Boston Restaurant Talk: August 2022

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Brasserie in Boston's South End Is Closing for Dinner Service; Takeout Cafe Remains in Operation for Now

A French restaurant in the South End of Boston is shutting down its dinner operations, though part of its business will remain open, at least for now.

According to a note within the OpenTable page for the dining spot, Brasserie in the SoWa area closes today, with the post saying the following:

It's been a tough two years for so many. With great sadness, we inform you of our indefinite closing for evening service beginning today, Wednesday, August 31st. Our take-out cafe will remain open Monday-Friday from 8 AM - 3 PM. We appreciate your support in this last year. Many operational issues have made it difficult for us to continue service at the high level so many expect when entertaining family, friends, and colleagues. Thank you for your support! Jeff and team

Jeffrey Gates, who is a former partner of The Aquitaine Group, first opened Brasserie in May of 2021, with the restaurant taking over the former Gaslight Brasserie du Coin space on Harrison Avenue.

The address for Brasserie is 560 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118. Its website can be found at https://www.brasserieboston.com/

[November 3 update: A tweet from @BosGuy indicates that the cafe is now closed as well, with a check on its web page seeming to confirm this, as it has been taken down.]

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!

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Surf Seafood Opens at Woburn Village

A pair of seafood restaurants in New Hampshire have been joined by a new location in the Greater Boston area.

According to its website, Surf Seafood is now open at Woburn Village, a new mixed-use development located at the site of the old Woburn Mall. The new outlet offers such items as calamari, fried crab cakes, sauteed sea scallops, sushi, king crab cocktail, smoked trout, baked haddock, fish and chips, fried clams, miso salmon, cold and hot lobster rolls, and a shrimp burger.

Other locations of Surf Seafood can be found in Nashua and Portsmouth.

The address for the new location of Surf Seafood at Woburn Village is 300 Mishawum Road, Woburn, MA, 01801. The website for all locations is at https://www.surfseafood.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, August 29, 2022

Lizard Lounge in Cambridge Is Reopening

A popular basement music spot that has been closed since the start of the pandemic is finally getting ready to open back up.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Lizard Lounge in Cambridge is reopening on September 30, with an Instagram post from the place--which resides underneath Cambridge Common on Mass. Ave. between Porter Square and Harvard Square--saying that "It's true, Lizard Lounge is reopening...after almost 2 and a half years of being closed due to the pandemic. Stay tuned for more information, we are so excited to be back." The people behind Cambridge Common and Lizard Lounge also run Christopher's, a restaurant and bar in Porter Square that remains shuttered though it looks like that place may open back up soon as well.

The address for Lizard Lounge is 1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://lizardloungeclub.com/

[October 4 update: The Instagram page for Lizard Lounge confirms that it is open once again.]

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

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

Jumbo Seafood in Newton Centre Has Closed As It Starts "New Chapter" in Boston's Chinatown

A Chinese restaurant in the western suburbs that was known in part for its seafood has shut down, though its name lives on in downtown Boston.

According to a source, Jumbo Seafood in Newton Centre is no longer in business, with a note on the website of the Langley Road spot saying the following:

Leaving Newton was a tough decision to make and we want to thank all of our customers and neighbors for welcoming us to Newton Center nearly two decades ago....While we are sad to announce that we are officially closing our doors in Newton, this is not a goodbye, but rather a see you very soon. We are very excited to share that Jumbo Seafood will be entering a new chapter in the place where we started it all - Chinatown, Boston.

Jumbo Seafood is now open in the former New Jumbo Seafood space on Hudson Street in Chinatown, with a note within the website of that restaurant indicating that "the original owner of Jumbo Seafood" has indeed returned to that space and is featuring a Hong Kong-style menu with seafood along with such options as pork and chicken dishes.

The address for the now-closed Jumbo Seafood in Newton Centre was 10 Langley Road while the address for Jumbo Seafood in Chinatown is 5 Hudson Street. The website for the Boston location is at https://www.jumboseafoodboston.net/

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]

Nuts Factory Plans to Open in Former Peet's Coffee & Tea Space in Boston's Beacon Hill

A NYC-based group of stores featuring nuts and other snacks could be coming to Boston.

According to a source, Nuts Factory is planning to open a shop in Beacon Hill, with a Beacon Hill Times article indicating that it would be moving into the space on Charles Street that had been home to a location of Peet's Coffee & Tea until it closed in the early part of 2019. Based on its other shops in Manhattan, Queens, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, expect to see such items as roasted nuts, dried fruits, seeds, granola, chocolates, coffee, and more at the proposed store.

The address for the upcoming Nuts Factory in Beacon Hill is 62-66 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for the company can be found at https://nutsfactorynyc.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, August 26, 2022

Eldo Cake House in Boston's Chinatown Has Closed

A bakery and pastry shop in downtown Boston that is known for its cakes has shut down.

Universal Hub confirms what a source told us earlier, that Eldo Cake House in the city's Chinatown neighborhood is no longer in business, with a tweet from @darrylljfernald showing a "For Rent" sign in the window of the Harrison Avenue place along with a "For Sale" sign. In addition to cakes, Eldo Cake House also offered such options as tarts, buns, baos, breads, smoothies, and tea.

The address for the now-closed Eldo Cake House in Chinatown was 36 Harrison Avenue, 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]

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Puritan Oyster Bar Is Opening in Inman Square

A brand new seafood spot is coming to Cambridge, and a well-known local chef and restaurateur is behind it.

Eater Boston confirms what we had heard from Will Gilson awhile back, that Puritan Oyster Bar is planning to open next door to Puritan & Company in Inman Square, taking over the space that had briefly been home to Puritan Provisions while previously being used for private events as well. Gilson--who also is behind Geppetto, Cafe Beatrice, and The Lexington at Cambridge Crossing--plans to offer such options as oysters, tuna carpaccio, hot buttered lobster toast, smoked fish, crudo, oyster tartare, and more at the upcoming spot.

The address for Puritan Oyster Bar is 1166 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at https://www.puritancambridge.com/oysterbar

[February 7, 2023 update: According to a press release, Puritan Oyster Bar opens this evening for dinner service, and in addition to its seafood offerings, it will also offer beer, wine, and cocktails.]

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]

Jamie's on Union in Newton Centre Has Closed

A dining spot that resided within an historic space west of Boston has shut down.

According to a source, Jamie's on Union in Newton Centre is no longer in business, with a note within the website for the restaurant saying the following:

We would like to thank all of our loyal customers. Without your support, we would never have lasted all these years. This past Friday, we served our last meals and locked our doors after lunch, for good. We say goodbye for now. We are grateful for what we had, but the time has come to move on. We thank you all. Change is good.

Jamie's on Union replaced Deluxe Station Diner in September of 2020, with the two places being under the same ownership; the eatery mostly offered a mix of diner food and classic American fare. (The building in which Jamie's was housed is a former railroad station that dates back to the 1800s.)

The address for Jamie's on Union was 70 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459.

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]

Area Four Cafe to Open at One Kendall Square in Cambridge

The team behind a restaurant and cafe in Cambridge will be opening a new spot nearby.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Area Four Cafe is planning to open at One Kendall Square, joining Area Four restaurant and Area Four Cafe at 500 Technology Square. Based on the job post, it looks like the new location of A4 will offer such options as coffee, espresso, tea, and grab-and-go food items, with yogurt parfaits being mentioned in the listing.

In addition to Area Four restaurant and Area Four Cafe at 500 Technology Square, there is also an A4cade on Mass. Ave. by MIT that is a collaboration between Area Four and Roxy's Grilled Cheese.

The website for Area Four can be found at https://www.areafour.com/

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

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

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Dandee Donut Factory Is Opening in Revere

A trio of donut shops in Florida will be expanding to the North Shore once again.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Dandee Donut Factory is planning to open in Revere, with the website for the company indicating that the new outlet will be located on Revere Beach Parkway just east of the Route 1 intersection. This appears to be Dandee's second time opening a shop north of Boston, as a location in Marblehead is no longer in operation.

The Florida locations of Dandee Donut Factory offer a variety of donuts along with baked goods, breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and coffee.

The address for the new location of Dandee Donut Factory in Revere is 1141 Revere Beach Parkway, Revere, MA, 02151. The website for the company is at https://dandeedonuts.com/

[January 31, 2023 update: According to a post from North Shore Eats, Dandee Donut Factory is now open in Revere.]

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]

Namaste Nepali and Indian Cuisine in Stoneham Has Apparently Closed

A Southern Asian restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston appears to have shut down.

According to a source, Namaste Nepali and Indian Cuisine in Stoneham looks like it has closed for good, with Google stating that the Montvale Avenue dining spot has indeed closed permanently. Namaste first opened in early 2019, taking over the space just east of the Route 93 intersection that had been home to Taj Indian Bistro.

The address for Namaste Nepali and Indian Cuisine was 58 Montvale Avenue, Stoneham, MA, 02180.

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, August 22, 2022

Samurai Express Is Moving to Part of Fire + Ice Space in Boston's Park Square as a Pop-Up Kitchen

A Japanese eatery in Boston's Park Square is moving to another part of its building, reopening within another restaurant's space.

According to a source (Sarah Wu), Samurai Express is moving from its current location at 31 St. James Avenue to a new location at 205 Berkeley Street, with a sign out front at its old location saying "We are moving to Fire + Ice. We look forward to seeing you soon!" A subsequent message from Sarah Wu indicates that Samurai Express is now open in the lower level of the Fire + Ice space (where the bar is), with the ordering link within the website confirming this--and Fire + Ice remains in operation, sharing its bar space with Samurai; in addition, we have been told that Samurai Express is actually a pop-up kitchen within the Fire + Ice space.

Samurai Express has been a popular place for takeout/delivery that mainly offers sushi along with appetizers, entrees, smoothies, desserts, and more. Its website can be found at https://www.samuraifast.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]

Article Fifteen Brewing Co. Is Now Open in Rockland

Last summer, it was reported that a brewery on the South Shore was planning to move to a bigger location. Now we have learned that the move is complete.

According to its social media, Article Fifteen Brewing Co. has opened in Rockland, moving into the VFW Drive space in July after previously being on Route 53 (Washington Street) in Weymouth since 2017. The new facility includes a taproom and patio along with live music, games, and food trucks, while usually offering eight beers on tap.

The address for the new location of Article Fifteen Brewing in Rockland is 406 VFW Drive, Rockland, MA, 02370. Its website is at https://articlefifteenbrewing.com/

[Earlier Article]
Article Fifteen Brewing Plans to Move from Weymouth to Rockland

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]

Don Patron Is Opening in the Former Halfway Cafe Space in Marlborough

A brand new Mexican restaurant is on its way to MetroWest, and it appears to have a connection to a restaurant with the same name in the western part of New York State.

According to a source, Don Patron is planning to open in Marlborough, taking over the space on Route 20 that had been home to a location of the Halfway Cafe. Our source tells us that the upcoming dining spot is affiliated with Don Patron in Cheektowaga, whose website says "Get the best of guacamole, tacos, enchiladas and more. Don Patron is a single-location family-style eatery that puts a focus on high quality and authentic Mexican food."

It is not known when Don Patron will open in Marlborough, though a sign is up for the place.

The address for Don Patron is 820 Boston Post Road (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752.

[May 1, 2023 update: According to multiple sources, Don Patron is now open in Marlborough.]

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, August 19, 2022

Waverly Is Opening in the Former Grasshopper Cafe Space in Charlestown

Last year, it was reported that the people behind a Charlestown restaurant and bar might be opening a new dining spot in a nearby space, and now we have learned a little more about the proposed place.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Waverly is planning to open on Bunker Hill Street, moving into the space where Grasshopper Cafe had been until closing lasst spring. The notice mentions that Jon Sweeney would be the manager, which confirms that Waverly would indeed have a connection to Monument Restaurant & Tavern on Main Street, while the post also says that the upcoming restaurant hopes to have seating for 65 and a beer and wine license.

The address for Waverly is 231 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129.

[October 4 update: A message from meteorologist Eric Fisher indicates that Waverly is now open, with a Facebook post from Monument confirming this. (Fisher also tells us that the restaurant and bar has a fireplace.)]

[Earlier Article]
Monument Restaurant Team Looking to Open Diner-Style Concept in Grasshopper Cafe Space in Charlestown

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]

Drawdown Brewing Company Plans to Open in Jamaica Plain

It looks like another new brewery may be on its way to Boston.

According to an article in the Jamaica Plain News, Drawdown Brewing Company is looking to open on Washington Street, moving into the ground floor of an apartment building on the outer edge of Egleston Square. The post mentions that owner/operator Liz Nicol--who is a resident of Jamaica Plain--plans to include a taproom in the space with offerings including year-round brews as well as specialty and seasonal beers and "light bites," and she is also hoping to partner with local restaurants for more food options.

If all goes well, Drawdown Brewing Company could be opening in December.

The address for the proposed Drawdown Brewing Company is 3200 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://www.drawdownbrewing.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]

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Pescador Is Opening in Boston's Kenmore Square

A restaurant group that is based in New York City is getting ready to open its second dining spot in Boston.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Pescador is planning to open in Kenmore Square, and based on earlier articles here, it appears that it would take over the former Island Creek Oyster Bar space within the Hotel Commonwealth. The job post mentions that the upcoming restaurant will be a "'Coastal Grill' featuring fresh seafood caught in local, New England waters, and pulling inspiration from a variety of international coastal cuisines, from Andalusia to Argentina" while its space will include seating for 195 in its dining room as well as a ceviche bar and a cocktail bar. If all goes as planned, Pescador will open early this fall.

Blue Ribbon Restaurants opened Blue Ribbon Sushi in the former Hawthorne space within the hotel earlier this summer, and a brasserie from that restaurant group also appears to be in the works for the former Eastern Standard space there.

The website for Blue Ribbon Restaurants can be found at https://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com/

[November 11 update: The Boston Globe mentions that Pescador is now open. (Thanks to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting for also bringing this to our attention via a photo sent to us.)]

[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]

Update: Qiao Lin Hotpot to Open in Allston, Plans to Acquire Liquor License of Now-Closed Italian Express Pizzeria in East Boston

[Ed note: This article was updated on August 24 to reflect the correct address for the proposed restaurant.]

A new hot pot restaurant may be on its way to Allston, and it could be getting its liquor license from an Italian eatery in East Boston that once gained national recognition via a TV show.

According to a licensing board hearing page, Qiao Lin Hotpot is planning to acquire the license of the former Italian Express Pizzeria in the Jeffries Point section of Eastie, with the manager listed for the restaurant being Xun Yang. We have been told by Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub that the hearing notice gave incorrect information, saying that Qiao Lin Hotpot would be opening in the Italian Express Pizzeria space; an article from Adam indicates that the place will instead open on the ground floor of a soon-to-be-completed condo building at 392-396 Cambridge Street in Allston.

Italian Express Pizzeria first opened on Sumner Street 13 years ago after being in two other locations in Eastie, with the restaurant being featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" back in 2012.

[Earlier Article]
Italian Express Pizzeria in East Boston 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]

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Barcelona Wine Bar Opens in Cambridge

A group of tapas restaurants have been joined by a third Boston-area location.

According to a press release, Barcelona Wine Bar is now open in Cambridge, moving into the space on Mass. Ave. between Porter Square and Harvard Square that had been home to Temple Bar. The new location joins nearly 20 others including in Boston's South End and Brookline's Washington Square, and it has seating for 117 plus additional seating on an outdoor patio while offering Spanish and Mediterranean small plates along with full meals, a long list of wines, and beer and cocktails.

The address for the new location of Barcelona Wine Bar is 1688 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for all locations can be found at https://barcelonawinebar.com/

[Earlier Article]
Barcelona Wine Bar Plans to Open in Temple Bar Space in Cambridge

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

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

Kyoaji Opens in Allston

A new spot for sushi and more has come to Allston.

According to a source (Sarah Wu), Kyoaji is now open on Brighton Avenue, moving into a space about midway between Packards Corner and Harvard Avenue, and the address indicates that it resides in the space where a few food spots have been, including New Sushi and Mixx Frozen Yogurt. The menu for the new restaurant includes such options as gyoza, shumai, spring rolls, sushi, poke bowls, and sushi burritos.

The address for Kyoaji is 66 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. Its website can be found at https://order.kyoajiallston.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]

Little Whale Oyster Bar Is Replacing Grand Tour in Boston's Back Bay

A New England-style seafood restaurant is coming to the Back Bay of Boston, and it will be replacing a French bistro under the same ownership.

A source confirms chatter we have heard about Little Whale Oyster Bar opening in Newbury Street in the Grand Tour space, with Michael Serpa of Grand Tour being behind the upcoming spot. An article from boston.com gives more information on the changeover, with Serpa saying that "We already have two other seafood restaurants: Select Oyster Bar, which is kind of more Mediterranean, and Atlantico, which is Iberian Peninsula and Spanish, Portuguese leaning....We don't really do too many of the classic New England things at Select. We don't have a fryer; we can't make fried clams or oysters. … I wanted to showcase all that stuff that I also love in a different setting." If all goes as planned, Little Whale Oyster Bar will open on September 12 and it will include a raw bar while also possibly hosting reservation-only clambakes in the upstairs area.

Grand Tour, which first opened in early 2020, will shut its doors on September 4.

The address for Little Whale Oyster Bar is 314 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website is at https://www.littlewhaleboston.com/

[September 12 update: According to a press release, Little Whale Oyster Bar opens its doors 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]

Kin Dee Thai & Pho Opens in Lexington

A brand new Thai restaurant that also has Vietnamese influences has come to the northwest suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Kin Dee Thai & Pho is now open in Lexington, moving into a space on Routes 4/225 between the center of town and the Route 128 intersection. The website for the dining spot says that "We work hard to offer dishes from each region [of Thailand] in our menu. Our team is originally from the northeast, which has huge Vietnamese influence due to a significant number of people living there from Vietnam. For more variety we also included Vietnamese food in our menu."

The address for Kin Dee Thai & Pho is 182 Bedford Street (Routes 4/225), Lexington, MA, 02420. Its website can be found at https://www.kindeelexington.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, August 16, 2022

Skip's Snack Bar in Merrimac to Close

A roadside eatery north of Boston that has been around for 75 years is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Skip's Snack Bar in Merrimac is closing its doors, with an article from The Daily News stating that the E Main Street spot is planning to shutter on August 28. The article gives the following statement from co-owner Lori Mathews:

It's time for a change and as with any good run, it has to end eventually. The restaurant and hospitality industry has had a tough time in the past three years, many have struggled, several have closed. We feel that we have adapted and endured when others did not. So, we are not victims of a covid closure, but we have chosen at this time to move on to a new chapter in our lives.

Skip's, which first opened in 1947, offered such items as burgers, hot dogs, curly fries, wings, lobster rolls, tuna melts, ice cream, and more.

The address for Skip's Snack Bar is 92 E Main Street (Route 110), Merrimac, MA, 01860.

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, August 15, 2022

Andrea's House of Pizza in East Watertown Is Closing

A popular pizzeria and sub shop that has been around for a long time is shutting down.

According to a source along with multiple posters on social media, Andrea's House of Pizza in East Watertown is getting ready to close its doors, with Friday, August 19 being its last day in operation. The website and Facebook page for the Mt. Auburn Street spot don't mention the closing, only saying that it will be closed today but back open tomorrow.

Andrea's House of Pizza first opened in 1982, offering Greek pizza along with subs, wraps, and Italian and Greek dishes.

The address for Andrea's House of Pizza is 620 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472. Its website can be found at https://andreaspizza.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, August 12, 2022

Kong Dog Opens in Somerville's Davis Square

A growing chain of dining spots that feature corn dogs is in the process of opening its first Boston-area location in the heart of Somerville.

According to a tweet from Cambridge Day, Kong Dog is undergoing a soft opening in Davis Square, with the Elm Street eatery offering Korean corn dogs with such coatings as fried potato, sweet potato, ramen crumbles, fruity rice puffs, Doritos, Cheetos, and more along with bubble tea

Kong Dog first started out in Illinois in 2021.

The address for Kong Dog in Davis Square is 236 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website for the company can be found at https://kongdog.us/

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]

Andalin Kitchen and Bar Opens in Beverly Farms

A brand new Thai restaurant has opened on the North Shore.

According to a source, Andalin Kitchen and Bar is now open in Beverly Farms, moving into a space on West Street that had been home to Dal Mare. The menu for the new dining spot shows such items as crispy chive cakes, gyoza, coconut shrimp, tom yum soup, pad Thai, drunken noodle, mango crispy chicken, roasted duck curry, taro rice, sweet mango with sticky rice, and more.

The address for Andalin Kitchen and Bar in Beverly Farms is 24 West Street, Beverly, MA, 01915. The website for the restaurant is at https://andalinthai.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]

ThaiRiffic by the Sea Opens in Former Yan's China Bistro Space in Swampscott

A brand new Thai and Southeast Asian restaurant has opened on the North Shore, taking over the space that had been home to a Chinese spot for more than 15 years.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, ThaiRiffic by the Sea is now open in Swampscott, moving into the former Yan's China Bistro space on Humphrey Street. The website for the new eatery indicates that all food items on the menu are halal other than the duck dishes and that this is actually a second location of the restaurant, with the original being in Marlborough.

Yan's China Bistro closed down a couple of months ago, though its sibling restaurant--Fantasy Island in Salem--remains in operation.

The address for ThaiRiffic by the Sea is 146 Humphrey Street, Swampscott, MA, 01907. Its website can be found at https://thairifficma.com/

[Earlier Article]
Yan's China Bistro in Swampscott Is Closing

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

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

Across the Border Is Opening in Jamaica Plain

The people behind a Tex-Mex food truck are getting ready to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

According to an article from the Jamaica Plain News, Across the Border appears to be on the verge of opening in Jamaica Plain, moving into a space on Centre Street in Hyde Square that had been home to Pikalo before it moved down the street. Based on the food truck's offerings, expect to see tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, bowls, and more, including Cheeto burritos, Frito burritos, and Dorito burritos.

Douglas and Shantel Salazar established the Across the Border food truck back in 2018, with the truck offering catering for various events in the Boston area and elsewhere in Massachusetts.

The address for Across the Border's brick-and-mortar dining spot is 378A Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the business can be found at http://acrosstheborderfood.com/

[February 23, 2023 update: According to a press release, Across the Border is now open in Jamaica Plain.]

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, August 11, 2022

Betty Ann's Sandwich Shop in Danvers Looking for New Home

A sub shop on the North Shore that has been in business for a long time is in need of a new home.

According to a source, Betty Ann's Sandwich Shop in Danvers has to leave its space on Hobart Street, with a Salem News article saying that its building is slated for demolition on October 1 as it will be one of a number of downtown addresses being replaced by the Maple Square Mixed Use Development. The post mentions that owner Peter Rakip said in a Facebook town page that "we have been told to turn our keys in and turn over the property to the developers," though the sub shop remains open for now while Rakip looks for a new home.

Betty Ann's first opened its doors back in the early 1950s.

The current address for Betty Ann's Sandwich Shop is 7 Hobart Street, Danvers, MA, 01923. Its website can be found at https://www.bettyannssubs.com/

[October 14 update: Our source tells us (via a Salem News article) that Betty Ann's is now planning to move to a new space at 20 Locust Street.]

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]

SAVR Plans to Open at the St. Regis Residences in Boston's Seaport District

It looks like yet another new restaurant is on its way to the Boston waterfront.

According to an article from boston.com, SAVR is planning to open on Seaport Boulevard within the St. Regis Residences luxury residential complex on Seaport Boulevard, with David Doyle (who is not the same David Doyle behind Tres Gatos and Casa Verde, by the way) being managing partner. The post indicates that the restaurant will be a "modern, spirited American bistro" with two floors of space and seating for 300, and it will offer creative takes on comfort food items along with seafood dishes and cocktails. If all goes as planned, SAVR could open sometime in late November or early December.

The space in which the St. Regis Residences is being built has been home to a few dining and drinking spots over the years, including Atlantic Beer Garden, The Whiskey Priest, Eastern Pier II, and Seaport Bar and Grille.

The address for SAVR is 150 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website is at https://savrtm.com/

[July 11, 2023 update: An article from boston.com indicates that SAVR opens on Thursday, July 13.]

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, August 10, 2022

Moeca Opens in Cambridge

A seafood restaurant in Cambridge that was first announced late last year has opened its doors.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Moeca is now open on Shepard Street between Harvard Square and Porter Square, moving into the space that had previously been home to Luce, Shepard, and Chez Henri. As mentioned in an earlier article, Michael Pagliarini and Pamela Ralston (the husband-and-wife team behind the nearby Giulia) are running the restaurant, which is currently open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday and which offers a mix of small plates and large plates with the focus being on seasonal and locally-sourced seafood along with cocktails.

The address for Moeca is 1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://www.moecarestaurant.com/

[Earlier Article]
Moeca Plans to Replace Luce in Cambridge

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

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

Kicco Italian Coffee Is Opening by North Station in Boston

An Italian cafe that should be popular with commuters is on its way to Boston.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Kicco Italian Coffee is planning to open next to North Station, with owner Vittorio Wurzburger saying that it will be "the first real Neapolitan coffee shop in Boston....Roughly 90 percent of the food products are made in Italy and shipped here daily. There's nothing in Boston like this." The new spot, which opens at the end of the month, is expected to offer such options as espresso, Italian cakes and pastries, pizza, and sandwiches.

The address for Kicco Italian Coffee is 1 Nashua Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

[October 5 update: Eater Boston states that Kicco Italian Coffee 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]

Spike's Junkyard Dogs in Allston Is Closing

A pair of hot dog places will soon be down to just one, as their Boston outlet is shutting down.

According to multiple sources, Spike's Junkyard Dogs in Allston is closing, with a tweet from @daniel_fidler showing a note posted at the Brighton Avenue spot that says Spike's will not be renewing its lease and that it plans to close on September 24. The note does refer customers to the Spike's location in Warwick, RI, so that outlet will remain in operation.

The slogan for Spike's--whose Allston location first opened 20 years ago--is "World's Best Hot Dog, Maybe Better," with the hot dogs being all beef and served on freshly-made soft French rolls.

The address for Spike's Junkyard Dogs in Allston is 108 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA 02134. The website for Spike's is at https://spikesjunkyarddogs.com/

[September 26 update: Based on its social media, Spike's in Allston 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]

Tuesday, August 09, 2022

Hummus Republic in Boston's Financial District Has Closed

The sole Boston-area location of a California-based group of fast-casual Mediterranean restaurants has shut down after a bit more than a year in business.

According to a source, Hummus Republic in the city's Financial District is no longer in operation, with a check on the website for the business seeming to confirm this, as the Franklin Street outlet is no longer listed within its locations page. The eatery first opened in June of 2021, offering build-your-own wraps, pita pockets, and bowls with options such as couscous, garbanzo beans, hummus, chicken shawarma, falafel, tabbouleh, feta, and more.

No other locations of Hummus Republic (which is headquartered in Woodland Hills) can be found in New England, with its closest outlet being in Morristown, NJ.

The address for the now-closed Hummus Republic in the Financial District was 274 Franklin Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for the business can be found at https://www.thehummusrepublic.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, August 08, 2022

Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea to Close September 9

A restaurant and bar known for its steak tips and ribs will be closing its original location next month.

According to a tweet from the place, Floramo's Restaurant in Chelsea is planning to close on September 9, with the post referring customers to their new location in Wakefield and their upcoming restaurant in Malden. As reported here over the past couple of weeks, owner John Floramo has taken over the kitchen of the Dockside Restaurant space on Main Street in Wakefield and is in the process of changing the name of the restaurant to Floramo's, while another location of Floramo's Restaurant is taking over the former House of Smoke/Dockside Restaurant space on Route 60 in Malden.

A message sent to us from Floramo's last week hints that they could possibly open back up in Chelsea at some point, saying that "The land and building in Chelsea was sold voluntarily with a potential to return once construction is complete." (A research and lab building is being planned for the Everett Avenue space.)

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

[Earlier Articles]
New Development at Floramo's Site in Chelsea Gets Approval; Floramo's Could Return to Space
Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield Is Becoming Floramo's
Floramo's Restaurant Planning to Open in Malden

Fiorella's Express Is Opening in Lexington

A trio of Italian eateries that focus on takeout will be expanding to a new location in the northwest suburbs of Boston.

According to both a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page and a message from Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting, Fiorella's Express is planning to open in Lexington, moving into a space on Waltham Street in the center of town. Once the new outlet opens, it will join others in Belmont, Brighton, and Wellesley, along with two full-service Fiorella's restaurants in Concord and Newton, and it will likely offer such items as lasagna, chicken parmigiana, fettuccine bolognese, lemon chicken, baked gnocchi, and more.

The address for the new location of Fiorella's Express in Lexington is 25 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA, 02421. The website for all locations is at https://www.fiorellasexpress.com/

[December 29 update: According to a tweet from @businessLex, Fiorella's Express in Lexington 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]

Our Fathers in Allston Has Closed

It looks like a deli that debuted approximately five years ago has very quietly shut its doors.

According to a source, Our Fathers in Allston is no longer in business and its sign has been taken down while its space has been cleared out other than its booths, and a call placed to the N Harvard Street dining spot indicates that its phone number is no longer in service. The deli, which first opened toward the end of 2017, was part of the Franklin Restaurant Group (Franklin Cafe, Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar, Tasty Burger) and featured such items as corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, falafel, potato salad, knishes, cheesecake, and more.

It is not known if Our Fathers might open back up at some point, either in its present location or in a new space; if we find out any additional information, we will post an update here.

The address for the now-closed Our Fathers was 197 N Harvard Street, Allston, MA, 02134.

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

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

Friday, August 05, 2022

Common Vines and Taste Wine Bar in Downtown Boston to Become Georgie's Wine Shop and Bar

A wine shop and a wine bar in downtown Boston that are under the same ownership--and across the street from each other--are being reconcepted into a new business.

According to a message sent from Adam Castiglioni of the Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog, Common Vines and Taste Wine Bar on Summer Street will become Georgie's Wine Shop and Bar, with the website for the upcoming place saying that "We're so excited to marry these two special concepts into one more complete offering under one roof! We are still focused on small, family producers and growers from around the world and fostering a community of people who love wine." Common Vines and Taste Wine Bar first opened in the summer of 2017, with the former being at 100 Summer Street and the latter being at 101 Summer Street. (Georgie's Wine Shop and Bar will be at 100 Summer Street.)

The website for Georgie's Wine Shop and Bar can be found at https://www.georgieswine.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]

The Bagel Table Opens in Burlington

A local group of bagel shops has expanded to a new location in the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, The Bagel Table is now open in Burlington, with an Instagram post from the business saying that it has moved into a space within the 3rd Ave Burlington retail development. The new shop joins others in Ashland, Brighton, Chestnut Hill, and Natick, and based on the other outlets, expect to see bagels, bagel sandwiches and other types of sandwiches, salads, baked goods and pastries, coffee, tea, and more.

The address for the new location of The Bagel Table in Burlington is 19 3rd Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. The website for all locations is at https://mybageltable.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]

Not Your Average Joe's in Randolph Has Closed

One of the more unique locations of a local chain of family restaurants has shut down.

According to a source, Not Your Average Joe's in Randolph is no longer in business, with a check on the website for the company confirming this as the Mazzeo Drive outlet has been removed from the locations page. The Randolph location was considered to be the chain's test kitchen, as it offered new dishes to customers as specials.

Other locations of Not Your Average Joe's remain open in the Greater Boston area, including in Acton, Burlington, Methuen, Norwell, Peabody, Waltham, Watertown, and Westwood.

The address for the now-closed location of Not Your Average Joe's in Randolph was 14 Mazzeo Drive, Randolph, MA, 02368. The website for the chain is at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.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]

Dave's Hot Chicken to Open at South Bay in Dorchester

A California-based chain of eateries focusing on Nashville hot chicken is planning to open another Boston-area location, with this one being just off the Southeast Expressway.

According to a source, Dave's Hot Chicken is opening at South Bay in Dorchester, with a page at edens.propertycapsule.com indicating that the restaurant will move into a space at the corner of District Avenue and Lucy Street within the mixed-use development. Once it opens, the new location will join others in Newton and Woburn, and expect it to offer chicken tenders and sliders with seven heat levels ranging from "no spice" to "reaper" along with other items such as macaroni and cheese, kale slaw, and fries.

The website for Dave's Hot Chicken 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]

Thursday, August 04, 2022

Amber Road Cafe in Canton Has Closed

A suburban breakfast and lunch spot has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Amber Road Cafe in Canton is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Washington Street eatery saying that "We loved being a part of the Canton community, and a piece of your lives." The post also mentions that Ruta Raw Juice Bar, which is located next to Amber Road Cafe and which is under the same ownership, will remain in operation, being open Tuesday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Amber Road Cafe first opened its doors in 2009.

The address for the now-closed Amber Road Cafe was 635 Washington Street, Canton, MA, 02021.

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]

BAM BAM Fried Chicken Is Opening in Malden

A brand new chicken spot is on its way to Malden, and it has a connection to another restaurant in the downtown area.

According to a source, BAM BAM Fried Chicken is planning to open in the former Dunkin' space at the corner of Florence Street and Pleasant Street, with the people behind District Kitchen (which is in the same building) also being behind the place. A tweet from Malden Mayor Gary Christenson shows this, saying that "The owners of District Kitchen are introducing a new kind of fried chicken: BAM BAM Fried Chicken," though no specific details have been given as of yet.

District Kitchen is a Chinese fusion restaurant that first opened its doors in 2017.

The address for BAM BAM Fried Chicken is 2 Florence Street, Malden, MA, 02148. Its website will be at https://www.bambamchicken.com/

[November 18 update: An Instagram comment from the place indicates that BAM BAM Fried Chicken plans to open later this month or in early December.]

[December 19 update: A message sent from Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie indicates that BAM BAM Fried Chicken 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 Halal Guys Plans to Open at South Bay in Dorchester

A growing chain of NYC-based halal restaurants will be expanding to a third Boston-area location.

According to a source, The Halal Guys plans to open at South Bay in Dorchester, with a page on edens.propertycapsule.com confirming this, showing that the dining spot will open on District Avenue within the mixed-use development. Once it opens, the new location will join others in Boston's Theater District and Cambridge's Porter Square, along with approximately 100 other locations in the United States and elsewhere--and more than 400 new outlets in the works, according to its website.

Based on the menu at the other locations, expect to see such items as chicken and rice, gyros, falafel sandwiches, hummus, and more at The Halal Guys at South Bay.

The website for The Halal Guys can be found at https://thehalalguys.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, August 03, 2022

Floramo's Restaurant Is Opening in Malden

Last week, it was reported that an iconic place for steak tips and ribs was expanding to a new location, and now we have learned that another new one is on its way as well.

According to a Twitter thread from Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, Floramo's Restaurant plans to open in that city, taking over the former House of Smoke/Dockside Restaurant space on Route 60. As mentioned earlier, this would be its second takeover of a Dockside space, as the Wakefield location of Dockside is also becoming Floramo's (and whose kitchen already has owner John Floramo behind it). It isn't exactly known what is becoming of Floramo's in Chelsea [ed note--now closed], as a new development is being planned for that space, though the dining spot has been asked to return once construction is complete.

The address for the upcoming location of Floramo's Restaurant in Malden is 229 Centre Street (Route 60), Malden, MA, 02148. The website for Floramo's is at http://floramos.net/

[August 4 update: A statement sent to us from Floramo's says the following: "John and Kerri Floramo are so excited to be opening up shop in our hometown of Malden. John is a lifelong resident of the city and he and his wife have raised their family here. They're proud to bring the business to Malden and to serve the residents of this awesome community.…The land and building in Chelsea was sold voluntarily with a potential to return once construction is complete."]

[September 22 update: A tweet from the restaurant indicates that Floramo's opens in Malden today.]

[Earlier Article]
Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield Is Becoming Floramo's

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]

Legal Sea Foods Is Returning to Park Square in Boston

A couple of years ago, a group of seafood restaurants shut down one of its locations in downtown Boston. Now we have learned that it will be returning in a nearby location.

According to a Twitter thread from @amysalv, a "coming soon" sign for Legal Sea Foods can be seen in the city's Park Square area, with the restaurant coming to The Heritage On The Garden, a mixed-use development which is flanked by Arlington Street, Park Plaza, and Boylston Street. The locations page for the restaurant group confirms this, showing that the upcoming outlet plans to open in the fall at 79 Park Plaza.

Legal Sea Foods left its space at 26 Park Plaza in August of 2020, with a message from the restaurant group saying at the time that "the lease expires in nine months. The restaurant had no patio space, the wine cellar was exclusive to group events, and the landlord had previously expressed plans to redevelop the property. Also, the area is now without theater and nearby hotels and office buildings have no real occupancy. So to reopen for a few months in light of the pandemic made no sense."

The website for all locations of Legal Sea Foods is at https://www.legalseafoods.com/

[November 16 update: According to a press release, Legal Sea Foods is now open in its new Park Square location.]

[Earlier Article]
Legal Sea Foods in Boston's Park Square/Park Plaza Area 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]

Taffer's Tavern Opens at Arsenal Yards in Watertown on August 31

A couple of years ago, it was reported that the TV host of a reality show was planning to open multiple outlets of his tavern concept in the Greater Boston area. Now we have learned that the first location will be opening later this month.

According to a press release, Taffer's Tavern at Arsenal Yards in Watertown opens to the public on August 31, with its grand opening taking place on September 8. As mentioned in an earlier article, Jon Taffer of the Paramount Network's Bar Rescue is behind the place, whose menu will include such options as New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, and braised short ribs, while drinks will include The Campfire (brown butter whiskey, bitters, simple syrup) and Berry-Impressive (fruit-infused vodka, lemon, fresh mixed berries in a French Press).

The press release also says that this is the "first of many locations" of Taffer's Tavern that will be coming to the Greater Boston area.

The website for Taffer's Tavern can be found at https://www.tafferstavern.com/

[Earlier Article]
Taffer's Tavern to Expand to the Boston Area

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, August 02, 2022

Is the High Spot Deli in Boston's Beacon Hill Reopening?

It looks like a longtime breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Boston could be returning after shutting down earlier this year.

According to a tweet from @graham_morphis that was shared by WGBH state house reporter Katie Lannan, the High Spot Deli in Beacon Hill is reportedly planning to reopen in October, with confirmation apparently coming last Wednesday. We are trying to get more information on its possible reopening, including whether any changes will be coming to the place, so stay tuned for updates.

The High Spot Deli offered such items as omelets, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and steak tips, with much of its clientele coming from the State House, Suffolk University, nearby offices, and Beacon Hill residents.

The address for the High Spot Deli is 10 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

Thanks to Adam Castiglioni of the Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog for initially bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
High Spot Deli in Boston's Beacon Hill 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]

Tasty Burger Is Opening in Cambridge's Central Square

The people behind a local group of burger spots are looking once again to open in a part of Cambridge that they had been looking at nearly ten years ago.

According to an article in Cambridge Day, Tasty Burger is eyeing a space near the corner of Prospect Street and Mass. Ave. in Central Square, which near the space that the business had been looking at back in 2013 until license commissioners rejected their request for a late-night beer and wine license in that mostly residential block. If its plans come to fruition this time around, the new location of Tasty Burger would join others in Harvard Square as well as Boston's Fenway, Downtown Crossing, Back Bay, and North Station.

The address for the new location of Tasty Burger in Central Square is 23 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The website for all locations is at https://www.tastyburger.com/

[November 7 update: A tweet from the business indicates that Tasty Burger opened its new location in Central Square 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, August 01, 2022

Akame Nigiri and Sake Opens in Lexington

A new dining spot with Japanese influences has opened in the northwest suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Akame Nigiri and Sake is now open in Lexington, with an OpenTable page for the place indicating that it resides in a building just off Mass. Ave. in Lexington Center where the municipal parking lot is. A post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com says that it Akame is "an un-traditional Japanese influenced restaurant" that has seating for 18, while the OpenTable page says that chef/owner Michael Monaco offers Japanese nigiri and small plates along with beer and sake.

The address for Akame Nigiri and Sake is 1707 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420.

[September 29 update: A message sent to us indicates that Akame Nigiri and Sake now has a wine and malt license and also include a six-seat Omakase counter.]

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 Landing Pizza & Kitchen - L'Approdo in Newton's Nonantum Neighborhood Has Closed

A restaurant in Newton that was known for its Neapolitan pizza has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Landing Pizza & Kitchen - L'Approdo in Nonantum is no longer in business, as the owner is apparently moving to Italy; a Facebook post from the Adams Street spot says "goodbye to all the friends who have accompanied and supported us in these incredible three and a half years. THANKS and a HUG to everyone. You are FANTASTIC … and you will always remain in my HEART thank you." The Landing first opened in early 2019, with owner Massimo Ottani coming from Latina (between Naples and Rome) and being certified in Neapolitan pizzamaking while also participating in the Pizza World Championship in 2014.

The address for The Landing Pizza & Kitchen - L'Approdo was 223 Adams Street, Newton, MA, 02458.

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]