Boston Restaurant Talk: hot dogs

Showing posts with label hot dogs. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Currentea Opens at Hub Hall in Boston's North Station Area

A new spot that offers cheese-filled corn dogs, bubble tea, and more has come to a Boston food hall.

According to a press release, Currentea is now open at Hub Hall on Causeway Street by North Station and TD Garden, with its website showing a variety of tea and snack options including boba, mozzarella cheese dogs, jumbo fried squid, beef, pork, and lamb skewers, sausage wraps, fried egg rolls, deep-fried cheese wontons, soft serve, and more.

The website for Currentea can be found at https://www.currentea.com/ while its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/currentea.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]

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Wednesday, July 02, 2025

Amelia's Taqueria by Northeastern University in Boston Has Been Rebranded to Amelia's Cluck & Smash

A local group of Mexican restaurants has changed the concept of one of its locations.

According to a source, Amelia's Taqueria by Northeastern University in Boston is now Amelia's Cluck & Smash, with the rebranding of the Huntington Avenue place turning it into a spot for such items as chicken sandwiches, smash burgers, hot dogs, fries, and salads, while also offering churros for dessert. It appears that locations of Amelia's in Allston, by Berklee College, Boston University, Boston College, and at Assembly Row in Somerville will remain as is, at least for now.

The address for Amelia's Cluck & Smash is 309 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. Its website is at https://www.ameliacluckandsmash.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]

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Friday, January 31, 2025

Love Dog Is Opening a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Everett

A Brazilian hot dog truck just north of Boston that is known for its late-night snacks is opening a brick-and-mortar space next door.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Love Dog is opening in the former Kien Giang space in Everett, which is adjacent to its "party truck" that sits in the parking lot of Parkway Cycle on Revere Beach Parkway. Based on its food truck menu, expect to see a mix of traditional and pressed hot dogs, while its sign out front also mentions that it will also offer burgers, sandwiches fries, and more.

The address for the brick-and-mortar version of Love Dog is 1871 Revere Beach Pkwy, Everett, MA, 02149.

[April 28 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the brick-and-mortar version of Love Dog is now open.]

(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.)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The Salty Seagull Is Replacing The Scotty Dog in Beverly

Earlier this year it was reported that a popular North Shore spot known for its Chicago-style hot dogs was closing down, and now we have learned that a new eatery is opening in its space, and it will also be serving Chicago dogs.

A Facebook post confirms what a source told us a couple of weeks ago, that The Salty Seagull is going to be opening in Beverly, taking over the former Scotty Dog space on Rantoul Street. The post gives some information on its plans, saying the following:

Joseph and Eric business partners in a few different small businesses including a restaurant in Hampton Beach are taking over the old Scotty dog which will now turn into The Salty Seagull. I'm doing some Consulting for them. Finishing up on the menu now which will include some Scotty Dog favorites, Vienna Beef Chicago dogs, Garlic burgers, Maxwell st polish, Italian Beef & Lobster rolls with Lobster meat from Ipswich shellfish which I have used in my past life as a Executive Chef. Dedicated team ready to continue great food and great service just like The Scotty Dog!!

In February, Stephen Scott announced that The Scotty Dog would not be reopening and that it had been sold.

The address for The Salty Seagull is 437 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.

[November 17 update: According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, The Salty Seagull is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
The Scotty Dog in Beverly Has Closed

[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.)

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Boston Hot Dog Company in Salem Is Closing; New Concept Called Au Gratin Is Replacing It

A hot dog place on the North Shore is saying farewell, though the person behind it will be opening a new spot in its space.

According to a source, Boston Hot Dog Company in Salem is getting ready to shut down, with a Facebook post from Mike Denk of the Washington Street eatery saying the following:

Boston Hot Dog will be closing its doors after Memorial Day....But with every ending comes a new beginning, and here's the sweet part: we will be undergoing renovations to bring something new to the neighborhood! Our new place will feature a scratch -made menu inspired by a love of cheese, a completely updated kitchen, and comfy seating....Get ready to enjoy the best Paninis and Mac & Cheeses you've ever had....we look forward to welcoming you to our new spot, AU GRATIN....And don't worry-you can still find a Chicago or Chili Cheese dog on our new menu!

Boston Hot Dog Company first opened approximately 20 years ago, with Denk taking ownership of the place in 2020.

The address for Boston Hot Dog Company (and the upcoming Au Gratin) is 60 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

[May 31 update: A check on its social media confirms that Boston Hot Dog Company has closed.]

[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.)

Friday, March 15, 2024

Simco's in Mattapan Facing Possible Seizure by the State

A landmark hot dog place is facing an uncertain future due to nonpayment of taxes.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Simco's in Mattapan is staring at a possible seizure by the state, as the Blue Hill Avenue spot has debts of $736,000 in taxes and interest, and only $20,000 has been paid, resulting in the Department of Revenue making a court request to enter the premises for the purpose of seizing the business and selling/disposing of the property. The dining spot, which has been in business since the 1930s, is known mostly for its hot dogs while also offering soups, salads, subs, pizza, calzones, and more.

The address for Simco's is 1509 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA, 02126.

[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.)

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

The Scotty Dog in Beverly Has Closed

A popular North Shore spot known for its Chicago-style hot dogs has shut down.

According to a source (Gary Goldblatt), The Scotty Dog in Beverly is no longer in business, with owner Stephen Scott posting the following within the North Shore Eats Facebook group page:

It is with a heavy heart that I'm announcing that I sold The Scotty Dog. It's been a great run and my plans were to continue for at least 4 more years but a group came in and offered me something I couldn't refuse. I have been blessed to have a committed, hardworking & friendly staff over the years & you are all great!!!! Thank you to all the customer over the past 12 yr. It's been a real pleasure serving you & your business is what made The Scotty Dog so successful.

The Scotty Dog offered a variety of hot dog options, including a Chicago dog with mustard, onion, relish, tomatoes, peppers, pickle spears, and celery salt, along with chili and cheese dogs, reuben dogs, Sonoran dogs, BLT dogs, and more. (The menu also included burgers, sausage, and Italian beef sandwiches.)

The address for The Scotty Dog was 437 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA, 01915.

[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.)

Friday, April 21, 2023

Kong Dog to Expand to Boston, Braintree, and Peabody

A chain of Korean corn dog spots that opened its first Boston-area location in Somerville last year is planning to open at least three more outlets in the local area.

According to the locations page within its website, Kong Dog is looking to open locations at Faneuil Hall in Boston as well as in Braintree and Peabody, with the latter two possibly coming to Northshore Mall and South Shore Plaza, those these two locations have not been confirmed as of yet. Once they open, the new shops will join another on Elm Street in Davis Square, and they will likely offer corn dogs with such coatings as sweet potato, ramen crumbles, fried potato, Cheetos, fruity rice puffs, Doritos, and more along with bubble tea.

Kong Dog was established in Illinois in 2021; the website for the company can be found at https://kongdog.us/

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

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

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!

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Chicken & the Pig Opens at MarketStreet Lynnfield

The people behind a suburban food truck that offers chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and more have opened a brick-and-mortar location.

According to its website and social media, Chicken & the Pig is now open at MarketStreet Lynnfield, with an official grand opening slated for November 3. In addition to breaded chicken sandwiches and gourmet hot dogs, the dining spot also offers chicken strips, salads, waffle fries, craft beer, milkshakes, and more.

Chicken & the Pig started out as a food truck in Middleton, residing at The Lot on South Main which is across from Richardson's Ice Cream. It appears that the food truck will remain in that space, as both the truck and the brick-and-mortar are shown on the website, which can be found at https://chickenandthepigfoodtruck.com/

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

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

Friday, August 12, 2022

Kong Dog Opens in Somerville's Davis Square

A growing chain of dining spots that feature corn dogs is in the process of opening its first Boston-area location in the heart of Somerville.

According to a tweet from Cambridge Day, Kong Dog is undergoing a soft opening in Davis Square, with the Elm Street eatery offering Korean corn dogs with such coatings as fried potato, sweet potato, ramen crumbles, fruity rice puffs, Doritos, Cheetos, and more along with bubble tea

Kong Dog first started out in Illinois in 2021.

The address for Kong Dog in Davis Square is 236 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website for the company can be found at https://kongdog.us/

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

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

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Spike's Junkyard Dogs in Allston Is Closing

A pair of hot dog places will soon be down to just one, as their Boston outlet is shutting down.

According to multiple sources, Spike's Junkyard Dogs in Allston is closing, with a tweet from @daniel_fidler showing a note posted at the Brighton Avenue spot that says Spike's will not be renewing its lease and that it plans to close on September 24. The note does refer customers to the Spike's location in Warwick, RI, so that outlet will remain in operation.

The slogan for Spike's--whose Allston location first opened 20 years ago--is "World's Best Hot Dog, Maybe Better," with the hot dogs being all beef and served on freshly-made soft French rolls.

The address for Spike's Junkyard Dogs in Allston is 108 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA 02134. The website for Spike's is at https://spikesjunkyarddogs.com/

[September 26 update: Based on its social media, Spike's in Allston is now closed.]

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

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

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Mochinut Opens within Gong Cha in Allston

A new dining spot that features donuts and hot dogs has come to Allston.

According to a source (Sarah Wu), Mochinut has soft-opened within Gong Cha on Harvard Avenue, with the place offering mochi donuts (which originated in Hawaii and are made with rice flour) as well as Korean rice flour hot dogs. Some of the donut flavors include strawberry, chocolate, taro, coffee, pistachio, matcha, and nutella, while hot dog options include crispy ramen, hot cheetos, cheddar cheese, potato, and mozzarella.

Gong Cha is a Taiwan-based group of bubble tea shops that opened its Allston location in 2018.

The address for Mochinut (and Gong Cha) is 154 Harvard Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The Instagram page for Mochinut is at https://www.instagram.com/mochinut_bos_allston/ while the website for the chain is at https://www.mochinut.com/

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

[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.)

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Hot Doogy Is Opening in Natick

A new dining spot that features hot dogs with South American influences will be coming to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a source, Hot Doogy is getting ready to open in Natick, with the eatery moving into a space at Sherwood Plaza on Route 9. An article from the MetroWest Daily News mentions that husband-and-wife team Thiago and Fernanda Andrade are behind the spot, which will feature Brazilian-style hot dogs with a variety of toppings, including a house-made seasoned green mayonnaise and pulled pork and ribs. In addition to grilled or boiled all-beef, beef-pork mix, and vegetarian hot dogs, Hot Doogy will also offer hot dogs made of pressed chicken and topped with mashed potatoes.

[March 5 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that if all goes as planned, Hot Doogy will open its doors on March 13.]

[March 18 update: A new Facebook post from Hot Doogy confirms that it has indeed opened.]

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

[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.)

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Mike Denk of Bar Boulud Takes Over Boston Hot Dog Company in Salem

A hot dog place on the North Shore is getting ready to reopen, and when it does, it will be run by an alum of a now-closed high-end restaurant in Boston.

According to a source, Boston Hot Dog Company plans to open back up tomorrow (Wednesday, July 1), with a Salem Digest Facebook post stating that the Washington Street eatery is under new management. The post says that Mike Denk, who had been both a Sous Chef and Executive Chef at Bar Boulud in Boston's Back Bay, has taken over the hot dog spot, with Denk previously being involved with The Ginger Man at Faneuil Hall and Cafe Boulud in New York City as well.

The new menu at Boston Hot Dog Company shows a variety of hot dog options, including corn dogs, Chicago dogs, reuben dogs, Cubano dogs, and more. (Fries, chili, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and root beer floats are also on the menu.)

The address for Boston Hot Dog Company is 60 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

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

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

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Troquet on South in Boston's Leather District to Bring Back Speed's Hot Dogs

An upscale Boston restaurant that is known in part for its French-influenced fare and its wine list is bringing back a legendary food item that is much different from what they traditionally offer.

According to a source, Troquet on South in the city's Leather District is planning to reopen both its indoor and outdoor sections tomorrow (Thursday, June 24), and with it, they will be offering Speed's Hot Dogs daily for both dine-in and takeout. An earlier Boston Herald article talked about how Troquet owner Chris Campbell inherited the recipe from the widow of Ezra "Speed" Anderson, as Campbell had been close to Anderson and his widow asked if he would be interested in bringing the famous hot dog back. The original Speed's recipe is slated to be used, including a half-pound Pearl frank, grilled bun, and a Detroit-style all-meat chili along with sauce (made with a secret recipe) and condiments.

Anderson founded Boston Speed's Famous Hot Dog Wagon in 1975, with the wagon being sold to Gregg Gale in 2008; the hot dog cart--which was renamed Boston Super Dog in 2012, was taken off the road after Gale died in 2013 and it never reopened. (Anderson passed away in 2015.)

The address for Troquet on South is 107 South Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

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

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

Monday, June 17, 2019

Fred's Franks in Wakefield Opens Second Location on Pontoon Boat in Gloucester

A popular hot dog cart north of Boston has been joined by a second location that should be popular with sun worshipers.

According to its Facebook page, Fred's Franks in Wakefield is now selling its hot dogs and other food items on a pontoon boat that is set up at Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, with one post stating that it is located to the left of the sandbar where other boats are tied off. The Facebook page for Fred's also says that the Gloucester location is only open on weekends and it is assumed that this will be a summer-only location, though an exact closing date does not seem to have been given as of yet. Based on the photos shown and the menu at the Wakefield location, the pontoon boat sells hot dogs, Shnurbles (which includes a hot dog, chourico, mayo, cabbage, and hot sauce), Italian sausages, burgers, drinks, and desserts.

The original Fred's Franks can be found at the northern edge of Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield near where Route 129 and Route 128 intersect. Its website is at http://fredsfranks.com/

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

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

Friday, January 04, 2019

Griddler's in Downtown Boston Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A restaurant in downtown Boston that was known in part for its burgers and hot dogs has shut down.

According to a source, Griddler's on Boylston Street is closed, with a message from Boston Nightlife Ventures (BNV) confirming that the dining spot has indeed shuttered after a bit less than four years in business, as the building in which it resides has been sold to Emerson College. Another location of Griddler's on Beacon Hill closed in 2016, and BNV has also shut down The Tap Trailhouse near Faneuil Hall and Certified Meatball Company in South Boston, though a new concept is on the way to the latter space while the group continues to run Wink & Nod in the South End and Southern Kin Cookhouse at Somerville's Assembly Row--and as reported here earlier, a second Southern Kin is on its way to an as-of-yet undisclosed location as well.

The address for Griddler's in downtown Boston was 134 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for BNV can be found at http://boston-nightlife-ventures.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

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

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Molly Moo's Ice Cream & Cafe in South Boston Moving from L Street to Carson Beach

An ice cream shop and cafe in South Boston is closing its current location, though it will be reopening in a beachside space.

Caught in Southie is reporting that Molly Moo's Ice Cream & Cafe is leaving its L Street location, with the plan being to reopen at Carson Beach. A tweet from @chipsy231 indicates that Molly Moo's is opening at the McCormack Bathhouse, which indicates that it may be taking over the concession stand that had been home to the Seaside Cafe.

It is not yet known when Molly Moo's might be leaving its current home, though it looks like the new location could be opening by June--and it will be featuring burgers, hot dogs, snacks, and ice cream, according to Caught in Southie.

The owner of Molly Moo's also runs Molly's Farmhouse Coffee on Preble Street in Andrew Square.

A new Twitter post from @chipsy231 indicates that Molly Moo's is now open at the McCormack Bathhouse at Carson Beach.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

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

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Smokey's Almost Famous Hot Dogs in Raynham Has Returned

A seasonal hot dog and sausage stand that closed down last fall after a quarter century in business is back with what appears to be a new owner.

A comment posted in an earlier article here mentions that Smokey's Almost Famous Hot Dogs in Raynham "is back for the 26th season. We have the same menu with some new items on the way!" A check on its Facebook page shows an earlier post saying that "someone will be taking over Smokeys...and yes I will train him which means I will be back for a short time, but knowing myself it will be tough to stay away." Last November we reported that the owner of Smokey's was shutting down the cart and considering retiring from the business, though he was also looking to have a new owner possibly taking it over.

Smokey's Almost Famous Hot Dogs, which is set up in the Raynham Shopping Plaza (also known as Raynham Crossing) on Route 44, has been around since 1992.

[Earlier Article]
Smokey's Almost Famous Hot Dog/Sausage Stand in Raynham Has Closed

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

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

Monday, November 21, 2016

Smokey's Almost Famous Hot Dog/Sausage Stand in Raynham Has Closed

A seasonal hot dog and sausage stand south of Boston has closed after a quarter century in business, though there may still be a ray of hope that it returns.

According to its Facebook page, Smokey's Almost Famous in Raynham shut down on Saturday, with the owner thanking his customers and saying "I don't know the status of my trailer...will someone buy it return as a new Smokey...unknown right now...But remember this there is only one Smokey ---ME Thanks everyone bye." A more recent post hints that the owner will actually be renewing the permit for the place, but he states that it "doesn't mean I'll return...Later this month and the winter will tell me more." Based on earlier posts, it appears that the reason for the trailer shutting down is because the owner has been hoping to retire.

Smokey's Almost Famous, which started out in 1992, offered hot dogs and sausages along with burgers, chicken, and drinks from its cart, which was set up in the Raynham Shopping Plaza (also known as Raynham Crossing) on Route 44, usually from March 1 to November 30 each year.

[December 6 update: A new Facebook post indicates that the trailer that housed the now-closed Smokey's Almost Famous is up for sale, though the owner emphasizes that it is the trailer--and not the business--that is for sale.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

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