Jose's Torta Mexicana in Arlington to Become Full-Service Restaurant and Bar

A Mexican spot in the northwest suburbs of Boston whose focus was initially on takeout will soon be focusing on sit-down service complete with alcoholic beverages and outdoor dining.

According to a message sent to us from Leah Klein of City Living Boston, changes are coming to Jose's Torta Mexicana in Arlington, with a Facebook post from the Mass. Ave. eatery saying the following:

We've come a long way… Since opening in 2018 as a takeout spot, Jose's Torta Mexicana has been growing with one goal in mind: bringing you the full experience. And now… it's finally here ... Introducing our FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANT & BAR. Front Patio officially opens May 1st. Join us and enjoy: Authentic Mexican food Handcrafted Margaritas Mexican beers & cocktails Outdoor dining with friends & family

The address for Jose's Torta Mexicana is 793 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. Its website can be found at https://josestorta.com/

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

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[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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Sumen Is Opening in the Former Rangla Punjab Space in Arlington Center

A new Asian restaurant is on its way to the northwest suburbs of Boston, taking over the space where an Indian dining spot--and several other restaurants--had been.

According to a source, Sumen is planning to open in Arlington Center, moving into the space that had previously been home to Rangla Punjab, and before that, Singh Saab, Punjabi Tadka, Midami, Kayuga, and Asiana Grille. The social media for the upcoming restaurant indicates that it will offer ramen, sushi, and donburi, and while an exact opening date has not been given as of yet, it appears that the place will be opening soon.

The address for Sumen is 444 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/sumenarlington/

[October 10 update: According to an Instagram post from the place, Sumen soft-opened today.]

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

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[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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Thrive Juice Cafe in Arlington Has Been Rebranded As Thrive Gourmet

A suburban spot that started out as a juice bar has morphed into more of a restaurant.

According to a post within The Arlington List Facebook group page, Thrive Juice Cafe in Arlington is now Thrive Gourmet, with a note from owner Derek Fleming saying the following:

After months of hard work...we launch Thrive Gourmet! Arlington's first breakfast sandwich specialty shop! Come down and give us a try today and help spread the word that there is a new breakfast sandwich king in town!....8 am to 2pm for the best breakfast sandwich you've ever had.

Fleming first opened Thrive Juice Cafe in 2019, initially focusing on such items as cold pressed juices and smoothies, eventually adding vegan food options including salads, bowls, toasts, and sandwiches.

The address for Thrive Gourmet is 169 Mass Ave., Arlington, MA, 02474. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/thrivegourmetarlington/

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

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[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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Rush Bowls Is Opening in Arlington

A chain of dining spots focusing on healthy fare will be opening its second location in Massachusetts, and this one will be in the northwest suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Rush Bowls is planning to open in Arlington, moving into a space on Broadway in the center of town. Once it opens, expect to see a variety of bowls and smoothies, and it will join another outlet locally in Mansfield.

Rush Bowls was established in 2004 in Boulder, CO, with more than 50 locations now open in the United States.

The address for the upcoming Rush Bowls in Arlington is 307 Broadway, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for the chain can be found at https://rushbowls.com/

[July 1 update: A check on the place indicates that Rush Bowls is now open in Arlington.]

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

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[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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Haveli Indian Cuisine Is Opening in the Former Tango Restaurant Space in Arlington Center

It looks like another Indian restaurant is on its way to a northwest suburb of Boston.

According to multiple sources, including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Haveli Indian Cuisine is planning to open in Arlington, with a sign in the window of the former Tango Restaurant space on Mass. Ave. in the center of town. Once it opens, Haveli will join two other dining spots that offer Indian food--Punjab and Zomsa--in the downtown area, along with Makalu a few blocks to the east and Namaste Spice a bit further down Mass. Ave.

The sign for Haveli says that it will open sometime in the spring.

The address for Haveli Indian Cuisine is 464 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

[April 10 update: A check on the place indicates that Haveli Indian Cuisine is now open in Arlington.]

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

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[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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Bok Bok Thai Chicken & Rice Is Opening in the Former Master Pies Artisan Pizza Space in Arlington Heights

A new dining spot is opening in the northwest suburbs of Boston, taking over the space where a pizza spot had been.

According to a poster within The Arlington List Facebook group page, Bok Bok Thai Chicken & Rice is opening in Arlington Heights, moving into the former Master Pies Artisan Pizza space on Mass. Ave. Master Pies was under the same ownership as the adjacent Ginger Exchange Express, and it appears that Bok Bok Thai Chicken & Rice is under the same ownership as well which would indicate that this may simply be a concept change, though we are still trying to confirm this.

Ginger Exchange Express and Master Pies Artisan Pizza first opened in the summer of 2021 in the space where Great Wok had once been; other locations of Ginger Exchange can be found in Boston's Mission Hill and in Watertown.

The address for Bok Bok Thai Chicken & Rice (and Ginger Exchange Express) is 1181 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476.

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

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[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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Big Daddy's in Brighton Expands, Opening a New Location in East Arlington

A dining spot in a Boston neighborhood that is known in part for its pizza has expanded to the northwest suburbs.

According to multiple sources, Big Daddy's is now open in East Arlington, taking over the former Maria's Pizzeria and Grille space on Mass. Ave. and joining another location on Western Avenue in Brighton. In addition to pizza, Big Daddy's also offers calzones, subs, pasta dishes, and grill items, and one of its more popular items is its fried dough bites with cinnamon.

The address for the new location of Big Daddy's in East Arlington is 86 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for the business is at https://bdpizza.com/

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

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[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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My Brother's Place in East Arlington Has Closed

A longtime pizzeria and sub shop in the northwestern suburbs of Boston has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, My Brother's Place in East Arlington is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Broadway restaurant saying that it was "due to challenges beyond our control." My Brother's Place first opened 24 years ago, offering soups, salads, pizza, calzones, pasta dishes, hot and cold subs, wraps, club sandwiches, grill items, and more.

The address for the now-closed My Brother's Place in East Arlington was 181 Broadway, Arlington, MA, 02474.

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

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[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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Little Q Hot Pot in East Arlington Has Closed

A Chinese restaurant in the northwest suburbs of Boston has closed after being in the space for nearly 15 years.

A source has confirmed to us that Little Q Hot Pot in East Arlington is no longer in operation, with a note out front indicating that it officially closed on October 28 while also hinting that there may be future plans to return elsewhere, saying to "follow up with our website if you...need information about any openings in different locations." Little Q first opened on Mass. Ave. in 2010, being an offshoot of a restaurant with the same name that once resided in the long-closed Quincy Fair Mall on Hancock Street in Quincy Center; another restaurant in Boston's Chinatown called The Q had a connection to the Quincy eatery as well, with that place remaining in operation.

The address for the now-closed Little Q Hot Pot in East Arlington was 196 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

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[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 Vintage Tea and Cake Company Is Opening in Arlington

A pair of tearooms in the western suburbs of Boston will be joined by a third, and this one will also be west of the city.

According to a source (Beckie Hunter), The Vintage Tea and Cake Company is getting ready to open in Arlington, with the address indicating that it will be taking over the former Mamadou's Artisan Bakery space by the corner of Mass. Ave. and Water Street in the center of town (the original Mamadou's remains open in Winchester). A Facebook post from the business says the following about the upcoming opening:

We are absolutely THRILLED to announce the opening of our third location in Arlington!!! In addition to serving Afternoon Tea like our other tearooms, our Arlington location will also soon serve as an evening venue for wine and small bites in early 2025. It's been three amazing years since we first opened up our Belmont location and almost two for our Lexington venue which has been a hit for private parties!

The address for the new location of The Vintage Tea and Cake Company is 677 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for the business is at https://www.vintageteaandcake.com/

[October 30 update: A check on the place indicates that the Arlington location of The Vintage Tea and Cake Company is now open.]

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[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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Fiesta Bites Pizzeria Opens in Arlington Heights

A new spot that serves pizza and more has come to the northwest suburbs of Boston, moving into a space that has been home to several other food spots over the years.

According to a source, Fiesta Bites Pizzeria is now open in Arlington Heights, taking over the storefront at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Park Avenue that has seen such places as Boston Pizza & Gyro, Yassou, Capri Pizza & Subs, and Charlie's Pizza. The Google page for the new spot says that it offers such options as pizza (including Sicilian pizza), subs, chicken fingers, pasta dishes, fries, onion rings, and more.

The address for Fiesta Bites Pizzeria is 1323 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476.

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[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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Namaste Spice Is Opening in the Former Anthony's East Side Deli Space in East Arlington

More than four years ago, it was reported that an Italian deli in the northwest suburbs of Boston was being sold and that a new owner was slated to take over the space. Now we have learned that a new restaurant is indeed getting ready to open in the storefront, though apparently under different ownership than originally thought.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Namaste Spice has signs up in the former Anthony's East Side Deli in East Arlington, with the signs indicating that it will be opening soon and it will offer Indian and Nepali food. In May of 2020, Anthony Masci, who owned Anthony's East Side Deli, said that he was retiring and that "The new owner, Sonny is glad to take over and serve you with the same service," with a subsequent update indicating that Sarbjit Saini of Khushboo in Lexington and Kashish in Belmont (both of which are now closed) was the license applicant at that time; we have been told, however, that another owner has taken over the space.

Anthony's East Side Deli first opened in the spring of 2013, offering soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and more.

The address for Namaste Spice is 159 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website can be found at https://namastespice.in/

[August 13 update: According to its website, Namaste Spice is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Anthony's East Side Deli in East Arlington Has Been Sold

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[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 Fat Greek Opens in East Arlington

Last spring, it was reported that a fast-casual Greek and Mediterranean restaurant in the Merrimack Valley was planning to open a new location in the northwest suburbs of Boston, and now we have learned that it is open.

According to its website, The Fat Greek has debuted in East Arlington, moving into the space on Mass. Ave. where ArtWear had once been. The new location, which appears to be going through a soft opening (only open for dinner for now), joins another location in Haverhill, with both offering such options as gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita, hummus, and more.

The address for the new outlet of The Fat Greek in East Arlington is 185 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for both locations can be found at https://thefatgreekusa.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Fat Greek in Haverhill Plans to Open New Location in Arlington

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[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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Sugo Cucina Italiana in East Arlington Has Closed; Quilo's Taqueria Is Replacing It

An Italian restaurant in the northwestern suburbs of Boston has shut down, and a Mexican dining spot is getting ready to move into its space.

A check on the space indicates that Sugo Cucina Italiana in East Arlington is no longer in business, and @danielpunkass mentions via Twitter/X that Quilo's Taqueria is taking over the Mass. Ave. storefront. His post links to a post within the Arlington List Facebook group page which says that the new eatery could be opening in the next two to three weeks.

The menu for Quilo's shows some featured items such as tacos, burritos, fajitas, and care asada, while also including tortas, enchiladas, quesadillas, pupusas, and tamales.

The address for the now-closed Sugo Cucina Italiana (and Quilo's Taqueria) is 162 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for Quilo's can be found at https://quilostaqueria.com/

[March 5 update: According to @danielpunkass, Quilo's Taqueria is now open.]

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[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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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.)

 

Mill Cafe Opens in Arlington

A new cafe has come to the northwest suburbs of Boston, and a local church is behind it.

According to a source, the Mill Cafe is now open in Arlington, moving into a space on Mill Street that is home to the offices of the Highrock Covenant Church. An article from Your Arlington mentions that the new 125-seat spot, which offers baked goods, breakfast and lunch items, coffee, tea, and snacks, is planning to hire people with disabilities while also donating all profits from the cafe to nonprofit organizations.

Currently, the Mill Cafe is open Thursday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The address for the Mill Cafe is 14 Mill Street, Arlington, MA, 02476. Its website can be found at https://www.millcafe.org/

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[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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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.)

 

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/

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[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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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.)

 

Zomsa Is Opening in the Former Taipei Tokyo Space in Arlington Center

A new South Asian restaurant is on its way to the northwest suburbs of Boston, and it will be replacing an Asian fusion dining spot.

According to an article from Your Arlington, Zomsa is planning to open in Arlington, moving into the space on Mass. Ave. in the center of town that had been home to Taipei Tokyo. It appears that the new eatery will offer Indian and Nepali fare, and it will be open for lunch and dinner along with a weekend brunch. It is not yet known when Zomsa might open, so stay tuned for updates.

Taipei Tokyo opened in 2019, replacing Shanghai Village which had been in the space for nearly 40 years until being hit by a fire in 2018.

The address for Zomsa is 434 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

[April 29, 2024 update: A check on the place indicates that Zomsa is now open.]

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[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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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 Arlington Center

A local group of bakeries and cafes has opened a new outlet in the northwest suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Tatte Bakery & Cafe is now open in Arlington Center, taking over the former Not Your Average Joe's space on Mass. Ave. The new location joins a number of others in the Greater Boston area, including in neighboring Cambridge and Somerville, and it offers a variety of pastries and baked goods along with breakfast items, soups, salads, sandwiches, bowls, and more.

The address for the new location of Tatte in Arlington Center is 645 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for all locations is at https://tattebakery.com/

[Earlier Article]
Tatte Bakery & Cafe Plans to Open in the Former Not Your Average Joe's Space in Arlington

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

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

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The Fat Greek in Haverhill Plans to Open New Location in Arlington

A fast-casual Greek/Mediterranean restaurant in the Merrimack Valley is going to be opening a new location a few miles northwest of Boston.

According to a source, The Fat Greek in Haverhill is expanding to East Arlington, with a picture sent indicating that it will move into the space where ArtWear had been (across from where Lake Street meets Mass. Ave.), while our source also tells us that the plans for the dining spot were first mentioned by Your Arlington earlier in the year. Based on the Haverhill location, the new outlet in East Arlington could offer such items as gyros, souvlaki, rice bowls, spanakopita, hummus, baklava, and more.

The address for the upcoming location of The Fat Greek in East Arlington is 185 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for the Haverhill location is at https://www.thefatgreekhaverhill.com/

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[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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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.)

  

Boston Pizza & Gyro Replaces Yassou in Arlington Heights

A takeout spot in the northwest suburbs that offered Greek fare has been replaced by a new place that also serves some Greek dishes.

According to a source (Karin Turer), Yassou in Arlington Heights is no longer in business, with the Mass. Ave. eatery being replaced by Boston Pizza & Gyro. The menu for the new spot includes gyros, shish kebab, lamb chops, spinach pie, pizza, calzones, pasta dishes, subs, baklava, and more.

Yassou first opened in early 2019, moving into the space that had been home to Capri Pizza & Subs while also being home to Charlie's Pizza long ago.

The address for Boston Pizza & Gyro (and the now-closed Yassou) is 1323 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for the new spot is at https://www.bostonpizzagyro.com/

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

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