Boston Restaurant Talk: January 2022

Monday, January 31, 2022

Whole Heart Provisions Space in Cambridge's Central Square/MIT Area Is for Lease

A bit more than a year ago, it was learned that a trio of vegan/vegetarian restaurants had closed permanently, and now we have learned that another location is apparently gone as well.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, Whole Heart Provisions in the Central Square/MIT section of Cambridge appears to be closed for good, as its space is now for lease. The original location of the dining spot in Allston shut down in late 2020 and was subsequently replaced by Turkish Lazuri Cafe, while another outlet within Harvard University's Smith Campus Center is currently closed as well and its exact status is unknown at this point in time.

Whole Heart Provisions debuted in Allston in 2015, with James DiSabatino (Roxy's Grilled Cheese, A4cade) and Rebecca Arnold (Sarma, Alden & Harlow, Pain D'Avignon, 606 Congress) being behind it.

The address for the location of Whole Heart Provisions near Central Square was 298 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

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.)

Sharon Korean Kitchen to Open in Former Local 338 Space in West Roxbury

A brand new Korean restaurant is on its way to a Boston neighborhood that has little in the way of Korean dining spots.

Universal Hub reports (via an e-mail newsletter from West Roxbury Main Streets) that Sharon Korean Kitchen is opening on Centre Street in West Roxbury, moving into the space that had been home to Local 338 Bagels & Coffee until it closed last fall. A check on the menu for the upcoming eatery shows such options as katsu, japchae, bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, fried chicken, tofu stew, veggie dumplings, and more. If all goes as planned, Sharon Korean Kitchen could be opening sometime in February.

Currently, Misono on VFW Parkway is one of the only other restaurants in West Roxbury to offer Korean fare (it also serves Japanese dishes as well).

The address for the upcoming Sharon Korean Kitchen is 1727 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132. Its website can be found at http://sharonkoreankitchen.com/

[April 7 update: A check on Google indicates that Sharon Korean Kitchen plans to open on April 15.]

[Earlier Article]
Local 338 Bagels & Coffee in West Roxbury 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.)

Lenox Sophia Opens in South Boston

A new restaurant that has been in the works for more than two years has debuted in South Boston.

As stated in an earlier article (and as mentioned by Eater Boston), Lenox Sophia is now open on A Street, taking over the space just north of W Broadway where a location of KO Catering & Pies had been. Eater Boston says that the new spot is a "casual fine dining" restaurant, with owner Shi Mei (whose resume includes The French Laundry) and chef de cuisine Yesid Areiza offering New American fare on the menu, which includes such items as octopus, roasted chicken, Atlantic cod, tagliatelle, duck breast, and more (ed note--they do not have a liquor license as of yet, and they are not taking reservations or doing takeout/delivery at this time).

The address for Lenox Sophia is 87 A Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at https://www.lenoxsophia.com/

[Earlier Article]
Lenox Sophia Plans to Open in Former KO Catering & Pies Space in South Boston

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

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

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

Friday, January 28, 2022

PaPa Sushi Is Opening in the former Dark Horse Public House Space in Somerville's Magoun Square

A new Japanese restaurant is on its way to Somerville, and it will take over part of the space where a bar had been.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, a sign is now up for PaPa Sushi, which is moving into the space in Magoun Square where The Dark Horse Public House had been. An earlier licensing commission page mentions that the upcoming dining spot will apparently take over part of the Dark House space, as the space will be divided by the owner and will only be leasing one part of it.

The Dark Horse Public House closed last spring after approximately four years in business; previously, the space had been home to On the Hill Tavern.

The address for PaPa Sushi is 499 Broadway, Somerville, MA, 02145. Its website can be found at http://www.papasushiboston.com/

[May 12 update: According to its website, PaPa Sushi is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
The Dark Horse Public House in Somerville's Magoun 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.)

Nick's Pizza, Roast Beef & Subs Opens in the Former Pizzamore Flatbread Company Space in Woburn

A new spot for pizza, sandwiches, and more has come to the northern suburbs, and it has a familiar name.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Nick's Pizza, Roast Beef & Subs is now open in Woburn, with a Patch article saying that it has moved into the former Pizzamore Flatbread Company space on Main Street in North Woburn. It is not known for sure whether the new place has a direct connection to other locations of Nick's Pizza, Roast Beef & Subs in Beverly, Lynn, Peabody, Wakefield, and Wilmington; if we find out more about any ownership connections, we will post an update here.

Pizzamore Flatbread Company closed in late 2018 after being in business for approximately three years.

The address for Nick's Pizza, Roast Beef & Subs in North Woburn is 901 Main Street, Woburn, MA, 01801. Its website can be found at https://nickspizzawoburn.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 Flamingo Is Opening in the Former Four Winds Space in Boston's North End

A new dining and drinking spot is replacing a now-closed bar in the North End of Boston, and some familiar names are behind the place.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, The Flamingo it planning to open in the space on Commercial Street that had been home to Four Winds Bar & Grill, with a message sent to us indicating that the people behind it are Jairo Dominguez (Publico, Backyard Betty's, Casa Cana, Madre, Bar Mercato, The Grande/Rock & Rye), Tyrone Di Stasi (The Grande/Rock & Rye), and Richard Sullivan II (R.F. O'Sullivan's). No specifics have been given on the proposed restaurant and bar as of yet, so keep checking back for updates.

Four Winds closed in the fall of 2019 after being in business since the late 1960s.

The address for The Flamingo is 266 Commercial Street, Boston, MA, 02109.

[June 1 update: The Facebook page for The Flamingo says that it will be "A vibe bar gone glam by way of retro Miami Beach of 70's - 90's....Serving Miami inspired Latin bar food and adult beverages."]

[June 9 update: A message sent to us indicates that The Flamingo is now open, with a tweet from @ConciergeBoston also mentioning 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.)

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Meet Fresh Opens in Allston

A Taiwan-based group of dessert spots has finally opened its new shop in Allston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Meet Fresh is now open on Brighton Avenue, moving into the space where Sushi Factory had been. The Facebook page for the place indicates that it is currently undergoing a soft opening with a temporary menu and hours from 12 Noon to 6 PM, and that it is offering Taiwanese drinks and desserts.

The Allston location of Meet Fresh has been in the works since the early part of 2019.

The address for Meet Fresh is 140 Brighton Avenue, Boston, MA 02134. The website for the company can be found at https://meetfresh.us/

[Earlier Article]
Sushi Factory and Hi B3ar Ice Cream Roll in Allston Are Closed; Meet Fresh to Replace Sushi Factory

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.)

Che! Empanada Is Opening in Newtonville

A Worcester dining spot that features Argentinian food is expanding to the Boston area.

According to an article from Mass Live, Che! Empanada is planning to open in Newtonville, with a comment within the Village 14 site indicating that it will take over the former City Pizza & Pasta space on Washington Street. Based on the menu for the restaurant in Worcester's Kelley Square area, expect to see a variety of empanadas with beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and veggie fillings at the new location.

Mass Live mentions that owner Albie Alvarez-Cote had hoped to open an outlet of Che! Empanada in Newton previously, but the deal fell through in March of 2020.

The address for the new location of Che! Empanada in Newtonville is 795 Washington Street, Newtonville, MA, 02460. The website for the Worcester location can be found at https://www.cheempanada.com/

[April 5 update: An Instagram post indicates that Che! Empanada is now open in Newtonville.]

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.)

R.F. O'Sullivan & Son Is Opening in the Former R.F. O'Sullivan's Space in Somerville

A new restaurant and bar is replacing a now-closed spot in Somerville known for its burgers, and it has a slightly different name and new owners.

According to a source, R.F. O'Sullivan & Son is planning to open in the former R.F. O'Sullivan's space on Beacon Street, with an email sent to us indicating that Greatest Boston Bar Company (whose other restaurants/bars include The Tam and Beacon Hill Pub) is the owner. A City of Somerville Licensing Commission page mentions that Brianna Michelle Classen is slated to be the manager, and we have confirmed that this is the same Brianna Classen who is a local standup comic. It appears that R.F. O'Sullivan & Son will be focusing on burgers, though a specific menu has not been seen as of yet.

The original R.F. O'Sullivan's, which first opened in Somerville a bit more than 30 years ago, featured a variety of char-grilled meatball-shaped burgers; another location can be found in Lynn, and it is run by Rich Sullivan II, whose father Richard owned the Somerville location (and recently retired).

The address for R.F. O'Sullivan & Son is 282 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.

[April 6 update: A message sent to us indicates that R.F. O'Sullivan & Son hopes to soft-open in Somerville around the middle of next week.]

[April 15 update: A tweet from @CheeksMcGee9 states that R.F. O'Sullivan & Son opens on Saturday, April 16, with a check on their social media indicating that it will be open for dinner only for the time being.]

[Earlier Article]
The R.F. O'Sullivan's Space in Somerville Is Changing Ownership

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's on the Hill Opens in the Former Red Hat Space in Boston

Last June, it was reported that an iconic Beacon Hill bar was closing, though it was subsequently learned that a new dining and drinking place would be taking over its space. Now we have learned that the new spot is open.

According to a Facebook post, Teddy's on the Hill soft-opens today, with the note saying that "Thursday 1/27 we will open our doors for lunch @ 11:30am upstairs & our downstairs bar will be opening at 5pm....When joining us please be understanding that there will be kinks at first- that's how we learn. We cannot wait to unlock the doors for good!" As mentioned in an earlier article, owner Jake Nicholson plans to "breathe new life" into the Bowdoin Street spot while holding onto the nostalgia of the old bar as well, and its website indeed has a logo that says it "pays tribute to Ole Scollay's Red Hat," while the menu includes much of the same food offerings that the Red Hat served, including nachos, burgers, and wings--and the new place is also serving South Shore-style bar pizza as well, which makes it one of the only restaurants/bars within the Boston city limits to do so. (The new Castle Island Brewing Co. location in South Boston offers it as well.)

The Red Hat had been open for more than 100 years, being a popular spot for college students from nearby Suffolk University as well as business and government workers.

The address for Teddy's on the Hill is 9 Bowdoin Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website can be found at https://www.teddysboston.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Teddy's on the Hill to Replace The Red Hat in Boston's Beacon Hill
The Red Hat in Boston's Beacon Hill Neighborhood 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.)

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Dorchester Food Co-op Makes Plans to Open; Would Include a Cafe

A community grocery store may be on its way to Dorchester, and the space would include an area where customers could gather.

According to an article from Universal Hub, plans are in the works for the Dorchester Food Co-op to open on the ground floor of an affordable housing building on Bowdoin Street, with the post saying that the 6,000-square-foot store would include a cafe, pending approval of a food-serving license. The website for the store says that it will be worker-owned and "serve and reflect the wide variety of cultural, racial, and socio-economic groups that make up the neighborhoods of Boston."

If all goes as planned, the Dorchester Food Co-op should open sometime this year.

The address for the upcoming Dorchester Food Co-op is 191-195 Bowdoin Street, Dorchester, MA, 02122. The website for the store is at https://www.dorchesterfoodcoop.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.)

Rowand Fisheries in Beverly Has Closed

A decades-old fish market on the North Shore has shut down.

According to a source (and confirmed by a Patch article), Rowand Fisheries is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Cabot Street shop saying "To our loyal customers; Our friends at CaliBasil Vietnamese Eatery in Beverly will now be honoring our gift cards for us. You may redeem any remaining balance at 55 Dodge St A- 260, Beverly, MA 01915." Rowand Fisheries first opened more than 60 years ago, offering a variety of options including rainbow trout, haddock, lobsters, swordfish, tuna, salmon, catfish, mussels, oysters, scallops, shrimp, and frozen meals such as lobster mac and cheese, seafood pie, stuffed clams, and crab cakes.

The address for Rowand Fisheries was 2 Cabot 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.)

The Breakfast Club in Allston Is Moving

An old-fashioned diner is saying goodbye to its home, though it will apparently be moving to a new location.

According to a source, The Breakfast Club in Allston is leaving its space on Western Avenue, with an Instagram post from the place saying that "...we are here to announce that January 31st will be our LAST DAY here! This isn't goodbye, it's see you soon and we can't wait to share more about what is in store for The Breakfast Club in the near future." The Breakfast Club first opened more than 20 years ago, offering classic breakfast dishes along with salads, sandwiches, and other lunch items.

The address for the current location of The Breakfast Club is 270 Western Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. (As soon as we find out its new address, we will post an update here.)

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.)

Plans for Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza to Open on Congress Street in Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood Have Fallen Through

A couple of months ago, it was reported that a celebrity chef was looking to bring a pizza spot to Boston's Fort Point neighborhood. Now we have learned that these plans have apparently fallen through, at least for the specific location that they were considering.

According to a Twitter thread from @FortPointer, Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza is no longer coming to the Caffe Nero space on Congress Street, stating that "FPNA [Fort Point Neighborhood Association] announced it....the news about the pizza place had just arrived by email (seemingly from official sources representing the company)" while @tom_ready of FPNA says of the licensing board hearing for the restaurant that is slated for tomorrow, "It will not be heard, they have pulled the application." A Tweet from @FPNA_Boston gives additional information on this development, mentioning that "The Attorney for the restaurant informed us and said they will be looking for another location (hopefully in the neighborhood) more suitable to their needs." No details have been given on why they decided not to come to the space after all, nor is it known where they might be looking to open now; we have reached out to Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza in England to find out more and will report back with any additional information.

As mentioned earlier, the proposed Fort Point location of Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza was going to offer "bottomless" pizza in which customers could choose from a variety of options and eat as little or as much as they want, while another concept from the celebrity chef--Ramsay's Kitchen in the former Bar Boulud space within the Mandarin Oriental hotel in the Back Bay--debuted earlier this week.

The address for Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza would have been 368 Congress Street, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the other Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza locations is at https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/street-pizza/

[Earlier Article]
Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza Plans to Open in Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood

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, January 25, 2022

Esquite Taqueria to Open in Former Larry J's BBQ Cafe Space in Revere

The people behind a Mexican eatery just north of Boston will be opening a new location nearby.

According to a source (Tom from Danvers), signs are now up for Esquite Taqueria on North Shore Road in Revere, with the address indicating that it will be taking over the space that had been home to Larry J's BBQ Cafe. In a recent Revere Journal article, Emiliano Moreno of the original Esquite on Shirley Avenue said in a License Commission hearing that "Following the success of our restaurant on Shirley Ave., we're looking to expand our business, focusing on take-out during the pandemic....We'll be following the model of taquerias in New York City. Our present restaurant closes at 9:00 and we're looking to provide food for those who want to eat later....We'll still be a family-oriented business; There'll be no alcohol." The Shirley Avenue location of Esquite first opened in 2020, with the people behind it also running a food truck operation called Eloti.

Another location of Larry J's remains in operation in Boston's Seaport District.

The address for the upcoming Esquite Taqueria is 1148 North Shore Road, Revere, MA, 02151. The website for the original location of Esquite can be found at https://www.esquiterestaurant.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.)

Mirisola's in South Boston Has Closed Permanently

A longtime pizzeria and Italian eatery in South Boston that has been closed due to the pandemic has shut down for good.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Mirisola's on L Street has closed permanently, as owner Gaetano Mirasola--who lives above the dining spot--has decided to retire and will not be reopening the place. The post indicates that the space will not become home to another restaurant, as Mirasola plans to convert it into a three-bedroom apartment.

Mirisola's first opened in 1998, offering such items as pizza, calzones, arancini, pasta, Italian subs, pork loin, veal marsala, and more.

The address for the now-closed Mirisola's was 200 L Street, South Boston, MA, 02127.

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.)

A Lee 88 Chinese Restaurant Opens in Waltham

A new Chinese restaurant has come to Waltham, opening where a few other dining spots have been.

Eater Boston is reporting (via Tatsu Ikeda on the Hungry Onion forum) that A Lee 88 Chinese Restaurant is now open in Waltham, with the Main Street address indicating that it has moved into the space that had previously been home to Jiang Nan, Noodle Hut, and Jin's Sichuan House. The new eatery focuses mostly on Sichuan fare, with its menu including such options as steamed whole fish with chilis, spicy pork intestine, braised pork with chestnuts, tea-flavored duck, beef hot pot, jellyfish with vinegar, smoked rabbit, Mongolian lamb shumai, leek pie, and walnut shrimp.

The address for A Lee 88 Chinese Restaurant is 922 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451. Its website can be found at https://www.alee88restaurant.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.)

Monday, January 24, 2022

Boston Licensing Board Holding Emergency Licensed Premise Inspection Hearing for Restaurants Concerning Covid Violations

A couple of weekends ago, the city of Boston instituted a vaccine card mandate for indoor dining, and now we have learned that a hearing is taking place for restaurants that may have violated the mandate.

According to a hearing page within the city's website, the Boston Licensing Board is holding a virtual hearing at 11:00 AM today that addresses dining spots "observed in violation of COVID-19 operational requirements," with those restaurants being required to attend the hearing or else they will "face immediate disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to, the suspension or revocation of any License issued by the Board." The notice does not mention specific violations, but it is presumed that not checking that diners have been vaccinated is at least part of the reason for the hearing, though workers not being vaccinated and/or mask violations may be part of it as well.

As of January 15, restaurants and bars in Boston are required to check that diners aged 12 and up have proof of at least one vaccine dose, with two doses being required starting on February 15--and all restaurant workers need to be vaccinated as well.

[Earlier Article]
Mayor Michelle Wu Announces Vaccination Proof Mandate for Boston Restaurants

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, January 21, 2022

Santa Fe Burrito Grill Plans to Open in Malden

A trio of fast-casual Mexican restaurants will be expanding to a fourth location--and a second one north of Boston.

According to a source, Santa Fe Burrito Grill is planning to open in an as-of-yet undisclosed location in Malden, with a Twitter post from Mayor Christenson saying, "Say hello to @santa_fe_grill which is the newest restaurant to be opening up in @TheCityofMalden and will quickly become my go-to place when I'm working the late shift at City Hall!" Once it opens, the new outlet will join existing locations in Franklin, Weymouth, and Melrose, the last of which debuted a few minutes north of Malden on Main Street last summer.

Based on the other locations of Santa Fe Burrito Grill, expect to see burritos, nachos, tacos, tortas, bowls, and more at the new spot.

The website for Santa Fe Burrito Grill can be found at https://santafeburritogrill.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.)

Sichuan Gourmet in Brookline Has Closed

A local group of Chinese restaurants has gotten a big smaller, as it has closed its Brookline location.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Sichuan Gourmet on Beacon Street is no longer in business, with a note on the website for the dining spot indicating that it shut down yesterday, saying "Sorry for any inconvenience. If you like Sichuan cuisine you may visit Sichuan Gourmet's other locations in Billerica, Burlington, Framingham and Sharon. Stay safe and Thanks for your support!" The Brookline location of Sichuan Gourmet first opened in 2010, taking over the space that had previously been home to Chef Chang's House.

The address for the now-closed Sichuan Gourmet was 1004-1006 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website is at https://www.sichuangourmetbrookline.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.)

East Side Bar and Grille Space in East Cambridge Is for Lease

It looks like the space in Cambridge that has been home to an old-school Italian restaurant is on the market.

According to a source, East Side Bar and Grille on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge has a "For Lease" sign out front, with a picture of the storefront confirming this, while further confirmation comes from a LoopNet post showing that the space is indeed available. The restaurant has been closed for awhile now, and other sources have hinted that it may be a permanent closure, though its exact status was unknown until now.

East Side Bar and Grill first opened approximately 15 years ago, offering such items as chicken parmigiana, shrimp scampi, mussels, pizza, fettuccini alfredo, and steak tips.

The address for the East Side Bar and Grill space is 561 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

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 Blue Oar Is Opening in the Former Mr. Dooley's Space in Cohasset

A new restaurant is on its way to the South Shore, opening in the space where a location of an Irish pub had been.

According to an article in the Cohasset Mariner and Wicked Local, The Blue Oar is planning to open in Cohasset, moving into a space on Depot Court in the center of town that had been home to Mr. Dooley's. The article mentions that Richard and Tracey Vaughan (The Jetty in Brant Rock, Nantasket Flatts in Hull) are behind the new spot, which will be a casual restaurant with a nautical theme and options such as soups, salads, burgers and other sandwiches, entrees (no specifics were given), craft cocktails, and more. If all goes as planned, The Blue Oar could be opening in late February.

Mr. Dooley's closed down last March after being in business for ten years; another location in downtown Boston is still in operation.

The address for The Blue Oar is 9 Depot Court, Cohasset, MA, 02025.

[April 5 update: The Cohasset Anchor states that The Blue Oar 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, January 20, 2022

El Jefe's Taqueria Is Opening by Boston University

A small group of Mexican restaurants with three locations in the Boston area may be opening a fourth locally, and this one will apparently cater to college students.

According to a hearing page within the City of Boston website, El Jefe's Taqueria is planning to open by Boston University, with the proposed Commonwealth Avenue spot being on one floor with two levels and including a dining room. If approved, the new outlet of the eatery would join others by Symphony Hall and Emerson College along with one in Cambridge's Harvard Square, while three others can also be found in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The address for the new El Jefe's Taqueria is 957 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations is at https://www.eljefestaqueria.com/

[April 5 update: The website for the business states El Jefe's Taqueria is now open by BU.]

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.)

K-Town BBQ Plans to Open in Saugus

A new barbecue restaurant may be on its way to a busy stretch of highway north of Boston.

According to an article in the Saugus Advertiser and Wicked Local, K-Town BBQ is planning to open in Saugus, moving into a space on Route 1 a short distance north of the Main Street exit. The article mentions that the proposed dining spot would be a full-service restaurant with seating for 105 and that it is seeking a beer, wine, and cordial license, while the name indicates that it may focus at least in part on Korean-style barbecue.

The address for the proposed K-Town BBQ is 910 Broadway (Route 1), Saugus, MA, 01906.

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 Village Social Club Opens in the Former Ellis Room Space in Brookline Village

A brand new bar in Brookline that is underneath a new restaurant is now open, replacing another basement drinking spot that closed about a year and a half ago.

Based on its Twitter page and website, the Village Social Club is now open below the Garrison House in Brookline Village, with the website for the place indicating that it is a cocktail and music lounge that is currently open on weekend nights for food and drink. The new spot replaces The Ellis Room, which was affiliated with the now-closed Magnolia Smokehouse above it (the Garrison House opened in its space late last year).

The food menu for the Village Social Club includes such items as poutine, wings, pretzel bites, meatloaf meatballs, burgers, nachos, and BLTs, while cocktails include margaritas, old fashioneds, and daiquiris.

The address for the Village Social Club (and the Garrison House) is 6 Harvard Square, Brookline, MA, 02445. The website for the bar is at https://www.villagesocialclub.com/ while the Twitter page is at https://twitter.com/VSCbrookline

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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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Initial Plans to Reopen The Pour House in Boston's Back Bay Fall Through; Search for Prospective Operator of Space Continues

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 27 to reflect new information on the Pour House space.]

A couple of months ago, it was reported that rumors about one of Boston's best-known bars were coming true and that it would indeed be returning. Now we have learned that plans to reopen it have hit what appears to be a temporary stumbling block.

According to two sources, it is no longer a given that The Pour House will reopen in its former space in the Back Bay after all, though another source has subsequently told us that it--or another dining/drinking spot could still come to the space. In addition, a boston.com article mentions that building owner Charles Talanian says while negotiations with one potential operator fell through, there are other prospective operators in the pipeline, with Talanian indicating that it is possible a bar similar to The Pour House or an upscale restaurant could move in.

Back in September of 2020, The Pour House announced that it would not be reopening, though a couple of days later word came out that it could actually be reborn, and in November of 2021, we learned that it was reportedly planning to open back up under new management.

The Pour House, which first opened approximately 35 years ago, is one of several dining and drinking spots along Boylston Street that have closed down over the past couple of years.

The address for The Pour House was 907 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115.

[February 10 update: According to a source (and confirmed by a licensing board hearing notice), a new hearing on the proposed reopening of The Pour House is on the agenda this month, with the new manager listed (Steven Brooks) being the COO of C. Talanian Realty Co.]

[Earlier Articles]
The Pour House in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed
The Pour House in Boston's Back Bay May Be Reopening
The Pour House in Boston's Back Bay Plans to Return

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.)

Senses in Cambridge's Kendall Square May Not Be Opening After All

It looks like plans may have fallen through for a new restaurant in Cambridge that had been in the works for more than two years.

According to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting, the opening of Senses in Kendall Square may not be happening after all, with an Instagram post from the place saying the following:

We are very saddened to share that Senses will no longer be opening.
We sincerely thank all those who truly wanted to see Senses come to life, and we hold on to hope that one day our vision will flourish! To the many brilliant people who were guiding Senses along the way - we are ever grateful for you. We send our love and support to our fellow restaurants and small businesses during this trying time. On to a brighter future ahead! David, Ariel & Josh

As indicated in the note above, the team behind the restaurant does seem to leave the door open for a possible opening at some point.

In late 2019, it was announced that Senses was planning to replace Cafe ArtScience with David Edwards being behind the two dining spots, and it appeared that the new restaurant would offer dishes with Mediterranean influences. It looked like Senses might debut in the spring of 2020 right around the time when the pandemic hit, and while it never did fully open, the dining spot has been offering private dinners and pop-ups of late.

The address for Senses is 650 E Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

[Earlier Article]
Senses Is Replacing Cafe ArtScience in Cambridge's 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]

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Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Steve's Kitchen in Allston Has Been Sold, Is Becoming Cafe Weekend

The owner of a decades-old favorite for breakfast in Allston is calling it a day, though it looks like the dining spot will continue on with little in the way of changes.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Steve's Kitchen on Harvard Avenue put up a note on Facebook over the weekend saying, "To our friends, The time has come for us to retire. We gave our heart and soul for 37 years. We are blessed to have so many loyal customers. Our kids were raised here. Many of you walked thru these doors as young students and left years later as young professionals. We are forever greatful to each and every one of you. Thank you for your patronage and great memories." UH, however has learned that the eatery has been sold and that the new owners plan to keep it open "just as it is."

Steve's Kitchen has been known in part for its all-day breakfasts along with lunch items including some Greek dishes.

The address for Steve's Kitchen is 120 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA, 02134.

[March 1 update: Universal Hub mentions that Steve's Kitchen will indeed remain open, but with a new name--Cafe Weekend.]

[March 11 update: Eater Boston states that Cafe Weekend 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]

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Singh's Dhaba Is Opening in Cambridge; Team Behind Now-Closed Bapu G's in Foxboro Opening the Place

Last month it was reported that an Indian restaurant southwest of Boston had closed. Now we have learned that the people behind it will be opening a new dining spot in Cambridge.

According to a tweet from @JeremyKrantz, Singh's Dhaba is planning to open on Mass. Ave. between Harvard Square and Central Square, with a Facebook post from the now-closed Bapu G's in Foxboro saying "Attention Bapu G's friends and family. We are proud to announce our new venture. Stay tuned for more details!" while also showing an image with the restaurant's name and address. An Instagram post from Singh's Dhaba indicates that it will feature Indian lunch plates, using the words "Tiffin" and "Thali" ("Tiffin" generally refers to lunch while "Thali" refers to a plate); the website is under construction, but once it is up and running, we will give more details about the upcoming place.

Bapu G's closed down just before Christmas after approximately three years in business, with the restaurant being known in part for its kebabs.

The address for Singh's Dhaba is 1001 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website will be at http://singhsdhaba.com/

[April 8 update: The website for the place indicates that Singh's Dhaba is now open in Cambridge.]

[Earlier Article]
Bapu G's in Foxboro 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.)

Monday, January 17, 2022

The Painted Burro Plans to Open in the Former Border Cafe Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A group of Mexican restaurants appears to be expanding to a new location, and it would be taking over an iconic space in Cambridge.

According to a source, The Painted Burro is planning to open in the former Border Cafe space in Harvard Square, with Marc Levy of Cambridge Day confirming this to us, indicating that if all goes as planned, the new location of the place will have a patio and could open in the spring. This would be the fourth location of The Painted Burro, which is part of The Alpine Restaurant Group (Posto, Burro Bar, Rosebud American Kitchen), and which has restaurants in Somerville's Davis Square, Waltham, and Bedford.

The Harvard Square location of the Border Cafe was hit by a fire approximately two years ago and never reopened, and it was learned that it would be a permanent closure early last year. (Existing locations of the Border Cafe can be found in Burlington and Saugus.)

The address for the upcoming location of The Painted Burro in Harvard Square is 32 Church Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.thepaintedburro.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.)

Friday, January 14, 2022

50Kitchen in Dorchester's Fields Corner Is Closing

A Dorchester restaurant that features fusion fare is going to be shutting down.

Eater Boston is reporting that 50Kitchen in Fields Corner is closing its doors next month, with an Instagram post from the Dorchester Avenue spot saying the following:

This was a difficult decision to make, but a necessary one. We understand that many of our fans will be sad to hear this news, but we would not like to focus on the negatives. Although we are sad that we will soon close our doors, we are grateful for what we were able to do and accomplish in just two years. A small restaurant in Dorchester was able to be part of some really big things, and give back in some really important ways. It is thanks to this community that we were able to share our story with thousands of people, whether at our restaurant, in interviews, or on Chopped. It was thanks to our customers that we were able to stay open and help provide meals to those in need throughout this pandemic. We want to say thanks to every article writer, food blogger, social media sharer, and every single customer and supporter that kept coming into our restaurant to share a smile and enjoy some good food. This is not the end of our story, but merely the end of this chapter of it.

50Kitchen first opened in the early part of 2020, offering southern-style cuisine with Asian influences. Its menu includes such items as jambalaya egg rolls, chicken satay, wings, brisket sliders, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, ribs, gumbo, smoked banh mi, quinoa bowls, and sweet potato fries.

The address for 50Kitchen is 1450 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122. Its website can be found at https://50kitchen.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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Thursday, January 13, 2022

The Saugus Building That Used to House Victor's Italian Cuisine, Maddy's, and the Blue Star Has Been Demolished

A structure in Saugus that has been home to a few restaurants/bars over the years has been torn down.

According to an article from the Saugus Advertiser and Wicked Local, the structure at 1639 Broadway (where Routes 1 and 99 meet) was demolished yesterday, with the post indicating that it was due to an "emergency situation." In the article, Town Engineer Todd Baldwin said that a water main break took place there last week and the water was shut off at the curb, so "Due to the fact it didn't have functioning sprinklers, it was deemed to be an emergency and to have the building demolished." The building, which has been boarded up for awhile, had been home to Victor's Italian Cuisine, Maddy's, and the Blue Star, and as reported here earlier, it looked like it was already headed toward demolition, as the parcel was proposed to become home to an Italian steakhouse (the Saugus Advertiser also says that two apartment buildings are proposed for the space, with one of them including the steakhouse).

[Earlier Articles]
Victor's Italian Cuisine in Saugus Is Moving to Former Maddy's Space
An Italian Steakhouse May Open in Former Victor's Italian Cuisine Space in Saugus

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.)

Garrett Harker to Open Four New Restaurants/Bars Near Kenmore Square in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

Early last year, it was reported that three popular dining and drinking spots from one of Boston's best-known restaurateurs were shutting down. Now we have learned that he will be opening several new restaurants/bars in a new development nearby.

According to a press release, Garrett Harker is planning to develop four "food and beverage concepts" at Bower, a luxury destination on Beacon Street between Kenmore Square and Audubon Circle, with Harker saying "From B&G Oysters to Eastern Standard to Row 34, I've loved harnessing the transformative power of hospitality to activate neighborhoods....While there have been dark clouds in our industry the past two years, I'm as excited as ever to roll up my sleeves and dig in. I'm grateful to the team at Bower for giving me the opportunity to once again be a part of creating an entirely new neighborhood just a short five-minute walk from my home of 15 years."

In February of 2021, we reported that Eastern Standard, Island Creek Oyster Bar (which was a partnership between Harker and Island Creek Oysters in Duxbury), and The Hawthorne--which were all located within the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square--would not be reopening and that new dining/drinking spots under different ownership would be opening within the spaces.

Harker, who currently runs Branch Line in Watertown and Eastern Standard Provisions Co., will be announcing the exact concepts sometime this year, with the plan being for them to open in early 2023--and mixologist/Eastern Standard opening bar manager Jackson Cannon and Chef Nemo Bolin, (Cook & Brown Public House, No. 9 Park) will be involved.

Thanks to Adam Castiglioni (@ConciergeBoston) for initially bringing this to our attention.

[October 27 update: Eater Boston states that the first of four concepts has been announced, and it will be a cocktail bar called Equal Measure that plans to open sometime in 2023.]

[Earlier Articles]
Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Bar in Boston's Kenmore Square Will Not Reopen; Transferring Their Licenses to UrbanMeritage
The Hawthorne in Boston's Kenmore Square 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.)

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Apna Bazar Is Opening in Woburn

A small group of grocery stores that offer Indian food items will be expanding to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a message sent by Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie, Apna Bazar is going to be opening in Woburn, moving into a space on Washington Street just south of the Route 128/95 intersection. The website for the business says that the market will be "a premium store for Indian & ethnic groceries....We take pride in being one stop shop for all your ethnic grocery needs: fresh produce, dairy, dals, spices, savory snacks, meal kits, frozen meals & sweets, rice, atta and much more."

Apna Bazar first started out in the Jackson Heights section of Queens more than 25 years ago and currently has a handful of stores on both the west coast and the east coast, including one in Norwood and another upcoming shop in Lowell.

The address for Apna Bazar in Woburn is 335 Washington Street, Woburn MA, 01801. The website for the store is at http://apnabazarwoburn.com/

[February 11, 2022 update: Richard Auffrey tells us that Apna Bazar is now open in Woburn.]

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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Pho Town Plans Is Opening in the Former Kabab Corner Space in Medford

It looks like a Vietnamese dining spot will be moving into a space just north of Boston that had been home to an Indian restaurant.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, a sign is up for Pho Town in the old Kabab Corner space near Wellington Circle in Medford, with a check on the upcoming eatery showing no further information on it. The poster told us that the sign has been up for at least a few weeks, though a check on the space indicates that not much is happening with it as of yet.

Kabab Corner had been in business in the space for a bit under 15 years, offering a variety of Indian dishes including samosas, pakoras, dosas, kababs, vindaloo, korma, saag, tikka masala, and more.

The address for Pho Town (and the now-closed Kabab Corner) is 4110 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford, MA, 02155.

[March 10 update: Eater Boston states that Pho Town is now open in Medford (and its exact name is "Pho Town 7").]

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.)

Vicki Lee's in Belmont Is Becoming Ovenbird Café

A beloved cafe, bakeshop, and catering business in the western suburbs is transitioning to another cafe with a new name, though much of what customers love about the old spot will remain in place.

According to an article in the Belmont Citizen-Herald and Wicked Local, Vicki Lee's in Belmont is going to become Ovenbird Café by the end of February, as Vicki Lee Boyajian has sold the Trapelo Road place to her chef/business partner Jason Reed. The post mentions that Boyajian--whose business dates back 39 years--will stay on for the rest of 2022 in order to help with the changeover while also overseeing catering events that are booked until the end of the year.

While Boyajian's recipes are being passed on to Reed and the staff will remain in place, Reed does plan to tweak the concept, saying that "I'm still going to be a place you can come to for prepared food, lunch, breakfast, advance orders and all that kinds of stuff, the bakery and the café. It's going to be my own personal twist on that concept while maintaining some of the classics that have brought people back over the years."

The address for Vicki Lee's (and the Ovenbird Café) is 105 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA, 02478. The website for Vickie Lee's can be found at https://www.vickilees.com/

The Boston Globe first announced the changes coming to the Vicki Lee's space earlier this month.

[March 14 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Ovenbird Café is now open, and that indoor dining is coming March 22.]

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, January 11, 2022

Fire Dough Kitchen in Sudbury to Expand to Second Location in Framingham

A dining spot in the western suburbs that features wood-fired pizza will soon be joined by a second location in the MetroWest area.

According to an article from the Framingham Source, Fire Dough Kitchen at Wayside Plaza in Sudbury is expanding to Framingham, opening a new outlet on Route 135 in Framingham next to a location of Walgreens just west of the downtown area. Based on the Sudbury shop, expect to see such options as pizza, salads, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and wings at the new outlet.

If all goes as planned, the new location of Fire Dough Kitchen could be opening in April.

The address for the upcoming Fire Dough Kitchen in Framingham is 624 Waverly Street, Framingham, MA, 01702. The website for the original location can be found at https://www.firedoughkitchen.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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Monday, January 10, 2022

Row 34 to Open New Location in Cambridge's Kendall Square

An award-winning trio of restaurants that focus on seafood will be expanding to a fourth location.

According to a press release, Row 34 is planning to open in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge this fall, moving into a space on Main Street next to the T station and across the street from the Marriott. The upcoming outlet of the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner daily, and will offer a variety of seafood (including oysters) along with an extensive beer list, and it will join existing locations in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood, Burlington, and Portsmouth, NH.

Row 34 has received accolades from such publications as Bon Appetit, GQ, and Boston Magazine over the years, including being named one of America's 25 best restaurants by GQ and one of the 50 best restaurants by Bon Appetit.

The address for the upcoming location of Row 34 in Kendall Square is 314 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.row34.com/

[December 7 update: According to its website, Row 34 expects to open its Kendall Square location in the winter of 2023.]

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.)