Session House Plans to Open in the Former Scobie's Cafe & Bar Space in Dorchester

A new Irish pub is coming to a space just off the Southeast Expressway, and it will be replacing another Irish pub.

According to an article from the Dorchester Reporter, Session House is planning to open in the Adams Village neighborhood of Dorchester, taking over the former Scobie's Cafe & Bar space by the corner of Adams Street and Gallivan Boulevard. The article mentions that the upcoming spot will focus in part on live music (including traditional Irish music) and that it will offer elevated pub fare along with craft beer, wine, whiskey, and cocktails. If all goes as planned, Session House could be opening this fall.

Scobie's, which first opened in the summer of 2024, temporarily closed in February of this year for renovations, but apparently never reopened.

The address for the upcoming Session House is 782 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA, 02124.

(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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Hennessy's in Downtown Boston Is Closing

It looks like an old-school Irish pub in the heart of Boston is shutting down.

According to multiple sources, Hennessy's on Union Street is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Boston-based band OverTone also mentioning this while saying the following:

We're incredibly sad to hear that Hennessy's in Boston will be closing its doors. We've had so many great nights there over the years and are grateful to everyone who came out to sing, dance and make memories with us. Thank you to the staff and everyone at Hennessy's for having us. With the closure, our scheduled performances on August 29, September 11, October 9, and November 28 have unfortunately been canceled. This comes on the heels of a recent licensing board vote stating that Hennessy's was petitioning to transfer its license to Bar 23, which will be opening in the Seaport District.

Hennessy's is part of Somers Pubs, a group that includes Durty Nelly's, Mr. Dooley's, and the Green Dragon.

The address for Hennessy's is 25 Union Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website can be found at https://hennessysboston.com/

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

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Flann O'Brien's May Be Returning to Boston's Brigham Circle/Mission Hill Area

It looks like a beloved Irish pub that said farewell to Boston several years ago could be coming back.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Flann O'Brien's is looking to open back up in its former location in the Brigham Circle/Mission Hill neighborhood, moving into its space on Tremont Street that had been home to a location of Yellow Door Taqueria from late 2022 until closing earlier this year. The notice mentions that the new incarnation of the pub would have seating within a dining area and a bar along with additional seating in a rear TV room, with Scott Prince being the manager listed.

Flann O'Brien's, which had been in business since at least the 1990s, closed during the early part of the pandemic, and while there had been hope that it might return, those plans fell through and Yellow Door Taqueria (which currently has locations in Dorchester, the South End, and Providence, RI) took over the space.

The address for the proposed Flann O'Brien's is 1619 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02120.

[June 25 update: Universal Hub reports that the people behind the Banshee in Dorchester are looking to reopen Flann O'Brien's and that they would "seek to run the same sort of bar as the original - a gathering place for locals, visitors, families and workers at nearby hospitals serving standard Irish-American and comfort food, with brunch on weekends."]

[Earlier Article]
Yellow Door Taqueria in Boston's Brigham Circle/Mission Hill Neighborhood Has Closed

(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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O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar in Worcester Has Closed Permanently

One of the most popular Irish pubs in the region has shut down for good.

According to a Facebook post from the business, O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar in Worcester has officially closed, with the post saying the following:

It is with great regret that we must share that after our recent pipe burst and with rising business costs, O'Connor's will not be reopening its doors. Through many difficult times we've given it our very best to carry on this beloved landmark, but the latest challenges have led us to the end of our journey....From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We are truly saddened that is has come to this but we wish you all thevery best as we say farewell.

O'Connor's first opened on W Boylston Street in 1989, going through an ownership change in 2022; the restaurant was known for such food items as Irish potato pizza, clam chowder, corned beef hash pastry sticks, fish and chips, baked haddock, shepherd's pie, chicken pot pie, a fish sandwich, and beef and mushroom pie.

The address for the now-closed O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar was 1160 W Boylston Street, Worcester, MA, 01606.

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

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Napper Tandy's in Roslindale May Be Replaced by La Hacienda

It looks like a local group of Irish pubs may be closing one of its locations, and it may be replaced by a location of a local group of Mexican/Salvadorian restaurants.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Napper Tandy's in Roslindale is petitioning to transfer its license to La Hacienda, which would move into its Washington Street space. If approved, this would leave three locations of Napper Tandy's remaining in Millis, Norwood, and Walpole, while the new location of La Hacienda would join others in East Boston, Everett, and Revere.

The Roslindale location of Napper Tandy's first opened in 2012.

The address for Napper Tandy's in Roslindale (and the proposed La Hacienda) is 4195 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131. The website for the former is at https://nappertandyspubs.com/ while the website for the latter is at https://www.lahaciendaboston.com/

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

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West on Main Is Opening in the Former Fit-Z's Bar & Grille Space in Watertown

Last fall it was reported that a neighborhood bar in Watertown was closing down after nearly 20 years in operation, and now we know what is replacing it.

According to a Bluesky post from @tommyvon.bsky.social, a sign is now up for West on Main, which will be taking over the space a short distance west of the downtown area that had been home to Fit-Z's Bar & Grille. A note from the upcoming spot on Google says the following:

West on Main blends the best of an Irish and American bar, creating a welcoming neighborhood spot in Watertown, MA. Serving comfort food, rotating specials, and a traditional Sunday roast, it's the go-to place for great food, drinks, and live sports.

Fit-Z's debuted in 2007, moving into the space that had once been home to The Busy Bee.

The address for West on Main is 451 Main St, Watertown, MA 02472. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/westonmainwatertown/

[May 27 update: According to its Instagram page, West on Main is now open in Watertown.]

[Earlier Article]
Fit-Z's Bar & Grille in Watertown Is Being Sold

(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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McCarthy's and Toad Opening in Cambridge's Porter Square April 5

A long-awaited Irish pub in Cambridge that has two sections--including a music club that had previously presided within the space--is on the verge of opening.

According to a couple of sources, @CheeksMcGee9 who posted on Threads, McCarthy's and Toad are planning to open in Porter Square on Saturday, April 5, with a note from the business saying the following on its website:

From the proud owners of The Burren in Somerville and The Bebop in Back Bay, we we bring you McCarthy's and Toad -- your new Irish pub in Porter Square, Cambridge. With perfect pints, live music, and the greatest craic in town, we can't wait to welcome you in.

Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello are behind McCarthy's, which replaces Christopher's at 1920 Massachusetts Avenue, and Toad, which will remain in its old home next door at 1912 Massachusetts Avenue. The website for McCarthy's and Toad is at https://www.mccarthystoad.com/

[Earlier Article]
Owners of The Burren Buying Toad and Christopher's in Cambridge's Porter Square; Christopher's to Become McCarthy’s

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

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Scobie's Cafe & Bar Opens in Dorchester

Last fall, it was reported that a traditional Irish pub was planning to open in Dorchester and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from Caught in Dot (via the Instagram page for the place), Scobie's Cafe & Bar is now open in Adams Village, moving into a space by the corner of Adams Street and Gallivan Boulevard. As mentioned earlier, the new place has the feel of the rural pubs found along the West Coast of Ireland and that John and Anne Lydon, who own the spot, are also behind the Shamrock Pub in South Boston.

Originally, it had appeared that Scobie's would have a Gallivan Boulevard address, but now it looks like its actual address is 782 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA, 02124.

[Earlier Article]
Scobie's Plans to Open in Dorchester's Adams Village Neighborhood

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NYC's Dead Rabbit Is Expanding to Boston

A few years ago, it was reported that an award-winning cocktail bar in New York City might be coming to Boston, and now we have learned that this will indeed be happening.

According to an article from Eater Boston, The Dead Rabbit is going to be opening somewhere in the city in 2025, though a specific address/area has not been given as of yet (a lease has been signed, however). The drinking spot, which is a modern take on an Irish pub and which has been located on Water Street in Lower Manhattan since 2013, was named the "world's best bar" on the theworlds50best.com site in 2016; Eater also mentions that the place has won a number of other awards over the years as well.

A second location of The Dead Rabbit recently opened in Austin, TX, while another one is coming to Washington, DC, later this year.

The website for The Dead Rabbit is at https://thedeadrabbit.com/

[Earlier Article]
Is The Dead Rabbit Coming to Boston?

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McGonagle's Pub Is Opening in Dorchester

The person behind a local restaurant group will be opening a new spot, with this one being in a neighborhood of Boston.

According to an Instagram post, McGonagle's Pub is planning to open in Dorchester, with Oran McGonagle of the East Coast Tavern Group (Roxanne's, Carrie Nation, Scholars) being behind the upcoming place. McGonagle, who is also involved with such spots as Emmet's, The Dubliner, and The Cottage, plans to open McGonagle's sometime in the fall, and while a source has told us where it will be located, we are holding off telling about its exact address until it is made official.

The website for East Coast Tavern Group can be found at https://www.ectgboston.com/ while the Instagram page for McGonagle's Pub is at https://www.instagram.com/mcgonaglespub/

[July 26 update: A Boston Licensing Board hearing page confirms what we were told earlier, that McGonagle's Pub will open in the space on Neponset Avenue where Dorset Hall has been (and which is now closed).]

[December 5 update: An article from the Dorchester Reporter indicates that McGonagle's Pub is hoping to soft-open this weekend.]

[December 10 update: An article from Caught in Dot mentions that McGonagle's Pub officially opens today.]

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

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The Thirsty Scholar in Somerville Has Closed, Space Sold

A longtime Irish pub that came under new ownership a couple of years ago has shut down, and its space has been sold.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Thirsty Scholar in Somerville is no longer in business, with a Corbett Group post on Instagram indicating that its Beacon Street space is one of several "successful transactions" that they have been involved with of late. We have been told that a new concept is apparently being planned for the space, though we are still waiting on details, so stay tuned for updates.

The Thirsty Scholar, which first opened back in the 1990s, closed down temporarily in the summer of 2021 before reopening with new owners in early 2022.

The address for the now-closed Thirsty Scholar was 70 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.

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The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant Is Opening in Newton's Nonantum Neighborhood

A new Irish pub is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston, and it will be moving into the space where another dining and drinking spot had been until closing at the start of this year.

According to a source, The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant is planning to open in the Nonantum section of Newton, taking over the former Cafe Martin West Street space. An Instagram page for the upcoming place says it will be a "traditional Irish pub nestled in the heart of Nonantum" and that it hopes to open in March, while a post from the place within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page indicates that the owner comes from Doolin (which sits on the west coast of Ireland and is known in part for a famous pub called Gus O'Connor's) and it will have traditional shepherd's pie with lamb and will feature live Irish music pending licensing/permitting.

Cafe Martin first opened in early 2022, with the space previously being home to West Street Tavern & Restaurant.

The address for The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant in Nonantum is 7 West Street, Newton, MA, 02458. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/thedooliner/

[March 15 update: All Over Newton mentions that The Dooliner Irish Pub & Restaurant is slated to open today.]

[Earlier Article]
Cafe Martin West Street in Newton's Nonantum Is Closing

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Scobie's Plans to Open in Dorchester's Adams Village Neighborhood

A brand new dining and drinking spot that plans to have the feel of the rural pubs found along the West Coast of Ireland is on its way to a Boston neighborhood.

According to an article in the Dorchester Reporter, Scobie's is going to be opening in Adams Village, moving into a space on Gallivan Boulevard that had been home to the Butcher Shop and Deli before it moved to a smaller space a couple of doors down. The post states that owners John and Anne Lydon (who run the Shamrock Pub in South Boston) hope it will be "a place where you can get a pot of tea and have a long chat with an old friend; catch a broadcast game from Ireland over an Irish breakfast or get together for a community fundraiser." The space will include a bar, lounge, two fireplaces, a snug, and a to-go counter, while the menu is slated to have soups and roasts along with pints of Guinness that come from a keg room equipped for traditional pours.

If all goes as planned, Scobie's could be opening in February of 2024.

The address for the upcoming Scobie's is 512 Gallivan Boulevard, Dorchester, MA, 02124.

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

[September 5, 2024 update: Caught in Dot states that Scobie's opens tomorrow (Friday, September 6).]

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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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Eugene O'Neill's in Jamaica Plain Is Reopening

An Irish pub in Jamaica Plain that closed several years ago only to announce a couple of years later that it would return is finally on the verge of reopening.

According to a post from Universal Hub, Eugene O'Neill's in the Forest Hills section of JP plans to open back up possibly as soon as May 12, returning to its original home on Washington Street. The pub, which closed in the fall of 2017 after being in business for approximately five years, indicated in 2019 that it hoped to return to its space, and it appeared that the pub might reopen around the end of 2020, but it never did open and very little info about its possible return was mentioned until recently.

The address for Eugene O'Neill's is 3700 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[June 29 update: Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub tells us that Eugene O'Neill's reopens today, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this.]

[Earlier Articles]
Eugene O'Neill's in Jamaica Plain Has Closed
Eugene O'Neill's Plans to Return to Jamaica Plain

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!

The Dubliner Is Opening in the Former Kinsale Space in Downtown Boston

Last fall, it was reported that a popular Irish pub in the heart of Boston had shut down permanently. Now we have learned that a new Irish restaurant and bar will be taking over the space.

According to a source, The Dubliner is opening in the space at Two Center Plaza that had been home to The Kinsale, with the website for the place showing a logo that indicates it plans to be "Boston's premium Irish bar" while featuring live music and sports (its Facebook page says it will be an "Authentic Irish Pub & Restaurant featuring Boston's best in hospitality, food, drinks, live music & sport"). No other information has been given on its website or its LinkedIn page, including who might be behind it or when it could open, so stay tuned for updates.

The Kinsale announced its closure in October after there had been hope that it could open back up; a note posted by Classic Restaurant Concepts, LLC--which also shut down The Asgard in Cambridge's Central Square at the same time--said that "In September 2020 an attempt was made to reopen, but with office buildings largely empty it proved unfeasible and the pubs ceased operations after four weeks. While the intention was always to reopen, the timeframe proved to be too daunting. Weeks turned to months, and the months dragged on. Both establishments were lucky enough to have cooperative landlords, but in the end even that, and PPP assistance, were not enough." (The Kinsale first opened its doors in 1998.)

The address for The Dubliner is 2 Center Plaza, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website is at https://www.thedublinerboston.com/ while its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/thedublinerboston/

[February 25 update: According to a press release, Irish chef Aidan Mc Gee--who has worked at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants in England--and the East Coast Tavern Group (Emmet's, Roxanne's, Scholars, Carrie Nation, Sunset Cantina) are behind The Dubliner, which will offer such items as slow-cooked beef cheeks, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, curried mussels, Maine crabs on soda bread, and a Sunday roast.]

[June 27 update: A Facebook post from Oran McGonagle indicates that The Dubliner officially opened at 4:00 PM today.]

[Earlier Article]
The Kinsale and The Asgard Have Closed Permanently

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 Thirsty Scholar in Somerville Has Reopened

Last summer, it was reported that a popular Irish pub in Somerville had closed down, though it was subsequently learned that it would be opening back up under new ownership. Now we have learned that it is indeed open once again.

According to a source, The Thirsty Scholar on Beacon Street has reopened, with the website for the place confirming this, saying that it is open starting at 4:00 PM every day. The dining and drinking spot--which dates back to the 1990s--shuttered sometime in late June or early July of 2021, with a note out front saying "temporarily closed until further notice," though in September we discovered that Stephen Whalen and Fred Starikov of the Greater Boston Bar Co. (which is behind such spots as the Beacon Hill Pub and The Tam) were planning to reopen it along with Alan Sharaf.

The address for The Thirsty Scholar is 70 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website is at https://www.thirstyscholarpub.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Thirsty Scholar in Somerville Is Closed for Now; Plans to Reopen in the Fall

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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Matt Murphy's in Brookline Appears to Have Closed Permanently

It looks like a beloved Irish pub in Brookline may have served its last pint.

Based on a tweet and photo from @Erin_sayswhat, the sign for Matt Murphy's on Harvard Street in Brookline Village has been taken down, with the post saying "Matt Murphy's officially gone Only the ghost of the sign (the 'we miss you' note in the window was removed a few weeks ago)." The popular watering hole shut down indefinitely in the early stages of the pandemic back in 2020 and apparently never reopened, based on its lack of posts on its Facebook page (their last post was made in May of that year).

Matt Murphy's first opened approximately 25 years ago, being a favorite among people in the neighborhood and Irish immigrants alike, with the place offering such options as potato leek soup, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, beef stew, and roasted chicken, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for Matt Murphy's was 14 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02445.

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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Tessie's Bar & Kitchen Is Now Open in Waltham; Replaces The Mad Raven

Last year it was reported that an Irish pub in the western suburbs that closed at the start of the coronavirus outbreak was getting a new but familiar name. Now we have learned that the changeover has officially taken place.

According to a message sent to us, Tessie's Bar & Kitchen has opened in Waltham, replacing The Mad Raven which was under the same ownership. A Facebook post gives a bit more information on the changeover, saying the following:

When we closed our doors on March 16th, 2020, we naively thought it would be a short pause. (Heck, we only closed on Christmas for the last 20 years!) Little did we know the havoc that would wreak through all our lives – and most especially the restaurant industry. Through the better part of last year, news grew darker, lockdowns ensued - and the thought of re-opening this bar seemed to drift further away amidst all the uncertainty....The pandemic taught us resilience. When you are knocked down, you get back up. So here we are. We are back up, and Waltham, we are OPEN!

As hinted at in an earlier article, this is a second location of Tessie's Bar & Kitchen, as the original can be found in Walpole (initially, it looked like the new spot in Waltham might be called Tessie's West). In addition to the two Tessie's locations, the people behind them also run The Raven's Nest in Walpole as well.

The address for the new location of Tessie's Bar & Kitchen in Waltham (and the former Mad Raven) is 841 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451. The website for both locations of Tessie's is at https://tessiesbar.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Mad Raven in Waltham to Become Tessie's West

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 Kinsale and The Asgard Have Closed Permanently

A few months ago, it appeared that two of the most popular Irish pubs in the Boston area might open back up this fall after being closed due to the pandemic. Now we have learned that this won't be happening.

According to a press release, The Kinsale in downtown Boston and The Asgard in Cambridge's Central Square will not be reopening, as they have both shut down for good. The release explains the decision, saying the following:

With the pandemic ongoing, office buildings at low occupancy, chronic labor shortages, challenging governmental directives and an uncertain economy, the decision has been made to permanently close popular Irish pubs The Kinsale and The Asgard. Both establishments were shuttered in March 2020 as part of the COVID-19 lockdown. In September 2020 an attempt was made to reopen, but with office buildings largely empty it proved unfeasible and the pubs ceased operations after four weeks. While the intention was always to reopen, the timeframe proved to be too daunting. Weeks turned to months, and the months dragged on. Both establishments were lucky enough to have cooperative landlords, but in the end even that, and PPP assistance, were not enough. “A huge part of our customer base is office workers. They went home last March, and they haven’t come back -- at least to the extent that it’s feasible to run a business,” said Peter Sarmanian, President of Classic Restaurant Concepts, LLC.

The Kinsale first opened in 1998 while The Asgard debuted in 2001, with both pubs being designed in Ireland.

[Earlier Article]
The Kinsale and The Asgard Remain Closed Indefinitely; September Openings Appear to Be a Possibility

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.)

The Kinsale and The Asgard Remain Closed Indefinitely; September Openings Appear to Be a Possibility

Last fall, it was reported that two of the most popular Irish pubs in the Boston area had closed for the time being, with the hope being to reopen this spring. They never did open back up, though a glimmer of hope does remain for their futures.

According to the Yelp pages for both The Kinsale at Center Plaza in Boston and The Asgard in Cambridge's Central Square, the two spots show the following notes which were posted at the end of May:

We have indefinitely suspended operations due to COVID. Reopening depends on multiple factors, including higher occupancy of the office buildings that provide so much of our customer base, COVID-related relief, and legislative decisions on both the national and local level.

In addition, both Yelp pages show a possible reopening date of September 1, while a YouTube video from March had indicated at the time via an interview with co-owner Peter Sarmanian that they were hoping to reopen The Kinsale sometime this fall. A check on the website, however, shows that it is down, while no updates to any of the social media pages for The Kinsale or The Asgard have been posted since last October. We have reached out to Sarmanian for more details and will post an update here if we receive a response.

Peter Sarmanian and fellow co-owner Bill Goodwin are behind Classic Restaurant Concepts, which operates The Kinsale and The Asgard; both pubs appeared to have closed permanently last October with notes out front saying that "It is with great sadness to announce that the [Kinsale/Asgard] is not able to be a viable business during the Pandemic and is now closed" but a deal was subsequently worked out with the landlords that would allow the pubs to close until this spring.

[Earlier Articles]
The Kinsale and The Asgard Will Be Reopening (After a Hibernation)

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.)