Krispy Krunchy Chicken to Open in the North Cambridge/Alewife Area, Will Apparently Be Selling Prince Pizza

A chain of chicken places typically found in gas stations and convenience stores will be opening a standalone shop in Cambridge, and it looks like it will be selling pizza from a popular North Shore restaurant as well.

According to a couple of sources, Krispy Krunchy Chicken is opening in the North Cambridge/Alewife section of the city, with an earlier Cambridge Day article mentioning that it will take over the space on Rindge Avenue where Ferro's Laundrytown had been (and next door to Ferro's Foodtown). Both sources say that the upcoming eatery will sell "take 'n bake" pizza from Prince Pizzeria in Saugus, while Cambridge Day states that Krispy Krunchy will also offer such items as fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and honey biscuits.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken was established in Louisiana in 1989, while Prince Pizzeria (whose "take 'n bake" pizza can be found in a number of stores locally) dates back to 1961.

The address for the upcoming Krispy Krunchy Chicken is 336 Rindge Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. The website for the business is at https://www.krispykrunchy.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.)

 

Top Mix Bar & Kitchen Opens in Cambridge's Alewife Area

Last summer, it was reported that a pair of restaurants in Boston known for their Caribbean-style bar bites and cocktails would be joined by a third location in Cambridge, and now we have learned that it is open.

A message sent by Leah Klein of City Living Boston indicates that Top Mix Bar & Kitchen is now open in the city's Alewife area, moving into a space on CambridgePark Drive. The new eatery joins others in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, and based on the other locations,  it will likely offer such options as pastelitos, chicken and waffles, steak tips, fish and chips, mofongo, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more. 

The address for the new location of Top Mix Bar & Kitchen at Alewife is 50 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02140. The website for all locations is at https://www.topmixbar.com/

[Earlier Article]
Top Mix Bar & Kitchen Plans to Open in Cambridge

(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.)

 

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.)

 

Top Mix Bar & Kitchen Plans to Open in Cambridge

A pair of restaurants in Boston that are known for their Caribbean-style bar bites and cocktails will be joined by a third location, and this one will come to a space in Cambridge that is going through significant development.

According to a source, Top Mix Bar & Kitchen is planning to open on CambridgePark Drive in the Alewife area, with a Cambridge Day article saying that the new location would indoor seating for 221 customers and another 84 on an outdoor patio. Once it opens, the Alewife outlet of Top Mix will join others in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, and based on those spots, expect to see such food options as plantain chips with fried cheese, grilled shrimp, chicken and waffles, mofongo, rice and beans, pork chops, fish tacos, and chicken sliders.

The address for the new location of Top Mix Bar & Kitchen at Alewife is 50 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02140. The website for the locations in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain is at https://www.topmixbar.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.)

 

Bertucci's at Alewife in Cambridge Has Closed

It looks like another location of a local chain of Italian restaurants has shut down.

According to a source, Bertucci's at the Alewife T station appears to be "abandoned," with a check on the chain's website indicating that this outlet has shuttered, as it is now longer shown in the locations area--and a message received from the company this morning states that it has indeed closed. At least two other locations of Bertucci's have shut down over the past few years, including in Boston's Kenmore Square and Faneuil Hall; the message we received does say that one other outlet in Cambridge does remain in operation (on Main Street between Kendall Square and Central Square).

The address for the Alewife location of Bertucci's was 5 Cambridgepark Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02140. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.bertuccis.com/

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

---

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

---

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.)

Payment Options

Option 1 : $1.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $10.00 USD - monthly

Sapporo Japanese Steakhouse Plans to Open in Cambridge's Alewife/Fresh Pond Area

It looks like a brand new steakhouse may be on its way to a section of Cambridge whose dining scene is starting to heat up.

According to a Cambridge Licensing Commission page, Sapporo Japanese Steakhouse is planning to open in the Alewife/ Fresh Pond area of the city, moving into a space at the Fresh Pond Mall. The hearing notice mentions that the 5,100-square-foot spot would include a main dining area and a "party room" in the back of the space, with seating for 204 being proposed.

The area around the Alewife T station and the stretch of Alewife Brook Parkway heading toward the Fresh Pond Rotary has seen the opening of several new restaurants over the past few years, including Freepoint Kitchen & Cocktails, Bon Me, and Revival Cafe & Kitchen, while other dining and drinking spots are being planned as well, including a beer hall called Mothership and a restaurant tentatively called Ultimate Burger.

The address for the proposed Sapporo Japanese Steakhouse would be 174 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

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

---

[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Food Items from Asian Restaurants in the Boston Area]

---

UBC Plans to Open in the Alewife Section of Cambridge

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new restaurant is on its way to a part of Cambridge that is starting to heat up.

According to a licensing commission hearing agenda page within the city's website, a dining spot tentatively called UBC is planning to open in the Alewife area, with the listing saying that the Cambridgepark Drive place would have seating for 160 inside, another 92 on an outdoor patio, and a total outside occupancy of 500 (the total occupancy inside would be 225). Based on the hours shown, it appears that the restaurant might be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, though more will likely be known about the hours--and the restaurant itself--when the meeting takes place on April 10.

The address indicates that UBC would be located across the street from the Alewife T station in a building that includes offices and research space.

The address for the proposed UBC would be 35 Cambridgepark Drive, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[April 9 update: A tweet from Jan Devereux (the Vice Mayor of Cambridge) indicates that the new restaurant at Alewife will be called Ultimate Burger.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

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

---

Tweet

Lanes & Games Building in Cambridge Being Demolished

by Marc Hurwitz

A Cambridge landmark that shut down for good over the summer is officially disappearing from the landscape this week.

According to a Twitter post from @Spedmunki, Lanes & Games on Route 2 is in the process of coming down, with another tweet from @boxofbacon showing the structure being demolished. The complex--which featured bowling, pool, video games, food, and drink--closed in August after more than 30 years in business, with the site eventually becoming home to an apartment complex.

The address for the Lanes & Games site is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[Earlier Articles]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge to Close for Good August 13
Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

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

---

Tweet

Lanes & Games in Cambridge to Close for Good August 13

A Cambridge landmark will be closing next month.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Lanes & Games on Route 2 is shutting down for good after the weekend of August 12 and 13, confirming what sources have been saying over the past few days, that it was planning to close in a couple of weeks. As mentioned earlier, the complex is slated to be replaced by an apartment complex that will also be taking over the adjacent Gateway Motel site.

Lanes & Games first opened more than 30 years ago featuring bowling, pool, video games, food, and drink.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at http://lanesgames.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

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

---

Tweet

Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space

Last summer we reported that a local institution for bowling and more might be shutting down in order to make way for a new development. Now we have learned that this will indeed be happening.

According to an article from Wicked Local, the Cambridge Planning Board has approved of plans to build a 320-unit apartment complex on Route 2 at the site where Lanes & Games and the Gateway Motel currently reside. In August of 2016, we mentioned that the residential project was being proposed and that the family behind the bowling alley was expected to keep it open for another year or so; the current article from Wicked Local mentions that the plan was for Lanes & Games to remain open until the bowling leagues finish up for the summer, and a Tweet from today seems to confirm this.

Lanes & Games, which first opened more than 30 years ago, has been a popular place for bowling, pool, and video games over the years; it also has a restaurant and bar that offers such items as burgers, pizza, ribs, and steak tips.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[May 16 update: Cambridge Day is reporting that following April's approval by the Cambridge Planning Board of plans to build the apartment complex, the Arlington Redevelopment Board decided last night not to file any sort of appeal against the proposal, which appears to be a major blow for opponents of the project since the deadline for any appeals is only a week away (Tuesday, May 23).]

[June 26 update: The Boston Globe mentions that Lanes & Games will remain open through at least mid-July, though posters on The Arlington List Facebook group page are saying it might remain open until the end of July.]

[Earlier Article]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

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

---

Tweet

Freepoint Kitchen & Cocktails to Open in Cambridge's Fresh Pond/Alewife Area

A brand new restaurant and bar is on its way to Cambridge, and the person behind it comes from a now-closed dining spot in the city along with a North Shore eatery.

According to a press release, Freepoint Kitchen & Cocktails is opening within the new Freepoint Hotel in the Fresh Pond/Alewife section of Cambridge, with Matthew Gaudet of the former Westbridge restaurant in Kendall Square and Superfine Food in Manchester-by-the-Sea (and soon, in Marblehead as well) running the place. The email mentions that the new spot will offer breakfast and dinner daily, and that it will feature global dishes and casual fare with small, shareable plates being the focus. Gaudet will be joined by Westbridge alum Alex Howell, who will be the "Beverage Consigliere," with the bar program including both classic and modern cocktails and an emphasis on bourbon, rye, and other "brown liquors."

Freepoint Kitchen & Cocktails will be located in the lobby of the Freepoint Hotel (which is where a Best Western and 99 restaurant had once been) and will include an open-air atrium, a 13-seat bar, a casual lounge area, and a dining section with banquettes and adjustable tabletops. If all goes as planned, the new dining and drinking spot will open sometime in April.

The address for Freepoint Kitchen & Cocktails (and the Freepoint Hotel) is 220 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the hotel can be found at http://www.freepointhotel.com/

[April 14 update: The Boston Globe mentions that Freepoint Kitchen & Cocktails plans to open sometime next week (ed note--the post says "this week" but the article is meant for the Sunday Globe).]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

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

---

Tweet

"Hip and Trendy" Hotel, Restaurant Opening in Cambridge's Alewife Area

It looks like a new hotel and restaurant is on its way to a section of Cambridge that is starting to get hot.

Cambridge Day is reporting that Marriott is opening a location of its Madrid-based AC Hotels concept in the city's Alewife area, with the Acorn Park Drive spot being called a mid-priced "hip and trendy" hotel and restaurant with a European feel to it. The article says that the 150-room hotel will include a restaurant, bar, and lounge on the first floor that will offer small plates, including such items as flatbreads, a trio of grilled sausages, and a Mediterranean-influenced chicken casserole. If all goes as planned, the new AC Hotel and restaurant should open in September.

Another AC Hotel is slated for the Ink Block in Boston's South End, according to Cambridge Day; currently, the only one in the Boston area is at Station Landing in Medford.

The website for all AC Hotels can be found at http://achotels.marriott.com/

[November 15 update: The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog states (via bldup.com) that AC Hotel Cambridge is now open by Alewife, with the website mentioning that the name of the restaurant is AC Kitchen & Lounge.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

---

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

---

Tweet

Bon Me Is Opening in Former Cheddar's Space in Cambridge's Fresh Pond/Alewife Area

Last month we mentioned that a popular pizza place and sandwich shop in Cambridge was closing; now we have learned that the people behind a group of Vietnamese food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants are going to be expanding into that space.

Eater Boston is reporting (via a License Commission General Hearing page within the City of Cambridge website) that Bon Me is opening on Alewife Brook Parkway in the Fresh Pond/Alewife section of the city, taking over the space where Cheddar's had been since the late 1980s. Once it opens, the Vietnamese eatery will join other permanent locations in Cambridge's Kendall Square and the Fort Point neighborhood of Boston, along with food trucks that can be found in various locations around the Boston area.

[August 17 update: According to the Tables section of The Boston Globe, the new Bon Me on Alewife Brook Parkway opens September 9.]

[September 7 update: According to several sources (including the restaurant's website), the new Bon Me at Fresh Pond opened today.]

[September 9 update: A press release indicates that Bon Me officially opens its Fresh Pond location today.]

Expect to see such items as Vietnamese sandwiches, noodle salads, and rice bowls at the new Bon Me in Cambridge, depending on whether the menu is similar to that of the existing restaurants and food trucks.

The address for this upcoming restaurant in Cambridge is: Bon Me, 201 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Their website can be found at http://www.bonmetruck.com/

[Earlier Article]
Cheddar's Pizzeria in Cambridge Has Closed

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

Tweet

Cheddar's Pizzeria in Cambridge Has Closed

A popular sandwich shop and pizza place in Cambridge has closed its doors after being in business for more than a quarter century.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Cheddar's Pizzeria on Alewife Brook Parkway in the city's Fresh Pond/Alewife area is no longer in business, with a check on its website showing a "Closed" sign and a phone call placed to the eatery not going through. The Chowhound poster says that a sign out front mentions that the owner may be exploring new opportunities, but it is not known whether this means the dining spot could reopen elsewhere (as soon as we find out more information, we will post an update here).

Cheddar's, which first opened in the late 1980s, was known in part for its gruff service and was also considered one of the best places to go in the local area for a steak and cheese sub.

The address for this now-closed sandwich shop and pizza place in the Fresh Pond/Alewife area was: Cheddar's Pizzeria, 201 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

Tweet

Clover Food Lab to Debut a Truck at Alewife in Cambridge

The folks behind a number of vegetarian food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants are getting ready to expand once again, this time bringing a truck to Cambridge that should be popular with commuters and office workers.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Clover site) that Clover Alewife will be set up at the VECNA Parking lot on Cambridge Park Drive starting Monday (March 17), with the truck being open on weekdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The new truck will be joining existing ones in various sections of the Boston area as well as permanent restaurants in Inman Square, Harvard Square, and Kendall Square in Cambridge, and in Brookline and Burlington.

Cambridge Park Drive is located off Alewife Brook Parkway by the Alewife T station.

The website for Clover can be found at http://www.cloverfoodlab.com/

Tweet

Casbah Restaurant Is Opening in Cambridge's Alewife/Fresh Pond Neighborhood

It looks like a new restaurant is on its way to the Alewife/Fresh Pond section of Cambridge, and it may be featuring North African and Middle Eastern cuisine.

According to notes from a Cambridge License Commission Hearing, Casbah Restaurant is planning to open on New Street, which is behind the Fresh Pond Mall. The address also happens to be that of Basha, a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dining spot that has been open since early 2009. Based on information from the License Commission Hearing notes, it looks like the person behind the proposed Casbah Restaurant is also the owner of Casablanca Restaurant in Harvard Square. The notes also mention that Casbah is hoping to have a seating capacity of 150--including 50 outdoor patio seats--and that it might be open for both lunch and dinner.

Currently, there is little else on the planned opening of Casbah Restaurant (including whether it will take over Basha or share the building with that restaurant), so keep checking back for updates.

[October 31 update: According to a poster on Chowhound, Casbah Restaurant is now open, and it indeed appears to have replaced Basha.]

The address for this new eatery in Cambridge is: Casbah Restaurant, 26 New Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

Tweet