Boston Restaurant Talk: December 2023

Friday, December 29, 2023

Los Alebrijes Is Opening in the Former La Cancun Restaurant Space in East Boston

A new restaurant that looks like it will focus at least in part on Mexican food is coming to East Boston, and it will move into a space where a Mexican and Salvadorian dining spot had been.

According to a source, a sign is up for Los Alebrijes at a storefront on Sumner Street in Maverick Square that had formerly been home to La Cancun Restaurant, with a "coming soon" sign in the window. Very little information on the upcoming eatery can be found at this point in time, though the term "Alebrijes" refers to Mexican folk art, so it may be featuring Mexican dishes (as soon as we get more information on the place, we will post an update here).

The address for Los Alebrijes (and the now-closed La Cancun Restaurant is 192 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

[April 9, 2024 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Los Alebrijes 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.)

House of Pho Is Opening in the Former Welcome India Cuisine Space in Framingham

A couple of months ago, it was reported that an Indian restaurant in Framingham had closed down, and now we have learned that a new dining spot is taking over its space.

According to a source (Michael Shammas), House of Pho is planning to open on Route 9 in Framingham, taking over the space that had previously been home to Welcome India Cuisine until it closed in August. Kiat Cormier of the ChewOnThis Facebook page tells us that the dining spot is expected to have seating for approximately 56 people and looks to offer Vietnamese noodle dishes, soups, and rolls, though Kiat also tells us that the restaurant was initially looking to be called Pho Framingham.

The address for the upcoming House of Pho is 770 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA, 01702. Its website is at https://www.houseofphovietnamese.com/

[February 2, 2024 update: Kiat Cormier has posted on Facebook that House of Pho is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Welcome India Cuisine in Framingham Has Closed

[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.)

Tawakal Halal Cafe in East Boston Is Saying Farewell to Its Home, Hopes to Find a New Location

A Somali restaurant in East Boston is saying farewell to its home, though it looks like it plans to find a new space.

According to a source, Tawakal Halal Cafe on Maverick Street is shutting down on January 5, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

It's hard to put into words the feelings swirling inside us as we share this message. Back in 2018, we started this journey with a simple wish: to share our mothers' cooking and the flavors of our Somali heritage with you, our cherished friends who became like family. We wanted to bring the tastes and scents from our upbringing to more people, not knowing the challenges that came with running a business. But through it all, our love for sharing our culture through food never wavered. What followed was beyond our wildest dreams. Each time you walked through our doors, shared a meal, or exchanged warm embraces, our small place became a sanctuary. It echoed with laughter, the clinking of utensils, and the growth of beautiful friendships over steaming plates of food. The awards and recognition we received weren't just about us. They were about the love you poured into every dish and the stories you shared at our tables. They were proof of the connections we built together here.

The note mentions that the people behind the place are currently searching for a new home while referring diners to their satellite location at the MIT Student Center in Cambridge which is open to the public.

Tawakal Halal Cafe debuted in 2010 on Bennington Street in Orient Heights, but closed a year later to focus more on catering; it reopened in its current home in 2018.

The address for Tawakal Halal Cafe is 389 Maverick Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website can be found at https://www.tawakalhalal.com/

[January 16, 2024 update: A check on its social media has confirmed that Tawakal Halal Cafe is now closed.]

[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.)

Nouvelle Maison Plans to Open in the Former La Patisserie European Bakery Cafe Space in Winchester

A new French fine foods shop that will also sell bottles of wine and liquor is being planned for the northern suburbs of Boston, and it would replace a longtime bakery-cafe that closed a few months ago.

According to a couple of sources, including @Foodyguy1 who posted a tweet about it, Nouvelle Maison is hoping to open in Winchester, moving into the former La Patisserie European Bakery Cafe space on Church Street in the center of town. We have been told that owners Celine and Tom Kimberly have plans to make the place a bakery-cafe that offers such items as cheese, meat, bread, croissants, and more, and it will also have a section with bottles of alcohol, though alcohol will not be served within the place (the Winchester News says it will have seating for approximately 12 but will not be set up as a sitdown restaurant). It appears that if all goes well, Nouvelle Maison could be opening next summer or fall.

La Patisserie had been in business for almost 20 years before shutting down over the summer.

The address for the upcoming Nouvelle Maison is 30 Church Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

[November 5, 2024 update: According to a press release, Nouvelle Maison is now open.]

[Earlier article]
La Patisserie European Bakery Cafe in Winchester Has Closed

[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.)

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Tavern in the Square Opens in Dedham

A local group of restaurants and bars has opened another new outlet, with this one being just southwest of Boston.

According to multiple sources, Tavern in the Square is now open in Dedham, and as mentioned in an earlier article, it has taken over the former Joe's American Bar & Grill space on Providence Highway. The new location is one of three that was announced earlier this year, with one in Framingham opening this summer while another in Weymouth is planning to open as well. (Other outlets can be found in North Station and South Station in Boston, Allston, Burlington, Littleton, Lowell, Shrewsbury, Tyngsborough, Woburn, and Wrentham.

The address for the new location of Tavern in the Square is 985 Providence Highway, Dedham, MA, 02026. The website for all locations is at https://www.taverninthesquare.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.)

BATI Indian Kitchen by Shanti Plans to Open at Hub Hall by North Station in Boston

The people behind a pair of Indian restaurants may be opening a new spot, and this one would be located within a food hall in Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, BATI Indian Kitchen by Shanti is seeking a common victualler license to operate at Hub Hall by North Station. The hearing notice mentions that the proposed spot would have 15 seats and that the manager would be Jebin Tuladhar, who is a managing partner at locations of Shanti in Dorchester and Roslindale. More information should be out about BATI Indian Kitchen by late next week, as the hearing is slated for Wednesday, January 3, so stay tuned for updates.

The website for all three locations of Shanti can be found at https://www.shantiboston.com/

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.)

Salo Bar & Grill Opens in Brockton

A brand new upscale restaurant has come to Brockton.

According to an article in the Patriot Ledger, Salo Bar & Grill is now open on Route 28 (N Montello Street), moving into a space a few blocks south of where Routes 28 and 37 meet. The new dining spot features what the post says is "classic American food with a twist of island twang" including dishes with Cape Verdean influences, with its menu showing such options as ceviche, fried calamari, tuna tartare, coconut shrimp, grilled oysters, fried pastel stuffed with tuna, lamb chops, seared strip steak, seafood platters, grilled octopus, roasted chicken, deep-fried corn on the cob, and macaroni and cheese, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for Salo Bar & Grill is 810 N Montello Street, Brockton, MA, 02301. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091902740568

Thanks to Casey Doyle for initially bringing this to our attention.

[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.)

Fuchunju Is Opening in the Former Gourmet China House Space in Boston's Chinatown

Late last year, it was reported that a restaurant in Boston's Chinatown neighborhood had quietly shut down, and now we have learned that a new dining spot is taking over the space.

According to a poster (Geoff Wong) within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, a sign is now up for Fuchunju at the former Gourmet China House space on Beach Street. Based on its name, the upcoming eatery will also be a Chinese restaurant though there is currently little information on the upcoming space, so stay tuned for any updates that come in.

Gourmet China House first opened in 2016, offered a mix of authentic Chinese and Chinese-American fare until closing down in late November of 2022.

The address for Fuchunju in Chinatown is 55 Beach Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

[February 19, 2024 update: Geoff Wong posts in the Facebook group that Fuchunju is now open, and it looks like the place offers such items as pork buns, soup dumplings, noodle dishes, spring rolls, spareribs, and more.]

[Earlier Article]
Gourmet China House in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood Has Closed

[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, December 27, 2023

Athan's Bakery & Cafe in Brighton Is Closing, Looking for New Space

A location of a pair of bakery-cafes is getting ready to shut down, though it could possibly be returning in a new space.

According to a Facebook post from Brighton Main Streets, Athan's Bakery & Cafe on Washington Street is closing its doors, with a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page indicating that its last day may be Thursday, December 28. The Brighton Main Streets post states that this might not be the end for the shop, saying that "The owners are still actively looking for a smaller space and hope for it to be in our Community." (Both posts mention that the Brookline location will remain in operation.) The Brighton outlet of Athan's Bakery & Cafe first opened approximately 15 years ago, offering baked goods and pastries with European influences.

Based on an earlier article here, it appears that a new location of Lakon Paris Patisserie will be opening within the Athan's space.

The address for Athan's Bakery & Cafe in Brighton is 407 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for both locations is at http://www.athansbakery.com/

[January 2, 2024 update: WBZ 1030 confirms that the Brighton location of Athan's Bakery & Cafe is now closed.]

[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.)

Pavilion Replaces Silk Global Cuisine in Framingham

An Indian restaurant in MetroWest has been replaced by a new dining spot that features dishes with global influences.

According to a source, Pavilion is now open in Framingham, taking over the Silk Global Cuisine space on Edgell Road. The menu for the new restaurant shows dishes with a variety of international influences, including Greek, Korean, Indian, Chinese, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and more, with such options as hot and sour soup, samosas, falafel, Haitian squash soup, a lamb burger, lahmajoun, crispy fried tofu, lamb gyros, kimchi with jasmine rice, and more.

Silk Global Cuisine first opened in the spring of 2022, replacing a location of Volturno Pizza.

The address for Pavilion is 1 Edgell Road, Framingham, MA, 01701. Its website can be found at https://www.pavilionframingham.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.)

Top Pot Opens in Braintree

A brand new Asian restaurant has come to the South Shore.

A check on the place over the weekend indicates that Top Pot has opened in Braintree, moving into a space on Quincy Avenue just south of the Quincy line. The menu for the dining spot shows such options as sushi, hot pot, noodle dishes, fried rice, pu pu platters, seafood platters, and more, and it has a bar within the space as well.

The address for Top Pot in Braintree is 462 Quincy Avenue, Braintree, MA, 02184. Its website can be found at https://www.toppotbraintree.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, December 26, 2023

Umi Sushi Opens in the Former Summer Sushi Space in Arlington Center

A new sushi spot has come to the northwest suburbs of Boston, replacing another sushi place that had replaced yet another sushi spot.

A check on the place indicates that Umi Sushi is now open in Arlington Center, moving into the space on Mass. Ave. that had been home to Summer Sushi, and before that, Usushi Cafe (it had also been home to Yummys Frozen Yogurt as well). The new restaurant offers a variety of sushi, sashimi, and maki options, along with appetizers, soups, salads, poke bowls, milk tea, smoothies, and more, and while it is mostly set up for takeout, it does have a few tables within the space.

The address for Umi Sushi is 474 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website can be found at https://umisushima.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.)

KPOT to Open Locations in Dedham, Malden, and Methuen

A Korean restaurant chain with roots in New York City will be expanding to the local area, bringing at least three outlets to Eastern Massachusetts.

According to its website, KPOT is planning to open locations in Dedham, Malden, and Methuen, with the Dedham outlet opening at the Dedham Mall on Providence Highway, the Malden outlet opening in the former John Brewer's Tavern space on Highland Avenue, and the Methuen outlet opening at The Loop on Pleasant Valley Street. Based on the other locations, expect to see all-you-can-eat Korean hot pot and Korean BBQ at the upcoming restaurants.

KPOT first started out in the Flushing section of Queens in 2018; the website for the chain can be found at https://thekpot.com/

Thanks to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page for initially bringing this to our attention.

[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.)

Restaurant News for the Week Ending December 24, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 18 and December 24, 2023.

Stoked Pizza Company Is Looking to Open in the Former Doyle's Cafe Space in Jamaica Plain
A pair of highly-rated pizza spots could be expanding to a third location where one of Boston's best-known dining and drinking places had been.
Full Story

Butternut Bakehouse Opens in Belmont
A bakery in the northwest suburbs has expanded to a new space nearby.
Full Story

Filho's Great Road in Acton Has Closed; Bella's Great Road Opens in Its Space
An Italian restaurant west of Boston has shut down, and a new Italian spot has opened in its space.
Full Story

STK Steakhouse Opens in Boston's Back Bay
A group of steakhouses has brought its original concept to Boston after having another concept fall through.
Full Story

Raffael's and The Greenside Grille to Say Goodbye to the South Shore Country Club in Hingham at the End of 2024
A popular restaurant and function facility will both be leaving their home south of Boston, though they will both be around for another year or so.
Full Story

[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.)

Friday, December 22, 2023

Stoked Pizza Company Is Looking to Open in the Former Doyle's Cafe Space in Jamaica Plain

A pair of pizza spots that have gained both local and national recognition over the years could be opening a third location, and this one would reside where one of Boston's best-known dining and drinking places had once been.

According to a post within the Jamaica Plain Facebook group, Stoked Pizza Company is hoping to open on Washington Street where Doyle's Cafe had been until closing in 2019, with a Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council Public Service Committee notice indicating that the proposal is slated to be discussed in a virtual meeting on January 2. A check on Bizapedia confirms that there is indeed a recently-formed LLC called "Stoked Pizza JP" while the meeting notice mentions Toirm Miller, who is one of the owners of Stoked. If approved, the new location of Stoked--which has received high praise from Zagat, Boston Magazine, Chronicle, Eater Boston, and others--would join existing locations in Brookline and Cambridge.

Back in 2020, it looked like the people behind Brassica Kitchen + Cafe in the Forest Hills section of JP might be taking over the former Doyle's Cafe space, and while no news on that proposal has been given of late, a few months ago it was learned that the Brassica team was looking to expand into the former Dogwood Cafe space which is next door to their dining spot.

Doyle's Cafe had been in operation since 1882.

The address for the former Doyle's (and proposed Stoked Pizza Company) is 3484 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for Stoked is at https://www.stokedpizzaco.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.)

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa Opening in Jamaica Plain

A Grove Hall dining spot that features South American fare is coming to Jamaica Plain.

According to an article from the Jamaica Plain News, Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa has a sign up in the former Caffe Aromi on Centre Street in the Hyde Square section of JP, and based on its existing location on Blue Hill Avenue, the new spot will offer arepas and presumably, such items as empanadas, cachapas, tequenos, patacones, Venezuelan hot dogs, yucca croquettes, and more. It is not known if this will be a move or a second location of the eatery, so keep checking back for updates as they come in.

The address for the new location of Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa is 403A Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The menu for the business is at https://dontequenoydonaarepa.com/

[July 8, 2024 update: According to a source, Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa is now open in Jamaica Plain.]

[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.)

Butternut Bakehouse Opens in Belmont

Last fall, it was reported that a bakery in the northwest suburbs was looking to expand to a new space nearby, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

A message from Leah Klein of City Living Boston mentions that Butternut Bakehouse is now open in Belmont, and as stated in an earlier article here, it has taken over the over the space on Leonard Street where Craft Beer Cellar had been before moving to another space in the center of town. The new shop, which joins the original Butternut location on Mass. Ave. in Arlington, offers baked goods, pastries, sandwiches, pizza, coffee, tea, and more.

The address for the new location of Butternut Bakehouse in Belmont Center is 51 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. The website for the business can be found at https://www.butternutbakehouse.com/

[Earlier Article]
Butternut Bakehouse Plans to Open in Belmont Center

[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.)

Filho's Great Road in Acton Has Closed; Bella's Great Road Opens in Its Space

An Italian restaurant west of Boston has shut down, and a new Italian spot has opened in its space.

According to a tweet from @mrbcpa99, Filho's Great Road in Acton is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the place saying "Thank you to all our Filho's Great Road Family, friends and Guests. It was a great 7 years." The Facebook post refers customers to Filho's Cucina in Groton which remains in operation, while @mrbcpa99 says that a new dining spot called Bella's has moved into the Filho's Great Road space--and a Facebook post from that restaurant confirms this, saying that "We've got exciting news! We are so excited to share that Bella's Great Road is officially open for business....Come out and dine with us!.

The address for the now-closed Filho's Great Road (and the new Bella's Great Road) is 59 Great Road, Acton, MA, 01720.

[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, December 20, 2023

STK Steakhouse Opens in Boston's Back Bay

Earlier this year, it was reported that a group of steakhouses was looking to bring its original concept to Boston after having another concept fall through, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a tweet from @smithieuk, STK Steakhouse is now open in the Back Bay, with a Facebook post from the place confirming that it is now up and running within a space on Berkeley Street, saying "Dine in STYLE! STK Boston is NOW OPEN & accepting reservations for Lunch, Dinner & Weekend Brunch!" Back in 2016, it was mentioned here that STK Steakhouse had originally planned to open STK Rebel in the Seaport District, with One Group Hospitality co-founder Jonathan Segal saying that "We went into this with the sole intention to create a different steakhouse that appealed to the female market....If you want to make a lot of money in this world, focus on the female market and women, because men only get to make 3 percent of the decisions." Those plans never came to fruition, and in April of this year, plans were set in place to bring STK Steakhouse to Boston instead.

The address for STK Steakhouse in the Back Bay is 222 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the company is at https://stksteakhouse.com/

[Earlier Article]
STK Steakhouse Plans to Open in Boston

[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, December 19, 2023

Raffael's and The Greenside Grille to Say Goodbye to the South Shore Country Club in Hingham at the End of 2024

A popular restaurant and function facility will both be leaving their home south of Boston, though they will both be around for another year or so.

According to a message sent to us, Raffael's & The Greenside Grille are saying farewell to the South Shore Country Club in Hingham at the end of their lease with the town at the end of 2024, with a press release saying the following:

After 15 years of serving the Hingham community – and 35 years serving the South Shore at large...the owners have decided to embark on new adventures and opportunities....The owners express their sincere gratitude to the South Shore Country Club permit holders, the loyal customers, dedicated staff, and the Hingham community for their unwavering support throughout the years.

The release also quotes owners Elio & Frank Ricci as saying "it's with mixed emotions that we make this announcement. Raffael's has been a labor of love for us, and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved together with our team and the community. While we bid farewell to this chapter, we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences until the very end."

Raffael's Restaurant, Banquet & Conference Facilities debuted in 1989 in the old State Street Bank complex in North Quincy, MA, opening another function venue in Walpole in 2000 and also being the exclusive food and beverage provider to the former Clarion Nantasket Beach Resort Hotel & Spa in Hull. (Both Raffael's & The Greenside Grille have called the South Shore Country Club their home since 2009.)

The website for Raffael's is at https://raffaels.com/ while the website for The Greenside Grille is at https://www.greensidegrille.com/

(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.)

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending December 17, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 11 and December 17, 2023.

Dorchester Brewing Company and Aeronaut Brewing to Merge
A couple of local breweries are going to be joining forces.
Full Story

Baleia Is Getting Ready to Open in Boston's South End
A new dining spot with Portuguese influences will soon be opening in the South End of Boston, and a local restaurant group is behind it.
Full Story

Exodus Bagels Plans to Add a Dining Space to Its Facility in Roslindale
A bagel company in Roslindale that shuttered its Jamaica Plain shop a few years ago is hoping to expand its production facility to include seating for customers.
Full Story

Imperial China in Framingham Is Closing
An old-school Chinese restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston is getting ready to shut down.
Full Story

Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen in Boston's South End to Close December 31; Will Be Rebranded
A Southern-style restaurant that is known in part for its live music will soon be shutting down for the time being, as it gets ready for a rebranding.
Full Story

[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.)

Mothership Opens in Cambridge's Alewife Area

A new dining and drinking spot has come to Cambridge after being in the works for at least six years.

According to an Instagram post from the place, Mothership is now open in the Alewife area of the city, moving into a building on CambridgePark Drive that is also home to a location of Revival Kitchen (both Mothership and Revival Kitchen are owned by Liza Shirazi and Steve "Nookie" Postal). Its website mentions that the new spot is "a familiar neighborhood hang...where you can gather with your co-workers after a long day or skip the cooking at home and bring the whole family in" and which offers both shareable plates and full meals including pork dumplings, falafel bites, spicy crab dip, burgers, roast chicken, pappardelle, salmon, stuffed acorn squash, and more (beer, wine, and cocktails are also available).

The address for Mothership is 125 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at https://www.mothershipalewife.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.)

Friday, December 15, 2023

Dominican Grill Opens in Waltham

A brand new Caribbean restaurant has come to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Dominican Grill is now open in Waltham, moving into the space on Main Street that had been home to Marsala's Italian Kitchen. The poster mentions that the dining spot offers such items as chicken chimmi, yuca, fried chicken, rice, and yaroa, while its website also mentions such options as mofongo, shrimp in garlic sauce, pizza, club sandwiches, and roasted chicken.

The address for Dominican Grill in Waltham is 897 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451. Its website can be found at https://dominicangrillcp.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.)

The Common Room Grill Is Replacing Latina Kitchen & Bar In Needham

A suburban spot that focuses on Mediterranean and South American fare is closing its doors, though a new restaurant will be move in.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Latina Kitchen & Bar is shutting down after business hours on December 17 with an earlier post mentioning that a sports bar is moving into the space. Latina Kitchen & Bar first opened in the summer of 2019, taking over the space that had previously been home to L&K Lounge and Kitchen (and that place had originally been known as RFK Kitchen).

Another poster within the Facebook group page mentions that The Common Room is opening within the Latina Kitchen & Bar space in early 2024, with a Needham Observer article mentioning that it will feature "high-quality comfort food while also possibly including some of the offerings from Latina Kitchen & Bar, as the hope is that the Latina chef stays on at the new place.

The address for Latina Kitchen & Bar (and The Common Room) is 30 Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492. The website for The Common Room is at https://commonroomneedham.com/

[March 8, 2024 update: A poster within the Facebook group page mentions that The Common Room Grill has soft-opened, with its grand opening taking place on March 11.]

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

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Thursday, December 14, 2023

Dorchester Brewing Company and Aeronaut Brewing to Merge

A couple of local breweries are going to be joining forces.

According to posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page along with an Instagram post, Dorchester Brewing Company and Aeronaut Brewing in Somerville and Everett are merging, with the Instagram post saying the following:

As two likeminded local brands with similar missions to create the highest-quality craft beer while positively impacting our communities, this partnership will usher in a new era of innovation in the local craft beer scene. Never fear, the beer you know and love will continue to be brewed and enjoyed by all. Both beer brands are staying as is and functioning independently - just now under one parent company allowing us to make things even better! For you, our customers, nothing really changes on your end. You get to continue enjoying all your favorite beers from both DBC and Aeronaut at each of our local taprooms and throughout the local beer scene. We are moving Aeronaut's larger-scale production to our Dorchester location, while the Aeronaut team will continue to brew small batch beers for their own taprooms at their Somerville location, with the Everett Cannery taproom continuing to operate into 2024. We are beyond excited about this partnership and look forward to what the future brings!

Dorchester Brewing Company debuted on Massachusetts Avenue in 2016, while Aeronaut Brewing first opened on Tyler Street in Somerville in 2014 (its Everett cannery was launched on Ashland Street in 2020). The website for the former is at https://www.dorchesterbrewing.com/ while the website for the latter is at https://www.aeronautbrewing.com/

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

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Baleia Is Opening in Boston's South End; Coda Restaurant Group (SRV Boston, The Salty Pig, Gufo) Is Behind It

A new dining spot with Portuguese influences is opening in the South End of Boston, and a local restaurant group is behind it.

According to a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, Baleia is currently hiring for all positions for their opening team, with the restaurant being located within the Troy Building between E. Berkley Street and Traveler Street. The job post mentions that Baleia (which means "whale" in Portuguese) will offer Portuguese-inspried dishes along with cocktails and an all-Portuguese wine list, while the space will have just under 90 seats and a bar with 15 seats. (BosGuy first wrote about Baleia earlier this year.)

Coda Restaurant Group, which runs SRV Boston, The Salty Pig, and Gufo, will be opening the new restaurant.

The address for Baleia is 264 E. Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02118. Its website can be found at https://www.baleiaboston.com/

[March 10, 2024 update: According to its website, Baleia is now open.]

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

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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

The Shawmut Inn May Be Replacing Orinoco in Boston's South End

It looks like a trio of Venezuelan dining spots may see its Boston location going away and being replaced by a new neighborhood restaurant.

Based on information from multiple sources along with a voting agenda page within the city's website, Orinoco in the South End is seeking to transfer its license to The Shawmut Inn, and we have been told that Matt Sullivan of Sullivan's Public House in Charlestown and The Tap Room on Nantucket is behind the proposed spot. It appears that the new restaurant plans to offer American fare, while Orinoco would remain in operation in Brookline Village and Cambridge's Harvard Square.

Orinoco first opened in the South End in 2006.

The address for Orinoco (and the proposed Shawmut Inn) is 477 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.

[February 23, 2024 update: According to a source, Orinoco in the South End is now closed.]

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

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Paris Baguette Opens in North Quincy

A new location of a chain of bakery-cafes with roots in South Korea has come to the local area after being in the works for more than three years.

According to a Mastodon post from @aweechwhobikes, Paris Baguette is now open in Quincy, with a Patriot Ledger article saying that it has moved into a space at The Abby, a luxury apartment complex by the North Quincy T station. The new shop, whose plans were first announced in the fall of 2020, joins another locally within H Mart in Cambridge's Central Square and it offers such items as baked goods, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and more.

Paris Baguette was established in the 1980s and now has approximately 100 locations in the United States and 4,000 outlets worldwide, most of which are in South Korea.

The address for the new location of Paris Baguette is 259 Hancock Street, North Quincy, MA, 02171. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.parisbaguette.com/

[Earlier Article]
Paris Baguette Plans to Open in Quincy

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

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Lakon Paris Patisserie Is Opening in Brighton

It looks like a pair of bakeries just west of Boston will be joined by its first within the city itself.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), Lakon Paris Patisserie is planning to open in Brighton, joining existing locations in Newton Highlands and Brookline's Coolidge Corner. Based on those two shops, expect the new outlet to offer a variety of croissants along with other baked goods and pastries, and its Instagram page hints that this one may have a decent amount of indoor seating unlike the two other shops which focus on takeout.

The website for Lakon Paris Patisserie can be found at https://lakonparispatisserie.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/lakonparis.patisserie/

[December 21 update: We have been told by Gary Goldblatt that the new location of Lakon Paris Patisserie will be coming to 407 Washington Street in Brighton.]

[July 18, 2024 update: According to its Instagram page, the Brighton location of Lakon Paris Patisserie has opened.]

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

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Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Exodus Bagels Plans to Add a Dining Space to Its Facility in Roslindale

A bagel company in Roslindale that shuttered its Jamaica Plain shop a few years ago is hoping to expand its production facility to include seating for customers.

According to an article from Universal Hub (via an Instagram post from the place), Exodus Bagels is proposing changes to its space on McCraw Street, including the addition of a dining area along with a new entryway, facade, service counter, and an additional bathroom. The Instagram post mentions that the people behind the business will be holding a virtual abutters meeting on Monday, December 18 to discuss the plans.

Exodus Bagels started out in 2015 with a series of pop-ups, opening a shop in on Washington Street in JP in 2018 which ended up temporarily closing in 2020 before turning into a permanent closure a year later; its Roslindale facility currently includes a service window in addition to its production kitchen.

The address for the Exodus facility in Roslindale is 2 McCraw Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131. Its website can be found at https://www.exodusbagels.com/

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

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Imperial China in Framingham Is Closing

An old-school Chinese restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston is getting ready to shut down.

According to a poster within the ChewOnThis Facebook group page, Imperial China is closing its doors, with a sign posted at the Route 9 spot saying "Our business will be permanently closing January 1, 2024. We thank you for your many years of support." The restaurant, which has been in business for more than 30 years, is known mainly for its Chinese-American fare and its Polynesian drinks.

The address for Imperial China is 413 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA, 01701. Its website can be found at https://www.imperialchinaframingham.com/

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

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Monday, December 11, 2023

Post 1917 Steakhouse Is Opening in Reading

A new restaurant is on its way to the northern suburbs of Boston, moving into an historic space that has been recently renovated.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Post 1917 Steakhouse is planning to open in Reading, with an article from The Reading Post indicating that it will be moving into the Postmark Building on Haven Street which had been home to the post office and which now includes condominiums and office space. The person behind the upcoming dining spot is Jason Carron, who is a veteran restaurant consultant and has been involved with such places as Del Frisco's and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

If all goes as planned, Post 1917 Steakhouse will open next spring.

The address for Post 1917 Steakhouse is 136 Haven Street, Reading, MA, 01867. Its website is at https://www.post1917.com/

[April 23 update: According to a press release, Post 1917 Steakhouse is now open, while its patio is slated to debut Memorial Day Weekend]

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

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Szechuan Mountain House Opens in Allston

A trio of restaurants with roots in New York City and which are known for their spicy Sichuan fare have been joined by a new outlet in the local area after being in the works for a bit more than a year.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Szechuan Mountain House is now open in Allston, moving into a space at the corner of Brighton Avenue and Linden Street. The menu for the new spot includes such options as poached chicken, beef tongue, spicy and sour soup with slices of beef, braised frog meat, stir-fried pork liver and kidney, braised fish heads, stir-fried lobster, braised shredded eel, braised lamb spine, dry fried whole striped bass, sizzling crispy tofu, and steamed egg with shrimp.

Szechuan Mountain House first started out in the East Village of Manhattan in 2015; two other locations can be found in the Flushing section of Queens and in Los Angeles.

The address for the new location of Szechuan Mountain House in Allston is 89 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for all locations is at https://www.szechuanmountainhouse.com/

[Earlier Article]
Szechuan Mountain House in NYC Plans to Expand to Allston

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

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Lobzter King Owner Plans to Open The Mix in the Former Ashmont Grill Space in Dorchester

The person behind a food truck that features grilled lobster is looking to open a permanent dining spot in Dorchester, taking over the space where a popular neighborhood restaurant had been.

According to a tweet from @DorchesterEsq and an article from the Dorchester Reporter, Jah Adams of the Lobzter King plans to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant called The Mix on Talbot Avenue in the former Ashmont Grill space. The tweet says that renovations are currently taking place and it could be opening sometime in the next few months, and based on the menu for the food truck, the menu at the new restaurant could include such items as grilled lobster tails, lobster rolls, lobster macaroni and cheese, chicken sliders, BLTs, smash burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, though a specific menu has not been given as of yet.

Ashmont Grill closed down in February after being in business for nearly 20 years.

The address for The Mix will be 555 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02124. The website for the Lobzter King can be found at https://www.lobzterking.com/

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

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Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen in Boston's South End to Close December 31; Will Be Rebranded

A Southern-style restaurant that is known in part for its live music will soon be shutting down for the time being, as it gets ready for a rebranding.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen in the South End of Boston is closing its doors temporarily on December 31, with a note on the website of the Columbus Avenue spot saying the following:

For over 65 years we have shared in the joys, triumphs, and milestones of hundreds of thousands of guests. We've been a place where stories were told, friendships were forged, and history was made. As we approach the end of this year, we find ourselves standing at the crossroads of a bittersweet farewell and an exciting new beginning. After careful consideration and heartfelt reflection, we have decided to embark on a brief hiatus to breathe new life into our beloved establishment. This decision stems from our commitment to preserving the rich legacy we've built over the past decades and ensuring that we continue to offer an exceptional experience to our cherished patrons for generations to come....As we bid farewell to this chapter, we carry with us the memories of Bob and Dottie Morgan, the stewardship of Darryl Settles, and the vivacity infused by Nia Grace. The corner may be changing, but the spirit of connection and shared moments will endure.

A Facebook post adds to this, mentioning "an exciting period of rebranding and expansion" as does an Instagram post from Darryl's owner Nia Grace, though no specific details have been given as of yet.

Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen, which first opened in 2010, resides in a space that has been home to several spots, including The Stork Club, Circle, Bob's Southern Bistro and Bob The Chef's.

The address for Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen is 604 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118. Its website can be found at https://dcbkboston.com/

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

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Sunday, December 10, 2023

Restaurant News for the Week Ending December 10, 2023

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 4 and December 10, 2023.

Sally's Apizza Opens in Woburn December 14
A legendary Connecticut pizzeria is just about ready to arrive in the Greater Boston area.
Full Story

The Future of Oath Pizza Is Unknown as a Number of Locations Shut Down
A group of pizzerias that got its start on Nantucket faces an uncertain future.
Full Story

Suasday in the North End Is Closing
A dining spot in Boston's North End that is known in part for its Cambodian sandwiches is saying farewell.
Full Story

Shiki in Brookline Is Closing
A Japanese restaurant in Brookline is getting ready to shut down.
Full Story

Blue Ribbon Brasserie Opens in Kenmore Square
A new dining spot from a NYC-based restaurant group has debuted in Boston.
Full Story

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

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Friday, December 08, 2023

South Shore Taco Guy Is Opening in Hull

The person behind a taco truck is opening a brick-and-mortar dining spot across from a popular beach south of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a Weymouth Foodies Facebook post), South Shore Taco Guy is getting ready to open in Hull, moving into a space on Nantasket Avenue across from Nantasket Beach. Owner Clint Smith states in another Facebook post that the dining spot is "almost there" while indicating that it plans to open in mid-January, though it isn't yet known what might be offered in addition to tacos (the catering/food truck part of the business offers taco salads, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, rice and beans, ceviche, churros, and more).

The address for the brick-and-mortar location of South Shore Taco Guy is 165 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA, 02045. The website for the business is at https://southshoretacoguy.com/

[January 16, 2024 update: A Facebook post from the business indicates that the brick-and-mortar location of South Shore Taco Guy is now open, and its food truck will return on April 1.]

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

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Red Lentil in Sharon Has Closed

A pair of vegan/vegetarian restaurants have dropped back to one, as the newer location has shut down.

According to a source, Red Lentil in Sharon is no longer in business, with a note within the website for the business saying the following:

We are saddened to share that, as of December 5, 2023, this location of Red Lentil will be permanently closed. We have so enjoyed being a part of the Sharon community, and we've so appreciated all the support and love we've received over the past 2 years. We hope that you will visit us at 600 Mount Auburn Street in Watertown in the future! If you have gift cards for this location, they can be used at Red Lentil Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant in Watertown as well.

The Sharon location of Red Lentil first opened in December of 2021, offering vegan and vegetarian takes on comfort food dishes. (The Watertown location debuted in 2009.)

The address for Red Lentil in Sharon was 1 Pond Street, Sharon, MA, 02067. The website for the original location can be found at https://theredlentil.com/

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

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Sally's Apizza Opens in Woburn December 14

A legendary Connecticut pizzeria is slated to arrive in the Greater Boston area next week.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Sally's Apizza is opening in Woburn on Thursday, December 14, moving into a space within the Woburn Village mixed-use development. Plans for the new location of Sally's were first announced back in the summer of 2021, and it was learned this summer that another outlet is being planned for Boston's Seaport District as well.

Sally's Apizza, which first opened in 1938 and has been under new ownership for a few years, is one of several New Haven spots--including Pepe's and Modern--that have gained national recognition for their pizza, with Sally's and Pepe's using coal-fired brick ovens for their pizzas which help give a char to the crust. (Other Connecticut locations of Sally's are in Fairfield and Stamford, and outlets in Newington, Norwalk, and Wethersfield are in the works as well.)

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

[Earlier Articles]
Sally's Apizza Is Planning to Expand to the Greater Boston Area
Sally's Apizza to Open in Boston's Seaport District

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

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The Future of Oath Pizza Is Unknown as a Number of Locations Shut Down

A group of pizzerias that got its start on Nantucket faces an uncertain future.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Oath Pizza in Somerville's Davis Square is locked up and dark, with a check on Google indicating that that outlet as well as others in Cambridge's Central Square and in Chestnut Hill are "temporarily closed," while The Swellesley Report says that the franchised-owned location in Wellesley remains open. (A check on the website for Oath indicates that it is no longer working.) The Nantucket Current mentions that the business is in turmoil with investors suing the former CEO, and seven corporate-owned locations have been shuttered over the past two weeks.

The original location of Oath Pizza is closed for the season, though as the Nantucket Current says, it isn't known if it will ever open back up, and it isn't known for sure whether the temporary closures of the Somerville, Cambridge, and Chestnut Hill locations are actually permanent.

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

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Thursday, December 07, 2023

Suasday in Boston's North End Is Closing

A dining spot in the North End of Boston that is known in part for its Cambodian sandwiches is saying farewell.

According to an email sent to us, Suasday on Hanover Street is planning to close down after business hours on Friday, December 22, citing a death in the family that will necessitate going overseas and taking an absence of unknown duration. The group behind the restaurant--Blackfin Collective, which also operates such spots as Love Art Sushi, Love Art Udon, Poke by Love Art, and Cloud & Spirits--may be hosting pop-ups within the space, and we have been told that it is possible Suasday could return in some form again, though no details are known at this point in time.

Suasday first opened in June of 2022.

The address for Suasday is 227 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. Its website can be found at https://www.suasday.com/

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

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Is'Original Thai Cuisine in Brookline's Washington Square Is Closing, May Be Looking for New Location

A Thai restaurant in Brookline is shutting down after being open for a bit under four years.

According to a source, Is'Original Thai Cuisine in Washington Square is closing, with a note out front indicating that Friday, December 15 will be its last day in operation, though we have been told that the people behind it may be looking to reopen elsewhere. The dining spot first opened in January of 2020, taking over the space on Beacon Street where New Rod Dee had been; the place is known for such items as boat noodle soup, crispy pork belly, spicy duck, mango crispy chicken, and BBQ pork with sticky rice.

The address for Is'Original Thai Cuisine is 1671 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. Its website can be found at https://www.isoriginalthai.com/

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

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Cafe Martin West Street in Newton's Nonantum Is Closing

A neighborhood restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston that debuted early last year is shutting down.

According to a source (Kelley Kassa), Cafe Martin West Street in the Nonantum section of Newton is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

As the ole saying goes, all good things must come to an end. We don't like it either but the ever increasing cost of doing business is making it tough to stay open. And in order to stay open, I would have to change the mission & the vision that IS Cafe Martin West Street & that is not something I am willing to compromise. We will be officially closed as of January 1st, 2024....Thank you, we love you & we are so sorry.

Cafe Martin first opened in the former West Street Tavern & Restaurant space in February of 2022, getting its start at a home in Newton that was nicknamed "Cafe Martin" in 2017 and became a place where people could gather together for food, drink, conversation, and support for Adrienne Martin's husband John (a former NESN photographer who was passed away from ALS in 2018) and his family.

The address for Cafe Martin West Street is 7 West Street, Newton, MA, 02458. Its website is at https://www.cafemartinweststreet.com/

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

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Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor Is Opening in Salem

A new pizzeria is on its way to the North Shore, and a well-known name within the local restaurant scene is behind it.

According to a press release, Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor is opening in Salem this month, offering what is described as a combination of traditional New York slices and lightly-charred New Haven-style pizza. The owner of the upcoming 50-seat spot on New Derby Street is Keenan Langlois, who runs Chez Casa (which is also in Salem) and who has been involved with such places as The Sinclair, Publico, Lumiere, Sorellina, Gaslight, Hamersley's Bistro, and 5 Corners Kitchen.

In addition to pizza, Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor will also serve baked goods, cookies and cakes, root beer floats, and ice cream frappes.

The address for Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor is 14 New Derby Strreet, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website can be found at https://www.garconsuperslicepizzapieparlor.com/

[December 20 update: Garçon SuperSlice Pizza Pie Parlor has debuted, with its website saying that its grand opening took place on December 19.]

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