NU Kitchen in Somerville Has Closed

A trio of cafes known for their healthy options is back down to two, as they have closed their sole Boston-area location.

According to multiple sources, NU Kitchen in Somerville is no longer in business, with a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page putting up a photo of a note out front saying "After nearly 10 wonderful years, we've made the difficult decision to close NU Kitchen Somerville." The note does mention that locations in Worcester and Newburyport remain in operation, saying "we hope to see many of you there."

NU Kitchen first opened on Washington Street on the outskirts of Union Square in 2016, offering such options as soups, salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, smoothies, and more including vegan and gluten-free options.

The address for the now-closed NU Kitchen was 195 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for the business is at https://www.thenukitchen.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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First Crush to Open in Somerville's Union Square

The person behind a business known for its wine popups will be opening a brick-and-mortar place in Somerville.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, First Crush is planning to open in Union Square, moving into the space on Washington Street where Juliet Social Club had been (Juliet Restaurant continues to operate in the same block). Gabrielle Malina is behind the upcoming spot, which will be a natural wine bar and events space that hopes to open sometime this fall, based on information within the First Crush website and Instagram page.

The address for the upcoming brick-and-mortar location of First Crush is 259 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website is at https://www.firstcrushboston.com/ while its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/firstcrushboston/

(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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Kima Cafe to Open in Somerville's Union Square

It looks like a coffee shop is on its way to a Somerville neighborhood.

According to a message sent to us from Leah Klein of City Living Boston, Kima Cafe is planning to open in Union Square, with the address given for the place within a public legal notice indicating that it will apparently be opening in the Fortissimo Coffeehouse space on Bow Street. The upcoming spot will offer food and drink with Korean and other Asian influences, and it hopes to open sometime in mid-September if all goes as planned.

The address for the upcoming Kima Cafe is 75 Bow Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.

(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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Ja Learn to Open in Somerville's Union Square

It looks like a brand new Southeast Asian dining spot is on its way to Somerville.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Ja Learn is planning to open in Union Square, with photos of the storefront indicating that it will be moving into a space on Somerville Avenue on the western edge of the square. The photos hint that this will be a Thai street food place, while an Instagram page for the business indicates that the people behind it have been hosting popups in the Boston area and that they offer Northeast Thai fare including Thai BBQ.

The address for the upcoming Ja Learn in Union Square is 302 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/jalearn.boston/

(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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Kush by Saba Is Opening in Somerville's Union Square in April

A new restaurant is getting ready to open in Somerville, and a Food Network winner is behind the place.

According to an article in the Boston Business Journal, Kush by Saba will soon be opening in Union Square, moving into the space on Sanborn Court that had been home to Wade BBQ, and before that, Littleburg. The upcoming dining spot will focus on modern Mediterranean fare with global influences and will be run by Saba Wahid Duffy, who has been operating the business as a food truck with the same name and which first got up and running on the heels of her winning Chopped: Martha's Rules in 2021. If all goes as planned, Kush by Saba will open on April 28.

Back in 2024, Boston Magazine mentioned Saba Wahid Duffy's plans to turn her food truck into a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

The address for Kush by Saba in Union Square is 5 Sanborn Court, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for the business is at https://kushbysaba.com/

[April 23 update: According to its website, Kush by Saba is slated to have its grand opening on Tuesday, April 28.]

(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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Nostalgia Vintage Café Is Opening in Somerville

A combination coffee shop/clothing store is on its way to Somerville.

According to an article from What Now Boston, Nostalgia Vintage Café is planning to open on Somerville Avenue, with the exact address indicating that it will move into a space on the Western Edge of Union Square. The article mentions that the cafe part of the space will use coffee beans from the Arkansas-based Onyx Coffee Lab and will also offer grab-and-go snacks and other food items, while the clothing part will sell such options as designer garments, sportswear, collectibles, and sneakers.

If all goes well, Nostalgia Vintage Café could be opening sometime in the middle of April.

The address for Nostalgia Vintage Café is 322 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/nostalgiavintagecafe

[July 28 update: According to its social media, Nostalgia Vintage Café is now open in Somerville.]

(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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Kokoro Don Cafe Opens in Somerville

A new Japanese eatery has come to Somerville.

According to multiple sources, Kokoro Don Cafe is now open on Summer Street, moving into a space by the School Street intersection on the outer edge of Union Square. The new restaurant is a Japanese comfort food spot that focuses on takeout (a few window seats are set up inside), with the place offering donburi, sushi, and ramen, along with a Japanese-style breakfast.

The social media for Kokoro Don Cafe mentions that it soft-opened earlier this week

The address for Kokoro Don Cafe is 66 Summer Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/p/Kokoro-Don-Cafe-61580943861114/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/kokorodoncafe/

(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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K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken Opens in Somerville's Union Square

Last fall, it was reported that a chicken place could be coming to Somerville, and now we have learned that it is up and running.

According to multiple source, K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is now open in Union Square, and as mentioned in an earlier article, it has taken over the space on Washington Street that had once been home to Cantina La Mexicana. The menu for the eatery shows such options as wings, boneless tenders, and chicken sandwiches, and it also offers vegetarian options (using oyster mushrooms) along with fries, coffee, tea, and baked goods.

The address for K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is 249 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at https://www.kbokchicken.com/

[Earlier Article]
K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken May Be Opening in the Former Cantina La Mexicana Space in Somerville's Union Square

(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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Komugi Japanese Bakery & Cafe Is Opening Near Union Square in Somerville

It looks like a new bakery is on its way to Somerville.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Komugi Japanese Bakery & Cafe is making plans to open, moving into a space on Prospect Street a short distance south of Union Square. The website and Instagram page for the place indicates that it will be a Japanese bakery that uses Hokkaido flour (from Japan) and it will offer such options as sweet and savory buns, bread, donuts, croissants, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and more

The address for Komugi Japanese Bakery & Cafe is 68 Prospect Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at https://bakerycafekomugi.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/bakerycafe.komugi/

[November 19 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Komugi Japanese Bakery & Cafe is now open (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only for now).]

(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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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.)

Slice House to Open in the Former Bull McCabe's Space in Somerville's Union Square

A Florida-based group of pizza spots will be expanding to the Boston area, opening a location in a Somerville space that had once been home to a pub and music spot.

According to an X/Twitter post from @CheeksMcGee9 (via a What Now Boston article), Slice House is planning to open in Union Square, moving into the former Bull McCabe's space on Somerville Avenue. The article says that the upcoming place will offer over 40 slice options including a few "Boston-specific surprises," while also keeping part of the old Bull McCabe's vibe by having a "late-night bar vibe." If all goes as planned, Slice House (which currently has three locations in Florida) will open in Somerville in late June.

Bull McCabe's closed in 2020 after being in business for 12 years.

The address for the upcoming Slice House is 366 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for the company can be found at https://www.slice.house/ while the Instagram page for the Somerville location is at https://www.instagram.com/unionsquareslice.house/

(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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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.)

K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken May Be Opening in the Former Cantina La Mexicana Space in Somerville's Union Square

A new restaurant that is part of a hot trend in dining could be on its way to a space in Somerville that had been home to a beloved eatery until last year.

According to a source, K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is planning to open in Union Square, taking over the former Cantina La Mexicana space. A licensing commission page mentions that the proposed eatery plans to have seating for 50 and hopes to acquire a liquor license, though little else is known about the place, at this point in time.

Cantina La Mexicana got its start as Taqueria la Mexicana in 1995, with the restaurant closing in September of 2023.

The address for the proposed K-Bok Korean Fried Chicken is 249 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.

(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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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.)

Life Alive Opens in Union Square November 5

Last summer, it was reported that a local group of organic cafes was planning to open another location in Somerville, and now we have learned that it is on the verge of debuting.

According to a press release, Life Alive is slated to open in Union Square on November 5, moving into a space on Prospect Street. This will be its 12 location, with others being found in Boston (3), Brookline, Cambridge (3), Dedham, Lowell, Salem, and Somerville's Davis Square.

The address for the new location of  Life Alive in Union Square is 20-50 Prospect Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for all locations of Life Alive is at https://www.lifealive.com/

[Earlier Article]
Life Alive Plans to Open in Somerville's Union Square

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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.)

  

Wade BBQ in Somerville's Union Square Is Closing

A Somerville barbecue spot is shutting down after being in business for only a short time, though the hope is that it could reopen in another space not too far away.

According to an article from boston.com, Wade BBQ in Union Square is getting ready to close, as its lease is up at the end of the month and will not be renewed, with this coming after complaints about smoke coming from the place, first inside, then outside after chef/owner David Wade decided to smoke the meats outdoors as a solution to the smoke leaking into a neighboring business. Wade mentions that he would like to return in a nearby spot, saying that "Hopefully in the near future, I'll be able to plant my roots [in Union Square] and still continue to bring good barbecue to the neighborhood."

Wade BBQ first opened last November in the former Littleburg space.

The address for Wade BBQ is 5 Sanborn Court, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website is at https://www.wadebbq.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.)

  

Wade BBQ Opens in the Former Littleburg Space in Somerville's Union Square

A new barbecue spot has come to Somerville, taking over the space where a restaurant offering vegan Mediterranean fare had been until closing this spring.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Wade BBQ is now open in Union Square, moving into the former Littleburg space on Sanborn Court. The new eatery serves such items as chili, pulled pork, wings, ribs, burnt ends, brisket, sausage, smoked chicken and turkey, wings, macaroni and cheese, and more.

Littleburg first opened its brick-and-mortar shop in the summer of 2021, transitioning from a pop-up business that Chef/Owner Graham Boswell established in 2017.

The address for Wade BBQ is 5 Sanborn Court, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/deewadebbq/

[Earlier Article]
Littleburg in Somerville's Union Square 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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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.)

Cantina La Mexicana in Somerville's Union Square Is Closing

It looks like a longtime Mexican restaurant in Somerville is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a Somerville, MA Community Facebook post), Cantina La Mexicana in Union Square is closing, with an email from owners Robert and Carolina Rendon shown that says, "It is with great sadness that Cantina la Mexicana will be closing its doors on September 3rd. It was a great honor serving the community....From the bottom of my heart thank you for all of the support and love." The email also indicates that its closure is apparently the result of an eviction notice given to the owners, though no specifics were given.

Cantina La Mexicana, which first started out in 1995 as Taqueria la Mexicana, has been known in part for its variety of taco dishes along with nachos, enchiladas, burros, fajitas, and more.

The address for Cantina La Mexicana is 247 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at https://cantinalamexicana.com/\

[September 5 update: Multiple posters on social media have confirmed that Cantina La Mexicana is now closed.]

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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Life Alive Plans to Open in Somerville's Union Square

It looks like a local group of organic cafes may be opening another location in Somerville.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Life Alive is looking to open in Union Square, with a Cambridge Day article saying (via a neighborhood meeting notice) that the new location would move into a space on Prospect Street near the Green Line station. If approved, the new dining spot would join a location in Davis Square along with others in Boston (2), Brookline, Cambridge (3), Lowell, and Salem, while another will soon be opening at Legacy Place in Dedham as well.

The address for the proposed location of Life Alive in Union Square is 32 Prospect Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for all locations of Life Alive can be found at https://www.lifealive.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.)

  

June Bug Is Opening in Somerville's Union Square

It looks like the people behind a Somerville restaurant known for its locally-sourced dishes and its wine options will be opening a new dining spot nearby.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com site, June Bug is planning to open on Washington Street in Union Square, with the post saying that it is a new concept from the team behind Field & Vine on Sanborn Court. The post also mentions that a wood-fired oven will be used exclusively, with scratch-made locally-sourced items being the focus (much like with Field & Vine).

The address shown indicates that June Bug is moving into the space where T&B Pizza and Turenne Bagels had been until earlier this year; its website will be at https://www.junebugrestaurant.com/

[December 12 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, June Bug is now open, and its menu includes small plates and pizza.]

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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.)

T&B Pizza in Somerville's Union Square Has Closed

A Somerville pizzeria that reopened last year after being shut down for awhile during the pandemic has closed again.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, T&B Pizza in Union Square is shuttered, with a note out front saying "We appreciate your patronage! We will miss making pizza for you! Thank you for everything!" No reason was given for its closure, nor is it known what might become of the space at this point in time.

T&B Pizza debuted in the summer of 2019, with Turenne Bagels opening within the space a year later, though both businesses eventually went dark and it appeared that La Bottega (a pop-up known for its gelato) might take over the space, but this never ended up happening. T&B ended up returning in the summer of 2022 and Turenne soon rejoined it.

The address for the now-closed T&B Pizza was 251 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. [Ed note: It appears that Turenne is no longer in the space, either, though we are trying to confirm this.]

[May 19 update: A poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page confirms (via a Facebook post from the business) that Turenne Bagels has closed as well.]

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!

Littleburg in Somerville's Union Square Is Closing

A takeout restaurant in Somerville that features vegan Mediterranean fare is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Littleburg in Union Square is getting ready to close, with an April 24 Facebook post from the Sanborn Court spot saying the following:

All good things come to an end....Our lease is up mid May, and without a new space to transition into, Littleburg's time has come. We're operating for just two more weeks, making all of our favorite menu items from the last three years of Meal Delivery this week and next. Find this week’s menu at LittleburgMenu.com Takeout will be open like normal too....Swipe to read more about the decision to close.

Littleburg first opened its brick-and-mortar shop in the summer of 2021, transitioning from a pop-up business that Chef/Owner Graham Boswell established in 2017.

The address for Littleburg is 5 Sanborn Court, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website can be found at https://www.littleburgveg.com/

[May 11 update: Eater Boston states that Littleburg is now closed.]

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!

Maprang Bakery & Cafe Is Opening in Somerville's Union Square

It appears that a new eatery is on its way to Somerville.

According to a source, Maprang Bakery & Cafe is looking to open in Union Square with an earlier Reddit thread seeming to refer to the place as well, as the original poster says "Saw that 51 Union Square (next to Reliable Market) is being renovated, and the posted permit said it's being converted to a coffee shop. I am curious what will open up in that space." We are trying to find out more about the upcoming spot and will post more details as they come in.

The address for Maprang Bakery & Cafe is 51 Union Square, Somerville, MA, 02143.

[May 2 update: According to a tweet from @andr_w, Maprang went through a soft opening over the weekend, with the post saying it has "Beautiful and delicious baked goods and coffee."]

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!