Kenmore Square Gets a New Late-Night Food Option From a Team of Neighborhood Bar Gurus

A familiar name behind several neighborhood bars in Boston is adding another to its collection, breathing new life into a beloved Kenmore bar that closed earlier this year. The Lower Depths (476 Commonwealth Ave., Boston) shut down at the end of June after 13 years in business, and now the space has a new name and new owners: The Kenmore opened quietly on Friday, October 18, under the direction of Doug Bacon of Red Paint Hospitality Group, who acquired the bar from the Wilcox Hospitality Group in July.

Bacon’s group is also behind the Westland in Fenway; Hopewell Bar & Kitchen, Avenue Bar, and White Horse Tavern in Allston; Harry’s Bar and Grill and the Last Drop in Brighton; and the Corner Tavern in Back Bay. Bacon reportedly aims to keep the spirit of the Lower Depths but will do away with the cash-only policy.

The bar could also establish itself as a late-night option in the neighborhood, with the kitchen open until the bar closes at 1 a.m. (Sunday through Wednesday) or 2 a.m. (Thursday through Saturday).

The menu at the Kenmore primarily focuses on comfort food like burgers, with 16 draft lines for craft beer and wines available by the glass, but no liquor. Its classic burger goes for just $4.95, with meat sourced from Pat LaFrieda in New York and potato buns from Malden-based commercial bakery Piantedosi. The bar also serves Kayem hot dogs with a variety of toppings — a sort of continuation of the Lower Depths’ legacy, as it was known for its hot dogs before its ill-fated transition to a taco joint — and Beyond burgers, along with chicken lollipops, pork shank “wings,” and steak and cheese egg rolls.

Initially, the Kenmore is serving dinner starting at 4 p.m., with lunch and weekend brunch to follow.

• The Restaurant Replacing the Lower Depths Has New Name, Tentative Opening Date [BBJ]
• The Lower Depths Coverage on Eater [EBOS]