Boston Restaurant Talk: July 2023

Monday, July 31, 2023

Sage and Salt May Be Opening in the Former Squires Space in Hanover

A new restaurant may be on its way to the South Shore, and it would be taking over the space where another dining and drinking spot had been for more than 30 years until shutting down in 2020.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Sage and Salt is planning to open in Hanover, moving into the former Squires space on Route 53. A post from Dave Delaney of Dave Delaney's Columbia car care center (which is also on Route 53) mentions that the town's Select Board has given approval of the upcoming spot and says that there may be an ownership connection to Sorelle in Abington. Little other information has been given on the restaurant other than the fact that it could open in several months once renovations are complete, so keep checking back for updates.

The Squires was a roadhouse-style spot that was a local favorite over the years for such items as burgers, pizza, macaroni and cheese, steak tips, and wings.

The address for the upcoming Sage and Salt is 1202 Washington Street (Route 53), Hanover, MA, 02339.

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]

Gufo Opens in East Cambridge

Last fall, it was reported that a local restaurant group was planning to open a new Italian spot in Cambridge, in the space where a dining spot known for its colonial theme had been, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a press release, Gufo is now open for dinner service in the former Local Nine space in East Cambridge, with the Cambridge Street spot offering such options as pork and beef meatballs, grilled mushrooms, whole roasted black bass, spaghetti puttanesca. rigatoni bolognese, squid ink bucatini, and pizza, along with beer, wine, and cocktails, and the space will soon include a counter-service cafe by day as well, offering coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and more. As mentioned earlier, The Coda Group (SRV, The Salty Pig) is behind the new restaurant, while the team behind Loyal Nine--which said farewell to the space in the latter part of 2021--run Northern Spy in Canton.

The address for Gufo in East Cambridge is 660 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. Its website can be found at https://www.gufocambridge.com/

[Earlier Article]
Gufo Plans to Open in the Former Loyal Nine Space in East Cambridge

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]

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending July 30, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between July 24 and July 30, 2023.

True Bistro in Somerville's Teele Square to Close Permanently
A vegan restaurant in Somerville whose future had been in question in the early days of the pandemic will soon be shutting down for good.
Full Story

The Friendly Toast Opens in Cambridge's Harvard Square
A new outlet of an eclectic local group of dining spots has come to Cambridge after being in the works for more than a year.
Full Story

IHOP in Quincy to Be Taken by Eminent Domain, Will Be Demolished
One of a handful of pancake house locations in the Greater Boston area is going to be torn down to make room for new development.
Full Story

John Brewer's Tavern in Malden Has Closed
A pair of Boston-area alehouses is down to just one.
Full Story

Mighty Subs in Needham Has Closed
A sub shop in the western suburbs of Boston that has been around for more than 30 years has shut down.
Full Story

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!

Friday, July 28, 2023

Tama Japanese Ramen & Bar Is Opening in the Former Blue Hills Grille Space in Canton

A brand new Japanese restaurant is planning to open in the southern suburbs of Boston, moving into a space across the street from a popular hiking spot.

According to a tweet from @JeremyKrantz, Tama Japanese Ramen & Bar is going to be opening in Canton, taking over the former Blue Hills Grille space on Route 138. The upcoming dining spot, which will sit across from the Blue Hills reservation, will offer such options as ramen, dim sum, teriyaki, noodle and rice dishes, and kushiyaki (skewered and grilled foods).

Blue Hills Grille closed in June of 2020 after being in business for approximately six years.

The address for Tama Japanese Ramen & Bar is 2790 Washington Street (Route 138), Canton, MA, 02021. Its website can be found at https://tamacanton.com/

[September 18 update: A check on the place over the weekend indicates that Tama Japanese Ramen & Bar is now open.]

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]

Viva Burrito Opens in Boston's Financial District

It looks like a Mexican restaurant in Boston that closed awhile back has been reborn in a new space in the city's downtown area.

According to Geoff Wong, who posted within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurant Facebook group page, Viva Burrito is now open in the Financial District, moving into a space by the corner of Franklin Street and Batterymarch Street. This appears to be a move, as the restaurant had previously been located on Staniford Street in the West End, with that space recently becoming home to a new location of Chilacates.

The address for the new location of Viva Burrito in the Financial District is 274 Franklin Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its website can be found at https://www.vivaburrito.com/

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]

True Bistro in Somerville's Teele Square Is Closing Permanently

A vegan restaurant in Somerville whose future had been in question in the early days of the pandemic will soon be shutting down for good.

According to a Facebook post from the place, True Bistro in Teele Square is closing its doors after business hours on August 27, with the post saying the following:

News you may not want to hear but here it goes. We can't thank you all enough for the support and love over the years, for choosing us to help celebrate life's big moments, and for embracing the vegan dishes we’ve created and shared.

A note within the post indicates that the closure of True Bistro--which shut down indefinitely in September of 2020 but reopened the following spring--stems from the cost of labor, increased food prices, and not being able to reach pre-pandemic sales while also using up its government funding from the pandemic.

The address for True Bistro is 1153 Broadway, Somerville, MA, 02144. Its website is at https://truebistroboston.com/

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]

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Bobby & Jacks Memphis Barbecue in Tewksbury Has Closed, Is Being Replaced by Tres Compadres

A BBQ spot in the northern suburbs of Boston has shut down, and a Mexican restaurant will be taking over the space.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), Bobby & Jacks Memphis Barbecue in Tewksbury has closed its doors, with a Facebook post from the Main Street restaurant saying the following:

Bobby & Jacks Memphis Barbecue is officially under agreement with Tres Compadres to bring Authentic Mexican Cuisine to Tewksbury. After almost 5 years and having made it to the other side of the pandemic the owners of Bobby & Jacks have made the difficult decision to sell. This was simply a business decision and will allow us to focus more on our other two locations. With rising costs in EVERY category particularly commodities such as beef, chicken and pork, the menu price point necessary to thrive was simply much higher than we were comfortable with.

The note goes on to say that gift cards for the BBQ spot will be redeemable at both locations of Jon Ryan's Pub in Tewksbury and North Billerica, which are under the same ownership.

The address for the now-closed Bobby & Jacks Memphis Barbecue (and upcoming Tres Compadres) is 1777 Main Street (Route 38), Tewksbury, MA, 01876.

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]

Yas Chicken Is Opening in Burlington

A pair of chicken places north of Boston will be opening a third location north of the city.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Yas Chicken is planning to open in Burlington, with a Patch article saying that it will move into the space on the Middlesex Turnpike that had been home to a location of Qdoba. Once it opens, it will join other locations in Lawrence and Lynn, and based on those outlets, expect to see chicken sandwiches, wings, tenders, waffles, fries, and more.

The address for the new location of Yas Chicken in Burlington is 90 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the business can be found at https://www.yaschicken.com/

[February 9, 2024 update: According to a source (Gary Goldblatt) and a post from the place in Instagram, Yas Chicken is now open in Burlington.]

[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.)

Chilacates to Open in the Former Mainely Burgers Space in Cambridge's Central Square

Early this year, it was reported that a rapidly-growing local group of Mexican restaurants was looking to open a location in Cambridge, and now we have learned that a second Cambridge outlet appears to be coming as well.

According to a couple of posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Chilacates is planning to open in Central Square, with a "coming soon" sign for the place being posted in the former Mainely Burgers space on Mass. Ave. (Mainely Burgers closed in March), and this has been confirmed in a license commission hearing page within the city's website. As reported in February, another location of the local chain may also be in the works for the former East Side Bar and Grille on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge, though it isn't known which new location will be opening first.

Currently, Chilacates has locations in Jamaica Plain (two), Boston's South End, the West End, Mission Hill, Roslindale, South Boston, Brighton, Brookline's Coolidge Corner, and Chestnut Hill.

The address for the upcoming location of Chilacates in Central Square is 704 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The website for all locations can be found at https://chilacatesmx.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Chilacates Is Apparently Opening in the Former East Side Bar and Grille Space in East Cambridge
Mainely Burgers in Cambridge's Central Square Has Closed

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]

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

The Friendly Toast Opens in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A new outlet of an eclectic local group of dining spots has come to Cambridge after being in the works for more than a year.

According to an email, The Friendly Toast is now open in Harvard Square, moving into the space on Mass. Ave. that had been home to Grafton Street Pub & Grill until it moved to a new space on JFK Street. The new location of the eatery joins others locally in Boston's Back Bay, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Danvers, Dedham, and North Andover, and there had also been one in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge but that one closed in the summer of 2020.

The address for the new location of The Friendly Toast in Harvard Square is 1230 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for all locations can be found at https://thefriendlytoast.com/

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

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]

Blackbird Doughnuts Plans to Open at Arsenal Yards in Watertown This Fall

A local group of gourmet doughnut shops will soon have another location, with this one being just west of Boston.

According to a message sent to us, Blackbird Doughnuts is planning to open at Arsenal Yards in Watertown later this fall, with the shop joining others in the South End, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Brighton, Cambridge's Harvard Square, and Newton Centre. Based on those locations, expect to see a variety of gourmet doughnuts whose flavors change by the month at the new outlet.

The team behind Blackbird Doughnuts also runs Banyan Bar + Refuge in the South End along with Sally's Sandwiches in the South End and Harvard Square.

The address for the upcoming location of Blackbird Doughnuts at Arsenal Yards is 116 Bond Square, Watertown, MA, 02472. The website for all locations is at https://www.blackbirddoughnuts.com/

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

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

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

IHOP in Quincy to Be Taken by Eminent Domain, Will Be Demolished

One of a handful of pancake house locations in the Greater Boston area is going to be torn down to make room for new development.

According to a source, IHOP in Quincy is slated for demolition, with a Patriot Ledger article saying that the city is acquiring the Parkingway eatery by eminent domain as part of a plan to build a 1,000-car garage in Quincy Center which is in the midst of extensive redevelopment. In addition to the pancake house, an urgent care center will also be razed, while part of the parcel includes a public parking lot which will also go away. Once the Quincy location of IHOP closes, the only remaining locations on the South Shore will be in Braintree an Plymouth, while remaining locations of the chain inside Route 128 include ones in Brighton, Cambridge, Dedham, Revere, Salem, and Saugus.

The address for IHOP in Quincy is 115 Parkingway, Quincy, MA, 02169. The website for the chain can be found at https://restaurants.ihop.com/

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

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

Monday, July 24, 2023

John Brewer's Tavern in Malden Is Closing

It looks like a pair of Boston-area alehouses will soon be down to just one.

According to a source, John Brewer's Tavern in Malden is shutting down, with multiple posters on social media also saying this--and a few mentioning that tonight will be its last night. It does appear that the Waltham location of the dining and drinking spot will remain in operation, while the people behind the two taverns also run Offshore Ale Company in Oak Bluffs. (They also ran Brewer's Coalition in Newtonville, but that closed early last year.)

The Malden location of John Brewer's Tavern has been known for its comfort food and pub grub along with a wide variety of beers, and it also had a large patio out front.

The address for John Brewer's Tavern in Malden is 7 Highland Avenue, Malden, MA, 02148. The website for the business is at https://www.johnbrewerstavern.com/

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]

Mighty Subs in Needham Is Closing

A sub shop in the western suburbs of Boston that has been around for more than 30 years is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mighty Subs in Needham is closing after business hours on July 28, with a picture of a note out front at the Highland Avenue spot indicating that the sub shop is "retiring." Mighty Subs, which first opened in 1990, has been known in part for their extra large subs while also offering such items as breakfast sandwiches, wings, meatball plates, chicken fingers, cheese sticks, fries, onions, and Greek salads.

The address for Mighty Subs is 250 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, 02494. The website for the sub shop can be found at http://mightysubs.com/

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]

The Dirty Italian Gourmet Food Shop Opens in South Boston

An Italian food shop is getting ready to open in South Boston.

According to an article from Caught in Southie, The Dirty Italian opened on Old Colony Avenue July 22, with the place offering hot and cold sandwiches including chicken parmigiana, meatballs, eggplant, roast beef, sausage, ham, turkey, and "Talya's Dirty Italian" which has mortadella, hot capicola, hot soppressata, peppered ham, asiago cheese, hot mix, lettuce, tomato, oil, and vinegar. The post mentions that owner Talya Pessolano also offers catering, including meat and cheese boards.

The address for The Dirty Italian is 144 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website is at https://thedirtyitalian.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/talyasdirtyitalian/

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]

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending July 23, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between July 17 and July 23, 2023.

Donna's Restaurant in East Boston Is Apparently Closing
It looks like an East Boston dining spot known in part for its breakfast options is shutting down.
Full Story

Nan Xiang Express Opens in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood
The fast-casual sibling of a trio of Michelin-recommended Shanghainese soup dumpling restaurants has come to Boston.
Full Story

Sally's Apizza to Open in Boston's Seaport District
A Connecticut restaurant that is often mentioned as being one of the best places in the country for pizza is coming to the Boston waterfront.
Full Story

Turtle Swamp Brewing in Jamaica Plain Is Closing
A local brewery is getting ready to cease operations.
Full Story

Umbria Opens in Boston's North End
A new restaurant with a familiar name has opened in a new location.
Full Story

Friday, July 21, 2023

Donna's Restaurant in East Boston Is Closing

It looks like an East Boston dining spot known in part for its breakfast options is shutting down.

According to a source, Donna's Restaurant on Saratoga Street in Orient Height is closing its doors, with a post within the East Boston Open Discussion Group including a picture of its storefront with a message in the window saying "Donna's Restaurant is retiring on July 30th. Thanks for many decades of your loyalty, love, and friendship. We will miss you. Stay well." Donna's has been in business for more than 50 years, offering waffles, pancakes, French toast, omelets, and more, along with sandwiches and grill items at lunchtime.

The address for Donna's Restaurant in Orient Heights is 980 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

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]

Monteverdi to Open in the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge

A new restaurant is on its way to a riverside hotel in Cambridge.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, Monteverdi is planning to open in the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Land Boulevard in East Cambridge, with the posting saying that the dining spot will feature Italian and Mediterranean fare. No opening date for Monteverdi has been given as of yet, with the listing saying that it is "in the construction phase of opening"; as soon as we find out more, including when it might open and what its menu may include, we will post an update here.

The Royal Sonesta Hotel is currently home to two other dining spots--ArtBar and Studio Café & Bakery.

The address for the upcoming Monteverdi (and the Royal Sonesta Hotel) is 40 Edwin H Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

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]

La Qchara in Melrose Opens Second Location in Beverly

A Central and South American restaurant in the northern suburbs of Boston has expanded to a second location north of the city.

A message sent to us indicates that La Qchara in Melrose has been joined by a new outlet in Beverly, and we've been told that this is more of a sit-down restaurant with table service. According to what we've been told, the new Cabot Street location is open for lunch and dinner and has a weekend brunch, and it also has a liquor license.

The people behind the two La Qchara restaurants also run T'ahpas 529, a Melrose spot that features Spanish and Mediterranean food.

The address for the new location of La Qchara in Beverly is 275 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915. The restaurant for both locations is at https://laqchara.com/

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]

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Nan Xiang Express Opens in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood

The fast-casual sibling of a trio of Michelin-recommended Shanghainese soup dumpling restaurants has come to Boston.

According to a press release, Nan Xiang Express has soft-opened in the city's Chinatown neighborhood, moving into a space on Beach Street between Harrison Avenue and Tyler Street and offering takeout and delivery while also having seating for more than 30 inside. The express concept--which has locations in the Forest Hills section of Queens and Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood--is a spinoff of the NYC-based Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, which has locations in the Flushing part of Queens, Manhattan, and Cherry Hill, NJ, and was named a Michelin-recommended Shanghainese restaurant over the course of nine consecutive years.

The address for the new location of Nan Xiang Express is 52 Beach Street, Boston, MA 02111. The website for all locations can be found at https://nanxiangexpress.com/

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]

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Detroit Pizza Co. Is Opening in Brighton's Oak Square Area

A new dining spot featuring a type of pizza that is becoming more and more popular in the local area is coming to Boston.

According to a tweet from @thompspicks, a sign is up for Detroit Pizza Co. in the Oak Square section of Brighton, with a voting agenda page within the City of Boston website indicating that the Washington Street eatery may only be for takeout/delivery as the place will have no seats, while the manager listed is Anastasios Anastasiadis. Once it opens, the new spot will join a handful of other places locally that serve Detroit-style pizza (which has similarities to both Sicilian/bakery pizza and Chicago-style deep dish), including Volo in Swampscott, Johnny Pomodoro in Charlestown, Avenue Kitchen + Bar in Somerville, Square MFG Co. in Natick, and Needham House of Pizza.

The address for Detroit Pizza Co. is 600A Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. Its website can be found at https://www.dpcboston.com/

[August 16 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Detroit Pizza Co. is now open in Brighton.]

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]

Sally's Apizza to Open in Boston's Fort Point/Seaport District

A Connecticut restaurant that is often mentioned as being one of the best places in the country for pizza is coming to the Boston waterfront.

According to a page within its website, Sally's Apizza is planning to open in the city's Fort Point/Seaport District, saying that it looks to open sometime in 2024 while also showing an aerial picture of Fan Pier, though an exact address has not been given as of yet. It looks like this will be the second location of the pizza spot in the Greater Boston area, as another is slated to open at Woburn Village this year [ed note--now open], and both will be joining the original in New Haven along with ones in Fairfield and Stamford. (Others are also in the works for Newington, Norwalk, and Wethersfield.)

Sally's Apizza, which first opened in 1938 and came under new ownership a few years ago, is one of several New Haven spots--including Pepe's and Modern--that are famous for their pizza, and Sally's and Pepe's use coal-fired ovens for their pizzas while all three use brick ovens which help give a char to the crust.

The website for Sally's Apizza is at https://sallysapizza.com/

[December 14 update: @FortPointer says (via a post from fortpointboston.com and a design submission presentation within the City of Boston website) that the upcoming Sally's Apizza will be located at 30 Thomson Place in Fort Point.]

[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.)

Zhi Wei Cafe Opens in Boston's Leather District

A brand new Chinese restaurant has come to downtown Boston.

According to Jaqueline Church, who posted on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Zhi Wei Cafe is now open in the city's Leather District neighborhood, moving into a space on South Street just north of where it intersects Beach Street. Based on posts within Google, it looks like the new spot offers noodle soup, dumplings and buns, kebabs, hand-pulled lamb chops, spring rolls, ice cream, iced jelly, and more.

The address for Zhi Wei Cafe is 104 South Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

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]

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Rasoi Indian Cuisine Opens in Framingham

A familiar name has returned to MetroWest.

According to Kiat Cormier of the ChewOnThis Facebook group who posted within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page, Rasoi Indian Cuisine is now open in Framingham, moving into the Old Trolley Square shopping center on Route 9. Kiat tells us that the owners of the restaurant had also owned Rasoi Gourmet Indian Kitchen in the same shopping center until it closed at the end of 2017 after more than 30 years in business; the new spot resides in the former Lavender Too space, and the owners also run Indian Food & Spices in the shopping center.

The address for Rasoi Indian Cuisine is 855 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA, 01701. Its website is at https://rasoiindianframingham.com/

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]

Turtle Swamp Brewing in Jamaica Plain Is Closing

A local brewery is getting ready to cease operations.

According to a note on its website, Turtle Swamp Brewing in Jamaica Plain is closing down both its taproom and its production brewery, with its last day being August 19 or "when the beer runs out." No reason has been given for its closure, nor is it known what future plans the co-founders might have; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Turtle Swamp Brewing, which first opened on Washington Street in the spring of 2017, also had a beer garden at the Roslindale Substation from 2018 to 2021.

The address for Turtle Swamp Brewing is 3377 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://turtleswampbrewing.com/

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]

PRB Boulangerie Opens in Boston's South End

A couple of months ago, a new French restaurant opened in the South End of Boston, and now we have learned that a cafe from the same team has debuted there as well.

A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page has posted an article from BosGuy saying that PRB Boulangerie is now open on Harrison Avenue in the former Green Light Cafe space, which was open when Gaslight Brasserie du Coin was in operation in the space. That restaurant is now home to Marseille, and the people behind Petit Robert Bistro (also in the South End) are running the cafe as well. BosGuy mentions that PRB Boulangerie offers such options as bread, pastries, coffee, salads, sandwiches, and dinners for takeout, and the space includes indoor seating while Marseille's outdoor patio can be used by patrons as well.

The address for PRB Boulangerie (and Marseille) is 560 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.

[Earlier Article]
Marseille Is Opening in the Former Brasserie/Gaslight Space in Boston's South End

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]

Monday, July 17, 2023

Umbria Opens in Boston's North End This Week

A new restaurant with a familiar name is on the verge of opening in the North End of Boston.

According to a Facebook post from local restaurateur Frank DePasquale, Umbria is planning to open this week on Hanover Street, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it is moving into the space that had been home to Ristorante Fiore until closing toward the end of last year. The new spot is an Italian steakhouse and will be opening the roof deck that Fiore was known for sometime during the following week. Based on reservations being taken for Umbria, it appears that the restaurant opens on Thursday, though we will try to confirm this.

The previous incarnation of Umbria had once been located on Franklin Street in the city's Financial District, and that place was also a steakhouse.

The address for Umbria in the North End is 250 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. Its website can be found at https://umbrianorthend.com/

[July 20 update: According to a press release, Umbria opens today.]

[Earlier Article]
Ristorante Fiore in Boston's North End Is Closing

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]

Bosso Ramen Tavern Plans to Open in the Former Double Zero Space in Boston's Back Bay

The people behind a Japanese restaurant in Cambridge's Harvard Square may be opening a second location in the Back Bay of Boston.

The Boston Sun confirms what multiple sources have told us, that Bosso Ramen Tavern is looking to open on Newbury Street, taking over the space that had been home to Double Zero, a vegan pizza spot that closed earlier this year. The article mentions that this location of Bosso (which The Boston Sun refers to as Sushi by Bosso Ramen Tavern) would offer sushi along with Scandinavian and Northern European dishes and that it would have both indoor and outdoor dining.

The address for the proposed Bosso Ramen Tavern in the Back Bay is 163 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the Harvard Square location is at https://www.bossoramentavern.com/

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]

Daje Is Opening in Medfield; Owner of L'Impasto in North Cambridge Behind It

A new Italian spot is coming to the southwest suburbs of Boston, and the person behind a North Cambridge restaurant that closed down seven years ago is going to be running the place.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, Daje is planning to open in Medfield, with its Instagram page saying that it will focus on takeout and offer pizza, house-made pasta, panini, and bread. A Bizapedia page for the Park Street spot shows the owner as being Riccardo Passini, who was behind L'Impasto, an Italian restaurant in North Cambridge that resided on Mass. Ave. from 2011 to 2016 and was known in part for its pasta dishes and its freshly-made breads.

The address for Daje is 26 Park Street, Medfield, MA, 02052. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/daje.medfield/

[August 14 update: A Twitter post from @JeremyKrantz indicates that Daje is now open.]

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]

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending July 16, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between July 10 and July 16, 2023.

The Pour House to Have Its Assets Sold in an Auction
What was once one of the best-known bars in Boston is going up for auction.
Full Story

All That... Fish + Oyster to Open at the Bower Residential Complex in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood
A well-known local restaurateur is opening a seafood restaurant in a new development.
Full Story

SAVR Opens in Boston's Seaport District
A brand new restaurant has come to the Boston waterfront after being in the works for approximately a year.
Full Story

Sugar Skulls Is Opening at High Street Place in Boston
A new shop that features frozen treats with Mexican influences is coming to downtown Boston.
Full Story

Long Live Beerworks Opens in Roxbury
A Rhode Island brewery has expanded to Boston.
Full Story

Friday, July 14, 2023

The Pour House to Have Its Assets Sold in an Auction

What was once one of the best-known bars in Boston is going up for auction.

According to a post within the Paul Saperstein auctioneers website and a page within the Bidspotter site, The Pour House is having its assets sold in an online-only auction on July 19 at 11:00 AM. Included in the auction will be the bar's outdoor signs, neon lights, booths and tables, wood statue, and sports memorabilia, and the items will be available for inspection by appointment at the Stoughton office of the auctioneer.

The Pour House, which had been in operation for nearly 35 years in the Back Bay, temporarily closed in March of 2020 and announced a few months later that it would not be returning. A new spot called Dani's Queer Bar will be moving into the Boylston Street space that had been home to the bar.

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]

All That Fish + Oyster Is Opening at the Bower Residential Complex in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

Late last year, it was reported that one of the best-known restaurants in Boston would be returning in a new location, and now we have learned more about another dining spot that is coming to the same development (and is under the same ownership).

According to a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, All That Fish + Oyster is planning to open at the Bower residential complex, which is part of the Fenway Center project, a new life sciences development that will sit over the Mass. Pike and will help connect Kenmore Square, Audubon Circle, and the Longwood medical area. The post mentions that Garrett Harker is behind the seafood restaurant (which will feature locally-sourced seafood along with a "dynamic" wine and cocktail program), and as mentioned in earlier articles, Harker will be reopening Eastern Standard there as well, along with two other dining/drinking spots.

In addition to Eastern Standard, Harker was also behind Island Creek Oyster Bar and the Hawthorne, with all three places losing their home at the Hotel Commonwealth in 2021.

[September 6 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page says (via an Instagram post from the place) that All That Fish + Oyster plans to open on Thursday, September 7]

[Earlier Article]
Eastern Standard Is Returning; Will Open at the Fenway Center Development

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]

Thursday, July 13, 2023

SAVR Opens in Boston's Seaport District

A brand new restaurant has come to the Boston waterfront after being in the works for approximately a year.

According to its website and social media, SAVR opens today in the city's Seaport District, moving into a two-floor space within the St. Regis Residences luxury residential complex on Seaport Boulevard. The person behind the new dining and drinking spot--which calls itself a "spirited American bistro--is David Doyle, who has been involved with such places as Smith & Wollensky, Temazcal Tequila Cantina, and Tony C's Sports Bar and Grill, and is not to be confused with David Doyle who runs Tres Gatos and Casa Verde in Jamaica Plain.

The menu for SAVR features New American fare and comfort food, including such options as oysters on the half shell, grilled shrimp, a beet salad, pappardelle bolognese, lobster fra diavolo, brick pressed chicken, pork chops, prime rib, and boneless ribeye along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

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

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

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]

Mayhew Wine Shop in Boston's Fort Point Is Closing, Moving to New Location

A wine, beer, spirits, and specialty food shop in the Fort Point section of Boston is shutting down, though it looks like it will be reopening elsewhere.

According to a Twitter post from @FortPointer, Mayhew Wine Shop on Melcher Street is closing its doors and is currently doing a liquidation sale, with a tweet from the store saying that it will be relocating over the next few months, though it doesn't give an exact address or neighborhood. Mayhew, which first opened in the spring of 2017, has been known in part for its free wine tastings every Thursday while its rear tasting room has also been available for private events.

The address for Mayhew Wine Shop in Fort Point is 20 Melcher Street Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at https://mayhewwine.com/

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]

Lazy Bear Creamery Opens in Dorchester

Last spring, it was reported that a new ice cream shop was being planned for a space near the Southeast Expressway, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a source, Lazy Bear Creamery is now open in Dorchester, moving into a space on Neponset Avenue just north of Neponset Circle. A Dorchester Reporter article mentions that the shop has more than 40 ice cream flavors that come from Nona's (which has locations in Hingham and Scituate and within Previte's Marketplace in Hanover), while Caught in Dot says that other options offered include ices, sherbets, ice cream cakes, and more.

The address for Lazy Bear Creamery is 389 Neponset Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122. Its website can be found at http://lazybearcreamery.com/

[Earlier Article]
Lazy Bear Plans to Open Near Neponset Circle in Dorchester

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]

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

The Fuller Cup in Winchester Is Closing

A bakery-cafe in the northern suburbs of Boston is getting ready to shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Fuller Cup is closing its doors on Friday, July 14, with an Instagram video from the Thompson Street spot including the following message:

This video is my love letter to Winchester and all the amazing people, staff and vendors who have supported this dream for the past 7 years....This is not goodbye, but simply until next time. All my love, Laura

An article in The Winchester Star mentions that owner Laura Fuller is moving to Washington, D.C., to work for caterer W. Millar & Co.

The address for The Fuller Cup is 11 Thompson Street, Winchester, MA, 01890. Its website can be found at https://www.thefullercup.com/

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]

Sugar Skulls Is Opening at High Street Place in Boston

A new shop that features frozen treats with Mexican influences is coming to downtown Boston.

According to a press release, Sugar Skulls Sweets & Frozen Drinks is planning to open at High Street Place on Monday, July 17, with the people behind North East of the Border--which is a Mexican dining spot also located in the food hall--running the place. The upcoming shop will offer such items as ice cream tacos, churro ice cream sandwiches, crepes, spiked ice cream floats, and frozen cocktails and mocktails.

High Street Place can be found at 100 High Street in the city's Financial District; its website is at https://www.highstreetplace.com/

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]

Brothers Pizza & Restaurant in Needham Has Closed

A pizzeria and sub shop in the western suburbs of Boston has shut down after more than 25 years in business.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Brothers Pizza & Restaurant in Needham is no longer in operation, as it closed its doors late last week. The dining spot first got its start in 1997, offering Greek pizza, calzones, subs, pasta dishes, and grill items, with a few Greek dishes such as spinach pie, gyros, and grilled chicken on the menu.

The address for Brothers Pizza & Restaurant was 201 Reservoir Street, Needham Heights, MA, 02494.

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]

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Untold Brewing Is Opening at the Harborwalk Development in the Plymouth Station/Cordage Park Area in North Plymouth

A South Shore brewery that expanded to a second space last fall is expanding once again with a third location opening south of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Untold Brewing is planning to open a new outlet at the Harborwalk development in the Plymouth Station/Cordage Park section of North Plymouth, with an Instagram post from the business giving some information on the upcoming location, saying the following:

...we are excited to announce the next chapter for Untold; our forthcoming, third, and largest taproom yet in PLYMOUTH....the space will feature our full line-up of core and special releases, modern "coastal-industrial" decor, and brewery with capacity to regularly release special "Plymouth brewed" beer.

Once it opens, the new location of Untold Brewing will join others in Scituate and Hingham, the latter of which debuted at the Derby Street Shops in November of 2022.

The website for Untold Brewing can be found at https://www.untoldbrewing.com/

[February 12, 2024 update: According to its website, the new location of Untold Brewing at Cordage Park in North Plymouth is now open.]

[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.)

Long Live Beerworks Opens in Roxbury

Just under a year ago, it was reported that a Rhode Island brewery was planning to expand to Boston, and now we have learned that it has opened.

According to a source, Long Live Beerworks is now up and running in Roxbury, with the brewery and taproom moving into the space on Hampden Street that had been home to Backlash Beer Co. as well as a short-term temporary home for the hard kombucha brewery Flying Embers (which is based on California). The new location of Long Live Beerworks joins its Providence location which first opened in the city's West End in 2016, moving to a larger location in a nearby mill complex in 2019.

The website for Long Live Beerworks mentions that the new outlet is in a soft opening phase with expanded hours on the way soon.

The address for the new location of Long Live Beerworks in Roxbury is 152 Hampden Street, Roxbury, MA, 02119. The website for the company is at https://www.longlivebeerworks.com/

[Earlier Article]
Long Live Beerworks in Providence Plans to Open New Brewery and Taproom in Roxbury

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]

Vitamin Sea Brewing to Open a Second Location

It looks like an award-winning South Shore brewery is making plans to open another location.

According to a Tweet from the place, Vitamin Sea Brewing in Weymouth is looking to open a second outlet, mentioning "South Shore Things...Coming 2023" in the thread while also confirming that this will indeed be a second location and not a move from its home on Moore Road. The Twitter post also shows a blueprint for what will apparently be its new outlet, showing a bar area along with some other details on the space.

Vitamin Sea, which won Boston Magazine's 2019 Malt Madness (a people's choice award for best brewery in New England), currently has a seasonal beer garden in Cambridge's Kendall Square, and previously had a beer garden in Hull and a space at the Roslindale Substation. (The brewery first opened in Weymouth in the early part of 2019.)

The website for Vitamin Sea Brewing can be found at https://vitaminseabrewing.com/

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]

Monday, July 10, 2023

Beard Papa's to Open in Boston's Back Bay

A chain of cream puff shops that once had three locations in Boston will be trying again, with this one coming to the city's Back Bay neighborhood.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Beard Papa's is planning to open on Newbury Street, moving into a space next to Shake Shack just east of the Fairfield Street intersection. Beard Papa's, which has roots in Japan, once had outlets in the Back Bay, Chinatown, and Allston but none of them are in operation anymore.

The address for the upcoming Beard Papa's is 232 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.beardpapas.com/

[February 16, 2024 update: According to a source (Geoff Wong), the new Beard Papa's in the Back Bay has its grand opening on February 24.]

[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.)

U Dumpling House Is Opening in the Former Uncle Cheung's Space in Framingham

Three years ago, it was reported that a decades-old Chinese restaurant west of Boston was up for sale, and now we have learned what will be going into its space.

According to a source, U Dumpling House is planning to open in the former Uncle Cheung's space in Framingham, with a post within the funfiltered.com site showing a proposed menu that includes a variety of dumplings and buns along with a mix of Chinese-American and authentic Chinese dishes. It is not yet known when U Dumpling House might open, so keep checking back for updates.

Uncle Cheung's, which first opened in 1983, went on the market in the summer of 2020, with the owner looking to retire.

The address for U Dumpling House is 266 Worcester Road (Route 9). Framingham, MA, 01702.

[February 28, 2024 update: According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), U Dumpling House is now open. with Kiat Cormier of ChewOnThis also posting about its opening and indicating that it offers a variety of dumpling and buns along with noodle and rice dishes, and more.]

[Earlier Article]
Uncle Cheung's in Framingham Is Up for Sale

[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.)

Sunday, July 09, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending July 9, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between July 3 and July 9, 2023.

Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream in Whitman Is Going Up for Auction
A popular roadside ice cream stand is going on the auction block.
Full Story

Joe Fish in North Reading Has Closed
A pair of seafood restaurants north of Boston is now down to just one.
Full Story

Garden Bar to Open at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square
A new outdoor bar is on its way to a hotel in the heart of Cambridge.
Full Story

Cactus Club Cafe Plans to Open in the Back Bay
A new dining spot with a familiar name may be on its way to Boston.
Full Story

Life Is Good Coffee House Plans to Open in Boston's Fort Point
A Boston-based company known for its apparel and accessories may be opening a coffee shop within the city.
Full Story

Friday, July 07, 2023

Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream in Whitman Is Going Up for Auction

A popular roadside ice cream stand is going on the auction block.

According to a post within the JJ Manning Auctioneers website, Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream in Whitman is being sold at auction on August 29 (with a viewing taking place on August 22), saying that "After many successful decades in business beginning in 1962, the family has chosen to divest of these valuable assets through auction." The listing mentions a total of four sales: The ice cream stand, 55 acres of agricultural land, a single-family home, and a 2-family home.

A Facebook comment from the auctioneer indicates that Peaceful Meadows will remain open through the end of August.

The address for Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream in Whitman is 60 Bedford Street, Whitman, MA, 02382.

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]

I Pazzi in Danvers Is Reopening in a New Location

A now-closed Italian steakhouse on the North Shore is in the process of being reborn in a nearby location.

According to a message sent by @IrishEyesPhoto1 (whose name on Twitter is Arcadipanephotography), I Pazzi now has a sign up at 51 High Street in Danvers, which is a few blocks from its old location at 50 Maple Street. It appears that this move has been in the works for at least a year, and based on the menu at the old location, the new spot would offer steak, chicken, veal, seafood, pasta, and more.

The website for I Pazzi can be found at https://www.ipazzirestaurant.com/

[August 15 update: Based on their website, the new location of I Pazzi is now open.]

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]

Joe Fish in North Reading Has Closed

A pair of seafood restaurants north of Boston is now down to just one.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Joe Fish in North Reading is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from their other location in North Andover saying "The current economic landscape has not been conducive in supporting two locations of Joe Fish....Thank you North Reading for letting us serve you." The post mentions that gift cards for the North Reading location will be honored at both the North Andover location and at the Loft in North Andover.

Joe Fish first opened 12 years ago in North Reading.

The address for the now-closed Joe Fish was 60 Main Street, North Reading, MA, 01864. The website for the North Andover location is at https://www.joefish.net/

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]

Vela Opens at YOTEL in Boston's Seaport District

A new restaurant has come to a hotel by the Boston waterfront.

According to a post within the PR Newswire site, Vela is now open at YOTEL in the city's Seaport District, with the dining spot offering seasonal dishes with global influences including such options as yellowtail crudo, corn and saffron gazpacho, beef tartare, fried oysters, chicken roulade, steak frites, fried red snapper, key lime pie, and sticky toffee, along with beer, wine, and cocktails. The new restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week and dinner Tuesday through Saturday (the bar is open every night).

In addition to Vela, YOTEL also is home to a rooftop bar called Deck 12.

The address for Vela (and YOTEL) is 65 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210. The website for the restaurant is at https://www.vela-seaport.com/

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]

Thursday, July 06, 2023

Shake Shack Plans to Open in Wellesley Square

A growing chain of burger spots may be opening a new location in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to an article from The Swellesley Report, Shake Shack is looking to open in Wellesley Square, moving into the former GAP space on Central Street. The post mentions that the chain--which got its start in New York City--had been looking at the space last fall, though it wasn't known at the time if it would actually happen, but now they are submitting their plans to the town.

Shake Shack currently has 13 locations in Eastern Massachusetts, with the closest outlets to Wellesley being in Chestnut Hill and Dedham.

The address for the upcoming location of Shake Shack in Wellesley Square is 74 Central Street, Wellesley, MA, 02482. The website for the chain can be found at https://theswellesleyreport.com/

[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.)

One Reason Garden Bar Is Opening at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A new outdoor bar is on its way to a hotel in the heart of Cambridge.

According to a source, One Reason Garden Bar is getting ready to open at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square, with its Instagram page saying that it will feature local craft beers, natural wines, frozen cocktails, and live music. A job post within the LinkedIn site goes on to mention that it will be an extension of Noir lounge and will be set up as a "centerpiece" of the hotel's courtyard.

The address for One Reason Garden Bar (and the Charles Hotel) is 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the hotel can be found at https://www.charleshotel.com/

[August 7 update: A source tells us (via a Cambridge Day article) that One Reason Garden Bar is now open.]

NOTE: We need your help, as Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and some major related expenses. 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]

Cactus Club Cafe Plans to Open in Boston's Back Bay

A new dining spot is on its way to the Back Bay of Boston, and its name is very similar to that of a long-closed restaurant that was a popular spot for many years.

According to a source, Cactus Club Cafe is planning to open at 500 Boylston Street, with a Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) License and Building Use meeting looking into the proposal on July 10. We have been told that the new place does not have an ownership connection to that of the Cactus Club, a Mexican and Tex-Mex spot that resided at 939 Boylston Street from the 1980s until its closure in 2014.

As soon as more information on the Cactus Club Cafe is given via the NABB meeting or elsewhere, we will post an update here.

[August 1 update: The Boston Sun reports that the Back Bay location of the Cactus Club Cafe is part of a Canadian chain of casual upscale restaurants featuring global cuisine, and that it apparently won't open for another two years.]

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

[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.)

Las Palmas Opens in the Former El Jefe's Taqueria Space in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A new location of a pair Dominican restaurants has debuted.

According to a press release, Las Palmas soft-opens today from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the former El Jefe's Taqueria space in The Garage in Harvard Square, joining its original location in Roslindale as well as another at Harvard University's Smith Campus Center, though we are told that that one will be closing on July 31 (there had once been another at The Launchpad at MIT as well). Expect the new location--which is a full-service quick-casual spot--to offer customizable bowls, empanadas, roasted pork, stewed chicken, Dominican sandwiches, house-made flan, and more, and it will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

The address for the new location of Las Palmas in Harvard Square is 83 Mt Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the business is at https://laspalmaskitchen.com/

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]

Monday, July 03, 2023

Life Is Good Coffee House Plans to Open in Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood

A Boston-based company known for its apparel and accessories may be opening a coffee shop within the city.

According to a tweet from @FortPointer, Life Is Good Coffee House is looking to open by the corner of Summer Street and Melcher Street in the Fort Point area, with a post from Fort Point Boston mentioning that it is requesting a Common Victualler License while a page within http://fortpointneighborhood.org/ shows the following note from Life Is Good:

Our brand has been headquartered in Fort Point for several years .We recently moved from Melcher Street up the block to Summer Street. We inherited a Retail space previously occupied by Café Metro, and feel strongly that a Coffee House concept is more suitable to the area than a Life is Good Retail store.

If all goes as planned, Life Is Good Coffee House--which would have 20 seats inside the space--could be opening in October.

The address for the proposed Life Is Good Coffee House is 253 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the company can be found at https://www.lifeisgood.com/

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]

Gordon Ramsay Burger Opens in Boston on July 5

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a celebrity chef would be bringing another one of his concepts to Boston, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to open.

According to a press release, Gordon Ramsay Burger is planning to open on July 5 within the Canopy by Hilton boutique hotel just off the Greenway by Faneuil Hall and Haymarket Square. The new spot will offer such options as burgers, wings, fries, onion rings, milkshakes, and local beers, with the space including a roof deck on the second level.

Ramsay also has another restaurant in the city--Ramsay's Kitchen within the Mandarin Oriental hotel in the Back Bay, which opened early last year.

The address for Gordon Ramsay Burger in Boston is 111 North Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for all of Ramsay's restaurants can be found at https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/

[Earlier Article]
Gordon Ramsay Burger to Open in Boston

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]

Sunday, July 02, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending July 2, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between June 26 and July 2, 2023.

Folio to Open at the Boston Athenaeum in Boston's Beacon Hill Neighborhood
A new cafe is on its way to downtown Boston, and it is connected to an historic library.
Full Story

Day & Night Cereal Bar to Open in Brighton
A group of dining spots that feature customizable cereal bowls, shakes, and more will be expanding to Boston.
Full Story

PLNT Burger to Open in Brookline's Coolidge Corner
A vegan burger chain is planning to open its third Boston-area outlet, and this will be its only standalone spot in the region.
Full Story

Revival Cafe + Kitchen Opens in Downtown Boston
A pair of Boston-area cafes has become a trio once again, as a new location has opened its doors--and this one is in the heart of the city.
Full Story

Flatbread Company in Bedford Has Closed
The sole remaining Boston-area location of a group of flatbread pizza spots has shut down.
Full Story

Where to Find Us

This is mainly for those on Twitter, as the future of that social media platform seems to be in question at this point. If you're on Twitter (or aren't but are looking to connect), here is where you can find us.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063541779659&ref=ts

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/38033797932

Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/hiddenboston/

Mastodon: https://better.boston/@MarcHurBoston

Here's hoping that Twitter can survive, but just in case, please connect to us using the above links, thanks!

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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!