Well, 2014 was certainly a landmark year for Boston’s dining scene. While we witnessed a slew of restaurant openings in our city, we were also forced to bid farewell to some of the most iconic eateries in the Hub. Fortunately, Boston’s restaurant newcomers have managed to fill that void and keep our restaurant landscape thriving.
Here’s a look at the most notable restaurant openings and closings of 2014.
Notable Restaurant Openings of 2014
Barcelona Wine Bar (Opened December 2014)
525 Tremont St., Boston
Barcelona Wine Bar opened its second Massachusetts location in Boston’s South End this month. The restaurant opened in the former Sibling Rivalry space.
Koy (Opened December 2014)
16 North St., Boston
This Korean fusion restaurant, which opened in the former UBurger space, features dishes like Carnitas Dumplings, Bulgogi Sandwiches, and Kimchi Salads.
Night Market (Opened December 2014)
48 JFK St., Cambridge
Harvard Square’s newest Asian-inspired eatery offers plenty of “street food” like Gyoza, stewed minced pork on rice, egg rolls and more.
Mike’s Pastry (Opened November 2014)
11 Dunster St., Cambridge
Mike’s Pastry opened its second location in Cambridge’s Harvard Square neighborhood this past November. The original Mike’s Pastry shop is located in the North End.
Tikki Masala (Opened November 2014)
3706 Washington St., Jamaica Plain
The Indian restaurant opened its doors this year in Jamaica Plain, making it the third Indian restaurant in the neighborhood.
Centre Street Cafe (Opened November 2014)
669A Centre St., Jamaica Plain
Centre Street Cafe reopened in Jamaica Plain under new ownership this year. The revamped restaurant is now run by the Tres Gatos team.
Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop (Opened November 2014)
6 North Market, Faneuil Hall, Boston
The San Francisco-based company opened a two-story Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop in Boston’s Faneuil Hall this past November.
Broad Street Riot (Opened November 2014)
131 Broad St., Boston
Broad Street Riot opened in the now shuttered Blue Inc. restaurant space in the Financial District.
River Bar
661 Assembly Row, Somerville
River Bar opened in Assembly Row and is restaurateur Ken Kelly’s fifth dining establishment in Somerville.
Bagelsaurus (Opened October 2014)
1796 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
After launching the successful bagel pop-up in Brookline sandwich shop Cutty’s, Owner Mary Ting Hyatt opened a permanent home for Bagelsaurus this fall. The new Porter Square brick-and-mortar offers the same chewy bagels with a “crackly exterior” that made the shop so popular. If you go, try one of their tasty egg sandwiches or unique bagel spreads.
‘MAST (Opened October 2014)
45 Province St., Boston
‘Mast Restaurant and Drinkery opened in Boston’s Financial District this fall. The restaurant offers a modern take on Neapolitan street food and craft cocktails.
Viale (Opened October 2014)
502 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
The Central Square restaurant, opened by Greg Reeves and Mark Young, is located in the now closed Rendezvous space. This Central Square eatery offers Mediterranean fare.
Comedor (Opened October 2014)
105 Union St., Newton
This Kickstarter-funded restaurant opened in Newton Centre after raising over $25,000. The restaurant serves American-Chilean small plates.
Cafe ArtScience (Opened October 2014)
650 Kendall St., Cambridge
Kendall Square welcomed the new and innovative restaurant, Cafe ArtScience, this October. Restaurant dream team, Chef Patrick Campbell (Eastern Standard, No. 9 Park), expert Mixologist Todd Maul (Clio), and General Manager Tom Mastricola (Commonwealth) teamed up with the well-known Cambridge-based WikiFoods think tank, led by Harvard Professor David Edwards, to create this unconventional dining experience. If you go, we recommend ordering the Beef Carpaccio or the Berkshire Pork Belly.
The Tap Trailhouse (Opened September 2014)
19 Union St., Boston
The Colonial-inspired gastropub re-opened with a makeover this fall. The restaurant launched their seasonal brunch menu, in addition to their other lunch and dinner menus.
Urban Cantina (Opened September 2014)
76 Salem St., Boston
The authentic Mexican restaurant opened in Boston’s North End this fall.
Bar Boulud (Opened September 2014)
776 Boylston St., Boston
This September, James Beard Award winning Chef Daniel Boulud opened his highly anticipated Bar Boulud restaurant in Boston’s Mandarin Oriental. The French-inspired bistro and wine bar serves up an impressive wine selection and a menu filled with terrines and pâtés. The vintage interior includes a 55-seat bar and an expansive lounge space. If you go, we recommend ordering the Lemon Sole Meuničre and of course, a bottle of vino for the table.
Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar (Opened September 2014)
381 Summer St., Somerville
After closing last year, the iconic Rosebud Diner reopened this past September under a new name and new ownership. Joe Cassinelli, owner of Somerville’s Posto and Painted Burro restaurants, revamped the diner into a Davis Square dining destination. Customers can expect a Pan-American menu with plenty of barbecue and pie options. If you go, we recommend ordering the Nola BBQ Shrimp N’ Grits and the grilled flatbread.
Legal on the Mystic (Opened September 2014)
301 Great River Rd., Assembly Row, Somerville
Legal Sea Foods offshoot, Legal on the Mystic, opened this past fall making it CEO Roger Berkowitz’s seventh restaurant brand in the Legal Sea Foods family.
Earls Kitchen and Bar (Opened September 2014)
#102-698 Assembly Row, Somerville
Assembly Row’s Earls Kitchen and Bar is the first Northeast location for the restaurant, which already has 65 locations in Canada and the United States.
Limoo Tea Bar (Opened August 2014)
1032 Commonwealth Ave., Boston
This new Allston hot spot serves up bubble tea cocktails and a tasty new-age fusion menu with upgraded street food. Note: the restaurant has closed temporarily due to a pipe burst in the building.
Cafe Madeleine (Opened August 2014)
517 Columbus Ave., Boston
An acclaimed pastry chef and James Beard award winner, Frederic Robert, opened the French patisserie in the South End’s former Amsterdam Cafe space. The shop serves up everything from high end pastries to fresh sandwiches.
Bastille Kitchen (Opened July 2014)
49 Melcher St., Boston
The French Bistro, opened by Seth Greenberg and Cameron Grob this past July, introduced modern Parisian cuisine to Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood. Bastille Kitchen offers a 160-seat restaurant, a “chalet lounge” and plenty of creative dishes. The atmosphere lends an old world charm to this bustling industrial part of town – and is certainly worth the trip. If you go, we recommend ordering the Gnocchi ŕ La Parisienne and Octopus Ceviche.
Causeway (Opened July 2014)
65 Causeway St., Boston
This new two-story BBQ spot opened in Boston’s West End by the TD Garden this past summer.
Legal Oysteria (Opened July 2014)
10 City Square, Charlestown
This coastal Italian seafood restaurant opened in Charlestown this past summer. The Legal Sea Foods offshoot features dishes like Roasted Clam Pizza, Grilled Stuffed Trout, and Steak Pizzaiola.
Brass Union (Opened June 2014)
70 Union Square, Somerville
This past June, Somerville’s Union Square neighborhood welcomed its newest “NYC-style tavern,” Brass Union. The restaurant was an instant hit due to its tasty small plates and interactive, fun setting. In case you haven’t been, the eatery offers attractions like vintage tabletop games, a shuffleboard court, life-sized Jenga, Connect Four, and even cornhole. If you go, we recommend trying the Mushroom Toast and Steak Frites.
Loretta’s Last Call (Opened June 2014)
1 Lansdowne St., Boston
This Southern “honky tonk” brought fried chicken, cold beer and country music to Boston’s Fenway neighborhood this past summer.
Lulu’s Allston (Opened June 2014)
421 Cambridge St., Allston
This American bar and restaurant offers comfort food with a twist. Diners love the Mexican Cheetos, Frito Pie and Monkey Bread.
Caffe Nero (Opened May 2014)
560 Washington St., Boston
Caffe Nero, a European style coffee house, opened its first-ever U.S. location in Boston’s Millennium Place this spring.
Liquid Art House (Opened May 2014)
100 Arlington St., Boston
An art gallery and restaurant in one, Liquid Art House is a one-of-a-kind experience in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. The innovative restaurant, opened by Ruta Laukien, combines a lounge, dining room, gallery and showroom all in one space. So far, Liquid Art House has garnered plenty of positive attention from Boston diners and critics. If you go, we recommend trying their dumplings, Muscovy Duck and one of their seasonal desserts.
Roxy’s Grilled Cheese (Opened May 2014)
485 Cambridge St., Allston
The popular grilled cheese food truck opened its first brick-and-mortar in Allston this year. The restaurant serves up grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers and poutine.
Totto Ramen (Opened May 2014)
169 Brighton Ave., Allston
This New York-based ramen restaurant opened its first Boston location this spring.
La Brasa (Opened April 2014)
124 Broadway St., Somerville
This new Somerville restaurant was opened by Chef Daniel Bojorquez and L’Espalier Chef-Owner Frank McClelland this past spring. This year, Food & Wine named it one of the best new grill restaurants in the U.S.
Audubon Boston (Opened April 2014)
838 Beacon St., Boston
The folks behind Trina’s Starlite Lounge teamed up to create this new restaurant and bar, located inside the former Audubon Circle restaurant space.
Bostonia Public House (Opened April 2014)
131 State St., Boston
Bostonia Public House opened in the former Kitty O’Shea’s space in Boston’s Financial District. The restaurant boasts an extensive wine list and rustic inspired fare.
The Glenville Stops (Opened April 2014)
87 Glenville Ave., Allston
This Allston watering hole offers beers on tap, sandwiches and small plates with a Mediterranean and Asian influence.
Parla (Opened April 2014)
230 Hanover St., Boston
This new speakeasy-style eatery offers Italian cuisine and prohibition-era inspired cocktails. The restaurant also features a Gatsby-themed brunch.
Trophy Room (Opened April 2014)
26 Chandler St., Boston
This new pub addition moved into the former Fritz Lounge space in Boston’s South End.
Legal Crossing (Opened March 2014)
558 Washington St., Boston
This new Legal Sea Foods offshoot is a contemporary restaurant inspired by the vibrant Downtown Crossing neighborhood.
The Merchant (Opened March 2014)
60 Franklin St., Boston
This American Brasserie offers over 60 beers, with 36 beers on tap. The downtown restaurant’s kitchen is headed by Executive Chef Matthew Foley, formerly a sous chef at Craigie on Main.
Merrill & Co. (Opened March 2014)
1 Appleton St., Boston
The folks behind popular restaurants like jm Curley, Bogie’s Place and LaLa Rokh, opened their new restaurant venture, Merrill & Co., this year in Boston’s South End. The Southern-inspired seafood restaurant offers up all sorts of tasty small plates, entrees and even an oyster bar. Trust us – this place is worth a visit. If you go, we recommend tasting their daily oyster selections, fried chicken with biscuits, and crab fritters.
Pastoral (Opened March 2014)
345 Congress St., Boston
Chef-Owner Todd Winer opened this artisanal pizza restaurant in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood this year. The restaurant serves up authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas.
Precinct Kitchen and Bar (Opened March 2014)
350 Stuart St., Boston
Precinct Kitchen and Bar opened inside the Loews Hotel this year offering patio seating and a seafood focused menu.
Wink & Nod (Opened March 2014)
3 Appleton St., Boston
Boston Nightlife Ventures opened this South End speakeasy in March, and (we think it’s safe to say) the neighborhood hasn’t been the same since. The restaurant boasts expertly crafted cocktails, immaculate interior, and a rotating culinary pop-up program, which previously hosted Whisk and currently hosts Bread & Salt. If you go, we recommend ordering one of their many fall cocktails and some Lobster Curry for the table.
M.C. Spiedo (Opened February 2014)
606 Congress St., Boston
This Italian restaurant, located in Boston’s Seaport District, offers rustic cuisine. The restaurant was opened by Chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier of Maine restaurants Arrows and MC Perkins Cove.
Tenoch (Opened February 2014)
3 Lewis St., Boston
The Medford-based taqueria opened its second location in Boston’s North End neighborhood.
Alden & Harlow (Opened January 2014)
40 Brattle St., Cambridge
If you haven’t experienced Alden & Harlow’s phenomenal small plates, we recommend making a reservation right this second. The Harvard Square eatery, opened by chef-owner Michael Scelfo this past January, has already proven to be wildly popular with diners and critics alike. The restaurant was even nominated by Bon Appetit as a “Best New Restaurant of 2014.” If you go, we recommend ordering the restaurant’s Secret Burger, which was listed this year as a must-try burger by CNN.
Notable Restaurant Closings of 2014
Volle Nolle (Closed November 2014)
351 Hanover St., Boston
This North End restaurant served up Italian small plates and wine in its small space, once occupied by popular pop-up restaurant, Whisk. Volle Nolle closed this year and its chef, Sebastian Martinez, is now a part of the Koy restaurant project in Faneuil Hall.
Daisy Buchanan’s (Closed November 2014)
240A Newbury St., Boston
This famous dive bar closed its doors this fall after Owner Joe Cimino was forced to sell the bar to UrbanMeritage.
Goody Glover’s (Closed October 2014)
50 Salem St., Boston
The beloved North End pub closed this fall with news that a Peets Coffee Shop would be moving into the space sometime in the future.
Hamersley’s Bistro (Closed October 2014)
553 Tremont St., Boston
The iconic South End restaurant owned by Chef Gordon Hamersley and wife Fiona Hamersley, closed after 27 years in business. The restaurant was known for its staple roast chicken dish, which also happened to be one of Julia Child’s favorites. As for the restaurant space, it looks as though the folks behind The Gallows will be bringing a new concept to the now shuttered Hamersley’s Bistro space.
Smoken’ Joe’s BBQ and Blues (Closed September 2014)
351 Washington St., Brighton
The Brighton BBQ spot shut down temporarily last year due to construction, and unfortunately shuttered for good this past fall. The owners were forced to close after issues with the landlord, health problems and money issues.
Blue Inc. (Closed September 2014)
131 Broad St., Boston
Popular downtown restaurant, Blue Inc., closed suddenly this past September. The new restaurant concept dubbed Broad Street Riot moved into the space this fall.
Tommy Doyle’s (Closed September 2014)
1 Kendall Square, Cambridge
The popular Irish Pub was open for more than decade in Cambridge’s Kendall Square neighborhood but closed suddenly this past September.
Sherman Cafe (Closed September 2014)
257 Washington St., Somerville
After more than 10 years in business, this popular Somerville cafe closed its doors in September.
Cactus Club, Boston (Closed August 2014)
939 Boylston St., Boston
Back Bay’s popular Mexican restaurant, Cactus Club, closed this August due to problems with their rent. But the Boston Globe reported back in August that the owner is looking for a new space, which means there may be hope for Cactus Club fans.
Kickass Cupcakes (Closed August 2014)
199C Highland Ave., Somerville
You know the cupcake trend is truly dead when Somerville’s popular Kickass Cupcake closes its doors. This past August, the cupcake shop did exactly that, closing without warning or explanation to customers.
M3 (Closed August 2014)
382 Highland Ave., Somerville
The meat-and-three Southern-style restaurant in Davis Square was forced to close its doors this past August. According to Boston Restaurant Talk, the restaurant apparently owed over 25k to the landlord.
Bagel Rising (Closed July 2014)
1243 Commonwealth Ave., Allston
This past July, beloved bagel shop, Bagel Rising, closed for good. And, much to the dismay of Allston locals, reopened as a Pavement Coffeehouse.
Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe (Closed June 2014)
429 Columbus Ave., Boston
This past summer, the iconic sandwich shop closed its doors after 87 years in business. Thankfully, it looks as though the restaurant may be revived under new ownership. The Boston Globe reported that “Chef Evan Deluty, who runs Stella in the South End … hopes to reopen it in early 2015.”
Rendezvous (Closed June 2014)
502 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Beloved Central Square restaurant, Rendezvous, closed earlier this summer after nine years under the helm of Chef-Owner Steve Johnson. The Boston restaurateur sold the Cambridge space to Green Street alums, Greg Reeves and Mark Young, who have now transformed the restaurant into Viale, a Mediterranean-inspired eatery.
Centre Street Cafe (Closed June 2014)
669a Centre S.t, Jamaica Plain
This Jamaica Plain brunch spot closed its doors this year – however, the restaurant reopened under new ownership. The new Centre Street Cafe concept has a different menu (same name) and is now run by the owner of Tres Gatos.
The Metropolitan Club (Closed June 2014)
1210 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill
The MET Restaurant Group’s flagship restaurant in Chestnut Hill closed this past summer. The MET group still has locations in Back Bay, Dedham, Natick, Nantucket and Bethesda, Maryland. There is also a second MET restaurant venture on the way for Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood in spring 2015.
Audubon Circle (Closed March 2014)
838 Beacon St., Boston
Popular Fenway restaurant, Audubon Circle, closed earlier this year but reopened under new ownership in just one month. The new restaurant, dubbed Audubon Boston, was opened by the Trina’s Starlite Lounge team.
Jimmy’s Bar and Oven (Closed March 2014)
1653 Beacon St., Brookline
After three years in business, Jimmy’s Bar and Oven closed its doors this past March. The restaurant served pizzas and other Italian dishes like pasta and chicken parmesan.
Barrio Cantina (Closed January 2014)
1363 Boylston St., Boston
The Fenway restaurant, owned by Chef Michael Schlow, closed after less than a year of being opened.
Davide (Closed January 2014)
326 Commercial St., Boston
This North End restaurant, which was featured on Gordon Ramsay’s TV show, “Kitchen Nightmares,” closed after 21 years in business.
La Verdad (Closed January 2014)
1 Lansdowne St., Boston
The Mexican taqueria owned by restaurateur Ken Oringer of Toro, Uni, Clio, Coppa, and Earth closed after 8 years in business.
