Flat Top Johnny's Reopens in New Space in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A bit more than a year ago, it was reported that a popular restaurant, bar, and pool hall in Cambridge was planning to be reborn in a new space nearby, and it is now up and running.

According to its social media, Flat Top Johnny's opens back up this afternoon on Main Street in Kendall Square, moving into a space within an MIT building that is only a few blocks from its former home at One Kendall Square, and the new location offers food, drink, pool, darts, and pinball. Flat Top Johnny's said farewell to One Kendall Square in August of 2020 after being in business for 27 years, subsequently looking for a new space that briefly had it looking at Allston before those plans fell through.

The address for the new location of Flat Top Johnny's in Kendall Square is 238 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086181597177 while its Twitter page is at https://twitter.com/FlatTopJohnnys

[Earlier Article]
Flat Top Johnny's Plans to Return to Kendall Square in Cambridge

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Flat Top Johnny's Plans to Return to Kendall Square in Cambridge

A beloved restaurant, bar, and pool hall in Cambridge that closed down a couple of years ago appears to be returning, though an exact location has not been given as of yet.

A tweet from @dbelson indicates (via a Twitter post from the business) that Flat Top Johnny's is looking to be reborn in Kendall Square, with the post from the place displaying "Kendall Square 2.0" and saying "Coming Soon" while showing a video of the front of a building with a sign for the spot added. No address has been given for the new location of Flat Top Johnny's, nor is it known when it might reopen, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

Flat Top Johnny's, which shut its doors in August of 2020 after being in business for 27 years, had been looking to reopen in Allston last year but those plans ended up falling through.

[May 25, 2023 update: A source tells us (via a Cambridge Day article) that Flat Top Johnny's is planning to be reborn in the MIT building at 238 Main Street, with the proposed new space including seating for 160 inside and another 40 on an outdoor patio.]

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Plans for Flat Top Johnny's to Open in Allston Have Fallen Through

A couple of weeks ago, it was reported that a popular restaurant, bar, and pool hall in Cambridge was looking to be reborn in a space in Allston. Now we have learned that this will not be happening after all.

According to a story within its Instagram page, Flat Top Johnny's has given up on its plans to open on N Harvard Street,  with the note saying the following:

We are saddened to announce that we will not be moving forward with our Allston project. The neighborhood was strongly against us moving in and we are not the kind of business to ignore their wishes. For those of you who were in favor, we are sorry that we won't be able to bring the fun to your hood.

Flat Top Johnny's closed its Kendall Square location last August after being in business for 27 years.

[Earlier Article]
Flat Top Johnny's Is Looking to Reopen in Allston

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

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

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Flat Top Johnny's Is Looking to Reopen in Allston

A beloved restaurant, bar, and pool hall in Cambridge that shut down last summer could be brought back to life in a Boston neighborhood, though details are few as of now.

According to a source, Flat Top Johnny's is apparently looking to reopen somewhere in Allston and that a meeting may have taken place (or will be taking place) this week on the subject. The former Kendall Square spot added to the mystery with an Instagram post from last week saying that "We are looking for folks in Allston who might be able to speak at a meeting of The Allston Civic Association. We will post more details when we get them but in the mean tell your friends! #3.0" The 3.0 appears to refer to a third incarnation of the place, as the second incarnation was its reopening five years ago after being forced to close due to a fire.

Flat Top Johnny's shut its doors last August after being in business for 27 years.

[July 22 update: A Facebook post from Flat Top Johnny's confirms that they are indeed looking at being reborn in Allston, saying that a meeting was scheduled for last night to discuss their plans to open at 210 N Harvard Street, which is just south of the Western Avenue intersection. (Thanks to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page for bringing this to our attention.)]

[July 28 update: A tweet from @certaintragedy indicates that the proposed location of Flat Top Johnny's in Allston plans to include a restaurant, pool hall, and back patio, while the hope is to also have a full liquor license as well.]

[Earlier Article]
Flat Top Johnny's in Cambridge's Kendall Square Is Closing for Good

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

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

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Flat Top Johnny's in Cambridge's Kendall Square Is Closing for Good

A beloved restaurant, bar, and pool hall in Cambridge is shutting down permanently.

According to multiple sources, including members of the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Flat Top Johnny's in Kendall Square is closing its doors, with an Instagram post from the place saying the following:

2020 has been a hell of a year and has set everything upside down. While we thought this day would come years from now, we are here to announce the end of 27 years of pool, cocktails, pinball, food, and fun at Flat Top Johnny's....For the next few weeks, we will remain open for outdoor service and take out....Have a burger and a beer, buy some swag to take home and help us celebrate what has been an amazing run.

The note says that Flat Top Johnny's will shutter on August 14.

The address for Flat Top Johnny's is 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at http://www.flattopjohnnys.com/

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

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

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Jillian's in Boston's Fenway to Become Lucky Strike Social

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime entertainment complex in the Fenway is getting a name change.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Jillian's and Lucky Strike on Ipswich Street is rebranding to Lucky Strike Social, with a few changes coming to the space including a staircase connecting the billiards and bowling spot to Cheeky Monkey Brewing Company downstairs. The post mentions that once the changeover is complete, Lucky Strike Social will join two others in Albany and Honolulu.

Jillian's first opened approximately 30 years ago, with the Lucky Strike brand coming to the space toward the end of 2003; Cheeky Monkey Brewing Company is a newcomer to the site, taking over the former Tequila Rain space this summer.

The address for Jillian's/Lucky Strike (and the rebranded Lucky Strike Social) is 145 Ipswich Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The Jillian's website is at http://jilliansboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. to Open in Former Tequila Rain Space in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

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Kings Bowl America Becoming Kings Dining and Entertainment; Flagship to Open in Boston's Seaport District

An expanding group of entertainment facilities based in the local area is being rebranded--and its flagship location will soon be opening on the Boston waterfront.

According to a press release, Kings Bowl America is changing its name to Kings Dining and Entertainment, with the change being made as it continues to evolve from group of bowling, dining, and drinking spots to more of a full-fledged group of entertainment complexes. As earlier reported, its flagship--and largest location--is slated to debut at One Seaport Square in the Seaport District in October, and it will be billed as a multi-floor "adult playground" with a sports bar, an arcade bar, billiards, multiple bowling areas, a private bowling room, three corporate event rooms, and DJs nightly.

Currently, locations of Kings can be found in Boston's Back Bay along with Burlington, Dedham, Lynnfield, Raleigh, NC, Franklin, TN, Doral and Orlando, FL, and Rosemont, IL. Its website is at http://kingsbowlamerica.com/

[October 14 update: According to a press release, the new Kings in the Seaport District is slated to open on October 30.]

[Earlier Article]
Kings to Open in Boston's Seaport District

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Plans for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements in Saugus Withdrawn, May Be Modified

Last month we reported that a family entertainment spot that would include bowling, billiards, food, drink, and more could be on its way to Saugus. Now we have learned that these plans have been shelved, at least for now.

According to an article from Wicked Local, plans for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements to open at the Square One Mall have fallen through, as the company has withdrawn its proposal without prejudice after town selectmen raised concerns such as the possible draining of public safety resources and alcohol-related issues. The company will still be able to talk about its plans with the Saugus police department and reapply if it wishes to do so, though it is not yet known if this will indeed happen.

One location of the Japan-based Round 1 Bowling & Amusements can be found in Massachusetts (in Taunton) while another 14 outlets can be found in nine other states.

The website for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements is at http://www.round1usa.com/

[December 8 update: Wicked Local states that the group behind Round 1 Bowling & Amusements did indeed modify their proposal, making the closing time 1:00 AM instead of 2:00 AM and offering plans to install mirrored walls, glass doors, and security cameras in the private karaoke rooms, but the Saugus Board of Selectmen rejected the application, citing "public discontent and concerns from the Saugus Police Department." The article mentions that the group may appeal the decision, with their decision expected over the next few days.]

[Earlier Article]
Round 1 Bowling & Amusements May Be Opening in Saugus

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Round 1 Bowling & Amusements May Be Opening in Saugus

A family entertainment spot that includes bowling, billiards, food, drink, and more may be on its way to Saugus.

According to an article in Wicked Local, Round 1 Bowling & Amusements is looking to open on the second floor of Sears at the Square One Mall, with the proposed 60,000-square-foot seeking a beer and wine license that would allow it to serve alcohol along with "typical bowling alley foods." The post says that the proposal includes the possibility of having 14 bowling lanes, 8 pool tables, 300 arcade games, a couple of dart machines and a couple of Ping Pong tables, and four private karaoke rooms. Currently, there is one other location of the Japan-based Round 1 Bowling & Amusements in Massachusetts (in Taunton) while another 14 outlets can be found in nine other states.

The website for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements is at http://www.round1usa.com/

[August 18 update: A new article from Wicked Local states that plans for Round 1 Bowling & Amusements to open at the Square One Mall have fallen through, as the company has withdrawn its proposal after town selectmen raised concerns about the plans, including worries about the draining of public safety resources and issues related to alcohol. The article does say that because the application for the place was withdrawn without prejudice, Round 1 Bowling & Amusements can still discuss the plans with Saugus police and apply once again, though it is not yet known if this will happen.]

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Flat Top Johnny's in Cambridge's Kendall Square to Reopen April 16

Last summer, we reported that a restaurant, bar, and pool hall in Cambridge was one of a few dining and drinking spots forced to shut down after being hit by a fire. Now we have learned that the place is just about ready to open.

According to a Facebook post, Flat Top Johnny's in Kendall Square is going to be reopening on April 16, with free pool, specials on beer, and food offered. In August, a two-alarm fire damaged Flat Top Johnny's, the Blue Room, Belly Wine Bar, and Beantowne Coffee, and all four remain closed, though the latter three should be opening over the coming weeks as well.

The address for Flat Top Johnny's is 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at http://www.flattopjohnnys.com/

Kendall Square Dining/Drinking Spots on Track to Open This Spring After Fire
http://bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com/2015/08/three-restaurants-in-cambridges-kendall.html

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Kings to Open in Boston's Seaport District

An entertainment facility with several locations in the Boston area is going to be opening another spot in one of the hottest sections of the city.

According to the coming soon section within its site, Kings is planning to open a new complex in the Seaport District, with a photo from that area shown on the page, looking back toward the downtown area of Boston. It is not known exactly where the new place will open, with the page only saying that it will be opening in the summer of 2017. In addition to the Seaport District, another location of Kings will be coming to Chicago as well, with that complex possibly opening this fall.

Kings, which features dining, drinking, bowling, pool, and other games, can be found in Boston's Back Bay, along with Burlington, Dedham, Lynnfield, Raleigh, NC, Orlando, FL, and Rosemont, IL. Its website is at http://kingsbowlamerica.com/

[April 14 update: According to a number of sources, including an earlier article from boston.com, the new Kings will open at One Seaport Square, a new complex that will be located between Seaport Boulevard and Northern Avenue.]

[August 14, 2017 update: The Boston Herald states that the long-awaited Seaport District location of Kings plans to open in October, and that it will be the chain's flagship location--and one that is being billed as an "adult playground" with a sports bar, an arcade bar, billiards, a private bowling room, three corporate event rooms, and DJs seven nights a week. (The article also says that the chain itself is being rebranded into more of a place to get food and enjoy entertainment, along with bowling.)]

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The Wave Sports Pub in Waltham Has Closed

A bar west of Boston has closed its doors, and it is anyone's guess as to what might move into its enormous space.

A Twitter post from the Brand New Watch blog of Wicked Local indicates that The Wave Sports Pub in Waltham is now shuttered, with a note saying that "After 30 years in business the Wave Sports Pub has made the decision to close its doors for good effective Tuesday September 3rd, 2013." The sprawling bar, which was in the same building as the Waltham Athletic Club, was known as a place to go to shoot pool (it had a large number of tables) as well as karaoke.

Because The Wave's space is so large, it could end up being something other than a new restaurant or bar, but at this point, there is no word on what might be taking over the spot. (Keep checking back for updates.)

The address for this now-closed bar in Waltham was: The Wave Sports Pub, 411 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA, 02452.

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Patron's Mexican Kitchen and Watering Hole Is Replacing Big City in Allston

The folks behind two popular restaurants and a place to play pool in Allston are going to be changing their pool hall into a brand new eatery.

According to the Chowder blog of Boston Magazine, Big City on Brighton Avenue will become Patron's Mexican Kitchen & Watering Hole, a restaurant that will be the "most focused Mexican spot" out of the three restaurants, which includes the Sunset Grill & Tap (which is downstairs from Big City) and the Sunset Cantina. The article states that the new dining spot will offer the same Mexican-American fare that the other two restaurants offer, but it will also feature "Mexican rustic cooking," with such items as stewed ribs with beans, plantains, and chipotle tomato sauce. The menu will also include Latin American fare along with Cajun and Southern-style dishes, according to Chowder.

The article mentions that four of the pool tables from Big City will remain once Patron's Mexican Kitchen & Watering Hole opens, with the bar being redone and two brick fireplaces being added to the space.

Expect Patron's Mexican Kitchen & Watering Hole to be open by April at the latest.

[June 29 update: Eater Boston reports that Patron's Mexican Kitchen & Watering Hole is hoping to open by Labor Day, though it could be open as early as late August.]

[October 25 update: The Boston Globe mentions that Patron's is now open.]

The address for this new restaurant and bar will be: Patron's Mexican Kitchen & Watering Hole, 138 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for all three spot can be found at http://www.allstonsfinest.com/

For more information on this story, please go to the Chowder link below.

Big City to Become 'Patron's Mexican Kitchen and Watering Hole'

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