Boston Restaurant Talk: March 2022

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Tori Japan Is Opening in the Former Teriyaki House Space in Boston's Back Bay

It looks like a Japanese eatery in Jamaica Plain is expanding to a second location in one of the busiest sections of Boston.

According to a source, Tori Japan is planning to open on Boylston Street in the Back Bay, taking over the space that had been home to Teriyaki House until it closed last March. Based on the location on Centre Street in JP, the new outlet of Tori Japan could be offering such items as sushi, bento boxes, teriyaki, spring rolls, tempura, and more.

The people behind Tori Japan also run a restaurant in Bridgewater Township, NJ, called Tori Sushi.

The address for the new location of Tori Japan in the Back Bay is 1110 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the Jamaica Plain location is at https://www.torijapan.com/

[May 6 update: A Facebook post from Drew Starr indicates that Tori Japan is now open in the Back Bay.]

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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Hecate Opens in Boston's Back Bay April 7

A Greek restaurant and wine bar in Boston's Back Bay that opened in early 2020 will soon be joined by a European-style cocktail bar.

Eater Boston reports that Hecate is slated to debut below Krasi on Gloucester Street on April 7, with the upcoming spot--which can be accessed by a door in the back alley (Public Alley 443)--being what EB says is "cozy, but not claustrophobic" and limits parties to six while not allowing standing. In addition to cocktails, Hecate will also offer beer and wine along with alcohol-free drinks, while food items will include bar snacks such as popcorn and deep-fat fried shrimp toast.

Plans for Hecate (and Krasi) date back to 2019, when it was first announced that Krasi would take over the former Cafe Jaffa space.

The website for Hecate can be found at http://www.hecatebar.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Krasi Opens in Boston's Back Bay
Krasi Is Replacing Cafe Jaffa in Boston's Back Bay

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, March 30, 2022

Temporary Outdoor Dining Gets Approved by the State for 2022

[Ed note: This article was updated on April 2 to reflect the fact that the state has approved the extension of the temporary outdoor dining program.]

The expanded outdoor patio season for Boston restaurants is right around the corner, though one issue needs to be resolved.

According to a restaurant owner who we talked with this evening, the state has apparently not yet approved of variances needed to allow Boston restaurants to have temporary patios, as the program that has been in place for it in 2020 and 2021 is about to expire. Because of this, restaurants and bars within the city cannot have temporary patios set up in place until state legislation approves the extension that would allow for one more year of temporary outdoor dining. A media source confirms this, saying that the state is in the process of finalizing the extension and that final approvals from the city of Boston will be issued upon state approval. A page within the city's website gives a bit more information on this, saying the following:

On April 1, 2022, the Governor's extension of the COVID-19 Order No. 50 will be lifted. This order relaxed restrictions in the outdoor dining process during the COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021. For the 2022 temporary, the City is seeking variances from the state to extend the temporary program for another year.

As reported earlier, April 1 is the opening day for expanded restaurant patios in Boston except for the North End, which will begin on May 1.

[April 2 update: A tweet from Governor Charlie Baker indicates that the state has given its approval for temporary outdoor dining to continue through 2022.]

[Earlier Article]
Expanded Outdoor Dining to Resume in Boston (Except The North End) Starting April 1

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.)

Beat Brew Hall in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Reopening

A Cambridge beer hall is being reborn with what appears to be a slightly different concept.

According to a source, Beat Brew Hall in Harvard Square is planning to reopen, with a note on its website saying "BEAT HALL IS (RE)OPENING SOON! All New & Better Than Ever!" The website also mentions that it will be a "tequila, bourbon & beer-focused, taco, rib & burger-slinging honky-tonk in the heart of Harvard Square" and it will focus on American, Southwest, and Mexican street food" while also featuring live music within the space.

Beat Brew Hall debuted in September of 2018, replacing Beat Brasserie; both places were run by the team behind The Beehive and Cosmica in Boston's South End.

The address for the Beat Brew Hall is 13A Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://www.beatbrewhall.com/

[May 5 update: A source tells us that Beat Brew Hall opens back up today, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this.]

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

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

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

Onion Town Grill & Sports Bar in Danvers Is Closing

A North Shore dining and drinking spot that has been around for 15 years is shutting down later this spring.

According to a tweet from @JeremyKrantz, Onion Town Grill & Sports Bar in Danvers is closing its doors permanently, with a note (which was originally posted on the Boston's Wicked North Shore Facebook page) saying that "Onion Town Grill & Sports Bar - Danvers Onion Town is closing at the end of May. The popular bar and grill first opened in 2007. The site is reportedly set to become a charter school." Onion Town is mainly a local hangout that offers such items as nachos, burgers, wings, pizza, steak tips, and pasta dishes, while also having a full bar.

The address for Onion Town Grill & Sports Bar is 175 Water Street, Danvers, MA, 01923. Its website can be found at https://www.oniontowngrill.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, March 28, 2022

Delphine's Kitchen Opens in Beverly

A brand new French eatery has come to the North Shore, opening in a city whose dining scene is suddenly red-hot.

According to a tweet from @JeremyKrantz, Delphine's Kitchen is now open in Beverly, moving into a space on Cabot Street in the city's downtown area. The Instagram page for the dining spot indicates that it offers "French comfort food" including crepes, soups, salads, and sandwiches, and Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie has told us that a menu has now been posted to their Facebook page..

The address for Delphine's Kitchen in Beverly is 261 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915. Its website can be found at https://delphineskitchen.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/delphineskitchenbeverly/

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.)

Pho So 1 Opens in Quincy Center

A new Vietnamese restaurant has come to Quincy, and it has a familiar name.

According to a message sent from John Hafferty of Bin Ends Wine in Braintree and Needham, Pho So 1 is now open on Hancock Street, moving into a space on the southern edge of Quincy Center. The new eatery has a connection to a now-closed restaurant by the same name in Dorchester's Fields Corner neighborhood along with a Randolph outlet that remains in operation, with a note on its website saying the following:

Like many 1st generation Vietnamese families here in the US, my parents immigrated to America from Vietnam but missed the community and rich and diverse foods from their home country. I have fond memories of helping my mother make her giant pot of pho and inviting friends and family over to eat. Her pho was the best. In 1999, my parents put that passion towards the first Pho So 1 in Dorchester, MA. After relocating the restaurant to Randolph, MA and serving the community for over 20 years, our family has decided to expand our reach further to Quincy, MA.

In addition to pho, the new location of Pho So 1 offers stir-fry dishes, rice plates, vermicelli bowls, and more, along with beer and cocktails.

The address for the new location of Pho So 1 in Quincy Center is 1625 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. Its website is at https://phoso1restaurant.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, March 25, 2022

El Cuscatelco Pupuseria & y Restaurante to Open in Former Mi Cocina Mexicana Space in Framingham

A new restaurant that could feature Mexican and Central American food is coming to MetroWest, and it will replace a now-closed Mexican dining spot.

According to a source, El Cuscatelco Pupuseria & y Restaurante is planning to open in Framingham, with a Framingham Source article indicating that it will move into the space on Waverly Street that had been home to Mi Cocina Mexicana. Based on its name and a Yelp page for it, the upcoming eatery could offer Salvadoran fare and possibly Mexican cuisine as well, though no details have been given as of yet.

The address for El Cuscatelco Pupuseria & y Restaurante will be 740 Waverly Street (Route 135), Framingham, MA, 01702.

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.)

KoKo Cafe to Open in Former Cafe Mamtaz Space in South Boston

The people behind a mobile coffee bar will be opening a brick-and-mortar shop in South Boston, taking over the space where a South Asian takeout place had been.

According to a tweet from @chipsy231 (and posted by Caught in Southie), KoKo Cafe is planning to open on L Street, moving into the former Cafe Mamtaz space. Caught in Southie mentions that the upcoming spot will serve breakfast and lunch, with the hope being that it will debut sometime in early May if all goes as planned.

Cafe Mamtaz was known for its Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi fare, and it offered catering as well as takeout/delivery.

The address for the upcoming KoKo Cafe (and now-closed Cafe Mamtaz) is 87 L Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the place is at http://kokocafeboston.com/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.)

Bosso Ramen Tavern Is Opening in the Former Spicies Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square

Last summer, it was reported that a ramen spot could be taking over a space in Cambridge that had been home to a longtime Thai restaurant. Now we have learned that a different restaurant that offers ramen and other food items is taking over the space.

Eater Boston is reporting that Bosso Ramen Tavern is getting ready to open in Harvard Square, moving into the former Spicies space on Holyoke Street. The article mentions that the new eatery is an izakaya-style place (rather than a ramen shop) that features Japanese fare including gyoza, tempura, ramen, sushi, seafood dishes, and more, along with sake and wine. Bosso Ramen Tavern has already been "testing the waters" via what appears to have been an ongoing soft opening, though its grand opening is slated for tomorrow (Saturday, March 26).

Our original article from early September of 2021 mentioned that Boston Ramen Co. might be opening in the former Spicies space; Spicies itself had been in business for more than 20 years and had formerly been known as Spice.

The address for Bosso Ramen Tavern is 24 Holyoke Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[Earlier Article]
Spicies in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Closed; Boston Ramen Co. Plans to Open in Its Space

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, March 24, 2022

The Friendly Toast to Open at Legacy Place in Dedham

An eclectic local group of dining spots known in part for their breakfast options will be expanding further into the Greater Boston area, with one now on the way to a development just off Route 128.

A press release confirms what multiple sources have told us over the past few weeks, that The Friendly Toast is planning to open at Legacy Place in Dedham. The new outlet will join others locally in Boston's Back Bay, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Danvers, and North Andover, along with an upcoming one in Cambridge's Harvard Square; the original can be found in Portsmouth, NH, while two others are in Bedford, NH, and Burlington, VT.

If all goes as planned, the new location of The Friendly Toast will open at Legacy Place this summer.

The website for all locations of The Friendly Toast is at https://thefriendlytoast.com/

[July 21 update: According to a new press release, The Friendly Toast opens at Legacy Place on Monday, July 25.]

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.)

Public Kitchen Is Opening in the Biltmore and Main Space in Reading

A restaurant and bar in the northern suburbs of Boston that is known in part for its beer and cocktail options is expanding a few miles to the north, and it will be replacing another dining and drinking spot.

According to a message from local hospitality writer Cheryl Fenton, Public Kitchen in Wakefield is expanding to a second location in Reading, with the address indicating that it will be taking over the Biltmore and Main Space in the center of town. A Facebook post from the place confirms this, saying that "PK is Getting a Sister! Coming soon to READING MA!" while also mentioning that updates will be coming to the Instagram page for the upcoming location.

Public Kitchen first opened in Wakefield in early 2018, while Biltmore and Main debuted in Reading in the fall of 2015.

The address for the new location of Public Kitchen in Reading is 530 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867. The website for the Wakefield location is at https://publickitchen.net/ while the Instagram page for the Reading outlet will be at https://www.instagram.com/pk_reading/

[December 20 update: A tweet from @dbelson indicates that Public Kitchen is now open in Reading, with the restaurant confirming this in a post.]

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.)

Grafton Street Pub & Grill Opens in Park Restaurant & Bar Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square

Earlier this month, it was reported that a casual upscale pub in Cambridge was going to be replaced by a location of an eclectic group of restaurants, and now we have learned that the pub has returned, taking over a nearby space that was home to another dining and drinking spot under the same ownership.

According to a source (Beckie Hunter), Grafton Street Pub & Grill is opening in the former Park Restaurant & Bar space in Harvard Square, with a Facebook post from the place indicating that it debuts in its new space at 5:00 PM today. Grafton Street recently left its home on Mass. Ave., making way for an upcoming location of The Friendly Toast, which had an outlet in Kendall Square that closed in the summer of 2020.

The Grafton Group is behind both Grafton Street and the now-closed Park along with two other Harvard Square restaurants--Russell House Tavern and The Hourly Oyster House; the restaurant group also runs Temple Bar between Harvard Square and Porter Square and State Street Provisions on the Boston waterfront.

The old address for Grafton Street Pub & Grill was 1230 Massachusetts Avenue while its new address in the old Park space is 59 JFK Street. The website for Grafton Street is at https://graftonstreetcambridge.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Friendly Toast to Replace Grafton Street in Cambridge's Harvard Square

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

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

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

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Fusion Cafe and Restaurant in Reading Has Closed

A dining spot in the northern suburbs of Boston that was known in part for its all-day breakfast has shut down.

According to a message from local hospitality writer Cheryl Fenton, Fusion Cafe and Restaurant in Reading has closed its doors permanently, and it appears that the people behind another local restaurant may be taking over the Main Street space, though we are still trying to confirm details on this. Fusion offered such items as omelets, Mexican-style breakfasts, crepes, waffles, pancakes, French toast, and breakfast sandwiches.

The address for the now-closed Fusion Cafe and Restaurant was 607 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867.

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, March 22, 2022

Chau's Sandwiches Opens in Randolph

A new dining spot that features Vietnamese sandwiches and more has opened in the southern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Chau's Sandwiches is Randolph is now open, moving into a space within the Hai Lua Plaza on N Main Street. A check on the website for the eatery indicates that it offers a variety of banh mi along with vermicelli, chicken sticky rice, fried shredded pork, Vietnamese dumplings, beef noodle soup, and rice cakes.

The address for Chau's Sandwiches is 937 N Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368. Its website can be found at https://chaussandwiches.square.site/

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

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

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Kura Sushi Plans to Open Another Boston-Area Location, With This One Being at South Bay in Dorchester

A chain of sushi restaurants that just opened its first New England location in the Boston area is going to be opening another location, with this one being just south of downtown.

According to a page within the website for the chain, Kura Sushi is planning to open at South Bay in Dorchester, joining a recently-opened outlet at Arsenal Yards in Watertown. Expect the upcoming restaurant to feature conveyor belt sushi in which food items move by each table, allowing diners to choose what they want as the food goes by.

Kura Sushi started out in Japan in 1977 and now has over 500 locations in the United States and Asia.

The address for the upcoming Kura Sushi at South Bay is 39A District Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125. The website for the chain is at https://kurasushi.com/

[Earlier Article]
Kura Sushi Opens at Arsenal Yards in Watertown

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, March 21, 2022

The Ford Tavern Is Opening in Medford

A new restaurant is on its way to a brand new riverside development a few miles north of Boston.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, The Ford Tavern is planning to open at Windsor Mystic River in Medford, with a photo gallery within the Windsor site confirming that "an onsite American concept restaurant" with that name plans to open there in sometime this fall. This jibes with a post from last year within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page in which a poster said that the dining spot would be opening at "new luxury apartments" across from Meadow Glen (formerly the Meadow Glen Mall).

The address for Windsor Mystic River is 61 Locust Street, Medford, MA, 02155.

[May 26 update: A poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page says that The Ford Tavern opens its doors at 5:00 PM today.]

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

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

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

Kura Sushi Opens at Arsenal Yards in Watertown

A location of a chain of sushi restaurants that has been in the works for more than two years has finally debuted.

According to multiple sources, Kura Sushi is now open at Arsenal Yards in Watertown, with this being its first New England outlet. As mentioned in an earlier article here, the new dining spot has a conveyor belt concept in which sushi items move by each table, allowing diners to choose what they want as the food goes by.

Kura Sushi was first established in Japan in 1977 and now has more than 500 locations in the United States and Asia.

The address for the new Kura Sushi at Arsenal Yards in Watertown is 101 Bond Square, Watertown, MA, 02472. The website for the chain can be found at https://kurasushi.com/

[Earlier Article]
Kura Sushi Plans to Open New location at Arsenal Yards in Watertown

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.)

Split Rock to Open in Cohasset

A new oyster bar and beer garden is on its way to the South Shore.

According to a source, Split Rock is planning to open in Cohasset, with the website for the business saying that it will be located in a converted container unit on Parking Way and that it will be a seasonal spot that is "family friendly and adult-centric." Our source tells us that the upcoming spot will offer beer and wine along with oysters and other seafood items, and that the outdoor space will include fire pits. If all goes as planned, Split Rock will open sometime this spring.

The address for Split Rock will be 12 Parking Way, Cohasset, MA, 02025. Its website can be found at https://www.splitrockcohasset.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, March 18, 2022

Lord Hobo Opens Brewery and Restaurant in Boston's Seaport District

About a year and a half ago, we reported that one of the biggest names in the local beer scene had completed its first phase of the opening of its new waterfront location. Now the next phase of opening is here.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Lord Hobo opened its brewery and restaurant yesterday, while also saying that starting in April, its patio will stretch along the building and have a capacity of 380. In September of 2020, the patio of the facility opened with a reduced capacity of just under 250, while also offering to-go beers and dining options from a food truck.

Lord Hobo Brewing Company has a brewery and taproom in Woburn as well, while the original Lord Hobo beer bar resides on Hampshire Street between Kendall Square and Inman Square in Cambridge.

The address for Lord Hobo in the Seaport District is 2 Drydock Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the business is at https://lordhobo.com/

[Earlier Article]
Lord Hobo in the Seaport District Debuts First Stage of Opening

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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Silhouette Lounge in Allston Reopens Under New Management

A beloved Boston dive bar has returned.

According to a press release, as well as an article from Universal Hub (via @BrandonBowser3), the Silhouette Lounge in Allston opens back up today under new management, with Fred Starikov of City Realty and his business partners taking over the Brighton Avenue watering hole, as the previous owner Joseph Eliseo--who first purchased the place in 1979--has retired. Universal Hub says that no changes are expected, while the press release confirms this, saying that other than some minor cosmetic repairs, the place will remain as is.

The Silhouette Lounge, which dates back to 1965, is known in part for its cheap beer, darts, and free popcorn.

The address for the Silhouette Lounge is 200 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

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, March 17, 2022

Newtowne Grille in Cambridge Is Closing Down

A decades-old Cambridge watering hole that is known for its pizza is saying farewell.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, Newtowne Grille in the city's Porter Square area is closing its doors this weekend, with Saturday expected to be its last day in business. The old-school bar, which dates back to the mid-1960s, had been closed for a number of months due to the outbreak of the coronavirus in March of 2020, but it opened back up shortly before Thanksgiving of that year.

Cambridge Day says that the people behind Sugar & Spice, which resides in the same block, will be taking over the Newtowne Grill space, opening a new Asian concept there.

It appears that the Billerica location of Newtowne Grill will remain in operation.

The address for the soon-to-close Newtowne Grill in Porter Square is 1945 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website is at https://www.newtownegrille.com/

[Earlier Article]
Newtowne Grille in Cambridge Is Open Once Again

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

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

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

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Kalasha Bubble Tea and Chicken Opens in Framingham

A brand new Korean restaurant has come to MetroWest.

According to a source, Kalasha Bubble Tea and Chicken is now open in Framingham, with an article from the MetroWest Daily News indicating that the new dining spot offers such items as wings, cold noodles, Korean sushi rolls, bubble tea, and more. Kalasha Bubble Tea and Chicken takes over the Trolley Square space on Worcester Road that had once been home to Rasoi Gourmet Indian Kitchen.

The address for Kalasha Bubble Tea and Chicken is 855 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA, 01701

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.)

J.J. Foley's Fireside Tavern in Jamaica Plain Is Closing

Yet another longtime dive bar in Boston is shutting down.

According to a source within the restaurant industry, J.J. Foley's Fireside Tavern in the Forest Hills section of Jamaica Plain is closing its doors this weekend, with Sunday slated to be its last day in operation. J.J Foley's--which has an indirect ownership connection to the two J.J. Foley's in Boston's South End and Financial District--dates back to at least the 1940s, offering cheap drinks (no food, though people can bring food in) and having an electric fireplace while also having games such as darts and pinball, the latter of which is no longer there.

The address for J.J. Foley's Fireside Tavern is 30 Hyde Park Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

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, March 15, 2022

For Pizza Opens in Medford Square

A new spot that offers their own take on a beloved South Shore food item has opened a few miles north of Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting that For Pizza is now open in Medford Square, taking over the space on High Street that had been home to GNP House of Pizza. The website for the eatery says that "Our pizza is most similar to south shore bar pizza, but with our own twists (and improvements:)," with the thin-crust pizza being cooked in lightly-oiled pans "for an almost slightly caramelized taste."

Bar pizza is mainly found south of Boston, with very few options for it west and north of the city; one place not too far from Medford that offers it is Hot Box, which is located at Bow Market in Somerville, and also offers North Shore-style roast beef sandwiches.

The address for the new For Pizza is 51 High Street, Medford, MA, 02155. Its website is at https://www.forpizza.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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Dockside Restaurant in Malden Is Closing; Being Replaced by House of Smoke

What was once a local group of four restaurants featuring classic American fare will soon be down to just one, though a new concept under the same ownership is on the way.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Dockside Restaurant in Malden is shutting down, with a note from the Centre Street dining spot saying that its last day in business will be March 20. The note mentions that the Wakefield location of the restaurant will remain in operation, and that they will soon open a new barbecue spot called House of Smoke in the Malden space that will be "serving the best barbeque around under the culinary and operational leadership of Carlos Magalhaes from Fuel America."

Other locations of Dockside Restaurant had once been at Riverview in Malden and on Everett Avenue in Chelsea.

The address for the Dockside Restaurant in Malden (and House of Smoke) is 229 Centre Street, Malden, MA, 02148. The website for Dockside can be found at https://www.docksiderestaurants.com/

[May 4, 2022 update: A tweet from @kenjimallon mentions that House of Smoke is now open, with the Facebook page for the restaurant confirming this.]

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

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

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

Monday, March 14, 2022

Create Gallery + Cocktail Lounge Is Saying Farewell to Bow Market in Somerville

An eclectic Somerville spot that focused on cocktails and art is leaving its space.

According to a source, Create Gallery + Cocktail Lounge is saying goodbye to its home at Bow Market, with a Facebook post from owner Louis DiBiccari saying the following:

We're disappointed to announce that March 22nd will be our final service at Bow Market. I'm very grateful to the store owners here for embracing us as a part of their community for the last three years. CREATE Gallery & Cocktail will undergo some brand restructuring & relocate soon....Not 100% ready to say much more right now but the evolution of CREATE will get me back in a kitchen & I'm stoked to start cooking again....Thanks again for supporting our little nook on the second floor. Forever grateful

Create Gallery + Cocktail Lounge, which first opened in the summer of 2019, has been known in part for its draft cocktails along with its works from local artists. DiBiccari had formerly been involved with Tavern Road in Boston's Fort Point.

As soon as we find out more about the new concept from DiBiccari, including where it will be located, we will post an update here.

[March 29 update: A check on its Facebook page confirms that Create Gallery + Cocktail Lounge is now closed.]

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

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

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

Parm Is Opening in Former Tender Greens Space at Copley Place in Boston's Back Bay

A New York-based group of fast-casual Italian restaurants that is opening a location in the northern suburbs of Boston is now planning to open an outlet in one of the busiest sections of the city.

According to an article from The Boston Sun, Parm is looking to open at Copley Place in the Back Bay, taking over the space that had been home to a location of Tender Greens. Once it opens, the new outlet will join another location at the Burlington Mall along with three in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, and one at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, NY, and the menu will likely include such options as chicken parm subs, spaghetti and meatballs, fried calamari, and more.

The website for Parm can be found at https://www.parmitalian.com/

Thanks to Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.

[September 7 update: According to a page within the simon.com site, Parm is now open at Copley Place.]

[Earlier Article]
Parm to Open at the Burlington Mall

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, March 11, 2022

Yas Chicken in Lynn Expands to Allston

A chicken place on the North Shore has opened a second location, and this one resides in a Boston neighborhood.

According to a source, Yas Chicken has soft-opened on Brighton Avenue in Allston, joining the original location on Western Avenue in Lynn, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this, saying "Our 2nd location has arrived in the Boston area! Soft Opening 3/11/22 (Friday) 11:30am-10pm." A boston.com article mentions that the new location offers such items as wings, tenders, fries, chicken sandwiches, and more.

The address for the new location of Yas Chicken is 128 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

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, March 10, 2022

The Friendly Toast to Replace Grafton Street in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A couple of summers ago, the Cambridge location of an eclectic local group of dining spots closed, though they hoped to find a new space within the city. Now we have learned that it will be replacing an upscale comfort food spot not too far away.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, the Friendly Toast is planning to open in Harvard Square, taking over the space where Grafton Street Pub & Grill had been. The Friendly Toast once resided in Kendall Square, but it officially closed its doors in August of 2020 several months after the start of the pandemic, saying at the time that "Over the past couple of months, we've been slowly and safely reopening our restaurants with every precaution in mind to keep our team and guests safe. We cannot thank you all enough for overwhelmingly positive support we've received in these very challenging restaurant and life times." Owner Scott Pulver subsequently said that they were "actively looking" for a new space in the city, as there was "a ridiculous amount of restaurant space coming up in Cambridge.... We're just waiting for Cambridge to come back to life."

Cambridge Day mentions that Grafton Street briefly reopened last fall after being closed for much of the pandemic, but shut back down as the virus started to surge again.

The address for the upcoming location of The Friendly Toast in Harvard Square (and the now-closed Grafton Street) is 1230 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for all locations of The Friendly Toast can be found at https://thefriendlytoast.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Friendly Toast in Cambridge's Kendall Square 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.)

Juicygreens Opens at Assembly Row in Somerville

A local pair of vegetarian spots have been joined by a third location, and this one has opened in an expanding development in Somerville.

Eater Boston is reporting that Juicygreens is now open at Assembly Row, offering smoothies, cold-pressed juices, bowls, arepas, coffee, and more. The new location of the eatery joins others in Jamaica Plain and at Hub Hall by North Station, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner--and while it has limited seating, it appears to be geared mainly toward takeout as well as catering.

The address for the new location of Juicygreens at Assembly Row is 495 Foley Street, Somerville, MA, 02145. The website for all locations can be found at https://juicygreensboston.com/

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

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

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

Wednesday, March 09, 2022

Squeeze Juice Company Opens at MarketStreet Lynnfield

A local trio of juice spots has been joined by a fourth location, with this one opening in a development in the northern suburbs.

According to its website, Squeeze Juice Company is now open at MarketStreet Lynnfield, with the new outlet joining others in downtown Boston, the Seaport District, and Somerville's Assembly Row. As with the other locations, the new shop offers an array of juices along with smoothies, bowls, toasts, coffee, tea, and more.

The website for Squeeze Juice Company can be found at https://www.drinksqueeze.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.)

Sullivan's Public House Is Opening in the Former Sullivan's Pub Space in Charlestown

A new dining and drinking spot is getting ready to open where a neighborhood bar in Charlestown had been, and it will have a similar name, though the concept appears to be a bit different.

According to multiple sources, Sullivan's Public House is opening very soon in the former Sullivan's Pub space on Main Street, with a Facebook post from the place indicating that it will apparently focus more on food than the previous watering hole, offering such items as scotch eggs, potato soup, soda bread, wings, potato boxty, grilled cheese, brick chicken, sirloin steak, a burger, hummus, and more, while also offering beer, wine, cider, and cocktails, the latter of which includes martinis, black velvets, chilled Irish coffee, and margaritas.

Sullivan's Pub was a cash-only watering hole that was mainly a local hangout.

The address for Sullivan's Public House is 85 Main Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/sullivanspublic

[March 12 update: According to its Facebook page, Sullivan's Public House is now open.]

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

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

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

Mission Beach House Opens in Revere

A new dining spot in a waterfront space just north of Boston is now open, and a local restaurant group is behind the place.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Mission Beach House has opened in Revere, moving into a space at SpringHill Suites on Ocean Avenue. The new spot is run by the Mission Restaurant Group, which operates Mission on the Bay in Swampscott, Mission Oak Grill and Steeple Hall in Newburyport, and the upcoming Mission Boat House in Beverly, and it focuses in part on seafood items while also offering steak, pasta dishes, and more.

The address for Mission Beach House is 400 Ocean Avenue, Revere, MA, 02151. Its website can be found at https://mission-beachhouse.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.)

Tuesday, March 08, 2022

Hei La Moon in Chinatown Is Moving to the Food Opera Space

One of the largest restaurants in Boston is apparently moving to a smaller space

According to a Twitter post from @JCCraves, Hei La Moon in Chinatown has a sign up at its Beach Street location saying that it will soon "be a part of Food Opera" (the old Chau Chow City space on Essex Street), with the tweet indicating that the restaurant could become a "food hall stand," though this has not been confirmed as of yet. Hei La Moon is a sprawling dining spot known in part for its dim sum, while also being a place for functions and events including weddings; over the past few years, it appeared that the restaurant might end up losing its home to development, though it subsequently looked like it could instead be reborn in a ground floor space once the project was completed.

The current address for Hei La Moon is 88 Beach Street, while its future address will be 83 Essex Street. Its website can be found at http://heilamoon.com/

[March 25 update: A tweet from @FortPointer indicates that Hei La Moon is now open in the Food Opera space.]

[Earlier Articles]
Building Housing Hei La Moon in Chinatown May be Replaced by Office Tower
Hei La Moon in Chinatown May Be Able to Stay in Its Home

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.)

Side Chick Opens in Dorchester

A new dining spot that features a variety of chicken dishes has opened in a space a short distance from the Southeast Expressway.

Eater Boston is reporting that Side Chick is now open in Dorchester, moving into the Columbia Road space in Edward Everett Square that had been home to Singh's Roti (which moved to a new space a few blocks away). The menu for Side Chick includes chicken sandwiches and subs along with chicken wings, legs, breasts, and thighs, and chicken fingers, with seafood items and a number of sides being offered as well.

The address for Side Chick is 692 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA, 02125. Its website can be found at https://sidechickboston.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.)

Street Bistro in Charlestown Is Becoming Tangierino Once Again

A well-known name in Charlestown that was rebranded five years ago only to return a year later before being rebranded again is returning once again.

According to a couple of sources, Street Bistro is going back to being Tangierino, with a note within the Street Bistro website confirming that it will indeed be returning. Tangierino, which has been known for its French and Moroccan fare, first opened approximately 25 years ago, with the restaurant changing over to a Spanish tapas bar called Madera 83 in 2017, then changing back to Tangierino in 2018 before becoming Street Bistro in 2020.

The address for the new version of Tangierino is 83 Main Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. The website for Street Bistro is at https://www.streetbistrocharlestown.com/

[December 21 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Tangierino is now open once again.]

[Earlier Article]
Tangierino Has Morphed into Street Bistro Charlestown and Boston Cigar Club

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, March 07, 2022

Source Is Opening at Time Out Market Boston in the Fenway

A Cambridge restaurant that is known in part for its pizza is expanding to Boston's Fenway neighborhood.

According to a press release, Source is opening a new location at Time Out Market Boston later this month, with the new outlet offering wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza. The original Source on Church Street in Harvard Square first opened in the fall of 2020 in the former Cambridge 1 space, offering pizza, pasta, salads, small plates, and desserts, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The website for Source can be found at https://sourcerestaurants.com/ while the website for Time Out Market Boston--which is located on Park Drive--is at https://www.timeoutmarket.com/boston/

[March 28 update: An Instagram post from the place indicates that Source is now open at Time Out Market 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.)

Meadhall in Cambridge's Kendall Square Has Closed, Plans to Reopen in Another Location

A restaurant and beer hall in Cambridge has shut down, though it hopes to open back up elsewhere.

According to a source, Meadhall in Kendall Square is no longer in business, with a note within its website confirming that it indeed closed a few weeks ago. The note does say that it plans to eventually reopen either in Kendall Square or another spot nearby, with any updates on its reopening plans being posted to both its site and Instagram page as they develop.

Meadhall, which first opened a bit more than 10 years ago, was known in part for its extensive beer list while also offering pub fare, wine, mead, and cocktails.

The address for Meadhall was 4 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142. Its website can be found at https://themeadhall.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/meadhall/

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, March 02, 2022

Boston to End Indoor Mask Mandate (Including for Restaurants) Saturday, March 5

Last month, the City of Boston rescinded the vaccine card mandate for restaurants and bars thanks to declining Covid numbers, and this weekend, another mandate that affects dining spots (and other businesses) will be disappearing as well.

According to an article from Universal Hub, the indoor mask mandate will be lifted for most businesses--including restaurants and bars--as of Saturday, March 5, though business owners can still require people to wear masks. The mandate also applies to gyms, entertainment spots, and museums, though masks will still have to be worn in healthcare facilities, shelters, public transportation, and congregate-care facilities.

The mask mandate has been in place in Boston since last August, around the time that the Delta variant of Covid started to take hold.

[Earlier Article]
Mayor Michelle Wu Rescinds Vaccination Proof Mandate for Boston Restaurants Effective Immediately

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.)

Burke's Alewerks in Hanover Plans to Open New Location in West Newton

A brewery and taproom on the South Shore is expanding to another location, with this one being in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Burke's Alewerks in Hanover is taking over the space in West Newton that had been home to The Local Kitchen & Drinks, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

We couldn't be more thrilled to be joining this community and neighborhood and having another outlet for our beers. The timing of our opening is still to be determined, as we work through approvals, permitting and updates to the building. We plan to open there in two phases. Initially we'll open it as taproom-only, serving beers produced in our Hanover location. As this space has a full kitchen in place, we will also develop and offer a taproom food menu. Once that is operating, we will begin construction on a portion of the building in phase two and add brewing capability to that site, hopefully by mid-to-late Summer.

The original location of Burke's Alewerks offers a mix of European and American-style ales, including IPAs, a cranberry wheat beer, an Irish dry stout, a British brown ale, and a German-style Hefeweizen with blood orange.

Other locations of The Local remain in operation in Waltham, Wayland, and Wellesley.

The address for the upcoming location of Burke's Alewerks is 1391 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465. The website for the business can be found at https://burkesalewerks.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.)

Christopher's in Cambridge's Porter Square Is Preparing to Reopen

A beloved Cambridge restaurant that has been shuttered since the start of the pandemic appears to be getting ready to open back up.

According to a picture posted within a tweet from @twoodfin, a sign is up at the site of Christopher's in Porter Square saying that "while we prepare to reopen Christopher's please join us next door at Toad." There has been much chatter about the exact status of the Mass. Ave. restaurant, as its last Facebook post was in June of 2020, saying at the time that "We are currently unable to re-open Christopher's. This has been an incredibly heartbreaking and challenging time for us, as we know it has been for everyone in the restaurant business. Christopher's has been a part of our family – and of our community – for 40 years, and we are not ready to give up hope. We are working as hard as we can to hold on; unfortunately, we do not yet have a re-open date on the calendar."

The people behind Christopher's and Toad also run Cambridge Common and Lizard Lounge down the street; the former is open while the latter is temporarily closed.

The address for Christopher's is 1920 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at https://christopherscambridge.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.)