Red Lantern to Open in Marblehead

A new restaurant is coming to the North Shore, and it appears to have a connection to other dining spots north of Boston.

According to a source, the Red Lantern is planning to open in Marblehead, moving into the space on Pleasant Street that had been home to Mai Tai Lounge. An Instagram post from North Shore Dining indicates that the restaurant will be an Asian dining spot and that it appears to be affiliated with Gourmet Garden in Swampscott (along with other locations in the Greater Boston area), Chi Modern Asian Cuisine in Swampscott, and Ginger Cajun in Salem. Few details about the Red Lantern have been given as of yet, including what its menu might offer and when it could open, though it does appear to be close to debuting.

The address for the upcoming Red Lantern is 165 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

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

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A&D Clam Box in Marblehead Has Closed, Is Looking for a New Space

A seafood place on the North Shore has shut down after being in business for approximately two years, though it hopes to reopen in a new location.

According to an X/Twitter post from @TobySyrel, A&D Clam Box in Marblehead is no longer in business as it has lost its lease, and this has been confirmed in an Instagram post from the Pleasant Street spot, saying that "The landlord doesn't want to extend the short term lease that we had. New location will be announced soon. Thank you all our customers for their support." A&D first opened in early 2023, offering such items as clam chowder, fried clams, lobster rolls, calamari, fish tacos, baked haddock, fish and chips, and more.

The address for A&D Clam Box was 195 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945; as soon as we hear of an address for the new location, we will post an update here.

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A&D Clam Box Opens in Marblehead

A new seafood spot has come to the North Shore.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, A&D Clam Box is now open in Marblehead, moving into the space on Pleasant Street that had been home to B&B Fish until it announced last spring that it would not be reopening. A post from North Shore Eats indicates that the menu for A&D Clam Box includes such items as clam chowder, fried clams, baked haddock, fried shrimp, fried scallops, lobster rolls, calamari, burgers, chicken fingers, fries, onion rings, and more.

The address for A&D Clam Box is 195 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

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

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B&B Fish in Marblehead Has Closed Down

It looks like a seafood spot on the North Shore with a celebrity chef behind it has shut its doors.

According to a couple of sources, including one within the restaurant/hospitality business, B&B Fish in Marblehead is no longer in business, with one source saying that the Buttermilk & Bourbon Group told them that the Pleasant Street place "will not reopen" while the other source says that owner Jason Santos is going to "focus his time and energy" on his other restaurants, including Buttermilk & Bourbon, Citrus & Salt, and Nash Bar & Stage in Boston and a second location of Buttermilk & Bourbon in Watertown.

B&B Fish first opened in the fall of 2020, offering New England seafood with Southern influences.

The address for B&B Fish was 195 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

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

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Spitfire Tacos in Salem Opens New Location in Marblehead

A North Shore restaurant that features Mexican food has expanded to a second location.

According to a post within the Marblehead Reporter and Wicked Local, Spitfire Tacos in Salem is now open in Marblehead, taking over the space on Pleasant Street where Howling Wolf Taqueria Express had been. The new outlet of the eatery offers a variety of tacos along with burritos, nachos, quesadillas, rice and beans, and street corn, while also having a children's menu with macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, and fries.

The new location of Spitfire Tacos is at 87 Pleasant Street in Marblehead while the original location is at 105 Lafayette Street in Salem. The website for both restaurants is at https://www.spitfiresalem.com/

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

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Casa Mia in Marblehead Has Closed

An Italian restaurant on the North Shore has shut its doors.

According to a source (Geoff Wong), Casa Mia in Marblehead is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Washington Street spot saying the following:

As we roll into the new year, we are looking forward to a new chapter, which involves the closing of Casa Mia today. As owners, we have dedicated a great part of our lives into this restaurant making it our second home....The past few years haven't been easy and it is definitely a nostalgic end, but we are optimistic and confident of what this year will bring. We will miss this community and our loyal customers immensely, but are looking forward to this new chapter!

The note mentions that Casa Mia will continue its catering operation.

Casa Mia was one of three Italian restaurants operating out of the Washington Street storefront over the years, with Yannalfo's being there previously, and before that, Pellino's.

The address for Casa Mia was 261 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945. Its website can be found at http://casamiamarblehead.com/

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

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Mai Tai Lounge Is Opening in Marblehead

A brand new restaurant featuring modern Asian cuisine is on its way to the North Shore.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mai Tai Lounge is opening in Marblehead, with a post from owner Kevin Le saying that the Pleasant Street dining spot will open soon and that " I look forward to serving you great cocktails and delicious food surrounded by a beautiful bar and lounge." Based on a Board of Selectmen minutes page within the town's website, it appears that Mai Tai Lounge is taking over the space at the Village Plaza that had been previously been home to Imperial Mandarin.

The address for the upcoming Mai Tai Lounge is 165 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Mai-Tai-Lounge-105085348582623/

[December 27 update: Based on posts within its Facebook page, Mai Tai Lounge is now open.]

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 Beacon Restaurant & Bar Is Opening in the Former Wick's Space in Marblehead

A brand new dining and drinking spot is debuting on the North Shore, and a local entertainer with ties to Las Vegas is behind the spot.

According to an article from the Marblehead Reporter/Wicked Local, The Beacon Restaurant & Bar is opening in the old Wick's space within Warwick Place in Marblehead, with Johnny Ray of the Johnny Ray Band and business partner Chef Edgar Alleyne of the now-closed Red Rock Bistro in Swampscott being behind the Pleasant Street place. A check on the website for the restaurant mentions that it will include a bar and an outdoor patio while live music, dancing, and comedy shows are part of the plans. The site also hints that today could actually be its opening day; as soon as we confirm this, we will post an update here.

Johnny Ray is a singer who is known in part for his lounge music along with pop, soul, and classic rock, performing in the Greater Boston area, Las Vegas, and elsewhere.

The address for The Beacon Restaurant & Bar is 123 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945. Its website can be found at https://thebeaconmarblehead.com/

[July 8 update: A Facebook post from the place confirms that The Beacon is now open.]

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

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Plus Cafe Opens in Marblehead

 A new spot for coffee, sandwiches, and more has very quietly come to the North Shore.

According to a source, Plus Cafe is now open in Marblehead, moving into a space on Atlantic Avenue in the center of town. the menu on its Facebook page shows such items as soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods and pastries, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, with hours being 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekends.

The address for Plus Cafe in Marblehead is 34A Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA, 01945. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Plus-cafe-101432811664797/

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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Jason Santos Is Opening B&B Fish in Marblehead

A celebrity chef who is behind three Boston-area restaurants is opening a new dining spot on the North Shore that focuses on seafood.

According to artist and former food blogger Kristen Nyberg, Jason Santos is planning to open B&B Fish in Marblehead, taking over a space on Pleasant Street that had once been home to a gas station, and was planning to become another restaurant called Chickpeas, though those plans apparently fell through. An Instagram post from Santos hints that the new place will offer such items as fried clams, fish and chips, chowder, scallops, soft serve, and more, and the space will include an outdoor patio. If all goes as planned, B&B Fish may be opening sometime this summer.

Jason Santos is behind Buttermilk & Bourbon, Citrus & Salt, and Abby Lane in Boston, and he is also known in part for being on the Fox reality TV show Hell's Kitchen back in 2010.

The address for the new B&B Fish is 195 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/bandbfishmarblehead/

[October 22 update: According to a press release, B&B Fish plans to open on November 2, with the place being open for lunch and dinner daily.]

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

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Danvers, Framingham, Marblehead, Melrose, Peabody, Somerville, and Whitman Set Up Stricter Rules for Restaurant Workers and Customers

At least seven more communities in the Greater Boston area have set up stricter rules when it comes to getting takeout from restaurants, joining a number of others in the region that have also put such orders into place.

According to several sources, both customers and restaurant workers in Danvers, Framingham, Marblehead, Melrose, Peabody, and Whitman are now required to wear face masks or other forms of protective face coverings, with customers having to do so when going inside an establishment to pick up food. In addition, Somerville's ruling goes into effect on Wednesday and applies to both indoor and outdoor public spaces, though there will be a one-week grace period, according to the official order.

These cities and towns are just a few of an ever-growing list of communities instituting rules that go beyond the simple recommendation of wearing masks by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including Abington, Beverly, Braintree, Brookline, Everett, Lynn, Medford, Quincy, Revere, Salem, and Swampscott.

Massachusetts restaurants and bars continue to be under a shutdown of sorts where they are only allowed to offer takeout and/or delivery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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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Wick's in Marblehead Is Closing

A North Shore restaurant known in part for its brick-oven pizza is getting ready to shut down.

According to a tweet from @akenn, Wick's in Marblehead is closing, with a Facebook post from the place saying that the Pleasant Street eatery will be saying farewell tomorrow. The post also says that Dandee Donut Factory and the theater--both of which are located within Warwick Place which is where Wick's resides--will remain in operation, and the note says to "stay tuned for the next feature presentation," though it is not known whether this refers to the space that Wick's is vacating and/or whether the people behind Wick's have something planned.

Wick's first opened in late 2016, taking over the old Palmers Restaurant space.

The address for Wick's is 123 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

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

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Sea Salt Is Opening in Marblehead; Jack-Tar Owners Behind It

The people behind a beloved restaurant and bar on the North Shore are returning to their old space, opening a brand new dining spot there.

According to a source, Scott Brankman and Emily Farnsworth-Brankman, who ran Jack-Tar American Tavern in Marblehead until it closed in 2017, are opening a new restaurant that will apparently be called Sea Salt, with a post within the All Marblehead Facebook page saying that "While the menu won't be exactly the same as the former Jack Tar, we're told that 'Sea Salt' will feature many of our old favorites." (Jack-Tar featured burgers, pizza, fried chicken, ribs, and other comfort food items.) If all goes as planned the new dining spot could be opening in November.

Superfine opened in the former Jack-Tar space in May of 2018, but that eatery shut down later in the year.

The address for the upcoming Sea Salt is 126 Washington Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945. Its website can be found at https://www.seasaltmarblehead.com/

[September 6 update: Sea Salt is one step closer to opening, as The Marblehead Reporter states that the Board of Selectmen have approved of a beer, wine, and cordials license for the place (it now needs to be approved by the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission).]

[November 18 update: According to its website, Sea Salt is now open.]

[Earlier Articles]
Superfine to Replace Jack-Tar American Tavern in Marblehead
Superfine Food in Marblehead and Newburyport Have Closed for Good

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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Update: Superfine Food in Marblehead and Newburyport Have Closed for Good

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 14 to reflect confirmation that the two locations have shut down for good.]

A trio of eclectic comfort food spots on the North Shore have been reduced to one, at least for the time being.

According to several sources, Superfine Food in Marblehead and Newburyport are shuttered, and it is not known if or when they might reopen. An article from The Daily News says that a sign out front at the Newburyport location that wishes customers a good holiday season has been up for several weeks now, and owner Matthew Gaudet had not responded to either the landlord or the newspaper at the time of the publishing of the article yesterday. Another source tells us that the original location of Superfine in Manchester-by-the-Sea does remain in operation.

As soon as we find out more about the exact status of Superfine in Marblehead and Newburyport, we will post an update here.

Superfine opened on Washington Street in Marblehead last spring, while the location on State Street in Newburyport debuted last summer; the Manchester location has been in business since the summer of 2016.

[January 14 update: According to a source, both the Marblehead and Newburyport locations of Superfine have closed for good, with a Salem News article confirming this.]

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Update: Junji Fine Japanese Cuisine in Marblehead Closes, Then Reopens Under New Ownership

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 4, 2019 to reflect the fact that the new restaurant has opened in the space and it has the same name.]

A Japanese restaurant on the North Shore has shut down after four years in business, though it looks like a new spot will be moving into its space.

According to a source, Junji Fine Japanese Cuisine in Marblehead has closed its doors, with a check on the Facebook page of the Pleasant Street eatery confirming this, saying that "New owner is Mr. Chai. They are creating new menus/Website/Facebook page W/new staffs." A comment within the thread indicates that the name of the restaurant will apparently remain the same and the new menu will offer Japanese, Chinese, and Thai fare.

Junji first opened in March of 2014, taking over the space that had been home to Joey's D's.

The address for Junji Fine Japanese Cuisine (and the upcoming restaurant moving into the space) is 114 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

[January 4, 2019 update: A source tells us that the new restaurant moving into the Junji space is now open, and it is also called Junji Fine Japanese Cuisine, though with a different owner.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Food Items from Asian Restaurants in the Boston Area]

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Comella's in Marblehead Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of Italian eateries has gotten a bit smaller, as it has closed its only North Shore location.

According to a Facebook post from All Marblehead, Comella's on Atlantic Avenue has shut down, with a sign out front saying "Thank you for 5 years of business" while referring customers to their other locations. With the closing of the Marblehead shop, the only remaining outlets directly north of Boston are in Melrose and Winchester.

Existing locations of Comella's can be found in Bedford, Belmont, Chestnut Hill, Concord, Hingham, Melrose, Natick, Needham, Wellesley, West Newton, West Roxbury, Westwood, and Winchester.

The address for this now-closed dining spot in Marblehead was: Comella's, 50 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA, 01945. The website for all locations can be found at: http://www.comellasrestaurants.com/

Thanks to a source for bringing this to our attention.

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Chickpeas Plans to Open at Former Gas Station Site in Marblehead

by Marc Hurwitz

A Mediterranean restaurant may be on its way to the North Shore, and it would be replacing a long-closed business.

According to an article in Wicked Local, Chickpeas is planning to open in Marblhead, taking over the space on Pleasant Street where an abandoned gas station currently sits. The post mentions that the Zoning Board of Appeals has approved a special permit for the 16-seat fast-food spot, although concerns about the proposal have been brought up, including traffic, parking, and child safety issues (a middle school is located a short distance away). While the board did ok the proposal, they have also attached suggestions/conditions to the permit from the town's Design Review Board.

The address for the proposed Chickpeas is 195 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

Thanks to a source for initially bringing this to our attention.

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Blue Canoe Cafe Opening in Former Atomic Cafe Space in Marblehead

by Marc Hurwitz

Last week, we reported that what had been a trio of North Shore cafes was down to just one, as its Marblehead location had announced its closure. Now we have learned that a new cafe will be taking over that space.

According to a Facebook post from OctoCog, Blue Canoe Cafe is moving into the former Atomic Cafe space on School Street, with a post from the upcoming spot saying that it will offer freshly-baked goods, sandwiches, and smoothies along with "strong" coffee. No opening date has been given for the place as of yet, with a sign out front simply saying "coming soon," so keep checking back for updates as they come in.

In addition to the closing of its Marblehead location, Atomic Cafe recently shut down its Newburyport shop as well, leaving the business with only one retail outlet (in Beverly). Its roasting operation--which does not include a retail store--is located in Salem.

The address for this new cafe in Marblehead is: Blue Canoe Cafe, 14 School Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

Thanks to @CappyinBoston for initially bringing this to our attention.

[March 28, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Blue Canoe Cafe is now open in Marblehead.]

[Earlier Article]
Atomic Cafe Announces Closure of Its Marblehead Location; Sole Remaining Shop in Beverly Remains Open

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Atomic Cafe Announces Closure of Its Marblehead Location; Sole Remaining Shop in Beverly Remains Open

by Marc Hurwitz

What was once a trio of North Shore cafes is now down to just one.

According to a source, Atomic Cafe has officially closed its shop in Marblehead, with a Facebook post saying that the decision is not directly related to the flooding that had caused the School Street store to shut down last month, but that the people behind the business have been looking to scale back their shops (including one in Newburyport, which closed in September) and that the flood simply "accelerated" their plans. The closing of the Marblehead and Newburyport outlets mean that only one shop remains in operation--a location on Cabot Street in Beverly. (The company's roasting operation is located in Salem.)

The address for this now-closed cafe in Marblehead was: Atomic Cafe, 14 School Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945. The website for the business can be found at http://www.atomicafe.com/

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Neckrun Cafe Is Opening in Former Lime Rickey's Space in Marblehead

A new beachside dining spot is on its way to the North Shore, and it will be taking over the space where a popular snack shack had been.

According to a poster on the All Marblehead Happenings Facebook group page, Neckrun Cafe is opening soon at Devereux Beach in Marblehead, moving into the former Lime Rickey's space. The post says that the upcoming spot will offer breakfast, entertainment at night, and special events, and it also mentions that one of the owners of the place is the owner of Brothers Deli in Lynn. (A page on the Bizapedia site confirms that George Markos of Brothers Deli is indeed one of the people involved.) No opening date has been given for Neckrun Cafe as of yet, which is having a job fair on Saturday, April 22.

Lime Rickey's used to have two locations--one at Devereux Beach and another at the former Red Rock Bistro in Swampscott; both shops were beachside concession stands that featured burgers, hot dogs, fried seafood, ice cream, and--of course--lime rickeys.

The address for this new dining spot at Devereux Beach is: Neckrun Cafe, 105 Ocean Avenue, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

Thanks to a source for initially bringing this to our attention.

[May 8 update: According to a Facebook post, Neckrun Cafe is now open.]

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