Potbelly Sandwich Works in Boston's Downtown Crossing Has Closed

Another Boston-area location of a Chicago-based chain of sub shops has shut down, and now there are only two brick-and-mortar locations remaining locally.

According to a Bluesky post from @glennwhidden.bsky.social, Potbelly Sandwich Works (also known as Potbelly Sandwich Shop) in Downtown Crossing is no longer in business, with a photo of a sign out front at the Washington Street space indicating that October 25 was its last day in operation. Two other locations of Potbelly in the region have also shuttered over the years--in Cambridge's Porter Square and Braintree--with brick-and-mortar storefronts remaining open on Federal Street in the Financial District and in Burlington, while two others can also be found at Logan Airport. 

Potbelly, which first started out in 1977, is known for its sandwiches as well as soups, salads, and more.

The address for the now-closed location of Potbelly in Downtown Crossing was 263 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.potbelly.com/

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

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Xi'an Famous Foods Is Opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing

An award-winning group of Chinese restaurants based in New York City that is known in part for their hand-pulled noodles is expanding to the heart of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Xi'an Famous Foods is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, with the poster (and the photo shown with a sign up for the place) indicating that it will be moving into the space on Washington Street that had been home to a location of b.good. This will be the first brick-and-mortar location of the eatery to come to the local area, though it isn't their first foray into Boston as there had been a ghost kitchen that debuted on Shirley Street in Roxbury last year that is no longer in operation. (Currently, the only locations of Xi'an Famous Foods are in NYC's boroughs.)

In addition to hand-pulled noodles, Xi'an Famous Foods--which has received accolades from such publications as Bon Appetit, Forbes, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Time Out--also offers dumplings and burgers on flatbread buns.

The address for the new location of Xi'an Famous Foods in Downtown Crossing is 255 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02108. The website for the business is at https://www.xianfoods.com/

[October 23 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Xi'an Famous Foods is now open in Boston.]

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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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All'Antico Vinaio Opens in Boston's Downtown Crossing

Earlier this year, it was reported that an award-winning group of sandwich shops with roots in Italy would be opening a second Boston location, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, All'Antico Vinaio is now open in Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Washington Street near where it meets Milk Street. The new location debuted yesterday, joining another on Boylston Street in the Copley Square along with a handful of other U.S. locations, and it focuses on a variety of panini (in 2017, Saveur included All'Antico Vinaio in an article on "The World's Best Sandwiches").

All'Antico Vinaio first started out in Florence in 1991.

The address for the new location of All'Antico Vinaio in Downtown Crossing is 330 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for All'Antico Vinaio is at https://www.allanticovinaiousa.com/

[Earlier Article]
All'Antico Vinaio Plans to Open New Location in Boston's Downtown Crossing

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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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Deli One in Boston's Downtown Crossing Has Closed

An old-school breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of Boston has shut down.

According to multiple sources, Deli One in the city's Downtown Crossing area is no longer in business, with the Arch Street eatery apparently closing sometime over the weekend. It isn't known why the place closed, nor is it known what might go into the space; if we hear additional information, we will post an update here.

Deli One was known in part for its variety of sandwiches along with its Greek dishes such as moussaka, chicken kabobs, gyros, spinach pie, and baked haddock.

The address for the now-closed Deli One was 85 Arch Street, Boston, MA, 02110.

(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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The Exchange Plans to Open in the Former Boston Chops Space in Boston's Downtown Crossing

Early this year, it was reported that a pair of steakhouses in Boston had shut down, and now we have learned that a new dining spot will be moving into one of the spaces.

According to an article from The Boston Business Journal (via the Downtown Boston Alliance), The Exchange is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into the former Boston Chops space on Temple Place. The article mentions that the New Hampshire-based NNE Hospitality (which runs The Puddle Dock, a Portsmouth dining spot that focuses on modern takes on colonial food) is behind the upcoming restaurant, though no other details have been given other than the possibility that it could debut sometime this year.

The Downtown Crossing location location of Boston Chops first opened in 2018, while the location in the South End opened in 2013.

The address for the upcoming Exchange is 52 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111.

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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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Off the Rails Boston to Replace Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Crossing

A few days ago, a restaurant and bar in the heart of Boston closed after 15 years in business, but a new concept is on its way to the space, and it will be under the same ownership.

According to an article from boston.com, Off the Rails Boston is planning to replace Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Crossing, with the upcoming School Street spot focusing more on live music and entertainment while its menu will tend to lean toward "elevated Americana-inspired" fare. The article mentions that Off the Rails will also have a setting that is influenced by Nashville as well as Boston, and if all goes as planned it could be debuting sometime late this summer.

The address for the upcoming Off the Rails Bosto is 25 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

[Earlier Article]
Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Boston's Downtown Crossing Is Closing

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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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Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Boston's Downtown Crossing Is Closing

A restaurant and bar in the heart of Boston known in part for its live music and nightlife is shutting down after 15 years in business.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Crossing is getting ready to close, with the website for the School Street spot indicating that it will shutter permanently after this weekend. Scholars first opened in 2011, offering regional dishes along with beer, wine, and cocktails while also having semi-private spaces, karaoke, and DJs.

The address for Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge is 25 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website can be found at https://www.scholarsbostonbistro.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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Champion Pizza Plans to Open in Downtown Crossing in Boston

It looks like a new pizza spot may be opening in the heart of Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Champion Pizza is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Washington Street near where it meets School Street and Water Street. The notice mentions that the proposed eatery would have seating for 10 on the ground floor along with pizza ovens and a prep area while having a total of just over 1,000 square feet of space on two levels (the basement would have food equipment such as refrigerators and a dough mixer), and that the manager listed is Mensure Balyen.

It looks like the address for the proposed Champion Pizza would be 294 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02109.

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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 Zebra Room Opens Below Yvonne's in Boston's Downtown Crossing

A tiny new subterranean steakhouse has opened in downtown Boston, and a local restaurant and hospitality group is behind the spot.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, the Zebra Room is now open in Downtown Crossing, residing in the space below Yvonne's at 2 Winter Place that had previously been home to the Gallery and before that, the Rebel Room. The COJE Management Group (Yvonne’s, Lolita, My Girl, Mariel, RUKA, Coquette) is behind the steakhouse, which is accessed through Yvonne's Library bar by way of a hidden bookshelf door and which features such options as steaks, seafood, rack of lamb, pork chops, martinis, and a variety of wines.

The website for the Zebra Room is at https://www.zebraroom.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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All'Antico Vinaio Plans to Open New Location in Boston's Downtown Crossing

An award-winning group of sandwich shops with roots in Italy that opened its first location in Boston last fall will be opening another location within the city.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, All'Antico Vinaio is looking to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Washington Street near where it meets Milk Street. The notice mentions that the proposed restaurant would have a dining area with seating for 20 people and an ordering counter, and it hopes to acquire a beer and wine license as well. If approved, the new location of All'Antico Vinaio would join another on Boylston Street in Copley Square along with a handful of other U.S. locations.

All'Antico Vinaio, which started out in Florence in 1991, is known for their variety of panini; in 2017, Saveur included All'Antico Vinaio in an article on "The World's Best Sandwiches."

The address for the upcoming location of All'Antico Vinaio in Downtown Crossing is 330 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for All'Antico Vinaio can be found at https://www.allanticovinaiousa.com/

[July 8 update: According to a press release, the new location of All'Antico Vinaio in Downtown Crossing is slated to open on July 15.]

(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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The Halal Guys Opens in Downtown Boston

Last spring, it was reported that another new location of a chain of halal spots with roots in New York City would be coming to the heart of Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, The Halal Guys has its grand opening today and tomorrow in the city's downtown area, opening in a space on Washington Street on the northern edge of Downtown Crossing just south of State Street and Court Street. The new location joins another in the Theater District along with others in the Fenway, South Bay, Cambridge's Porter Square, Dedham, and further out, in Shrewsbury. 

The Halal Guys, which began in 1990 as a food cart in Manhattan, offers such items as chicken and rice, falafel, gyros, hummus, and baklava. 

The address for the new location of The Halal Guys in downtown Boston is 241 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02201. The website for the chain is at https://thehalalguys.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Halal Guys to Open a New Location in Downtown Boston

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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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Boston Chops in Boston's South End and Downtown Crossing Have Closed

A pair of steakhouses in Boston have shut down, and it is not yet known what might become of the spaces.

According to multiple sources, Boston Chops in the South End and Downtown Crossing are no longer in operation, with the website for the business saying the following:

...We are grateful for every team member, neighbor, guest, and vendor who built and sustained Boston Chops. It has been an extraordinary journey full of celebrations but we are now closed to make way for new ownership and a revitalized concept to better serve the community. Thank you & you're welcome, Chops Family

The South End location of Boston Chops first opened in 2013, with the Downtown Crossing location debuting in 2018; both restaurants were known in part for their steak and seafood dishes along with their extensive wine list and cocktails.

(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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Up and Atom Coffee Co. to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing

A new coffee shop is on its way to the heart of Boston.

According to an X post from @FortPointer, Up and Atom Coffee Co. is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into the ground floor of the Genesis lab/office building on Summer Street. It appears that the upcoming spot could offer coffee, tea, baked goods, breakfast items, smoothies, and sandwiches based on a menu seen online, though there does not appear to be a website or social media presence for the place as of yet.

The address for the upcoming Up and Atom Coffee Co. in Downtown Crossing is 55 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02111. The website for the Genesis facility is at https://www.genesis-55summer.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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GrowlGrowl to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing

A brand new Asian restaurant is making plans to open in the heart of Boston.

According to an article from What Now Boston, GrowlGrowl is going to be opening in Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Winter Street near where it meets Tremont Street. The article mentions that the upcoming eatery could feature hot pot options with pan-Asian street food influences, with several soup bases possibly being offered.

If all goes well, GrowlGrowl may be opening in late October.

The address for the upcoming GrowlGrowl Hot Pot is 48 Winter Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website can be found at https://growlgrowl.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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Al's School Street Cafe Plans to Open in the Former Clover Space in Boston's Downtown Crossing

It looks like a local group of dining spots known for their subs will be opening a new location in the heart of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Al's School Street Cafe is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, taking over the space on School Street that had been home to a location of Clover, and this has been confirmed in a licensing hearing page within the city's website. Once it opens, the new location of Al's will join others on State Street and at the corner of Essex Street and South Street (both of which are also in the downtown area), along with outlets in the Seaport District and in Cambridge's Kendall Square.

The address for the upcoming location of Al's School Street Cafe is 27 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108. The website for all locations is at https://alscafes.com/

[Earlier Article]
Clover in Boston's Downtown Crossing Is Closing; New Location Is Being Planned Nearby

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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 Halal Guys to Open a New Location in Downtown Boston

A growing chain of halal spots with roots in New York City will be opening another location in the local area, and this will be its second in the heart of Boston.

According to an Instagram story from the business, The Halal Guys is planning to open in the city's downtown area, with its Washington Street address indicating that it will reside in a space on the northern edge of Downtown Crossing just south of State Street and Court Street. Once it opens, the new outlet will join another in the Theater District along with others in the Fenway, South Bay, Cambridge's Porter Square, and further out, in Shrewsbury. 

The Halal Guys, which started out in 1990 as a food cart in Manhattan, offers such options as chicken and rice, gyros, falafel, hummus, baklava, and more. 

The address for the upcoming location of The Halal Guys in downtown Boston is 241 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02201. The website for the chain can be found at https://thehalalguys.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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Clover in Boston's Downtown Crossing Is Closing; New Location Is Being Planned Nearby

A local restaurant chain that features vegetarian fare is closing one of its Boston locations, though a new location could open somewhere close to the outlet that is shutting down.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Clover in Downtown Crossing is saying farewell today, with an email sent by Clover CEO Julia Wrin Piper saying the following about the School Street spot:

I wanted you to be the first to know - we have decided to close CloverDTX this year in favor of opening a new, exciting Clover location nearby. Official announcement coming soon!

UH says the email mentions that all workers at the location that is closing have been offered jobs at other outlets, including one nearby on Federal Street in the Financial District.

The address for Clover in Downtown Crossing is 27 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108. The website for the company is 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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Taco John's Opens in Downtown Boston

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a chain of quick-service Mexican restaurants whose roots are out west was planning to expand to downtown Boston, and now we have learned that the new location is up and running.

According to a source, Taco John's is now open on the eastern edge of Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Summer Street that had previously been home to a hair salon. The new location joins two others in the region--in Lawrence and Leominster--and it offers such items as tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos, churros, and Potato Olés (fried potato nuggets with spices and sauce options).

Taco John's got its start as a taco stand in Cheyenne, WY, in 1969.

The address for the new location of Taco John's in downtown Boston is 75 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for the chain can be found at https://tacojohns.com/

[Earlier Article]
Taco John's Plans to Open on Summer Street in Downtown Boston

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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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Bennett's Sandwich Shop to Open in the Former Grainmaker Space in Boston's Downtown Crossing

A small group of sandwich shops with roots in Maine will be opening another location in the Greater Boston area, and this one will be in the heart of the city.

According to a Bluesky post from @conciergeboston.bsky.social, Bennett's Sandwich Shop is planning to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into the space on Summer Street that had been home to Grainmaker until it closed down approximately a year ago. Once it opens, the new location will join others locally in the Fenway and in Burlington, along with restaurants in Portsmouth, NH, Salem, NH, and Kennebunk, ME, the last of which is the original and has been a popular spot with beachgoers since 1982.

Bennett's Sandwich Shop is known in part for its lobster rolls and cheesesteaks.

The address for the upcoming location of Bennett's Sandwich Shop in Downtown Crossing is 91 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02110. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.bennettssandwichshop.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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Taqueria Los Compadres Is Opening in Boston's Downtown Crossing

A brand new Mexican restaurant is coming to the heart of Boston, and it appears to have a connection to a dining spot by the same name on the North Shore.

According to a Twitter/X post from @DTownBostonBID, Taqueria Los Compadres is getting ready to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into a space on Province Street about midway between School Street and Bromfield Street. The menu for the eatery shows such options as nachos, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, tostadas, enchiladas, fajitas, flan, and churros, and it has a somewhat similar menu to a location of Taqueria Los Compadres in Lynn, though there are differences between the two menus.

The address for Taqueria Los Compadres in Downtown Crossing is 26 Province Street, Boston, MA, 02108 Its website can be found at https://taquerialoscompadresboston.com/

[September 11 update: According to its Facebook page, Taqueria Los Compadres 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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