The Sports Bra to Open in Boston's Financial District

Last spring, it was reported that a bar with roots in the Pacific Northwest that focuses on women's sports would be expanding to Boston, and now we know where exactly it plans to open.

According to a licensing board hearing page, The Sports Bra is looking to open in the city's Financial District, with the address indicating that it would be moving into a space within the One India Street Apartments between India Street and Broad Street where they both meet State Street. The notice mentions that the upcoming spot would have a main dining area, a main bar, and a private dining room, as well as a seasonal outdoor patio, and based on its original location in Portland, OR, expect it to offer scratch-made food including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, along with beer, cider, wine, cocktails, and mocktails, while also showing women's sports on TV.

The Sports Bra, which debuted in Portland in the spring of 2022, is planning to open other locations in Maine, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and St. Louis in addition to Boston.

The address for the upcoming Sports Bra is 1 India Street (also possibly 2 Broad Street), Boston, MA, 02109. Its website can be found at https://thesportsbraofficial.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Sports Bra (a Portland, OR-Based Sports Bar) Is Expanding to 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.)

Tradesman Coffee Shop & Bar Opens by the Greenway and South Station in Downtown Boston

The team behind a local group of coffee shops and lounges have opened another location in Boston.

According to a press release, Tradesman Coffee Shop & Bar is now open across from the Greenway and South Station in the downtown area, with the new Federal Street location being one of their "coffee by day, bar by night" spots. The new Tradesman offers such options as salads, sandwiches, wings, pizza, and nachos along with wine and cocktails, and it joins other locations in downtown Boston as well as ones in Charlestown's Hood Park and at Boston Landing in Brighton.

The address for the new Tradesman Coffee Shop & Bar is 176 Federal Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/TRADESMANGREENWAY/

(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.)

Hennessy's in Downtown Boston Is Closing

It looks like an old-school Irish pub in the heart of Boston is shutting down.

According to multiple sources, Hennessy's on Union Street is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the Boston-based band OverTone also mentioning this while saying the following:

We're incredibly sad to hear that Hennessy's in Boston will be closing its doors. We've had so many great nights there over the years and are grateful to everyone who came out to sing, dance and make memories with us. Thank you to the staff and everyone at Hennessy's for having us. With the closure, our scheduled performances on August 29, September 11, October 9, and November 28 have unfortunately been canceled. This comes on the heels of a recent licensing board vote stating that Hennessy's was petitioning to transfer its license to Bar 23, which will be opening in the Seaport District.

Hennessy's is part of Somers Pubs, a group that includes Durty Nelly's, Mr. Dooley's, and the Green Dragon.

The address for Hennessy's is 25 Union Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website can be found at https://hennessysboston.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.)

Sport & Leisure Plans to Open in Boston's North Station Area

It looks like the people behind a pair of sports bars in Rhode Island will be bringing a new location to Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Sport & Leisure is looking to open by North Station and TD Garden, with the notice indicating that it would take over the space on Beverly Street where A&B Kitchen • Bar resides. The notice mentions that the proposed spot would have one large room on the ground floor including a bar, and an outdoor patio would be set up as well. If approved, the new location of Sport & Leisure would join others in Providence and East Greenwich, and based on those locations, expect to see scratch-made versions of bar food including wings, tenders, pizza, sandwiches, and pasta dishes along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the proposed Sport & Leisure would be 115 Beverly Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for the Rhode Island locations are at https://www.sportandleisurepvd.com/ and https://www.sportandleisureeg.com/, respectively.

(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.)

Flann O'Brien's May Be Returning to Boston's Brigham Circle/Mission Hill Area

It looks like a beloved Irish pub that said farewell to Boston several years ago could be coming back.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Flann O'Brien's is looking to open back up in its former location in the Brigham Circle/Mission Hill neighborhood, moving into its space on Tremont Street that had been home to a location of Yellow Door Taqueria from late 2022 until closing earlier this year. The notice mentions that the new incarnation of the pub would have seating within a dining area and a bar along with additional seating in a rear TV room, with Scott Prince being the manager listed.

Flann O'Brien's, which had been in business since at least the 1990s, closed during the early part of the pandemic, and while there had been hope that it might return, those plans fell through and Yellow Door Taqueria (which currently has locations in Dorchester, the South End, and Providence, RI) took over the space.

The address for the proposed Flann O'Brien's is 1619 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02120.

[June 25 update: Universal Hub reports that the people behind the Banshee in Dorchester are looking to reopen Flann O'Brien's and that they would "seek to run the same sort of bar as the original - a gathering place for locals, visitors, families and workers at nearby hospitals serving standard Irish-American and comfort food, with brunch on weekends."]

[Earlier Article]
Yellow Door Taqueria in Boston's Brigham Circle/Mission Hill Neighborhood Has Closed

(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.)

Off the Rails Boston to Replace Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Crossing

A few days ago, a restaurant and bar in the heart of Boston closed after 15 years in business, but a new concept is on its way to the space, and it will be under the same ownership.

According to an article from boston.com, Off the Rails Boston is planning to replace Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Crossing, with the upcoming School Street spot focusing more on live music and entertainment while its menu will tend to lean toward "elevated Americana-inspired" fare. The article mentions that Off the Rails will also have a setting that is influenced by Nashville as well as Boston, and if all goes as planned it could be debuting sometime late this summer.

The address for the upcoming Off the Rails Bosto is 25 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

[Earlier Article]
Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Boston's Downtown Crossing Is Closing

(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.)

Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Boston's Downtown Crossing Is Closing

A restaurant and bar in the heart of Boston known in part for its live music and nightlife is shutting down after 15 years in business.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Crossing is getting ready to close, with the website for the School Street spot indicating that it will shutter permanently after this weekend. Scholars first opened in 2011, offering regional dishes along with beer, wine, and cocktails while also having semi-private spaces, karaoke, and DJs.

The address for Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge is 25 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website can be found at https://www.scholarsbostonbistro.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.)

Daiquiris & Daisies at High Street Place in Downtown Boston Is Closed

A cocktail bar that was located within a food hall in downtown Boston has shut down.

According to an Instagram post from Bret Clancy, Daiquiris & Daisies at High Street Place is no longer in business, with a check on the food hall's website confirming this as the business has been removed from the site. Industry veterans Daren Swisher and Joseph Cammarata who currently run Tall Order in Somerville first opened the bar in 2022, with the place being known for its mix of classic and modern cocktails.

The address for the now-closed Daiquiris & Daisies was 100 High Street (High Street Place), Boston, MA, 02110.

(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.)

Clarke's at Faneuil Hall in Boston Is Closing

A bar in the heart of downtown Boston that has been around for more than 50 years will soon be shutting down permanently.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Clarke's at Faneuil Hall is getting ready to close its doors, with the article indicating that management informed employees that its last day in operation will be sometime next week. The Merchants Row pub first opened its doors back in 1975, being particularly popular with the after-work crowd and tourists alike while also being a place for work and holiday parties, and also being one of the last of the old-school drinking spots in and around Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. 

The address for Clarke's is 21 Merchants Row, Boston, MA, 02109.

[April 29 update: The Boston Globe states that Clarke's is now closed.]

(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.)

Two Saints Tavern in Boston Is Closing

A Boston bar popular with college students is shutting down.

According to an article from boston.com, Two Saints Tavern on Gainsborough Street is closing its doors this weekend, with managing partner Chuck Hitchcock saying that "The younger generations are drinking less. They're socializing less. Everybody can afford a 75 inch TV in the dorm room now, they don't need to go out and go to a social hangout to watch the football game, and things are getting more expensive." Hitchcock goes on to state that the closure stems from increasing insurance costs, mentioning that "The liability insurance structure in this state and many others is broken. Our insurance carrier was canceling us, and it's getting out of business as a whole....The system is broken, but it's not their fault"

Two Saints Tavern first opened in 2018 in the former Our House East space, being frequented by Northeastern students over the years.

The address for Two Saints Tavern is 52 Gainsborough Street, Boston, MA, 02115.

(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.)

The Beacon Bistro and The Stratus at the Top of the Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay Are Closing

An upscale restaurant and a rooftop bar on top of one of Boston's highest buildings will both be shutting down this spring.

According to an article from the Boston Business Journal, The Beacon Bistro and The Stratus at the top of the Prudential Center in the Back Bay are slated to close on April 21, as it appears that the spaces may be used instead for events/functions, with a spokesperson for operating partner Legends Global indicating to the BBJ that they are both "being replaced in response to a growing interest in private events." It does look like the observation deck will remain open, according to the article.

The Beacon Bistro and The Stratus first opened in September of 2023 in the renovated space called View Boston (which includes the restaurant, bar, and observation deck), replacing the Top of the Hub restaurant and the Skywalk Observatory which had been there until early 2020.

(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 Dot Tavern in Dorchester Closes Its Doors

A neighborhood bar near the Southeast Expressway that had been around for a long time is shutting down.

According to an article from Caught in Dot, The Dot Tavern in Dorchester is closing its doors, with the post saying that the Dorchester Avenue watering hole shutters after business hours today. The Dot Tavern had actually shut down once before in 2018 but reopened under new management in 2023 after its building underwent major renovations. The bar apparently had been open "for most of the 20th century, by some accounts" according to an earlier Dorchester Reporter article.

The address for The Dot Tavern is 840 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125.

(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.)

Knoll Street Tavern Is Slated to Open in Roslindale on January 27

A new pub is on the verge of debuting in a Boston neighborhood after being in the works for approximately a year.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Knoll Street Tavern is planning to open its doors in Roslindale on Tuesday, January 27, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it will be taking over the space on Centre Street that had been home to Kelleher's Bar and Grille. UH states that the new dining and drinking spot will have table seating for 66 along with 30 seats at its bar and it will have a scratch kitchen, with hours being 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily.

The space in which Knoll Street Tavern is opening had previously been home to a few watering holes, including Flynn's, Kelly & Whalen's, P.J. Kelleher's, and then Kelleher's Bar and Grille.

The address for Knoll Street Tavern is 1410 Centre Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131.

[Earlier Article]
Knoll Street Tavern Plans to Open in the Kelleher's Bar and Grille Space in Roslindale

(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.)

Dugout Cafe in Boston Has Closed

It looks like a Boston bar that has been around for nearly 100 years has shut down.

According to an Instagram post from mendoza_comedy, the Dugout Cafe on Commonwealth Avenue by Boston University is no longer in business, with the post saying the following:

Hey all, we've received word that the Dugout Cafe is officially, permanently closed. WE HAVE A NEW VENUE for this Saturday, ticket holders will be updated, but The Mendoza Line at the Dugout Cafe is officially done. Thank you to everyone that has performed, attended, or produced our cozy little show in the back room of a bar over the last 12 years.

This follows on the heels of an article from Universal Hub saying that the liquor license for the Dugout Cafe is being sold to the upcoming Seaport District location of Earl's Kitchen and Bar, which will join other locations of the chain at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay and Assembly Row in Somerville.

The Dugout Cafe, which dates back to 1934, has been a popular spot with BU students over the years.

The address for the now-closed Dugout Cafe was 722 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

(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 Spur Cowboy Bar to Open in the Former Eddie C's Space in East Boston

A new bar is on its way to East Boston, and it will be taking over the space where a longtime dive bar had been before shutting down a few months ago.

According to an X post from @megansarahj, The Spur Cowboy Bar is planning to open in Eastie, moving into the former Eddie C's space in Maverick Square. No information has been given on the upcoming drinking spot, though based on the name, it is possible that it could be a place to listen to country music. (As soon as more info is available, we will post an update here.)

Eddie C's, which shuttered in September, had previously been home to Charlie Zuff's Cafe, and before that, Vincent's Bar-B-Que.

The address for The Spur Cowboy Bar is 34 Maverick Square, East Boston, MA, 02128.

(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.)

Birds of Paradise in Brighton Is Closing

A cocktail lounge that has a well-known local mixologist and restaurateur behind it is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Birds of Paradise at the Charles River Speedway in Brighton is closing its doors, with an Instagram post from the business saying the following:

We'd like to thank the Brighton community for the last couple years at the Speedway @charlesriverspeedway. To all of the staff, past and present, thank you for taking part in our journey around the world. Our last three services will be: - Wednesday 10/29 - Thursday 10/30 - Friday 10/31 Come and take one or two final flights with us

Ran Duan (Baldwin Bar, Blossom Bar, Ivory Pearl) and his team are behind Birds of Paradise, which its Instagram page says is "inspired by the golden age of travel."

The address for Birds of Paradise is 525 Western Avenue #12, Brighton MA, 02135. Its website can be found at https://www.birdsofparadisebar.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.)

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.)

JJ Brannelly's in Roslindale Has Reopened

A neighborhood bar that closed during the pandemic--and which first opened nearly 90 years ago--is up and running once again.

According to a post from Universal Hub, JJ Brannelly's in Roslindale is now open, with a Facebook post from the Washington Street spot saying the following:

Hi Neighbors. After much hard work, planning, and anticipation - we're excited to share that we have officially reopened our doors! We look forward to seeing old friends and families - and meeting new ones. With an updated, family-friendly space, and great food - we think you'll like the experience. Since 1937, JJ Brannelly's has been a welcoming place for everyone in our community to gather, and we're proud to continue that tradition. Stay tuned for more updates on hours and menus. Hope to see you soon, we'll save you a seat. Slàinte

JJ Brannelly's shuttered during the Covid outbreak, hinting in the early part of 2023 on Facebook that the place would be returning at some point, though they remained closed until this week. The menu for the reopened restaurant and bar include wings, sliders, calamari, burgers, steak tips, fish and chips, macaroni and cheese, tacos, and more.

The address for JJ Brannelly's is 4432 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131.

(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.)