Boston Restaurant Talk: December 2024

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

The Bosworth Opens in Downtown Boston

A new restaurant and bar has opened within a hotel in the heart of Boston.

According to a source, The Bosworth is now open in the downtown area of the city, moving into a space inside Hotel AKA Boston Common on Tremont Street. The Bosworth, which takes over the space of the former Better Sorts Social Club (which first opened in 2018 when the hotel was Kimpton Nine Zero), offers Mediterranean-influenced dishes and is open for breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch while also having bar service, with a few food options including shrimp provençale, burrata, pan-seared cod, spaghetti pesto, and a flat iron steak.

The address for The Bosworth is 90 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website can be found at https://thebosworthboston.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.)

Mass. Bay Brewing Co. (Harpoon, Long Trail) and Finestkind Brewing (Smuttynose, Wachusett, Five Boroughs) Are Merging

A couple of regional companies that oversee several big names within the beer scene are going to be joining forces.

According to a source, Mass. Bay Brewing Co. and Finestkind Brewing are planning to merge, which means that Harpoon, Long Trail, Smuttynose, Wachusett, and Five Boroughs will all have an ownership connection. A Brewbound article confirms this, mentioning that the merger will create what will be called Barrel One Collective.

Harpoon and Long Trail are currently under the Mass. Bay Brewing name while Smuttynose, Wachusett, and Five Boroughs are under the Finestkind name, with Harpoon having locations in Boston and Windsor, VT, Long Trail being in Bridgewater Corner, VT, Smuttynose being in Hampton, NH, Wachusett having locations in Westminster and Worcester, and Five Boroughs being in Brooklyn, NY.

Mass. Bay acquired Long Trail in 2022, while Finestkind acquired Five Boroughs in 2023 and Wachusett earlier this year.

(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.)

Jamaica Mi Hungry Is Opening in Downtown Boston

It looks like the people behind a Jamaican restaurant and a food truck will be opening another brick-and-mortar location.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Jamaica Mi Hungry is planning to open in downtown Boston, with the website for the business saying that it will move into a space on Devonshire Street. Based on the location in Jamaica Plain and the truck which can be found in Cambridge and Boston, the new outlet could be offering such items as curry chicken, pulled jerk pork, curry vegetable stew, jerk tofu, coconut shrimp, ribs, pork shoulder, steak tips, and more.

The address for the new location of Jamaica Mi Hungry in downtown Boston is 289 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for the business is at https://www.jamaicamihungry.com/

[April 10, 2024 update: According to its social media, Jamaica Mi Hungry soft-opened its downtown Boston location on April 7, with its grand opening taking place April 9.]

(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.)

One Bite Opens in Cambridge's Inman Square

A new Asian restaurant has come to Cambridge, moving into a space that has been home to several dining spots of late.

According to a post by @troysch1‬ on Bluesky, One Bite is now open in Inman Square, taking over the space on Cambridge Street where JP Restaurant had been, and before that, Midwest Grill Fusion, a short-lived Korean BBQ spot, and the Midwest Grill Brazilian BBQ. The menu for One Bite includes a variety of sushi dishes along with poke bowls, fried rice, sizzling "hot pan" dishes, sushi tacos, mini-bowls, milk tea, and more, and it is open for lunch and dinner daily.

The address for One Bite is 1124 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/onebitema/

(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.)

Monday, December 30, 2024

Cedar House in Walpole Has Closed

A restaurant in the southwest suburbs of Boston that was known in part for its family-friendly atmosphere, mix of classic and New American fare, and outdoor patio has shut down.

According to a source, the Cedar House in Walpole is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

Cedarhousewalpole has Closed permanently for business as of Sunday December 29th. Management and Staff would like to thank all our customers and the local community for your generous support and loyalty. Our loyal customers made coming to work a joy and we deeply appreciate how you made us feel like part of your family. Many thanks to all of you whom made Cedarhouse your home and all the friends we have made along the way.

The Cedar House first opened in 2021, replacing a neighborhood bar called the Patriot Tavern.

The address for the now-closed Cedar House was 100 Main Street (route 1A), Walpole, MA, 02081.

(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.)

Mecha Noodle Bar to Open at Legacy Place in Dedham

A Connecticut-based group of Asian restaurants will be opening another outlet in the Greater Boston area, with this one being in a mixed-use development just southwest of the city.

According to the website for Legacy Place in Dedham, Mecha Noodle Bar is planning to open within the development, joining others in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood and Brookline's Coolidge Corner. Based on those outlets along with other locations in Connecticut, Ohio, Washington, DC, and Colorado, expect to see noodle dishes with Southeast Asian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean influences including ramen and pho.

The website for Mecha Noodle Bar is at https://mechanoodlebar.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.)

Restaurant News for the Week Ending December 29

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 23 and December 29.

Lovestruck Books Opens in Harvard Square, Will Soon Be Home to George Howell Cafe and Wine Bar As Well
A new bookstore has come to Cambridge, and it will soon include a cafe and wine bar within its space.
Full Story

Not Your Average Joe's in Burlington Has Closed
It looks like another location of a local chain of family restaurants has shut down.
Full Story

Masons Steakhouse Opens in Quincy
A new restaurant has opened within an historic space in Quincy Center.
Full Story

Raffael's & The Greenside Grille at the South Shore Country Club in Hingham Have Closed
A restaurant and function facility south of Boston have said their final farewell.
Full Story

Village Kitchen in Cambridge's Huron Village Has Closed
A neighborhood dining spot in Cambridge that focused on Italian and Mediterranean fare has shuttered.
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 27, 2024

Lovestruck Books Opens in Cambridge's Harvard Square; George Howell Cafe and Wine Bar on the Way As Well

A new bookstore has come to Cambridge, and it will soon include a cafe and wine bar within its space.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Lovestruck Books is now open in Harvard Square, moving into a space on Brattle Street that has 5,000 square feet of space and which focuses on romance books. The poster included a link to a boston.com article that says the shop will become home to a George Howell coffee spot and wine bar by late January, with a Cambridge license commission page indicating that "The concept is similar to Trident in Boston, but it will be unique in its own way."

The address for Lovestruck Books (and the upcoming cafe and wine bar) is 44 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the bookstore is at https://lovestruckbooks.com/

[January 27, 2025 update: The Boston Globe mentions that the George Howell cafe is now open within Lovestruck Books, with the wine bar on its way soon.]

(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.)

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Not Your Average Joe's in Burlington Has Closed

It looks like another location of a local chain of family restaurants has closed.

According to multiple sources, Not Your Average Joe's in Burlington shut down at the end of business hours on December 23, with its website confirming this, as it has removed the location from its site. A few other locations of the chain have closed over the past three years, including ones in Arlington, Methuen, and Randolph, while locations remain open for business locally in Acton, Norwell, Peabody, Waltham, Watertown, and Westwood.

The address for now-closed Not Your Average Joe's in Burlington was 4C Wayside Road, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the chain is at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.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.)

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Casa Verde Is Opening in Scituate

A new Latin American restaurant is on its way to the South Shore, and a local restaurateur is behind the place.

According to a press release, Casa Verde is planning to open in Scituate, moving into the former Dunkin' space on Front Street in Scituate Harbor. The new spot will offer lunch, dinner, and brunch with dishes having influences ranging from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and the Caribbean, and cocktails and Spanish wines will also be available, while live Latin jazz music is being planned for the space.

The owner of Casa Verde is Kara Tondorf, who also runs Salt Society restaurant in Scituate Harbor and The Rivershed in Killington, VT, along with the now-closed locations of The Rivershed in Scituate and Weymouth Landing and Riva Restaurant, the last of which had also been in Scituate Harbor.

The address for Casa Verde is 99 Front Street, Scituate, MA, 02066.

[March 26, 2025 update: According to its social media Casa Verde is now open in Scituate.]

(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.)

Masons Steakhouse Opens in Quincy

Earlier this year, it was reported that a new restaurant was planning to open within an historic space in Quincy, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to posts on its Facebook page, Masons Steakhouse is now open on Hancock Street in the downtown section of the city, with the place being an upscale dining spot that features New American fare and which is run by restaurateur Jimmy Liang of the JP Fuji Group (the new place is not part of that group). The two-story restaurant takes over the space that had been home to The Masonic Temple, which dated back to 1926 and was destroyed in a fire in 2013.

The address for Masons Steakhouse is 1170 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. Its website can be found at https://www.masonssteakhouse.com/

[Earlier Article]
Masons Steakhouse House Is Planning to Open in Quincy Center

(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.)

The Captain's Table and TakeAway in Wellesley Is Morphing into Marden's

A seafood restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston that includes a fish market is getting ready to shut down, as the owners are bringing a new concept to the space.

According to multiple sources, The Captain’s Table and Takeaway in Wellesley is planning to close down and be replaced by a new spot, with a post on its Facebook page and a note on its website indicating that it will shutter on December 29 for renovations and will be reborn as Marden's, a new restaurant that will include handmade pasta dishes and an expanded raw bar while also continuing to offer the "delicious and fresh seafood you have enjoyed for years." The notes do mention that the retail store (Captain Marden's Seafoods) and the food truck will remain open during renovations.

The address for The Captain's Table and TakeAway (and the upcoming Marden's restaurant) is 279 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA, 02482. The website for Captain Marden's can be found at https://www.captainmardens.com/

[April 23, 2025 update: According to its website and social media, Marden's is now open in the former Captain's Table and TakeAway space.]

(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.)

Monday, December 23, 2024

Raffael's & The Greenside Grille at the South Shore Country Club in Hingham Have Closed

Late last year, it was reported that a restaurant and function facility south of Boston would be closing at the end of this year, and now we have learned that they have said their final farewell.

According to a Facebook post from over the weekend, Raffael's & The Greenside Grille at the South Shore Country Club in Hingham are now closed for good, with the post saying the following:

Today is bittersweet as we welcome you to join us for our final day of service, Sunday, December 22nd. Swing by for a drink, share your favorite memories, and let's raise a glass to 15 incredible years together. Your support has meant the world to us, and we are forever grateful for the friendships, laughter, and moments we've shared. Come celebrate the end of an era with us. Cheers to the memories, the meals, and all of YOU who made it so special.

Raffael's Restaurant, Banquet & Conference Facilities was first established in 1989 in the old State Street Bank complex in North Quincy, MA, with another function venue opening in Walpole in 2000 and also being the exclusive food and beverage provider to the former Clarion Nantasket Beach Resort Hotel & Spa in Hull; Raffael's & The Greenside Grille have resided at the South Shore Country Club since 2009.

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

(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.)

Village Kitchen in Cambridge's Huron Village Has Closed

A neighborhood dining spot in Cambridge that focused on Italian and Mediterranean fare has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Village Kitchen in the Huron Village section of the city is no longer in operation, with a note out front at the Huron Avenue eatery saying "After 23 years, the time has come for our journey here to end. We thank you for your support throughout the hard and good times. It is our hope that your memories with us are as lovely as our memories with you." Village Kitchen was known in part for its pizza while also offering soups, salads, calzones, pasta dishes, subs, and more.

The address for the now-closed Village Kitchen was 359 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

(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.)

Restaurant News for the Week Ending December 22

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 16 and December 22.

Shoreline Kitchen + Bar in Hull Has Closed
A restaurant within a seaside resort on the South Shore has shut down.
Full Story

Maple & Ash Is Apparently Expanding to Boston, Opening a Location in the Seaport District
It looks like a pair of high-end steakhouses in the Midwest and the Southwest may be joined by a location in Boston.
Full Story

The Cambridge Brewing Company Brand Has Been Acquired by Castle Island Brewing Co.
A beloved Kendall Square brewery that was planning to close down will see its beers live on.
Full Story

Saus in Boston Has Closed; Bow Market Location to Remain in Operation
A comfort food spot in downtown Boston that was known in part for its hand-cut fries and beer has shut down, though its other location will continue on.
Full Story

Whitney's in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Closing
It appears that one of the last dive bars in Cambridge is closing its doors.
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 20, 2024

Shoreline Kitchen + Bar in Hull Has Closed

A restaurant within a seaside resort on the South Shore has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page along with the restaurant's website, Shoreline Kitchen + Bar in Hull shut down over the weekend, with a note on its Facebook page saying the following:

Janet and I have enjoyed our time in Hull and have much affection for this wonderful town and its sense of community. We couldn't live up to the terms of our lease so it has been terminated as of 12/20/2024....Any gift cards you have can be redeemed at True North Kitchen + Bar in North Weymouth. Although we will be able to absorb some of the staff at True North, for others it will be a difficult message to receive just before Christmas. Thanks to everyone who has created such great memories for us and our family. We will still be operating True North for the foreseeable future so please come visit us there.

Shoreline Kitchen + Bar resided within the Nantasket Beach Resort, offering a variety of seafood options along with a mix of classic and New American fare.

The address for the now-closed Shoreline Kitchen + Bar was 45 Hull Shore Drive, Hull, MA, 02045.

(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.)

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Maple & Ash Is Apparently Expanding to Boston, Opening a Location in the Seaport District

It looks like a pair of high-end steakhouses in the Midwest and the Southwest may be joined by a location in Boston.

According to a source, Maple & Ash is planning to open in the city's Seaport District, with a sign for the place apparently being shown above Rag & Bone Menswear on Pier 4 Boulevard. This jibes with an article from Crain's Chicago Business, which mentions that locations of the restaurant appear to be in the works for Boston, Santa Barbara, New York City, and Miami, the last of which may be opening as soon as January of 2025. Currently, locations of Maple & Ash can be found in Chicago (where it was first established) and Scottsdale, with both locations offering a variety of steaks and chops along with seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and more.

The website for Maple & Ash can be found at https://www.mapleandash.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.)

Paolo's in Saugus Has Closed

A long-closed Italian restaurant in a Boston neighborhood that was reborn north of the city last year has shut down.

According to a source, Paolo's in Saugus is no longer in operation, with a Facebook comment from owner Paul Delios confirming what our source (and a North Shore Eats post) indicated, saying that "I closed the restaurant for good." Paolo's first opened on Lincoln Avenue in the early part of 2023, being a second incarnation of Paolo's Trattoria, which was located on Main Street in Charlestown until closing its doors in 2016.

The address for the now-closed Paolo's in Saugus was 304 Lincoln Avenue Unit E, Saugus, MA, 01926.

(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.)

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

The Cambridge Brewing Company Brand Has Been Acquired by Castle Island Brewing Co.

A few months ago, it was reported that a beloved Cambridge brewery was going to be saying farewell this month, and now we have learned that its beers will live on.

According to a Facebook post, the Cambridge Brewing Company brand has been acquired by Castle Island Brewing Co., with the post from CBC saying the following:

We began partnering with CIBC earlier this year to help meet draft demand for our legendary Amber Ale and Flower Child IPA, and when CBC founder Phil Bannatyne decided to retire, we received an overwhelming response from the public asking us to continue making our beers somehow. Phil reached out to CIBC with the hope that CBC's legacy could live on, as both Phil and Brewmaster Will have a lot of respect for CIBC and feel the values and visions of our two companies align well. "Our mission is to preserve everything fans love about CBC while slowly growing its reach" says Adam Romanov, founder and CEO of Castle Island.

The note goes on to say that beer from Cambridge Brewing will still be available at restaurants and bars along with at Castle Island's taprooms in Norwood and South Boston, and they hope to start selling CBC cans in Boston-area stores once again at some point.

Cambridge Brewing, which debuted in 1989, plans to shut down its taproom in Kendall Square on December 20.

[Earlier Article]
Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square Is Closing

(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.)

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Lucky Tiger Opens at Hood Park in Charlestown

A new restaurant has come to a mixed use development just north of downtown Boston.

According to a source, Lucky Tiger is now open in Charlestown, moving into a space at Hood Park where Good Company had been. There is currently no social media presence for the place, nor is there a website, but a Doordash link indicates that its opening menu shows an dishes with Asian influences including such items as crab rangoon, pork gyoza, scallion pancakes, spare ribs, eggrolls, dan dan noodles, pho, udon noodles, fried rice, poke, and sushi.

The address for Lucky Tiger is 100 Hood Park Drive, Charlestown, MA, 02129.

(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.)

Stats Bar & Grille Is Opening a New Location at Hub Hall in Boston

A restaurant and bar in South Boston is expanding to a new space that should be popular with both sports fans and commuters.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Stats Bar & Grille is opening at Hub Hall by TD Garden and North Station, joining its original location on Dorchester Street in Southie. The new outlet will have such items as Greek salads, chicken tenders, buffalo chicken spring rolls, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken quesadillas, turkey club wraps, steak and cheese sandwiches, and more, and based on the post within the Facebook group, it could be opening this week (the Instagram page for Stats simply says it is "coming soon").

The South Boston location of Stats Bar & Grille first opened in 2010, joining J. A. Stats Restaurant and Bar, a dining and drinking spot on Broad Street in downtown Boston that closed down in 2012. Its website can be found at https://www.statsboston.com/

[December 20 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that the Hub Hall location of Stats is now open.]

(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.)

The Scoop N Scootery in Brighton Has Closed

A local ice cream delivery company that also runs a few brick-and-mortar shops has shut down one of its stores.

According to a source, The Scoop N Scootery in Brighton is no longer in business with a Facebook post from the Brighton Main Streets Facebook group page saying the following:

Sad to report that Scoop and Scootery Brighton Center Location has closed. We spoke to management and they will still be scooping down in Allston at their 75 Linden Street location! They said a new business will be taking over their lease who serves ice cream and other treats! So stay tuned!

In addition to its Allston shop, The Scoop N Scootery--which originally started out as a Somerville-based mobile ice cream delivery and catering business--can also be found in East Arlington and at Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge.

The address for the now-closed location of The Scoop N Scootery in Brighton Center was 360 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for the company can be found at https://www.thescoopnscootery.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.)

Monday, December 16, 2024

Saus in Boston Is Closing; Bow Market Location to Remain in Operation

A comfort food spot in downtown Boston that is known in part for its hand-cut fries and beer is shutting down, though its other location will continue on.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Saus on Union Street near Faneuil Hall is closing, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

It's with love in our hearts and tears in our eyes that we let you all know that this Sunday, December 22nd will be our last day of service. The past 13 (THIRTEEN) years at 33 Union Street have been some of the best (and the worst 😂) of our lives....We'd like this last week to feel like a celebration of our 13 years here. Not like a funeral....We truly love and appreciate everyone who's walked through our doors.

The post does mention that the Bow Market location in Somerville will remain open for business.

In addition to fries and beer, Saus also offers such options as burgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches, salad bowls, and more.

The address for the Boston location of Saus is 33 Union Street, Boston, MA, 02108. The website for the business is at https://www.sausboston.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.)

Whitney's in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Closing

It appears that one of the last dive bars in Cambridge is shutting down.

According to an article from The Boston Globe along with a post from Cambridge Day, it looks like Whitney's in Harvard Square will be closing on December 31, with the closure apparently stemming from a dispute between the bar owner and the landlord, with the former saying that they are being kicked out for daytime noise levels/noise from music while the latter is saying it is because of nonpayment of rent. Whitney's has been in business since 1953, being a place frequented by locals for beer, liquor, wings, and darts.

The address for Whitney's is 37 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://whitneysofharvardsquare.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.)

Silver Girl Opens in West Acton

Earlier this year, it was reported that the people behind a specialty food shop west of Boston would be opening a restaurant nearby, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a message sent to us, Silver Girl is now open in West Acton, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, the owners of the Arlington Street spot are Dawn (Eve) Aguiar and Tamara (Murray) Deluzio of Eve & Murray's Farm to Home on Massachusetts Avenue in the center of West Acton. The new restaurant offers food items with French, Italian, and Louisiana influences, with its opening menu including such items as warm olives, cheese and charcuterie plates, seafood gumbo, Tuscan vegetable ragu, Creole cassoulet, a wagyu smashburger, buttermilk panna cotta, and a variety of beer, wine, cocktail, and liqueur options.

For now, Silver Girl is open for dinner service on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the first week of January, with the restaurant adding Thursdays starting in the second week of January.

The address for Silver Girl is 251 Arlington Street, Acton, MA, 01720. Its website can be found at https://silvergirl.us/

[Earlier Article]
Silver Girl Plans to Open in West Acton; Owners of Eve & Murray's Farm to Home Behind It

(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.)

Restaurant News for the Week Ending December 15

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 9 and December 15.

Nosh & Grog in Canton Has Closed
An upscale suburban restaurant that moved to a new location last year is calling it a day.
Full Story

Koy in Boston's Faneuil Hall Area Is Closing
An Asian fusion restaurant in downtown Boston that focuses in part on Korean-influenced dishes is shutting down.
Full Story

Flour Bakery to Replace Earl of Sandwich at Boston Common
The sole Boston location of a chain of sandwich shops that resided in a former comfort station is being replaced by a popular local group of bakery-cafes.
Full Story

Brick & Mortar in Cambridge's Central Square to Become Acqua & Bocca
The people behind a cocktail lounge in Cambridge are going to be replacing it with an Italian bar.
Full Story

Kelleher's Bar and Grille in Roslindale Is Planning to Close
An old-school bar in a Boston neighborhood that seen several drinking spots in its space over the past 70 years appears to be closing.
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 13, 2024

Nosh & Grog in Canton Has Closed

An upscale suburban restaurant that moved to a new location last year is calling it a day.

According to its website and social media, Nosh & Grog in Canton has closed its doors, with a note from the Washington Street spot saying the following:

It's been exactly 25 years since we first open our original restaurant location. Now we are happy to announce that we are hanging up our aprons and moving on to the next chapter. As for who is opening in this location next … that is their story to tell....From our family to yours, a BIG "Thank You" for the last 25 years. We wish you all the best.

Nosh & Grog moved out of its original space in Medfield in the spring of 2023, opening in a bigger space in Canton last fall. It was known for its New American fare and cocktails.

The address for the now-closed Nosh & Grog was 95 Washington Street, Canton, MA, 02021.

(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.)

Moonstones in Chelmsford Is Closing

An upscale restaurant north of Boston is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Moonstones in Chelmsford is getting ready to close its doors, with a Facebook post from co-owner Scott Plath saying the following:

There's no easy way to say, that after 16+ years and with so many emotions, we will close our beloved moonstones in January —saying goodbye to so many incredible guests and staff - while welcoming all December reservations, including holiday functions and a final celebratory New Year's Eve Dinner with our glasses proudly raised. (Stay tuned for details right here)....Unfortunately, we have been unable to overcome unfavorable lease terms, ongoing cost increases and market conditions beyond our control. We are frustrated, sad and sorry to let this incredible restaurant close but in absence of an ideal location and greater resources we are simply unable to recapture that pre-pandemic moonstones magic, while struggling to maintain the standards demanded of ourselves through these many years.

In addition to Moonstones, Scott and Kathy Plath also run Cobblestones in Lowell (where Scott says that "numerous 'touches' of moonstones...will carry on") and they had also been behind the now-closed Stones Social in Nashua as well.

The address for Moonstones is 185 Chelmsford Street, Chelmsford, MA, 01824. Its website can be found at https://moonstones110.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.)

Tatte Bakery & Cafe Opens in Hingham

A growing group of bakeries and cafes has opened its first location on the South Shore.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Tatte Bakery & Cafe is now open in Hingham, moving into a space at the Derby Street Shops just off Route 3. The new outlet joins a number of others in Massachusetts, and it offers breakfast and lunch items, pastries and baked goods, coffee, tea, and more.

The address for the new location of Tatte in Hingham is 92 Derby Street (Suite 141), Hingham, MA, 02043. The website for Tatte can be found at https://tattebakery.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.)

Kyuramen Opens in Winchester December 15

Earlier this year, it was reported that a growing chain of ramen restaurants based in New York City was planning to expand to a location in the northern suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that its opening is imminent.

According to an Instagram post, Kyuramen is slated to open in Winchester on Sunday, December 15, joining another outlet in Brookline that opened back in May. As mentioned in an earlier article here, the chain dates back to 2014 and is currently headquartered in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, and based on the options at its other restaurants, the new one in Winchester could be offering approximately 10 ramen options on its menu.

The address for the new location of Kyuramen in Winchester is 538 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890. The website for Kyuramen can be found at https://www.kyuramen.com/

[Earlier Article]
Kyuramen, Which Is Opening in Brookline, Is Also Looking to Open in Winchester

(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.)

Jiro's Sushi Opens in Boston's Chinatown Neighborhood

A new option for sushi has come to the downtown area of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Jiro's Sushi is now open in the city's Chinatown neighborhood, with the poster saying that it has replaced a bubble tea shop on Kneeland Street called TBaar. The new eatery appears to focus mostly on takeout, though it does have a few seats inside, and it offers a variety of sushi options including nigiri, maki, sashimi, and chirashi boxes.

The address for Jiro's Sushi in Chinatown is 32 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

(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.)

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Murl's Kitchen in Dorchester Plans to Move to Bigger Space with Dining Area, Bar, and Function Room

A Jamaican takeout spot in Dorchester is planning to move to a much bigger space that would presumably include dine-in service.

According to an X post from @WriteHandMan of the Dorchester Reporter, Murl's Kitchen is looking to move from its current space at 143 Washington Street to a new space at 10-18 Bowdoin Street, with the post saying that the business is applying for a full liquor license and plans to have seating for 150 and a private function room while the listing mentions that it would include both a dining area and bar seating. Murl's, which first opened in 2018, is known for such Jamaican comfort food dishes as beef patties, jerk macaroni and cheese, curry goat, rice and plantains, stew chicken, oxtail, jerk pork, fried lobster tails, wings, and salmon rasta pasta.

The website for Murl's Kitchen is at https://murlskitchen.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.)

Brothers' New York Pizza Opens in the Former Neko's Of New York Space in Stoughton

A new spot that features New York-style pizza has come to the southern suburbs of Boston, opening where another place that offered a variety of pizza styles had been.

According to a Bluesky post from Jeremy Krantz, Brothers' New York Pizza is now open in Stoughton, moving into the former Neko's Of New York space on Sharon Street in Cobbs Corner. A Facebook post from the new spot says, "Brother's Pizza in Stoughton is now serving up delicious, hand-tossed pies made with the freshest ingredients. Join us for a slice of the Big Apple right in your neighborhood!" while its menu shows other options such as calzones, subs, wraps, club sandwiches, pasta dishes, grill items, and more.

Neko's Of New York closed in September after being in the space for approximately a year and a half; previously, it had been located in Framingham.

The address for Brothers' New York Pizza is 111 Sharon Street, Stoughton, MA, 02072. Its website can be found at https://brotherspizzastoughton.com/

[Earlier Article]
Neko's Of New York in Stoughton Has Closed

(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.)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Koy in Boston's Faneuil Hall Area Is Closing

An Asian fusion restaurant in downtown Boston that focuses in part on Korean-influenced dishes is shutting down.

According to a source, Koy in the city's Faneuil Hall area is closing its doors, with another source (Leah Klein of City Living Boston) confirming that the dining spot will be closing after business hours on December 20. An Instagram post from Koy confirms this, saying that "we've made the bittersweet decision not to renew our lease as we prepare to pivot and explore a new business concept."

Koy first opened 10 years ago, taking over the space that had been home to a location of UBurger.

The address for Koy is 16 North Street, Boston, MA, 02109. Its website can be found at https://koyboston.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.)

Flour Bakery to Replace Earl of Sandwich at Boston Common

A few months ago, it was reported that the sole Boston location of a chain of sandwich shops that resided in a former comfort station was closing, and now we have learned that a popular local group of bakery-cafes will be expanding into the space.

According to an X post from Nik DeCosta-Klipa of WBUR, Flour Bakery is going to be replacing Earl of Sandwich at Boston Common, with the post including the official announcement coming from Mayor Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The post mentions that if all goes as planned, Flour could be opening in the space (which had once been a public bathroom known as the Pink Palace for its pink-colored masonry) in the spring of 2025 once renovations are complete.

Other locations of Flour--which is run by Joanne Chang--can be found in the South End, Beacon Hill/West End, Seaport District, Fort Point, the Back Bay (2), Cambridge's Harvard Square, Central Square, and Cambridgeport. The website for all locations is at https://flourbakery.com/

[Earlier Article]
Earl of Sandwich at Boston Common Is Closing

(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.)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Bess's Cafe in Brookline Has Closed

A Chinese restaurant in Brookline that focused in part on dumplings and noodle dishes has closed.

According to a poster within the Brookline Townwide Discussion Facebook group page, Bess's Cafe in The Point section of town is no longer in business, with a Brookline News article saying that the website and social media for the Cypress Street eatery have been taken down. Bess's first opened in 2017, taking over the space where Brick Wall Kitchen had once been.

The address for the now-closed Bess's Cafe was 224 Cypress Street, Brookline, MA, 02445.

(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.)

Lala's Neapolitan-ish Pizza Is Opening at Park-9 Dog Bar in Everett

The person behind a local pair of pizza spots will be opening a third location, and this one will be coming to the region's first indoor dog park and bar.

According to a press release, Lala's Neapolitan-ish Pizza is getting ready to open at Park-9 Dog Bar in Everett, with Lala's founder Conor Cudahy and his team offering pizza with a sourdough-based dough and locally-sourced ingredients while also serving Caesar salads, Italian sandwiches, and more. One it debuts, (sometime in early 2025), the new outlet will join others at Time Out Market Boston in the Fenway and at CanalSide Food & Drink within CambridgeSide.

Park-9 Dog Bar, which opened in the spring of 2023, is in the process of expanding its space which currently includes a full-service bar, indoor and outdoor dog parks, and doggie daycare, with the expansion plans including a new in-house commercial kitchen that Lala's will be using.

The address for Park-9 Dog Bar is 24 Elm Way, Everett, MA, 02149. Its website can be found at https://park9dogbar.com/ while the website for Lala's Neapolitan-ish Pizza is at https://www.lalasneapolitan-ishpizza.com/

[May 19, 2025 update: According to a new press release, Lala's Neapolitan-ish Pizza is now open at Park-9 Dog Bar.]

(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.)

Monday, December 09, 2024

Medium Rare Is Opening at Arsenal Yards in Watertown on December 16

Last fall, it was reported that a small group of restaurants with roots in Washington, D.C.--and with a very simple concept--would be bringing a location to the Greater Boston area, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to open.

According to a press release, Medium Rare is slated to open for dinner service at Arsenal Yards (107 Bond Square) in Watertown on Monday, December 16, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it will offer a three-course prix fixe meal which includes steak frites along with desserts, beer, and wine, and weekend brunch options.

Eight locations of Medium Rare can currently be found in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, New York, Louisiana, and Texas; the website for the business can be found at https://www.mediumrarerestaurant.com/

[Earlier Article]
Medium Rare Plans to Open in Watertown

(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.)

Brick & Mortar in Cambridge's Central Square to Become Acqua & Bocca

The people behind a cocktail lounge in Cambridge are going to be replacing it with an Italian bar.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Brick & Mortar in Central Square will become Acqua & Bocca in the early part of 2025, with owners Avery Appleton and Gary Strack planning to offer a simple food menu that will include such items as pizza and pasta dishes while the beverage program will "be more of an evolution" of Brick & Mortar with Italian influences.

Brick & Mortar first opened 13 years ago in its upstairs space, while a farm-to-table restaurant under the same ownership called Central Kitchen had been downstairs from 2000 to 2020.

The address for the upcoming Acqua & Bocca (and Brick & Mortar) is 567 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

(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.)

Kelleher's Bar and Grille in Roslindale Is Planning to Close

[Ed note: This article was updated on December 11 to reflect the fact that a move into the space isn't in the works after all.]

An old-school bar in a Boston neighborhood that seen several drinking spots in its space over the past 70 years appears to be closing, though its neighbor won't be moving into the space as was previously thought.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Kelleher's Bar and Grille in Roslindale is petitioning to transfer its license to Flik International Corp. for a space in the Back Bay while the neighboring Harry's All American is seeking a beer and wine license for its restaurant. Universal Hub clarified the details, saying that Harry's is not looking to move into the Kelleher's space, though it is hoping to start opening for dinner if it can acquire the license.

The Kelleher's space once had a bar called Flynn's that opened up in the 1950s, followed by Kelly & Whalen's, then P.J. Kelleher's, then Kelleher's Bar and Grille which has been in the space since 2009.

The address for Kelleher's Bar and Grille is 1410 Centre Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131. The website for Kelleher's is at https://www.kellehersbar.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.)

The Smoot Standard Opens in Cambridge

A new cafe has opened in Cambridge, and it gets its name from a person made famous by using his body as a unit of measurement for a bridge over the Charles River.

According to a Facebook post from owner Alex Tannenbaum, The Smoot Standard is now open in Cambridge, moving into a space on Massachusetts Avenue between Central Square and MIT that an earlier article from Cambridge Day said had been home to a location of Darwin's. The eatery, which is currently open for breakfast and lunch, is named after Oliver Smoot who, when an undergrad at MIT back in the 1950s, was used as a way to measure the length of the Massachusetts Avenue bridge between Cambridge and Boston.

In addition to The Smoot Standard, Tannenbaum also runs Naco Taco and Lily P's, both of which are in Cambridge.

The address for The Smoot Standard is 313 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/smootstd/

(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.)

Restaurant News for the Week Ending December 8

Below are some of the biggest restaurant and food-related news stories that have been posted between December 2 and December 8.

Moldova Restaurant in Newton Is Closing
An award-winning restaurant that features Eastern European food is shutting down.
Full Story

Democracy Brewing to Expand to East Boston
A brewery and pub in the heart of Boston will soon be expanding to another part of the city.
Full Story

Chilli Garden in Medford Square Has Closed
It looks like a Chinese restaurant that was known in part for its authentic Sichuan dishes has shut down.
Full Story

Bossmama Taproom & Kitchen in Wakefield Is Bringing Floramo's into Its Space
A dining and drinking spot that is known in part for its "pour your own beer" concept is teaming up with a restaurant that is famous for its steak tips.
Full Story

Bertucci's in Swampscott Has Closed
Another location of a local chain of Italian restaurants has shut down.
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 06, 2024

VinGoute Restaurant Opens in Framingham

A new Haitian restaurant is now open in MetroWest.

According to an email, VinGoute Restaurant has opened in Framingham, moving into a space on Route 9 just west of the Route 126 intersection. The new eatery offers such items as fried pork, vegetable stew, fried turkey, fried chicken, pasta with shrimp, empanadas, fried plantains, malanga fritters, fried turkey, and more.

The address for VinGoute Restaurant is 495 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA, 01701.

(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.)

Thursday, December 05, 2024

PLNT Burger Has Its Grand Opening in Brookline on December 11

A year and a half ago, it was reported that a vegan burger chain was planning to open its first standalone location in the Greater Boston area, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to debut.

According to a press release, PLNT Burger is slated to have its grand opening in Brookline on December 11, moving into a space on Harvard Street in the Coolidge Corner section of town. The new fast-casual spot will offer burgers, fries, and shakes that are 100% plant-based, and it will join outlets locally that are inside Whole Foods in Boston's South End and Dedham's Legacy Place.

The address for the new PLNT Burger in Coolidge Corner is 297 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for all locations is at https://www.plntburger.com/

[Earlier Article]
PLNT Burger Plans to Open in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

(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.)

Moldova Restaurant in Newton Is Closing

An award-winning restaurant in Newton that features Eastern European food is shutting down.

According to a source, Moldova Restaurant in the Nonantum section of the city is getting ready to close, with an Instagram post from the Watertown Street spot saying the following:

Dear Valued Customers, It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that Moldova Restaurant will be closing its doors permanently as of Dec 29th. This decision was not made lightly. Business conditions in 2024 have made it unfeasible to continue operating the restaurant as a business, and as a result we lost our lease. Restoring to normal business operations that makes financial sense is a long journey, and we decided that it's in the best interest of our team and my family to take a step back for now....We invite you to visit us one last time before we close. Thank you once again for the wonderful memories. We will miss you and cherish the time we spent together.

Moldova first opened in 2016, serving traditional dishes found in the country of Moldova and being recognized by a number of publications including Boston Magazine and The Boston Globe over the years.

The address for Moldova Restaurant is 344 Watertown Street, Newton, MA, 02458 Its website can be found at https://www.tastemoldova.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.)

Democracy Brewing to Expand to East Boston

A brewery and pub in the heart of Boston will soon be expanding to another part of the city.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Democracy Brewing is planning to open a location in East Boston which will be called Democracy Brewing Eastie, moving into a space on Maverick Street in Maverick Square. The article mentions that the new outlet--which will have seating for 56, a snug, and an outdoor space with additional seating--will build on its original location on Temple Place in Downtown Crossing, offering a variety of beers but also serving wine that is made on the premises, while its food option will include dishes with Latin American influences. If all goes as planned, Democracy Brewing Eastie will debut in the early part of 2025.

Democracy Brewing first opened in Downtown Crossing in the summer of 2018, moving into the old Windsor Button building.

The address for the upcoming Democracy Brewing Eastie is 154 Maverick Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the business is at https://www.democracybrewing.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.)