Boston Restaurant Talk: July 2022

Friday, July 29, 2022

Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield Is Becoming Floramo's

Last month, it was reported that the owner of a beloved spot for steak tips and ribs was taking over the kitchen of a restaurant in the northern suburbs, and now we have learned that the kitchen isn't the only thing changing.

A tweet from Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea says (via a screenshot of an article from the Wakefield Daily Item) that Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield is in the process of becoming a new location of Floramo's. Back in the early part of June, John Floramo started serving lunch at the Main Street spot, offering some faves from the original Floramo's, and a few days later he started offering dinner as well there. It is not known what kinds of changes (if any) the menu might ultimately have at the Wakefield location of Floramo's, and it isn't known if this will be more of a move or a second location, as a new development is being planned for the Floramo's space in Chelsea, though they have apparently been asked to return once construction is complete.

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

[Earlier Articles]
Owner of Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea Takes Over Kitchen at Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield
New Development at Floramo's Site in Chelsea Gets Approval; Floramo's Could Return to 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]

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!

Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot Is Opening in the Former Quincy Dynasty Space in North Quincy

It looks like a new hot pot restaurant is getting ready to open in Quincy, and it has the same name as a dining spot that had been hoping to open in downtown Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot is opening on Billings Street in North Quincy, taking over the space where Quincy Dynasty had once been. The poster mentions that it is not yet open but is in the process of hiring workers, while a website for the place is up and shows a variety of broths, meats, seafood, veggies, and noodles available. A couple of years ago, a restaurant called Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot had been looking to open in the New Jumbo space on Hudson Street in Chinatown, but Jumbo Seafood is now in that space.

The address for Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot in North Quincy is 47 Billings Road, Quincy, MA, 02171. Its website can be found at https://www.weishuwuhotpot.com/

[October 27 update: According to its website, Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot is now open in North Quincy.]

[Earlier Article]
Wei Shu Wu Hot Pot May Be Replacing New Jumbo Seafood Restaurant in Boston's Chinatown

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]

J. Pace and Son Closes Its West End Location

A local group of Italian markets and delis is closing one of its locations.

According to multiple sources, including @ConciergeBoston, J. Pace and Son on Blossom Court in Boston's West End is shutting down, with an email from the business confirming that it will close at the end of business hours today while also saying that they will continue to do deliveries to MGH, which is in the same neighborhood. Other locations in the Seaport District and Saugus will remain open, as will its Halftime King of Pizza/J. Pace Express collaboration near North Station.

The address for J. Pace and Son in the West End is 75 Blossom Court, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for all locations is at https://jpaceandson.com/

[August 9 update: A message sent to us indicates that the people behind J. Pace and Son are hoping to open in a new space somewhere near the now-closed West End location.]

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 Debuts a Beer Garden and Truck Outside Boston Public Market

A downtown Boston bar that opened within an indoor marketplace last month has now expanded outdoors.

According to a press release, The Pine Bar at Boston Public Market now has a beer garden and truck facing the Rose Kennedy Greenway near the Surface Road entrance to the marketplace. The truck has four beer taps while also serving canned wines and beers, with hours for the beer garden being 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily.

The Filmark Hospitality Group (Ristorante Lucia, Filippo Ristorante, Ducali Pizzeria, Caffé Ducali, Cunard Tavern) and managing partner Phil Frattaroli are behind The Pine Bar, which is the only full-service drinking spot within Boston Public Market.

The website for The Pine Bar is 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, July 28, 2022

Vester in Cambridge's Kendall Square Plans to Expand to South Boston's Fort Point Area

A cafe in Cambridge is looking to open a new location in South Boston.

According to a tweet from @FortPointer, Vester is planning on opening on W First Street along the southern edge of the Fort Point neighborhood, with the post saying that it will be open for breakfast and lunch. We have been told by @tom_ready that this will be a second location of Vester, whose original cafe is on Ames Street in Cambridge's Kendall Square.

Vester first opened in Cambridge in 2018, taking over the space that had been home to Ames Street Deli.

The address for the upcoming location of Vester in Fort Point is 105 W First Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the Cambridge location is at https://www.vestercafe.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]

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Plans to Open in the Former ShowPlace Icon Theatre Space in Boston's Seaport District

An iconic theater chain that offers food and drink--and is known for its strict policy on behavior--is on its way to the Boston waterfront.

According to an article in boston.com, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is planning to open in the city's Seaport District, taking over the space on Seaport Boulevard that had been home to ShowPlace Icon Theatre. The post says that the 10-screen theater will have 767 seats and scratch-made food along with beer, and a separate full-service bar called The Press Room will offer local beers, wine, and cocktails, while also displaying more than 10,000 vintage movie ad plates. If all goes as planned, the Seaport District location of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will open in early 2023.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which was founded in Austin, TX, in 1997, is known in part for its showing of indie and foreign films as well as classics and documentaries--and its policy of requiring proper etiquette, including asking cinemagoers to not talk or text during the films.

The address for the upcoming Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in the Seaport District is 60 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the chain can be found at https://drafthouse.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]

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Night Shift Brewing to Cease Most of Its Production at Its Everett Facility; Will Focus on Contract Brewing for Foreseeable Future

One of the biggest breweries in Massachusetts has made an ominous announcement that could ripple through the local beer world.

According to an Instagram post from the business, Night Shift Brewing has made the decision to scale back production at its Everett facility and rely on contract brewing at Jack's Abby in Framingham and Isle Brewers Guild in Pawtucket. The note, which was posted earlier today, says the following:

Last week, we learned that our CO2 supply has been cut for the foreseeable future, possibly more than a year until we get more. Breweries depend on CO2 to make beer, so this was pretty awful news to get. Seems like this will be an issue that impacts a lot of local breweries, so we're probably one of many breweries facing this new threat to our business....Yesterday, we met with our production team of twelve people and shared the news and the implications. What we shared is that, come October 1, we won't likely have jobs for many of this team. Everett brewing will continue, but more as an R&D facility with a smaller crew.

The post does say that none of Night Shift's taprooms or beer gardens will be closing and that those who lose their jobs will get a severance package--and in the long-term, if the brewery has CO2, they will continue to brew beer in Everett, but at a smaller scale.

In addition to its Everett facility, Night Shift also has outlets at Boston's Lovejoy Wharf, Encore Boston Harbor, and Level99 in Natick, and six of their Owl's Nest beer gardens are scattered throughout the local area. The website for Night Shift can be found at https://nightshiftbrewing.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]

Blank Street Coffee Is Opening in Boston's Beacon Hill Neighborhood

Earlier this week, it was reported that a growing group of coffee shops and coffee carts based in New York City was expanding to Boston's Back Bay, and now we have learned that at least one more is on its way to the city as well.

According to a tweet from @CLeesPlease, Blank Street Coffee is planning to open in Beacon Hill, with a picture showing that it will be taking over the space on Cambridge Street that had been home to a location of Nourish Your Soul. This is one of at least two locations of the business coming to Boston, as another is opening on Boylston Street in the Back Bay as well.

As mentioned earlier, Blank Street started out in Brooklyn in 2020 and now has a mix of tiny storefronts and mobile carts where people use a Blank Street app to order in advance.

The address for the new location of Blank Street Coffee in Beacon Hill is 282 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for the business is at https://www.blankstreet.com/

[October 3 update: According to its social media, Blank Street Coffee is now open in Beacon Hill.]

[Earlier Article]
Blank Street Coffee to Open 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]

Ten One Tea House Is Opening in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

A trio of Taiwanese tea shops is in the process of opening a fourth location, with this one being its second outlet in Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Ten One Tea House looks like it is going through a soft opening in the city's Fenway neighborhood, moving into a space on Boylston Street about midway between Park Drive and Brookline Avenue. The new location joins another in the Back Bay along with a new one in Somerville's Assembly Row, as well as a third in Providence, RI.

The poster had put up a screenshot of Ten One Tea House indeed mentioning the soft opening via an Instagram story which has since expired; the Fenway location is shown on the Ten One Tea House website, but it does not mention what stage of opening it is in.

The address for Ten One Tea House in the Fenway is 1323 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.tenoneteahouse.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]

Barrio Tacos Is Opening in Salem

A growing group of restaurants known for their award-winning tacos will be opening a second location in Massachusetts, with this one being the first in the Greater Boston area.

According to a source, Barrio Tacos is planning to open in Salem, moving into the space on Lafayette Street that has been home to Kokeshi which now resides in the Derby Street space where its sibling restaurant Bambolina also resides. Once it opens, the new location of Barrio Tacos will join another in Haverhill along with a handful of locations in the Great Lakes area (the business started out in Cleveland in 2012) and one other in Portsmouth, NH.

As mentioned in an earlier article here, the Lakewood, OH location of Barrio Tacos was once mentioned as one of the top 10 taco stands in the United States by Gayot.

The address for the new location of Barrio Tacos in Salem is 41 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA, 01970. The website for all locations of Barrio Tacos can be found at https://barrio-tacos.com/

[August 19 update: Our source tells us that Barrio Tacos has soft-opened in Salem.]

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, July 26, 2022

Toffee Social Bar and Lounge Opens in Stoughton

A new dining and drinking spot has opened in the southern suburbs of Boston.

According to a tweet from @JeremyKrantz, Toffee Social Bar and Lounge has opened in Stoughton, moving into a space on Wyman Street just east of the train station in the center of town. A menu has not yet been seen for the place, with an Instagram post simply saying its grand opening took place on July 23; as soon as we find out more about the restaurant, we will post an update here.

The address for Toffee Social Bar and Lounge is 10 Wyman Street, Stoughton, MA, 02072. The website for the place can be found at https://toffeesocial.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]

Bangkok Bistro in Brighton Has Closed

It looks like a Thai restaurant in Brighton has closed down.

According to a source, Bangkok Bistro on Washington Street is no longer in business, with confirmation of its closure apparently coming from a check on its phone which is out of service, its website which has expired, and a Google search which has it labeled as "permanently closed." Bangkok Bistro had been in its home on the western edge of Brighton Center since 2013, when it moved from another space on Beacon Street in Cleveland Circle.

The address for Bangkok Bistro is 433 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135.

[November 7 update: According to a licensing hearing page within the City of Boston website, BalaMao Restaurant is planning to open in the former Bangkok Bistro space, with the dining spot including seating for 15 in its dining area along with an additional 4 at a small bar.]

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]

Mike & Patty's at High Street Place in Boston Is Transforming into Hall Pass Cheesesteak Concept in the Evening

A popular pair of breakfast places and sandwich shops has brought a beloved sandwich to their newest location in the evenings.

According to a press release, Mike & Patty's at High Street Place food hall in Boston's Financial District is now transforming into Hall Pass starting at 4:00 PM Monday through Saturday, with the new concept focusing on authentic Philly cheesesteaks. The release mentions that the cheesesteaks are made using Creekstone Farms prime black angus beef, house-baked Italian sub rolls from Flourhouse Bakery in Newton (which is under the same ownership as Mike & Patty's), and cheese options that include "white wiz," American, and sharp provolone, and that the concept also offers a variety of french fry options along with cheesecake egg rolls for dessert.

The original Mike & Patty's is located in the city's Bay Village neighborhood, with Flourhouse Bakery being in the Nonantum section of Newton, and the owners also run Hot Box, a bar pizza and roast beef place at Bow Market in Somerville.

The Instagram page for Hall Pass can be found at https://www.instagram.com/hallpassbos/

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, July 25, 2022

Dave's Hot Chicken Opens at Woburn Village July 29

A California-based chain of dining spots that focuses on Nashville hot chicken is getting ready to open its second location in the Greater Boston area.

According to a press release, Dave's Hot Chicken plans to open in Woburn on Friday, July 29, moving into a space at Woburn Village, a mixed-use development just off Route 128 at the site of the old Woburn Mall. The new outlet will join another on Needham Street in Newton and will offer chicken tenders and sliders with seven heat levels ranging from "no spice" to "reaper" while serving other items such as macaroni and cheese, kale slaw, and fries.

The address for Dave's Hot Chicken at Woburn Village is 300 Mishawum Road (Suite 400), Woburn, MA, 01801. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.daveshotchicken.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]

Black Bamboo Opens in Brookline Village

A new Chinese restaurant has come to Brookline.

According to a source, Black Bamboo is now open in Brookline Village, moving into a space on Washington Street about a block west of Harvard Street. The menu for the dining spot includes such items as pan-fried dumplings, spicy crawfish tails, stir-fry pork intestine, sauteed bullfrog, sizzling cumin beef, grilled fish, crispy fried chicken, BBQ lamb, stewed beef and tomato with rice, Sichuan noodles with ground pork sauce, and more.

The address for Black Bamboo in Brookline Village is 320 Washington Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. Its website can be found at https://www.blackbamboousa.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]

Blank Street Coffee Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A growing group of coffee shops and coffee carts based in New York City appears to be expanding to Boston.

According to a source, a door on Boylston Street says "Your New Daily Coffee" and "Blank Street Coming Soon" along with a reference to the Blank Street Instagram page, which confirms that this is the same Blank Street Coffee with locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and London. The business first started out in Brooklyn in 2020 and now has a mix of tiny storefronts and mobile carts where people can use a Blank Street app to order ahead.

The address for the new location of Blank Street Coffee in the Back Bay is 647 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the business can be found at https://www.blankstreet.com/

[February 13, 2023 update: According to a source, Blank Street Coffee is now open on Boylston Street, joining two others in the city's Beacon Hill neighborhood which have opened as well.]

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

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

Friday, July 22, 2022

Ithaki Is Moving from Ipswich to Peabody

A popular North Shore restaurant that features Greek and Mediterranean fare is moving to a new location that will be closer to Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Ithaki in Ipswich is heading to a new location in Peabody, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

Ipswich has been our home, but we are so excited for Ithaki's next chapter. Same fantastic food & owner! Different zip code! Stay tuned for renovation magic! Last day in Ipswich: August 14th 2022 New location coming soon! September 2022

Ithaki, which first opened in Ipswich back in 1997, is a casual upscale restaurant that offers such dishes as grilled octupus, shrimp saganaki, pork souvlaki, spanakopita, baked feta, falafel, blackened salmon, pastitsio, pasta with clams, moussaka, lamb skewers, and roasted chicken.

The original address for Ithaki is 25 Hammatt Street in Ipswich while the new address is 1A Newbury Street (Route 1) in Peabody. Its website can be found at https://www.ithakicuisine.com/

[October 16 update: According to its social media, Ithaki is now open in its new home in Peabody.]

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]

Lombardo's in Randolph Announces That It Will Close in 2023

One of the best-known event venues in the Greater Boston area will be shutting down next year.

According to multiple sources (including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page), Lombardo's in Randolph is going to be closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

We are now at a point where the business is evolving and changing and with that, we announce Lombardo’s in Randolph will be closing next year, effective September 2023....With change comes opportunity. We are focused on creating the next chapter for our family's business centered around hospitality and creating memorable experiences.

Lombardo's, which first opened nearly 60 years ago, traces its roots to a butcher shop in East Boston nearly 100 years back, with the Lombardo family subsequently opening a supermarket in Eastie in the 1950s before eventually opening event venues in East Boston and, later, Randolph, where its sole function hall remains.

The address for Lombardo's is 6 Billings Street, Randolph, MA, 02368. Its website is at https://www.lombardos.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]

Mooo... Opens in Burlington

A new location of a steakhouse has opened in the northern suburbs after being in the works for more than two years.

According to a message from Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie, Mooo... opens in Burlington today, moving into the former L'Andana space on Cambridge Street. As mentioned earlier, the Columbus Hospitality Group, which was behind the now-closed L'Andana, is also behind Mooo..., and this is the third location of the steakhouse, with others being in Boston's Beacon Hill and Fort Point.

The address for the new location of Mooo... in Burlington is 86 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for all locations of Mooo... can be found at https://mooorestaurant.com/

[Earlier Article]
L'Andana in Burlington to Be Replaced by Mooo...

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]

Donut Villa Is Opening in the Former Brewer's Coalition Space in Newtonville

A pair of diners known for their donuts is expanding to a third location, and this one may be more of a restaurant and bar.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, Donut Villa is planning to open in Newtonville, with the address given indicating that it will apparently be taking over the space on Walnut Street that had been home to Brewer's Coalition before it closed earlier this year. The job post mentions that it will be a "brunch club and bar" while a public hearing notice states that the upcoming spot plans to acquire a full liquor license and operate as a restaurant.

The original Donut Villa Diner first opened in Malden more than 40 years ago, while a second location in Cambridge's Central Square opened in the spring of 2021.

The address for the new location of Donut Villa in Newtonville is 344 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA, 02460. The website for Donut Villa Diner in Malden and Cambridge is at https://www.donutvilladiner.com/

[October 24 update: According to its social media, Donut Villa in Newtonville is now open, having opened late last month.]

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, July 21, 2022

Teffy's Restaurant in Brockton Is Expanding to Abington

A Salvadoran and Mexican restaurant south of Boston is planning to open a new location, with this one also being south of the city.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Teffy's Restaurant in Brockton is expanding to Abington, with a Facebook post from the business saying that "ABINGTON MA HERE WE GO....WE ARE HAPPY TO ANOUNCE TEFFY’S RESTAURANT & BAR IS COMING TO ABINGTON....Food, Drinks, Dj ,Latin music....VIP Space....We are so excited" The original Teffy's, which is located at 74 W Elm Street, offers such items as papusas, tacos, tortas, fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, tamales, burritos, flan, and more.

The address for the upcoming location of Teffy's Restaurant in Abington is 800 Brockton Avenue, Abington, MA, 02351. The website for the Brockton location can be found at https://teffysrestaurantbrockton.com/

[September 29 update: An update within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Teffy's is now open, with this being confirmed by the Facebook page for the business.]

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]

Aegean Restaurant Is Being Reborn in Waltham

A beloved pair of Greek restaurants west of Boston may be gone, but a new location is now on the way.

A source tells us (via Kiat Cormier on the Chew on This Facebook page) that the Aegean Restaurant is planning to open in Waltham, with an Instagram page from the business saying "Look out for our opening day announcement!" while also indicating that it will offer both Greek and Armenian fare. Kiat mentions that the dining spot will be opening on Moody Street, with the address indicating that it will apparently move into the old S&S Tools space. The Aegean once had locations in Watertown and Framingham, though the former closed in 2016 and the latter closed during the pandemic and went up for auction last spring; both restaurants were known for their classic Greek dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie, roast leg of lamb, gyro plates, shrimp kabobs, chicken souvlaki, moussaka, and pastitsio.

The address for the Aegean Restaurant in Waltham is 741 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453.

[November 15 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions (via an Instagram post) that the Aegean is now open in its new space in Waltham.]

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]

Lehrhaus to Open in the Former Kirkland Tap & Trotter Space in Somerville

A rather unique dining and drinking spot is on its way to Somerville.

According to a source, Lehrhaus is planning to open on Washington Street, taking over the space where Kirkland Tap & Trotter had been before closing in 2019. The website for the upcoming place simply says it will be a "Jewish Tavern and House of Learning," though its source code mentions the following:

Lehrhaus is a new kind of gathering space for 21st century Jews and people interested in Judaism: part Jewish tavern, part house of learning, it's a welcoming, smart, sociable neighborhood watering hole that brings people together to tap into the ancient, profound, and transformative practice of learning through Jewish texts--all while cultivating community and savoring great food and drinks.

No opening date has been given as of yet for Lehrhaus, though the website does say it is coming "soon."

The address for the upcoming Lehrhaus is 425 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website is at https://www.lehr.haus/

[March 6, 2023 update: According to a press release, Lehrhaus plans to open on March 13, and it will have a pescatarian menu while celebrating "the global diversity of Jewish cuisine" with Noah Clickstein (a Juliet alum) heading up the kitchen and James Beard award finalist Michael Leviton advising, while award-winning bartender Naomi Levy has designed the beverage program. The release also mentions that Lehrhaus--which is said to be "the world's first Jewish tavern and house of learning"--includes a library with more than 3,000 volumes.]

[March 14, 2023 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page confirms that Lehrhaus has soft-opened, though its full opening may not be happening until mid-April as a note from the place says that "a key member of our staff has had to deal with some serious medical issues, and while they are recovering and will be back with us soon, we've decided to open quietly...from now until Passover."]

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, July 20, 2022

Life Alive Is Opening in Cambridge's Kendall Square, Somerville's Davis Square

A growing group of organic cafes has opened a new location in Cambridge, and another one is opening in Somerville as well.

According to a page within their website, Life Alive now has a new outlet in Kendall Square, with the Main Street spot being joined by another cafe on Holland Street in Davis Square in August. The page says that both locations are "part of our vision to bring positive eating—a way of eating that supports both personal and planetary wellness—to more communities," and based on the menus at the other restaurants, expect to see a variety of bowls as well as soups, salads, snacks, smoothies, coffee, breakfast dishes, and more.

Other locations of Life Alive can be found in Boston's Back Bay and South End, the Boston University area, Central Square and Harvard Square in Cambridge, Brookline, Lowell, and Salem. The website for all locations is at https://www.lifealive.com/

[September 2 update: According to a source, Life Alive is now open in Davis 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]

Drifter's Tale in Cambridge's Inman Square Has Closed: Space Is on the Market

A restaurant and bar in Cambridge that featured comfort food with global influences has quietly shut down, and its space is now for sale.

A message sent by Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting confirms what several others have told us, that Drifter's Tale in Inman Square is no longer in business, and a listing within the bostonrestaurantgroup.com site further confirms this, saying that "The space is adaptable for multiple concepts." Drifter's Tale first opened last summer, offering such items as chickpea fritters, empanadas, blackened shrimp tacos, brisket grilled cheese, flatbreads, steak frites, and fried chicken.

The Drifter's Tale space had previously been home to a location of Bukowski's.

The address for the now-closed Drifter's Tale was 1281 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

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

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

Borrachito and The Garret Bar to Open at The Superette in Boston's Seaport District

Last winter, it was reported that a restaurant group based in Manhattan would be expanding to the Boston waterfront, and now we have learned that they will be opening another location of a combination taqueria/cocktail bar there.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Den Hospitality plans to open Borrachito and The Garret Bar at The Superette, a retail, dining, and entertainment center in the Seaport District that is currently under development. The bostonseaport.xyz site mentions that The Garret Bar will be hidden behind Borrachito, with its entrance being through a walk-in freezer door and that it will feature a full bar, while Borrachito will likely offer tacos and possibly burritos, based on its East Village location (which it shares with a location of The Garret Bar). Den Hospitality also operates another location of The Garret Bar in the West Village along with Bandits which is also in the West Village, and The Garret Cocteleria in NoLita.

The hearing notice indicates that Borrachito and The Garret Bar hope to get their liquor license from B.K.'s Pub, a dive bar in Roslindale; it is not yet known what that means for the future of that watering hole--as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The website for Den Hospitality can be found at http://www.denhospitality.com/

[March 24, 2023 update: According to a press release, Borrachito has its official opening on April 17.]

[Earlier Article]
The Superette Is Planning to Open in Boston's Seaport District

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, July 19, 2022

The Capital Grille Plans to Replace P. F. Chang's at Legacy Place in Dedham

A chain of upscale steakhouses is planning to open a new Boston-area location, and this one would be taking over the space where a location of a chain of Asian restaurants currently resides.

Based on a tweet from @mikesacconetv and replies to the tweet, The Capital Grille is making plans to replace P. F. Chang's at Legacy Place in Dedham, with an advisory board meeting page within the town's website leading to Dropbox files showing a "Major remodel of the existing PF Changs [Restaurant] to convert to 'The Capital Grille.'" Currently, The Capital Grille has outlets locally in Boston, Burlington, and Chestnut Hill while P. F. Chang's has locations in Boston and Natick in addition to its Dedham location.

The address for the upcoming Capital Grille at Legacy Place (and P. F. Chang's) is 110 Elm Street, Dedham, MA, 02026.

[July 22 update: A message sent from @IrishEyesPhoto1 indicates that P. F. Chang's in Dedham is now closed, with the locations page on the chain's website confirming this.]

[August 8, 2023 update: A press release mentions that the new location of The Capital Grille is slated to open at Legacy Place on August 11.]

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]

Eat at Jumbo's in Somerville's Ball Square Is Up for Sale

A comfort food spot in Somerville that announced it was closed until further notice back in May is now on the market.

According to a source, Eat at Jumbo's in Ball Square is for sale, with owner Grover Taylor saying within the Boston Pizza Wars Facebook group page that "Its time for me to retire from the restaurant business." Eat at Jumbo's first opened in 2009, morphing into a vegetarian eatery called Sassafras in 2018 before reverting back to Eat at Jumbo's in 2020; the restaurant was known in part for its pizza and wings, while also offering such items as garlic knots, cheese fries, burgers, tacos, macaroni and cheese, steak bombs, and chicken tenders.

The address for Eat at Jumbo's is 688 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144.

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, July 18, 2022

New Development at Floramo's Site in Chelsea Gets Approval; Floramo's Could Return to Space

A few months ago, it was reported that a beloved spot for steak tips and ribs could see its space become home to a new development. Now we have learned that this indeed appears to be happening, though this does not mean the end of the line for the restaurant.

Based on information given to us by a source, along with info from a Chelsea Record article, the city of Chelsea has given its approval for the variances and special permit that will allow the developer Verdynt to construct a research and lab building on Everett Avenue where Floramo's Restaurant currently resides. The article indicates that Floramo's could return to a ground-floor space at the site once construction is complete (possibly in three years), with City Council President Roy Avellaneda saying that "I know [Verdynt] didn't speak about this, but they have encouraged and asked Floramo's to stay on....Now, whether or not the Floramo family wants to stay is a separate agreement, but they have offered."

Doug Medvetz, who is the principal from Verdynt, mentions that "I've gotten to know John Floramo quite well, we have had numerous conversations, he's the son....There is a strong interest in them coming back, it's just a matter of logistics....He doesn't want to open with a different staff....He is working on an alternative strategy to keep the staff together at a different restaurant during construction." It is possible that Medvetz could be referring to the Dockside in Wakefield, whose kitchen was recently taken over by Floramo's and which is serving some of the favorites from the Chelsea restaurant.

The address for Floramo's is 213 Everett Avenue, Chelsea, MA, 02150. Its website is at http://floramos.net/

[Earlier Articles]
Demolition Proposal Hearing Scheduled for 213 Everett Avenue in Chelsea, Which Is the Address for Floramo's Restaurant
Owner of Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea Takes Over Kitchen at Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield

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]

Gopchang Story to Open in Former T's Pub Space in Boston July 20

A Korean BBQ spot that has been in the works for more than two years is finally on the verge of opening.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Gopchang Story is planning to open in the former T's Pub space on Commonwealth Avenue near Boston University Wednesday, July 20, with a Facebook post from the restaurant saying that "To accommodate as many people as possible, we will only take walk-ins for the time being. More details will follow closer to our opening date, so please follow us and get ready for some Gopchang in your belly!" As mentioned here in an earlier article, Gopchang has locations in Manhattan and the Flushing section of Queens and focuses on dishes using the intestines of cattle and/or pigs along with other entrails.

The address for Gopchang Story is 973 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the business can be found at https://www.gopchangbbq.com/

[Earlier Article]
T's Pub in Boston May Be Replaced by Gopchang Story

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]

Shirley Is Opening Brick-and-Mortar Space in Somerville's Davis Square, Replacing the Oat Shop

A pop-up in Somerville that focuses on farm-to-table options is moving to a permanent space in another part of the city, and it will replace a cafe that focuses on oatmeal.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Shirley is leaving Bow Market in Union Square at the end of July after being there less than a year in order to open a brick-and-mortar spot in Davis Square, taking over the space on College Avenue that is currently home to the Oat Shop. The post mentions that the new location of Shirley will offer baked goods (including breads), sandwiches, coffee, and "fun drinks" and it will offer vegetarian and vegan options while being 100% nut-free. If all goes as planned, expect to see a mid-August opening for the place.

The Oat Shop, which first opened a bit more than five years ago, plans to close down around the latter part of July, saying in an Instagram post that "We experienced various challenges over the past couple of years including rising costs. It's been an incredibly hard decision and with our lease ending, it feels like the right time to step away."

The address for the upcoming location of Shirley (and the Oat Shop) is 22A College Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02144. The Instagram page for Shirley can be found at https://www.instagram.com/shirleyfarmtotable/ while the website for the Oat Shop is at https://oatshopboston.com/

[July 25 update: A note on the website for the Oat Shop indicates that it closes down on Wednesday, July 27.]

[August 26 update: A new Instagram post from the place indicates that Shirley is now open in Davis 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]

Friday, July 15, 2022

Quincy Hungry Tummy Opens in the Former Delaney's Pub Space in Quincy

A Quincy restaurant that has an interesting name--and that features Brazilian and American fare--has moved, taking over the space where an old-school dive bar had been.

According to a source, Quincy Hungry Tummy is now open in the old Delaney's Pub space on Franklin Street, with the website for the spot saying that it features "A unique combination of traditional Brazilian cooking alongside American favorites." The menu for the place includes subs, wraps, pizza, calzones, pasta dishes, and several Brazilian-style burgers and sandwiches.

A source within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page tells us that Quincy Hungry Tummy had previously been in a much smaller space a few blocks to the south on Franklin Street where Evolino's Hand Pies had once been.

The new address for Quincy Hungry Tummy is 35 Franklin Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. Its website can be found at https://quincyhungrytummy.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]

HAN Opens in Allston, Moving into the Old Wonder Bar Space

Last spring, it was reported that a new dining and drinking spot might replace a nightclub in Allston, and now we have learned that the place has opened.

According to a source, HAN is now open in the former Wonder Bar space on Harvard Avenue, with the website for the new spot indicating that it is an Asian bistro and lounge that features DJs, dancing, and more. The menu at HAN includes a variety of snacks, small plates, and meals, including tuna tartare, pork bun, sushi pizza, Peking duck, and grilled salmon along with wine, sake, and cocktails.

Wonder Bar closed its doors back in the fall of 2020.

The address for HAN is 186 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. Its website is at https://www.hanboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
HAN May Be Opening in the Former Wonder Bar Space in Allston

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]

Serendipity Cafe in Maynard Has Closed

A cafe west of Boston that offered coffee, tea, baked goods, and lighter fare and was also seen as a community center of sorts has shut down.

According to a source, Serendipity Cafe in Maynard is no longer in business, with the website for the Nason Street spot indicating that it closed its doors permanently in late June. The eatery, which first opened in 2014, featured live music and displayed local art over the years, while its menu included muffins, crepes, salads, and sandwiches.

The address for the now-closed Serendipity Cafe was 1 Nason Street, Maynard, MA, 01754.

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, July 14, 2022

SALT Patisserie Opens in Newton Centre

Last fall, it was learned that a well-known pastry chef was planning to open a pastry shop in Newton, and now we have learned that the place has indeed debuted.

According to a press release, SALT Patisserie in Piccadilly Square in Newton Centre is now open, with Thiago Silva (who has been a winner in the Food Network shows "Chopped" and "Dessert Games") being behind it. Silva--who was born in Brazil and raised in Queens--will offer such options as breads, chocolates, cakes, cookies, croissants, prepared items to-go, coffee, and more, though the menu is limited for now.

The address for SALT Patisserie is 792 Beacon Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459. Its website is at https://www.saltpatisserie.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/saltpatisserie/

[Earlier Article]
SALT Patisserie Plans to Open in Piccadilly Square in Newton Centre

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]

Yume Ga Arukara in Cambridge's Porter Exchange Building to Expand to Boston's Seaport District

An udon shop in Cambridge that once had a connection to a nearby ramen shop is expanding to the Boston waterfront.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Yume Ga Arukara in the Porter Exchange Building's food court is planning to open a second location in the Seaport District, moving into a space within The Superette, a retail, dining, and entertainment center on Seaport Boulevard that is currently under development. The post states that the new location will offer udon as well, though its menu will be expanded to include other Japanese dishes--including small, shareable plates--while drinks will include beer, wine, and sake. If all goes well, the new location of Yume Ga Arukara will open sometime in the winter.

One of the founders of the Cambridge location of Yume Ga Arukara (which opened in 2017) was also behind Yume Wo Katare on the other side of Porter Square, though the two dining spots no longer have an ownership connection.

The website for Yume Ga Arukara can be found at https://www.yumegaarukara.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]

Porter Exchange Food Court in Cambridge May Be Moving

One of the most beloved food courts in the Boston area is moving--though it won't be moving very far.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, the Porter Exchange Food Court within Lesley University's University Hall in Porter Square is slated to move to the former Shaking Crab space, which means the food court will basically move from the middle of the building to a front corner space that has an entrance on Mass. Ave. The post mentions that a formal plan isn't expected to be announced until September, and the restaurants apparently haven't been given specific details on the move as of yet.

The Porter Exchange Food Court is known for its handful of Asian dining spots, including Cafe Mami, Chocho's, I Love Sushi, Izakaya Ittoku, Sapporo Ramen, Tampopo, Yotopia, and Yume Ga Arukara.

Both the current and future address for the Porter Exchange Food Court is 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[September 19, 2023 update: Cambridge Day mentions that the plans to move the food court have fallen through.]

[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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Salem Lowe at Salem Willows Park Is Closing

An iconic North Shore eatery that features an unusual regional food item is getting ready to shut down after more than 50 years in business.

According to a source, Salem Lowe at Salem Willows Park is going to be closing for good, with a note out front at the place saying that "It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the community for so long -- with patrons from all over the country coming year in and year out....It is time for us to retire. Thanks for the memories! - The Yee Family." The note says that this will be their "last summer," though we have been told that the specific closing date will be August 14.

Salem Lowe is known for its chop suey sandwiches while also offering classic Chinese American fare such as chicken fingers, spare ribs, crab rangoons, fried wontons, sweet and sour pork, egg foo yong, chow mein, and fried rice.

The address for Salem Lowe is 201 Fort Avenue, Salem, MA, 01970.

[August 15 update: According to multiple sources, Salem Lowe 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]

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Bianco & Sons Sausage Closes Its Outlet at Hub Hall in Boston's North Station Area

A Medford-based meat manufacturer has closed its dining spot within a Boston food hall.

According to a source, Bianco & Sons Sausage is no longer in operation at Hub Hall by North Station, though its production facility and retail shop on Brainard Avenue in Medford remains in operation. Its Boston outlet first opened last September along with Hub Hall itself, which is home to approximately 15 food and drink spots.

In addition to its retail shop in Medford, products from Bianco & Sons Sausage can also be found in a number of supermarkets in the Greater Boston area and elsewhere in New England. The website for Bianco & Sons Sausage is at https://biancosausage.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, July 12, 2022

Bertini's Restaurant in Salem Has Closed

An Italian restaurant on the North Shore that had been around for a long time has shut down.

According to a couple of sources from earlier this week, Bertini's Restaurant in Salem closed its doors permanently on earlier this month, with a Facebook post from the Canal Street spot saying that "we appreciate all the love and support our customers and the community have shown us." The restaurant, which first opened nearly 80 years ago, was popular for its Italian-American dishes including such options as lasagna, chicken parmigiana, spaghetti and meatballs, baked ziti, ravioli, fried shrimp, and pizza.

The address for the now-closed Bertini's Restaurant was 284 Canal Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

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, July 11, 2022

Santa Fe Burrito Grill Opens in Acton

Earlier this year, it was reported that a trio of fast-casual Mexican restaurants might be joined by a fourth location. Now we have learned that a fourth outlet has indeed arrived, though not the one that had been originally mentioned.

According to its website, Santa Fe Burrito Grill is now open in Acton, moving into a space near the Route 27/111 intersection just off Route 2. The new location joins others in Franklin, Weymouth, and Melrose, and another may still be in the works for Malden, though we have not heard any updates on that one of late.

Santa Fe Burrito Grill offers such items as burritos, nachos, tacos, tortas, and bowls.

The address for the new location of Santa Fe Burrito Grill in Acton is 297 Main Street (Route 27), Acton, MA, 01720. The website for all locations of Santa Fe Burrito Grill can be found at https://santafeburritogrill.com/

[Earlier Article]
Santa Fe Burrito Grill Plans to Open in Malden

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

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

Friday, July 08, 2022

T&B Pizza Reopens in Somerville's Union Square; Turenne Returning As Well

A Somerville pizzeria that looked like it would become home to a new spot has returned, and the bagel place that had also been there will be coming back, too.

According to multiple sources, including one within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page and a couple of people on Twitter, T&B Pizza is open once again in Union Square, with the poster in the Facebook group saying that "one of the workers inside said that Turenne Bagels will be coming back as well." T&B Pizza first opened in the summer of 2019, with Turenne debuting within the space in the fall of 2020, though the space eventually went dark and it looked like La Bottega (a pop-up known for its gelato) might open a brick-and-mortar shop there. It isn't known what La Bottega's plans are for now, but if we hear anything, we will post an update here.

The address for T&B Pizza (and Turenne) is 251 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for T&B Pizza can be found at https://tbpizza.com/

[August 26 update: According to a source, Turenne is open once again.]

[Earlier Article]
La Bottega May Be Opening in the T&B Pizza/Turenne Space in Somerville's Union 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]

Sin City Superette Opens in Lynn

A brand new community market from the team behind an award-winning North Shore restaurant has debuted nearly two years after its plans were first announced.

According to a press release, Sin City Superette is now open in Lynn, moving into the space on Exchange Street that is adjacent to Nightshade Noodle Bar. Rachel Miller, who is executive chef/owner of both the restaurant and the market, says that "It means a lot to me to provide everyday essentials, affordable raw, hot and cold prepared foods and offer more EBT to my neighborhood as we all continue to recover from the pandemic....The idea for Sin City Superette stemmed from pandemic response, realizing that we could be so much more useful to the community, while creating more jobs in our growing neighborhood, if we rearranged our resources and extended our reach beyond what Nightshade Noodle Bar was built to offer." Sin City Superette offers produce, meat, seafood, hot and cold prepared foods to-go, sushi, everyday grocery items, household goods, and more.

Nightshade Noodle Bar is a French and Vietnamese restaurant that has received much praise since opening its doors in the fall of 2019, including being mentioned within the Suburban Standouts section of a Boston Magazine "Best Restaurants of Boston" page.

The address for Sin City Superette is 71 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA, 01901. Its website is at https://www.sincitysuperette.com/

[Earlier Article]
Nightshade Noodle Bar Team to Open Sin City Superette in Lynn

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]

Deep Cuts Deli & Brewery Plans to Move from West Medford to Arlington Center

A deli and nanobrewery in West Medford may be moving to a larger space nearby.

According to a poster within The Arlington List Facebook group page and an article from Your Arlington, Deep Cuts Deli on High Street is looking to move to Arlington, taking over the former Tango space on Mass. Ave. in the center of town. The Facebook post gives the following information from the business via the application:

...we are applying to relocate to 464 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA to open a larger dine-in location with a larger on-site brewery....Our proposal is to lease the former Restaurant Space, Tango, and convert it into a new Restaurant and Brewery....We will only be making minor interior renovations and repairs, and installing a 5bl brewing system in the basement.

Tango closed down in June of 2020 while Deep Cuts (which had once been set up briefly within BearMoose Brewing Company in Everett) opened their West Medford shop in March of 2021.

The website for Deep Cuts can be found at https://www.deepcuts.rocks/

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, July 07, 2022

Pho Real and Mochi Dough Open in Boston's Back Bay

A combination pho spot/donut shop is in the process of opening in a shared space in the Back Bay of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Pho Real and Mochi Dough appear to be going through a soft opening on Newbury Street, with a minutes page within the city's website saying that the space includes a seasonal patio along with seating inside. Mochi Donuts is a chain of Japanese donut shops that currently has no other locations in the Northeast, while Pho Real does not appear to be a chain.

The address for Pho Real and Mochi Dough is 279 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for Mochi Dough can be found at https://www.mochidoughusa.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]

Tonino Is Opening in the Former Little Dipper Space in Jamaica Plain

A brand new Italian restaurant is on its way to Jamaica Plain, replacing a space-themed diner that more or less shut down last summer.

According to a tweet from the Jamaica Plain News, JP residents Claire Makley and Luke Fetbroth are planning to open Tonino on Centre Street in the former Little Dipper space, with the post saying that it will offer Sicilian-style pizza, handmade pasta, and "eclectic food-centric beverages." If all goes well, the new dining spot will be opening later this summer.

Little Dipper first opened in the summer of 2018, temporarily closing down in the fall of 2020 before ending brunch service (effectively shutting the place down) last July while continuing to host popups within the space.

The address for Tonino is 669a Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://www.toninojp.com/

[October 20 update: A note sent to us indicates that Tonino opens its doors today, while its menu shows that it offers such items as tomato pie, chitarra and clams, roasted squid, and cacio e pepe along with beer, wine, and cocktails.]

[Earlier Article]
Little Dipper in Jamaica Plain Shuts Down Brunch Service; Will Continue to Host Popups Within the 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]

Bertucci's in Andover Has Closed

Another location of a local chain of Italian restaurants has shut down, with this one being north of Boston.

According to an article from the Andover News, Bertucci's on Main Street in Andover has shut down, with a check within the locations section of the chain's website seeming to confirm this, as the outlet is no longer listed (the one in North Andover by the Andover line remains in operation). A few other locations of Bertucci's have shuttered over the past several years, including at Alewife in Cambridge, Kenmore Square in Boston, Faneuil Hall, and Wellesley.

The address for the now-closed Bertucci's in Andover was 90 Main Street, Andover, MA, 01810. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.bertuccis.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]

Wednesday, July 06, 2022

Scopa in Boston's North End Is Changing to Cafe Amaro

It looks like a North End restaurant is going through a rebranding.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Scopa on Hanover Street is seeking a name change to Cafe Amaro, with the beer, wine, and liqueur license apparently being part of the transfer. It isn't know what kinds of changes might be coming to the space, though it does look like it will be under the same ownership; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Scopa first opened in 2016, focusing mostly on pasta dishes, pizza, small plates, and wine.

The address for Scopa (and Cafe Amaro) is 319 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. The website for Cafe Amaro can be found at https://www.cafeamaroboston.com/

[October 26 update: According to its website, Cafe Amaro is now open, with its menu focusing on brick oven pizza as well as a variety of amaro options (including flights).]

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]

Crane River Cheese Club Is Opening Storefront in Boston's Beacon Hill Neighborhood

A delivery service on the North Shore that offers specialty groceries is expanding to a storefront in downtown Boston.

According to a Facebook post from Nick Giannotti of The Tip Tap Room on Cambridge Street in Beacon Hill, Crane River Cheese Club is planning to open a provisions shop next to the restaurant in the former Subway space, and based on the offerings from the Danvers-based delivery business, expect to find such items as bread, cheese, eggs, meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, specialty oils, and more. Crane River Cheese Club was started by The Tip Tap Room's Brian Poe during the pandemic, offering the delivery of goods to communities mostly north of Boston.

The address for Crane River Cheese Club is 138 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website is at https://cranerivercheeseclub.com/

[August 2 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Crane River Cheese Club is now open in Beacon 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, July 05, 2022

Batifol Is Opening in the Former Abigail's Space in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A new restaurant is coming to Cambridge, replacing a dining spot that went on the market a couple of years ago--and the new place appears to have a connection to a popular Boston restaurant.

According to a source, Batifol is planning to open in Kendall Square, moving into the former Abigail's space on Third Street. A page within the bionicegg.com site shows that the upcoming spot will be a Parisienne brasserie that will offer brunch, lunch, and dinner service and that it will serve wine and cocktails, and a picture of the storefront that our source posted shows an email for Petit Robert Bistro on Columbus Avenue in Boston's South End. It appears that if all goes as planned, Batifol will open sometime this summer.

Abigail's was an eclectic restaurant that first opened in 2011 and was known in part for its raw bar, BBQ, sandwiches, craft beer, and cocktails; in June of 2020, a "restaurant space available" sign was posted in one of its windows.

The address for Batifol is 291 Third Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

[September 30 update: The Boston Globe states that Batifol is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Abigail's in Cambridge's Kendall Square Is on the Market

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]