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.

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

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Gato Exotico Is Opening at CambridgeSide; Wusong Road Team Behind It

The people behind an award-winning Harvard Square restaurant are planning to open a brand new concept in another part of Cambridge.

According to a press release, Gato Exotico is going to be opening at CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, and Jason Doo (Chef/Owner of Wusong Road) and his team will be operating the place. The upcoming dining spot will focus on Mexican food with influences from different regions of the country, including such options as cochinita pibil slow-roasted in banana leaves from the Yucatán, mole negro from Oaxaca, and the type of ceviche that might be found in Tulum, along with various small plates and street food. The release says that Gato Exotico will also feature cocktails that are made with mezcal and tequila as well as fresh tropical fruits and juices, and they will be served in custom artist-designed glassware. If all goes as planned, the new dining and drinking spot will open later this year.

Wusong Road first opened in Harvard Square in the latter part of 2021, and it has received countless accolades over the past few years including being mentioned as one of the most beautiful restaurants and bars in America by People Magazine.

[December 12 update: According to an article from Eater Boston, Gato Exotico is now open at CambridgeSide.]

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

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Chilacates Closes Its Cambridge Street Location in East Cambridge

A local group of Mexican restaurants has shut down one of its newer locations in what is being seen as more of a move than an outright closure.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Chilacates is on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge is no longer in business, with a sign out front saying the following:

Chilacates has officially relocated! Our former location at 561 Cambridge St. is now closed. We're excited to welcome you to our new home inside the Cambridgeside Mall at: 100 Cambridgeside Place, Cambridge, MA 02141. 

The Cambridge Street location of Chilacates first opened in March of 2024, with the Cambridgeside location debuting in October. (The website for all locations of Chilacates is at https://chilacatesmx.com/)

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

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Just Salad Opens at Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge

A New York-based salad chain has opened another location in the local area, with this one coming to a growing development in East Cambridge.

According to a press release, Just Salad is now open at Cambridge Crossing, moving into a space near where Jacobs Street and N First Street meet. The new outlet joins others locally in Boston's Financial District and Fort Point along with Burlington and Needham, and it offers such options as salads, salad wraps, warm bowls, soups, and smoothies.

Just Salad was first established in 2006 with a location opening on Park Avenue in Manhattan.

The address for Just Salad at Cambridge Crossing is 212 Jacobs Street, Cambridge , MA, 02141. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.justsalad.com/

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

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Kiin Is Opening in East Cambridge

A new Asian restaurant will soon be opening in Cambridge after being in the works for nearly two years.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Kiin looks like it is close to opening in the former Similans space on First Street in East Cambridge, with an Instagram post from @bostonbudgetplumbing this week seeming to confirm this, saying that "Our team is all smiles as we help @kiinthaisushi make necessary plumbing + gas repairs for their grand opening in Cambridge!" The Instagram page for the restaurant mentions that the restaurant will feature sushi, ramen, and Thai food while also saying that it is affiliated with Chicken & Co in North Cambridge. 

The address for Kiin is 145 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. Its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/kiinthaisushi/

[April 30 update: A new post from @troysch1.bsky.social indicates that Kiin is now open in East Cambridge.]

[Earlier Article]
Kiin Thai Plans to Open in the Former Similans Space in East Cambridge

(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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Sapporo Ramen Closing Porter Square, Brookline Locations as It Gets Ready to Open at CanalSide Food Hall

A local group of ramen spots is going through changes, as it has closed one location and will soon close another--though it will soon open at a new food hall.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Sapporo Ramen has closed its outlet in Brookline Village, while a check on its Instagram page indicates that its restaurant in Cambridge's Porter Square will also be shutting down on October 20. The post also mentions that "We can't wait to catch up with you all in our new spot at Canal Side Food Hall on October 25th! And don't forget, you can still grab your favorite ramen at our Central Square location until then!" (The Central Square outlet is located at H Mart.)

CanalSide Food Hall will reside within CambridgeSide in East Cambridge and will include approximately 15 options for dining.

The website for Sapporo Ramen can be found at https://www.sappororamenma.com/

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DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go to Open Locations at Faneuil Hall, CambridgeSide

A growing group of takeout pasta places with roots in Italy will be bringing two locations to the local area.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go is planning to open outlets at Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston and CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, with both being fast-casual spots where the pasta is made fresh daily and customers can choose from various pasta, sauce, and topping options. The business started out in Venice in 2012, opening its first location in the United States in 2021, and it currently has several locations in this country, all of which are in Florida.

The website for DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go can be found at https://dalmoros.us/

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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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Bom Dough in Cambridge's Inman Square Opens New Location by Canal Park in East Cambridge

A Cambridge dining spot with global influences has expanded to a second space within the city.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Bom Dough in Inman Square has been joined by a new location in East Cambridge, taking over space on Canal Park by First Street that had been home to Haute Coffee until it closed in the early part of 2020. Based on the original location of Bom Dough on Cambridge Street, the new spot could be offering such options as cheese bread, acai bowls, breakfast gnocchi, mochi waffles, eggs benedict, brisket sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, brigadeiro cookies, doce de leite donuts, coffee, and matcha tea.

The address for the new location of Bom Dough in East Cambridge is 1 Canal Park, Cambridge, MA, 02141. The website for the business is at https://bomdough.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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CanalSide Food + Drink Food Hall Is Opening at CambridgeSide in East Cambridge

A new food hall is on its way to Cambridge, moving into a renovated mall along the water.

According to a source, CanalSide Food + Drink Food Hall is going to be opening at CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, with the upcoming food hall including 14 options for dining. A press release within the New England Development website mentions that the centerpiece of the space will be C-Side Bar, which will feature beer, wine, and craft cocktails and which will have Ran Duan (Baldwin Bar, Blossom Bar), Jon Rosse (Birds of Paradise), and Brahm Callahan (Grill 23 & Bar) behind it. In addition to C-Side Bar, CanalSide Food + Drink will also be home to such places as anoush’ella, Caffé Nero, Chilacates, DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go, Fresh, InChu, Lala's Neapolitan-ish Pizza, Nu Burger, Sapporo Ramen, and Teazzi Tea Shop.

If all goes as planned, CanalSide Food + Drink Food Hall will open sometime this fall.

[October 7 update: Two additional spots for CanalSide Food + Drink Food Hall have been announced--Juicygreens and Far Out Ice Cream.]

[October 31 update: According to its web page, CanalSide Food + Drink Food Hall is now up and running.]

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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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Amba, First Street Market Opening in Cambridge

A new restaurant and events/market space are on their way to East Cambridge.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, Amba is planning to open on First Street, being part of First Street Market which will be home to local vendors and which will also have space for private and public events. The post says that Will Gilson and his Cambridge Street Hospitality Group (Puritan & Company, Cafe Beatrice, Geppetto, The Lexington) is behind the development which plans to open this summer; it looks like the restaurant will be a fast-casual spot that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it will offer such options as rotisserie chicken, soups, salads, sandwiches, pastries, beer, wine, cocktails, and coffee.

The address for Amba and First Street Market is 55 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. Its website can be found at https://www.ambacambridge.com/

[July 17 update: According to its website, Amba soft-opens today.]

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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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Chilacates Opens in East Cambridge

A growing local group of Mexican restaurants has opened a new outlet in Cambridge a bit more than a year after it was first announced.

Based on a Bluesky post from troysch1.bsky.social and a check on the Toast site, Chilacates is now open in East Cambridge, moving into the space on Cambridge Street that had been home to East Side Bar and Grille. The new location was just added to the website for the restaurant, and there was indeed an "open" sign out front earlier this week, according to troysch1.bsky.social.

The new outlet of Chilacates joins others in Cambridge's Central Square, Jamaica Plain (two), Boston's West End, the South End, Mission Hill, Roslindale, South Boston, Brighton, Brookline's Coolidge Corner, and Chestnut Hill.

The address for the new location of Chilacates in East Cambridge is 561 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. The website for all locations is at https://chilacatesmx.com/

[Earlier Article]
Chilacates Is Apparently Opening in the Former East Side Bar and Grille Space in East Cambridge

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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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Gufo Opens in East Cambridge

Last fall, it was reported that a local restaurant group was planning to open a new Italian spot in Cambridge, in the space where a dining spot known for its colonial theme had been, and now we have learned that it has debuted.

According to a press release, Gufo is now open for dinner service in the former Local Nine space in East Cambridge, with the Cambridge Street spot offering such options as pork and beef meatballs, grilled mushrooms, whole roasted black bass, spaghetti puttanesca. rigatoni bolognese, squid ink bucatini, and pizza, along with beer, wine, and cocktails, and the space will soon include a counter-service cafe by day as well, offering coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and more. As mentioned earlier, The Coda Group (SRV, The Salty Pig) is behind the new restaurant, while the team behind Loyal Nine--which said farewell to the space in the latter part of 2021--run Northern Spy in Canton.

The address for Gufo in East Cambridge is 660 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. Its website can be found at https://www.gufocambridge.com/

[Earlier Article]
Gufo Plans to Open in the Former Loyal Nine Space in East Cambridge

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

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

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Monteverdi to Open in the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge

A new restaurant is on its way to a riverside hotel in Cambridge.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, Monteverdi is planning to open in the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Land Boulevard in East Cambridge, with the posting saying that the dining spot will feature Italian and Mediterranean fare. No opening date for Monteverdi has been given as of yet, with the listing saying that it is "in the construction phase of opening"; as soon as we find out more, including when it might open and what its menu may include, we will post an update here.

The Royal Sonesta Hotel is currently home to two other dining spots--ArtBar and Studio Café & Bakery.

The address for the upcoming Monteverdi (and the Royal Sonesta Hotel) is 40 Edwin H Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

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

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

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Kiin Thai Plans to Open in the Former Similans Space in East Cambridge

A brand new Asian restaurant is on its way to Cambridge, replacing a Thai spot that closed earlier this year--and the name of the new place is the same as a dining spot that's apparently coming to the northern suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page, Kiin Thai is going to be opening in the former Similans space in East Cambridge, with a sign for the place including "Thai Sushi Ramen" out front at the First Street space. As reported here in February, a restaurant named Kiin may also be in the works for Stoneham, with that place possibly opening on Main Street where Thai Village had been. It is not known if the two are connected--and if the Stoneham restaurant is indeed still planning to open--so stay tuned for updates.

The Similans shut down in February after being in operation for 18 years.

The address for the upcoming Kiin Thai in East Cambridge is 145 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

[Earlier Articles]
The Similans in East Cambridge Has Closed
KIIN to Open in Stoneham

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

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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.)

 

The Similans in East Cambridge Has Closed

 A longtime Thai restaurant in East Cambridge has shut down.

According to multiple sources, including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page, The Similans is no longer in business, with the First Street spot closing its doors last week. A note out front mentions the closing while also referring people to Brown Sugar Cafe by BU in Boston, which is under the same ownership.

The Similans first opened 18 years ago, offering Thai fare in an industrial space with exposed pipes and ductwork and hanging lights.

The address for The Similans was 145 First Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142.

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!

Chilacates Is Apparently Opening in the Former East Side Bar and Grille Space in East Cambridge

It looks like a growing local group of Mexican restaurants may be opening its first Cambridge location, and it appears to be taking over the space where an Italian spot used to be.

According to a tweet from @TroySch1, Chilacates is planning to open on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge, with "coming soon" signs shown out front, and based on a picture posted, it will apparently be moving into the former East Side Bar and Grille space. We have reached out to Chilacates to find out when the new outlet may open (along with other details) and will post any updates that come in.

Chilacates offers such items as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas, with locations found in Jamaica Plain (two), the South End, Mission Hill, Roslindale, and Chestnut Hill--and another new one is being planned for Brookline's Coolidge Corner as well.

The address for the upcoming location of Chilacates in East Cambridge is 561 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. The website for all locations is at https://chilacatesmx.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

  

Gufo Plans to Open in the Former Loyal Nine Space in East Cambridge

A local restaurant group is looking to open a new restaurant in Cambridge, taking over the space where a dining spot known for its colonial theme had been.

According to a tweet from @TroySch1, The Coda Group is planning to open Gufo in East Cambridge, moving into the former Loyal Nine space on Cambridge Street. The Instagram page for the upcoming restaurant shows posts that say "pizza," "cocktails," and "cafe" while also mentioning that it will open sometime in 2023. Currently, The Coda Group operates SRV in Boston's South End and The Salty Pig near where the South End and Back Bay meet.

Loyal Nine closed down last December after being in business since 2015; the people behind it also run Northern Spy in Canton.

The address for Gufo in East Cambridge is 660 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/gufocambridge/

[March 8, 2023 update: According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, Gufo plans to open early this summer and it will offer coffee, antipasti, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, pastries, beer, wine, and cocktails, with the place being a counter-service cafe by day and a full-service restaurant by night.]

[July 24, 2023 update: According to a press release, Gufo opens its doors for dinner service on Friday, July 28, with its cafe opening sometime next month.]

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!

Tenoch Is Opening by Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge

A local group of Mexican restaurants is expanding to a space near a new development in Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Tenoch has signs up for a new location by Cambridge Crossing in East Cambridge, with a message sent from Cambridge Crossing confirming that they are indeed "opening up another location right near" the development. The upcoming outlet will join others in Boston's North End, Medford Square, Davis Square in Somerville, and Melrose.

As soon as we get an exact address for the new location of Tenoch in East Cambridge, we will post it here.

The website for all locations can be found at https://www.tenochmexican.com/

[July 10 update: According to the website for Tenoch, the new location in East Cambridge is now open, with the address being 10 Museum Way.]

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!

World of Beer at CambridgeSide in East Cambridge Has Closed

The only Boston-area location of a Florida-based chain of beer bars has shut down.

According to a source, World of Beer at CambridgeSide in East Cambridge is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the business saying the following:

Dear friends, We have made the very difficult decision to close this location due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic. We want to thank our regulars, loyalty members, and our team members who made World of Beer Cambridge so special. Cheers to you, Cambridge, for letting us be a part of this community since 2016.

Back in 2013, World of Beer had been looking at a space in Somerville's Davis Square, though those plans apparently fell through; currently, the only other location in New England can be found in West Hartford, CT.

The website for World of Beer is at https://worldofbeer.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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East Side Bar and Grille Space in East Cambridge Is for Lease

It looks like the space in Cambridge that has been home to an old-school Italian restaurant is on the market.

According to a source, East Side Bar and Grille on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge has a "For Lease" sign out front, with a picture of the storefront confirming this, while further confirmation comes from a LoopNet post showing that the space is indeed available. The restaurant has been closed for awhile now, and other sources have hinted that it may be a permanent closure, though its exact status was unknown until now.

East Side Bar and Grill first opened approximately 15 years ago, offering such items as chicken parmigiana, shrimp scampi, mussels, pizza, fettuccini alfredo, and steak tips.

The address for the East Side Bar and Grill space is 561 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

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.)