ManRay Returns to Cambridge's Central Square January 18

After being in the works for ten years, a legendary Cambridge nightclub is finally getting ready to be reborn.

According to an article from Vanyaland, ManRay is slated to open in Central Square on January 18, and as mentioned here in an earlier article, it will be moving into the old ImprovBoston comedy club space on Prospect Street. The original ManRay, which previously resided on nearby Brookline Street, first opened in 1985, being an "underground" place that featured themed nights along with goth and new wave bands and more; it closed in 2005, though in 2013 there was talk about it returning to the neighborhood, and in 2021, it was learned that the place would indeed be coming back in a new space.

Vanyaland says that the new incarnation of ManRay will continue on as an alternative underground spot with DJs, occasional live music, and weekly themed nights including goth parties on Wednesdays, gay nights on Thursdays, fetish-themed industrial nights on Fridays, and electro and new wave parties on Saturdays.

The new address for ManRay is 40 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at https://www.manraynightclub.com/

[Earlier Article]
ManRay Plans to Open in Former ImprovBoston Space in Cambridge's Central Square

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!

Jazz Urbane Cafe Still Planning to Open in Roxbury

A few years ago, it was reported that a cafe featuring live music could be coming to an historic building in Roxbury. Now we have learned that the plans are still on the table and appear to be moving forward.

According to an article from Universal Hub, Jazz Urbane Cafe continues to look at opening within the Ferdinand storefront section of the Bolling Building in Nubian Square. The people behind the proposed spot--Nia Grace of Darryl's Corner Kitchen & Bar, Berkeley Professor Bill Banfield, and entrepreneur Turahn Dorsey--will need to get approval for a variance by the Zoning Board of Appeal due to a lack of parking, as well as licenses to serve food and drink. If they get the green light to open, the new spot would feature live jazz music from both local and national performers (including acts from Banfield's Jazz Urbane record label) while the space may also be used for community events.

As mentioned earlier, the Bolling Building dates back to the 1880s.

The website for Jazz Urbane Cafe can be found at jazzurbanecafe.com

[Earlier Article]
Jazz Urbane Cafe Could Be Opening in Roxbury's Dudley Square

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!

The Good Life in Downtown Boston Is Closing

A dining, drinking, and entertainment spot in downtown Boston is getting ready to shut down.

According to a tweet from @FortPointer, The Good Life on Kingston Street is closing its doors, with a Facebook post from the place saying the following:

…this is NOT a time to be sad. This is a time to celebrate with us. WE ARE STILL OPEN. So please, walk through the door, have a drink and let's make some final memories together. Save all the wishy-washy memory posts until after we're actually gone. WE NEED Y'ALL TO COME IN HERE. Anyways, we're open EVERY WEEKEND until Saturday, December 17. That is our very last night of business. So that's 3 weekends left (except for Friday Dec. 9 which is private). We intend to do something in the future, but it will never be like this again.

The Good Life has been around since the late 1990s, changing over to its current ownership around 2005 and being a restaurant, bar, and nightclub while also featuring local artwork as well.

The address for The Good Life is 28 Kingston Street, Boston, MA, 02111. Its website can be found at https://www.goodlifebar.com/

[December 29 update: Based on its social media, we have confirmed that The Good Life is now indeed 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]

---

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!

ManRay Plans to Open in Former ImprovBoston Space in Cambridge's Central Square

Nearly ten years ago, it was reported that a legendary nightclub could be coming back to Cambridge, and now we have learned that it finally appears to be happening.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, ManRay is planning to open in the old ImprovBoston comedy club space on Prospect Street in Central Square (the Improv is now doing shows at The Starlight Square stage in Central Square and The Rockwell in Somerville's Davis Square), with the space currently being under construction--and an alcohol pouring license was awarded for ManRay this week. The post says that if all goes as planned, ManRay could debut in the middle of October.

Back in early 2013, we had mentioned here that ManRay was eyeing the old Blockbuster space on Mass. Ave., and that the new version of the club would be much smaller than the original while serving food as well as drinks, though these plans ultimately fell through. The club first opened in 1985, being an "underground" place that featured goth and new wave bands. (It closed down in the summer of 2005.)

The address for the upcoming ManRay is 40 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[Earlier Article]
ManRay Hoping to Return to Cambridge

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.)

The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge's Central Square Is Reopening Under New Ownership

Last summer, it was reported that a landmark bar and music club in Cambridge was up for sale, and now we have learned that a new owner is indeed seeking to open the place back up.

According to a Cambridge License Commission page, a transfer of the liquor license for The Cantab Lounge in Central Square is in the works, with Richard "Fitzy" Fitzgerald and parent company Crystal Lunch, Inc. looking to transfer the license to Dancing in the Dark, LLC, with Michael Cronin being the proposed manager. In an earlier article here from last July, Fitzgerald mentioned that the club was going on the market, though no details on a prospective owner had been given at the time; Fitzgerald said that "After 50 years of good times and good friends I have made the decision to put The Cantab Lounge up for sale....The Cantab is currently closed, due to the governor's order that all bars will remain closed until a vaccine or credible treatment has been identified. We look forward to opening just as soon as it is safe to do so."

The Cantab was once known for being home to legendary R&B group Little Joe & The Thrillers. Its address is 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

Thanks to Cambridge Day for initially bringing this to our attention.

[June 9 update: A new article from Cambridge Day indicates that the city has given its approval for The Cantab to reopen under new ownership, with former Cambridge resident Tim Dibble, (who is a partner in a private equity firm) being the new owner and--as mentioned earlier--Michael Cronin (Tony C's, Jillian's) being the manager. The post mentions that the space needs renovations which could take a couple of months, though the plan is to have The Cantab remain a center for music and the arts; one of the next steps for the club is for the state's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to give its approval for the liquor license.]

[October 25 update: Cambridge Day states that The Cantab plans to reopen on December 2, though the Boston Poetry Slam won't be returning there.]

[December 8 update: A new article from Cambridge Day mentions that The Cantab now plans to reopen on December 15.]

[December 16 update: A check on its social media indicates that The Cantab is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge's Central Square Is Up for Sale

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.)

Payment Options

Option 1 : $1.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $10.00 USD - monthly

Live Music Is Now Allowed at Massachusetts Restaurants--But No Singing Is Allowed Indoors

Late last month, it was reported that restaurants in Massachusetts would be able to feature live music once again, but some confusion surrounded the exact details. Now we have learned that while it is indeed allowed, there is one restriction that will probably be seen as a major one.

According to an article from 7 News Boston, live music--which was allowed to resume in dining spots as of March 1--cannot include singers if the acts are indoors, as singing is only allowed in outdoor areas such as patios or decks. This jibes with what a few restaurants owners said to us over the past several days, though it was not known for sure whether these were old rules from last year that would be changed or whether they would remain in place, which appears to be the case. The post also mentions that each performer needs to be 10 feet from the others, while the acts must also be 6 feet from the nearest customers--and dance floors will remain closed for now while performers will need to wear masks when possible.

The information above was clarified by state officials via a bulletin that was apparently issued over the weekend.

[Earlier Article]
Baker Administration to Remove Maximum Restaurant Capacity Restrictions, Allow Live Music in Restaurants

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.)

 

Payment Options

Option 1 : $1.00 USD - monthly  Option 2 : $5.00 USD - monthly  Option 3 : $10.00 USD - monthly

 

Great Scott Eyeing Former Pizzeria Regina Space in Allston

In June, it was reported that an iconic music club that had closed down could be returning to its space, only to find out that the space would apparently go to another tenant. Now we have learned that there is a chance the club could be reborn in a former restaurant space with a good amount of room.

According to an article from Vanyaland, Great Scott's booking agent Carl Lavin--who has been working with the Salem-based investment platform Mainvest--is looking at opening the club in the Pizzeria Regina space on Cambridge Street in Allston, not too far from Great Scott's old space on Commonwealth Avenue. In the article, Lavin says (via the Mainvest fundraising page) the following:

We have located the perfect location to relocate the Great Scott amidst the craziness of 2020....I'm proud to say that we've entered into negotiations with the landlord of the former location of Pizzeria Regina, whose roots and passion for Allston have proven undeniable over the years....Additionally, we've been working with a well-known locally-owned pizzeria to partner on the location so that Great Scott will be able to work to reopen as a loyal Allstonian hub for the arts and watering hole and before Phase 4 of reopening, to help secure our long-term success.

Great Scott, which first started out in 1976, had closed temporarily in the middle of March due to the stay-at-home advisory issued by the state of Massachusetts, and was told by its landlord that its lease would not be renewed, resulting in an announcement that the closure would be permanent. Lavin's collaborative fundraiser with Mainvest gave hope that the club could return to its old space, but Oak Hill Properties LLC reportedly found a new tenant for the space.

The Allston location of Pizzeria Regina closed last month after being in business for approximately 10 years. (Their other locations remain in operation.)

[August 25 update: Eater Boston states that Rock City Pizza on Cambridge Street is the pizzeria previously mentioned as the spot that would collaborate with Great Scott.]

[Earlier Articles]
Great Scott in Allston Has Closed for Good
Could Great Scott in Allston Be Returning?
Great Scott Space in Allston to Go to Another Tenant
Pizzeria Regina in Allston Is Closing for Good

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.)

Payment Options

Option 1 : $1.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $10.00 USD - monthly

The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge's Central Square Is Up for Sale

The future of an iconic bar and music club in Cambridge appears to be in doubt.

According to multiple sources and posters on social media (including several local musicians), The Cantab Lounge in Central Square is on the market, with a few people saying that an email went out to them over the weekend about a potential sale of the Mass. Ave. spot. Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub initially told us about this yesterday evening, while also posting that "Word is spreading like wildfire...that the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge is closing for good." Adam also told us about a Boston Poetry Slam post saying that "Word went out that our home venue, the beloved and oft-fondly-maligned Cantab Lounge, will not reopen. The business is expected to be announced for sale." We have reached out to the place for more details and are waiting to hear back from them, so keep checking back for updates.

As mentioned here in an earlier article, the downstairs part of The Cantab (Club Bohemia) had shut down in September of 2018, though it reopened a few months later. The Cantab itself was once known for being home to legendary R&B group Little Joe & The Thrillers.

The address for The Cantab Lounge is 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at https://www.cantab-lounge.com/

[July 20 update: The Club Bohemia Newsletter confirms some of what has been mentioned above, with the title of the blog entry being "The Closing of the Cantab Lounge Official Statement from Mickey Bliss" while the message says that "We are sad to announce that the Cantab Lounge is being sold."]

[July 22 update: Cambridge Day gives what could be a glimmer of hope for the future of the Cantab Lounge, with Cantab owner Richard "Fitzy" Fitzgerald saying that it would reopen "just as soon as it is safe" while also confirming that it is up for sale. In addition, Mickey Bliss (who is the Club Bohemia booking agent) quotes Fitzgerald in a Facebook post that "After 50 years of good times and good friends I have made the decision to put The Cantab Lounge up for sale....The Cantab is currently closed, due to the governor's order that all bars will remain closed until a vaccine or credible treatment has been identified. We look forward to opening just as soon as it is safe to do so."]

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]

---

Create Gallery & Cocktail Lounge Opens at Bow Market in Somerville

A highly-anticipated new spot featuring cocktails, art, and music has come to a new development in one of the hottest sections of Somerville.

Eater Boston is reporting that Create Gallery & Cocktail Lounge is now open at Bow Market in the Union Square section of Somerville, moving into a space on the second level of the complex which is located between Somerville Avenue and Bow Street. As mentioned before, the new place is run by Louis DiBiccari, who has also been involved with such spots as the now-closed Tavern Road in Boston's Fort Point and Eater says that parts of that place will "live on" at Create, which is a permanent version of his annual Create event geared toward chefs, bartenders, artists, and musicians. Food will apparently not be offered at Create, but patrons can bring food in from other places at Bow Market, while draft cocktails whose recipes come from local bartenders will be served at the place (a small selection of beer, wine, and cider will also be available as well). Eater says that art will be available for purchase as well, and music playlists will come from local DJs and others.

The Instagram page for Create Gallery & Cocktail Lounge can be found at https://www.instagram.com/creategalleryandcocktail/

[Earlier Article]
Create Gallery & Cocktail Lounge Plans to Open at Bow Market in Somerville's Union Square

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]

---

The Groove to Open at Hojoko in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

by Marc Hurwitz

A Tokyo-style record bar is on its way to the Fenway, opening within an eclectic hotel restaurant and bar that also focuses on music.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, The Groove at Hojoko is planning to debut this Friday (April 19) in Hojoko's heated front porch space that up until now has been used for dining/drinking and private events. The post says that the lounge will take its cue from vinyl bars found in Japan that offer snacks, drinks, and analog music, and it will include bring-your-own vinyl nights, DJs, live music, and more.

Tim and Nancy Cushman, who are behind both The Groove and Hojoko, also run the award-winning o ya in Boston's Leather District, and they are opening a new spot in Chestnut Hill along with two stalls at the upcoming Time Out Market in the Fenway.

The address for The Groove at Hojoko is 1271 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for Hojoko can be found at http://www.hojokoboston.com/

---

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

---

Tweet

Jazz Urbane Cafe Could Be Opening in Roxbury's Dudley Square

by Marc Hurwitz

About a year ago, we reported that a new restaurant featuring live music could be coming to an increasingly-hot section of Roxbury. Now we have learned a bit more about the upcoming place.

According to an article from Universal Hub, musician and Berklee College of Music professor William Banfield is planning to open JazzUrbane Cafe within the historic Bolling Building in Dudley Square, with the place featuring food and live entertainment at night while being a space for arts organizations and community groups during the day. Banfield mentions in a statement that "I am excited for the opportunity to create a truly unique experience in Roxbury, to bring back jazz to Dudley Square, and build an establishment that will become a destination for all residents and visitors," while a Boston Magazine article says that Banfield also states the place will be "designed to bring neighbors together and celebrate through the shared love of food, art, and community in a warm and inviting venue." No opening date has been given for JazzUrbane Cafe, so stay tuned for updates.

The Bolling Building is currently home to Soleil restaurant and Dudley Cafe, though two other dining spots--Dudley Dough and Tasty Burger--no longer reside in the structure, which dates back to the 1880s.

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]

---

Tweet

Club Bohemia in Cambridge's Central Square to Close

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like another iconic music club is shutting down.

Vanyaland is reporting that Club Bohemia, which is located in the basement of The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge's Central Square, is closing on September 2, with the website for the place stating that its final show is September 1--and also mentioning that The Cantab will remain in operation. No reason has been given for the closure of the club at this point in time, and a post on its Facebook page discusses starting an online petition to save the place, so stay tuned for any updates as they come in.

Club Bohemia has featured many local and regional acts over the years, while the Cantab itself was once known for being home to Little Joe & The Thrillers, an R&B group that played there countless times (Cook passed away in 2014).

The address for Club Bohemia (and The Cantab Lounge) is 738 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[August 30 update: Based on a blog post, it looks like the last night at Club Bohemia will be Saturday, September 1.]

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]

---

Tweet

Create Gallery & Cocktail Lounge Plans to Open at Bow Market in Somerville's Union Square

by Marc Hurwitz

One of the owners of a now-closed restaurant and cocktail spot in Boston's Fort Point--and the person behind a popup in the South End--is opening a new dining and drinking place at a recently-opened development in Somerville.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Louis DiBiccari of the shuttered Tavern Road along with Humaari (at Wink & Nod) is planning to open Create Gallery & Cocktail Lounge at Bow Market in Union Square, with the post stating that the idea for the upcoming spot comes from Create Boston, a celebration of food and art through events held in the local area. The brick-and-mortar location of Create will also focus on food, drink, art, and music, including the selling of art, promotions set up via social media, and 45- to 60-day residencies for artists, while bartenders from the Boston area and elsewhere will help collaborate on cocktails offered at the place. If all goes as planned, Create Gallery & Cocktail Lounge plans to open this fall.

Bow Market, which features a variety of businesses and food/drink vendors, is located between Somerville Avenue and Bow Street in Union Square.

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]

---

Tweet