Hawksmoor Opens in Boston's Fort Point

Earlier this year, it was reported that a small chain of steakhouses and cocktail bars with roots overseas was planning to open a location in Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to its website and social media, Hawksmoor is now open in the city's Fort Point neighborhood, moving into a space within the Eli Lilly research and development center on Necco Street. The website for the London-based chain says the following of the Boston location:

Space for around 200 guests, sweeping views across the Fort Point Channel, and a big outdoor terrace made for long lunches, celebratory dinners, a few too many martinis and everything in between. What started as a single restaurant in London has grown into fifteen across the UK, Ireland and the US, including Dublin, New York and Chicago. Boston is the newest, and it opens in our twentieth year, which feels pretty special. Every Hawksmoor reflects the city it calls home. Boston is no different. The best of London. The best of Boston. Together at last.

Hawksmoor (which was a James Beard semifinalist for Best Beverage Program in 2025) was first established in London in 2006 and currently has two other locations in the United States--in New York City and Chicago.

The address for the new location of Hawksmoor in Fort Point is 15 Necco Street, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the U.S. locations is at https://thehawksmoor.com/us/

[Earlier Article]
Hawksmoor May Be Expanding to Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood

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

---

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

---

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.)

Brookline Lunch in Cambridge to Expand, Opening in the Former L Street Diner Space in South Boston

A longtime diner in Cambridge will soon be joined by a second location.

According to a source, the people behind Brookline Lunch in Central Square will be opening another outlet in South Boston, moving into the space on L Street where the L Street Diner had been. An Instagram post from the business says the following:

...after 37 years—we have a new, second space to share in Southie! This not-so-secret project has been underway for four months and we can't wait to open our doors for you. We're racing toward opening and hope to serve our first plates in the next week(ish) ... TBA. We've also given the place a face lift (w new signs) so stay tuned for the reveal! We've been extra nostalgic as we take this step forward and know that no place will ever create the magic and memories like the original Brookline Lunch.

Brookline Lunch first opened in Cambridge 37 years ago, being known in part for its breakfast plates and Mediterranean fare.

The address for the upcoming Brookline Lunch in South Boston is 108 L Street, South Boston, MA, 02127.

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

---

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

---

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.)

Fresh Boston in South Boston Has Closed

The South Boston location of a trio of upscale delis and specialty food shops has shut down.

According to an article from Caught in Southie, Fresh Boston on Old Colony Avenue is no longer in operation, with an Instagram post from the place saying the following:

Hi Southie — After nearly four incredible years, we've made the difficult decision to temporarily close the doors of Fresh Boston. This isn't the ending we hoped for. Like so many small businesses, the challenges of the last few years proved greater than we could overcome. We poured everything we had into this restaurant, and while this chapter is coming to an end, we are incredibly proud of what we built together.

The South Boston location of the business first opened in late 2022, joining its original location on Nantucket; both the Nantucket location and the newer Cambridge location at CambridgeSide will remain in operation.

The address for the now-closed Fresh Boston in Southie was 232 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the business is at https://www.freshboston.com/

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

---

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

---

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.)

Piccolino to Open in South Boston

A new neighborhood spot that will feature small plates and drinks is on its way to South Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page, Piccolino is planning to open on Dorchester Street just east of Andrew Square, with the notice mentioning that it plans to have a dining section with seating for 49 and a bar area with 10 seats, with the manager listed being Emily Swaine. The Instagram page for the upcoming place states that it will be a "coffee & aperitivo bar...neighborhood spot for connecting over drinks & small plates." More should be known after a meeting with the city of Boston slated for next week, so stay tuned for updates.

The address for the upcoming Piccolino is 236 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at https://www.piccolinoboston.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/piccolinoboston/

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

---

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

---

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.)

Anna's Taqueria Opens in South Boston

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a local group of Mexican eateries was planning to open a new location in South Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to a press release, Anna's Taqueria is now open in Southie, moving into a space on W Broadway a short distance west of the Dorchester Street intersection. The new location of Anna's has 3,000 square feet of space and seating for 36 people including high-top communal tables, booths, and traditional table seating, and it is part of an expansion that includes a new outlet in Cranston, RI, and another one soon debuting in Concord, NH, with all joining a number of locations in the Greater Boston area.

The address for the new location of Anna's Taqueria in South Boston is 457 W Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for all locations is at https://annas.com/

[Earlier Article]
Anna's Taqueria Seeks Approval to Open in South Boston

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

---

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

---

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.)

Common Craft Opens in South Boston

A second location of a dining/drinking complex has debuted after being in the works for more than a year.

According to its website, Common Craft is now open in South Boston, joining the original location at the Burlington Mall in Burlington. Unlike that location which consists of multiple sections dedicated to beer, wine, and cocktails, the South Boston location focuses more on food, with a dining area called The Current featuring a rotating menu and having James Beard-winning chef Tony Messina and Patrick Lipscomb (Menton, Uni, Bisq, Craigie on Main, Pammy's) behind it, and a cocktail lounge called The Stillroom that features different twists on classic drinks.

The address for the South Boston location of Common Craft is 85 Damrell Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the business is at https://www.commoncrafthospitality.com/

[Earlier Article]
Common Craft Could Be Opening in South Boston

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

---

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

---

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.)

Sunny Girl in Boston's North End Is Expanding, Opening a New Location in South Boston

A sandwich shop in the North End of Boston is going to be opening a second location in another part of the city.

According to an article from Caught in Southie, Sunny Girl is planning to open on W Broadway in South Boston, moving into the space by the Dorchester Street intersection where McGoo's Pizza had been. The article mentions that unlike the Commercial Street location which only offers breakfast and lunch, the new outlet in Southie will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The North End location of Sunny Girl first opened in the spring of 2023, taking over the space where Anthony's Cafe had been.

The address for the upcoming Sunny Girl in South Boston is 479 W Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the business is at https://www.sunnygirlboston.com/

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

---

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

---

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.)

7th Street Burger Is Opening Locations in Boston's Back Bay and South Boston

A growing group of burger spots with roots in New York City will be opening a couple of locations in Boston.

According to a Facebook post from Saturday from the business along with a page within the culinaryagents.com website, 7th Street Burger is planning to open outlets in the Back Bay and South Boston, with the locations section of their website indicating that the restaurants will be opening at 267 Newbury Street and 477 W Broadway. 7th Street Burger first started out in the East Village of Manhattan in 2021 and now has locations in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, DC, with all locations featuring smash burgers.

The website for 7th Street Burger can be found at https://www.7thstreetburger.com/

[March 24 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Newbury Street location of 7th Street Burger is now open.]

[April 15 update: According to an Instagram reel from the business, 7th Street Burger is now open in South Boston.]

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

---

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

---

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.)

Hawksmoor May Be Expanding to Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood

A small chain of steakhouses with roots overseas could be on its way to Boston.

According to a Bluesky post from @tomready.bsky.social, Hawksmoor is looking to open in the city's Fort Point neighborhood, with @fortpointer.bsky.social saying in the thread that it would move into a space within the Eli Lilly research and development center on Necco Street. The group of steakhouses and cocktail bars first started out in London in 2006 and currently has two location in the United States--in New York City and Chicago.

Hawksmoor has apparently reached out to the Fort Point neighborhood association for an upcoming meeting, so stay tuned for more details on their plans as they come in.

The address for the proposed location of Hawksmoor in Fort Point is 15 Necco Street, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the U.S. locations of the chain can be found at https://thehawksmoor.com/us/

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

---

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

---

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.)

Stats Bar & Grille in South Boston Is Closing, Hopes to Return at Some Point

A neighborhood bar in South Boston is going to be closing--for now--after being in business for more than 15 years.

According to an article from Caught in Southie, Stats Bar & Grille on Dorchester Street is getting ready to shut down, with an Instagram post from the place saying the following:

As we turned the page to March this weekend, we wanted to officially share the news that at the end of this month, we will be closing our doors here at Stats. With the help of everyone that has danced on a chair, dropped a shot glass, or stumbled up the stairs, we've run this building into the ground over the past 16 years. The time has finally come to start over. Stats as you know it will be knocked down this spring to make way for a bigger and better version coming sometime in the future (week 1 of the 2027 NFL season perhaps?!).....We'll be back. We promise. 27 days left.

Stats first opened in 2010, initially joining J. A. Stats Restaurant and Bar, a dining and drinking spot on Broad Street in downtown Boston that closed down in 2012.

The address for Stats Bar & Grille is 77 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at https://www.statsboston.com/

[March 30 update: According to social media posts from the place, Stats Bar & Grille is now closed, though they reiterate that "we will see you again soon."]

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

---

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

---

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.)

Dalia Is Opening in South Boston

Another new dining spot from a local restaurant group is on the way.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com website, a new restaurant from the Broadway Restaurant Group is coming to South Boston, with the listing saying that the place will have a curated wine and cocktail program, an open kitchen, and a cafe that offers pastries and coffee. The email address given indicates that it will be a Spanish restaurant called Dalia, which was mentioned in an earlier South Boston Chamber of Commerce Facebook post.

The Broadway Restaurant Group is behind such South Boston spots as Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant, Capo Restaurant & Supper Club, Fat Baby Sushi, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, Hunter's Kitchen, and Park City, along with Capri Italian Steakhouse in Boston's South End, Prima in Charlestown, and another Loco in the Fenway.

[April 4 update: According to an article from boston.com, Dalia is now open at 429 W Broadway, and it focuses on wood-fired cooking, offering tapas options while also featuring Spanish wines]

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

---

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

---

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.)

Si Cara Opens in South Boston

A second location of a restaurant known in part for its pizza has debuted after being in the works for nearly a year.

According to an article from Caught in Southie along with a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Si Cara is now open in South Boston, moving into a space on West Broadway between E Street and F Street. The new location of the dining spot joins its original restaurant on Mass. Ave. in the Central Square section of Cambridge, and it is currently open for dinner only, though lunch and brunch service will eventually be added as well.

Si Cara first opened in Cambridge in 2022, offering canotto-style pizza, which is a variation of Neapolitan pizza that is known for its airy crust.

The address for the new location of Si Cara in South Boston is 400 West Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the business is at https://www.sicarapizza.com/

[Earlier Article]
Si Cara Plans to Open in South Boston

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

---

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

---

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.)

Agavero Guac & Margs Opens in South Boston

Earlier this year, it was reported that a brand new Mexican restaurant would be coming to South Boston, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from Caught in Southie, Agavero Guac & Margs is now open on West Broadway, moving into the former Purple Shell space by the Dorchester Avenue intersection. As mentioned in an earlier article, it initially looked like this would be another location of Ocho Cafe, which can be found in Weymouth, Plymouth, and Westford along with another in West Hartford, though the plans changed, instead having a different name and concept.

The address for the Agavero Guac & Margs is 11 West Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at https://agaveroguacandmargs.com/

[Earlier Article]
Agavero Guac & Margs Plans to Open in the Former Purple Shell Space in South Boston

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

---

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

---

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.)

Mother's East Tavern Is Opening in South Boston

It looks like a new dining and drinking spot is on its way to South Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Mother's East Tavern is planning to open in Southie, moving into a space on Dorchester Street in the old Telegraph Hill space. The notice mentions that the place looks to have a single dining room with two banquettes and a bar that has 15 stools, and the manager listed is Alec Barber, who had been a bar manager and bartender at several restaurants and bars in California and the New Orleans area, according to his LinkedIn page. (Laura Fryer is also behind the spot.)

The address for Mother's East Tavern is 289 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/motherseasttavern/

[May 6, 2026 update: Caught in Southie mentions that Mother's East Tavern is now open, with the place featuring classic tavern fare with Irish and British influences, including such items as scotch eggs, pub cheese, shepherd's pie, and burgers. (The space also has a snug.)]

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

---

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

---

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 Essex Restaurant and Rooftop Bar in South Boston Has Closed for the Foreseeable Future

A dining and drinking spot within a South Boston hotel has shut down operations, and its future appears to be in question.

According to an article from MassLive (via an Instagram post from the business), The Essex Restaurant and Rooftop Bar at the Cambria Hotel by the intersection of W Broadway and Dorchester Avenue has closed, with the Instagram post saying the following:

Thank you for a great summer at The Essex Rooftop! Unfortunately, we have been unable to obtain an entertainment license from the City due to ongoing opposition from the neighbors. Therefore we have decided to close all operations at The Cambria Hotel for the foreseeable future. We truly appreciate those who supported us.

The Essex debuted this spring, taking over the space where Six / West had previously been, and like that spot, The Essex included a 14th-floor rooftop bar with views of the city.

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

---

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

---

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.)

Locations of Dumpling Daughter in Brookline and South Boston Are Closed; Exact Status Unknown

What was once a small group of Chinese restaurants known for their dumplings now appears to be down to just one, as two of their locations are shuttered with no information on whether they might return or not.

According to a source, Dumpling Daughter in Brookline is closed, while a Caught in Southie article also mentions that the South Boston location is no longer in business either. While Caught in Southie says that the South Boston location is officially closed, both outlets are labeled "temporarily closed" in Google searches while the phone number for the Brookline location doesn't seem to be working. The original location in Weston does remain open, and their products continue to be found in markets and food shops both locally and nationally. (Another location of the restaurant had once been in Cambridge's Kendall Square, but that one is no longer in operation.)

The website for Dumpling Daughter can be found at https://www.dumplingdaughter.com/

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

---

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

---

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.)

Park City Opens in South Boston

Last fall, it was reported that a new outdoor dining and drinking spot with a connection to a local restaurant group was being planned, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Park City is now open in South Boston, with Mike Shaw of the Broadway Restaurant Group being the owner of the Dorchester Avenue spot. The new venue is a family-friendly outdoor space that includes lawn games and live music, and in addition to being kid-friendly, it also allows patrons to bring their dogs as well. Some of the food items offered at Park City include fish tacos, smash burgers, hot dogs, wings, chicken sandwiches, and lobster rolls, while beer, wine, and cocktails are available as well.

The address for Park City is 383 Dorchester Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website will be at https://www.parkcitysouthie.com/

[Earlier Article]
Park City Plans to Open in South Boston

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

---

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

---

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 Essex (Restaurant and Rooftop Bar) Opens at the Cambria Hotel in South Boston

A new dining and drinking spot has come to a hotel in South Boston, and it includes a roofdeck.

According to its website along with an Instagram post from Caught in Southie, The Essex is now open at the Cambria Hotel, which is located by the intersection of W Broadway and Dorchester Avenue. The new place takes over the space where Six / West had previously been, and like that spot, The Essex has a 14th-floor rooftop bar with views of the city--and the bar opened late last week while the restaurant debuted earlier this spring.

The website for The Essex can be found at https://essexboston.com/

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

---

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

---

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.)

Bottega del Sud to Open in South Boston

An Italian restaurant is on its way to South Boston, and it has an ownership connection to a Brookline dining spot.

According to an X/Twitter post from @chipsy231, Bottega del Sud is going to be opening at the corner of E 2nd Street and K Street, taking over the space that had previously been home to Thirst. The upcoming eatery is affiliated with Bottega Fiorentina in Coolidge Corner, with Instagram posts from that restaurant mentioning that the space is currently under construction and that an opening date is expected to be announced soon.

The address for the upcoming Bottega del Sud is 645 E 2nd Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. The Instagram page for Bottega Fiorentina is at https://www.instagram.com/eatbottega

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

---

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

---

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.)

Playa Bowls Is Opening in South Boston

A couple of years ago, it was reported that a New Jersey-based chain of dining spots was planning to open in South Boston, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to debut, though in a different space than what was originally thought.

According to a post from Caught In Southie, Playa Bowls is opening on W Broadway on Saturday, March 29, though its address will be 471 W Broadway rather than 359 W Broadway. The new outlet will offer smoothies and bowls, and it will join other locations locally in Brighton by Boston College, near Northeastern University in Boston, Cambridge's Harvard Square, Winchester, East Milton Square, Canton, Westwood, Brockton, and Wellesley.

The website for the Playa Bowls chain can be found at https://www.playabowls.com/

[Earlier Article]
Playa Bowls to Open in South Boston, Replacing The Juice Box

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

---

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

---

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.)