89 Charles to Open in Boston's Beacon Hill

A new dining and drinking spot is on its way to Beacon Hill, and it will be taking over the space where a location of an Italian restaurant had been.

According to a post within the jobs section of the bostonchefs.com website, 89 Charles is planning to open its doors soon, saying in the listing that it will be "a small, intimate cocktail bar" that includes seating for 30 in the lounge area and another 12 at the bar while featuring "elevated small plates" along with cocktails. The address (89 Charles Street) indicates that it will be moving into the former Artu space (another location of Artu remains open in the North End), and this space had actually been the site of two proposed restaurants over the past couple of years--Nite Lite Cafe and Ono Bistro.

If all goes as planned, 89 Charles could be opening in August or September.

(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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Darling Is Opening in Cambridge's Central Square This Month

Last spring, it was reported that a new cocktail bar was looking to open in Cambridge, and now we have learned that it is just about ready to debut.

According to an article from boston.com, Darling is on the verge of opening in Central Square, with a planned opening date of the middle of this month as of this writing. The Mass. Ave. spot is taking over the space where Mary Chung had been until closing at the end of 2022, and it plans to offer "Chinese inspired" cocktails along with dim sum fare--and as mentioned in an earlier article, Brian Callahan (Row 34, Orfano, Tiger Mama, Coquette, Grafton Street) is one of the people behind it, along with Zimu Chen (Coquette, Eastern Standard, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen, Mariel).

The address for Darling in Central Square is 464 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website will be at https://www.darlingcambridge.com/

[July 17 update: According to a press release, Darling opens on July 18.]

[Earlier Article]
Darling Plans to Open in the Former Mary Chung Space in Cambridge's Central 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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Bubble Bath Is Opening at CitizenM Hotel in Boston's Back Bay

A champagne and wine bar that resides in a food hall in downtown Boston will soon have a new location within a hotel in the Back Bay.

According to a post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com, Bubble Bath is planning to open at CitizenM Hotel on Newbury Street, with the listing saying the following:

Chef and restaurateur Tiffani Faison and her Boston based restaurant group, Big Heart Hospitality is seeking personable and experienced servers to join her newest venture Bubble Bath Back Bay. Opening mid-July on the top floor of the CitizenM Hotel in Back Bay. It will be a wine forward, craft cocktail bar, serving shareable light bites and caviar with an outdoor rooftop patio overlooking The Charles.

Bubble Bath, which first opened at High Street Place in March of 2022, is one of several dining and drinking spots from Tiffani Faison, including Sweet Cheeks, Fool's Errand, Tenderoni's, and Dive Bar.

The address for the new location of Bubble Bath in the Back Bay is 408 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02115. The website for the High Street Place location is at https://www.bubblebathboston.com/

[August 7 update: According to its social media, Bubble Bath is now open in the Back Bay.]

(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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Mr. Drinky Plans to Open in Jamaica Plain

It looks like a new spot for drinks may be on the way to Jamaica Plain.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Mr. Drinky is planning to open on Centre Street, with the address indicating that it would reside in a space across from When Pigs Fly and the Pond Street intersection. The article mentions that Alan Wong is behind the proposal, which is being called a "small craft cocktail bar" with small-plate options for food, and eight to ten seats at a bar along with some booths.

The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council supported the plans for Mr. Drinky, though it has more steps to get through including the Boston Licensing Board deciding which businesses get the neighborhood-specific licenses that are for 13 Boston Zip codes and which can't be be resold.

The address for the proposed Mr. Drinky would be 606 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

(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 Sports Bra (a Portland, OR-Based Sports Bar) Is Expanding to Boston

A bar with roots in the Pacific Northwest that focuses on women's sports is on its way to the local area.

According to a Bluesky post from @hooverdam.bsky.social, The Sports Bra in Portland, OR, is expanding to Boston, while also planning to open locations in Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and St. Louis as well. Based on the original in Portland along with information from a press release, expect the new location in Boston (which will be a franchised restaurant that is locally owned and operated) to support--and show--women's sports, and it will offer scratch-made food including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, along with beer, cider, wine, cocktails, and mocktails.

The website for The Sports Bra (which debuted in Portland in the spring of 2022) can be found at https://thesportsbraofficial.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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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)

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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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Bar Lunette Opens in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A new cocktail bar has come to Brookline, and it has a connection to an adjacent bistro known for its crepes.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Bar Lunette is now open in Coolidge Corner, moving into the former Coolidge Corner Opticians space on Harvard Street, and it is next door to the Paris Creperie whose team is behind the new spot. Eater mentions that Bar Lunette focuses on drinks made with French spirits while also bringing drink options over from the shuttered Seaport District location of the Paris Creperie, which featured cordial-based cocktails.

In addition to drinks, Bar Lunette also has wine and beer along with such food options as French onion soup, deviled eggs, tater tots with melted cheese, omelets, and sandwiches.

The address for Bar Lunette is 278A Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at https://www.barlunette.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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Henfolks Opens in Allston

The people behind a couple of Asian chicken and rice places have turned one of them into a new cocktail bar.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Henfolks is now open in Allston, moving into the Fiya Hen space on Commonwealth Avenue just east of Packards Corner (the Instagram page says that the new spot offers both cocktails and chicken). In addition to Henfolks, the team behind the place also runs a location of Hen in Somerville's Union Square. 

The address for Henfolks is 1024 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA, 02215. The Instagram page for Henfolks is at https://www.instagram.com/henfolks/ while the Instagram page for Hen is at https://www.instagram.com/hen_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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Zusammen Is Opening in North Cambridge

A brand new wine bar is planning to open in Cambridge, and it looks like it has an ownership connection to a food and wine shop a few storefronts away.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Zusammen is looking to open on Mass. Ave. in North Cambridge, moving into a space less than a block from Momma's Grocery + Wine, which apparently sent out a newsletter about the upcoming spot. Very little is known about Zusammen at this point in time, so keep checking back for updates.

The owner of Momma's Grocery + Wine also ran the now-closed Schmetterling Wine Shop in Middlebury, VT, with the Cambridge store offering such options as locally-grown produce, locally-sourced meat and dairy products, maple creemees, coffee, and more.

The address for the upcoming Zusammen is 2322 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website will be at https://www.zusammen.wine/

[May 14 update: An Instagram post from @bondircambridge indicates that Zusammen is now open, though its website still appears to be under construction.]

(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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West on Main Is Opening in the Former Fit-Z's Bar & Grille Space in Watertown

Last fall it was reported that a neighborhood bar in Watertown was closing down after nearly 20 years in operation, and now we know what is replacing it.

According to a Bluesky post from @tommyvon.bsky.social, a sign is now up for West on Main, which will be taking over the space a short distance west of the downtown area that had been home to Fit-Z's Bar & Grille. A note from the upcoming spot on Google says the following:

West on Main blends the best of an Irish and American bar, creating a welcoming neighborhood spot in Watertown, MA. Serving comfort food, rotating specials, and a traditional Sunday roast, it's the go-to place for great food, drinks, and live sports.

Fit-Z's debuted in 2007, moving into the space that had once been home to The Busy Bee.

The address for West on Main is 451 Main St, Watertown, MA 02472. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/westonmainwatertown/

[May 27 update: According to its Instagram page, West on Main is now open in Watertown.]

[Earlier Article]
Fit-Z's Bar & Grille in Watertown Is Being Sold

(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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Tipsy Cowboy Country Dive Opens in Salem

A Nashville-style bar has come to the North Shore. 

According to its website, Tipsy Cowboy Country Dive is now open in Salem, replacing Rivalry Sports Lounge & Kitchen within the Hampton Inn  on Washington Street in what looks to be a rebrand. The website for the new spot indicates that it offers comfort food, cocktails, live country music, line dancing, and more, with its menu including such options as deep-fried shrimp in chili sauce, fried hot honey Brussels sprouts, pulled pork sandwiches, Nashville hot fried chicken sandwiches, cheesy shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, cornbread cake, and more. 

The address for Tipsy Cowboy Country Dive is 221 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Its website can be found at https://www.tipsysalem.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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Update: Ed Sheeran Is Bringing a Pop-up Pub to Ipswich on Friday, March 28

[Ed note: This article was updated on March 28 to reflect new information given.]

One of the biggest names in music has a temporary pub in the works for the North Shore.

According to a message sent from @IrishEyesPhoto1, Ed Sheeran is behind The Old Phone, a pub in Ipswich, with an article from Northshore Magazine mentioning that "Ed Sheeran is rumored to be building a pub in Ipswich, Massachusetts, this spring." The Local News says that the town select board has approved of a one-day wine and malt application for the place on Friday, March 28 at the Old Mill building on the southern edge of Ipswich's downtown area, which indicates that this is just a popup event on Friday, which NBC Boston has since confirmed. (A check on the website for the pub also mentions the March 28 date.)

Sheeran, who has ties to Ipswich, England, was recently in Boston, including making a trip to The Dubliner where he played an acoustic set.

(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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Knoll Street Tavern Plans to Open in the Kelleher's Bar and Grille Space in Roslindale

A couple of months ago, it was reported that an old-school Boston bar was planning to close, and now we know what might be moving into its space.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Knoll Street Tavern is looking to open in Roslindale, taking over the Kelleher's Bar and Grille space on Centre Street. The notice mentions that the proposed spot would have a bar with seating for about 30 people as well as dining areas to the left and right, and the manager of the place would be Andrew Tremble; little else is known about Knoll Street, but more should be out about it this week as the hearing is slated for Wednesday, February 26.

The Kelleher's space was once home to a bar called Flynn's that opened in the 1950s, followed by Kelly & Whalen's, then P.J. Kelleher's, then Kelleher's Bar and Grille which opened in 2009.

The address for the proposed Knoll Street Tavern (and Kelleher's Bar and Grille) is 1410 Centre Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131.

[Earlier Article]
Kelleher's Bar and Grille in Roslindale Is Planning to Close

(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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Rocco's Sports & Recreation in NYC to Expand to Boston's Seaport District

A retro-style sports bar that is based in Manhattan is making its way to the Boston waterfront.

According to an article from Boston Magazine along with an earlier post from What Now Boston, Rocco's Sports & Recreation is planning to open in the Seaport District, with an abutters meeting page indicating that it will apparently move into the building that houses Borrachito Taqueria & Spirits which is run by the same hospitality company (The Garret Group). Based on the original location in NoHo, expect such options as fried pickles, hummus, macaroni and cheese, smash burgers, tenders, wings, hot dogs, and more, along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

It looks like the address for the Seaport District location of Rocco's Sports & Recreation will be 70 Pier 4 Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the NYC location is at https://www.gotoroccos.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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Velvet Vine Cafe Opens in the Former Holy Grail Space in Acton

A new option for small bites and cocktails has come to the northwest suburbs of Boston, opening where a neighborhood pub had been.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Velvet Vine Cafe is now open in Acton, taking over the former Holy Grail space on Route 2A/119. The menu for the new spot includes such items as wings, mac and cheese bites, a cheese and charcuterie plate, stuffed mushrooms, martinis, margaritas, and old fashioneds, along with beer, wine, and cider options.

Holy Grail closed its doors last June after being in business for six years.

The address for Velvet Vine Cafe is 166 Great Road, Acton, MA, 01720. Its website can be found at https://velvetvinecafe.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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Brick & Mortar in Cambridge's Central Square to Become Acqua & Bocca

The people behind a cocktail lounge in Cambridge are going to be replacing it with an Italian bar.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Brick & Mortar in Central Square will become Acqua & Bocca in the early part of 2025, with owners Avery Appleton and Gary Strack planning to offer a simple food menu that will include such items as pizza and pasta dishes while the beverage program will "be more of an evolution" of Brick & Mortar with Italian influences.

Brick & Mortar first opened 13 years ago in its upstairs space, while a farm-to-table restaurant under the same ownership called Central Kitchen had been downstairs from 2000 to 2020. 

The address for the upcoming Acqua & Bocca (and Brick & Mortar) is 567 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

(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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Kelleher's Bar and Grille in Roslindale Is Planning to Close

[Ed note: This article was updated on December 11 to reflect the fact that a move into the space isn't in the works after all.]

An old-school bar in a Boston neighborhood that seen several drinking spots in its space over the past 70 years appears to be closing, though its neighbor won't be moving into the space as was previously thought.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Kelleher's Bar and Grille in Roslindale is petitioning to transfer its license to Flik International Corp. for a space in the Back Bay while the neighboring Harry's All American is seeking a beer and wine license for its restaurant. Universal Hub clarified the details, saying that Harry's is not looking to move into the Kelleher's space, though it is hoping to start opening for dinner if it can acquire the license.

The Kelleher's space once had a bar called Flynn's that opened up in the 1950s, followed by Kelly & Whalen's, then P.J. Kelleher's, then Kelleher's Bar and Grille which has been in the space since 2009.

The address for Kelleher's Bar and Grille is 1410 Centre Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131. The website for Kelleher's is at https://www.kellehersbar.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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D16 Lounge & Bar Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A new dining and drinking spot is on its way to the Back Bay of Boston.

According to a press release, D16 Lounge & Bar is planning to open on Boylston Street, moving into the former police station where Dillon's resides (it will reside at street level between Dillion's and the firehouse). The upcoming place will be run by the Glynn Hospitality Group (Dillon's, Black Rose, Brownstone, Central Wharf, Clery's, Coogan's), with its menu including modern American tapas, cocktails, and live music will also be part of the plans along with space for private events.

If all goes as planned, D16 Lounge & Bar will open later this month.

The address for D16 Lounge & Bar is 955 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website can be found at https://www.d16boston.com/

[November 20 update: According to its website, D16 Lounge & Bar opens today.]

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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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Dani's Queer Bar Opens in Boston's Back Bay

Early last year, it was reported that a new bar that caters to the LGBTQ community would be coming to Boston, and now we have learned that it is open.

According to its website and Instagram page, Dani's Queer Bar opens later today in the Back Bay, taking over the space on Boylston Street where The Pour House used to be. As stated in an earlier article here, LGBTQ Nightlife Events is behind the new spot, saying at the time that "Our mission is to open Boston's first Queer Bar for women and non-binary LGBTQ+ community members who feel like we have no place."

The Pour House temporarily closed in March of 2020 after 34 years in business.

The address for Dani's Queer Bar is 907 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website is at https://danisqueerbar.com/ while its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/danisqueerbarboston

[Earlier Article]
Dani's Queer Bar Plans to Open in the Former Pour House Space in Boston's Back Bay

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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.)

  

Merai Opens in Brookline Village

Last spring it was reported that the people behind an award-winning Thai restaurant would be opening a new spot, and now we have learned that it has opened.

According to an article in Eater Boston, Merai is now open in Brookline Village, moving into the space on Harvard Street where Matt Murphy's Pub had once been. Eater states that the new place is a Thai version of a dive bar (Merai means "alcohol" in Thai) and it offers such items as wings, hot dogs, and fries with Asian influences while also serving a variety of cocktails.

As mentioned in an earlier article here, Merai has an ownership connection to Mahaniyom, which debuted in Brookline Village in 2020 and has received much praise from Eater, The Boston Globe, and Boston Magazine since opening.

The address for Merai in Brookline Village is 14 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/merai.bar/

[Earlier Article]
Merai Plans to Open in Brookline

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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.)