Boston’s Steakhouse in a Castle Closes This Summer

A steakhouse in an architectural fixture of Boston’s Back Bay will close down this summer as the company shifts its focus to a forthcoming suburban location. Smith & Wollensky (101 Arlington St., Back Bay) is vacating the Castle — which was built as an armory in the 1890s — after 15 years occupying the historic landmark, according to the Boston Globe.

The Back Bay restaurant is one of two in the Boston area, with a second on Atlantic Wharf (294 Congress St.). Smith & Wollensky president Michael Feighery told the Globe that the lease was up for renewal at the Castle, and with a new location opening later this month in Wellesley (583 Washington St.) in the former Blue Ginger space, the time had come to direct attention elsewhere.

The soon-to-open Wellesley restaurant spans a smaller space than the Castle, which accommodated around 500 diners across three floors. Wellesley’s restaurant will seat 250 inside, plus more on a seasonal patio, and it’s expected to open for dinner on May 24, adding lunch service on May 29, per an announcement from the company.

Smith & Wollensky, which is over 40 years old, operates eight other locations across the United States and in London. It’s best known for its steak — available in numerous cuts with a variety of fancy toppings (king crab, lobster tails, foie gras, etc.) and sides — but there are also shellfish towers, some non-steak entrees, classic cocktails, and more.

Update, 11:45 a.m.: This story has been updated to include an exact opening date for the Wellesley location.

• Smith & Wollensky to Close Back Bay Location [EBOS]
• Smith & Wollensky Takes Over for Blue Ginger in Wellesley [EBOS]