Boston Burger Updates: An Ambitiously Named Brookline Spot and More

What was once a cafe and art space in Brookline Village will soon spill over with juicy burgers: The optimistically named Best Burger Bar will take over the space at 195 Washington St. where the Middle Gray used to be, according to Boston Restaurant Talk, and the man behind it has past ties to Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar.

John Mascia, a longtime friend of sportscaster Jerry Remy and a former partner in the sports bars, is behind the Best Burger Bar, which has applied for a license to operate within the former Middle Gray space. The new restaurant will seat 40 inside, with 18 outside. The restaurant could operate Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Best Burger Bar will have a liquor license and will offer brunch on Sundays, according to city filings. The menu will naturally feature burgers, and it could open in the middle of July.

In other burger news, Beverly’s A&B Burgers will not be opening a second location in Amesbury, as was previously the plan, but the team is still working on expansion plans, according to BRT. A&B first opened inside an old jail in Salem (now home to Bit Bar) before moving to its current home in Beverly.

UPDATE, 5/30: This article has been corrected to clarify that John Mascia is a former, not current, partner in Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar. Additionally, per a rep for Best Burger Bar, the new restaurant will feature live entertainment and outdoor seating (a rarity in the Brookline Village area). Plus, local cocktail legend Brother Cleve will be involved in the project.

• Best Burger Bar to Open in Former Middle Gray Space in Brookline Village [BRT]
• Plans for A&B Burgers to Expand to Amesbury Fall Through [BRT]