Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar Opens in East Boston

Early this year, it was reported that a dining spot with Colombian influences was finally getting close to opening after being in the works for a long time, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar is now open in East Boston, moving into a space on Meridian Street in the Maverick Square area. The article mentions that the new spot offers Colombian and other Latin American fare and is a cafe by day and a wine bar by night, with breakfast/brunch served along with small and large plates, while cocktails are available as well.

Another location of Pomona (which is loosely affiliated) can be found in Swampscott, while one had also been in Winthrop but it is closed.

The address for the new Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar in Eastie is 18 Meridian Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website is at https://pomonaeastie.com/

[Earlier Article]
Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar Plans to Open in East 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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Mike's Pastry to Open at Logan Airport in East Boston

A landmark Boston pastry shop that has been expanding to a few locations of late is expanding once again, and this location will be geared toward travelers.

According to a press release, Mike's Pastry is planning to open at Logan Airport, moving into a space at Terminal C and having hours from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM seven days a week. The new outlet will offer such popular items found at the North End location as cannoli, cheesecake, and lobster tails, while also selling ready-to-go items, with the space including a full espresso bar as well.

If all goes as planned, the new location of Mike's will open at Logan later this year.

The website for Mike's Pastry (which also has locations in Cambridge's Harvard Square, Somerville's Assembly Row, and TD Garden in Boston) can be found at https://www.mikespastry.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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Blackbird Doughnuts, Sally's Sandwiches to Open in East Boston

The team behind a handful of gourmet doughnut shops and sandwich shops in the Boston area will be bringing the two concepts to a waterfront location.

According to a Facebook reel from Gallows Group founder Rebecca Roth Gullo, Blackbird Doughnuts and Sally's Sandwiches will be opening in East Boston, moving into a space at Clippership Wharf. In the reel, Rebecca mentions that there will also be a "little sprinkling of The Gallows," which was a gastropub that resided in Boston's South End until closing in 2021, and that the business plans to open sometime in the late spring or early summer.

Locations of Blackbird Doughnuts can be found in Boston's South End, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Brighton, Cambridge's Harvard Square, Newton Centre, and Watertown, while Sally's Sandwiches can be found in the South End, Harvard Square, and Brighton. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.blackbirddoughnuts.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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La Tavernetta Opens in East Boston

Last fall, it was reported that an award-winning local chef was bringing a new concept to the East Boston waterfront, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, La Tavernetta is now open at Clippership Wharf, and as mentioned in an earlier article, Douglass Williams is the co-owner along with Seth Gerber, both of whom are behind MIDA in East Boston, the South End, the Fenway, and Newtonville. Like MIDA, La Tavernetta focuses on Italian fare, though it is considered an Italian tavern that Williams says has "a slightly more letting-your-hair-down atmosphere" than MIDA. Some items on the menu include fried olives, oysters on the half shell, a porchetta reuben, frutti di mare, grilled whole bronzino, stromboli, and ricotta pie while beer, wine, and cocktails are also available.

The address for La Tavernetta is 45 Lewis Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website can be found at https://www.latavernettaeastie.com/

[Earlier Article]
La Tavernetta by Mida Plans to Open in East 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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Roger's Fish & Chips Opens at Logan Airport; Roger Berkowitz Behind the Place

Last summer, it was reported that a familiar name would be opening a new seafood place, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, Roger's Fish & Chips is now open at Logan Airport in East Boston, moving into a 700-square-foot space at Terminal A. As mentioned in an earlier article here, Roger Berkowitz--who was president and CEO of Legal Sea Foods before selling the business in 2020--is behind the dining spot, with Berkowitz also running Roger's Fish Co., an online seafood company that sells and ships flash-frozen seafood. Roger's Fish & Chips is a fast-casual counter service place that offers such items as clam chowder, fish and chips, a lobster BLT, crab cakes, and beer, cider, and frozen cocktails.

[Earlier Article]
Roger's Fish & Chips Plans to Open at Logan Airport in East 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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Pomona Plans to Open in East Boston

A dining spot with Colombian influences may finally be close to opening after being in the works for nearly three years.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Pomona is slated to appear before the board via a virtual hearing this week regarding its seeking a common victualler/liquor license to operate on Meridian Street in East Boston's Maverick Square area, with the upcoming spot including a bar area with five seats and a service area with tables and chairs for patrons. The website for the place says that "we're almost here" while also mentioning "fresh brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee & drinks Made with Colombian soul, crafted for Eastie From our kitchen to your table....Let's celebrate flavor, coffee, and community together."

Another location of Pomona (which has an indirect affiliation) can be found in Swampscott, while one had also been in Winthrop but it is closed. (A location had been in the works for Jamaica Plain, but those plans apparently fell through).

The address for the upcoming Pomona in East Boston is 18 Meridian Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

[August 11 update: According to an article in Boston Magazine, Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar is now open in East Boston.]

[Earlier Article]
Pomona Cafe & Wine Bar Plans to Open in East Boston

(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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Kaori Cafe Opens in East Boston

A new cafe has debuted in a Boston neighborhood.

Based on information from a source, along with a check on the spot over the weekend (and an article from Caught in Eastie), Kaori Cafe is now open in East Boston, moving into a space on Meridian Street. Caught in Eastie mentions that the new spot offers bowls, panini, pastries, coffee, tea, matcha, tea, and smoothies, while its Instagram page indicates that it is open seven days a week.

The address for Kaori Cafe is 303 Meridian Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/kaori.cafe_eastie/

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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 Smoke Shop BBQ in East Boston Has Closed

A location of a local group of barbecue restaurants has shut down after a bit more than two years in business.

According to multiple sources, The Smoke Shop BBQ in East Boston is no longer in operation, with one source sending a photo of a sign out front at the Lewis Street spot saying the following:

Smoke Shop BBQ East Boston is now closed for business. We thank you for your patronage and hope you will visit us at our other locations. Seaport, Assembly Row, Harvard Sq, Woburn, Methuen, and Chelmsford.

It appears that La Tavernetta by Mida, a new dining spot from Douglass Williams and his team that was first mentioned here in an article late last month, is moving into the Smoke Shop BBQ space.

The address for the now-closed location of The Smoke Shop BBQ in East Boston was 45 Lewis Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for all locations can be found at https://thesmokeshopbbq.com/

[Earlier Article]
La Tavernetta by Mida Plans to Open in East Boston

(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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La Tavernetta by Mida Plans to Open in East Boston

It looks like an award-winning local chef may be debuting a brand new concept.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, La Tavernetta by Mida is planning to open in East Boston, moving into a space at Clippership Wharf on the waterfront. The notice says that the proposed restaurant may include a main dining room and a bar area along with a seasonal patio, and the manager listed is Douglass Williams who is behind MIDA, a group of Italian restaurants with locations in East Boston (also at Clippership Wharf), the South End, Fenway, and Newtonville. Little other information on the dining spot has been given, though more should be known by late next week after the hearing.

Williams has gained both local and national recognition over the past several years, including being mentioned as a "Best New Chef" for 2020 by Food & Wine in 2020 while also being a James Beard Award semi-finalist in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2025.

The address for the upcoming location of La Tavernetta by Mida is 35-45 Lewis Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

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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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Roger's Fish & Chips Plans to Open at Logan Airport in East Boston

A new fish and chips place may be on its way to Logan Airport, and a very familiar name is behind it.

According to a licensing board hearing page, Roger's Fish & Chips is seeking a common victualler license and a full liquor license for a space at Terminal A (Unit AS-2-A02), with the eatery having 700 square feet of space and being in an area of the terminal where there are other food vendors along with a food court seating area. The manager listed for the spot is Roger Berkowitz, who was president and CEO of Legal Sea Foods before selling the business in 2020, and who currently runs Roger's Fish Co., an online seafood company that sells and ships flash-frozen seafood across the country.

There doesn't appear to be a website for Roger's Fish & Chips (and more should be known about the proposed dining spot by later this week), but the website for Roger's Fish Co. is at https://www.rogersfishco.com/

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Cafe Iterum in East Boston Closes July 29; Future of Business Unknown

An East Boston cafe is getting ready to shut down, and it isn't known whether it could return at some point.

According to a Facebook reel from owner Matt McPherson, Cafe Iterum at Clippership Wharf is closing its doors after business hours on Tuesday, July 29, saying that it is shuttering after facing "significant headwinds" including such things as rising costs and construction issues during its three-year existence. McPherson hints that the place could maybe be reborn at some point, saying that it is shuttering "for now" while stating that they are hoping for a "new beginning."

Cafe Iterum first opened in early 2022, being known in part for its sustainable practices and focus on the local community.

The address for Cafe Iterum is 11 Father Jacobbe Road, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website is at https://cafeiterum.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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Democracy Brewing Eastie Opens in East Boston

Late last year, it was reported that a brewery and pub in downtown Boston was planning to expand to a second location, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from Caught in Eastie, Democracy Brewing Eastie is now open in East Boston, moving into a space on Maverick Street in Maverick Square. The post mentions that the new location--which joins the original Democracy Brewing on Temple Place in Downtown Crossing--has seating for 56 along with additional seating on an outdoor patio, with the website for the business indicating that a food menu will be posted soon.

Democracy Brewing, which first opened in Downtown Crossing in 2018, also has a beer garden at City Hall in Boston.

The address for Democracy Brewing Eastie is 154 Maverick Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the business is at https://www.democracybrewing.com/

[Earlier Article]
Democracy Brewing Plans to Expand to Maverick Square in East Boston

(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 Jalisco Opens in East Boston's Orient Heights Neighborhood

Last summer, it was reported that a Mexican restaurant in East Boston was planning to open a second location not too far away, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Taqueria Jalisco is now open in Orient Heights in Eastie, moving into the former Donna's space on Saratoga Street and joining its existing location on Bennington Street in Day Square. The post mentions that the new location has a full liquor license and it also has "a lot" more seating for dining in, and it also has an expanded menu. (Its Instagram page states that the new outlet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.)

The address for the new location of Taqueria Jalisco in Orient Heights is 980 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The Instagram page for both locations can be found at https://www.instagram.com/taqueriajaliscoeb/

[Earlier Article]
Taqueria Jalisco Plans to Expand to Second Location in Orient Heights in East Boston

(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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Caffe dello Sport Opens in East Boston

Last summer, it was reported that an espresso bar in Boston's North End was planning to expand to a second location within the city, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According a Facebook post from the business, Caffe dello Sport is now open in East Boston, moving into a space on Saratoga Street in the Orient Heights neighborhood. The new location joins the one on Hanover Street, and it is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily--and based on one of the photos on Facebook, the new spot is serving alcohol.

Caffe dello Sport has been in the North End for more than 30 years, originally being in a space across the street from its current location.

The address for the new location of Caffe dello Sport in East Boston is 973 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the business can be found at https://www.caffedellosport.net/

[Earlier Article]
Caffe dello Sport in Boston's North End Is Expanding to East Boston

(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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Koro Ramen + Sushi Is Opening in East Boston

 A new option for Japanese fare is on its way to East Boston.

According to an article from Caught in Eastie and an earlier post from the East Boston Times-Free Press, Koro Ramen + Sushi is opening in the Jeffries Point area, with the address indicating that it is moving into the space on Sumner Street that had been home to Mehak. The East Boston Times-Free Press article mentions that Raffaele Scalzi (Pazza on Porter, Next Door Speakeasy and Raw Bar) is behind the place and Caught in Eastie says that Chef Harold (who brings "16 years of experience in sushi restaurants, a personal chef, and cooking classes") is also involved.

The address for Koro Ramen + Sushi is 329 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/eatkoro/ while its website is at https://www.eatkoro.com/

[May 19 update: According to its social media, Koro Sushi + Ramen is now open.]

(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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Democracy Brewing Plans to Expand to Maverick Square in East Boston

A brewery and pub in the heart of Boston will soon be expanding to another part of the city.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Democracy Brewing is planning to open a location in East Boston which will be called Democracy Brewing Eastie, moving into a space on Maverick Street in Maverick Square. The article mentions that the new outlet--which will have seating for 56, a snug, and an outdoor space with additional seating--will build on its original location on Temple Place in Downtown Crossing, offering a variety of beers but also serving wine that is made on the premises, while its food option will include dishes with Latin American influences. If all goes as planned, Democracy Brewing Eastie will debut in the early part of 2025. 

Democracy Brewing first opened in Downtown Crossing in the summer of 2018, moving into the old Windsor Button building.

The address for the upcoming Democracy Brewing Eastie is 154 Maverick Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the business is at https://www.democracybrewing.com/

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

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Caffe dello Sport in Boston's North End Is Expanding to East Boston

An espresso bar in the North End of Boston is expanding to a second location, and this one will be just across the water.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Caffe dello Sport on Hanover Street is planning to open a new shop in East Boston, moving into a space on Saratoga Street in Orient Heights. Based on the original, the upcoming outlet could be offering such options as espresso, gelato, pastries, and panini, though it isn't yet known if it will be serving alcohol like the North End location does.

Caffe dello Sport first opened in the North End more than 30 years ago, originally residing in a space across the street from its current location.

The address for the upcoming location of Caffe dello Sport in East Boston is 973 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the business is at https://www.caffedellosport.net/

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

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Crush Pizza Opens in East Boston

Last spring, it was reported that a pizzeria known for its Neapolitan-style pies would be returning to Boston, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Crush Pizza is now open in East Boston, moving into a space on Saratoga Street in the Orient Heights section of Eastie. The new location joins another in Quincy Center, and there had been another location on State Street in downtown Boston that closed toward the end of 2020.

The address for the new location of Crush Pizza in the Orient Heights section of East Boston is 975 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The website for the business is at https://www.crushpizza.com/

[Earlier Article]
Crush Pizza Plans to Open in East Boston's Orient Heights

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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 Jalisco Plans to Expand to Second Location in Orient Heights in East Boston

A Mexican restaurant in East Boston may be joined by a second location in another part of Eastie.

According to a licensing board hearing page, Taqueria Jalisco is seeking a liquor license to open in Orient Heights, with the plan being to move into the former Donna's space on Saratoga Street. If approved, the new outlet would join its location on Bennington Street in Day Square, with the new one having seating for approximately 68 and bar seating for 7.

The address for the proposed Taqueria Jalisco in Orient Heights is 980 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. The Instagram page for the Day Square location is at https://www.instagram.com/taqueriajaliscoeb/

(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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Florenza Cafe Opens in East Boston

A brand new Italian eatery has come to East Boston.

According to a post from Caught in Eastie, Florenza Cafe is now open on Sumner Street, moving into a space on the edge of Maverick Square about a block from the waterfront. The new dining spot features Roman-style pizza using dough that has fermented for 72 hours while also offering panini, gelato, and coffee, and it looks like hours are currently 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The address for Florenza Cafe is 164 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/florenzaboston/

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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.)