Arwa Yemeni Coffee to Open in Brookline

A small group of Yemeni coffee shops will be opening its first Greater Boston location--and its first in Massachusetts.

According to a press release, Arwa Yemeni Coffee has reached a lease agreement with real estate firm The Hamilton Company to open on Beacon Street in Brookline, with the address indicating that it will move into a space in Coolidge Corner. An earlier Brookline News article mentions that the upcoming coffee shop will offer pastries and other bakery items in addition to coffee, and it plans to be open late on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. No opening date has been given as of yet, so keep checking back for updates.

Arwa Yemeni Coffee, which was founded in 2022, currently has ten locations in Connecticut, Illinois, Texas, and California.

The address for the upcoming Arwa Yemeni Coffee is 1333 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for all locations is at https://www.arwacoffee.com/

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

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FuGaKyu in Brookline Is Closing

A well-known Japanese restaurant in Brookline that has been around for more than 25 years is shutting down.

According to a source, FuGaKyu in Coolidge Corner is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Beacon Street dining spot saying the following:

We regret to announce that our owner decided to cease operations due to his personal reasons -- effective November 5, 2025. With deepest gratitude, we thank every patron who has graced our tables and shared countless memories with us over the years. This chapter may close, but it marks the dawn of exciting new journeys ahead for our team and family.

FuGaKyu, which is known in part for its sushi, first debuted in Brookline back in 1998, with other locations opening in Sudbury and MarketStreet Lynnfield (both of which have since closed). 

The address for FuGaKyu in Coolidge Corner is 1280 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at https://fugakyuatbrookline.com/

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Arwa Yemeni Coffee to Open in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A small group of Middle Eastern coffee shops will be expanding locally, with a new Boston-area location on the way.

According to a Brookline News article, Arwa Yemeni Coffee is planning to open in the Coolidge Corner area of Brookline, moving into a space on Beacon Street. The article mentions that the 36-seat spot will offer pastries, baked goods, coffee, and tea, and it will join several locations in Texas and Illinois (the business started out in 2022 in Richardson, TX).

The address for the upcoming Arwa Yemeni Coffee is 1333 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the business is at https://www.arwacoffee.com/

Thanks to Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.

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

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Bar Lunette Opens in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A new cocktail bar has come to Brookline, and it has a connection to an adjacent bistro known for its crepes.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Bar Lunette is now open in Coolidge Corner, moving into the former Coolidge Corner Opticians space on Harvard Street, and it is next door to the Paris Creperie whose team is behind the new spot. Eater mentions that Bar Lunette focuses on drinks made with French spirits while also bringing drink options over from the shuttered Seaport District location of the Paris Creperie, which featured cordial-based cocktails.

In addition to drinks, Bar Lunette also has wine and beer along with such food options as French onion soup, deviled eggs, tater tots with melted cheese, omelets, and sandwiches.

The address for Bar Lunette is 278A Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at https://www.barlunette.com/

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Silk Lounge Is Opening in Brookline

A new dining and drinking spot with global influences is on its way to Brookline.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Silk Lounge is planning to open on Beacon Street on the eastern edge of Coolidge Corner, with the place being a restaurant, bar, and cafe that has Asian, Mediterranean, and European influences. The article indicates that the cafe will offer takeout breakfast items along with pastries, smoothies, bubble tea, and coffee, while the restaurant and bar will have more of an upscale feel to it. If all goes as planned, Silk Lounge could be opening sometime this month.

The address for the upcoming Silk Lounge is 1223 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at https://silkloungeboston.com/

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

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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)

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Shaking Crab in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed

It looks like another location of a group of Cajun seafood restaurants has closed.

According to a source, Shaking Crab in Brookline is no longer in business, with a check on the website for the business seeming to confirm this, as the dining spot--which was located on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner--is no longer listed within the locations section. The Brookline restaurant, which first opened in 2018, joins another one in Cambridge that is no longer in operation; locations that remain open can be found in downtown Boston, Newton, Quincy, and Foxborough.

The address for the now-closed Shaking Crab in Coolidge Corner was 250 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The address for all locations can be found at https://www.shakingcrab.com/

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KungFu Kitchen Is Opening in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A small group of Chinese restaurants based in New York City will be expanding to the Boston area.

According to Geoff Wong, who posted within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, KungFu Kitchen is planning to open in Brookline, moving into the space on Beacon Street in Coolidge Corner that had been home to Six Po Hot Pot and before that, Replacing Rani Indian Bistro. Based on the locations in New York City and on Long Island, expect to see such options as hand-pulled noodles, handmade dumplings (including soup dumplings), stir-fry dishes, and more.

The address for the new location of KungFu Kitchen in Coolidge Corner is 1353 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for all locations is at https://www.kfkitchennyc.com/

[July 14 update: A new post from Geoff Wong indicates that KungFu has soft-opened in Brookline.]

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Parlour in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed

A dining and drinking spot in Brookline has very quietly shut down after being in business for five years.

According to a source, Parlour on Harvard Street is no longer in business, with the social media for the Coolidge Corner place indicating that it actually shuttered at the end of February, though its website continues to be up and running and gives no indication as to its closure. Parlour first opened in the summer of 2019, taking over the space where Regal Beagle had once been and offering mostly New American fare along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the now-closed Parlour was 308 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

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Cobble in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed for Now, Will Be Taking a "Gap Year"

An eclectic Italian dining spot in Brookline has shut down for at least the time being.

According to a message sent to us, Cobble in Coolidge Corner had its last night of service over the weekend, with its website saying the following:

Cobble will be taking a gap year in 2024, and we will use this time to explore new opportunities for Cobble and the future of what it means to dine out. The past three years have been gratifying, and we are overjoyed with the positive response to our unique dining concept.

The note mentions that Barlette, which is a BYO cocktail bar that's downstairs from Cobble and which is under the same ownership, will remain in operation.

Cobble has been known for its unique BYO reservation-only concept that features a set tasting menu. Its website is at https://www.dinneratcobble.com/

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PLNT Burger Plans to Open in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A vegan burger chain is planning to open its third Boston-area outlet, and this will be its only standalone spot in the region.

According to an article in the Brookline News, PLNT Burger is going to be opening in Brookline, moving into a space on Harvard Street in the Coolidge Corner area. The 35-seat eatery will be a fast-casual place that offers burgers, fries, and shakes that are 100% plant-based, and it will join locations inside Whole Foods in Boston's South End and Dedham's Legacy Place along with a handful of others along the East Coast--including standalone outlets in New York.

No opening date for the new location of PLNT Burger has been given as of yet; as soon we hear of a possible opening date, we will post an update here.

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

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

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Chilacates Is Opening in the Former Anna's Taqueria Space in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A local group of Mexican restaurants plans to expand further into the Boston area, and its next location may be replacing the original location of another local group of Mexican spots.

According to a source (and confirmed in a Select Board meeting page), Chilacates is looking to open in Brookline, taking over the space on Beacon Street in Coolidge Corner that had been home to Anna's Taqueria until it closed in 2020. The new location of Chilacates would join others in Jamaica Plain (two), the South End, Mission Hill, Roslindale, and Chestnut Hill, and based on the offerings at those locations, expect to see such items as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and more.

The address for the new location of Chilacates in Coolidge Corner is 1412 Beacon Street #1, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.chilacates.mx/

[March 31 update: According to its website, Chilacates in Brookline's Coolidge Corner is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Anna's Taqueria in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed

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!

Mecha Noodle Bar Opens in Brookline

A Connecticut-based group of Asian restaurants has officially expanded to the Boston area, and at least one more location is on its way to the region as well.

According to multiple sources, Mecha Noodle Bar is now open in Brookline, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it has taken over the former Peet's Coffee space on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner. The new dining spot offers dishes with Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences, along with beer, wine, sake, spiked tea, and cocktails.

As also mentioned earlier, another outlet of Mecha is on its way to Boston's Fort Point neighborhood, with that one planning to open sometime this fall.

The address for Mecha Noodle Bar in Coolidge Corner is 285 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for all locations is at https://mechanoodlebar.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Mecha Noodle Bar to Open in Brookline's Coolidge Corner
Mecha Noodle Bar Plans to Open in Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood

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!

Curry House in Brookline Has Closed

An Indian restaurant in Brookline has shut down, though it appears that it could reopen elsewhere.

According to a message sent by @BostonTweet, Curry House in Coolidge Corner has closed its doors, with all the furniture cleared out of the Beacon Street space and a note out front saying "it has truly been an honor and a pleasure to serve you" while also referring people to their Facebook page and website for more information on their "new location." Nothing on the planned reopening in another space has been given as of yet, so stay tuned for details.

Curry House first opened 14 years ago in Brookline, with another location opening on Water Street in downtown Boston in 2017, though that outlet is no longer in operation.

The address for the now-closed Curry House in Coolidge Corner was 1335 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/CurryHouseBrookline while its website is at https://www.curryhousema.com/

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

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Santouka to Open in Maruichi Food Court in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A chain of ramen shops with two locations in the Boston area will be opening a third, and this one will be located within a food court.

According to a source, Santouka is planning to open in Brookline, moving into the food court inside Maruichi on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner. Once it opens, the new outlet of Santouka (which is also known as Hokkaido Ramen Santouka) will join others in Boston's Back Bay and Cambridge's Harvard Square along with a number of locations in Canada and Asia, including Japan, where the company is based.

The address for the upcoming location of Santouka (and Maruichi) is 299 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for Santouka can be found at https://santouka-usa.com/

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

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Osaka Japanese Sushi and Steak House in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed

A Japanese restaurant in Brookline has shut its doors, and it appears to be a permanent closure.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Osaka Japanese Sushi and Steak House in the Coolidge Corner area is no longer in operation, with a check on the website for the Green Street spot stating that it has "closed indefinitely" while thanking all of its customers and saying "It was our pleasure to serve you and encourage you to visit us in Northampton." Osaka, which first opened in the fall of 2011, included hibachi tables, a full bar, and a sushi bar within its space.

The address for the now-closed Osaka Japanese Sushi and Steak House was 14 Green Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the business (including the still-open Northampton location) can be found at http://www.osakarestaurantgroup.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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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 in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

It looks like a Connecticut-based group of Asian restaurants will be expanding to the local area.

According to an article from Wicked Local, Mecha Noodle Bar is planning to open in Brookline, moving into the space on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner that had been home to a location of Peet's Coffee until it closed in early 2019. The upcoming eatery will features noodle dishes with Southeast Asian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean influences including pho and ramen, while banh mi and bao will also be offered--and beer, sake, spiked tea, and cocktails will be available as well. If all goes as planned, the new location of Mecha could be opening in Brookline by the end of the year.

Mecha Noodle Bar first started out in 2011 and currently has five locations in Connecticut.

The address for the upcoming Mecha Noodle Bar is 285 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can  be found at https://mechanoodlebar.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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The Novel Kitchen by Curds & Co. Is Opening Next to Brookline Booksmith in Coolidge Corner

Late last year, it was reported that a longtime bookstore in Brookline was planning to expand, and its plans would include a dining spot. Now we have learned a bit more about the eatery, which is on the verge of opening.

According to posts within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, The Novel Kitchen by Curds & Co. is getting ready to open in the former Verizon space next to Brookline Booksmith on Harvard Street, with the posts saying that it will offer artisanal seasonal plates and snacks along with some specialty foods and houseware items within a small retail section, while the space will have seats for dining in along with takeout. The dining spot looks like it may open sometime this month, though an exact opening date has not been given as of yet.

As reported earlier, Brookline Booksmith, which first opened in 1961 as Paperback Booksmith, has expanded its space, including what appears to be an expansion of its children's section and a new cookbook section added in addition to collaborating with Curds & Co. on the eatery, which will be physically connected to the bookstore. (Curds & Co. is a cheese shop that is located in Brookline Village.)

The address for The Novel Kitchen by Curds & Co. is 283 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the place can be found at https://thenovelkitchen.com/

[November 23 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that The Novel Kitchen by Curds & Co. has soft-opened, with its grand opening being scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving.]

[Earlier Article]
Brookline Booksmith to Expand, Include a Restaurant

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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Anna's Taqueria in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed

The original location of a local group of Mexican eateries has shut down permanently.

According to a Twitter post from @BostonTweet, Anna's Taqueria in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline is no longer in business, with a note out front at the Beacon Street spot saying that "It is incredibly sad to close our original Anna's Taqueria location where we've made memories with so many of you....We're grateful for a great relationship with our landlord at 1412 Beacon Street, and can't wait to see what business moves into this space; we wish them the same success and experience that we had there." The note also refers customers to its nearby location on Harvard Street.

The Coolidge Corner location of Anna's Taqueria first opened in 1995, with the restaurant expanding to a handful of locations in the Greater Boston area; all of the outlets are known in part or their burritos and tacos.

The address for the now-closed location of Anna's in Coolidge Corner was 1412 Beacon Street #1, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.annastaqueria.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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Cobble Is Opening in the Arcade Building in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A new Italian dining spot is coming to an historic building in Brookline.

According to an article in Wicked Local, Cobble is planning to open in the Arcade Building on the northern edge of Coolidge Corner, with the eatery being a BYOB spot offering a "reservation-only, semi-private dining experience" and whose food items (which rotate each week) will be prepared at an off-site commercial kitchen. The post says that Emily Vena (La Morra) is behind the restaurant, which hopes to open in August.

The address for Cobble is 318 Harvard Street (Arcade Building), Brookline, MA, 02446.

[September 18 update: Eater Boston states that Cobble is now open, and while it is indeed a semi-private restaurant that is open on Fridays and Saturdays, they also feature "Cobble to Go," a takeout service that is available to the general public.]

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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