145. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/PremiereBroadway

[August 9 update: According to its Facebook page, Premiere on Broadway has opened.]

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: Locations of Not Your Average Joe's in Burlington, Methuen, and Randolph Reopen for Takeout; Arlington Location Closed for Good

[Ed note: This article was updated on May 25 to reflect the fact that three of the four locations have opened back up for takeout.]

A local chain of restaurants is temporarily shutting down five of its outlets, including four locations in the region.

According to a source, Not Your Average Joe's will be closing its restaurants in Arlington, Burlington, Methuen, and Randolph for the winter, with a post within The Arlington List Facebook group page indicating the Arlington location being one of five that will be doing so. Based on that post, it looks like the four outlets in the local area--along with another location in the Middle Atlantic states--hope to open sometime in April. It appears that other outlets locally, including in Acton, Norwell, Peabody, Waltham, Watertown and Westwood, will remain in operation, at least for now. (The chain confirms these closures on its website, with a note on each of the four locations saying that they "are temporarily closing our lower volume restaurants.")

The website for Not Your Average Joe's can be found at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

[May 25 update: A message from the company indicates that the Burlington, Methuen, and Randolph locations of Not Your Average Joe's are now open for takeout, with indoor dining and patios remaining closed for now. And as mentioned earlier, the Arlington location 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, May 24, 2021

Lamplighter CX Is Opening at Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge

Back in 2019, it was reported that the people behind a Cambridge brewery were looking to open a brewery, taproom, and distillery in another part of the city. Now we have learned that while they are still looking to open a second location, the plans have changed just a bit.

According to an article from Eater Boston and a post from Cambridge Day, Lamplighter Brewing on Broadway is going to be joined by Lamplighter CX (rather than Luminati Spirits, which was going to be its original name), which will reside in Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge and will include a taproom and production space. Both articles say that plans for the distillery have been scrapped--at least for now--while the original location (which is roughly between Central Square, Inman Square, and Kendall Square) will remain in operation and currently includes outdoor dining/drinking and a cafe and retail area.

The website for Lamplighter, which debuted on Broadway in the latter part of 2016, can be found at https://lamplighterbrewing.com/

[February 18, 2022 update: According to a press release, Lamplighter CX will have its grand opening weekend from Friday, February 25 through Sunday, February 27, with its official opening taking place on Monday, February 28.]

[Earlier Article]
Luminati Spirits Plans to Open at Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge

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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Shangri-La in Belmont Is Closing

A beloved Chinese restaurant in the western suburbs is shutting down after being in business for many years.

According to a source, Shangri-La in Belmont is getting ready to close, with a note within the website for the Belmont Street spot saying that they will be shuttering on May 31 "due to uncontrollable circumstances." The family behind the eatery does leave the door open to a possible rebirth of place, saying that "we will update you if we decide to relocate in the future."

Shangri-La first opened more than 20 years ago, serving a mix of Chinese-American and Taiwanese dishes while also offering a dim sum/brunch menu as well.

The address for Shangri-La is 149 Belmont Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at https://shangrilachinese.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.)

The R.F. O'Sullivan's Space in Somerville Is Changing Ownership

A Somerville pub that some consider to have the best burgers in the Greater Boston area is being replaced by a new spot under new ownership.

Based on information from a source and a phone call to the place, R.F. O'Sullivan's in Somerville is closing this week and is changing hands, though we have been told by two sources that the new owners plan to continue serving burgers and keep the existing staff while it will have a similar name. We have also been told that Rich Sullivan II will continue to run O'Sullivan's in Lynn while his father Richard is planning to retire.

R.F. O'Sullivan's first opened in Somerville 30 years ago, with our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) featuring it as a place to go for its wide variety of char-grilled meatball-shaped burgers. The review can be found at the following link:

https://hiddenboston.com/Osullivan.html

The address for R.F. O'Sullivan's in Somerville is 282 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for O'Sullivan's (including the Lynn location at 151 Central Avenue) is at http://www.rfosullivans.com/

[May 25 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that as of today, O'Sullivan's will be moving on from its Somerville location, though the note does say to "keep an eye open for a new location that could be in a town near you."]

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: Coppersmith, Porto, State Park Announce Have Reopened

[Ed note: This article was updated on May 24 to reflect the fact that all three spots are open once again.]

At least three more Boston-area dining spots have made plans to close for now as the pandemic continues to surge in the local area.

According to a few different sources, Coppersmith in South Boston, Porto in Boston's Back Bay, and State Park in Cambridge's Kendall Square have announced that they are shutting down for the time being, with Caught in Southie indicating that Coppersmith is now closed as of late December and hopes to reopen in mid-February, a message from Adam Castiglioni saying that Porto will be open on New Year's Eve and then will go on a hiatus for the winter (we have been told by the restaurant that it plans to reopen in the early spring), and a Facebook post from State Park saying that it will shut down after business hours on December 31 and remain closed for the rest of the winter.

For other articles on restaurants and bars in the Greater Boston area that have closed for part or all of the winter, please click here.

[March 11, 2021 update: According to a post from Caught in Southie, Coppersmith reopens today.]

[April 1, 2021 update: A Facebook post from the restaurant mentions that Porto opens today.]

[May 27, 2021 update: According to its website, State Park is back for patio service, takeout, and delivery, opening Tuesday through Saturday at 3:00 PM for snacks and drinks and 4:00 PM for dinner.]

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.)