Moon Bay Opens in Randolph

A brand new Chinese restaurant has opened in the southern suburbs of Boston.

A check on the place indicates that Moon Bay is now open in Randolph, moving into a space on Route 139 between the center of town and the Route 24 intersection. The new dining spot focuses in part on Hunan cuisine, with its menu including such options as handmade dumplings, lamb soup, stir-friend beans with eggplant, chili pepper short rib, stir-fried shredded potato, shrimp with string beans, stir-fried chicken with chili peppers, and braised pork.

The address for Moon Bay is 8 Mazzeo Drive (Route 139), Randolph, MA, 02368. Its website can be found at https://moonbay.toast.site/

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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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Not Your Average Joe's in Randolph Has Closed

One of the more unique locations of a local chain of family restaurants has shut down.

According to a source, Not Your Average Joe's in Randolph is no longer in business, with a check on the website for the company confirming this as the Mazzeo Drive outlet has been removed from the locations page. The Randolph location was considered to be the chain's test kitchen, as it offered new dishes to customers as specials.

Other locations of Not Your Average Joe's remain open in the Greater Boston area, including in Acton, Burlington, Methuen, Norwell, Peabody, Waltham, Watertown, and Westwood.

The address for the now-closed location of Not Your Average Joe's in Randolph was 14 Mazzeo Drive, Randolph, MA, 02368. The website for the chain is at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.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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Chau's Sandwiches Opens in Randolph

A new dining spot that features Vietnamese sandwiches and more has opened in the southern suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Chau's Sandwiches is Randolph is now open, moving into a space within the Hai Lua Plaza on N Main Street. A check on the website for the eatery indicates that it offers a variety of banh mi along with vermicelli, chicken sticky rice, fried shredded pork, Vietnamese dumplings, beef noodle soup, and rice cakes.

The address for Chau's Sandwiches is 937 N Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368. Its website can be found at https://chaussandwiches.square.site/

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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Mexicali Cantina Grill Opens in Randolph

A new location of a local group of Mexican restaurants has opened in the southern suburbs of Boston, nearly three years after it was first announced.

According to a source, Mexicali Cantina Grill is now open in Randolph, moving into a space on Route 139 just east of Route 24. The new spot joins a handful of others (including locally in Danvers, Natick, and Swampscott), with the menu for the Randolph outlet showing such items as queso dip, taquito bites, tortilla soup, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, tamales, flautas, fajitas, and more.

The address for the new location of Mexicali Cantina Grill in Randolph is 64 Mazzeo Drive (Route 139), Randolph, MA, 02368. Its web page can be found at https://mexicalicantinagrill.com/menus/randolph/

[Earlier Article]
Mexicali Grill Plans to Open New Location in Randolph

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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Sweet Piglet Bakery + Cafe Is Opening in the Former Bambu Space in Randolph

Last month it was reported that a chain of Vietnamese cafes with three locations in Eastern Massachusetts was closing one of its outlets, and now we have learned that a new eatery featuring dessert items will be moving into the space.

According to a source, Sweet Piglet Bakery + Cafe is planning to open in the former Bambu space in Randolph, which jibes with what we heard earlier--that a bakery run by a friend of the Bambu owner would be opening within the N Main Street space. The menu for the upcoming spot shows such items as banana bread, cheesecake, banana bread pudding, macarons, creme brulee, cupcakes, cream puffs, and crepes, while its Instagram page mentions that it is a "mother-daughter operated business specializing in sweet treats and catering."

Bambu, which first started out in San Jose, CA, in 2008, currently has more than 70 shops in the United States and Canada, including two others in Dorchester and Lowell that remain in operation.

The address for Sweet Piglet Bakery + Cafe is 1138 N. Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368. Its website can be found at https://www.sweetpigletbakery.com/

[September 13 update: According to a source, Sweet Piglet Bakery + Cafe is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Bambu in Randolph Is Closing 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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Bambu in Randolph Is Closing Permanently

A chain of Vietnamese cafes with three locations in Eastern Massachusetts is closing one of its local outlets next month.

According to a source, Bambu in Randolph is shutting down for good, with a Facebook post from the owner of the N. Main Street spot indicating that it plans to shutter on July 23 while saying that "with a heavy heart, I have to close the store with the renewal of the lease." The owner does go on to indicate that the space will not be empty for long, as a friend is opening a bakery there in the next few months.

Bambu, which first started out in San Jose, CA, in 2008, currently has more than 70 shops in the United States and Canada, including two others locally in Dorchester and Lowell. The chain offers smoothies, juices, coffee, tea, desserts, and more.

The address for the Randolph location of Bambu is  1138 N. Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.drinkbambu.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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Fred's Seafoods in Randolph Is Closing

A suburban seafood market and restaurant that has been around for more than 50 years is closing down.

According to a source, Fred's Seafoods in Randolph is shutting down permanently, with a Facebook post from the North Main Street spot indicating that the owner is retiring. The post mentions that the store will be closing for good as of Friday, July 2 at 8:00 PM, with the owner (Billy, whose parents opened the place in 1966) thanking customers and friends for supporting the business.

Fred's Seafoods offers such items as clam chowder, lobster rolls, fish and chips, a shrimp platter, and more, along with a variety of fresh seafood including scallops, bluefish, schrod, salmon, haddock, and swordfish.

The address for Fred's Seafoods is 49 N Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368.

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

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Update: Locations of Not Your Average Joe's in Burlington, Methuen, and Randolph Reopen for Takeout; Arlington Location Closed for Good

[Ed note: This article was updated on May 25 to reflect the fact that three of the four locations have opened back up for takeout.]

A local chain of restaurants is temporarily shutting down five of its outlets, including four locations in the region.

According to a source, Not Your Average Joe's will be closing its restaurants in Arlington, Burlington, Methuen, and Randolph for the winter, with a post within The Arlington List Facebook group page indicating the Arlington location being one of five that will be doing so. Based on that post, it looks like the four outlets in the local area--along with another location in the Middle Atlantic states--hope to open sometime in April. It appears that other outlets locally, including in Acton, Norwell, Peabody, Waltham, Watertown and Westwood, will remain in operation, at least for now. (The chain confirms these closures on its website, with a note on each of the four locations saying that they "are temporarily closing our lower volume restaurants.")

The website for Not Your Average Joe's can be found at https://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

[May 25 update: A message from the company indicates that the Burlington, Methuen, and Randolph locations of Not Your Average Joe's are now open for takeout, with indoor dining and patios remaining closed for now. And as mentioned earlier, the Arlington location has 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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Jersey Mike's Subs Is Opening Locations in Hingham, Randolph, and Walpole

A New Jersey-based chain of sub shops continues its rapid expansion through the Greater Boston area, with at least three more outlets on the way.

According to its "coming soon" page, Jersey Mike's Subs is planning to open shops in Hingham, Randolph, and Walpole, joining others in the local area in Beverly, Dedham, Quincy, Stoughton, and Swampscott, along with a soon-to-open location in Bedford and further out, another upcoming store in Newburyport. Based on information from their website, the Hingham location will be along Route 3A across from the shipyard, the Randolph outlet will be in a strip mall where Route 139 west meets Route 28, and the Walpole location will be just off Route 1 where it intersects Route 95.

Jersey Mike's Subs, which was established in Point Pleasant, NJ, in 1956, offers hot and cold subs including cheese steaks, tuna, Italians, and BLTs.

The website for Jersey Mike's can be found at https://www.jerseymikes.com/

[April 18 update: Wicked Local states that the Randolph location of Jersey Mike's Subs is slated to have its grand opening on Wednesday, April 21, with all proceeds from that day going to the Friendly Food Pantry of Randolph.]

[May 21 update: According to its website, the Walpole location of Jersey Mike's Subs is now open.]

[June 7 update: According to its website, the Hingham location of Jersey Mike's 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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Caffe Bella in Randolph Has Closed

An iconic suburban restaurant that was known for its Italian fare and extensive wine list has shut down permanently.

According to a source, Caffe Bella in Randolph is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Warren Street spot saying that "After almost 30 years in business, unfortunately the pandemic has caused the Caffe to call it a day!...The employees and myself are devastated because we are a family." The note does seem to leave the door open for something possibly in the works at some point in time, as it ends with "Stay tuned for act 2!"

Caffe Bella offered a variety of pasta dishes and wood-grilled items, including pappardelle with bolognese, shrimp and asparagus in vodka sauce, duck breast, pork tenderloin, and Italian sausage, while its wine list included a wine variety of reds and whites along with champagne and dessert wines.

The address for the now-closed Caffe Bella was 19 Warren Street, Randolph, MA, 02368.

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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It's Game Time Sports Bar and Taqueria Is Opening in Randolph

It looks like a sports bar that features Mexican food is on its way to the southern suburbs.

According to a source, It's Game Time Sports Bar and Taqueria is planning to open in Randolph, with a sign now up for the place, though the windows are papered over as of now. The website for the Route 139 spot says that it will offer such items as California-style street tacos along with burritos, quesadillas, wings, and margaritas, while also having 24 craft beers on tap and "the best hand crafted cocktails around."

Another restaurant that focuses on Mexican food is supposed to be opening in a space very close to It's Game Time Sports Bar and Taqueria as well, with Mexicali Grill planning to open at 60 Mazzeo Drive while It's Game Time Sports Bar and Taqueria plans to open at 49 Mazzeo Drive. (Mazzeo Drive is also Route 139.)

The website for It's Game Time Sports Bar and Taqueria can be found at https://www.itsgametimesportsbar.com/

[September 17 update: A Facebook post from the Randolph Chamber of Commerce indicates that It's Game Time Sports Bar and Taqueria is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
Mexicali Grill to Open in Randolph

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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Mexicali Grill Plans to Open New Location in Randolph

A brand new Mexican restaurant is opening in the southern suburbs, and it appears to be part of a growing local group of dining spots.

According to a source, Mexicali Grill is planning to open in Randolph, with a check at the site confirming that it is indeed coming to Route 139 just east of Route 24, as a sign has been posted for the place. Based on a planning board meeting agenda page within the town website this looks like the same Mexicali Grill that has locations in Danvers, Holden, Natick, Spencer, Ware, Webster, Worcester, and South Windsor, CT. (Another location of Mexicali Grill is supposed to open in Swampscott as well, but it hasn't opened as of yet.)

The address for this upcoming Mexican restaurant in Randolph is: Mexicali Grill, 60 Mazzeo Drive (Route 139), Randolph, MA, 02368. The website for all locations can be found at https://mexicalicantinagrill.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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Atlantic Kitchen to Open in Randolph

A new seafood restaurant is opening south of Boston, and it looks like it will take over a space just off Route 128 where a couple of other restaurants and bars have been.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Atlantic Kitchen is planning to open in Randolph, with the address indicating that it is moving into the space within the Comfort Inn where Jits Sports Lounge had been, and before that, The Fat Cactus. A menu posted on its Facebook page shows such items as lobster rolls, fried clams, blackened catfish, jambalaya, coconut shrimp, and a "southern boil" where diners will be able to order such items as crawfish, blue crab, mussels, littleneck clams, and more by the pound.

The Facebook page for Atlantic Kitchen states that it is "The best family run seafood restaurant on the South Shore" and that it will be opening sometime in November, though the Craigslist post says it plans to open in October.

The address for this upcoming seafood restaurant in Randolph is: Atlantic Kitchen, 1374 N Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368.

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Seafood Dishes from Boston-Area and New England Restaurants]

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O'Donnell's Restaurant & Pub in Randolph Has Become 1048 Bar & Grill

A decades-old restaurant and bar in the southern suburbs of Boston has a new name, though it appears that the place remains much the same other than some upgrades to the space.

According to a source, O'Donnell's Restaurant & Pub in Randolph is now called 1048 Bar & Grill, with a sign out front saying "Same great place, just with a new name." A Facebook post from the North Main Street spot indicates that it remains under the same ownership and that renovations have been made to the dining room and the kitchen. A couple of food items posted on the Facebook page include a "new" 16-inch Italian-style pizza along with a prime rib special.

O'Donnell's Restaurant & Pub first opened more than 30 years ago.

The address for 1048 Bar & Grill (and the former O'Donnell's Restaurant & Pub) is 1048 N Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368.

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Frank Kurlitis, Owner of Lynwood Cafe in Randolph, Has Passed Away

The person behind a beloved watering hole known for its bar pizza has died.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the Lynwood Cafe in Randolph has lost "our patriarch, our father, our friend" Frank Kurlitis, who first opened the Centre Street spot with his wife Pauline back in 1949 (Pauline passed away five years ago). The note says "In those many years Frank has been a part of many peoples lives. Imparting his wisdom, his introspection and his fair reasoning to all aspects of our lives. The world has many great men but very few good men. Frank was a good man who helped those around him to have a great life."

The Lynwood Cafe is considered by many to be one of the best spots in the region for bar pizza, with one of its signature items being its baked bean pizza.

The address for the Lynwood Cafe is 320 Center Street, Randolph, MA, 02368.

Thanks to several sources, including a tweet from @WelcomeToDot, for letting us know about the passing of Frank Kurlitis.

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West End Grill to Replace Rick's Cafe in Randolph

A new restaurant and bar is coming to a southern suburb of Boston, replacing another spot that was a popular pre- and post-movie stop.

According to a job post within the Craiglist site, West End Grill is opening in Randolph, taking over the space on Route 139 where Rick's Cafe had been for approximately 20 years. Very little is currently known about the new place, with its Facebook page classifying it has a sports bar and saying it will be an American restaurant, bar, and grill.

[December 2 update: A new job post on Craigslist indicates that West End Grill plans to open next week.]

Rick's Cafe, which closed this spring, focused on American comfort food and pub grub along with martinis and other cocktails. Moviegoers coming from and going to the Showcase Cinema de Lux next door made Rick's a particularly popular place on weekend nights.

The address for the upcoming West End Grill is 63 Mazzeo Drive (Route 139), Randolph, MA, 02368.

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The Breakfast Connection in Randolph "Significantly" Damaged in Fire

A breakfast spot in a southern suburb of Boston was hit by a fire this week, closing the place for the foreseeable future.

Wicked Local Randolph is reporting that a two-alarm fire tore through the ceiling of The Breakfast Connection in Randolph on Tuesday night, with the Route 28 eatery being "significantly damaged" and the fire chief saying that the place will be closed for awhile. (No one was in the building at the time of the fire.) The article mentions that the restaurant sustained major smoke and water damage, and that holes had to be cut in the ceiling by the fire department.

It is not known at this point in time what caused the blaze, according to the article.

The address for The Breakfast Connection is 573 S Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368.

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New Restaurant to Move into the Former Fat Cactus Space in Randolph

It appears that a new restaurant is going to be moving into the space where one of a pair of Mexican eateries had once been.

According to a job post on the Craigslist site, an unnamed eating and drinking establishment will apparently take over the former Fat Cactus space within the Comfort Inn hotel, which is just south of the Route 128/93/1 intersection in Randolph. The Fat Cactus closed this spring after being in business for approximately two years. (The original Fat Cactus remains open on Route 1 in Lynnfield.)

As soon as we hear of a name for this new restaurant and bar, we will post an update here.

The address for this upcoming spot in Randolph is 1374 N Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368.

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The Fat Cactus in Randolph Has Closed

It looks like a pair of Boston-area Mexican restaurants is back down to one, as its location south of Boston appears to be shuttered.

According to one of our readers as well as several other sources (including a poster on the restaurant's Facebook page), The Fat Cactus in Randolph has apparently closed its doors. Calls placed to the eatery are being forwarded to a voicemail system, though their website still includes information for this location.

The Fat Cactus first opened in Randolph in the summer of 2011, with the North Main Street dining spot being a second location of a Lynnfield restaurant with the same name. The place featured mostly Mexican-American fare, with such items as tacos, chili, quesadillas, fajitas, and enchiladas offered.

The Lynnfield location of The Fat Cactus remains open.

The address for this now-closed Mexican spot in Randolph was: The Fat Cactus, 1374 N Main Street, Randolph, MA, 02368. The website can be found at: http://www.thefatcactus.com/

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Blue Hills Diner Opens in Randolph

A new diner has come to the Boston area, with this one being a few miles south of the city.

Based on posters on the Yelp site, the Blue Hills Diner recently opened on Route 28 in Randolph, a short distance south of the Route 93 intersection. The diner replaces Stash's, a restaurant and bar with the same ownership, according to the Randolph Herald. A few items on the menu at the Blue Hills Diner include omelets, a skillet breakfast, lobster bisque, chicken-fried steak, and a turkey dinner.

The address for this new diner in Randolph is: Blue Hills Diner, 1160 N Main Street (Route 28), Randolph, MA, 02368.


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