Showing posts with label iconic restaurants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iconic restaurants. Show all posts

Friday, October 02, 2020

Proposal Given for the Reopening of Doyle's in Jamaica Plain

Last month, it was reported that plans could be in the works for one of Boston's best-known dining and drinking spots to return after closing in the fall of 2019. Now we have learned quite a bit more about the proposal.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Lee Goodman of Watermark Development and Jeremy Kean of Brassica Kitchen + Cafe gave details of a proposal last night that would reopen Doyle's in its former location on Washington Street in Jamaica Plain, with the plan being to add a roofdeck to the building--with the building itself undergoing extensive renovations both inside and out--and a market next door with four floors of condos above, while part of its back parking lot would be redeveloped for more condos and additional condos built across Williams Street. The post says that the existing bar would remain in the new Doyle's space, and an upgraded dining section would be created along with a new "Kennedy Room" meeting area and a kitchen that is partially open--and much of the interior would pay homage to the old place, including its tin ceilings and old-fashioned posters and murals. (The old Braddock Cafe sign out front would be changed to Brassica Cafe and Kitchen.) UH says that the menu at the new Doyle's would include such items as pizza and fried chicken and the hope is for Brassica's liquor license to be transferred to the spot.

If all goes well and it gets approval to open, construction on the new Doyle's could commence in about 12 months and possibly be completed in about 30 months.

The address for the Doyle's space is 3484 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[February 24, 2021 update: Universal Hub reports that plans for Doyle's Cafe and the condos have now been filed with the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), with the new version of Doyle's  including the restoring of the original walnut bar and the construction of a larger Kennedy Room for meetings and parties, while a roofdeck is still part of the plans.]

[October 19, 2021 update: The Jamaica Plain News states that the BPDA has approved the proposed project that would include new commercial and residential space while bringing Doyle's back to the site as well.] 

[Earlier Articles]
Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain Has Closed
Could Doyle's Be Returning to Jamaica Plain?

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]


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Monday, December 30, 2019

No Name Restaurant in Boston Has Closed

[Ed note: This article has been updated to reflect confirmation that the No Name Restaurant is now closed.]

Yet another landmark Boston restaurant has shut down.

According to several sources, the No Name Restaurant on the waterfront is shuttered, with a WCVB 5 article saying that the dining spot is closed this evening for a manager's meeting, while a segment on the TV channel mentions that workers say they were turned away from work and told to pick up their final paychecks. A new Facebook post from the place confirms that it has closed, thanking its customers and employees and saying "We will miss you all."

The No Name, which first opened back in 1917, was one of the last remaining old-school restaurants on the Boston waterfront.

The address for the No Name Restaurant was 15 1/2 Fish Pier East, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at http://www.nonamerestaurant.com/

[December 31 update: Universal Hub states that the No Name Restaurant has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, with listed debts of $422,000.]

[February 20, 2020 update: According to a page within the pesco.com site, Paul E. Saperstein Co., Inc. will be holding a public auction at the No Name site on February 27 at 11:00 AM.]

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]

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain Has Closed

One of Boston's best-known dining and drinking spots has closed its doors for good.

According to a post from CBS Boston, Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain has shut down, with @stevegarfield confirming that yesterday was its last day in business. As stated earlier, the Washington Street restaurant and bar sold its liquor license to an upcoming location of Davio's in Boston's Seaport District, though it is still not known what might happen to the space itself.

Doyle's Cafe first opened in 1882.

The address for Doyle's was 3484 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[November 6 update: According to a Facebook events page, an auction is taking place today for some of Doyle's memorabilia and restaurant equipment, with the post saying that the Boston Public Library is going to help preserve the history of the place by digitizing any of the items sold at the auction, then setting up a gallery of the items at DigitalCommonwealth.org.]

[Earlier Article]
Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain Is Closing

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]

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain Is Closing

It looks like one of Boston's most iconic restaurants will soon be saying farewell.

According to a couple of sources, Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain is planning to close and sell its liquor license to an upcoming location of Davio's in Boston's Seaport District. This has been confirmed by a Boston Globe article, which quotes owner Gerry Burke Jr. as saying that "It's a terrible thing and I'm as sad as I can be. But the real estate in JP is as high as it's going to get and I can't afford to stay here any more." It is not yet known when the last day for Doyle's might be, so keep checking back for updates.

Doyle's, which first opened in 1882, is a renowned dining and drinking spot that has attracted politicians and celebrities alike over the years.

The address for Doyle's is 3484 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at https://www.doylescafeboston.com/

[September 19 update: Doyle's is one step closer to officially saying farewell, as Universal Hub says that the licensing board has approved the transfer of the restaurant's liquor license to the upcoming location of Davio's in the Seaport District.]

[October 23 update: According to a number of poster on social media, it appears that Doyle's could be closing on or possibly before November 1, with an events page for an October 27 send-off seeming to confirm this, saying that it will close at the end of this month.]

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


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]

Friday, July 28, 2017

Lanes & Games in Cambridge to Close for Good August 13

A Cambridge landmark will be closing next month.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Lanes & Games on Route 2 is shutting down for good after the weekend of August 12 and 13, confirming what sources have been saying over the past few days, that it was planning to close in a couple of weeks. As mentioned earlier, the complex is slated to be replaced by an apartment complex that will also be taking over the adjacent Gateway Motel site.

Lanes & Games first opened more than 30 years ago featuring bowling, pool, video games, food, and drink.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at http://lanesgames.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

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 19, 2017

Longfellow to Replace Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A Cambridge institution is closing down for a second time--though this time it is for good--and one of the region's best-known chefs and restaurateurs is opening a new spot within the space.

Eater Boston is reporting that Cafe Algiers in Harvard Square will be shutting its doors in August, with Michael Scelfo opening an eatery called Longfellow in the Brattle Street space. The article mentions that Scelfo--who is behind Alden & Harlow just below Algiers along with Waypoint between Harvard Square and Central Square--will reportedly honor the landmark cafe with his new place, saying that "We're sad to see [owner] Emile and his team close their doors, but hope to pay homage to Algiers' 57-year legacy with this new venture."

Cafe Algiers closed briefly in October of 2016, only to reopen under new ownership less than a month later; the place has been known for its Mediterranean fare along with coffee and tea.

The address for Cafe Algiers (and the upcoming Longfellow) is 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[June 13, 2018 update: Boston Magazine mentions that Longfellow plans to feature finger foods along with a "geeky" cocktail program and lesser-known varietal wines.]

[January 17, 2019 update: A new Boston Magazine post indicates that Longfellow officially opens on Saturday, January 19.]

[Earlier Articles]
Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Closing
Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Reopened

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

Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space

Last summer we reported that a local institution for bowling and more might be shutting down in order to make way for a new development. Now we have learned that this will indeed be happening.

According to an article from Wicked Local, the Cambridge Planning Board has approved of plans to build a 320-unit apartment complex on Route 2 at the site where Lanes & Games and the Gateway Motel currently reside. In August of 2016, we mentioned that the residential project was being proposed and that the family behind the bowling alley was expected to keep it open for another year or so; the current article from Wicked Local mentions that the plan was for Lanes & Games to remain open until the bowling leagues finish up for the summer, and a Tweet from today seems to confirm this.

Lanes & Games, which first opened more than 30 years ago, has been a popular place for bowling, pool, and video games over the years; it also has a restaurant and bar that offers such items as burgers, pizza, ribs, and steak tips.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[May 16 update: Cambridge Day is reporting that following April's approval by the Cambridge Planning Board of plans to build the apartment complex, the Arlington Redevelopment Board decided last night not to file any sort of appeal against the proposal, which appears to be a major blow for opponents of the project since the deadline for any appeals is only a week away (Tuesday, May 23).]

[June 26 update: The Boston Globe mentions that Lanes & Games will remain open through at least mid-July, though posters on The Arlington List Facebook group page are saying it might remain open until the end of July.]

[Earlier Article]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

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 20, 2017

Hilltop's Cactus Sign on Route 1 in Saugus Apparently Staying Put

It looks like another piece of the "old" Route 1 will be staying put.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, plans have been unveiled for residential and retail development at the old Hilltop Steak House site in Saugus, and the iconic 68-foot cactus sign will be staying put. The post states that the sign will probably need new lighting along with other upgrades, but Michael Roberts of AvalonBay Communities indicates that it will remain, saying that "It really is an important marker for the site. It really does represent the history of the site, and our intent is to keep it."

The saving of the Hilltop cactus mirrors that of another Route 1 icon, as it was reported here a few months ago that the orange dinosaur from the now-closed Route 1 Miniature Golf complex will be incorporated into new development there, which is expected to include apartments, two hotels, and three restaurants.

[Earlier Articles]
Hilltop Steak House in Saugus Is Closing
Route 1 Miniature Golf/Dairy Castle Complex in Saugus Closing for Good; Dinosaur to Stay

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Note: Please join the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook Group Page to get more info on dining spots and also chat with others about Boston-area restaurants.]





Thursday, January 12, 2017

The Ship Restaurant in Lynnfield May Be Demolished

It looks like yet another Route 1 landmark could be disappearing.

According to an article in itemlive.com, The Ship Restaurant may be torn down to make way for new development, with the new building apparently including retail space along with a drive-up restaurant and coffee shop. It appears that the adjacent Christmas Tree Shop would remain in operation, while a branch building of East Boston Savings Bank would be built at the site--and there also will be an adjoining condo project that is being constructed by another developer.

The Ship Restaurant returned to Route 1 in 2013 after being replaced by an outlet of The Mount Vernon Restaurant a couple of years earlier. Ship-based restaurants with different names have been at the site since at least the 1930s, as reported here earlier.

Over the past few years, several iconic spots on Route 1 have been demolished, including Hilltop Steak House, Weylu's, and Route 1 Miniature Golf.

The address for The Ship Restaurant is 24 Broadway (Route 1), Lynnfield, MA, 01940.

[January 13 update: According to a post from 7 News Boston, The Ship Restaurant is now closed.]

[February 8 update: The Boston Globe states that an auction for The Ship is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 15, with the liquor license, memorabilia, furniture, and kitchen equipment, all being available. And while The Ship is still facing the wrecking ball, a meeting will take place with the Lynnfield Historical Society on February 22 to decide if the structure holds historic significance that may prevent it from being demolished.]

[February 14 update: A note from E. F. Smith and Son says that the auction for The Ship has been postponed until sometime in late March.]

[March 23 update: A source tells us that the auction for The Ship will now take place on Wednesday, March 29.]

[Earlier Article]
The Ship Restaurant Is Returning to Lynnfield

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, January 04, 2017

Phillips Old Colony House, Freeport Tavern in Dorchester Closing; Space May Be Redeveloped

A Boston institution that has been the site of countless functions and events over the past few decades is shutting down for good.

According to a Facebook post, the Phillips Old Colony House in Dorchester is closing down on January 15, with a post from the Freeport Tavern (which is located in the same building) saying that it is shuttering that day as well. A note from the hostess at the Freeport Tavern indicates that the Phillips Candy House and the bowling alley will apparently remain open.

The Phillips Old Colony House has been known in part for its function space, which has been used for birthday parties, corporate events, weddings, bereavements, and more, while the Freeport Tavern is a restaurant and bar featuring classic American and New England fare, including a number of seafood dishes.

The address for the Phillips Old Colony House and Freeport Tavern is 780 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA, 02122. The websites for the two places can be found at http://www.phillipsboston.com/ and http://www.freeporttavern.com/

[January 4 update: The Dorchester Reporter mentions that the family behind the Phillips Old Colony House and Freeport Tavern is exploring "alternative uses for the property" and plans to hire a commercial real estate broker to help them market the place for possible redevelopment or a sale.]

Thanks to @chipsy231 for bringing this to our attention.

[May 18 update: A new article in The Dorchester Report states that the Phillips Old Colony House and Freeport Tavern property is now on the market, with a mixed-use redevelopment being the likely plan.]

[August 2 update: A notice from E.F. Smith & Son indicates that an auction will be held at the Phillips Old Colony House and Freeport Tavern property tomorrow (Thursday, August 3).]

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, December 16, 2016

Bishop's Legacy Restaurant in Lowell Is Closing

It looks like an iconic restaurant name north of Boston is going away.

According to a source, Bishop's Legacy Restaurant in Lowell has announced that it is shutting down for good effective December 24. A Facebook post from the Merrimack Street dining spot confirms this, saying that "Unfortunately family dynamics have changed and we are announcing that we will close....we would like to thank all of our guests for supporting us over this time." Bishop's got its start in Lawrence in 1949, eventually saying goodbye to the city in 2001 and opening in its present location in Lowell in March of 2015, according to an article in the Lowell Sun. The restaurant focused on Eastern Mediterranean fare, with an emphasis on Lebanese dishes.

The address for this soon-to-close dining spot in Lowell is: Bishop's Legacy Restaurant, 143 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA, 01852. Its website can be found at http://www.bishopslegacyrestaurant.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]





Saturday, November 05, 2016

Confirmed: Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Reopened

[Ed note: This article was updated on November 6 to reflect confirmation of the reopening of the place.]

It looks like a Cambridge institution that closed last month has returned.

According to a few social media posts, including a tweet from the Brattle Theatre (via  @RachelCraves) and a Facebook post from Drew Starr, Cafe Algiers in Harvard Square appears to be reopening, with a photo showing a sign saying that it opens today from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Calls placed to the Brattle Street spot have gone unanswered this morning, and its Facebook page has not been updated of late--though there is a visitor post saying "Good news.......Algiers cafe will be re-opening [Saturday] Nov 5th. Please come to experience the traditional menu with new additions and better pricing." An earlier article from the Cambridge Chronicle and TAB did mention that the family behind the cafe was looking into the possibility of keeping Cafe Algiers open, though at the time, it would be closed for at least the time being.

Cafe Algiers first opened its doors nearly 50 years ago

The address for Cafe Algiers is 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[November 6 update: A check on the place today confirms that Cafe Algiers has indeed opened back up again, with some balloons shown out front, customers inside, and a sign in the door saying it is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily. This appears to be a quiet reopening, however, as there is next to nothing about its opening on social media, and phone calls placed to the spot today continue to go unanswered.]

[November 7 update: The Boston Globe mentions (via the Harvard Square Business Association) what one of our sources said earlier, that the reopened Cafe Algiers is under new ownership, with Sami Herbawi of Andala Coffee House in Central Square taking it over from "the ailing" Emil Durzi. (The article also says that the menu remains unchanged.)]

[Earlier Article]
Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Closing

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]





Sunday, October 23, 2016

Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Closing

A Cambridge landmark is getting ready to shut its doors for good after many years in business.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Cafe Algiers in Harvard Square is closing today, with the note saying "Please keep all our cooks, waitresses, and managers in your thoughts--and think of us when you next drink mint tea!" No specific reason was given for the closure, nor is it known what might be going into the Brattle Street space.

Cafe Algiers, which opened nearly 50 years ago, has been known as a place to go for lighter fare, coffee, and tea, with its menu including such Mediterranean items as hummus, baba ganoosh, falafel, tabbouli, couscous, lamb sausage, and more. (The place also offers beer and wine.)

The address for Cafe Algiers is 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

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, September 30, 2016

News Elsewhere: The Carnegie Deli in Manhattan Is Closing

One of the best-known delis in America is shutting down for good, a year after a temporarily closure of the place brought about much speculation about its future.

The New York Post is reporting that the Carnegie Deli in Manhattan's Theater District will close at the end of the year, with owner Marian Harper Levine giving the news to the restaurant's workers this morning. The article mentions that Levine is looking to "take a step back" from running a restaurant, saying that "At this stage of my life, the early mornings to late nights have taken a toll, along with my sleepless nights and grueling hours that come with operating a restaurant business."

The Carnegie Deli was shut down by the city in April of 2015, after an illegal gas hookup was discovered, with the dining spot ultimately reopening over the past winter. The restaurant has been in business since 1937.

The address for the Carnegie Deli is 854 7th Avenue, New York, NY, 10019. Its website is at http://carnegiedeli.com/

[December 30 update: Grub Street states that the Carnegie Deli closes its doors for good tonight.]

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, August 23, 2016

News Elsewhere: Howard Johnson Restaurant in Bangor, ME, to Close, Leaving Sole Location in Lake George, NY

What was once a household name on the local and national restaurant scene will soon be down to one remaining dining spot.

According to an article from MWTW Portland, the Howard Johnson restaurant location in Bangor, ME, will be closing September 6, as owner Sally Patel says that business has been "very slow." Once it shuts down, the only HoJo's restaurant left will be in Lake George, NY, as a third location of the chain in Lake Placid, NY, closed down last year. WMTW does say that the hotel part of Howard Johnson in Bangor will remain in operation.

The first Howard Johnson restaurant opened in Quincy in 1925 (according to a post in the Sun Chronicle), with the dining spot soon expanding throughout the country and becoming known for such items as fried clams, roast turkey, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream. A number of HoJo's outlets called the Boston area and Eastern Massachusetts their home over the years, including restaurants in Chelmsford, Concord, Dorchester, Framingham, Haverhill, Lexington, and Quincy.

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, August 16, 2016

Hugo's May Be Returning to Cohasset

It looks like a legendary restaurant name is returning to the South Shore.

According to an article in the Cohasset Mariner, Atlantica at the Cohasset Harbor Resort is becoming Hugo's, which is the name of the restaurant (specifically, Hugo's Lighthouse) that had once been there before closing decades ago; the space then became home to the Chart House--which was connected to the Chart House at Boston's Long Wharf--before becoming Atlantica. The post indicates that the menu at the new version of Hugo's will include several "old-fashioned" offerings, with a few items mentioned being pan-seared salmon, a gourmet baked lobster dish, and a roast prime rib of beef au jus.

The Cohasset Harbor Resort, which also includes The Olde Salt House, Brisa, and the Cohasset Harbor Inn, announced in June that it was being sold and has been closed to the public while the sale was being finalized. It looks like the resort (including Hugo's and the other restaurants) plans to open August 19, according to the Mariner.

A post from Wicked Local says that Hugo's Lighthouse first opened its doors in 1940; the restaurant was known in part for its classic seafood dishes along with its water views.

The address for Hugo's (and the Cohasset Harbor Resort) is 44 Border Street, Cohasset, MA, 02025.

[August 23 update: According to a Twitter post from @CohassetMariner, Hugo's had been hoping to open its doors this coming weekend, but a new tweet from the newspaper says that the opening has been delayed.]

[September 26 update: A new Twitter post from @CohassetMariner states that The Olde Salt House is now open, and Atlantica has actually returned for now, with the restaurant switching over to Hugo's at some point during the winter.]

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 27, 2016

Benjamin's Restaurant in Taunton Demolished Today

A now-closed landmark restaurant has officially disappeared from the landscape after various proposals for the space--and plans to save the building itself--ended up failing.

According to an article in Wicked Local, Benjamin's restaurant in Taunton was demolished today after it was decided that all viable options for the Bay Street structure ran out. As reported here earlier, an unsuccessful attempt to auction the property took place last September, which was followed by a second auction in January of this year that focused on fixtures, furniture, kitchen equipment, and more. Around the time of the second auction, Mechanics Cooperative Bank filed an application for a demolition permit for the building in case a buyer was not found, then a proposal to replace it with new development was voted down by the city council last month and attempts over a period of at least six months to re-use the structure--possibly by having a new restaurant move in--failed as well.

Benjamin's first opened its doors in 1968 and became a dining destination for many as well as a popular spot for functions and events over the years; the place shut its doors in May of 2015 and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The address for the Benjamin's property was 698 Bay Street, Taunton, MA, 02780.

[Earlier Articles]
City of Taunton to Hear Proposal to Replace Benjamin's with Residential Development
Auction for Benjamin's Fixtures, Equipment Being Held; Demolition Permit Application Submitted

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, April 04, 2016

City of Taunton to Hear Proposal to Replace Benjamin's with Residential Development

It looks like a now-closed landmark restaurant could become the site of a residential development, pending approval of a special permit.

The Taunton Daily Gazette is reporting that a proposal may be looked at in a city council hearing on Tuesday, April 5 that would turn the former Benjamin's site into a 23-unit multi-family residential development. This follows an unsuccessful September auction of the Bay Street property and a second auction in January that focused on fixtures, furniture, kitchen equipment, and more. At the time of the second auction, it was reported here that Mechanics Cooperative Bank filed an application for a demolition permit for the restaurant just in case a buyer was not found, with the sole remaining option possibly being to tear it down and replace it with new development.

[May 24 update: A new article in the Taunton Daily Gazette states that the city council has voted against plans to replace the former Benjamin's site with apartments, which means that the future of the property remains up in the air.]

Benjamin's, which first opened its doors in 1968, had been a landmark dining destination that featured mostly classic American items in a formal environment, along with space for events and functions. The restaurant shut down last May and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

The address for the Benjamin's property is 698 Bay Street, Taunton, MA, 02780.

[Earlier Articles]
Auction for Benjamin's Fixtures, Equipment Being Held; Demolition Permit Application Submitted
Auction of Benjamin's Restaurant in Taunton Unsuccessful
Benjamin's Restaurant in Taunton 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]



Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Bali Hai in Lynnfield Is for Sale

One of the last of the old-school Polynesian restaurants in the Greater Boston area is on the selling block.

According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Bali Hai in Lynnfield is up for sale, with a post within the Stormcentre Lynnfield Facebook community page confirming this, saying (via the Zillow site) that the building and the land on Moulton Drive are on the market for $2,500,000. It is not yet known if the restaurant has already closed down; as soon as we find out, we will post an update here. [February 18 update: According to a couple of sources, Bali Hai is still open, at least for now.]

Bali Hai is a dining and drinking spot that has been in business for more than 50 years, offering mostly Chinese-American and Polynesian food, along with Polynesian cocktails and tiki drinks. Back in its heyday (generally before a sound wall was built along Route 128, blocking the view of the place), the restaurant competed with such similar spots as Kowloon and the long-closed Weylu's on Route 1 in Saugus.

The address for Bali Hai is 160 Moulton Drive, Lynnfield, MA, 01940. Its website can be found at http://www.balihailynnfield.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Food Items from Asian Restaurants in the Boston Area]



Thursday, February 11, 2016

Changes Appear to Be Coming to Amrheins in South Boston

A South Boston institution that has been in business for more than 125 years is currently closed, and it appears that it may be going through some changes.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Amrheins on West Broadway has apparently been shut down since January 16, with an Instagram post showing that renovations seems to be taking place and that the dining spot could be reopening tomorrow (February 12). The article says, however, that the website does not mention anything about the closure or renovations, an employee at Mul's Diner across the street--which is under the same ownership--doesn't know about its status, and the phone line isn't connecting (we tried to get through a few times today and the line was busy). A licensing board page within the city of Boston website shows that a petition to transfer the business from Amrheins Incorporated to Mul's Pub, Inc. is being looked at on February 17, with the manager listed being Stephen Mulrey, who owns both Amrheins and Mul's Diner across the street.

Amrheins, which first opened in 1890, was purchased by Joe Mulrey (Stephen's father) in the 1950s. Approximately a decade ago, the restaurant closed for renovations and reopened as a slightly more upscale spot than before, when it was mostly a neighborhood restaurant featuring classic American fare. The eatery--which has the oldest hand-carved bar in the United States--has been featured by our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) with the review being found at the link below:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/Amrheins.html

As soon as we find out more about the exact status of Amrheins, we will post an update here.

The address for Amrheins is 80 West Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at http://amrheinsboston.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]