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It’s been a harrowing year-plus for restaurants in Massachusetts. Due to a surge in COVID-19 infections, many restaurants had no choice but to close temporarily during the winter. But as the warm weather arrived and restrictions loosened and eventually ended altogether, restaurants began to reopen.
While not comprehensive (by all means, reach out with updates), here is a list of restaurants that have reopened recently, or have announced specific plans to reopen soon. Note that some cities and towns (including Boston, Cambridge, Newton, and Somerville) have reinstated indoor mask mandates, and elsewhere, some restaurants are still requiring masks and/or other safety measures; check with individual restaurants for details before heading over if you have any questions. (Also note that a small but growing list of restaurants are requiring proof of vaccination for indoor dining as delta variant cases surge.)
This roundup was initially published on April 7, 2021; it is updated as new information becomes available. The most recent update occurred on September 23, 2021, and includes notes on Aceituna Grill’s downtown Boston and Seaport locations and American Flatbread’s Brighton location.
Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; the latest data about the delta variant indicates that it may pose a low-to-moderate risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.
4th Wall Restaurant & Bar
228 Tremont St., Theater District, Boston
4th Wall reopened on February 2 and is open for indoor dining, takeout, and delivery seven days a week from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m., featuring burgers and other comfort food.
510 Waterfront at the Intercontinental
510 Atlantic Ave., downtown Boston
The Intercontinental’s Fort Point Channel-adjacent outdoor patio has reopened for the season, serving cocktails and small plates Wednesday through Saturday nights.
A&B Kitchen & Bar
101 Beverly St., West End, Boston
Formerly known as A&B Burgers, A&B Kitchen & Bar — a sit-down restaurant that serves a lot more than burgers (such as boozy milkshakes) — reopened on March 23 for indoor dining; reservations are available here. There are six-foot dividers between all booths and most tables, and there are three large garage doors to create an open-air dining space. There’s patio seating available (with heaters), and keep an eye out for the return of sidewalk dining as well.
Aceituna Grill
100 Federal St., downtown Boston; 57 Boston Wharf Rd., Seaport District, Boston
While the fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant kept its original location in Cambridge’s Kendall Square open through the pandemic, the two Boston spots closed down temporarily. The Seaport location reopened in the spring, and the Financial District location reopened in early September. The Kendall and Seaport locations, both open Monday through Saturday, offer indoor and outdoor seating (with heat lamps), online ordering, and pickup and delivery. The Financial District location, which is in the Exchange building’s atrium, is open on weekdays and offers online ordering. Find ordering links for all locations here.
American Flatbread (COMING SOON)
76 Guest St., Boston Landing, Brighton, Boston
Flatbread Company’s spacious Brighton location — which features pizza, beer, and bowling — is slated to reopen on October 1, with a limited schedule to start.
Anna’s Taqueria
800 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston
The local burrito chain’s newest location, which is inside the Prudential Center, has been closed for a year and a half. It’s back as of August 2021, operating on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to start. The schedule is expected to increase in the coming weeks, when staffing permits.
Artisan Bistro at the Ritz-Carlton
10 Avery St., Downtown Crossing, Boston
Across from the Common, Artisan Bistro reopened in June 2021 and is currently serving breakfast and dinner daily — 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., respectively. Lunch will return in the fall.
Atlántico
600 Harrison Ave., South End, Boston
Atlántico (and its siblings Grand Tour and Select Oyster Bar; see below) reopened on April 1. Cafe service is open in the mornings, featuring Cafe Madeleine baked goods, and the restaurant is serving dinner seven nights a week and brunch on the weekends; reserve here. Inside, the very high ceiling gives the space an airy feel, and the windows and doors are open for extra airflow. Out front, there’s patio dining.
Audubon
838 Beacon St., Fenway, Boston
Audubon reopened on April 2 for indoor dining, outdoor dining (it has a lovely secluded patio out back), and takeout. Keep an eye out for taco Tuesday specials.
Aqua Pazza
135 Richmond St., North End, Boston
The Italian restaurant and oyster bar reopened May 6, serving dinner Wednesday through Sunday, with takeout available. Reserve a table here.
Back Deck
2 West St., Downtown Crossing, Boston
Back Deck reopened for indoor dining on April 28; reserve a table here. It’s currently closed Mondays and Tuesdays, with dinner served Wednesday through Sunday and brunch on weekends. Takeout and delivery (via Uber Eats and DoorDash) are also available.
The Bacon Truck
50 Terminal St., Charlestown, Boston, and mobile
The Bacon Truck is back on the streets of Boston as of late April, vending around town as well as booking private events. Stay tuned for the return of the Charlestown cafe.
Bar Mezzana, Black Lamb, and Shore Leave
Bar Mezzana, 360 Harrison Ave., South End, Boston; Black Lamb, 571 Tremont St., South End, Boston; Shore Leave, 11 William E. Mullins Way, South End, Boston
South End siblings Bar Mezzana and Black Lamb both reopened on April 1, each offering indoor and outdoor dining as well as takeout (Black Lamb also delivers via DoorDash) for dinner and brunch. Reservations for Bar Mezzana can be made here; reservations for Black Lamb can be made here. Note: Black Lamb is offering dollar oysters daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sibling bar Shore Leave is also back as of May 1 with a new food menu (burgers, hot dogs, wings, and sides) and patio seating in the courtyard of 345 Harrison Ave. (Indoor seating at 11 William E. Mullins Way will be open on rainy days only.) Reservations available, but not required, here.
Bill’s Bar
5 Lansdowne St., Fenway, Boston
Steps from Fenway Park, Bill’s Bar reopened on August 3, 2021, after temporarily closing its doors at the start of the pandemic. The decades-old bar and entertainment venue will operate with limited hours in August and ramp up to a full schedule for September, with plenty of live music. The food and drink menus are new, too, with dishes such as yuca poutine and swordfish tacos now available.
Bistro du Midi
272 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston
New England-inspired French restaurant Bistro du Midi reopened on March 17 and is open Wednesday through Sunday for weekend brunch, weekday lunch, and dinner. Indoor dining is available on two floors, with a more casual bistro menu served in the renovated first-floor space. Reserve online or call (617) 279-8000. Takeout and delivery are also available. Stay tuned for patio dining overlooking the Public Garden.
Brownstone
111 Dartmouth St., Back Bay, Boston
Back Bay bar Brownstone — popular for after-work drinks — reopened on April 9 after temporarily closing in December. Indoor and outdoor dining are available; reserve on the restaurant’s website. (Sibling and neighbor Clerys has not yet reopened.)
Burro Bar
1357 Washington St., South End, Boston
Burro Bar in Boston’s South End (as well as its Brookline counterpart; see below) reopened on March 4, offering indoor dining and outdoor dining as well as takeout and delivery. The restaurant is currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but opens for dinner the rest of the week as well as bottomless weekend brunch — an all-you-can-eat meal for $21. New additions include birria quesadillas and to-go margaritas in four-pack cans. Reserve a table online.
Canary Square
435 South Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, Boston
Canary Square reopened for takeout and limited delivery on March 25; orders can be placed here Wednesday through Saturday. Canary Square is not yet open for indoor dining or outdoor dining.
Casa Caña
1234 Soldiers Field Rd., Allston, Boston
When Casa Caña first opened inside the Studio Allston hotel in summer 2018, it was as a Latin-inspired restaurant with a particular focus on rum and Cuban cuisine. It switched gears for its reopening on May 5 — it emerged from hibernation as a Mexican-inspired taqueria and tequila bar. The restaurant offers seating inside and outside in its large courtyard patio.
Cask n’ Flagon
62 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston
Cask n’ Flagon reopened its doors on March 19. It’s currently open for indoor dining and outdoor dining (specifically on its “mega patio,” in preparation for Fenway crowds). Open seven days a week until 2 a.m.
Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co.
3 Lansdowne St., Fenway, Boston
Fenway Park-adjacent brewpub Cheeky Monkey reopened on April 1, and it is offering both indoor dining and patio dining. (21+ after 8 p.m.) Groups of six are encouraged to reserve online, while smaller groups are encouraged to walk in. Private event rentals are available.
Ciao Roma
5 North Square, North End, Boston
Ciao Roma — formerly known as Ciao Bella and before that, North Square Oyster — reopened on April 8, with indoor and patio dining available; reserve here. Takeout and delivery are also available; order here.
Cityside Tavern
1960 Beacon St., Brighton, Boston
Cleveland Circle hangout Cityside Tavern reopened on February 5 and is offering indoor dining, outdoor dining on two levels, and takeout. Reserve a table online.
City Winery
80 Beverly St., Downtown Boston
The music venue, winery, and restaurant reopened on April 21 and resumed live entertainment several days later with a schedule packed full of comedy, jazz, and other music and entertainment. Buy tickets here.
CloverDTX
27 School St., Downtown Crossing
Local vegetarian chain Clover Food Lab has reopened its Downtown Crossing outpost as of August 12, 2021, operating from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Coppersmith
40 West 3rd St., South Boston
Coppersmith — which is eventually slated to lose its home to redevelopment, so go while you can — reopened on March 11. Indoor dining is available, as well as outdoor dining on the ground level and on the rooftop. Takeout and delivery are also available.
The Courtyard Tea Room at Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston
The library reopened its Courtyard Tea Room for afternoon tea service on September 22. (The Map Room Tea Lounge has not yet reopened, but it is expected to soon.)
Cunard Tavern
24 Orleans St., East Boston
Located in the Jeffries Point section of Eastie, Cunard Tavern has reopened for indoor dining, outdoor dining on the sidewalk and rooftop, takeout, and delivery. Reserve here for indoor and outdoor dining. The gastropub also has cafe service on weekday mornings.
Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen
604 Columbus Ave., South End, Boston
Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen has reopened for dinner service Wednesday through Sunday. See its website for more details on live music, entertainment, and reservation/fee requirements. Reserve a table here. Takeout and delivery are also available; order here.
Delux Cafe
100 Chandler St., South End, Boston
This perfect neighborhood joint reopened for indoor dining and takeout on March 17. Closed Mondays.
Democracy Brewing
35 Temple Pl., Downtown Crossing, Boston
The downtown worker-owned brewpub reopened on July 4, on its third anniversary, and opens at noon daily, serving its own beers as well as pub fare. Crowlers are available to go.
Dorchester Brewing Co.
1250 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02125
Dorchester Brewing Co. returned on March 1 and is open for indoor and outdoor service, along with takeout options. Reservations are available but not required. M&M BBQ is also open inside the brewery; place an order here.
The Emory
21 Beacon St., Beacon Hill, Boston
The Emory reopened on June 4, offering distanced indoor seating as well as outdoor seating, weather permitting; the menu is new. Reservations are available via Resy.
Fenway Johnnie’s
96 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston
Fenway Johnnie’s reopened on April 15, with reservations available via OpenTable or by calling (617) 936-4344. (Call the same number for takeout orders.)
Fin Point Oyster Bar + Grille
89 Broad St., Waterfront, Boston
This Waterfront oyster bar, which is located inside the Hilton Boston Downtown/Faneuil Hall, reopened during the second week of April for indoor and outdoor dining. Reservations are recommended (make them here.)
Five Horses Tavern and Worden Hall
Five Horses Tavern, 535 Columbus Ave., South End, Boston; Worden Hall, 22 W. Broadway, South Boston
The Hawkeye Hospitality group reopened all of its restaurants in April — including Five Horses and Elm Street Taproom in Somerville; see below — for indoor and outdoor dining as well as takeout and delivery (order from Five Horses Boston here and Worden Hall here.)
Fóumami Asian Sandwich Bar
225 Franklin St., downtown Boston
Closed for nearly 17 months, the decade-old Financial District breakfast-and-lunch spot reopened on August 4, 2021, coinciding with the increasing number of workers returning to downtown offices.
Franklin Cafe
278 Shawmut Ave., South End, Boston
Steak frites alert: After over a year of hibernation, South End mainstay Franklin Cafe reopened on July 29, 2021, in its 25th year. Open until 2 a.m. daily (full menu until 1:30 a.m.). There’s outdoor dining, too.
French Quarter
545 Washington St., Theater District, Boston
This New Orleans-inspired Theater District spot, which first debuted less than a month before COVID shut everything down, reopened on April 7. Reservations are encouraged (and can be made here), and the restaurant remains open for takeout and delivery as well.
Galway House
720 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, Boston
Galway House reopened on March 8 and is offering takeout, as well as in-house delivery services ($15 minimum). Order here — wings, pizza, sandwiches, and more.
Game On
82 Lansdowne St., Fenway, Boston
Game On reopened on March 13 for indoor and outdoor dining; reserve here.
Ghost Pepper Taco & Tequila Bar
120 Savin Hill Ave., Dorchester, Boston
Ghost Pepper reopened on March 22 and is open daily for indoor dining (reserve here) and takeout (order here), serving tacos, burritos, cocktails, and more. Watch for dine-in taco specials on Tuesdays.
The Grand
58 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District, Boston
Seaport nightclub the Grand, a Big Night Entertainment Group venue, reopened on June 3 with a full lineup of events in the days to follow.
Grand Tour
314 Newbury St., Back Bay, Boston
Select Oyster Bar and Atlántico sibling Grand Tour’s Newbury Street patio is now open, with lunch and dinner served daily; there’s also indoor dining. Reservations are available on OpenTable, and walk-ins are also welcome.
Gray’s Hall
615 East Broadway, South Boston
Intimate wine bar Gray’s Hall, which debuted shortly before the pandemic, is back as of May 1. The American Provisions sibling is offering patio dining Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations are available here, but walk-ins are also encouraged.
The Greatest Bar
262 Friend St., West End, Boston
The Greatest Bar reopened on March 12 for indoor dining and takeout. Hours will vary as things pick back up at TD Garden, so watch social media for updates.
Guy Fieri’s Tequila Cocina
110 Causeway St., West End, Boston
The West End’s little corner of Flavortown reopened for indoor dining on March 23; it takes reservations and is also offering takeout and delivery.
Haley Henry and Nathálie
Haley Henry, 45 Province St., Downtown Crossing, Boston; Nathálie, 186 Brookline Ave., Fenway, Boston
Sibling wine bars Haley Henry and Nathálie have both resumed business. Nathálie reopened on April 2, and reservations can be made on Resy for indoor and outdoor seating, with walk-ins also welcome. Haley Henry reopened on April 5 with an updated wine and food menu; reservations can be made here, and Haley Henry also has indoor and outdoor dining available, with walk-ins welcome.
Hennessy’s
25 Union St., downtown Boston
After temporarily closing in mid-December 2020, this bar is back as of May 5, featuring a new patio. Open until 2 a.m. on weekends. Indoor dining is also available.
The Kenmore
476 Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston
The Kenmore reopened in early April, serving hot dogs, burgers, and more. Takeout and delivery are also available.
The Lansdowne Pub
9 Lansdowne St., Fenway, Boston
Landsdowne Pub has reopened with indoor and outdoor dining. There’s also live music Thursday through Saturday, and the pub stays open until 2 a.m.
Lobby Bar at the Godfrey Hotel
505 Washington St., Downtown Crossing, Boston
The ground-floor hotel bar has reopened and is operating Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m., featuring some brand new cocktails.
Lobstah on a Roll
537 Columbus Ave., South End, Boston; 254 Newbury St., Back Bay, Boston
Lobstah on a Roll’s two locations reopened on March 23 for indoor dining and patio dining, as well as takeout and delivery.
Lucie Drink + Dine
The Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Ave., Back Bay, Boston
Located in the longtime Brasserie Jo space at the Colonnade, Lucie had barely been open when the pandemic struck, and it temporarily shut down as a result. As of September 2021, it’s back for breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch. Nick Calias — who used to be executive chef of the Colonnade Hotel before a stint at Rochambeau and more with the Lyons Group — is back as director of food and beverage for the hotel, overseeing Lucie, the Roof Top Pool, room service, and more. On the new Lucie Menu: “simply grilled” seafood and meat options; mussels marniere; chicken milanese; zucchini schnitzel; and more.
Mamma Maria
3 North Square, North End, Boston
North End favorite Mamma Maria reopened on April 8 for indoor and outdoor dining (reserve here), and there’s a private room available for events as well. Order takeout here.
The Merchant
60 Franklin St., downtown Boston
The self-described American brasserie reopened in August 2021, currently serving weekday lunch and dinner. The menu features a mix of old favorites and new dishes.
Milk Street Cafe
50 Milk St., downtown Boston
The downtown restaurant and caterer, which has been feeding office workers breakfast and lunch for 40 years, reopened in mid-August 2021..
MJ O’Connor’s
425 Summer St., Seaport District, Boston
Closed since the initial indoor dining shutdown in March 2020, the Seaport location of MJ O’Connor’s returned on May 13, 2021. Reservations are encouraged but not required. The Back Bay location has not yet reopened but plans to at some point in the spring.
Mooncusser
304 Stuart St., Back Bay, Boston
Formerly known as Mooncusser Fish House, upscale seafood restaurant Mooncusser reopened on April 16, now featuring chef Carl Dooley at the helm. Dooley, a Top Chef alum, was previously chef at the acclaimed Table at Season to Taste in Cambridge, which ceased to operate under that name in May 2020. (Season to Taste, a different and more casual concept, has since opened in its place.) Like at the Table, Dooley is focusing on a seasonal prix fixe menu at Mooncusser; it’s currently a four-course menu for $90. Reserve online.
Ms. Clucks Deluxe
Time Out Market Boston, 401 Park Dr., Fenway, Boston
The fast-casual chicken-focused sibling to O Ya and Hojoko reopened in mid-September at Time Out Market, serving items like a spicy Cajun karaage chicken sandwich and chicken soup with dumplings.
Nebo
520 Atlantic Ave., downtown Boston
Nebo reopened on June 7 — its 16th anniversary — and is starting with full dinner service from 2 p.m. to close Monday through Saturday. Lunch will resume soon. The restaurant features a Greenway-adjacent patio. Reserve online or call (617) 723-6326
Night Shift Brewing at Lovejoy Wharf
1 Lovejoy Wharf #101, North End, Boston
Nightshift’s Lovejoy Wharf location reopened May 2, with indoor and outdoor dining available; the kitchen is featuring Detroit-style pizza. Reservations are available but not required. Night Shift fans can also visit the original Everett location for indoor and outdoor dining and drinking as well as to-go can pickups. The brewery has also recently expanded over to Encore Boston Harbor in Everett with a restaurant called Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap. Night Shift’s Owl’s Nest beer gardens on the Esplanade and in Allston are expected to reopen later in May.
No Relation
11 William E Mullins Way, South End, Boston
Sushi bar No Relation, located inside sibling spot Shore Leave, reopened June 16; reservations are available via Resy. For the rest of June, there will be two seatings per night on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, with additional days and times added later in the summer. Dining at No Relation is a prepaid omakase experience of approximately 14 courses, and tickets must be canceled at least a week in advance.
Oak Long Bar & Kitchen
138 Saint James Ave., Back Bay, Boston
Oak Long Bar & Kitchen reopened on April 1 for indoor and outdoor dining, along with limited bar seating. Reserve here.
Oak & Rowan
321 A St., Fort Point, Boston
Oak & Rowan reopened on March 10. Indoor and outdoor dining — a long, narrow patio set back from the street — are available (reserve here), as is takeout.
Orfano (COMING SOON)
1391 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston
Tiffani Faison’s Italian restaurant was slated to return in late summer 2021, per its website. Stay tuned for updates.
Our Fathers
197 N. Harvard St., Allston, Boston
The modern Jewish restaurant and deli — sibling to Franklin Cafe, Citizen Public House, and Tasty Burger — partially reopened in late August 2021. Customers can currently get sandwiches and such from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with full dinner, brunch, and bar service coming soon. Delivery is available. One-pound pastrami sandwich, anyone?
Pier 6
1 8th St., Charlestown, Boston
The waterfront restaurant (it’s got views) reopened May 1, serving dinner daily as well as weekend brunch. Indoor and outdoor dining are available; reserve here (indoor only — outdoor is first come, first served). The patio features its own casual menu.
Porto
Ring Road, Back Bay, Boston
Porto reopened on April 1 and is offering takeout, indoor dining, and outdoor seating on its gorgeous patio, one of the nicest secluded patios around. (And it’s got heaters.) Visit its website for more information on reservations.
Precinct Kitchen & Bar
154 Berkeley St., Back Bay, Boston
Located at the Loews Boston Hotel, Precinct reopened on April 29 with a new executive chef, Travis Cintron, a longtime alum of other Loews dining operations around the country. On the menu: lobster rolls, fish and chips, steak frites, and more. Precinct is currently serving dinner Thursday through Saturday and brunch on weekends. Reserve online. The venue is also booking private events on its terrace.
Prezza
24 Fleet St., North End, Boston
Upscale Italian restaurant Prezza — along with siblings the Blue Ox and both locations of Tonno; see below — has reopened for indoor dining as well as takeout and delivery seven days a week, with patio dining expected to begin later in April. (Watch Instagram for updates.) Reserve online. Valet parking is available for $25 (cash only).
Rail Stop
96 Guest St., Brighton, Boston
Rail Stop reopened on April 1 and is offering indoor dining (reserve here), takeout, and outdoor dining on its patio, which has heaters.
Reel House
6 New St., East Boston
Reel House reopened on April 1 with indoor dining, waterfront outdoor dining, and takeout. Reserve here.
Reign Drink Lab
1370 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, Boston
Reign Drink Lab reopened on February 20 and may have some plans in the work for a patio. Its current temporary hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Online orders can be placed on its website.
Row 34
383 Congress St., Fort Point, Boston
Row 34 reopened on April 1 and is offering indoor dining (reserve here), takeout, and delivery.
RTP at the Colonnade Hotel
120 Huntington Ave., Back Bay, Boston
The Colonnade’s rooftop pool, aka RTP, reopened May 28, operating through Labor Day weekend. It’s open to the public on weekdays (and on weekends if renting a cabana), by reservation. The menu, which will change throughout the season, is starting out with items such as shrimp cocktail, nicoise salad, lobster rolls, and thin-crust pizza.
Samuel Adams Boston Taproom
60 State St., Downtown Boston
The downtown Samuel Adams Boston Taproom reopened on March 24. The rooftop deck is open, and seating is first come, first served, with limited reservations available for the first seating each afternoon. Additionally, the to-go window continues to be open for four-packs and more.
Select Oyster Bar
50 Gloucester St., Back Bay, Boston
Select Oyster Bar is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and reservations can be made on OpenTable; it has a brand new street patio as well.
The Sevens Ale House
77 Charles St., Beacon Hill, Boston
The casual Beacon Hill pub reopens on June 7 with a fully vaccinated staff and some new outdoor seating.
Shōjō
9 Tyler St., Chinatown, Boston
The Chinatown staple — which closed for much of the winter — recently reopened for indoor and outdoor dining. The food and drink menus are limited at the moment, with just beer, wine, and sake on the drink side. (A full bar selection will be returning soon.) Also keep an eye out for a new location of Shōjō opening in Cambridge this fall.
Silhouette Lounge
200 Brighton Ave., Allston, Boston
Allston rats rejoice: The Silhouette Lounge reopened on March 17.
Silvertone
69 Bromfield St., Downtown Crossing, Boston
Completely closed since the start of the shutdown in March 2020, Silvertone spent spring and summer 2021 posting renovation teasers to Facebook while working toward a reopening. As of September 9, it’s back up and running, operating from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday (kitchen until 11 p.m.) for now. Don’t worry: The mac and cheese is still on the menu.
Squeeze Juice Company
15 Channel Center St., Seaport, Boston
While Squeeze’s downtown Boston and Assembly Row, Somerville, locations remain closed for now, the juice bar’s Seaport location inside the Everybody Fights gym is back up and running; watch Facebook for updates on the other locations.
SRV
569 Columbus Ave., South End, Boston
SRV reopened on March 18 and is currently open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, and takeout. Reserve here.
State Street Provisions
255 State St., Waterfront, Boston
Indoor dining, outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery are available at State Street Provisions, which reopened on March 25. Reserve here.
Sullivan’s
2080 William J Day Blvd., South Boston
Iconic Castle Island hot dog and seafood joint Sullivan’s reopened for the season on February 27 — always one of the first signs of spring. Head to Southie for some fried clams.
Summer Shack
50 Dalton St., Back Bay, Boston
The Back Bay location of Summer Shack reopened on March 25 for indoor dining, takeout, and delivery. (Outdoor dining is also available at the Cambridge location, and a new food truck recently hit the road around Boston.)
Terramia Ristorante
98 Salem St., North End, Boston
Terramia reopened on February 11 and is open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, and takeout. Reserve here.
Tiger Mama
1363 Boylston St., Fenway, Boston
Tiffani Faison’s ode to the cuisines of Southeast Asia reopened in mid-June, and there’s a new patio.
Time Out Market Boston
401 Park Dr., Fenway, Boston
The Fenway food hall reopened on May 13 with most of its previous vendors still in the lineup, including Ms. Clucks Deluxe, Gogo Ya, Cusser’s Roast Beef, Taqueria el Barrio, Anoush’ella, Union Square Donuts, and more. The food hall includes two bars and lots of outdoor dining space.
Trade
540 Atlantic Ave., Waterfront, Boston
The decade-old Atlantic Wharf restaurant is back as of early September 2021. There are some new items on the Mediterranean-inspired menu, such as focaccia niçoise with olive and thyme. Currently open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner (bar at 3 p.m., small bites at 4 p.m., dinner at 5 p.m.).
Trillium Brewing Company
401 Park Dr., Fenway, Boston; 50 Thomson Pl., Fort Point, Boston
The Trillium locations in Boston (as well as Canton; see below) have reopened, while Trillium Greenway is expected to reopen in early May. Check Trillium’s social media for more information about food ordering requirements, reservations, and more.
Trophy Room
26 Chandler St., South End, Boston
The South End bar reopened in August 2021, featuring a newly remodeled space.
Two Saints Tavern
52 Gainsborough St., Fenway/Symphony, Boston
Two Saints Tavern reopened on March 8, while its sibling/neighbor Dos Diablos remains closed for now. The Two Saints Tavern patio is open and available on a first come, first served basis.
Versus
42 Province St., Downtown Boston
Arcade bar Versus reopened on January 27. It is 21+ after 7 p.m. and is currently only operating Thursday through Sunday.
Warehouse Bar & Grille
40 Broad St., Downtown, Boston
Warehouse Bar & Grille reopened on March 4. It’s currently offering indoor and outdoor dining, as well as takeout and delivery. See its website for more details about reservations.
Ward 8
90 N Washington St., North End, Boston
Ward 8 reopened on February 18 and is offering indoor dining, takeout, and delivery. Check its website for information on reservations and online ordering.
West End Johnnie’s
138 Portland St., West End, Boston
West End Johnnie’s reopened for what it’s calling “phase 1” on June 11 — nightlife only for the time being, with DJs and other entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Stay tuned for regular dining hours, the return of the popular reggae brunch, etc.
Burro Bar
1665 Beacon St., Washington Square, Brookline
Like its Boston sibling (see above), Mexican restaurant and tequila bar Burro Bar reopened on March 4 and is offering indoor dining (reserve here) and outdoor dining as well as takeout and delivery. On weekends, there’s bottomless brunch.
Ivory Pearl
1704 Beacon St., Washington Square, Brookline
Ivory Pearl reopened on March 25. It is open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, and takeout (including cocktails to go). Reserve here.
Orinoco
22 Harvard St., Brookline Village
Latin American restaurant trio Orinoco temporarily closed two of its locations in late 2020; both (the other is in Cambridge; see below) reopened on April 16, with limited hours to start — dinner only, Tuesday through Sunday. Takeout is also available via direct ordering, and delivery is available on most third-party platforms.
Parlour
308 Harvard St., Coolidge Corner, Brookline
Parlour reopened in mid-June 2021, serving dishes like charcuterie, poutine, truffle mac and cheese, and skillet cookies. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Watch Instagram for specials.
Prairie Fire
242 Harvard St., Coolidge Corner, Brookline
Sibling to Steel & Rye in Milton, Prairie Fire reopened in Brookline on June 26 with a new look, chef (Andrew Iacono of SingleThread Farm in Sonoma and Alinea in Chicago), general manager (Ricky Czachor of Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Bar), and menu. The restaurant continues to feature wood-fired items, including pizzas, plus pastas and more. A backyard beer garden is in the works, slated to open later this summer.
Taberna de Haro
999 Beacon St., Brookline
Spanish restaurant Taberna de Haro, which features a notable sherry list, reopened and is offering indoor dining, outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. Reserve here.
A4cade and Roxy’s Central (COMING SOON)
292 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge
In mid-August 2021, the Area Four team’s cocktail bar and arcade A4cade — and its neighbor Roxy’s Grilled Cheese — started staffing up for a reopening. Watch Instagram for updates.
ArtBar
40 Edwin H Land Blvd., Cambridge
Located at the Royal Sonesta, the waterfront restaurant has reopened inside and out as of June 9, starting with dinner service Wednesday through Sunday and weekend brunch. The large outdoor space is available for private event bookings, too.
Artifact Cider
438 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge
Artifact Cider reopened its taproom on May 27, with seating inside and out. (Its big sibling out in Florence has also reopened.) There’s an all-day lunch menu of sandwiches, chips, and dips.
Cambridge Brewing Company
1 Kendall Square Bldg. 100, Kendall Square, Cambridge
Kendall Square mainstay Cambridge Brewing Company reopened on February 18 and is open for indoor dining, outdoor dining (with heat lamps), and takeout. Reserve a table online or call (617) 494-1994.
Catalyst
300 Technology Sq., Kendall Square, Cambridge
Kendall Square restaurant Catalyst reopened on May. The restaurant features a sizable patio and lots of private event space.
Colette
1924 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square Hotel, Porter Square, Cambridge
Frenchie sibling Colette has reopened for indoor and patio dining Wednesday through Sunday evenings as of April 30, with weekend brunch returning soon as well. Reserve here.
Commonwealth
11 Broad Canal Way, Kendall Square, Cambridge
Commonwealth — which has a good deal of outdoor dining space — reopened on April 28, offering indoor and outdoor dining, as well as takeout and delivery. Back in September, owner Steve “Nookie” Postal shared thoughts on his decision to put the restaurant into “hibernation” for the winter; he was one of the first to do so and publicly discuss it.
Curio Spice
2265 Massachusetts Ave., North Cambridge
Not a restaurant, but Cambridge spice shop Curio reopend its storefront for in-person shopping on May 7, celebrating with special events every Saturday in May, Spice Origin Saturdays, paying tribute to specific countries from which Curio sources spices — Greece, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Ethiopia. Customers can also shop online, with curbside pickup and shipping available.
Daedalus
45 Mt. Auburn St., Harvard Square, Cambridge
Daedalus reopened on April 7, offering indoor and outdoor dining. The Harvard Square restaurant is known for its roof deck. Reserve a table here; outdoor seating cannot be guaranteed.
La Fabrica Central
450 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge
Latin-Caribbean restaurant La Fabrica Central reopened on April 21; reserve a table here.
The Lexington at the Picnic Grove
100 N. First St., East Cambridge
The Lexington’s casual outdoor gathering spot reopened for the 2021 summer season in July with frozen drinks, burgers, wings, fried scallop rolls, and more. (Note that it’s not the same menu that you’ll find at the Lexington’s indoor and non-picnic-grove outdoor dining areas.) Watch for updates on Instagram.
Lily P’s
50 Binney St., Kendall Square, Cambridge
The fried chicken and oyster restaurant reopened in mid-April with patio, bar, and dining room seating available for full-service dining Wednesday through Friday night and Saturday all day. There’s also counter-service express lunch, takeout, and delivery available Wednesday through Friday afternoons. Keep an eye on the website for details.
Little Donkey
505 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge
This Central Square sibling to Toro and Coppa reopened on April 12 for indoor and heated outdoor dining (call 617-945-1008 or click here to reserve), with takeout and delivery also available.
Middlesex
315 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge
Cambridge nightclub Middlesex returned in early June, freshly renovated and featuring snazzy cocktails. Dinner (steak frites, oysters, and more) is available from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by dancing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Check Instagram for updates on DJs and other entertainment.
Miracle of Science Bar & Grill
321 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge
The Cambridge bar closed temporarily in November, with plans to reopen in the spring. Indeed, it returned in mid-April, serving lunch and dinner daily.
Orinoco
56 JFK St., Harvard Square, Cambridge
Along with its Brookline sibling, this Latin American restaurant reopened on April 16, with limited hours to start — dinner only, Tuesday through Sunday. Takeout is also available via direct ordering, and delivery is available on most third-party platforms.
Puritan & Company
1166 Cambridge St., Inman Square, Cambridge
Puritan & Company reopened on April 1 for indoor dining, with patio service expected to start in May. Takeout and delivery are still available, too. Watch for weekly specials like prime rib Sundays.
Senses (COMING SOON)
650 E. Kendall St., Kendall Square, Cambridge
Scientist and inventor David Edwards briefly opened his revamp of Cafe Artscience, dubbed Senses, in mid-2020, offering Mediterranean takeout, but it didn’t operate for long. Now, Senses is slated to reopen in November 2021, with Edwards in partnership with Ariel and Joshua Smith of Talise in Gloucester. At Senses, the menu will focus on “ocean-forward organic regenerative cuisine.” There will be free public talks, too, for “discovering the role of our senses in helping us lead a healthy life.”
Shay’s Pub & Wine Bar
58 JFK St., Harvard Square, Cambridge
Shay’s Pub & Wine Bar reopened on March 25 and is currently offering indoor high-top seating, patio dining, and takeout.
State Park
1 Kendall Sq., Kendall Square, Cambridge
State Park reopened for outdoor service on May 18, operating rain or shine, with snacks and drinks (including frozen drinks) starting at 3 p.m. and dinner at 4 p.m. No late-night service or indoor seating for now. Takeout is available.
Umami Omakase
2372 Massachusetts Ave., North Cambridge
While Umami offered pickup of its elaborate omakase meals during the pandemic, it reopened for dine-in on July 6, with limited reservations available throughout July. The restaurant continues to offer limited takeout and delivery as well.
Za
350 3rd St., Kendall Square, Cambridge
After temporarily closing right before Christmas 2020, the Cambridge location of Za reopened in early March for indoor and outdoor dining as well as takeout and delivery. Order online via several platforms here.
Garden Cafe at Encore Boston Harbor
1 Broadway, Everett
The casino’s Garden Cafe, located in the central Garden Lobby, reopened in August 2021, serving unlimited brunch Friday through Monday. For $34, customers will find dishes like Boston cream blueberry waffles, lemon ricotta pancakes, grilled cheese, and more.
Backbar
7 Sanborn Ct., Union Square, Somerville
One of the best cocktail bars around reopened May 5 (indoor seating only) with limited capacity, reservation only, Tuesday through Saturday night. Reserve here. There will be a Star Wars-themed menu featured throughout May.
Barra
23a Bow St., Union Square, Somerville
Intimate Mexico City-inspired bar Barra reopened on February 24. It is open for heated patio dining tucked away behind the restaurant, with extra outdoor space in a parklet out front, as well as limited indoor dining, takeout, and delivery. Private event rentals are also available.
Brass Union (now called Vera’s)
70 Union Sq., Union Square, Somerville
The Independent Restaurant Group (Saloon, the Independent, more) has revamped Brass Union into Vera’s, which opened on April 29 with indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery; it’s meant to be an approachable neighborhood spot with a focus on cocktails. The menu — a collaboration between lifelong Somerville residents Sandro Joseph (Foundry on Elm, Tavolo) and Shayne Nunes (executive chef of the Independent Restaurant Group) includes dishes like a chicken parm sandwich, buttermilk fried clams, and raw bar selections. On the cocktail side, there are frozen drinks, classics, and more. Hours are limited to start, just Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m.
Daddy Jones
525 Medford St., Magoun Square, Somerville
Casual outdoor dining (with no waitstaff) is now open at Greek-inspired bar and restaurant Daddy Jones; same-day reservations are available for the backyard patio, while the front parklet is available for walk-ins (and is dog-friendly, unlike the back patio). Sanitized blankets are available for use. Not currently offering indoor dining. Order takeout here.
Dali
415 Washington St., Somerville
Longtime Somerville tapas spot Dali reopened April 7 for indoor and outdoor dining Wednesday through Sunday (dinner only); reserve online or call (617) 661-3254. Takeout is available (order here), and delivery is available via Grubhub and Uber Eats.
Ebi Sushi
290 Somerville Ave., Union Square, Somerville
Ebi was open for takeout and delivery during much of the pandemic, doing brisk business, but closed in early April 2021 for some major renovations. The neighborhood favorite reopened on July 19 with a fancy new bar and other improvements.
Elm Street Taproom and Five Horses Tavern
Elm Street Taproom, 256 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville; Five Horses Tavern, 400 Highland Ave., Davis Square, Somerville
Like Boston siblings Five Horses Tavern South End and Worden Hall (see above), Somerville’s Elm Street Taproom and Five Horses Tavern, both in Davis Square, reopened in April for indoor and outdoor dining as well as takeout and delivery (order from Elm Street Taproom here and Five Horses Somerville here.)
Highland Kitchen
150 Highland Ave., Somerville
The Somerville neighborhood spot reopened on June 12 with a limited menu and half capacity in the dining room; more food and seats to come.
Juliet
257 Washington St., Union Square, Somerville
Juliet remained open for takeout throughout the pandemic, but indoor dining returned in early June 2021 for prepaid prix fixe reservations. Soak up the ambiance at the original Juliet space now before the forthcoming move next door.
The Painted Burro and Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar
The Painted Burro, 219 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville; Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar, Davis Square, 381 Summer St., Somerville
Davis Square siblings the Painted Burro and Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar reopened on April 1. Indoor and outdoor reservations for the Painted Burro are available here, for dinner as well as weekend bottomless brunch. Order takeout and delivery here. (Note: Waltham sibling Osteria Posto [99 Third Ave.] has closed and will reopen soon as another Painted Burro location.) Rosebud is also offering indoor and outdoor dining (reserve here) and takeout and delivery (order here.)
Parlor Sports
1 Beacon St., Somerville
Trina’s Starlite Lounge sibling and neighbor Parlor Sports, a cozy sports bar (that also shows the Bachelorette), hibernated for much of the pandemic, making way for Starlite Snack Shack, a soft serve takeout window. As of July 2021, the Snack Shack is closed, and Parlor Sports has reopened.
Pennypacker’s
514 Medford St., Somerville
Pennypacker’s — home to the Boston area’s best porchetta sandwich — reopened on January 27 for takeout and delivery; order here.
River Bar
661 Assembly Row, Somerville
River Bar announced its reopening on Instagram on March 23 with outdoor dining. Seating is first come, first served, and the spacious patio — which has Mystic River views — features fire pits. Takeout is also available.
Rooted Armory Cafe & Farmstand
191 Highland Ave., Somerville
Rooted Armory Cafe & Farmstand, inside Somerville’s Armory, reopened on March 2. It’s currently open for takeout, with a new menu, grocery products, and more.
Sligo Pub
237 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville
Sligo reopened its back patio — a collaboration with Dragon Pizza — on April 23, 2021; find details here.
Southern Kin Cookhouse
500 Assembly Row, Somerville
Assembly Row’s Southern restaurant is back as of May 7, 2021. Indoor and outdoor dining are available, as are takeout and delivery.
Spoke Wine Bar
89 Holland St., Davis Square, Somerville
The Davis Square wine bar is back for outdoor dining Wednesday through Saturday, with reservations available via Resy or by calling (617) 718-9463. No indoor dining yet.
T&B Pizza (now called T&B Wood-Fired)
251 Washington St., Union Square, Somerville
Bronwyn sibling and neighbor T&B Pizza, which is now going by the name T&B Wood-Fired, reopened May 6, featuring Neapolitan-style pizza, small plates, and more, with dine-in and takeout available. (T&B’s Roman-style pizza is not currently on the menu.) It is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday to start. Place takeout orders here.
Trina’s Starlite Lounge
3 Beacon St., Inman Square, Somerville
Trina’s Starlite Lounge reopened on March 21, offering patio service, takeout, and delivery. Order here. (In the connected Parlor Sports space, Trina’s is currently offering a takeout window for soft-serve ice cream, hot dogs, and more; it’s called Starlite Snack Shack, and it has also reopened for the season.)
True Bistro
1153 Broadway, Teele Square, Somerville
Among the earliest restaurants to announce its “hibernation,” vegan mainstay True Bistro bid Somerville a temporary goodbye in early September 2020. It reopened in March for takeout and delivery, and a parklet with outdoor seating will be ready to go “in the next few weeks,” per a late April note from chef Stuart Reiter. True Bistro is currently offering dinner Wednesday through Saturday and Sunday brunch; order online.
The Blue Ox and Tonno Gloucester and Wakefield
The Blue Ox, 191 Oxford St., Lynn; Tonno, 2 Main St., Gloucester, and 175 North Ave., Wakefield
Siblings the Blue Ox, Tonno Gloucester and Wakefield, and Prezza (see above) have all reopened for indoor dining and takeout. Each expects to open for outdoor patio dining in April as well. Make reservations for the Blue Ox here (note: dollar wings and oysters are available on Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the bar and booth area) and reservations for the Tonno locations here.
Brewer’s Tap & Table
256 Moody St., Waltham
This Moody Street haunt reopened in early April. Diners can reserve a table online through Zomato. Patio dining is also available, and the restaurant is also offering limited private event booking. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays for now.
Brine
17 State St., Newburyport
Sibling to Boston’s Oak & Rowan, Newburyport’s Brine has reopened in a new space, the former home of Fowle’s News. It’s almost twice the capacity of Brine’s original location and offers a variety of oyster and crudo selections, steaks, and more.
The Derby
189 Washington St., Salem
The Derby reopened on March 8 and is offering indoor dining, outdoor dining, and takeout. Watch for Taco Tuesday specials.
Ellis Square Social
252 Cabot St., Beverly
The self-described “smokehouse and all around meatery,” which boasts a substantial bourbon list, reopened on August 4, 2021, featuring a mostly new menu, although some previous hits remain available, such as steamed duck dumplings and shrimp and grits.
Flora’s Wine Bar
1284 Washington St., West Newton
Flora’s Wine Bar reopened on March 17 and is offering indoor and outdoor seating, along with takeout.
The Gaff
467 Moody St., Waltham
The Waltham bar temporarily closed around Thanksgiving but returned in April 2021 (complete with trivia), with indoor and outdoor seating available.
Garde East
52 Beach Rd., Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard
Beachfront restaurant Garde East reopened on May 26, 2021, for indoor and outdoor dining; reservations are recommended and can be made online. The upscale menu features seafood and local produce.
Gulu–Gulu Cafe
247 Essex St., Salem
Gulu-Gulu Cafe reopened in mid-April with indoor and outdoor dining (dogs and other furry friends welcome) as well as takeout and delivery.
Il Capriccio
704 Main St. (at the Merc building), Waltham
After nearly 40 years, Il Capriccio announced its temporary closure in April 2020, following up in June 2020 with an announcement that the restaurant would not be reopening in its current location and partner and chef Richie Barron would be departing the industry. Now, it has reopened down the street, as of May 7, as a sibling of Allston’s Glenville Stops, with Glenville’s Mike Chapman at the helm and Nathan Allen as executive chef. There is indoor dining to start; outdoor dining is also planned, but the furniture is backordered. Reserve here; private event rentals are also available.
Kickstand Cafe
594 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington
Kickstand Cafe reopened on April 1 (and yes, its famous tofu-and-herb-stuffed fresh rolls are still on the menu). Current options include takeout and outdoor seating; indoor dining is not available at this time.
Olde Main Street Pub
121 Essex St., Salem
Olde Maine Street Pub reopened on March 11 for indoor dining and takeout.
The Poynt
31 Water St., Newburyport
The Poynt reopened on April 2 and is currently open for indoor dining and takeout.
The Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm
401 Washington St., Duxbury
Island Creek’s dog-friendly outdoor dining area, featuring raw bar selections, beer, and wine, reopened for the season on May 1. No reservations. Open daily from noon to twilight.
The Red Raven Restaurant and Catering
3 Nagog Pk., Acton
The Red Raven reopened in February after a brief hibernation and has been ramping up hours and event bookings since then. The restaurant’s deck, yard, and three-season porch are all up and running, with the tent slated to open on May 1, and there’s indoor dining as well; reserve a table here. Sunday brunch includes live jazz.
Tambo 22
22 Adams St., Chelsea
Peruvian restaurant Tambo 22 — sibling to the now-defunct Taranta in Boston’s North End — reopened on April 1 and is currently offering indoor dining, patio dining, and takeout.
Trillium Brewing Company
110 Shawmut Rd., Canton
In addition to its Fort Point and Fenway locations in Boston, Trillium has also reopened its giant Canton venue, offering drive-through beer and merch pickup Wednesday through Sunday (order here) and onsite dining and drinking outdoors Thursday through Sunday (reserve here; dogs are not currently allowed.) Naco Taco is the resident food provider on Thursdays and Fridays, while Keane’s is serving wood-fired barbecue Saturdays and Sundays.
Untold Brewing
6 Old Country Way, Scituate
As of May 7, the Scituate brewery — which is built in a restored 1800s schoolhouse — has reopened for indoor and outdoor seating after over a year of just curbside pickups and wholesale. To start, Untold is open Thursday through Sunday, with reservations encouraged. Food will be available via Pennypacker’s, Fresh City Kitchen, Eastern Standard Provisions, Board 143, and other local purveyors. Make a reservations here.
