Lost Restaurants of Cambridge and Somerville

A summary of the running loss of local restaurants due to COVID-19.

With the COVID-19 pandemic creating hazardous working conditions, inflation destroying real wages, and when $2T-$6T of freshly-printed low-cost credit goes to deep-pocketed private investment firms, transnational corporations, big banks, investors and monopolists, and too-little-too-late to local—independent establishments, we’ll quickly see the biggest loss of local restaurants and a corresponding rise of national chains filling those spaces.

This will fundamentally reshape the terrain of independently run restaurants in the US and around the globe. The Urban America we know, of heterogeneous small restaurants would look very different after this pandemic is over—a homogeneous space optimized for massive corporations, and reducing local autonomy and diversity in the process.

This project has ended as of March 2023 but will continue to be online.

The List

</tr> </tbody> </table>

Name / Date	Notes	Replacement
City Girl Cafe April 19, 2020	City Girl Café started in 1997 with these two lovely people. We had never worked for better bosses and they taught us to be the bosses that we are. As we end our mutual 23 year stretch we want to give all the love to our mentors Merry and Cheryl.	Tapiocarias House of Flavors (since closed), Zuzu's Petals
The Automatic May 15, 2020	Winter was tough. This is the time of year when our sales double because of the patio. We’re missing out on that, and it carries the whole year, so there’s no way we can reopen…
Bergamot May 17, 2020	Bergamot has closed permanantly. Locally-owned FAB Beer has taken its place.	FAB Beer (since closed)
Cuchi Cuchi May 18, 2020	Watching a horror movie is more soothing than having to announce that Cuchi Cuchi will no longer exist... the fundamental purpose of socializing [with] food/wine/good company has been obliterated overnight by an unlucky fluke of nature which gives new meaning to ‘survival of the fittest.’ On the bright side, perhaps humans will now be more nurturing towards each other and the planet and less prone to feeling unabashedly special/invincible
Restaurant Dante May 18, 2020	Cambridge has lost one of its coveted outdoor patios with the closure of Restaurant Dante within the Royal Sonesta Boston hotel. Owners and brothers Dante, Damian, and Filippo de Magistris announced Saturday that the Italian restaurant with scenic views of the Charles River is closing after 15 years.
Eastern Standard May 27, 2020	We are beyond proud to have been a part of ES for nearly its entire duration, and heartbroken at the thought that a short-sighted landlord would rather end this Boston institution than work with an owner as passionate and dedicated to his community, his team and his guests during this unprecedented time in history. Sending so much love to the entire Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks family, past and present.
Deep Ellum May 30, 2020	well, it’s been 13 unbelievable years. we can’t thank everyone enough for supporting us, celebrating your milestones with us, for all the hugs, and the memories, and family that formed here. we’re closing the Deep Ellum chapter on June 7th. but, we will be expanding our sister @lonestarallston into the current Deep Ellum space, and we can wait to show off our face lift when we are able to re-open. thanks for everything, we truly couldn’t have done this without you. Another honorary Boston member. This place brought us many fond memories.	Lone Star Taco
Abigail's June 4, 2020	Abigail's in Kendall Square appears to be on the market, as a "restaurant space available" sign is displayed in one of its windows. Abigail's first opened in the summer of 2011, with the dining spot being known in part for its cocktail program built by alumni of B-Side Lounge, a raw bar, BBQ, sandwiches, and craft beer.
Conor Larkin’s Grill & Tap June 9, 2020	I would like to thank the Northeastern University community and all of the patrons and staff members who made the last 18 years possible. It’s with a heavy heart that I have to announce that Conor Larkin’s Grill & Tap is closing its doors for good. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic was too much to overcome
Bella Luna and The Milky Way June 18, 2020	After several months of considering all options, we have concluded that we cannot reopen Bella Luna & The Milky Way. We are heartbroken to announce that we will remain closed permanently. The mission of our business is to gather people together in groups, to foster social closeness --the opposite of social distancing. Bella Luna and The Milky Way was a JP institution and space for community, this space will be dearly missed.
Parsnip June 24, 2020	Given the way people have changed their habits of living due to the global health crisis, they didn't think they could reopen and have a viable business at this point in time. Parsnip first opened in 2015, initially offering New American fare with European influences, with the food offerings having Filipino influences of late.
Island Creek Oyster Bar June 25, 2020	Harker and his partners at Island Creek Oyster Bar also received a default letter, which means that all three spaces are at risk.
Hawthorne June 25, 2020	... ever since the pandemic forced the celebrated Boston restaurateur to close the doors of his three properties inside the Hotel Commonwealth, the fates of Eastern Standard, Island Creek Oyster Bar, and the Hawthorne have been in question.
Les Zygomates July 3, 2020	Les Zygomates first opened in 1994, offering French fare along with a variety of wines, while also featuring live music including both jazz and blues.
The Field July 15, 2020	The Irish pub, which first opened in the mid-1990s, has been known as a local hangout that is a place to go for a drink and pub grub along with pool and darts.
Flat Top Johnny's July 15, 2020	The Cambridge pool hall opened in 1993, serving a burger- and sandwich-heavy menu alongside local craft beer and cocktails. While we thought this day would come years from now, we are here to announce the end of 27 years of pool, cocktails, pinball, food, and fun at Flat Top Johnny's.
Slumbrew August 3, 2020	Today we say THANK YOU and goodbye. It has been the honor of a lifetime to bring you Slumbrew beers, the outdoor beer garden, our brewery and American Fresh Brewhouse. Having plenty of time to think, rest and reset we have decided to close for good.
Bukowski Tavern August 4, 2020	Bukowski Tavern was a successful bar,” but that “the pandemic took it. This is much more than a grind, and far from being a new normal".
The Friendly Toast August 31, 2020	We are saddened to announce we will not be reopening our Kendall Square- Cambridge, MA location....Over the past couple of months, we've been slowly and safely reopening our restaurants with every precaution in mind to keep our team and guests safe. We cannot thank you all enough for overwhelmingly positive support we've received in these very challenging restaurant and life times.
Bull McCabe's August 31, 2020	It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing to let you know that, after twelve years in Union Square, Bull McCabe's will not be reopening. The last six months have taken an incredible toll on all of us, and while the restaurant/bar/music venue industry as a whole has been decimated...
Mei Mei September 30, 2020	Early in the year, we thought we were hitting the pause button. Months later, we still can’t press play, at least not in any financially meaningful way, and our bills have piled up. We’ve scrambled and scrounged, and like so many other restaurants, seem to have only bad options. We can’t just hold our breaths or hibernate; we need to keep moving...
Chic Chick October 2, 2020	Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to close our shop. We want to say THANK YOU for the overwhelming support we had from you guys! It has been a pleasure to serve you! THANK YOU for trusting us and try something new! We know it’s hard to come out your comfort zone! People thought we were crazy to open our doors in the midst of a pandemic. We tried, we fought, and we have no regret! Thank you Boston! Chic Chick Out!
Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale October 6, 2020	We derived close to 40% of our revenues from the Downtown Crossing theaters and shows, those are non existent. We generated 40% of our revenue from the everyday workers in the office buildings near by, those were closed, then let to reopen at 25% capacity and now upwards of 50%...but the area is still desolate! After work and special events drove the remaining traffic of which we have NONE!
Gaslight November 20, 2020	The Aquitaine Group is moving off of Harrison Avenue and we are looking forward to new endeavors in 2021. We are bullish on Boston and the restaurant community that serves our city just as we have, for over 25 years and running at Aquitaine Boston, Aquitaine Chestnut Hill and Metropolis Cafe.
Moroccan Hospitality Restaurant November 19, 2020	In March, we had all these reservations, but as soon as COVID hit us, people started canceling them. After March, the business was going down, down, down – sinking little by little – and we never recovered from that.
Inman Oasis February 1, 2021	Due to Covid-19 and other unavoidable factors, Inman Oasis has had to permanently close it's doors in Cambridge. After over 14 1/2 years, we are devastated by this loss. This is an incredible hard time for folks in our industry and we don't know what the future will bring.
People's Republik Bar February 6, 2021	At this time, for the safety of our staff and guests, we have decided to close for the time being. We sincerely hope to be back shortly, but some things still remain out of our control. Please keep on eye on our social media for updates.	New Republik, Inman Square
Border Cafe February 10, 2021	“We decided at the end of the year” not to reopen, said the manager, declining to give a name but saying they had previously been a manager at the Harvard Square location. The closing was described as “amicable,” with a reference to it being difficult “coming to terms with Harvard.”
Richard's May 3, 2021	This is unbelievably painful and sucks so damn much!!! But, it is with a heavy heart that I announce that Richards is closed. I unconditionally love every one of you that has had a meal, a drink and made a memory within these walls.	An Sibin, an Irish pub
The Gallows May 6, 2021	The Gallows will always be my first baby + I will forever be grateful. May its memory be a blessing
Highland Fried September 10, 2021	We are pressing the pause button, we will be taking a much needed break ... while we figure out our next move.
Craigie on Main October 21, 2021	Well friends, it's here. Our last weekend of service before we press 'pause' in August. We'll be using this time to think about what's next here at Craigie, and spend some much-needed time with our families and friends
Tiger Mama October 25, 2021	Eater Boston is reporting that Tiffani Faison is shutting down Tiger Mama in the Fenway section of Boston this week, with its last official day of service being Friday, October 29, though a Halloween drag brunch will be held on Sunday, October 31.
The Asgard October 28, 2021	With the pandemic ongoing, office buildings at low occupancy, chronic labor shortages, challenging governmental directives and an uncertain economy, the decision has been made to permanently close popular Irish pubs The Kinsale and The Asgard.
BISq November 4, 2021	a phone call placed to the Cambridge Street spot confirming this, saying that it has indeed closed down permanently
Loyal Nine December 18, 2021	After dinner service on Saturday December 18th, Loyal Nine will close its doors for the last and final time.
The Ginger Man January 5, 2022	A restaurant in downtown Boston that has been known in part for its comfort food and craft beer may be closed permanently, as its space is now on the market.
Sa Pa December 30, 2021	"Sa Pa in the city's Financial District has closed, with a picture of the Bedford Street storefront showing a 'for lease' sign in the window. The restaurant, which first opened in 2013, offered banh mi, pho, kimchi, eggrolls, and bowls"
Green Street Grill February 3, 2022	My all-time favorite bar in the Boston area, Green Street Grill in Cambridge's Central Square is closed. Empty-ish inside, windows covered up. Best place for cocktails that were $8 to $10 and good food too.
The Similans February 9, 2023	According to multiple sources, including a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page, The Similans is no longer in business, with the First Street spot closing its doors last week. A note out front mentions the closing while also referring people to Brown Sugar Cafe by BU in Boston, which is under the same ownership. The Similans first opened 18 years ago, offering Thai fare in an industrial space with exposed pipes and ductwork and hanging lights.</q> </td>
Atwood's Tavern March 1, 2023	Atwood's Tavern will be closing our doors for the last time on March 31st. We would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone who has been a part of our community over the past 16 years. Atwood's wouldn't be Atwood's without all of you. So, if you get the chance, come by in the next month to say farewell....Thanks for all of the good times and memories. Atwood's is known for its comfort food, extensive beer list, and wine and cocktail options while also hosting countless local bands and acts over the years.