August Openings and Closings

[hiddenboston]

Anyone hear of any restaurants opening or closing this month (or beyond, for that matter)?

A few potential openings I'm wondering about, since I haven't heard much about them lately: Harry's on Harrison's (South End), Pasta Beach (Waterfront), Doc's Long Wharf (Waterfront) Cafe Polonia (Salem). Anyone hear anything about these lately?

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Cafe Polonia
611 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127

[phonelady]

Nickels Grille - Woburn closed 8/27

[almansa]

Laurel on Berkeley Street is closing. I've already forgotten what's replacing it - some place with other locations in Boston.

[almansa]

My lead was half right. I hear it will be another relocation of Geoffrey's Cafe.

[yanz]

thank goodness. Really didn't enjoy that place.

[Gabatta]

http://www.thecrimson.com/article/201...

Someone just posted this link in the Pinkberry threat. The big news for me was Al's State Street Cafe opening a location in Harvard Square. What a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I am looking forward to my first chicken salad. No opening date is given.

Also, Clover opening a stationary location in the Square.

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Al's State Street Cafe
110 State St, Boston, MA 02109

[mocooks]

Where is the Al's in Harvard Square going to be located? Any idea as to when it will open?

[Gabatta]

Per the link Holyoke Center in a space across from Oggi’s that has been vacated by a Harvard office. Opening was stated as "this fall".

[hckybg]

It's the space that used to be the bookstore for Harvard University Press--there has been brown paper and occasional hearing notifications posted in their windows for the last couple months; I am not sure they have begun construction.

[Alcachofa]

This might have actually happened in July, but Guido's on Belmont St in Cambridge looks pretty dang closed for good. Locals place.

[hiddenboston]

Looks like Guido's closed in early July, give or take. I used to go there a lot--classic townie bar with some decent food (including excellent meatballs). Sad to see it go....

[Jenny Ondioline]

So all of a sudden, the Brighton Avenue coffee shop 2nd Cup is now a pizza place called Pizza Days. Seems to be the same owners, just a different concept. Because, of course, no one has ever thought of selling pizza in Allston before.

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2nd Cup Cafe
111 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134

[joth68]

If it is the same pizza days as in medford/somerville then I would recommend avoiding at all costs.

[Jenny Ondioline]

I think it is, and yes, the overall vibe of the place even just walking past it feels like it may not last long. Especially not in such a competitive location with so many other--better--restaurants mere steps away. And especially especially not with a Pizzeria Regina opening three blocks away, for those times when only pizza will do.

[Mr Bigglesworth]

Nice list of openings from the always informative Grub Street:

http://boston.grubstreet.com/2010/08/...

[QCumber]

The Brookline location of b.good is closed as of today. There is a sign indicating that the owners were unable to turn a profit at this location so they were shutting it down to concentrate on their other locations. Too bad - but the competition is warming up in this neightborhood...

Q

[galleygirl]

Thought Bistro 20 in Sudbury was open on Friday night, cuz the parking lot was full, but it was empty on Saturday night, so it must have been a private party, pre-opening...
The former Grille 103 across the street is going to be Pongal Grill (or Pongal Something), with a beer and wine license...

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Grille 103
103 Boston Post Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776

[hiddenboston]

It'll be called Pongal II. The original Pongal is in Billerica. Sounds like a place to get dosas and other Southern Indian fare.

[msw79]

Noticed a new place called Telegraph Hill Kitchen & Bar going in on Dorchester Street in Southie, heading down towards Andrew Square (near intersection with Old Colony Ave). There used to be an old dive bar in the space (can't remember name), but new spot looks pretty sleek from the outside. Looks like it is getting close to finished from outside and website is under construction, but really hoping for something other than the standard mediocre pub grub in Southie. Anybody have any more information?

[The Lady]

There is construction going on at the old site of Rod Dee on Beacon outside Coolidge Corner. Anyone know what's up with the space? I was on the T so couldn't read the permits etc.

[TheSos]

Just spotted new burger place opening on corner of Boylston and Yawkey Way. Menu is up (reminiscent of Shake Shack) shows burgers, hot dogs and chips. Does not appear to be open yet ...

[MC Slim JB]

That would be the Tasty Burger, from The Franklin Cafe folks. They're also opening up a bar/restaurant nearby called The Citizen.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[southie]

Where is The Citizen?

[MC Slim JB]

Across Boyslton Street (corner of Jersey) from Tasty Burger, which is in the former gas station at Boylston and Yawkey.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[southie]

Thanks....You are always a wealth of information!

[Mr Bigglesworth]

A belgian waffle place, Zinnekin's, is coming to Harvard Square in the next few months..
From what I heard, they'll sell sugar waffles, also known as 'liege waffles', beverages, crepes, and Belgian / French desserts.

[hiddenboston]

Yeah, I actually joined their Facebook page today. Looks like it will be a bakery and cafe with outdoor seating and table service.

[Gabatta]

Where in the square?

[hiddenboston]

Looks like somewhere around Winthrop Street.

[Taralli]

About Zinnekin's: http://lingboli.com/food-blog-dining/...

[mvi]

Courthouse Fish Market and Restaurant both had signs saying "For Rent" this morning. Anyone know anything there? The fish market never seemed to be quite as crowded as New Deal up the street but the restaurant was always packed.

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Courthouse Fish Market
484 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141

[hiddenboston]

The "For Rent" sign is actually for an apartment (whew!): http://boston.grubstreet.com/2010/08/...

[mvi]

THANK YOU! Echo the Whew!

[mmocpi]

Big, huge, WHEW!!! Where else would I get that fried sole in the Boston area?

[T.Clark]

Yo Taco in Duxbury opened last week. First impression was good. Limited menu of to-go only tacos, burritos, bacon wrapped hot dog. Green chili chicken, beef , veg. Big props for carrying Mexican coke which, to me, tastes like coke used to taste. At least it's a different option....

La Paloma in Kingston also opened. Total bummer.

[babka eater]

There is a new Indian restaurant opening up in the old Il Panino Express space on Mass Ave between Harvard and Central Squares. The restaurant looks like it is opening within days.

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Il Panino
1001 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

[Kinopio]

Tamarind Bay
India Castle
Tanjore
Cafe of India
Shalimar
Royal Bengal
Desi Dhaba
India Pavillion
Dosa Factory
Chutneys
Border India
and this new place.

Those are all Indian places in just Central and Harvard and I bet Im missing one or two.

[Nab]

Old news, probably mentioned elsewhere already, but Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen in the former Stork Club space opens up to the public tomorrow (Monday Aug 23rd) I believe.

http://darrylscornerbarboston.com/

Menu looks nice. If anybody can reverse the curse, it should be Darryl.

[sammy]

Saw that Joe V's in South End is moving to Brookline. While not a destination dining spot, it was reliable and friendly. Anybody hear more about the move or what might go into the space?

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Joe V's
315 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[westsidelizzy]

Joe V's is opening a new place, so the South End spot is not moving. I am not sure of the name of the new place but they have a cool concept.

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Joe V's
315 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[purple bot]

The article I saw (not sure where) definitely said Joe V's was moving to Brookline, not opening a second location or a different restaurant.

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Joe V's
315 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118

[bonhomme1]

I walked by Back Bay Social Club and it was open last night. It looks fairly standard for decor. I will
be curious to see what the food and service is like.

[maxevan]

Willy's Philly's in Maynard has a for sale sign. Someone on Yelp say it closed in July.

Also a sushi place is opening in Stowe on 117/62 next to Shaw's

[fragolino]

Gitlo's is closed. A Greek resto will be replacing it. Sad, but wasn't the same after his cousin left.

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Gitlo
164 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134

[kimfair1]

Really not surprising as the quality had plummeted since his cousin left, but as you stated, sad, because it was just sooooo good when it first opened.

[hiddenboston]

A friend of mine just mentioned that in addition to Gitlo's closing, a new Brazilian place called Uchef has opened in the same block.

[Jenny Ondioline]

Oh, is that place finally open? I think the "coming soon" sign has been up since sometime last year! It's half the space that used to be a terrible burrito spot: Lily's Gourmet Pasta occupies the other half.

[hiddenboston]

Yeah, Burritos on Fire (I always think of that Kings of Leon song when I hear that name). A friend of mine who works around there said it was open.

[Cathleen02]

Adriatic in Salem opened this week. We stopped in on Monday night, which we were told was their first night open. The service was really slow, but like I said it was the first night, so I'm reserving judgement until I go back again. We tried a few of the apps (friends of ours were already there when we arrived and shared), and everything we tried was good.

[Parsnipity]

One of my colleagues just applied for a part-time job at the Foundry in Davis and was told they'll definitely be open at the end of the month. I did see lots of stoves and fridges being unloaded the other day and there were still workers there at 9:30 last night, so maybe they'll actually make that deadline.

[9lives]

Guru the Caterer is opening on Devonshire in the Financial District, next to the old Grass Roots spot. I see reports her are mixed but it would be nice to have decent Indian food inthe FD

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Guru the Caterer
1297 Broadway, Somerville, MA

[Beachowolfe]

Think the old grass roots place is a Roly Poly now... anyone been?

[barleywino]

my (Indian) coworker used to order from Guru the Caterer all the time, but said they went downhill after they moved to Somerville fwiw

[Bob Dobalina]

Maybe so, but I have only had their food at the Somerville location and think it's great.

Though I do wonder how the no menu concept will fly in the Financial District.

[blink617]

It would probably fly great if they posted the day's specials on Twitter or something (or even just put a chalkboard in the window). I have trouble justifying a trip across Somerville to get lunch there if I'm not sure what they're serving. When I worked downtown, I used to sometimes spend 15 minutes walking around trying to decide what to have for lunch, so swinging by a place like Guru would have been no problem.

[Bob Dobalina]

If I have time, I will go and wait for my order. But if I am getting take-out, they have to recite the day's offerings over the phone to me. I can't believe that's the most efficient use of their time. A tweet would be a great idea.

[ajmoose]

D'Guru opened on Devonshire yesterday. I just stopped in on my way back to work, and it smelled delicious.

[phonelady]

Blackhorse Tavern, Winchester opened on August 9

http://www.blackhorsetavernwinchester...

[hiddenboston]

Not August, but I just saw a job posting for a New York-based upscale bar and grill coming to the Pru this fall. No idea what it is, but I'll try to do some searching around today.

[galleygirl]

Went by John's Market (the Korean place in Allston) and noticed it was closed, with a For Rent sign. I have to admit, despite their excellent panchan, I haven't been in awhile, cuz they always had it packed in quantities to large to get a good variety...

[kobuta]

Bummer! They were a nice alternative to HMart, if you didn't want to drive a while to get to Burlington or if you didn't want to come back with $150 worth of groceries you never thought you needed.

[phipsi102]

Yeah, saw that too- really too bad, I liked John's Market MUCH better than Mirim- cleaner and friendlier, I felt better about giving them my business. Shopped there about once a month or so. I would guess the location on a side street did them in.

[BroadwayBound]

I noticed that Olives in Charlestown is still closed. Does anyone know when they plan on re-opening? Seems like they've been closed a bit long for a grease fire.

[Jenny Ondioline]

What's the deal with Wisteria in the HKM food court? It hasn't been open for at least a couple weeks now.

[galleygirl]

There's a note, but it's in Chinese....

[Jenny Ondioline]

I went over for a banh mi for lunch today and the sign in Chinese is now subtitled "Coming soon!" Make of that what you will, but it sounds to me like Wisteria is no more.

[galleygirl]

Yep, saw that tonight. You beat me to it!
Or maybe, Wisteria is coming back soon?

[cavaluv]

I looked up Wisteria's health inspection record and it looks like they abandoned the place and no one could find the owners as of 8/20. They left all the food there to rot and draw in nasty critters.

http://www.cityofboston.gov/isd/healt...

[hiddenboston]

Wisteria's website is gone as well.....

[Jenny Ondioline]

Weird, but this does explain why there's still a cooler full of soft drinks right on the front counter...

[galangatron]

a new banh mi stand called sub city will be opening in the old mike's banh mi location in the avana lofts building on beach street in chinatown

[y2000k]

Did Mike's Banh mi closed or did it move elsewhere? Based on the positive reviews here, I thought Mike's was doing well?

[galangatron]

i don't know if they're closed permanently or moving to another location

[Alcachofa]

Today is the last day for Peet's in the FInancial District. :'(

[Bob Dobalina]

What's happening? Any idea of what's coming in?

[hiddenboston]

Wicked Fire Kissed Pizza, which is located in Mashpee on the Cape, is coming to Legacy Place in Dedham. Organic pizza cooked in a stone hearth oven. Oh, and lots of beer and wine, which is always a good thing.

[AGM_Cape_Cod]

Does that mean it will close in Mashpee?

[hiddenboston]

I don't think so. It looks like this will be a second location.

[MC Slim JB]

Over in Fort Point, Drink ends its two-week renovation / Tales of the Cocktail hiatus tonight.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[yanz]

thank goodness - didn't even realize they were renovating and was already planning to go this weekend.

[Canadian Tuxedo]

Renovation? Their Facebook page said repairs.

Which was really annoying because their was no news of repairs on that page until after their announced scheduled "Tales of the Cocktail hiatus" was over. Very annoying when one stops by after a visit to the ICA and still finds them closed. Poor customer relations in my book...

[rlove]

Indeed, it was repairs.

Their building (and much of Fort Point) has a very high water line and they've always had water issues that ebb and flow with the tide. During the Great Floods last March, they had some more serious water damage and the floor began to buckle.

They closed a week-and-a-half ago, expected the repairs to take only a few days. For whatever reason, they took much longer, although they've mostly been open during the ordeal. They did a few special events in the event space associated with the condos in their building and they've had some limited selection construction worker-themed openings the other days.

[yanz]

overheard the bartender saying that they timed the construction with a bartending competition they were attending, so that may have contributed to the delay. Also, it sounded like they took the opportunity to do more around the place than just fix the damage...didn't really pay attention to the list of renovated items, though.

[galangatron]

a sign in the window reads "dumpling cafe coming soon" on the storefront next to penang on washington street in chinatown

[Jenny Ondioline]

Hope it's not like Gourmet Dumpling House, which only barely has dumplings.

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Gourmet Dumpling House
52 Beach St, Boston, MA 02111

[hiddenboston]

Is this at 697 Washington Street? Because if it is, the name of the place is actually going to be called "Dumpling Cafe." http://m.allmenus.com/ma/boston/29341...

[galangatron]

the name of the restaurant is dumpling cafe. the words "coming soon" were written underneath

[galleygirl]

In thrillist yesterday...
"Darbar
Rare Pakistani spot opens in Brighton
130 N. Beacon St, Btw Murdock & Dustin; Brighton; 617.779.8800"

They have goat!

[kimfair1]

I live right near here, and find it interesting that on the outside it's billed as a Pakastani/Indian restaurant. Didn't know the hatred between those two countries could be bridged by food. Looking forward to checking it out, though.

[galleygirl]

Oh, well no one in the restaurant business would want to discourage ANY kind of clients they could possibly attract...Look at all those Korean/Japanese/Chinese/Thai restaurants...It always takes a little digging to find out what the specialty REALLY is..

[Wannabfoode]

there was interesting series on NPR where a few reporters travelled the great silk road a few months back, and one of the commentators/voyagers was Indian and talked a lot about how similar the foods were but how they changed bit by bit as you traveled further along the road in either direction. It would be interesting to see if this place is doing pakistani and indian versions of the same dish, or if they are completely separated

[fredid]

Mehak in Eastie is also Pakistani/Indian. I've had several of the Pakistani dishes there - with a different spicing profile from Indian food, but not dissimilar.

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Mehak
329 Sumner St, Boston, MA 02128

[rshock]

According to a sign on the front door, Black Horse Tavern in Winchester appears to be opening this Monday, August 9th. Hopefully it will be a nice addition to the neighborhood.

[autopi]

any news on floating rock?

[hiddenboston]

I know that the opening of the new Floating Rock in Cambridge has been pushed back to August, but based on their Facebook page, they have no definite opening date yet.

[galangatron]

unfortunately the opening will probably be pushed back to september

[litchick]

Well, I don't know that Bull BBQ (bonchon) in Harvard Sq is opening in August, but I am ever hopeful. Anyone have news?

[phatchris]

Just read in Scene( a waterfont magazine) that the old La Brace/Paesan's spot on Salem St. in the North End is going to be Caffe Nuovo La Pasteria serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

[catsmeow]

Just before going over the Fore River Bridge(towards Hull) there is new lobster place opening where the plumbing supply was(and before that a bakery). There was a big sign in the window that it was coming soon. Anyone know anything more?

[hiddenboston]

Which place is it moving into? Atlantic Appliance Parts? Chenette Plumbing is still around, isn't it?
I know Rock Island had been looking to open a dining spot, but it was supposed to be closer to Hough's Neck.

[kbarry1726]

The old Mazzini Plumbing Specialties/The Fireplace Store, literally ON the rotary.

[hiddenboston]

Can't find any info on this new spot. If anyone drives by it, try to get a name or something, as I'm really curious about it, thanks!

[CookieLee]

That sign has been in the window for months. Next time I drive by, I'll check the fine print!

[hiddenboston]

Thanks!

[southie_chick]

I drove by today on the way to the Hingham Lobster Pound & saw the place. It had a sign in the window saying, "Coming Soon - The Lobster Stop". It didn't have any opening date on it, & I couldn't see inside as I drove by. Don't know if they're gonna do take-out food or just sell seafood to cook at home - does anyone know?

[hiddenboston]

I'm just starting to find some info on this place. I'll try to post again ASAP--looks like they might be opening before the fall.

[mkel34]

They are open now, there was a sign out front yesterday advertising lobster prices by the lb.

[hiddenboston]

Has anyone been yet? Their Facebook page isn't showing much right now: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quincy-...

[pumpkin2]

Does anyone know when Santarpios is opening in Peabody? I thought I read it was going to be in August.

[MParente]

What were the picketers picketing against?

[Gordough]

Not a permanent closing but I was at the UBurger on Comm Ave near the Brighton line (not the Kenmore location) and saw a sign that said they were closing for two weeks in the beginning of August.

[owen_meany]

Was at a family party yesterday with someone who works at the Boston Santarpio's and he said "mid August". He couldn't be more specific than that.

Sara

[trufflehound]

Any chance Pasta Beach is related to the one in Newport?

[hiddenboston]

It is indeed connected with the Newport one.

By the way, Back Bay Social Club opened in the old Vinny T's spot on Boylston Street over the weekend.

[L2k]

Are the picketers gone? There were a few in front early last week

[hiddenboston]

Picketers? What were they picketing?

[L2k]

I'm going to guess there was non-union workers doing the buildout.

[fmcoxe6188]

I checked out Back Bay Social Club last Thursday and gave a few of their apps a shot. I would advise waiting to check it out until the kinks are worked out....I couldn't recommend one item- but then that's to be expected at this point I suppose.

[Jenny Ondioline]

Speaking of Cafe Polonia, Zaps on Brighton Ave in Allston -- run by friends of the Polonia owners -- has been "closed for renovations" for several weeks.

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Cafe Polonia
611 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02127

[hiddenboston]

The Zaps website is gone (and in fact crashed my computer with some little Java issue--avoid the site) and their phone number has been disconnected, so my guess is, "renovations" means new restaurant or other business coming.

[Allstonian]

Yeah, I've seen a sign up on the inside door saying they were closed due to "technical issues," but yesterday I saw a sign on the outside door and a building permit posted. Unfortunately, I was passing by in a car & not able to stop to read anything.