Boston Restaurant Talk: May 2023

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Blaze Pizza in Boston's Theatre District Has Closed

It looks like a group of California-based pizza restaurants has closed one of their outlets in the local area.

A message sent by @IrishEyesPhoto1 indicates that Blaze Pizza at CityPlace in the Theatre District of Boston is now longer in operation, with a picture of the Stuart Street storefront showing signs out front indicating that it has indeed shuttered while the locations section of the website for the business mentions that it has permanently closed. No reason has been given for its closure, nor is it known when exactly it shut down; it does appear that locations in the Fenway and by Boston University remain in operation, as are the outlets in Cambridge and Burlington.

The Stuart Street location of Blaze Pizza first opened in the latter part of 2016.

The address for the now-closed Blaze Pizza in the Theatre District was 123 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for all locations is at https://www.blazepizza.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]

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, May 30, 2023

Small Victories Plans to Open in South Boston, Has Ownership Connection to The Quiet Few in East Boston

The person behind an East Boston whiskey bar will be opening a new dining and drinking spot in South Boston.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Small Victories is planning to open on Dorchester Street in Andrew Square, with Josh Weinstein of The Quiet Few on Sumner Street in the Jeffries Point section of Eastie bringing the new spot to Southie. Eater says that Small Victories will likely offer the types of burgers with a variety of toppings that The Quiet Few is known for, while Weinstein says in the article that the place "will be very much aligned with the Quiet Few, only if TQF had a couple Monster Energy drinks."

If all goes as planned, Small Victories will open later this year.

The address for the upcoming Small Victories is 400 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA, 02127.

[May 10, 2024 update: Eater Boston states that Small Victories plans to open its doors around the middle of next week.]

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

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

ReelHouse Oyster Bar Opens in Boston's Seaport District

Several years ago, it was reported that a pair of seafood restaurants on the waterfront would be joined by a third location that would also be on the water, and now we have learned that it has finally debuted.

According to a post from Caught in Southie, ReelHouse Oyster Bar is now open in the Seaport District of Boston, moving into a space on Waterside Avenue in the Fan Pier Marina area. The new dining spot joins other ReelHouse locations in East Boston and Quincy's Marina Bay, with its menu showing such items as oysters, caviar, pizza, sushi tacos, and bar snacks, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for ReelHouse Oyster Bar is 10 Waterside Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at https://www.reelhouseoysterbar.com/

[Earlier Article]
ReelHouse Oyster Bar Is Planning to Open in the Former Frank Anthony's Marina Cafe Space on the Boston Waterfront

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]

Georgetown Cupcake in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

A Back Bay cupcake shop with roots in the Washington, DC area has shut down.

According to a source, Georgetown Cupcake on Newbury Street is no longer in business, with its last day in operation apparently being May 25. A check on the website for the company shows that the Boston outlet has indeed been removed from the location page, showing only stores in Washington, DC, Bethesda, MD, and Atlanta, GA.

Georgetown Cupcake first opened its doors in the Back Bay in 2012.

The address for the now-closed Georgetown Cupcake was 83 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the company is at https://www.georgetowncupcake.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]

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending May 28, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between May 22 and May 28, 2023.

Artifact Cider Project Is Closing The Station in Central Square in Cambridge
A craft cider company that is based in Western Massachusetts is shutting down its Cambridge taproom.
Full Story

Urban Wild Plans to Open at Hood Park in Charlestown
A restaurant, bar, and bowling alley is on its way to a new mixed-use development just off Route 93.
Full Story

Dumpling Garden Is Opening in Somerville's Winter Hill Neighborhood
A pair of Chinese and Japanese restaurants north of Boston that are known for their dumplings will be joined by a third just north of the city.
Full Story

The Bohemian Club Plans to Open in Salem
A local musician is looking to open a dining spot on the North Shore.
Full Story

Nubian Markets Opens in Roxbury
A new cafe, butchery, and grocery store that focuses on being a community center of sorts has come to a Boston neighborhood that has been seeing its share of redevelopment of late.
Full Story

Friday, May 26, 2023

Tori Japan Is Opening in Hyde Park

A small group of Japanese restaurants continues to expand through the local area, with a fifth outlet coming to the Greater Boston area--and this will be its fourth within the Boston city limits.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Tori Japan is planning to open in Hyde Park, moving into the former Taco Bell space on Hyde Park Avenue. Once it opens, the new location will join others in the Back Bay, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, and Brockton, along with the original in Bridgewater Township, NJ (which is called Tori Sushi).

Based on the other locations, the new outlet of Tori Japan could be offering sushi, bento boxes, teriyaki, spring rolls, tempura, and more.

The address for Tori Japan in Hyde Park is 950 Hyde Park Avenue, Hyde Park, MA, 02136. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.torijapan.com/

[June 2 update: Universal Hub tells us that Tori Japan is now open in Hyde Park.]

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

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

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Fernandes Fish Market in Cambridge's Inman Square Is Closing

A Cambridge fish market is getting ready to say farewell to its space.

A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page says (via a Cambridge Day article) that Fernandes Fish Market in Inman Square is planning to close down on June 24, as the Cambridge Street building in which it resides will be undergoing renovations including bringing the basement up to code--and the building will be "unsafe" while the renovations are being made. The article mentions that the lease for the market was terminated a few months ago, but owner Manny Soares has been able to keep the place open via monthly extensions.

Fernandes Fish Market first opened 28 years ago, offering seafood, cheese, olives, and other items.

The address for Fernandes Fish Market is 1097 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]

Sol De Mexico to Open in the Former Acapulcos Space in Sudbury

A small local group of Mexican restaurants will be expanding to a new location in the western suburbs of Boston, and it will move into the space where an outlet of another local group of Mexican dining spots had been.

Kiat Cormier of the ChewOnThis Facebook group page reports (via a Patch article) that Sol De Mexico is planning to open in the former Acapulcos space in Sudbury, with the hope being to move into a new structure that would be built at the Boston Post Road site as the old building was torn down last year. Once it opens, the new location of Sol De Mexico will join others in Bellingham, Milford, Natick, and Taunton. (Other outlets of Acapulcos can be found locally in Beverly, Franklin, Milford, Norwood, and Quincy.)

The address for the proposed location of Sol De Mexico in Sudbury is 694 Boston Post Road (Route 20), Sudbury, MA, 01776. The website for all locations is at https://www.soldemexicorestaurants.com/

[Earlier Article]
Acapulcos in Sudbury Is Closed Until Further Notice; Space Now for Sale/Lease

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]

Artifact Cider Project Is Closing The Station in Central Square in Cambridge

A craft cider company that is based in Western Massachusetts is shutting down its Cambridge taproom.

According to a source, Artifact Cider Project is closing The Station in Central Square on May 31, with a boston.com article quoting co-founder Soham Bhatt as saying that "Even though things were on the up and up… it just became untenable, from a financial point of view, after two years of the pandemic." An Instagram post from the business gives further details on the decision:

It has been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to be able to share our ciders with the world on this iconic stretch of Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge. Unfortunately, the timing was just not in our favor, with construction wrapping up in the Spring of 2020 and a slotted opening at the start of the global pandemic....Our world changed, and while things have built back into a new normal, our project on Mass Ave is heartbreaking collateral damage....We will be shifting our focus back to our distribution and cidermaking so we can continue to deliver our thoughtful, terroir-inspired ciders to folks at their local shops or favorite watering holes.

Artifact Cider Project started out in 2014 in a garage in Springfield, moving to Everett three years later before moving to its current home in Florence where it has a production cellar, retail area, and taproom.

The address for The Station in Central Square is 438 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at https://www.artifactcider.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, May 25, 2023

Urban Wild Is Opening at Hood Park in Charlestown

A restaurant, bar, and bowling alley is on its way to a new mixed-use development just off Route 93.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Urban Wild has gotten approval from the Boston Licensing Board to open at Hood Park in Charlestown, with the place being a family-friendly spot with room for 430 indoors and another 139 on a seasonal patio. UH also says that the place will have a stage area, while an earlier Charlestown Patriot-Bridge article mentioned "a small performance space" and the Instagram page for the spot says it will indeed feature live music.

If all goes well, Urban Wild could be opening in July.

The address for Urban Wild is 100D Hood Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02129. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/urbanwildboston/

[July 20 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Urban Wild soft-opens this evening.]

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]

Dumpling Garden Is Opening in Somerville's Winter Hill Neighborhood

A pair of Chinese and Japanese restaurants north of Boston that are known for their dumplings will be joined by a third just north of the city.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Dumpling Garden is opening in Somerville, moving into a space on Broadway in the city's Winter Hill area. Once it opens, the new outlet will join others in Danvers and Saugus, and based on the menus there, it could be offering such options as dumplings, buns, lo mein, chow mein, sushi, and more.

The address for the new location of Dumpling Garden in Winter Hill is 273 Broadway, Somerville, MA, 02145. The website for all locations is at https://www.dumplinggardenus.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, May 24, 2023

Cloud Asian Fusion & Bar to Open in Quincy

A brand new Asian restaurant is on its way to a shopping center that is home to several other Asian food spots.

According to its website and social media, Cloud Asian Fusion & Bar is planning to open this summer in Quincy, moving into a space in the President Plaza on Quincy Avenue. Its website indicates that the dining spot will offer raw bar items along with such options as gyoza, soft-shell crab, bao, lobster rangoon, five-spice chicken, marinated short ribs, ramen, chicken katsu, and crispy shrimp, while also serving beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the upcoming Cloud Asian Fusion & Bar is 217 Quincy Avenue, Quincy, MA, 02169. Its website can be found at https://www.cloudfusionbar.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, May 23, 2023

The Bohemian Club Plans to Open in Salem

A local musician is looking to open a dining spot on the North Shore.

According to an article from Vanyaland, Aaron Perrino (The Sheila Divine, Dear Leader, Aaron and the Lord) is planning to open The Bohemian Club in Salem, which is billing itself as "a quirky upscale takeout sandwich & salad shop inspired by the occult and dark arts." Vanyaland mentions that Perrino has started a Mainvest campaign to help get the place up and running, with the goal being to raise $75,000 by the end of June.

A sample menu posted on Vanyaland and Mainvest shows that The Bohemian Club may offer poutine and pizza in addition to salads and sandwiches.

The Instagram page for The Bohemian Club can be found at https://www.instagram.com/bohemianclubsalem/

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]

Flip The Bird Is Opening in North Woburn

A local group of dining spots in the northern suburbs of Boston that focus on fried chicken sandwiches is looking to open a new location north of the city, and this one will take over the space that had been home to a restaurant known for its hamburgers.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Flip The Bird is planning to open in North Woburn, moving into the former WuBurger space on Main Street. Once it opens, the new outlet will join others in Beverly (two), Danvers, and Swampscott, and it will presumably offer such items as chicken sandwiches, ribs, biscuits, frappes, and more.

In addition to its North Woburn location, WuBurger also had an outlet in Cambridge's Inman Square; both are now closed, though it appears that the business continues on as a ghost kitchen in Braintree.

The address for the new location of Flip The Bird in North Woburn is 880 Main Street (Route 38), Woburn, MA, 01801. The website for all locations can be found at https://flipthebirdfriedchicken.com/

[September 26 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page states that Flip the Bird is now open in Woburn.]

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

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

Nubian Markets Opens in Roxbury

A new cafe, butchery, and grocery store that focuses on being a community center of sorts has come to a Boston neighborhood that has been seeing its share of redevelopment of late.

Eater Boston is reporting that Nubian Markets is now open in Roxbury, moving into a space on Washington Street in Nubian Square. The website for the business indicates that owners Ismail Samad and Yusuf Yassin hope to connect to longtime residents of the neighborhood, saying that they "look forward to contributing to the efforts that have been long standing in Roxbury, to create a destination that is grounded in the flavors and culture of the people who have been here for generations."

Nubian Markets offers foods of the African diaspora, with its halal options featuring regional African fare; its cafe serves such items as lamb couscous, chickpea peanut stew, jerk chicken, injera and lentils, black-eyed pea fritters, peri peri chicken, harissa lamb, and more.

The address for Nubian Markets is 2565 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA, 02119. Its website can be found at https://www.nubianmarkets.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, May 22, 2023

Kilroy's on the Square Opens in the Former Tully's Cafe Space in Quincy

A new dining and drinking spot has come to Quincy, taking over the space that had been home to a dive bar.

According to a post within the Quincy Is Everything Facebook group page, Kilroy's on the Square is now open in Cottage Street in the city's downtown area, moving into the space where Tully's Cafe had been. The post including pictures of the place, showing a bar along with a handful of tables while also showing a menu that includes appetizers, salads, and sandwiches.

Tully's Cafe shut down last year after being in business for more than 75 years.

The address for Kilroy's on the Square is 24 Cottage Avenue, Quincy, MA, 02169.

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]

Olespana Whiskey & Tap(as) Is Opening in the Former Mt. Auburn Grill Space in Watertown

A new dining spot is going to be opening in the space where a decades-old dive bar had been.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston confirms what another source told us earlier, that Olespana Whiskey & Tap(as) is planning to open in Watertown, moving into the former Mt. Auburn Grill space on Mt. Auburn Street. We have been told that the new spot will be a Spanish restaurant, though no details could be found online at this point in time.

Mt. Auburn Grill, which first opened in 1978, shuttered early on in the pandemic in the spring of 2020 and subsequently went up for sale.

The address for Olespana Whiskey & Tap(as) is 645 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

[June 26 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Olespana is now open, though details are still few and it doesn't appear that a website is up for the place yet.]

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]

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending May 21, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between May 15 and May 21, 2023.

The Barking Crab in Boston Is Looking to Add a Floating Barge to the Restaurant
One of Boston's best-known restaurants could be adding more outdoor dining to its space (and in a rather unique way).
Full Story

Cloud & Spirits in Cambridge Ends Dinner and Bar Service; Will Become an Event Space
A Cambridge dining and drinking spot that opened a couple of years ago is turning into a place for events only.
Full Story

Blue Caboose Ice Cream and Coffee to Open in East Boston
An historic railroad car just up the street from the East Boston waterfront is being converted into an ice cream stand.
Full Story

Portugalia Restaurant in Cambridge Has Closed
A longtime Cambridge restaurant that served Portuguese cuisine has shut down.
Full Story

Dimino's Subs in Revere Is Closing
A decades-old sub shop just north of Boston is shutting down.
Full Story

Friday, May 19, 2023

Machi Machi Is Opening in Allston

A Taiwan-based group of boba shops with two locations in the United States is expanding to Boston.

According to a source, a "coming soon" sign for Machi Machi can be seen at 176 Harvard Avenue in Allston, with the logo shown out front indicating that it is part of the Machi Machi chain which has a number of locations around the world, including a couple of outlets in New York City. Based on its other locations, the upcoming outlet in Allston will likely offer such options as milk tea, fruit tea, cheese foam tea, and more.

The main website for Machi Machi, which first started out in 2018, can be found at https://www.machitea.com/ while its U.S. website is at https://machimachi.us/

[October 31 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Machi Machi had its grand opening in Allston on Friday, October 27.]

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, May 18, 2023

The Barking Crab in Boston Is Looking to Add a Floating Barge to the Restaurant

One of Boston's best-known restaurants could be adding more outdoor dining to its space (and in a rather unique way).

According to a source, The Barking Crab on Sleeper Street is seeking approval to add a floating barge, with a Banker & Tradesman article saying it would be connected to the existing docks at the site of the dining spot. The article mentions that the restaurant would need to get the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to approve the amending of its existing waterways license in order to have the 1,900-square-foot barge set up at the site.

The Barking Crab, which is located along Fort Point Channel, first opened in 1994

The address for The Barking Crab is 88 Sleeper Street, Boston MA, 02210. Its website is at https://barkingcrab.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]

F1 Arcade to Open in Boston's Seaport District

A new venue that features food, drink, and racing simulators is on its way to the Boston waterfront, and this will be the first of its kind in the United States.

According to an article from NBC 10 Boston, Formula One is going to be opening F1® Arcade in the Seaport District, with this being its first of 20 permanent venues in the country that will be coming over the next five years. The Boston location--which is slated to open in the early part of 2024--will include 69 simulators, while its food menu could offer such options as bar snacks, sharable plates, flatbreads, tacos, burgers, salads, and bowls along with beer, wine, and cocktails, based on the sole location of F1 Arcade in London.

The address for the upcoming F1 Arcade in the Seaport District is 87 Pier 4 Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for F1 Arcade can be found at https://f1arcade.com/

[March 21, 2024 update: According to its website, F1 Arcade plans to open in the Seaport District on April 22.]

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

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

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Feng Shui Is Opening in the Former Granite Grill Space in Braintree

A local group of Asian restaurants is getting ready to open a brand new location south of Boston.

A check on the space this week indicates that a sign is up for Feng Shui in Braintree in the former Granite Grill space in the Granite Plaza. Once it opens, the new location will join others in Brighton, Burlington, Chelmsford, Cohasset, Tyngsboro, and Waltham, and based on the offerings at those spots, the Braintree outlet could be serving Chinese dishes, sushi, and hibachi items.

Granite Grill closed down last fall after being in business for approximately 15 years.

The address for the new location of Feng Shui in Braintree is 703 Granite Street (Granite Plaza), Braintree, MA, 02184. The website for all locations is at https://gofengshui.com/

[October 1 update: A check on the place indicates that Feng Shui is now open in Braintree.]

[Earlier Article]
Granite Grill in Braintree 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]

T&B Pizza in Somerville's Union Square Has Closed

A Somerville pizzeria that reopened last year after being shut down for awhile during the pandemic has closed again.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, T&B Pizza in Union Square is shuttered, with a note out front saying "We appreciate your patronage! We will miss making pizza for you! Thank you for everything!" No reason was given for its closure, nor is it known what might become of the space at this point in time.

T&B Pizza debuted in the summer of 2019, with Turenne Bagels opening within the space a year later, though both businesses eventually went dark and it appeared that La Bottega (a pop-up known for its gelato) might take over the space, but this never ended up happening. T&B ended up returning in the summer of 2022 and Turenne soon rejoined it.

The address for the now-closed T&B Pizza was 251 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. [Ed note: It appears that Turenne is no longer in the space, either, though we are trying to confirm this.]

[May 19 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page confirms (via a Facebook post from the business) that Turenne Bagels has closed 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]

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Cloud & Spirits in Cambridge Ends Dinner and Bar Service; Will Become an Event Space

A Cambridge dining and drinking spot that opened a couple of years ago is turning into a place for events only.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Cloud & Spirits on Main Street between Kendall and Central squares has shut down its restaurant, with a Facebook post from the spot saying the following:

After an exciting and ambitious two-year adventure, we regret to inform you that the dinner and bar service at Cloud & Spirits will be discontinuing....While we are sad to bid farewell to operations as we have known it over the past 2 years, we are excited to introduce a new chapter in our story. Moving forward we will be shifting our focus to providing our beautiful space as an event venue for special occasions and parties....We hope that you will celebrate your special occasion with us!

Cloud & Spirits first opened in June of 2021, taking over the space where Cuchi Cuchi had been; the restaurant offered mostly New American fare with Korean influences while also being known in part for its cocktails.

The address for Cloud & Spirits is 795 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website is at https://www.cloudandspirits.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]

Blue Caboose Ice Cream and Coffee to Open in East Boston

An historic railroad car just up the street from the East Boston waterfront is being converted into an ice cream stand.

According to a source, Blue Caboose Ice Cream and Coffee is getting ready to open in Eastie, with the business being run out of a refurbished caboose along the East Boston Greenway near the piers and the edge of the Jeffries Point neighborhood. An Instagram page for the business says that it will be "approaching soon," though no opening date has been given as of yet. (The latest IG post mentions that it will be selling Crescent Ridge ice cream.)

The Instagram page for Blue Caboose Ice Cream and Coffee can be found at https://www.instagram.com/the.blue.caboose/

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, May 15, 2023

Portugalia Restaurant in Cambridge Has Closed

A longtime Cambridge restaurant that served Portuguese cuisine has shut down.

According to an article from East Boston, Portugalia Restaurant on Cambridge Street between Inman Square and Lechmere is no longer in operation, with the Facebook page for the place indicating that it closed on April 30. The dining spot, which first opened its doors in 1983, offered such items as mussels, salt cod, linguica sandwiches, grilled pork cutlets, sirloin steak topped with a fried egg, white bean seafood stew, sauteed chicken breast in port wine, and filet of schrod.

The address for the now-closed Portugalia Restaurant was 723 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

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

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

Arlington Brewing Company Looking for Permanent Space, Will Be Hosting Summer Pop-Up Beer Gardens

A new beermaking business has come to the northwestern suburbs of Boston, and it will be hosting waterside beer gardens as it searches for a home.

Based on a Facebook post from Massachusetts State Representative Sean Garballey, Arlington Brewing Company is in the process of getting up and running, saying "Congratulations to @arlingtonbrewingcompany, Arlington's first-ever fully licensed brewery, on their recent commencement of operations. Can't wait to join them and lots of other people at the Res beer garden on June 30!" The two people behind the brewer--Tom Allen and Matt Guernsey--are currently looking for a permanent space for their brewery, and Sean Garballey's comment about the Res refers to the beermakers having six beer gardens at the Arlington Reservoir on Lowell Street, which will be held on Friday evenings from June 30 through August 11 and which will include live music.

The website for Arlington Brewing Company can be found at https://www.drinkarlingtonbeer.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]

Dimino's Subs in Revere Is Closing

A decades-old sub shop just north of Boston is shutting down.

According to a couple of sources, Dimino's Subs in Revere is going to be closing its doors soon, with a post on the Old Revere Beach and Winthrop Memories Facebook group page talking about the upcoming closure of the Revere Beach Parkway spot. Dimino's first opened in 1969, offering such options as steak and cheese subs, Italians, chicken parmigiana, and Italian sausage, along with pasta dishes, burgers, steak tips, wings, and more.

The address for Dimino's Subs is 190 Revere Beach Parkway, Revere, MA, 02151. Its website can be found at https://diminosubs.business.site/

[June 26 update: According to its social media, Dimino's Subs is now closed, having shut down earlier this 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]

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending May 14, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between May 8 and May 14, 2023.

Locke Bar & Restaurant to Open in Cambridge's Kendall Square
It looks like a new dining and drinking spot is getting ready to open in Cambridge.
Full Story

Grace by Nia Opens in Boston's Seaport District
More than a year after its plans were first announced, a new restaurant, bar, and live music venue has opened along the waterfront.
Full Story

Remnant Brewing to Open in the Former Atwood's Tavern Space in Inman Square
A Somerville brewery will be replacing a Cambridge restaurant, bar, and live music venue that recently closed.
Full Story

Burke's Alewerks in West Newton Has Closed
A brewery and taproom that moved to a new location earlier this year has shut down.
Full Story

Chef George Mendes to Open Amar in Boston's Back Bay
An acclaimed New York chef is going to be opening a brand new high-end restaurant in Boston.
Full Story

Friday, May 12, 2023

Locke Bar & Restaurant to Open in Cambridge's Kendall Square

It looks like a new dining and drinking spot is getting ready to open in Cambridge.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, Locke Bar & Restaurant is opening in Kendall Square, with an earlier licensing hearing post within the city's website indicating that it will move into a space on Broad Canal Way. The job post mentions that the upcoming spot will be "a classic American bar & grill" while the hearing notice had said back in September of 2022 that it could have seating for 111 indoors and an additional seating for 69 on a seasonal patio.

No opening date has been given as of yet for Locke Bar & Restaurant, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for the upcoming Locke Bar & Restaurant in Kendall Square is 6 Broad Canal Way, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

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]

bartaco Is Opening in Brookline

Last month, it was reported that a small chain of street food spots with influences ranging from the cuisines of California to Mexico to South America was planning to open a second location in Boston, and now we have learned that another will be coming to Brookline.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, bartaco is going to be opening in Washington Square, moving into the Beacon Street space that had been home to Porto Maltese, and before that, The Fireplace. It appears that this will be the second Boston-area location of the chain, as another which is planned for Van Ness Street in the Fenway is currently going through the licensing/permitting process while the Brookline outlet appears to be further along.

The first Boston-area location of bartaco opened in Fort Point in the fall of 2018.

The address for the new location of bartaco in Brookline is 1634 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the chain is at https://bartaco.com/

[July 17 update: According to a tweet from @riptor, bartaco in Brookline is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
bartaco Plans to Open in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

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

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

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Tia Cualis Plans to Open in the Former Caribe Restaurant Space in Dorchester's Codman Square

A brand new Mexican taqueria may be on its way to Dorchester, taking over the space where a Caribbean restaurant used to be.

According to an article in the Dorchester Reporter, food truck owner Amayrys Abreu is planning to open Tia Cualis in Codman Square, with the place moving into the former Caribe Restaurant space on Washington Street. The post mentions that the proposed eatery would have three or four tables while offering cuisine from the Sonora region of Mexico including burritos, tamales, quesadillas, tortas, tacos, and shrimp ceviche.

The address for the proposed Tia Cualis in Codman Square is 559 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA, 02124

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

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

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

Grace by Nia Opens in Boston's Seaport District on May 11

More than a year after its plans were first announced, it looks like a new restaurant, bar, and live music venue is just about ready to open along the Boston waterfront.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Grace by Nia is slated to open on Thursday, May 11 in the Seaport District, with the place being a "supper club" that is a partnership between Nia Grace (Darryl’s in the South End) and Big Night (a hospitality group that runs such spots as The Grand, Empire, Scorpion Bar, Red Lantern, and Mystique). Eater mentions that the new 5,000-square-foot venue will offer Southern-style food and New England-style seafood options while beer, wine, and cocktails will be available, and local acts will be on the bill there, including jazz, funk, and R&B/soul acts.

The address for Grace by Nia is 60 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at https://www.gracebynia.com/

[Earlier Article]
Moxies and Grace by Nia May Both Be Coming to 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]

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Opens in Marlborough on May 17

Nearly two years after it was first reported here, a Louisiana-based chain that focuses on a popular food item is finally on the verge of opening a new location west of Boston--and this will be its third outlet in the local area.

According to an article in the MetroWest Daily News, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is planning to open in Marlborough on May 17, with the Route 20 restaurant joining one on Commonwealth Avenue by Boston University and a brand new outlet on Boylston Street in the city's Back Bay neighborhood. The new location has been in the works since the spring of 2021, with its opening being delayed due to a lawsuit involving the city and a neighboring location of McDonald's that centered around traffic issues, but which was ultimately resolved.

The address for the new location of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers in Marlborough is 141 Boston Post Road West (Route 20), Marlborough, MA, 01752. The website for the chain is at https://www.raisingcanes.com/

[Earlier Article]
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Plans to 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]

Say Weekend Opens in Downtown Boston

A Korean cafe in Allston and a coffee shop in the Fenway have teamed up to open a new spot in downtown Boston.

According to a tweet from @DTownBostonBID, Say Weekend is now open on Summer Street, with the people behind Cafe Weekend on Harvard Avenue and Say Coffee Co. at Time Out Market Boston collaborating on the new spot. A look at Say Weekend's menu indicates that it offers Korean baked goods and Vietnamese coffee options, with breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, and juices being available as well.

The address for Say Weekend is 99 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its web page can be found at https://www.saycoffeeco.com/say-weekend

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, May 09, 2023

Remnant Brewing Is Opening in the Former Atwood's Tavern Space in Cambridge's Inman Square

A couple of months ago, it was reported that a beloved Cambridge restaurant, bar, and live music venue was shutting down, and now we have learned that a nearby brewery will be taking over its space.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Remnant Brewing at Bow Market in Somerville's Union Square is expanding to the former Atwood's Tavern space on Cambridge Street in Inman Square, with a Facebook post from the business saying the following:

Okay, remember when we told y'all we were expanding?? We're delighted to share that our upcoming second location will be nestled at 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA! This remarkable space is formerly home to Atwood's Tavern! We are stoked to be given the opportunity to continue the legacy of Atwood's by creating a warm, community-centric, and welcoming place for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting new chapter!

It is not yet known whether the new location of Remnant will feature live music, nor is it known what kind of food it might offer, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

Atwood's closed at the end of March after being in business for 16 years; Remnant first opened at Bow Market in 2018.

The address for the new location of Remnant Brewing in Inman Square is 877 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. The website for the business can be found at https://www.remnantsomerville.com/

[May 19 update: An article from Cambridge Day indicates that Remnant Brewing's new spot in the former Atwood's Tavern space will indeed feature live music, with co-founder David Kushner saying that "Atwood's was always a Remnant favorite because of the beautiful space, amazing staff and the live music. In addition to expanding the types of entertainment, we plan on booking a lot of the same bands that guests came to love and expect at Atwood's."]

[August 25 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Remnant is now in the process of soft opening in the old Atwood's space, with a Facebook post from Remnant stating that its official opening is slated to take place on September 1.]

[Earlier Article]
Atwood's Tavern in Cambridge 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]

Vera Ristorante in Newburyport Has Apparently Closed

It looks like an Italian restaurant on the North Shore has shut down.

According to a source, Vera Ristorante in Newburyport is no longer in business, with a check on the website for the Market Square spot showing that it is gone and its Facebook and Instagram pages no longer exist, either, while a Google search shows it as "permanently closed." Vera first opened in 2020, featuring Italian fare with other Mediterranean influences; its menu included such options as eggplant rollatini, bolognese, pork chops, pizza, chicken parmigiana, seafood pasta, and more.

The address for the now-closed Vera Ristorante was 35 Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950.

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]

Burke's Alewerks in West Newton Has Closed

A brewery and taproom that moved to a new location earlier this year has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Burke's Alewerks in West Newton is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

It is with regret and sadness that I announce the end of Burke's Alewerks. We poured our last pint this past week. I am forever grateful for all the support, laughter, music, and friendship that we all shared together. If you walked through our doors and shared a pint with us, we are grateful. There are so many wonderful memories and experiences and it was a truly worthwhile and most excellent journey! Slainte

No reason has been given for its closure, nor is it known if owner Brian Burke has any future plans for brewing.

Burke's Alewerks moved into West Newton in January, taking over the space on Washington Street where a location of The Local had been. Previously, the brewery had been located in Hanover.

The address for the now-closed location of Burke's Alewerks in West Newton was 1391 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465.

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, May 08, 2023

Chef George Mendes Is Opening Amar in Boston's Back Bay

An acclaimed New York chef is going to be opening a brand new high-end restaurant in Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting (via The Boston Globe) that George Mendes is planning to open Amar at Raffles, a luxury condo and hotel development in the Back Bay, with the Globe saying that it will be a Portuguese dining spot that is located on the 17th floor of the Trinity Place complex. Mendes was behind the now-closed Aldea, a Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant with Portuguese and Spanish influences that closed in 2020 after more than 10 years in operation.

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

The address for Amar (and Raffles) is 40 Trinity Place, Boston, MA, 02116.

[September 18 update: A new article from Eater Boston indicates that Amar 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]

Barlette, a BYO Bar, Opens in the Coolidge Corner Arcade Building in Brookline

The people behind a reservation-only BYO restaurant in an historic Brookline structure have opened another reservation-only spot in the same building, and this one is a BYO bar.

According to a source, Barlette is now open on the ground floor of the Coolidge Corner Arcade on Harvard Street, joining Cobble, a tiny Italian dining spot upstairs that opened in 2020. Boston Magazine mentions that the new bar offers a four-course bar snack menu while customers can bring their own beer, wine, and spirits, the latter of which can be used to make cocktails thanks to mixers and supplies being available (the workers there can't touch the drinks but can offer knowledge/advice on making drinks as needed).

BoMag says that Barlette is booked through May and that reservations for June will go up on June 1, though people can set up notifications via Resy if there are cancellations this month.

The address for Barlette is 318 Harvard Street # 11 (first floor of Arcade), Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website is at https://www.drinkatbarlette.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]

Blue Ribbon Brasserie to Open in the Old Eastern Standard Space in Boston's Kenmore Square

A couple of years ago, it was reported that a NYC-based restaurant group would open three dining spots in Kenmore Square including a brasserie whose name was not given at the time, and now we know more about the upcoming third restaurant which will join the two others.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, Blue Ribbon Brasserie is opening in the old Eastern Standard space within the Hotel Commonwealth (Eastern Standard has since moved to a new space nearby), with the post saying that it will be "part saloon, part oyster bar, part American eatery, and part international culinary tour" while also being "founded on the vision born 30 years ago at the original 49 seat Blue Ribbon." That location of the brasserie first opened in SoHo back in 1992, offering such options as hanger steak, roasted rack of lamb, burgers, shellfish platters, and more.

Once Blue Ribbon Brasserie opens in Kenmore, it will join Pescador, a seafood spot in the former Island Creek Oyster Bar space, and Blue Ribbon Sushi in the former Hawthorne space.

The address for the upcoming Blue Ribbon Brasserie is 528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the original location in SoHo is at https://www.blueribbonbrasserie.com/

[November 27 update: It looks like Blue Ribbon Brasserie is opening next week, as OpenTable shows that tables can be reserved starting on Tuesday, December 5.]

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]

Sunday, May 07, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending May 7, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between May 1 and May 7, 2023.

Tasting Counter at Aeronaut Brewing Company in Somerville Is Closing, But Could It Continue On?
An award-winning dining spot that focuses on tasting menus is losing its space, though it appears that it could continue on in some form.
Full Story

Tenoch Opens in Malden
A local group of Mexican restaurants has expanded to another new location, with this one being north of the city.
Full Story

Sligo Pub in Somerville's Davis Square Is Closing
A beloved Somerville bar that has been in business for a long time is shutting down.
Full Story

Union Street Restaurant in Newton Centre Is Closing
A longtime restaurant and bar that briefly closed six years ago before reopening under new ownership is getting ready to shut down permanently.
Full Story

Revival Cafe + Kitchen Plans to Open in Lexington Center
A trio of Boston-area cafes recently closed one of its locations, but there will eventually be three locations once again.
Full Story

Tasting Counter at Aeronaut Brewing Company in Somerville Is Closing, But It May Continue On

An award-winning dining spot that focuses on tasting menus is losing its space, though it appears that it could continue on in some form.

According to a source who is part of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group, Tasting Counter at Aeronaut Brewing Company in Somerville is shutting down, with an email sent from the business saying the following:

It is with heavy hearts to announce that we must permanently close Tasting Counter by the end of this month....Our landlord, Aeronaut Brewing Company, notified us a few weeks ago that they will not renew our lease, a decision that will forever close the door to Tasting Counter...as difficult as this realization is, we've been given the gift of freedom. As we grapple with the news and impact this closure will have on our family, our staff, our guests, and our community, one thing remains certain – Tasting Counter WILL continue!....Just as Tasting Counter was always more than just a restaurant, the next iteration of Tasting Counter will expand on the work we started here. We’ve been given the green light to pursue our dreams, and we sincerely hope that you, as our guest and community supporter, will join us to continue the work we’ve started.

Tasting Counter first opened in 2015, receiving much in the way of accolades over the years including Boston Magazine ranking it #7 in the region in its latest list of best restaurants; in the post, BoMag says that chef/owner Peter Ungár offers "a rare mix of technical wizardry and artistic fire."

The website for Tasting Counter is https://tastingcounter.com/

[June 20 update: According to a press release, Tasting Counter did close earlier this month, but it opened back up on June 19 and will also be open today and tomorrow from noon to 6:00 PM to say goodbye while also selling off its equipment and products. The release also hints that a new venture is on the way, saying that "we...need to purge in order to lighten the load so we can launch this next restaurant project."]

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, May 05, 2023

Tenoch Opens in Malden

A local group of Mexican restaurants has expanded to another new location, with this one being north of the city.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Tenoch is now open in Malden, with the website for the business confirming that the new outlet is indeed up and running on Pleasant Street. The new location of Tenoch joins others in Boston's North End, East Cambridge, Medford Square, Davis Square in Somerville, and Melrose, and it offers such items as tortas, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more.

The address for the new location of Tenoch in Malden is 13 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA, 02148. The website for all locations is at https://www.tenochmexican.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]

Rocco's Doughnut Company Is Opening a Shop in Burlington

A doughnut company that has three shops in Central Massachusetts is opening its first outlet in the Greater Boston area

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Rocco's Doughnut Company is planning to open in Burlington, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

If you guessed a new store location, you're right....BURLINGTON we are coming for you!....3rd Ave is about to get a whole lot sweeter....Opening Day will be announced SOON!!

A press release shown within the Facebook group post indicates that the new location of Rocco's hopes to open in the early summer.

Rocco's Doughnut Company currently has shops in Millbury, Westborough, and Worcester, and it also does pop-ups, including at Common Craft in Burlington. Its website can be found at https://roccosdonuts.square.site/

[June 16 update: According to a source, the new location of Rocco's Doughnut Company will be going into the space within the 3rd Ave Burlington retail development that had been home to The Bagel Table.]

[July 5 update: An Instagram post indicates that Rocco's Doughnut Company is now open in Burlington.]

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]

Big Chicken to Expand to the Greater Boston Area

A chain of chicken spots that was founded by an NBA hall of famer will be expanding to the Greater Boston area.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant chain is planning to open six locations locally, with two local franchisees bringing them to the region. It isn't yet known exactly where any of the outlets will be, nor is it known when they might open, so stay tuned for updates.

Big Chicken was founded in 2018 by Shaq, who started his career as a center with the Orlando Magic in 1992, subsequently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers before finishing his career with the Boston Celtics in 2011. His restaurants--which also have JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group behind them--offer a variety of chicken sandwiches as well as popcorn chicken, sliders, tenders, macaroni and cheese, and more.

The website for Big Chicken can be found at https://www.bigchicken.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, May 04, 2023

Sligo Pub in Somerville's Davis Square Is Closing

A beloved Somerville bar that has been in business for a long time is shutting down.

According to a source (Karin Turer), the Sligo Pub in Davis Square is closing, with a Facebook post from the Elm Street spot saying the following:

Dear Friends, It is with a heavy heart that we announce the upcoming closure of the Sligo Pub. It has been a difficult decision, but after careful consideration, we have come to the conclusion that it is time to close our family business, which has been a part of this community for several decades....Our memories of the good times, the countless friendships, relationships, and connections that we have made will be cherished forever. We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our amazing hardworking staff who have stuck with us through thick & thin....We will always remember this community fondly and wish you all the best in the future.

The post mentions that the bar is slated to close in early June.

The Sligo Pub has around for more than 75 years, with both the previous owners and the current owner (who took it over in 1989) coming from Ireland. It is one of only a few remaining dive bars left in the city along with such places as Casey's, The Pub, and Michael's.

The address for the Sligo Pub is 237 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. Its website can be found at https://sligopubdavissq.com/

[June 1 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that the last day for the Sligo Pub is June 4.]

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

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

[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

Mission on the Bay in Swampscott Evacuated After Seawall Collapses

A seaside restaurant on the North Shore has been evacuated after a retaining wall gave way.

According to a source, Mission on the Bay in Swampscott is shuttered after the collapse of a section of the seawall that holds up part of the building, with Carl Stevens of WBZ NewsRadio 1030 posting pictures showing part of the structure appearing to dangle above where a segment of the wall had been. This is a developing story, so check back for updates.

Mission on the Bay, which first opened in 2016, is located at 141 Humphrey Street above King's Beach near the Lynn line.

[May 31 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mission in the Bay in Swampscott plans to reopen on June 9.]

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]

Bayberry Cafe in Woburn Is Closing

Earlier this year, it was reported that the people behind a vegan restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston would be opening a new spot in Cambridge, and now we have learned that that restaurant will be shutting down.

According to a source (via a post within the Vegan Massachusetts Facebook group page), Bayberry Cafe in Woburn is closing its doors, with a note out front at the Main Street spot saying that it will be shuttering on May 14 while also referring diners to their soon-to-open restaurant in Cambridge. The Cambridge spot--which will be called Ramen O'Bowl--will be located on Mass. Ave. about midway between Porter Square and Harvard Square, and it appears that it may be a vegan spot as well.

The address for Bayberry Cafe in Woburn is 502 Main Street, Woburn, MA, 01801.

[Earlier Article]
Ramen O'Bowl to Open in Cambridge; Owners of Bayberry Cafe in Woburn Are Behind It

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]

Pinoy Kabayan Filipino Asian Cuisine Is Opening in Downtown Boston

A new dining spot that features a cuisine that isn't all that easy to find locally is coming to downtown Boston.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Pinoy Kabayan Filipino Asian Cuisine is hoping to open on Broad Street, with Janeth Millare saying that it will offer mostly takeout Filipino food, though the space would possibly have seating for 16 for those wishing to dine in. UH says that the Boston Licensing Board is slated to vote on its request for a common victualler license today.

The address for Pinoy Kabayan is 71-73 Broad Street, Boston, MA, 02109.

[September 25 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page states that Pinoy Kabayan 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]