7th Street Burger to Open Locations in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Saugus

A growing group of burger spots with roots in New York City will be opening at least two more Boston-area locations.

According to their website, 7th Street Burger is planning to open in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Saugus, with the former being at 37 Brattle Street and the latter being at 880 Broadway (Route 1). Once they are up and running, they will join two existing locations in the Back Bay and South Boston, and expect to see smash burgers at the two restaurants.

7th Street Burger first started out in the East Village of Manhattan in 2021. Its website can be found at https://locations.7thstreetburger.com/

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Simon's Coffee Shop in Cambridge Is Closing; Plans Are in the Works to Reopen in a New Space

A longtime coffee shop in Cambridge is shutting down, though it looks like the owner has plans to move to a space nearby.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Simon's Coffee Shop is closing today, with a note on its Instagram page indicating that they are looking to reopen in a space across the street. A Cambridge Day article mentions that owner Simon Yu is planning to move from 1736 Massachusetts Avenue to 1741 Massachusetts Avenue, though an agreement on the new space has not been finalized as of yet. (The article mentions that the current space for Simon's is going to be torn down as a new mixed-use development is slated to be built there.)

Simon's Coffee Shop has been in business for 23 years, offering coffee, tea, sandwiches, and more.

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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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Gong Palace and Bar Is Opening in the Former Commonwealth Space in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A new dining spot is on its way to Cambridge, moving into the space where an upscale restaurant and function space had been until closing a few years ago.

According to a source, Gong Palace and Bar is going to be opening in Kendall Square, taking over the former Commonwealth space on Broad Canal Way. A photo sent to us indicates that a sign is up for the place while another sign in the window says that it will feature "authentic fine Chinese cuisine" with pictures of food shown including what look to be soup dumplings. An opening date has not been given as of yet for Gong Palace and Bar, with a note out front simply saying "coming soon."

Commonwealth first opened in 2013, shutting down ten years later in the fall of 2023; Steve Postal (Revival Cafe & Kitchen) was behind the spot.

The address for the upcoming Gong Palace and Bar in Kendall Square is 11 Broad Canal Way, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

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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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2nd Street Cafe in East Cambridge Is Closed; Exact Status Unknown

A longtime favorite for breakfast and lunch in Cambridge is locked up and dark, and it isn't known whether the place will reopen.

According to a source, the 2nd Street Cafe in East Cambridge is shuttered, with photos sent to us hinting that the space appears to be cleaned out, while a check on its website indicates that the site is no longer running. A Reddit thread mentions that according to a sign out front, the eatery had been closed for vacation until July 18 but it still hasn't reopened; as soon as we find out more about the exact status of the restaurant, we will post an update here.

The address for the 2nd Street Cafe is 89 Second Street #1, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

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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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Clover in Cambridge's Inman Square Has Closed

A location of a local restaurant chain featuring vegetarian fare has shut down only a couple of months after reopening.

According to a Bluesky post from @kenjimallon.bsky.social, Clover in Cambridge's Inman Square is no longer in operation, with a check on the company's website confirming this, as the Cambridge Street shop is no longer shown on the site, while a source sent us an email from Clover saying that "This closure is a planned part of our new era (smaller company, fewer locations, same amazing food)." Back in June, several locations of Clover reopened shortly after the company said that they would be ceasing operations, and the Inman Square location was one of the shops that opened back up. (Locations in Central Square, Kendall Square, Harvard Square, Boston's Financial District, and the Prudential Center remain open.)

The website for Clover can be found at https://www.cloverfoodlab.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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One Bite in Cambridge's Inman Square Has Closed

An Asian restaurant in Cambridge has shut down after being in business for a bit less than two years.

According to multiple sources, One Bite in Inman Square is no longer in operation, with a sign out front indicating that it closed its doors on July 30. The dining spot first opened in the latter part of 2024, taking over the space where JP Restaurant had been, and before that, Midwest Grill Fusion, a short-lived Korean BBQ spot, and the Midwest Grill Brazilian BBQ; the restaurant offered a variety of sushi dishes including such options as taco sushi and mini bowls.

The address for the now-closed One Bite was 1124 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

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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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IHOP in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Closed

Another Boston-area location of a chain of pancake houses has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, IHOP in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge has closed after being in business for approximately 20 years, joining another location in Quincy that shuttered a couple of years ago though it appears that that one will eventually reopen in a new, nearby location. A number of locations of the chain still remain in the Greater Boston area, including in Braintree, Brighton, Brockton, Dedham, Framingham, Norwood, Revere, Salem, Saugus, and Tewksbury.

The address for the now-closed IHOP in Harvard Square was 16 Eliot Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. The website for the chain is at https://restaurants.ihop.com/

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Dear Annie in Cambridge Is Closing, Will Become an Events Space

An award-winning restaurant and wine bar is closing, though the business will continue on in another form.

According to a message sent to us from Leah Klein of City Living Boston, Dear Annie in Cambridge is saying farewell, with an Instagram post from Lauren Friel of the Massachusetts Avenue place saying the following:

Dear Annie's final evening in regular service will be on July 31st. Dear Annie as we know her--in both name and being--will cease to exist. Instead, we will be dedicating our space, time, and energy to bespoke events (include private events) devoted to the beauty and craft of exceptional wine and hospitality. We will close for the month of August  and plan to re-emerge in September.

The note goes on to cite the trend of Friel's favorite food businesses around the world closing and the proliferation of steakhouses and luxury chains opening in the Boston area, with Friel saying that "I've seen multiple articles declaring that food's golden era is at its end....This current trend is not why I devoted the past 25 years of my life to this industry. The writing is on the wall for many of us..."

Dear Annie first opened in late 2021, receiving much praise over the past few years including from Boston Magazine, Bon Appetit, the New York Times, and Wine Enthusiast. Lauren Friel and the team behind it also run Rebel Rebel, a wine bar in the Union Square section of Somerville.

The address for Dear Annie is 1741 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at https://www.dearanniebar.com/

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Clover Closes Harvard Square, Newtonville Locations; Zimmer Hall/Harvard Science Center Location Remains Open

Several weeks ago, it was reported that a local restaurant chain featuring vegetarian fare was ceasing operations only to have the business being saved at the last minute. Now we have learned that at least two outlets of the chain will not be returning to their spaces.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, brick-and-mortar locations of Clover in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Newtonville are shuttered with a "for lease" sign in the latter while a Harvard Crimson article states that the former is indeed closed while also saying that the nearby outlet in Zimmer Hall/Harvard Science Center remains open for business. As mentioned in an earlier article here, locations in Cambridge's Inman Square, Central Square, Kendall Square, Boston's Financial District, and the Prudential Center are back open along with the aforementioned Zimmer Hall/Harvard Science Center space, though it isn't yet known at this point  if any other locations that have not reopened will actually be reopening.

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

[Earlier Article]
Clover Is Returning; Boston and Cambridge Locations to Reopen June 9

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Beyond Full in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Closed

What was once a pair of comfort food spots appears to have ceased operations, as its sole remaining location has shuttered.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Beyond Full on the eastern edge of Harvard Square in Cambridge is no longer in business, with a "for lease" sign shown in the window out front at the Massachusetts Avenue storefront. The restaurant first opened late last summer in the former Zoe's space, joining its original location in Hopedale (which is also closed), and it featured such options as breakfast dishes, burgers, and shakes.

The address for the now-closed location of Beyond Full in Harvard Square was 1105 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

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Tampopo in Cambridge's Porter Square Closes Today

Earlier this year, it was reported that a decades-old Japanese restaurant in Cambridge would be shutting down, and it has been confirmed that today will indeed be its final day.

According to its website, Tampopo within the Lesley Building/Porter Exchange in the city's Porter Square area closes at the end of business hours today as the owner is retiring, with a note on the site saying that they will be doing dine-in and walk-up takeout orders only (takeout orders by phone will not be taken). The eatery first opened in the building in 1992 and was once being part of a bustling food court, with the dining spot offering such options as tempura, donburi, katsu don, noodle soups, and curry.

The address for Tampopo is 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website is at https://www.tampopocambridge.com/

[Earlier Article]
Tampopo in Cambridge's Porter Square Plans to Close Down in June

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Urban Hearth Opens in New Space in Cambridge's Inman Square

Last fall, it was reported that an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant in Cambridge was making plans to move into a new space, and now we have learned that it is up and running in its new location.

According to its website, Urban Hearth is now open in the former Turing Tavern space on Cambridge Street in Inman Square, with Chef/Owner Erin Miller moving it from its former space on Massachusetts Avenue in North Cambridge. As mentioned in an earlier article here, the new space includes table seating in the dining room, a chef's counter with additional seating, and a full-service bar and "salon" with seating as well, with the chef's counter featuring a multi-course tasting menu while an à la carte menu is offered for patrons in the dining room, bar, and salon.

Boston Magazine mentions that the former Urban Hearth space will be used for private events this summer before opening up around October as a new and more casual restaurant that looks to be a contemporary American bistro.

Since opening in 2016, Urban Hearth has won multiple Best of Boston awards in Boston Magazine, while Miller was recently named a 2025 finalist for the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef, Northeast award.

The new address for Urban Hearth is 1281 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The website for the restaurant can be found at https://www.urbanhearth.net/

[Earlier Article]
Urban Hearth in North Cambridge to Move to New Space in Inman Square

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Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits Opens in Cambridge

A new seafood spot has come to Cambridge, replacing a longtime dining and drinking place within a riverside hotel.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits is now open within the Royal Sonesta, moving into the space where ArtBar had been. The post says that the new restaurant offers such options as shrimp po' boys, Atlantic crab cake sandwiches, lobster dinners for two, and hot and cold seafood towers, while its menu also shows such dishes as clam dip, shrimp scampi flatbread, a fried hake sandwich, grilled oysters, fish and chips, and more.

ArtBar first opened at the Royal Sonesta about 20 years ago.

The address for Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits (and the Royal Sonesta) is 40 Edwin H Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA, 02142. Its website can be found at https://scullandkeel.com/

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S&S Deli in Cambridge Has Closed

Early last month, it was reported that one of the oldest--and best-known restaurants--in Cambridge was closing, and the dining spot has now officially served its final meal.

According to its website, S&S Deli in Inman Square is now closed, confirming what had been heard earlier that its last day in operation was June 7. The owners of the Cambridge Street restaurant, which first opened in 1919, are planning to retire, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it is possible that a new dining place could be coming to the space at some point, though it doesn't appear that anything has been confirmed as of yet. 

S&S Deli was known for such items as cheese blintzes, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, potato pancakes, chopped liver, knockwurst, and more.

The address for the now-closed S&S Deli was 1334 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[Earlier Article]
S&S Deli in Cambridge's Inman Square Is Closing

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

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Lulu Green Opens in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A South Boston dining spot known for its vegan fare has expanded to Cambridge.

According to a press release, Lulu Green is now open in Kendall Square, moving into a space on W Kendall Street just off Third Street on the northern edge of the square. The new location, which includes a large covered patio, joins another on W Broadway in Southie, being an all-day cafe that offers such options as pastries, coffee, and smoothies, along with lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails also served.

The address for the new location of Lulu Green in Kendall Square is 675 W Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for the business is at https://www.lulugreen.com/

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Vida Coffee Opens in Cambridge

A brand new coffee shop with Chinese influences has opened in Cambridge.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Vida Coffee is now open on Broadway, moving into a space a few blocks west of Kendall Square in The Port neighborhood of the city. The new spot offers coffee, sandwiches, baked goods, and pastries, with its menu also including a few bun and bao options.

The address for Vida Coffee is 222 Broadway, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/222vidacoffee/

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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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Alice & Monarch Open in Cambridge's Kendall Square

Earlier this year, it was reported that a dual-concept spot was planning to open in Cambridge, and now we have learned that both are up and running.

According to a press release, Alice & Monarch are now open in the city's Kendall Square area, moving into a space on Main Street next to the new Eastern Edge food hall. The release mentions that Alice is a Mediterranean and Italian taverna that is located upstairs, while Monarch is downstairs and is a lounge that offers cocktails and desserts, with Daniel Roughan of Source in Harvard Square being behind both places.

The address for Alice & Monarch in Kendall Square is 238 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for both can be found at https://aliceandmonarch.com/

[Earlier Article]
Alice & Monarch Plans to Open in Cambridge's Kendall Square

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S&S Deli in Cambridge's Inman Square Is Closing

It looks like one of the oldest restaurants in Cambridge is shutting down.

Based on information from a source from earlier this week, S&S Deli in Inman Square is closing, with a Boston Globe article confirming that the Cambridge Street eatery is indeed shutting down in June. In the article, co-owner Gary Mitchell says that "I'm proud of the chapters behind us and looking forward to what's next," while noting that it "has been in my family for 107 years....I understand people may love S&S. It's time to make time for other restaurants, and other things are coming." A message sent to us from Mitchell on Tuesday simply said "Stay tuned!" when asked about the status of the place.

S&S Deli first opened in 1919, being known for its classic deli fare including potato pancakes, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, chopped liver, cheese blintzes, knockwurst, and more.

The address for S&S Deli is 1334 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at http://www.sandsrestaurant.com/

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

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Wu Li Xiang - Shanghai Kitchen to Open in Cambridge's Central Square

It looks like a new restaurant featuring Chinese fare is on its way to Cambridge.

According to a Bluesky post from troysch1.bsky.social, Wu Li Xiang - Shanghai Kitchen is planning to open soon on Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square, with a sign out front indicating that it may be featuring soup dumplings. A Cambridge License Commission page mentions that the upcoming dining spot plans to have an inside capacity of 36 and an outside capacity of 24 and with the proposed manager being Yumei Yu, and it looks to be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. No specific opening date has been given as of yet, nor has a menu been seen, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for the upcoming Wu Li Xiang - Shanghai Kitchen is 411 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

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

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Jafra Cafe & Lounge to Open in Cambridge's Inman Square

A brand new Middle Eastern spot is on its way to Cambridge.

According to a Bluesky message from troysch1.bsky.social, Jafra Cafe & Lounge is getting ready to open in the city's Inman Square neighborhood, moving into a space on Hampshire Street a couple of blocks south of the Cambridge Street intersection. The Instagram page for the business indicates that it will be a Middle Eastern cafe and hookah lounge and that it will have gluten-free, vegan, and halal options with a photo showing what appears to be falafel, hummus, and pita.

The address for the upcoming Jafra Cafe & Lounge in Inman Square is 187 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/jafracafelounge/

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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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