The Half Shell in Cambridge's Porter Square Has Closed; The Sub Shop to Open in Its Space

A longtime pizzeria in Cambridge has shut down, though a familiar name known for its artisan sandwiches will be moving into the space.

According to multiple sources, The Half Shell in Porter Square is no longer in business, with an article from the Cambridge Somerville Independent stating that The Sub Shop will be opening in the Massachusetts Avenue space. The article mentions that the Lagoudakis family, which has been running the pizza shop for nearly 30 years, has decided to retire, while also saying that Josh Winer will be bringing The Sub Shop--which started out as a popup within the now-closed Pastoral in Boston's Fort Point--into the space, offering freshly-made sandwiches using bread baked daily--and its popular spicy Calabrian chicken will be among the offerings along with the rest of the menu as well as a couple of new additions.

If all goes as planned, The Sub Shop could be opening around the middle of October.

The address for the now-closed Half Shell (and upcoming Sub Shop) is 1760 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. 

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Snappy Pattys in West Medford Has Closed

A comfort food spot a few miles north of Boston that was known in part for its burgers and fried chicken has closed.

According to a source, Snappy Pattys in West Medford is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the High Street place confirming this, saying the following:

To our wonderful neighbors and friends, After 14 incredible years of serving this community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors. Our last day of service was Saturday 26th Sept 2026....With all our love and gratitude, Snappy Pattys

The post also indicates that a new spot is moving into the space, saying that "454 High Street welcomes Rory O'Connors Irish Pub." (No other information has been given about that place, so stay tuned for any updates that come in.)

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Wahlburgers in Hingham Is Closing

Another location of a chain of burger spots with local roots is closing, and this one is its very first restaurant.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Wahlburgers in Hingham is getting ready to shut down, with the note saying the following:

After nearly 15 years, our lease at the Hingham Shipyard is coming to an end and will close on Sept. 30. As the original Wahlburgers location, Hingham will always hold a special place in our story. While this location is closing, we’re actively looking for a new home in the Boston area and hope to have more to share soon. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who walked through our doors, shared a meal with us and made this restaurant part of their lives. Thank you to our guests, our team members and the Hingham community.

Two other locations of the Wahlburgers chain (which was founded by Mark, Donnie, and Paul Wahlberg) have shut down in the local area over the past couple of years--at South Bay in Dorchester and MarketStreet Lynnfield; other outlets remain in operation in Boston's Fenway and Logan Airport (2) along with Plainville and Springfield.

The address for Wahlburgers in Hingham is 19 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA, 02043. The website for Wahlburgers can be found at https://www.wahlburgersrestaurant.com/

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Rome Pizza in Boston's South End Has Closed

A longtime pizzeria in Boston has shut down.

According to a source, Rome Pizza in the city's South End is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Tremont Street spot saying the following:

Hi friends as some of you know, we closed Rome Pizza, marking thirty years in business. It is hard to put 3 decades into a few short paragraphs. What has remained constant through all this years is the people. We want to thank everyone who has shared this journey with us, your support Kept our business going. We will miss you and our daily routine more than we can say.as we go to the next chapter of our life I wish all the very best. George & Jocelyne

Rome Pizza was mainly a takeout place that offered pizza, calzones, subs and sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, steak tips, pasta dishes, and more.

The address for the now-closed Rome Pizza in the South End was  416 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

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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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Sonic Drive-In in Stoughton Has Closed

A chain of drive-ins has closed another one of its locations in Eastern Massachusetts, and there is now only one remaining locally.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Sonic Drive-In in Stoughton is no longer in business, with a check on the website for the chain confirming this, showing that the Washington Street outlet has been removed from the site. With the closing of the Stoughton location, this means that the sole remaining Sonic in the local area is in Peabody, as others in Lawrence and Wilmington are no longer in business as well.

Sonic first opened in the Stoughton Town Center plaza in 2016, offering such items as burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, shakes, and more.

The address for the now-closed Sonic Drive-In in Stoughton was 630 Washington Street (Route 138), Stoughton, MA, 02072. The chain's website is at https://www.sonicdrivein.com/

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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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Waterford's Family Restaurant in Dedham Has Closed

A dining and drinking spot in the southwestern suburbs of Boston that offered a mix of Irish dishes and classic American fare has shut down.

According to a source, Waterford's Family Restaurant in Dedham is no longer in business, with the social media for the Bridge Street place mentioning this while also hinting that a new concept may be coming to the space, saying in a Facebook post that "We look forward to seeing you all when we reopen." Waterford's first opened in 2013, replacing the Irish Ale House; the restaurant's menu included such options as seafood soup, clam chowder, wings, tenders, fish sandwiches, burgers, nachos, chicken curry, fish and chips, tenderloin steak, and more.

The address for the now-closed Waterford's Family Restaurant was 2 Bridge Street, Dedham, MA, 02026.

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Olivadi Restaurant in Norwood Is Closing Permanently

A casual upscale suburban restaurant in the southwest suburbs of Boston that appeared to have shut down early in the pandemic only to open back up a couple of years later is now going to be closing permanently.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Olivadi Restaurant in Norwood is getting ready to say farewell, with the post from the Guild Street dining spot saying the following:

To our wonderful friends, family, and community, after many amazing years, we have made the difficult decision to close Olivadi Restaurant & Bar. Olivadi opened in 2008 when our father, Anthony Delapa, set out to create something truly special right here in downtown Norwood. Ever since, our family has been proud to be part of this community and welcome so many of you through our doors....From our family to yours, thank you for 18 years of memories, friendship, and support. Grazie di cuore

The note mentions that its last night of service will be Saturday, October 10.

Back in the middle part of 2020, Olivadi appeared to have closed for good because of the impact of Covid-19, along with the passing of Anthony Delapa; the restaurant did end up reopening in the spring of 2022.

The address for Olivadi Restaurant is 32 Guild Street, Norwood, MA, 02062. Its website can be found at https://www.olivadirestaurant.com/

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Cunard Tavern in East Boston Is Closing

A gastropub located in a space by the water is shutting down.

According to a couple of sources, Cunard Tavern in East Boston is getting ready to close, with a Facebook post from the Orleans Street spot saying the following:

After nearly a decade in East Boston, it's time to say goodbye....Cunard was never just a restaurant to us. It was a neighborhood bar, a gathering place, a place for first dates and birthday celebrations, Sunday brunches and late nights, beer dinners and trivia nights. Most importantly, it was a place where we got to know our neighbors and where so many of you became friends. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who walked through our doors, to the East Boston community that welcomed and supported us, and especially to every member of our team, past and present, who made Cunard what it is....Thank you, East Boston. It has been an honor to be your neighborhood tavern.

The last day for Cunard Tavern will be Sunday, September 27.

Cunard Tavern first opened in the spring of 2017 at the site of an old woodworking shop that was in the previous building there; the place has been known for its globally-inspired dishes along with its cocktail offerings.

The address for Cunard Tavern is 24 Orleans Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Its website can be found at https://www.cunardtavern.com/

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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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Shabu-Zen in Allston May Be Replaced by Zhu Seafood & Beef Hot Pot

One of a pair of longtime Asian fusion restaurants known in part for their hot pot could be replaced by a new hot pot place.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Shabu-Zen in Allston is petitioning to transfer its license to Zhu Seafood & Beef Hot Pot, which would open within its space on Brighton Avenue. Very little information has been given about the proposed eatery, but more should be known by later next week after the hearing, so stay tuned for updates.

The Allston location of Shabu-Zen opened approximately 20 years ago, joining the Chinatown location which had debuted a few years earlier and which remains in operation on Tyler Street.

The address for Shabu-Zen in Allston (and the proposed Zhu Seafood & Beef Hot Pot) is 80 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for the business is at https://www.shabuzen.com/

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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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Home Taste in Watertown Is Closed, Is Apparently Being Rebranded

A Chinese restaurant west of Boston that is known in part for its noodles and dumplings is locked up and dark, and it appears that it could be in the midst of a rebranding.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Home Taste in Watertown is currently closed, with a photo showing signs out front saying that Badam Uyghur Cuisine is apparently moving into the space. This could be a reconcepting from the people behind Home Taste, as a Facebook post from them earlier this month said the following:

We will be taking a short break for vacation and will be temporarily closed for approximately one month. Thank you so much for your continued support and understanding! We look forward to welcoming everyone back when we reopen.

Home Taste first opened in 2015, offering such options as hand-pulled noodles, handmade dumplings, Chinese "burgers," Szechuan dishes, and more. [Ed note: Another Home Taste can be found in Arlington Heights.]

The address for Home Taste in Watertown (and presumably, Badam Uyghur Cuisine) is 58 Mt Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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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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The Foodsmith in Duxbury Is Closing

A bakery-cafe on the South Shore that has a couple of well-known media people behind it is shutting down.

According to a Facebook post from the business, The Foodsmith in Duxbury is getting ready to close its doors, with the post from owner Laura Raposa saying the following:

Steven and I have had a wonderful experience running the Foodsmith for the past 11 years, but we've decided it's time to retire....A 70-hour work week has taken a toll on my back...as well as my aching feet. I'll need both in working order to enjoy life in the years ahead. Our plan is to serve our last breakfast sandwich and cold brew on Wednesday, Sept. 30. So, if you have a gift card -- and there are many floating around town -- please come in and use it. We'll be happy to refund remaining card balances upon request through our closing date.

Laura and her husband Steven Syre had previously been involved in the Boston media, with Laura writing for The Inside Track in The Boston Herald while Steven was a business columnist for The Boston Globe.

The address for The Foodsmith is 17 Standish Street, Duxbury, MA, 02332. Its website can be found at https://www.thefoodsmithduxbury.com/

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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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News Elsewhere: Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham Is Up for Sale

 An iconic seafood spot on the Cape is shuttered and on the market.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar in Eastham--which closed for the season over the weekend--is up for sale, with the post from owner Nick Nickerson saying the following:

After 50 wonderful and successful years, the time has come for me to sell Arnolds Lobster and Clam Bar....Although this is the end of an extraordinary chapter for me, the memories and friendships I have made will remain in my heart forever.

Arnold's has been known over the years for its clam chowder and lobster bisque, warm and cold lobster rolls, Wellfleet oysters, fried seafood baskets, and more.

The address for Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar is 3580 US-6, Eastham, MA, 02642.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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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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Anna's Taqueria at Northeastern University in Boston Has Closed

It looks like a location of a local group of Mexican spots that has been expanding of late has shut down.

According to multiple sources, including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Anna's Taqueria at Northeastern University in Boston is no longer in operation, with a check on the website for the business indicating that the location in the public food court inside the Marino Recreation Center has indeed been removed from the site. The dining spot first opened last year in the space where b.good had formerly been; other locations that debuted over the past couple of years in downtown Boston, South Boston, Dedham, Natick, and Woburn do remain open for business. (A number of other outlets of Anna's can be found in the Greater Boston area as well.)

The website for Anna's Taqueria is at https://annas.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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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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Village Pancake House in Rowley Has Closed

A longtime breakfast and lunch spot on the North Shore has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Village Pancake House in Rowley is no longer in business, with a Facebook post from the Main Street eatery saying the following:

Dear Friends, For more than 23 years, it has been our pleasure and privilege to provide a place where you could gather, enjoy a good meal, and make wonderful memories. Watching the restaurant grow and sharing so many special moments with you has been both exciting and incredibly fulfilling. We are deeply grateful for your friendship, loyalty, and support throughout the years. You have truly become a part of our family, and it has meant more to us than we can ever express. After much thought, we have decided that it is time for us to retire and close this chapter of our lives.

The Village Pancake House featured a variety of breakfast dishes along with seafood plates, sandwiches, and comfort food items such as ham steak, roast pork, meatloaf, steak tips, and chicken pot pie for lunch.

The address for the now-closed Village Pancake House was 26 Main Street, Rowley, MA, 01969.

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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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OTTO Pizza in South Weymouth Has Closed

The sole South Shore location of a group of pizzerias with roots up north has shut down.

According to its website, OTTO in South Weymouth is no longer in business, with its locations page showing that it has been removed from the site. The pizza spot first opened in the fall of 2023, moving into the ground floor of the Mio residential complex on Trotter Road (opposite the South Weymouth commuter rail station); currently, the closest location of OTTO to South Weymouth is in South Boston, with others being found in Andover, Arlington, Beverly, Boston's South End, the Boston/Brookline line (by BU), Brookline's Coolidge Corner, Cambridge's Harvard Square, Lynnfield, and Newburyport.

The address for the now-closed location of OTTO in South Weymouth was 39 Trotter Road, Weymouth, MA, 02190. The website for all locations is at https://www.ottoportland.com/

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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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French Quarter in Downtown Boston Has Closed

A restaurant in the heart of Boston that featured traditional New Orleans dishes has shut down.

According to multiple sources, French Quarter on Washington Street is no longer in business, with an Instagram post from the dining spot saying the following:

To our guests, thank you for walking through our doors, celebrating with us, and making French Quarter part of your nights in Boston. You gave this restaurant its life and its meaning. To our staff, past and present, thank you for the care, hard work, humor, patience, and heart you gave to this place. French Quarter was never just the room or the menu. It was the people who made it feel alive....we are deeply grateful for every guest, every team member, and every memory made here. It has been an honor to serve you.

French Quarter first opened in downtown Boston six years ago, moving into the space where a location of Salvatore's had once been; its menu offered such options as red beans and rice, gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, crawfish etouffee, cornbread, and more.

The address for the now-closed French Quarter was 545 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

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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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Pizza Roma in Watertown Has Closed; Bougie Pizza Co. Is Replacing It

A suburban pizzeria known for its thin-crust and Sicilian pizza options has closed, and a new pizza spot is moving into its space.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Pizza Roma in Watertown is no longer in business, with a photo showing a sign out front at the Waverley Avenue spot indicating that Bougie Pizza Co. will be coming soon to the space. No information has been given as to why Pizza Roma shut down, nor is it known what kind of pizza (and other food) Bougie Pizza Co. might offer, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for the now-closed Pizza Roma (and upcoming Bougie Pizza Co.) is 212 Waverley Avenue, Watertown, MA, 02472. Its website is at https://www.bougiepizzaco.com/

[September 22 update: According to its social media, Bougie Pizza Co. is now open in Watertown, with its website showing pizza, sandwiches, and salads.]

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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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INspire Cafe in Wakefield Is Closing

A community cafe in the northern suburbs of Boston that is known for being an inclusive workplace is shutting down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, INspire Cafe is getting ready to close, with a Facebook post from the Main Street eatery saying the following:

With heavy hearts, we share that INspire cafe will be permanently closing its doors on Saturday, September 5 at 4pm....Unfortunately, the financial realities of operating the Cafe have become increasingly challenging. Rising food and operation costs, broader economic pressures, and and uncertainty surrounding federal funding have all contributed to growing financial pressures on the Cafe's mission-centered operations. The organization has worked tirelessly and explored multiple avenues to identify a sustainable path forward; however, it has reached a point where continued Cafe operations are no longer possible.

Since first opening early last year, INspire cafe has focused on helping bring about change by offering employment opportunities for people with diverse abilities.

The address for INspire Cafe is 411 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its website can be found at https://inspirecafe.org/

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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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NU Kitchen in Somerville Has Closed

A trio of cafes known for their healthy options is back down to two, as they have closed their sole Boston-area location.

According to multiple sources, NU Kitchen in Somerville is no longer in business, with a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page putting up a photo of a note out front saying "After nearly 10 wonderful years, we've made the difficult decision to close NU Kitchen Somerville." The note does mention that locations in Worcester and Newburyport remain in operation, saying "we hope to see many of you there."

NU Kitchen first opened on Washington Street on the outskirts of Union Square in 2016, offering such options as soups, salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, smoothies, and more including vegan and gluten-free options.

The address for the now-closed NU Kitchen was 195 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. The website for the business is at https://www.thenukitchen.com/

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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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2nd Street Cafe in East Cambridge Is Closed; Exact Status Unknown

A longtime favorite for breakfast and lunch in Cambridge is locked up and dark, and it isn't known whether the place will reopen.

According to a source, the 2nd Street Cafe in East Cambridge is shuttered, with photos sent to us hinting that the space appears to be cleaned out, while a check on its website indicates that the site is no longer running. A Reddit thread mentions that according to a sign out front, the eatery had been closed for vacation until July 18 but it still hasn't reopened; as soon as we find out more about the exact status of the restaurant, we will post an update here.

The address for the 2nd Street Cafe is 89 Second Street #1, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

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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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