Lavender Cafe and NaisLee Catering in West Newton Are Closing

A cafe in the western suburbs of Boston and its corresponding catering operation are both shutting down.

According to a source, Lavender Cafe and NaisLee Catering in West Newton are closing, with an Instagram post indicating that their original closing date of September 14 has been moved up and now the last day in operation is August 31. The earlier post mentions the following:

After exhausting all resources and possibilities, and understanding that the risk of staying open was higher than the potential benefits, we had to make the hardest decision ever for us. The obstacles we faced were extraordinary. 

Lavender Cafe first opened in May of this year, offering food items with Venezuelan influences.

The address for Lavender Cafe and NaisLee Catering is 15 Spencer Street, West Newton, MA, 02465. 

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

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

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The Halal Guys to Open in Newton

A growing chain of halal spots with roots in New York City will be opening yet another location in the local area, and this one will be in the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a Facebook post from the business, The Halal Guys is planning to open in Newton, moving into a space on Needham Street just south of where it meets Dedham Street and Winchester Street (a short distance south of Route 9). Once it opens, the new location will join others in Boston's Theater District, the Fenway, South Bay, Porter Square in Cambridge, and further out, in Shrewsbury--and other locations are being planned for downtown Boston and Dedham as well.

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

The address for the upcoming location of The Halal Guys in Newton is 55 Needham Street, Newton, MA, 02461. The website for the chain is at https://thehalalguys.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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Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory to Open in Newton Centre

A Taiwanese restaurant is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory is planning to open in Newton Centre, taking over the space on Beacon Street where Jake's Falafel Corner had been. A What Now article mentions that the upcoming eatery will focus on Taiwanese street food items, including steamed buns, fried bao, and grilled sausage, and that it hopes to open before the end of this month if all goes well.

The address for the upcoming Formosa Bun & Dumpling Factory is 740 A Beacon Street, Newton, MA, 02459.

(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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Shogun Restaurant in West Newton Has Closed

A decades-old Japanese restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston has shut down.

According to a Bluesky post from @y2000k.bsky.social, Shogun Restaurant in West Newton is no longer in business, with a photo posted indicating that it closed permanently as of May 5. The Washington Street dining spot, which had been open for approximately 40 years, was known for its sushi while also offering such options as teriyaki, shumai, gyoza, yakitori, udon, sukiyaki, donburi, and katsu.

The address for the now-closed Shogun Restaurant in West Newton was 1385 Washington Street, Newton, MA, 02465.

(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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Zodiac Is Replacing Cafe St. Petersburg in Newton Centre

An Eastern European restaurant west of Boston is in the process of changing into a new Eastern European dining spot under different ownership.

According to an article in The Newton Beacon, Zodiac is going to be taking over the Cafe St. Petersburg space in Newton Centre, with the place having new owners, look, and a "little bit of a different concept," according to Genna Itskin, who is one of the owners. The new restaurant will offer Russian food, though Itskin says in the article that "We Americanized some traditional Russian food to suit American  tastes, like Chinese restaurants do" in order to satisfy American customers, with the menu including such options as blini, beef stroganoff, chicken kiev, and less familiar dishes such as forshmak (herring mousse, rice chips, caviar, scallion, and chicken tartare) and pickled zakuska (sour cabbage with tomatoes, cucumbers, and mushrooms), while drink options will include Ukrainian beer and black currant infused vodka along with beer, cider, and more.

Zodiac will be open for dinner Tuesday through Friday and brunch and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.

The address for Zodiac (and Cafe St. Petersburg) is 57-1 Union Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459.

(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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Moldova Restaurant in Newton Is Closing

An award-winning restaurant in Newton that features Eastern European food is shutting down.

According to a source, Moldova Restaurant in the Nonantum section of the city is getting ready to close, with an Instagram post from the Watertown Street spot saying the following:

Dear Valued Customers, It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you that Moldova Restaurant will be closing its doors permanently as of Dec 29th. This decision was not made lightly. Business conditions in 2024 have made it unfeasible to continue operating the restaurant as a business, and as a result we lost our lease. Restoring to normal business operations that makes financial sense is a long journey, and we decided that it's in the best interest of our team and my family to take a step back for now....We invite you to visit us one last time before we close. Thank you once again for the wonderful memories. We will miss you and cherish the time we spent together.

Moldova first opened in 2016, serving traditional dishes found in the country of Moldova and being recognized by a number of publications including Boston Magazine and The Boston Globe over the years.

The address for Moldova Restaurant is 344 Watertown Street, Newton, MA, 02458 Its website can be found at https://www.tastemoldova.com/

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

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

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Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro in Newton's Auburndale Neighborhood Is Closing

An Italian restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston is shutting down.

According to a source, Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro in the Auburndale Section of Newton is going to be closing on November 27, with a Facebook post from the Lexington Street spot saying the following:

For the past 14 years, Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro has been a vital part of the Auburndale community, making this letter difficult for us to write. Over the last four years, we've found ourselves in a challenging situation, with our future largely dependent on our landlord. While we navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic—thanks to the support of our loyal customers—we now face another hurdle. Although we have invested a small fortune and much sweat and pain to rehab and renovate the café space, we have been unable to secure a long-term lease from the landlord to keep the business operating and to allow us to better compete with improved space. This isn't a sustainable arrangement for us or for any business looking for long-term investment returns.

Bocca Bella, which first opened in the fall of 2010, offers antipasto, panini, pasta, chicken and veal dishes, seafood, and more.

The address for Bocca Bella Cafe & Bistro is 442 Lexington Street, Auburndale, MA, 02466. Its website can be found at http://www.boccabellacafe.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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Nonantum Press Room Is Opening in Newton

A new sandwich shop is on its way to a space a few miles west of Boston.

According to multiple sources, including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Nonantum Press Room is going to be opening in Newton, moving into a space on Adams Street in the city's Nonantum neighborhood. The Facebook page for the upcoming spot says that it will be a "neighborhood sandwich shop specializing in paninis, elevated sandwiches, soulful soups and crisp salads," while What Now Boston indicates that owner Jim Donovan hopes to open the place sometime in October.

The address for Nonantum Press Room is 191 Adams Street, Newton, MA, 02458. Its website can be found at https://www.nonantumpressroom.com/

[March 5, 2025 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Nonantum Press Room 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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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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[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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OTTO Pizza Plans Is Opening in the Former Donut Villa Space in Newtonville

It looks like a group of pizzerias with roots up north is expanding further into the Greater Boston area, with its newest location coming to a space west of Boston that had been home to an outlet of a group of dining spots known in part for its donuts.

According to a source (via an Instagram post from All Over Newton), OTTO Pizza is opening in Newtonville, moving into the former Donut Villa space on Walnut Street. Once it opens, the new outlet of the pizza spot will join others in Andover, Arlington, Beverly, Boston's South End, the Boston/Brookline line (by BU), Brookline's Coolidge Corner, Cambridge's Harvard Square, Lynnfield, Newburyport, South Boston, and Weymouth, along with other locations in New Hampshire and Maine (where it was first established).

The Newtonville location of Donut Villa closed sometime around the start of this year, though outlets in Malden, Cambridge, and Arlington remain in operation.

The address for OTTO Pizza in Newtonville is 344 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA, 02460. The website for all locations is at https://www.ottoportland.com/

[May 1 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (and confirmed by the locations section of the OTTO website), the Newtonville location of OTTO is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Donut Villa in Newtonville Has Closed

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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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Donut Villa in Newtonville Has Closed

It looks like a small local group of dining spots known in part for their donuts has closed one of their locations.

According to a couple of sources, Donut Villa in Newtonville was locked up and dark last Friday and Saturday, while another source told us earlier that it did appear shuttered, though at the time, we were told by someone at one of the other locations that it was still open. A check on the website for the business indicates that indeed appears to be closed, however, as it has been removed from the website.

The Newtonville location of Donut Villa debuted in the fall of 2022 in the former Brewer's Coalition space, joining existing locations in Malden and Cambridge; an outlet in Arlington opened up a few months later in early 2023.

The address for the now-closed location of Donut Villa in Newtonville was 344 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA, 02460. The website for the three existing locations is at https://www.donutvilladiner.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.)

 

Cafe Martin West Street in Newton's Nonantum Is Closing

A neighborhood restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston that debuted early last year is shutting down.

According to a source (Kelley Kassa), Cafe Martin West Street in the Nonantum section of Newton is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

As the ole saying goes, all good things must come to an end. We don't like it either but the ever increasing cost of doing business is making it tough to stay open. And in order to stay open, I would have to change the mission & the vision that IS Cafe Martin West Street & that is not something I am willing to compromise. We will be officially closed as of January 1st, 2024....Thank you, we love you & we are so sorry.

Cafe Martin first opened in the former West Street Tavern & Restaurant space in February of 2022, getting its start at a home in Newton that was nicknamed "Cafe Martin" in 2017 and became a place where people could gather together for food, drink, conversation, and support for Adrienne Martin's husband John (a former NESN photographer who was passed away from ALS in 2018) and his family.

The address for Cafe Martin West Street is 7 West Street, Newton, MA, 02458. Its website is at https://www.cafemartinweststreet.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.)

4 Corners Pizza in Newton Is Expanding to Legacy Place in Dedham

A dining spot in the western suburbs of Boston that is known in part for its unusual combining of two popular food items is opening a second location southwest of the city.

According to a message sent from @IrishEyesPhoto1 (whose Twitter/X name is Arcadipanephotography), 4 Corners Pizza in Newton is planning to expand to a new space at Legacy Place in Dedham, with the Instagram page for the eatery confirming this. Based on its existing location on Beacon Street just west of Newton Centre and just north of Newton Highlands, the new outlet will offer pizza cupcakes which are made with pizza dough and include a variety of toppings, and it could also be serving classic and deep-dish pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, and more depending on how similar the menu is to the Newton spot.

The website for 4 Corners Pizza can be found at https://www.4cornerspizza.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/4cornerspizza

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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.)

Avenue Deli in Newton Has Closed

A deli in the western suburbs of Boston has shut down after being in business for less than a year.

According to a source, Avenue Deli in Newton is no longer in business, with a Facebook post within the Newton Real Estate Forum Facebook group page showing a sign out front at the Beacon Street spot confirming that the place has indeed closed. The deli first opened in January of this year, and while there is another Avenue Deli in Lexington Center that was first established in Watertown in 2009 (and coming under new ownership in 2013), the website for that location says that "We are the only Avenue Deli and not related to any other location."

The address for now-closed Avenue Deli in Newton was 1134 Beacon Street, Newton, MA, 02461.

NOTE: We need your help, as Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and some major related expenses. 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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Stella Opens in Newton

Earlier this year, it was reported that an Italian restaurant in Boston was planning to be reborn west of the city, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an Instagram post from the place, Stella has opened in Newton, moving into a space on Commonwealth Avenue on the northern edge of Newton Centre and being run by Evan Deluty who was also behind the original restaurant. A boston.com article mentions that this incarnation of the dining spot is smaller than that of its space on Washington Street in the South End where it resided for 15 years until closing in 2020, as it includes a total of 15 seats and does not have a bar, though it looks like a beer and wine license could eventually be acquired.

In addition to Italian dishes, the Newton location of Stella also offers some Jewish items, including matzo ball soup, cheese blintzes, and potato latkes.

The address for the new location of Stella is 549 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton Centre, MA, 02459.

[Earlier Article]
Stella Plans to Reopen in Newton

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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Burke's Alewerks in West Newton Has Closed

A brewery and taproom that moved to a new location earlier this year has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Burke's Alewerks in West Newton is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

It is with regret and sadness that I announce the end of Burke's Alewerks. We poured our last pint this past week. I am forever grateful for all the support, laughter, music, and friendship that we all shared together. If you walked through our doors and shared a pint with us, we are grateful. There are so many wonderful memories and experiences and it was a truly worthwhile and most excellent journey! Slainte

No reason has been given for its closure, nor is it known if owner Brian Burke has any future plans for brewing.

Burke's Alewerks moved into West Newton in January, taking over the space on Washington Street where a location of The Local had been. Previously, the brewery had been located in Hanover.

The address for the now-closed location of Burke's Alewerks in West Newton was 1391 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465.

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!

Union Street Restaurant in Newton Centre Is Closing

A longtime restaurant and bar that briefly closed six years ago before reopening under new ownership is getting ready to shut down permanently.

According to a message sent from @IrishEyesPhoto1, Union Street Restaurant in Newton Centre has sent an email out saying that it is going to be closing its doors for good at the end of the month, though no reason has been given for its decision to shutter as of yet. Union Street, which first opened in the late 1980s, went through an ownership change in the summer of 2017, with renovations being made to the space at the time; the place has been known for its pub grub and classic American fare while also being a venue for live music and functions.

The address for Union Street Restaurant in Newton Centre is 107R Union Street (Piccadilly Square), Newton, MA, 02459. Its website is at https://www.unionst.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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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!

Walnut Grille in Newton Highlands Is Being Replaced by Shiva's Kitchen

A vegetarian and vegan restaurant west of Boston is getting ready to closing down as the space will be going through a reconcepting.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Walnut Grille in Newton Highlands will soon be shutting its doors, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

As of April 1st, Walnut Grille will be closing. We want to thank everyone for all of their support over the past 10 years! Unfortunately, we never really recovered financially from the pandemic. However, our team will still be around! We will be rebranding to our new concept Shiva's Kitchen. Our new restaurant will be offering Indian cuisine. We will be open for lunch and dinner and available for catering. Please don't hesitate to ask for some of your Walnut Grille favorites if you need us to cater an event!

Walnut Grille first opened in 2013, focusing on vegetarian and vegan dishes while also offering many gluten-free options along with organic wines and cocktails.

The address for Walnut Grille (and the upcoming Shiva's Kitchen) is 1203 Walnut Street, Newton, MA, 02461.

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!

Stella Plans to Reopen in Newton

A South End restaurant that shut down as the pandemic first took hold is returning, though in a new space west of Boston.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Stella is planning to reopen in Newton, moving into a space on Commonwealth Avenue on the northern edge of Newton Centre, a few blocks east of Centre Street. The restaurant, which had been on Washington Street in Boston's South End for 15 years until closing in the spring of 2020, was known for its seasonal Italian dishes and extensive wine list.

If all goes as planned, Stella will open in its new space this spring.

The address for the new location of Stella is 549 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton Centre, MA, 02459.

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!

Burke's Alewerks Opens in West Newton

Last year, it was reported that a South Shore brewery and taproom was planning to expand to a space west of Boston, and now we have learned that it has opened, though it is actually a move rather than an expansion.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Burke's Alewerks is now open in West Newton, with a Facebook post from the business indicating that it debuted last weekend--and posters have told us that the Hanover location has closed so this is indeed a move contrary to what we had heard in the late winter of 2022. The new spot takes over a location of The Local, which continues to operate locations in Waltham, Wayland, and Wellesley.

Expect to find a mix of European and American-style ales at the new Burke's Alewerks in West Newton along with several wine options, while food offerings for now include pretzels and pizza.

The address for the new location of Burke's Alewerks in West Newton is 1391 Washington Street, West Newton, MA, 02465. The website for the business is at https://burkesalewerks.com/

[Earlier Article]
Burke's Alewerks in Hanover Plans to Open New Location in West Newton

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!