The Autograph Opens in the Former Smythe & Dove Steak/Dakota Bar Space in Andover

The group behind a trio of dining spots north of Boston has opened a brand restaurant and bar.

According to a couple of sources, The Autograph is now open in Andover in the former Smythe & Dove Steak/Dakota Bar space, with the website and social media for the place indicating that it is an "American tavern" that is open for lunch and dinner. The new place joins other Andover spots from Paul LaRosa and his team, including Privé, La Fina, and LaRosa's.

Plans for The Autograph were first mentioned in the Andover News.

The address for The Autograph is 89 Main Street, Andover, MA, 01810. Its website is at https://www.autographtavern.com/

NOTE: We need your help, as Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and some major related expenses. Please donate at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

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[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk Is for Sale

A Western-themed restaurant and bar that has been around for more than 40 years is on the market.

According to a source, the Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk is for sale, with a listing within the bizbuysell.com site showing the asking price as being $2,575,000 for "the real estate, the licenses and permits and the goodwill of the business," though the business itself can be purchased for $500,000 with an option to buy the property.

The Eagle Brook, which first opened in 1981, appeared to have an uncertain future in August of 2020 during the early days of the pandemic, as it temporarily closed and they said that "It just didn't work out as planned and we're sorry. We'd like to thank all the customers, friends, and family who supported us during this re-opening, and especially our staff and family who really tried so hard to keep us open. Hope we see you again." The Eagle Brook reopened in September, however, saying that "These past six months have been tough for us all. We genuinely feel thankful for all of the love, support, donations, and kind words that have been sent our way. They mean more than you will ever know."

The address for the Eagle Brook Saloon is 258 Dedham Street (Route 1A), Norfolk, MA, 02056. Its website is at https://www.eaglebrooksaloon.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk Has Closed; Exact Future of Place Unknown
Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk Is Opening Back Up

NOTE: We need your help, as Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is dealing with health issues and some major related expenses. Please donate at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

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[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Taffer's Tavern Opens at Arsenal Yards in Watertown on August 31

A couple of years ago, it was reported that the TV host of a reality show was planning to open multiple outlets of his tavern concept in the Greater Boston area. Now we have learned that the first location will be opening later this month.

According to a press release, Taffer's Tavern at Arsenal Yards in Watertown opens to the public on August 31, with its grand opening taking place on September 8. As mentioned in an earlier article, Jon Taffer of the Paramount Network's Bar Rescue is behind the place, whose menu will include such options as New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, and braised short ribs, while drinks will include The Campfire (brown butter whiskey, bitters, simple syrup) and Berry-Impressive (fruit-infused vodka, lemon, fresh mixed berries in a French Press).

The press release also says that this is the "first of many locations" of Taffer's Tavern that will be coming to the Greater Boston area.

The website for Taffer's Tavern can be found at https://www.tafferstavern.com/

[Earlier Article]
Taffer's Tavern to Expand to the Boston Area

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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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!

Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk Is Opening Back Up

Last month, it was reported that a popular Western-themed restaurant and bar had closed down and that its future was in question. Now we have learned that the place is going to be returning.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk is opening its doors once again, with a Facebook post from the Dedham Street spot saying the following:

We have decided to reopen for takeout beginning on Thursday, September 24th....We are excited and thankful to be celebrating our 39th year and couldn’t be doing that without you, our community....We will begin with takeout: pizza, wings, Eagle Brook ales by the growler (including fall favorite Pumpkin Porter), and more. We'll then slowly phase in indoor dining again with our safety precautions in place....These past six months have been tough for us all. We genuinely feel thankful for all of the love, support, donations, and kind words that have been sent our way. They mean more than you will ever know.

The Eagle Brook Saloon, which first opened in 1981, shut down in mid-August, saying at the time that "It just didn't work out as planned and we're sorry. We'd like to thank all the customers, friends, and family who supported us during this re-opening, and especially our staff and family who really tried so hard to keep us open. Hope we see you again!"

The address for the Eagle Brook Saloon is 258 Dedham Street (Route 1A), Norfolk, MA, 02056. Its website is at https://www.eaglebrooksaloon.com/

[Earlier Article]
Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk Has Closed; Exact Future of Place Unknown

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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Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk Has Closed; Exact Future of Place Unknown

A Western-themed restaurant and bar that has been around for nearly 40 years has closed down, and it is not known if or when it might reopen again.

According to a source, the Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk has shut its doors, with a Facebook post from the Dedham Street spot confirming this, saying that "Eagle Brook is closing for now. It just didn't work out as planned and we're sorry. We'd like to thank all the customers, friends, and family who supported us during this re-opening, and especially our staff and family who really tried so hard to keep us open. Hope we see you again!" The dining and drinking spot offered takeout as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March and the restaurant restrictions commenced, with the place reopening for outdoor dining and eventually indoor dining in June.

The Eagle Brook Saloon first opened in 1981, with the two-story space having the atmosphere of an Old West watering hole; the menu has mostly featured classic American fare and pub grub over the years along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

The address for the Eagle Brook Saloon is 258 Dedham Street (Route 1A), Norfolk, MA, 02056. Its website can be found at https://www.eaglebrooksaloon.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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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

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Stoughton House of Brews Is Closing for Good

An eclectic suburban spot that is part coffeehouse, part tavern, and part music venue is shutting down permanently.

According to a Twitter post from @JeremyKrantz, Stoughton House of Brews is closing for good, with a screenshot of a post from a community Facebook group mentioning that the owners decided to shutter permanently after being temporarily closed since mid-March around the time the Baker administration put restaurant restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Porter Street spot, which first opened in 2013, has been known for its cafe vibe early in the day and its gastropub feel late in the day, featuring small plates and bar bites along with a variety of beers and cocktails, and live music.

The address for the Stoughton House of Brews is 28 Porter Street, Stoughton, MA, 02072.

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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Horse Thieves Tavern Is Now Open in Dedham

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban tavern that has been a long time in the making has opened its doors.

According to a source, Horse Thieves Tavern is now open in Dedham, with a Facebook post confirming that the High Street spot is now up and running. Its website says that the new restaurant and bar is a "modern interpretation on a traditional New England tavern" and that the Facebook post mentions that it has a fireplace and community table along with original wooden and steel beams from the 1920s-era structure in which it resides. The menu at Horse Thieves Tavern includes such items as grilled German sausage, oven-roasted cod, meatloaf sandwiches, chicken tagine, and more, as well as a selection of beers and wines.

Plans for Horse Thieves Tavern date all the way back to at least 2016, which is when we first reported on the place.

The address for this new dining and drinking spot in Dedham is: Horse Thieves Tavern, 585 High Street, Dedham, MA, 02026. Its website can be found at https://www.horsethievestavern.com/

[Earlier Article]
Horse Thieves Tavern to Open in Dedham

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

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Horse Thieves Tavern to Open in Dedham

A new restaurant and bar is coming to a southwestern suburb of Boston, and the people behind it are connected to some well known local dining and drinking spots.

The Dedham Patch is reporting that Horse Thieves Tavern is planning to open in Dedham Square, taking over the former Wardle's Pharmacy space on High Street. The article says that Chris Lutes and Laurence Wintersteen are partnering to open the place, with Lutes being involved with a number of Boston-area restaurants and bars (including the Miracle of Science and the Middlesex Lounge in Cambridge) and Wintersteen being involved with Amsterdam Falafelshop in Boston's Kenmore Square, according to an earlier article from Eater Boston. It looks like Horse Thieves Tavern--which will be a "modern American bistro"--could be opening sometime this fall.

The address for this upcoming dining and drinking spot in Dedham is: Horse Thieves Tavern, 585 High Street, Dedham, MA, 02026.

[July 25, 2018 update: The Dedham Transcript states that Horse Thieves Tavern finally plans to open later this fall, and that Peter Reynolds is behind the place while Chris Lutes is also mentioned, though there is no mention of Laurence Wintersteen in the article.]

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

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Tuckaway Tavern and Butchery May Be Coming to Hilltop Steak House Space in Saugus

It looks like an award-winning New Hampshire restaurant and meat market could be coming to the Boston area--and it might be moving into an iconic space north of the city.

According to a Facebook post from the dining spot, the Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery in Raymond is eyeing the former Hilltop Steak House space on Route 1 in Saugus, with the post showing a picture of the legendary cactus sign and another of the space itself and saying "Breaking Some Ground on Some Groundbreaking News." It is not yet known whether this would be a second location of the Tuckaway or if it may be have a different name; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

[January 5 update: According to a post from CBS Boston, the people behind the Tuckaway are indeed interested in the former Hilltop space, though it is not a definite deal as of yet. The article says that if the restaurant does open there, they would keep the iconic cactus sign, though the cows have already been auctioned off and might not return to the site. (The restaurant does say "there will have to be a cow" on the property if possible, however.)

The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery is a restaurant, bar, and meat market known for its rustic atmosphere and high-quality meats; the place has received a number of awards since opening in 2012, including New Hampshire Magazine giving it best steak tips (2012), best new restaurant (2013), best butcher shop (2014 and 2015, and best lobster roll deal (2015), according to a page on the restaurant's site.

The Hilltop Steak House closed in October of 2013 after more than 50 years in business, while its butcher shop in Weymouth closed late last year.

Thanks to @corbs872 for initially bringing this to our attention.

[May 19 update: The Saugus Advertiser reports that the Hilltop property has found a buyer, and while an official announcement on the purchaser will not be given for up to several weeks, a Facebook update from The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery hints that it may indeed be moving into the space, saying that "We Are (Route) One Step Closer to Some Giant News" and commenting that "We will be in Saugus." (As soon as we get confirmation that the Tuckaway is indeed moving into the former Hilltop space, we will post another update.)]

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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 Ginger Man Is Opening in Downtown Boston

After having its plans fall through twice for a Fort Point location, a tavern in New York is getting ready to open on the northern edge of the city's Financial District.

Eater Boston is reporting that The Ginger Man is hoping to open on State Street in January, taking over the space where a location of the Stadium Sports Bar & Grill had been. There had been talk as early as 2012 that the dining and drinking spot might be opening in Fort Point, first looking at a space on Farnsworth Street then looking at a space on Congress Street, though neighborhood resistance to one, if not both locations apparently caused those plans to fall apart.

[March 1, 2016 update: A new article from Eater Boston indicates that The Ginger Man is on the verge of opening, and that it will have approximately 90 draft lines and nearly 100 bottled beers.]

[March 17, 2016 update: Boston Magazine says that The Ginger Man is now open in downtown Boston, and that the place has .]

The Ginger Man is known in part for its farm-to-table comfort food along with its extensive array of beers on tap and in bottles. Currently, Ginger Man can be found in the Midtown East area of Manhattan, while other locations of Ginger Man in Connecticut and Texas are no longer connected to the New York (or Boston) location, according to Eater Boston.

The address for this new tavern in downtown Boston is 148 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the restaurants is at http://thegingerman.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Ginger Man May Be Coming to Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood

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

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Hojoko Is Opening in The Verb Hotel in Boston's Fenway

A highly-anticipated Japanese Tavern is on the verge of opening in Boston, and it is located in a quirky boutique hotel that took over a landmark space in the Fenway.

According to several sources, Hojoko soft-opened over the past few days within The Verb Hotel on Boylston Street, with the grand opening apparently being very close to happening (earlier reports had it possibly opening in late July). Once it officially opens, expect a "funky and fun" restaurant and bar that will offer Japanese pub fare, with Tim and Nancy Cushman of the award-winning O Ya in Boston's Leather District being behind the place.

[August 4 update: The Boston Globe is reporting that Hojoko is planning to officially open its doors for dinner Thursday evening.]

The Verb Hotel opened last August, moving into the space where the former Howard Johnson Inn (originally called the Fenway Motor Hotel) had been for more than 50 years, with the place also housing the Hong Kong Cafe and the Tiki Hideaway, which are also gone now. The Verb has been described as an "edgy" and "irreverent" spot that pays homage to the local music scene, and a post from Vanyaland indicates that the iconic city skyline stage backdrop from the recently-closed T.T. The Bear's Place in Cambridge has now taken up residence at Hojoko.

The address for Hojoko (and The Verb Hotel) is 1271 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215.

[Earlier Article]
The Verb Hotel and Hojoko Restaurant to Open in the Former Howard Johnson Space in Boston's Fenway

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

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The Townshend Is Opening in Quincy Center

A new restaurant and bar is on its way to Quincy, opening in a mixed-use property in the heart of the city.

According to a post within the jobs section of the BostonChefs.com site, The Townshend is coming to Quincy Center and is looking to staff its kitchen for its upcoming opening. A web check shows a bare-bones website for the spot, with the sole page indicating that it will be a "modern tavern" opening in Presidents Place, which is located on Hancock Street by the circle in the downtown area and is currently home to Quincy College, a location of Dunkin' Donuts, and the Adams National Historical Park visitor center. Little else is known about The Townshend, including the owner(s), when it might open, what the setup of the place may be, and what its menu might include; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

[May 12 update: The Boston Herald mentions that The Townshend plans to open this weekend, with owner Devin Adams and chef Bobby Sisson having worked for two of the best-known chefs and restaurateurs in the Boston area--Barbara Lynch and Garrett Harker.]

[May 17 update: according to a Twitter post from @footballfacts, The Townshend is now open.]

The address for this new tavern in Quincy Center is: The Townshend, 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. Its website will be at http://www.thetownshend.com/

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The Ginger Man May Be Coming to Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood

A tavern with locations in New York City and Texas is looking to open a new spot in one of Boston's hottest neighborhoods for dining out.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting (via The Boston Herald) that The Ginger Man is planning on opening in the Fort Point area, with the proposed eating and drinking establishment looking at a location on Congress Street. The Herald says that this will be the second time that the bar has tried to come to the neighborhood, as it had attempted to open on Farnsworth Street a couple of years back, only to have it fall through due to concerns from residents in the area. The folks behind The Ginger Man do have a signed lease for the 6,000-square-foot spot on Congress Street, but have not yet received a liquor license (the Boston Licensing Board will meet on a possible license transfer and planned 2:00 AM closing time for the place next week). If the restaurant and bar is able to open in Fort Point, expect farm-to-table fare as well as an extensive array of beers on tap and in bottles.

[February 5 update: A Licensing Board page on the City of Boston website indicates that the group behind the now-closed Purple Shamrock in Boston are seeking to transfer the pub's liquor license to The Ginger Man. (The hearing will take place on Wednesday, February 12.)]

[January 23, 2015 update: A new Licensing Board page on the City of Boston site says that The Ginger Man is now looking to open on State Street where the Stadium Sports Bar & Grill had been until recently closing. This may mean that the Congress Street space fell through, though this has not been confirmed as of yet.]

Currently, The Ginger Man has a location on E 36th Street in Manhattan, as well as in Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, Plano, and Southlake (all in Texas).

The address for this proposed tavern in Fort Point is 374 Congress Street, Boston, MA, 02210.

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Naumkeag Ordinary Is Opening in Salem

A new restaurant and pub is on its way to Salem, and a couple of folks who had worked at a dining spot in Boston's South End are behind it.

The Salem Patch is reporting that Naumkeag Ordinary is opening on Washington Street, moving into the space where a location of Cafe Polonia had been until closing last month. The article says that the co-owners of the upcoming tavern are Matt Brady and Dan Bitler, who had formerly worked at Coda on Columbus Avenue in Boston. Naumkeag Ordinary, which could be opening during the second week of April, will mostly feature pub-style food with meals priced at between $8 and $15, according to the Patch.

[April 22 update: Naumkeag Ordinary is now open.]

The address for this new restaurant and bar is: Naumkeag Ordinary, 118 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

Thanks to North Shore Dish for bringing this to our attention.

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Tavern and Tea Room Coming to Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is going to be opening once again on the city's waterfront, and it will feature a "publik house" that will offer food and drink.

Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Blog reports that the museum will be reopening on June 25, and included within it will be "The Tavern & Tea Room," which will serve muffins, scones, five types of tea that were dumped from the ships back in the 1700s, and possibly alcoholic beverages, based on information from a post by Eater Boston. The museum itself includes three restored tall ships, including The Beaver and Dartmouth (two whaleships) and Eleanor (a full rigged ship). Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Blog mentions that Dartmouth won't be opening until 2013.

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum site has been closed for more than 10 years, as back in 2001 it was heavily damaged due to a fire caused by a lightning strike.

The website for the museum can be found at http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/

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Brewer's Coalition Is Opening in Newtonville

[Ed note: This article was updated on June 19 to reflect a new/corrected name for the place. Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention (via the Newton Patch).]

A dining and drinking establishment with two locations in the Boston area is going to be opening a new spot, with this one taking over a Newtonville space where a couple of Mediterranean restaurants had been.

The blog for the Newton TAB reports that John Brewer's Tavern, which has locations in Waltham and Malden, is planning to open a new restaurant and bar on Walnut Street in the former C. Tsar's/Ariadne spot. (C. Tsar's closed last fall about a year after replacing Ariadne.) The article mentions that the Newtonville eatery (which will be called Brewer's Coalition--see note above) will be "smaller and more intimate" than their nearby Waltham restaurant, with the feel of a "relaxed pub-style restaurant." Expect to see comfort food items at the new eatery (burgers, steak tips, chicken pot pie) along with an extensive craft beer list.

No opening date has been set as of yet for the new Brewer's Coalition in Newtonville, as some approvals are still needed from the City of Newton, according to the TAB.

[June 19 update: Eater Boston (via the Newton Patch) mentions that Brewer's Coalition is planning to open in Newtonville on August 1. (See links at top of article.)]

[August 15 update: The Newton Patch is reporting that Brewer's Coalition is now open.]

The address for this new restaurant in Newtonville is: Brewer's Coalition, 344 Walnut Street, Newton, MA, 02460. The website is at: http://www.johnbrewerstavern.com/

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Sagra in Somerville Closes; Five Horses Tavern Opening in Its Space

An Italian restaurant with two locations in the Boston area is closing one of its dining spots, and another restaurant and bar will be moving into its space.

According to The Somerville Journal and Wicked Local, Sagra Ristorante in Somerville's Davis Square is closing its doors after being in business for about four years. The article states that a new place called Five Horses Tavern will take over the Highland Avenue space and will feature burgers, wings and beer.

[August 28 update: According to the restaurant's Facebook page, Five Horses Tavern is opening on Thursday, September 1.]

Sagra, which featured pizza, calzones, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, opened a second location on Washington Street in Dedham last spring. [July 11 update: The Sagra in Dedham is now closed as well.]

The address for the now-closed Sagra (and upcoming Five Horses Tavern) is 400 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02144.

For more information on this story, please go to the Somerville Journal/Wicked Local link below.

Sagra to close in Somerville, makes way for Five Horses Tavern

Thanks to a poster on our Hiddenboston Twitter page as well as posters on Live Journal and Chowhound for initially bringing this to our attention.

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Post 390 Opening This Week in the Back Bay

A restaurant and tavern featuring upscale comfort food is opening this week in the Back Bay of Boston. According to their Web site, Post 390 will open this Friday, October 2, near the corner of Stuart Street and Clarendon Street (in the new Clarendon Building, just southeast of the John Hancock Tower). UPDATE: It looks like Post 390 may be opening on Saturday, October 3, rather than on Friday. Call ahead to check.

The Facebook page of Post 390 indicates that it will have a tavern-like atmosphere with the menu featuring upscale versions of classic American comfort food. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner (and it looks like they will also be serving brunch), with a price range generally between $10 and $30.

The folks behind Post 390 (Himmel Hospitality Group) also run Grill 23 and Bar in the Back Bay of Boston and Harvest in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge.

The address for this new restaurant and tavern in the Back Bay is: Post 390, 406 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The phone number is (617) 399-0015. And the Web site is at: http://www.post390restaurant.com/

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