Boston Restaurant Talk: June 2022

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Orfano in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood Is Apparently Closing

An award-winning Boston chef and restaurateur appears to be closing one of her dining spots.

According to four sources within the restaurant/hospitality industry (including one with a connection to the dining spot itself), Orfano in the Fenway section of Boston is shutting down, with all four sources saying that today is apparently its last day in operation, while a check within its reservations section seems to confirm this, as reservations are only being taken for tonight and that starting tomorrow and for all days that follow, there is no online availability. Tiffani Faison, who is a four-time nominee for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast (including for Orfano) and who recently won the Food Network's "Tournament of Champions," is behind the Brookline Avenue spot, and she also runs Sweet Cheeks, Fool's Errand, and the now-closed Tiger Mama which is reportedly going to be reconcepted.

Orfano is an Italian restaurant that first opened in the summer of 2019.

The address for Orfano is 188 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

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

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

NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Phuong Nam Restaurant Opens in Dorchester's Fields Corner Neighborhood

A brand new Vietnamese restaurant has opened in Dorchester, moving into a space that had been home to another Vietnamese dining spot which was subsequently reborn in a nearby space.

According to a tweet from @WriteHandMan, Phuong Nam Restaurant is now open on the outskirts of Fields Corner, with an earlier Voting Hearing Agenda page within the City of Boston site indicating that it has taken over the former Anh Hong space on Adams Street. The new eatery is run by Kenny and Cecilia Dang and it appears that it is open for both lunch and dinner.

Anh Hong left its longtime home at the end of 2021 but can now be found within Pho Hoa on Dorchester Avenue, where the two restaurants collaborate on the food offerings.

The address for Phuong Nam Restaurant is 291 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA, 02122.

[Earlier Articles]
Anh Hong in Dorchester Has Apparently Closed
Anh Hong Is Being Born within Pho Hoa in Dorchester

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]

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Rubato Is Opening in North Quincy

A brand new Hong Kong-style eatery is opening in a space a short distance south of the Boston line.

According to a press release, Rubato is planning to open in North Quincy, taking over the space on Hancock Street that has been home to Contempo Bakery for more than 20 years. The press release mentions that Contempo owner Joyce Chan is passing the "culinary torch" to her son Laurence Louie and his wife Rary Ratsifa who will both be behind the restaurant and that the upcoming place will be a "modern Hong Kong cafe" with menu items including savory bao, congee rice porridge, steamed rice rolls, French toast with condensed milk and cookie crumbs, and more, along with coffee, milk tea, and yuenyeung (a coffee-tea mixture).

If all goes as planned, Rubato will open sometime this summer.

The address for the upcoming Rubato in North Quincy is 412 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02171. The Instagram page for the place is at https://www.instagram.com/rubatofood/

[August 16 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Rubato 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]

The Gyro Spot Is Opening in Stoneham

A fast-casual Greek eatery that is based in New Hampshire is expanding to the Greater Boston area.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, The Gyro Spot is planning to open in Stoneham, with the listing indicating that it will be moving into a space on Montvale Avenue just east of Route 93. Based on the menu at the original location of the place in Manchester, the upcoming spot will offer a variety of gyros as well as rice bowls, salads, soups, fries, spreads with pita bread, desserts, and more.

Another location of The Gyro Spot had once been in Dover, NH, as well, but it is no longer in business.

The address for The Gyro Spot in Stoneham is 62 Montvale Avenue, Stoneham, MA, 02180. The website for the original location in Manchester can be found at https://thegyrospot.com/

[July 25 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that The Gyro Spot is now open in Stoneham.]

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]

Summer Sushi Is Opening in the Former Usushi Cafe Space in Arlington Center

A new sushi place is on its way to the northwest suburbs, moving into a space that had been home to another sushi place.

According to a post from Your Arlington, Summer Sushi is opening in Arlington Center in the former Usushi Cafe space on Mass. Ave., with the restaurant expected to be open for lunch and dinner and have seating for 18. The post mentions that the upcoming eatery will offer sushi, teriyaki, salads, and more, though a final menu has not been seen as of yet.

USushi first opened in 2019, with the space previously being home to Yummys Frozen Yogurt.

The address for Summer Sushi is 474 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website can be found at https://www.summersushiarlington.com/

[October 18 update: According to its website, Summer Sushi 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]

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Shake Shack, Cava Plan to Open at the Prudential Center

A chain of burger spots and a chain of Mediterranean eateries are both on their way to a retail center in Boston's Back Bay.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Shake Shack is coming to the Prudential Center, with a page within the Pru website saying that not only is Shake Shack opening there, but Cava will also be coming as well. The page mentions that Shake Shack will open in Hynes Court by Clover and Dunkin', while Cava will open off Center Court next to Dig. (The former plans to open this fall while the latter will open "soon.")

The website for the NYC-based Shake Shack is at https://shakeshack.com/ while the website for Cava--which is based in Washington, DC--is at https://cava.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]

Clover Is Opening at Assembly Row in Somerville

The people behind a number of vegetarian restaurants in the Greater Boston area will be opening a new outlet, with this one coming to a growing development in Somerville.

According to a press release, Clover is planning to open at Assembly Row, with the fast-casual dining spot being the first vegetarian eatery to come to the development. Once it opens, the new location of Clover will join several in Boston and Cambridge along with outlets in Burlington and Newtonville and two within Whole Foods markets in Sudbury and Westford.

Clover initially started out as a food truck business but its focus is now on brick-and-mortar dining spots. Its website is at https://www.cloverfoodlab.com/

[September 21 update: According to a press release, the new location of Clover will open at Assembly Row in a few weeks, and the space will include a specialty grocery store that offers Clover's dips, hummus, salad dressings, soups, meal boxes, and more while also selling locally-sourced food items from farms and businesses in Massachusetts and neighboring states.]

[October 7 update: A Facebook post from Clover indicates that the new Assembly Row location has its grand opening 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]

Monday, June 27, 2022

Riverwalk Brewing Co. in Newburyport Is Opening Falconer Pub in Beverly

The people behind a brewery, taproom, and beer garden on the North Shore will be opening a new location also on the North Shore, though this one will be much closer to Boston.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Riverwalk Brewing Co. in Newburyport is expanding to Beverly, with the post saying that the business "is about to announce a new location in Beverly, MA! Unlike our 20,000 square foot brewery and Tap Room in Newburyport, our Beverly location will have a much more intimate and pub-like atmosphere. It will boast a full kitchen and, for the first time in Riverwalk's history, offer our beer, wine and cider!" An exact address has not been given as of yet, though the listing does hint that it will be in Beverly's downtown area, while a map of the general area includes the caption "Cabot Street" underneath it.

Riverwalk Brewing Co. was first established in 2012, starting out as a "sub-leased basement and a 'growler only' business model." Its website can be found at https://riverwalkbrewing.com/

[December 8 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page states that the new location will be called the Falconer Pub while an earlier Patch article says (via the brewery's Facebook page) that it will be "a pub inspired by the spirit of those in England, Ireland and Scotland. In addition, it looks like the address will be 280 Cabot Street.]

[December 9 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Falconer Pub is now open (thanks to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants page for bringing this to our attention).]

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]

Frank in Beverly Plans to Expand to Assembly Row in Somerville

An award-winning chef is bringing his North Shore dining spot to Somerville.

According to a press release, Frank McClelland is planning to open Frank at Assembly Row, with the new location moving into a space next to the Row Hotel. The original location of Frank, which opened on Rantoul Street in Beverly in 2019, includes a restaurant, bakery-cafe, and market, and it debuted a year after McClelland closed down L'Espalier, a landmark French restaurant in Boston's Back Bay.

If all goes as planned, the new location of Frank could be opening later this fall.

The website for the original location of Frank in Beverly is at https://farmtofrank.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]

Drop Zone Brewery Opens in Winthrop

A brand new brewery has opened in a little-trafficked area just north of the Boston line.

According to a tweet from @mgnicosia, Drop Zone Brewery is now open in Winthrop, moving into a space within Michael's Mall, a small shopping center on Putnam Street in the center of town. The new spot includes a taproom and offers a variety of beers, including two IPAs, a blueberry gose, a white ale, an Irish red ale, a couple of saisons, a brown ale, and more.

The address for Drop Zone Brewery is 6 Michael's Mall, Winthrop, MA, 02152. Its website can be found at https://dropzonebrew.com/ while its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/Drop-Zone-Brewery-LLC-110716461383202

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]

Friday, June 24, 2022

Curry House in Brookline Is Being Reborn as Jo's Indian Kitchen in Cambridge's Porter Square

Early this year, it was reported that an Indian restaurant in Brookline has closed down. Now we have learned that it is returning with a new name and a new space in Cambridge.

According to an email sent to us, Curry House is relocating to Porter Square as Jo's Indian Kitchen, with the new spot being run by the same family and including recipes mostly from the now-retired owner of Curry House along with some recipes from his wife. We have been told that the food will mostly be North Indian although a few South Indian dishes will be offered as well, and that the plan is to open during the first week of July.

An earlier article here had mentioned that Jo's Indian Kitchen was indeed coming to Porter Square, taking over the space that had been home to Passage to India which now resides at Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge.

The address for Jo's Indian Kitchen is 1900 Massachusetts Avenue. Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at https://josindiankitchen.com/

[August 17 update: A message sent to us indicates that Jo's Indian Kitchen plans to open on Friday. August 19.]

[Earlier Articles]
Curry House in Brookline Has Closed
Passage to India Moves from Porter Square to Cambridge Crossing, Taking Over Former North Point/Weltkuche 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]

Fuji Is Opening at Trio Newton in Newtonville

A local restaurant group that has a number of Japanese dining spots in the Greater Boston area will be opening a new outlet a few miles west of Boston.

According to a source, JP Fuji Group is getting ready to open a new location of Fuji at the Trio Newton mixed-use development at the corner of Walnut Street and Washington Street in Newtonville, with a sign up for the place saying "Fuji of Newton." Once it opens, the new location--which is also where an outlet of Douglass Williams' Mida resides--will join other locations of Fuji at High Street Place and the Ink Block in Boston, Kendall Square in Cambridge, Assembly Row in Somerville, and Quincy Center, along with Shabu & Mein in Kendall Square and YoCha, b cafe, and Shabu Restaurant, all of which are in North Quincy and are part of JP Fuji Group.

The website for JP Fuji Group is at https://www.jpfujigroup.com/ while the website for the Newton location is at https://www.fujiatnewton.com/

[September 23 update: According to its website, Fuji is now open in Newtonville (the website calls it "Fuji of Newton").]

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]

Mochiko Hawaiian Fried Chicken Is Opening in Newtonville

A fried chicken place in MetroWest is planning to open a new location closer to Boston.

According to a source, Mochiko Hawaiian Fried Chicken is looking to open in Newtonville, moving into the space on Walnut Street that had been home to a location of Los Amigos until it moved. A picture sent to us indicates that both a building permit and a sidewalk seating application for the proposed place have been posted out front, with the latter including the name "Mochiko Hawaiian" on it. The original location of Mochiko Hawaiian Fried Chicken, which can be found in Marlborough, offers fried chicken sandwiches and fried chicken plates that use a sweet rice flour made from short-grain rice.

The address for the new location of Mochiko Hawaiian Fried Chicken is 324 Walnut Street, Newton, MA, 02460. The website for the original location in Marlborough is at https://www.mochikochix.com/

[August 8 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mochiko Hawaiian Fried Chicken 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]

Pera Mediterranean Grill Is Opening in Tewksbury

A brand new Mediterranean restaurant is on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source (Aron Levy), Pera Mediterranean Grill is opening in Tewksbury, moving into the space on Main Street that had been home to Skewers before it moved to Woburn a couple of summers ago. The menu for Pera shows such options as hummus, grape leaves, baba ganoush, eggplant with sauce, rice bowls, tzatziki, falafel, baklava, and more.

The address for Pera Mediterranean Grill is 1060 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA, 01876. Its website is at https://peragrill.square.site/

[August 25 update: According to its website, Pera Mediterranean Grill is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Skewer's Wood Grill in Tewksbury Is Moving to a New Location 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]

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Boqueria Plans to Open in Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood

A new dining spot may be on its way to Boston's waterfront area, and it apparently has a connection to a group of tapas spots based in New York City.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Boqueria is planning to open in Fort Point, with the address indicating that it will be moving into a space on Thomson Place between Congress Street and Seaport Boulevard. [ED NOTE: We have been told that while the address is the same as that of Bartaco, that restaurant will remain in the space.] The notice mentions that the proposed restaurant would have a main dining room with a bar in the center and that the full name listed is "Boqueria Tapas Bar and Restaurant"; it appears that this is the same Boqueria that has four locations in Manhattan and other outlets in Washington, DC, Chicago, and Nashville, based on the parent company's name (Boqueria Fort Point LLC) whose registered address of 150 West 28th Street in Manhattan is the same as that of Boqueria operations.

The address for the proposed location of Boqueria in Fort Point is 25 Thomson Place, Boston, MA, 02210.

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]

Blue Ribbon Sushi Opens in Boston's Kenmore Square

A group of sushi restaurants whose parent company is based in New York expands to Boston this week.

Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting tells us (via a Boston Globe article) that Blue Ribbon Sushi opens on Thursday, June 23, taking over the former Hawthorne space within the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square. As stated in an earlier article here, Blue Ribbon Restaurants is behind the new spot, and the restaurant group will also be opening two other places in the former Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Bar spaces within the hotel--and while it had been mentioned at the time that a brasserie would open in the former space and a seafood restaurant in the latter space, no further details have been given as of yet.

Early last year, it was announced that Eastern Standard, Island Creek Oyster Bar, and The Hawthorne would be saying farewell to their respective spaces in Kenmore Square.

The address for the new Blue Ribbon Sushi is 500a Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, while its website can be found at https://www.blueribbonsushikenmore.com/

[Earlier Article]
Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group to Open Three Restaurants in Former Eastern Standard, Island Creek Oyster Bar, Hawthorne Spaces in Boston's Kenmore 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]

Cafe Eilat in Brookline Is Closing

A kosher eatery in Brookline that has been a popular spot for pizza is shutting down.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Cafe Eilat on Harvard Street closes its doors today, with the note saying that "For over 20 years we have the honor of servicing the community. We would like to extend our gratitude and best wishes to everyone of you. We look forward to our next venture. Hasson family and the Cafe Eilat Staff." It is not yet known what their next venture might be; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Cafe Eilat has offered pizza, calzones, pasta, sushi, sandwiches, salads, and Mexican food over the years, with all of its dishes being kosher.

The address for Cafe Eilat is 406 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

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

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]

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Sudbury Point Grill Is Opening in Conrad's Space in Sudbury

A group of four restaurants known in part for their steak tips will be down to three, as a new dining and drinking spot is taking over its space.

According to a source, Conrad's in Sudbury is being replaced by the Sudbury Point Grill, with a Patch article saying that Alexandre Alvarenga (who runs Franco's Trattoria which is also in Sudbury) will be behind the new place. The article also mentions that few changes are expected to be made to the space other than fixing up the outdoor dining area and the parking lot, and Alvarenga also plans to apply for a license for live music.

The Sudbury location of Conrad's opened in 2015, joining the original location in Norwood and another in Walpole; another outlet has since opened in Foxboro.

The address for Conrad's in Sudbury (and the Sudbury Point Grill) is 120 Boston Post Road (Route 20), Sudbury, MA, 01776. The website for all locations of Conrad's is at https://conradsrestaurant.com/ while the website for the Sudbury Point Grill is at https://www.sudburypointgrill.com/

[October 28 update: According to a Facebook post from the place, the Sudbury Point Grill is now open, with its menu including such items as steak tips, chicken marsala, macaroni and cheese, baked stuffed shrimp, burgers, pizza, calzones, and more.]

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]

Pasta Beach Is Returning to Rowes Wharf in Boston Three Years After Being Hit By a Fire

An Italian restaurant on the Boston waterfront known in part for its pizza is reopening after having to close due to a fire three years ago.

According to an article from Eater Boston and a Twitter post from Boston Tweet, Pasta Beach at Rowes Wharf opens back up on Saturday, June 25, with an Instagram post from the place saying that "After three long years, we can't wait to see your smiling faces again....we will be open Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 4:30pm bringing you some of the most authentic Italian cuisine in the region." Pasta Beach, which first opened in Boston in 2010, suffered major damage in a fire back in September of 2019 and has been closed ever since.

The website for Pasta Beach, which can can also be found in Newport and Providence. is at https://www.pastabeach.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]

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Gourmet Dumpling House in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood Is Closing

An award-winning Chinese restaurant in downtown Boston is shutting down.

According to a source, Gourmet Dumpling House in the city's Chinatown neighborhood is closing its doors, with a post from the place (within Google) confirming this and saying the following:

Dear Beloved Customers, After 15 years in business, due to the lease term, we are so sorry to inform you Gourmet Dumpling House will be closing its operations July 1, 2022....We will miss you all! Please also visit us at our Cambridge location or follow us on Instagram @dumplinghouse.cambridge for updates on our Cambridge location.

Gourmet Dumpling House has received much in the way of accolades over the years for its dumplings, with Travel and Leisure once picking it as one of the 25 best Chinese restaurants in the United States. (CNNGo also included it among the 50 best Chinese restaurants in the country.)

The address for Gourmet Dumpling House is 52 Beach Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

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

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

Chef Mike's in Needham Is Rebranding, Focusing on Catering; Future of Restaurant Unknown

An Italian restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston is gone--at least for now--as the business is undergoing a rebranding.

A Facebook post from owner Mike Fucci indicates that with his current focus being on catering due to Covid (which Fucci says "decimated" his business), he will rebrand Chef Mike's, saying that "the name...is going to disappear" and that "we don't know what's happening with the restaurant; I may reopen the restaurant at some point but right now as it stands, catering seems like the smartest thing for me." Chef Mike's--which is currently called Chef Mike's Catering--first opened in August of 2019 on Highland Avenue, approximately a half year before the pandemic took hold.

The address for the Chef Mike's space is 73 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02494. The current website for Chef Mike's Catering can be found at https://www.eatatchefmikes.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]

Monday, June 20, 2022

EJ Cabot's in Beverly Has Closed

A North Shore dining and drinking spot that was known in part for its cocktails and live music has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, EJ Cabot's in Beverly is now closed, with a Facebook post from co-owner Emilie Grant Donahue saying that "10 years ago I was given the opportunity to open and create EJ Cabot's. It feels so surreal to be posting that [Saturday, June 18] will be the last night EJ’s will be open!" The restaurant and bar offered a mix of classic American and New American fare including wings, mussels, cheeseburgers, steak tips, roast chicken, St, Louis ribs, and char-broiled salmon, while also serving beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks.

The address for the now-closed EJ Cabot's was 282 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]

TKK Fried Chicken in Quincy's Wollaston Neighborhood Has Closed; Kung Fu Tea Remains in Operation

A local outlet of a Taiwanese chicken chain has shut down, though the bubble tea chain who it shared its space with remains open for business.

According to a tweet from @FloydPerkinson, TKK Fried Chicken in the Wollaston section of Quincy is no longer in operation, with the post indicating that Kung Fu Tea is still open in the Beale Street space, while the website for the chicken chain has indeed removed the Quincy location. The two concepts had also shared a space within the Hong Kong Supermarket/Super 88 food court in Allston, but TKK Fried Chicken also left that space while Kung Fu Tea remains there as well.

TKK Fried Chicken and Kung Fu Tea first opened in Quincy's Wollaston Neighborhood in the summer of 2019.

The address for the now-closed TKK Fried Chicken (and still-open Kung Fu Tea) in Wollaston is 1 Beale Street, Quincy, MA, 02170. The website for the former is at https://www.tkkusa.com/ while the website for the latter is at https://www.kungfutea.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]

Maggie's Other Farm Is Opening in the Former Casa de Greek Space in Billerica

A North Shore restaurant known for its eclectic mix of foods appears to be expanding to another space north of Boston, and this one would be taking over the space where a Greek dining and drinking spot had been.

According to a source, Maggie's Farm is planning to open in Billerica, moving into the former Casa e Greek space on Middlesex Turnpike. A picture sent to us shows a sign up for the place with the name "Maggie's Other Farm" while a job post within the salary.com site says that "the Serenitee Restaurant Group, is GROWING! And we want YOU to grow with us! We are currently searching for an experienced, passionate General Manager to join our restaurant group NOW and help us with the opening of our exciting new venture in Billerica, which is set to open in the Fall of 2022!" In addition to the original Maggie's Farm in Middleton (which offers pub grub, New American fare with global influences, and sushi), the Serenitee Restaurant Group also runs 15 Walnut in Hamilton, Cala's Restaurant in Manchester, Hale Street Tavern in Beverly Farms, Opus in Salem, The Spot in Georgetown, Minglewood Harborside and Little Red Rooster in Gloucester, and Alchemy in Lynnfield.

Casa de Greek closed down earlier this spring after being in business for a year and a half.

The address for Maggie's Other Farm in Billerica is 15 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821. Its website can be found at https://www.maggiesotherfarm.com/

[October 25 update: According to a source (Aron Levy), Maggie's Other Farm opens its doors for dinner today.]

[Earlier Article]
Casa De Greek in Billerica 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]

Friday, June 17, 2022

Angela's Coal Fired Pizza in Saugus Closes Its Doors

A popular North Shore spot for pizza and wings cooked in coal-fired ovens is shutting down.

A call placed to the restaurant indicates that Angela's Coal Fired Pizza in Saugus closes permanently at the end of business hours today, confirming what multiple sources have been saying over the past few weeks about the Route 1 spot. Angela's first opened in 2007, offering both traditional and Sicilian-style pizza along with wings, wraps, salads, and beer, wine, and cider.

Another location of Angela's Coal Fired Pizza had been in Tyngsboro, but it shuttered in 2017.

The address for Angela's Coal Fired Pizza in Saugus is 890 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]

Orchid7 Fusion Bar & Grill Opens in Dedham

A brand new fusion restaurant has come to the southwest suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Orchid7 Fusion Bar & Grill is now open in Dedham, with a Facebook post from the High Street eatery saying that "We've worked so hard these past couple of months, and we couldn't be more excited to open our doors and welcome everyone in!" The restaurant, which has taken over the former Dedham Square Coffee House space, offers dishes with Caribbean influences (the poster says it is a Haitian fusion spot), including plantain sliders, plantain tacos, burgers with grilled pineapple, pan-seared salmon, coconut curry chickpeas, shrimp macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pie, and more.

The address for Orchid7 Fusion Bar & Grill is 565 High Street. Dedham, MA, 02026. Its website can be found at https://orchid7fusion.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]

Vivi Bubble Tea to Open in Boston's Theater District

A bubble tea chain with roots overseas is planning to open a new location locally, with this one coming to downtown Boston.

A message sent by Adam Castiglioni of the Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog indicates that Vivi Bubble Tea is opening in the city's Theater District, taking over the space on Tremont Street that had been home to a location of the Subway chain. Once it opens, the new outlet of Vivi Bubble Tea will join other locations in the Back Bay/Fenway area, Brighton, and North Quincy, and it could be featuring such options as popcorn chicken, noodle soup, rice bowls, and more in addition to bubble tea.

The address for the upcoming location of Vivi Bubble Tea in the Theater District is 230 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

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]

The Pine Bar Opens at Boston Public Market

An indoor marketplace in downtown Boston is now home to a bar.

According to a press release, The Pine Bar is now open at Boston Public Market, with The Filmark Hospitality Group (Ristorante Lucia, Filippo Ristorante, Ducali Pizzeria, Caffé Ducali, Cunard Tavern) and managing partner Phil Frattaroli being behind it. The new full-service drinking spot offers beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails, and customers can either sit at the bar and dine on food offerings from Boston Public Market's vendors or walk around the marketplace with their drinks.

The website for The Pine Bar can be found at https://www.pinebarboston.com/ while the website for Boston Public Market is at https://bostonpublicmarket.org/

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]

Thursday, June 16, 2022

The Well Coffee House Is Opening in East Boston

After being in the works for nearly three years, a third location of a coffee place with a connection to a Christian ministry is finally opening its doors.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Well Coffee House has its grand opening in East Boston on Saturday, June 18, with the Border Street spot being open from noon to 3:00 PM that day. The new outlet joins two others in downtown Boston and Everett, and when it first announced its plans back in the fall of 2019, the Everett location had not yet opened, though there was a location at South Station which is now closed, at least temporarily.

The website for The Well Coffee House is at http://www.thewellcoffeehouse.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Well Coffee House Plans to Open in East 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]

Muqam Uyghur Kitchen Opens in the Hong Kong Supermarket/Super 88 Food Court in Allston

A new eatery has come to a popular food court, and it features dishes typically found in the far northwest part of China.

According to a source, Muqam Uyghur Kitchen is now open in the Hong Kong Supermarket/Super 88 Food Court (also known as the Food Connection) in Allston, with a check on the menu indicating that the dining spot offers such options as dry fried noodles with beef and leeks, lamb noodle soup, chicken kebabs, stir-fried eggplant with noodles, whole fish, spicy tofu, scrambled eggs with stir-fried tomatoes, and meat pies with beef and onion.

Based on a photo sent to us, it appears that Muqam Uyghur Kitchen offers halal food which is prepared according to Islamic dietary guidelines.

The menu for Muqam Uyghur Kitchen can be found at https://www.seamless.com/menu/muqam-uyghur-kitchen-1-brighton-ave-allston/3295225

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]

Jenny's Pizza in Charlestown Is Closing

A longtime pizzeria in Charlestown is shutting down.

According to a source, Jenny's Pizza on Medford Street is closing its doors on June 30, with a Facebook post from the owner saying the following:

It's a decision that was made with many hours of thought. Labor issues, food costs and covid fatigue are real and valid. I've given Jenny's 37 years of my life the last 22 years as owner. The last 3 years have been the hardest and it has l taken a toll on me....It's not going to be easy for me to walk away but it's time while I can on my own terms. Thank you for your love friendship and support. I am grateful. Joey from Jenny's

Jenny's first opened in 1970, offering pizza along with calzones, wings, subs, wraps, salads, pasta dishes, and more.

The address for Jenny's Pizza is 320 Medford Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. Its website can be found at http://www.jennyspizza.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]

Simcha in Sharon Has Closed for At Least the Summer; Exact Status in Question

An award-winning suburban restaurant that focuses on Israeli food has closed for at least the time being.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Simcha in Sharon is shuttered for now, with the note (which is from owner Avi Shemtov) saying the following:

It is with mixed emotions that I have to break the news that [Wednesday, June 15] will be Simcha's last dinner service, at least for the summer. Depending on where our staffing, energy level, and desire to return are come September we will certainly consider reopening. The possibility exists this may be the end of a chapter for our team though....The realities of the industry at the moment have just caught up with us. Too many nights short staffed, too much opportunity at our other companies.

The post goes on to say that Shemtov's other businesses--including Hummus v'Hummus in Allston-Brighton, The Chubby Chickpea food truck, and the TAPPED beer truck, remain in operation, and another location of Hummus v'Hummus plans to open next month in Chestnut Hill.

Simcha, which first opened in March of 2019, has received much in the way of accolades since debuting, including being among the best new restaurants of 2019 in a Boston Magazine article.

The address for Simcha is 370 South Main St., Sharon, MA, 02067.

Thanks to Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie for initially bringing this to our attention.

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]

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Limani Opens at The Street Chestnut Hill

Early last year, it was reported that a pair of Mediterranean restaurants in New York State would be joined by a third in the Greater Boston area. Now we have learned that the new location has debuted.

According to a press release, Limani is now open at The Street Chestnut Hill, with the restaurant having two levels of space that look out at Hammond Pond while being open for lunch and dinner. The new location of Limani joins others in Manhattan and in Roslyn on Long Island, and it offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes including Greek fare and seafood options.

The website for all three locations of Limani can be found at https://limani.com/ while the Instagram page for the Chestnut Hill outlet is at https://www.instagram.com/limani_chestnuthill/

[Earlier Article]
Limani Plans to Open in Chestnut Hill

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]

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Le Macaron Opens at Assembly Row in Somerville

A Florida-based chain of French patisseries that currently has one New England location has opened its first Boston-area outlet, and it appears that a second location could be coming to the local area as well.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Le Macaron is now open at Assembly Row in Somerville, with its grand opening apparently having taken place over the weekend. The new shop joins another outlet in Windham, NH, and the website for the company mentions that another store may be coming to Cambridge, though no address has been given for that one.

Le Macaron opened their first shop approximately 13 years ago, with the Assembly Row location first being announced in the early part of 2021.

The website for Le Macaron can be found at https://lemacaron-us.com/

[Earlier Article]
Parla, Le Macaron Both Plan to Open at Assembly Row in Somerville

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]

Wicked Bagel in Lexington Is Opening a New Shop in Woburn

A popular bagel shop in the northwest suburbs of Boston is opening a new location one town over.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Wicked Bagel in Lexington is getting ready to open in Woburn, moving into a space at Cummings Park just south of where Washington Street intersects Route 128. A Patch article first mentioned their plans last April, while a Facebook post from Wicked Bagel this past April stated at the time that "We are getting closer to having bagels at our Woburn location, opening soon"

The Lexington location of Wicked Bagel debuted in the fall of 2017 on Mass. Ave. in East Lexington.

The website for Wicked Bagel can be found at https://www.wickedbagel.com/

[July 11 update: A Facebook post from the business says that the Woburn location of Wicked Bagel 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]

Monday, June 13, 2022

Parla Opens at Assembly Row in Somerville

Early last year, it was reported that an Italian restaurant in the North End of Boston was planning to open a second location in a growing development in Somerville. Now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a Facebook post from the Montaje luxury apartment development, Parla is now open at Somerville's Assembly Row, with the post saying that "We are excited to welcome our new neighbors who most recently opened this month in Assembly Row....They are known for their incredibly made cocktails that you can enjoy after work or a treat to enjoy on your day off, followed by their spectacular brunch and dinner menu." Parla first opened its North End restaurant in 2014, moving into the space on Hanover Street that had been home to Il Villaggio.

The website for Parla can be found at https://www.parlaboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Parla, Le Macaron Both Plan to Open at Assembly Row in Somerville

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]

New Concept from Easy Pie Team Coming to Everett Mills Complex in Lawrence

A new dining spot is on its way to an historic group of mill buildings in Lawrence, and the people behind a quirky pizzeria and restaurant in Revere will be opening it.

According to a job post within the Craigslist website, a "new concept restaurant" that is part of the Easy Pie restaurant group is coming to Everett Mills on Union Street, with the posting mentioning the name "BE-EZ." No further information has been given on the new concept as of yet, though the job post does show a pizza and a burger.

Easy Pie first opened in Braintree in 2010, offering pizzas, burgers, chicken and turkey sandwiches, and more, including some unusual pizza topping combos (both sweet and savory). A new outlet opened in Revere in 2017, though the Braintree location shut down down in 2019.

The website for Easy Pie can be found at https://www.theeasypie.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]

Friday, June 10, 2022

Playa Bowls Is Opening in Winchester

A New Jersey-based chain of dining spots is planning to open its sixth Boston-area location, with this one coming to the northern suburbs.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Playa Bowls is opening in Winchester, moving into the space on Main Street that had been home to Pairings Wine & Food. Once it opens, it will join others in Brighton by Boston College, near Northeastern University in Boston, Cambridge's Harvard Square, East Milton Square, and Brockton, and based on the offerings at those locations, expect to find bowls with a variety of bases, along with smoothies and fresh juices.

A Facebook post from the place indicates that Playa Bowls will open its Winchester outlet sometime this fall.

The address for the new location of Playa Bowls in Winchester is 600 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.playabowls.com/

[November 4 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Playa Bowls is now open in Winchester.]

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]

Thursday, June 09, 2022

P&D Indian Street Food Opens in Quincy's Wollaston Neighborhood

A brand new Indian dining spot has opened in Quincy, and it appears to have taken over part of the space that an adjacent Chinese restaurant once had.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, P&D Indian Street Food is now open in the city's Wollaston neighborhood, with the poster saying that "Great Chow reduced its footprint and it appears this took up the space they gave up." The Instagram page for the eatery shows such Indian fast food/street food items as samosa pav, panipuri, bhelpuri, vada pav, and dabeli.

The address for P&D Indian Street Food in the Wollaston section of Quincy is 17 Beale Street, Quincy, MA, 02170. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/pndquincy/

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]

Boston Ale House in West Roxbury Has Opened

A brand new upscale restaurant and sports bar that has been a long time in the making is finally getting ready to open its doors.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Boston Ale House in West Roxbury has been in the process of a soft-opening, with the note saying that it plans to open to the public this week. As mentioned in an earlier article, the new spot has moved into the space on Centre Street that had been home to The Squealing Pig, and before that, Eat with Jack O'Neill and the West Roxbury Pub & Restaurant.

The menu for Boston Ale House includes such items as wings, burgers, pizza, macaroni and cheese, pulled pork sliders, steak tips, pan-roasted scallops, chicken parmesan, chocolate cake, and local beers as well as wine and cocktails.

The address for Boston Ale House is 1885 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132. Its website will be at https://bostonalehousegroup.com/

[Earlier Article]
Boston Ale House Is Opening in the Former Squealing Pig Space in West Roxbury

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]

Wednesday, June 08, 2022

Cornwall's Tavern in Boston's Kenmore Square Has Reopened

A British-style pub that temporarily closed last fall is open once again.

According to a tweet from @conorcaldwell along with a message from @BostonAttitude, Cornwall's Tavern in the Kenmore Square section of Boston has reopened, with both saying that the spot opened back up on Monday. The pub shuttered on November 19, saying at the time that "As the building and community undergo a phase of redevelopment, we are doing what we see necessary to ensure the future success of Kenmore Square. We are hopeful that this sacrifice will allow us to serve our community of staples such as BU and the Red Sox as well as our new neighbors."

Cornwall's Tavern first opened back in 1973, moving a couple of times, from Commonwealth Avenue to Beacon Street and then to its current home also on Beacon Street.

The address for Cornwall's is 644 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02215. Its website can be found at http://www.cornwalls.com/

[Earlier Article]
Cornwall's Tavern in Boston's Kenmore Square Has Temporarily 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]

Kokoda Is Opening in Boston's Seaport District

A new dining spot that offers foods found on the Pacific Islands is on its way to the Boston waterfront.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Kokoda is planning to open in the Seaport District, moving into a space on Northern Avenue in the Fan Pier area. The website for the upcoming eatery indicates that it will offer dishes with Hawaiian, Fijian, and Samoan influences (and with a focus on seafood and bowls), and that Ron SH (Cloud & Spirits, Love Art brand) is behind it.

The address for Kokoda in the Seaport District is 53 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at https://www.kokodaboston.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/kokodaboston/

[July 5 update: A message sent to us indicates that Kokoda plans to have its grand opening on Saturday, July 9 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a limited menu that features dishes with bluefin tuna and local New England yellowfin, and all dishes and soft drinks will be complimentary.]

[July 11 update: A new message sent to us confirms that Kokoda 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]

Neroli Ristorante & Mercato to Open in Westwood's Islington Neighborhood

A new Italian restaurant and market is on its way to a village center southwest of Boston.

According to several posts within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, Neroli Ristorante & Mercato is opening in Westwood, moving into a space on Washington Street in the Islington section of town. The posts indicate that the restaurant will be a 250-seat fine-dining spot while the market will be a specialty grocery store that features prepared foods, sandwiches from a deli area, wine, and more, and it will also offer catering as well. Based on their Instagram pages, it looks like Neroli Ristorante & Mercato plans to open sometime this fall.

The address for Neroli Ristorante will be 282 Washington Street while the address for Neroli Mercato will be 274 Washington Street. (The Instagram pages will be at https://www.instagram.com/neroliristorante/ and https://www.instagram.com/nerolimercato/, respectively.)

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]

Tuesday, June 07, 2022

Lotus Test Kitchen Opens in Downtown Boston

A brand new Asian eatery has come to the heart of Boston.

According to a tweet from @DTownBostonBID, Lotus Test Kitchen is now open on Chauncy Street in the city's Downtown Crossing area, with the dining spot offering bowls, dumplings, spring rolls, Korean BBQ beef bowls, tofu teriyaki bowls, unagi bowls, acai bowls, bubble tea, and more. Hours for the new restaurant are currently 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.

The address for Lotus Test Kitchen is 25 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website can be found at https://www.lotustestkitchen.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]

Rowhouse Bar May Be Opening in Former Bull McCabe's Space in Somerville's Union Square

A new dining/drinking place may be coming to a space in Somerville that had been home to a popular pub and music spot.

According to a tweet from @CheeksMcGee9 (via a post from u/PapaJack2008 on Reddit), a public notice is up at the former Bull McCabe's space on Somerville Avenue in Union Square, with both the applicant and business name being listed as Rowhouse Bar, LLC. The registered agent for the LLC is listed as Stephen F. Barrett, who is apparently the landlord of the building as well and is seeking a new liquor license for the proposed spot, though very little is currently known about it, including its food and drink offerings, whether it will have live music, and when it might open. (Stay tuned for updates as they come in.)

Bull McCabe's, which closed in 2020 after being in business since 2008, was known in part for its live music and trivia nights, while offering such options as clam chowder, wings, burgers, and steak tips.

The address for the proposed Rowhouse Bar is 366A Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143.

[Earlier Article]
Bull McCabe's in Somerville's Union 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]

Monday, June 06, 2022

West Village Tavern Is Opening in the Former 99 Restaurant & Pub Space in West Concord

A new restaurant and bar is on its way to the western suburbs, and it will be moving into a space that had been home to a location of a regional chain.

An email sent to us confirms what a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page told us, that West Village Tavern is opening in West Concord in the former 99 Restaurant & Pub space on Commonwealth Avenue. The email says that the upcoming dining and drinking spot will be part of the Wellesley Restaurant Group, which runs The Local Kitchen & Drinks in Waltham, Wayland, and Wellesley, along with Casa Loca Cantina in Westwood, and it plans to open sometime in August.

A look at the menu for West Village Tavern indicates that it will offer such items as stuffed clams, eggplant rollatini, French dip, steak tips, BBQ pork ribs, pan-seared haddock, Korean beef bowls, truffled gnocchi, and more.

The address for West Village Tavern in West Concord is 13 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord, MA 01742.

[December 22 update: According to a source within the restaurant industry, West Village Tavern very quietly opened yesterday.]

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]

Taiyaki NYC and The Dough Club Are Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

It looks like an ice cream shop and a doughnut shop that are both based in New York City will be coming to a storefront in Cambridge.

According to an article in Cambridge Day, Taiyaki NYC and The Dough Club are planning to open in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge, moving into the space on Church Street that had been home to Mint Julep, a boutique shop that moved to a new location on Brattle Street. Taiyaki NYC and The Dough Club are both part of Daruma Hospitality Group, with the former offering ice cream in fish-shaped cones (and having a location in Boston's Seaport District) and the latter featuring mochi doughnuts.

The address for Taiyaki NYC and The Dough Club in Harvard Square is 6 Church Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for Taiyaki NYC can be found at https://taiyakinyc.com/ while the website for The Dough Club is at https://www.thedoughclub.com/

[November 30 update: Cambridge Day mentions that Taiyaki NYC and The Dough Club are currently going through a soft opening in Harvard Square, with the official opening being December 2.]

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]

The Painted Burro in Bedford Has Closed

A trio of Mexican restaurants is back down to two, as its newest outlet has shut down.

According to multiple sources, The Painted Burro in Bedford is no longer in business, with a note within the website for the business saying that "Our Bedford location is now permanently closed" while referring customers to their Somerville and Waltham locations. The Bedford location of the dining spot first opened last September, taking over one of the Posto locations; another outlet of Posto (called Osterio Posto) had been replaced by The Painted Burro in Waltham last spring, leaving just one location of Posto remaining in Somerville.

The Alpine Restaurant Group is behind both The Painted Burro and Posto, along with Burro Bar in Boston and Brookline and Rosebud Kitchen in Somerville.

The address for the now-closed Painted Burro in Bedford was 158 Great Road, Bedford, MA, 01730. The website for the remaining two 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]

Owner of Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea Takes Over Kitchen at Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield

The owner of a legendary spot for steak tips and ribs just outside of Boston is now serving some of their faves at a restaurant in the northern suburbs.

According to a notice from the place, John Floramo of Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea has taken over the kitchen at Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield, with the post stating that "His lunch menu, cooked his way, with his recipes and sauces will start [Monday, June 6]" while showing a menu that includes steak and turkey tips, ribs, shrimp scampi, veal cutlet, and more. In addition, a tweet from Dockside says to "Stay tuned for a BIG announcement!" while including a #comingsoon hashtag, so we should know more as to the exact plans for the space over the coming days and weeks.

Floramo's, which dates back to the mid-1980s, is known for its grill items, BBQ, and Italian dishes, along with its famous slogan "where the meat falls off the bone." Dockside once had locations in Malden (two) and Chelsea, with one of the Malden outlets now being home to House of Smoke, a BBQ spot under the same ownership.

The address for Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield is 1099 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its website is at https://www.docksiderestaurants.com/ while the website for Floramo's Restaurant is at http://floramos.net/

[June 10 update: A new tweet indicates that John Floramo now has a dinner menu in place at Dockside in Wakefield, including such items as steak tips, sausage, BBQ chicken breast, haddock marinara, and more.]

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]

Friday, June 03, 2022

The Crab Shack Is Opening in Roslindale

A Cajun seafood restaurant is opening in a part of Boston that already has a couple of other Cajun seafood restaurants.

According to an article from Universal Hub, The Crab Shack is planning to open in Roslindale, moving into a space within a strip mall on American Legion Highway. If approved, the dining spot will be the third Cajun seafood restaurant in the immediate area, with Shaking Seafood in Roslindale and Crab du Jour in neighboring Hyde Park being the other two. (UH mentions that Flaming Grill in Roslindale went from being a Chinese restaurant to a Cajun seafood spot during the pandemic but is now a Chinese restaurant once again.)

The address for The Crab Shack is 950 American Legion Highway, Roslindale, MA, 02131. Its website can be found at https://thecrabshackma.com/

[December 5 update: According to a press release, The Crab Shack is now open in Roslindale, with its menu including such items as hush puppies, oysters, fried seafood baskets, and combination plates that can be ordered with crab, lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams, and crawfish, along with a variety of seasonings and spice levels.]

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]

HuE Plans to Open in Former Storyville Space in Boston's Back Bay

A new dining and drinking spot is on its way to the Back Bay of Boston, and it will be taking over the space where a combination speakeasy/nightclub had been.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, HuE is looking to open on Exeter Street in the former Storyville space, with the notice saying that the upcoming spot will be a two-level place with restaurant space, multiple bars, and an outdoor patio. A check on the parent company of HuE (Stark Hospitality, LLC) indicates that George Aboujaoude (Committee, Eva. Bijou Nightclub and Lounge) is involved, while the manager listed in the hearing notice is Nick Saber.

Storyville, which first opened in 2011, took its name from a landmark club that once occupied the same spot and featured such acts as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Cab Calloway.

The address for HuE is 90 Exeter Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[November 22 update: According to a press release, HuE plans to open in December, and in addition to George Aboujaoude and Nick Saber being involved, Maurice Rodriguez (La Brasa, Fat Hen, W Hotel) and Robert Eugene are also part of the team.]

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]