From pandemic aftershocks to the hardships of staying open, our city’s small businesses don’t have it easy. Consider this our love letter to some of the places we said goodbye to this year. In Boston's culinary scene, nothing is permanent — except our memories of the good times and good food.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but if you want your favorite spot remembered here, email us at [email protected].
photo credit: Hook + line
January
Marseille
This French gem in Boston’s South End closed after less than two years. Luckily, their sister restaurants (Petit Robert Bistro, Batifol and PRB Boulangerie) are still serving up delicious French fare nearby.
Hook + Line
After just over a year, Hook + Line served its last customer in the Seaport early this month. Known for classic New England fare with a modern twist, the restaurant couldn't find a sustainable future. Owner Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli’s Alcove in the West End is still open.
Bone and Bread
This farm-to-table concept started as a food truck before landing a permanent space as the kitchen for Widowmaker's Brighton taproom. In January, they announced they were closing both the kitchen and the food truck. They were known for their hearty, fusion-style fare.
Johnny Cupcakes
After 18 sweet years, Johnny Cupcakes closed its Newbury Street shop. Known for its bakery-inspired aesthetic (minus the baked goods), the brand built a loyal following throughout its life. Despite a tough 2024, founder Johnny Earle is optimistic about the future, saying they'll continue to do online drops and pop-ups.
photo credit: Wen's yunnan noodle & ramen
February
Pho Bistro
This neighborhood spot was a staple just north of Boston, offering a variety of traditional dishes. Pho Bistro in Malden closed its doors after nearly 15 years of serving Vietnamese favorites like pho, spring rolls, vermicelli-style noodles and more.
Wen's Yunnan Noodle & Ramen
Wen's Yunnan Noodle & Ramen on Tremont Street quietly shuttered early in the year. This was one of the few places offering "crossing-the-bridge noodles," a specialty from Yunnan, China. Since opening in 2018, it had become known for its Yunnan-style rice noodle soup, ramen and bubble tea. The Newbury Street location remains open.
March
Twin Donuts
After 70 years in business, this beloved neighborhood spot served its final doughnuts. Console yourself with the fact that the owners are still running Cafe Mirror and Brighton Cafe not far from where Twin Donuts was.
Guy Fieri’s Boston Kitchen
Another celebrity chef and restauranteur project packed it in this month. Guy Fieri’s Boston Kitchen across from Boylston Station closed after three years. Fieri has a history of opening (and closing) restaurants in town, following the closure of Tequila Cocina near the Garden in 2023.
April
Super Bien
Super Bien closed its brick-and-mortar spot at the Charles River Speedway, but you can still get Buenas empanadas at Bow Market and select retailers around town. The end of the Speedway location isn’t the end of the Buenas brand, according to owner Melissa Stefanini.
D’s Keys
D’s Keys played its final encore after nearly seven years of singalongs, song requests and bachelorette antics. The closing of this local entertainment venue left a gaping hole in the city’s nightlife scene. At least we have all the (off-key) memories.
photo credit: Eddie V's
May
We have plenty of options for seafood in Boston, but one less after Eddie V’s closed its outpost inside the Pru. The upscale spot served its final meals on Mother’s Day, but you can get your steak and seafood fix at their Burlington location.
Jamaica Mi Hungry closed its doors in JP, but luckily the party isn’t over. You can still taste the Caribbean flavors at their Downtown location or wherever their food truck pulls up next.
Shogun
The West Newton dining scene got a little less flavorful when Shogun closed after nearly 40 years, saying sayonara to an area favorite.
photo credit: Aeronaut Brewing
June
Aeronaut Allston
After nearly a decade, Aeronaut Brewing’s Allston beer garden closed at the end of June with a big carnival blowout. This really bummed us out, but luckily we can drown our sorrows at their Somerville taproom.
The Arlington Heights location of Abbott's Frozen Custard, part of a small chain from upstate New York, quietly closed for good. At least Boston has plenty of other contenders for frozen treats.
Lily P’s
Known for its fried chicken, oysters and live entertainment, Lily P's served its final diners in Kendall Square on June 12th. The restaurant was a popular spot for comfort food and live music, especially with 9-5ers.
July
Pasta Beach
After 14 years at 30 Rowes Wharf, Pasta Beach closed up shop to focus on their Rhode Island and South Carolina outposts. They’re passing the torch to the team behind 1928 Beacon Hill, so we’re curious to see what’s next for the space.
Southern Kin
A decade of Southern comfort food in Assembly Row ends this month when Southern Kin called it quits. With their lease up, they’re ready for a fresh start in a new neighborhood, so stay tuned for a possible announcement on our 2025 openings.
photo credit: Ellis Square Social
August
When Pigs Fly (Brookline and Jamaica Plain)
After years of slinging dough and memories, the Brookline and JP shops closed on August 17th due to lease issues. You can still get your favorite loaves at their other locations (the closest one being in Davis Square) and in select supermarkets.
Ellis Square Social
The North Shore has one less option for small plates and craft cocktails with the closing of Ellis Square Social. The popular Beverly spot opened in 2018 and closed after 7 years.
photo credit: Bodega Canal
September
Bodega Canal
The Mexican spot known for DJs and late-night dancing near the Garden quietly closed this month. You’ll have to find another spot in the West End for your pre-show tacos and post-concert parties.
Curds and Co.
Brookline’s beloved Curds and Co. wrapped up eight years of cheese-filled memories. They were hoping to find a new owner for the shop, but had to ultimately close the doors on September 12th.
photo: Brigid Charest
October
GrandTen Distilling
After more than a decade in Southie, GrandTen closed its tasting room and bar on October 19th, citing rising costs. They framed it as a “see you later,” but their new digs are in Western Mass, so sounds like a farewell to us.
The Essex
This was a surprise, especially since we just had them in our list of new businesses earlier this year. The rooftop bar shuttered just months after opening, blaming persistent pushback from neighbors and a failed entertainment license bid.
The waterfront lost an award-winning barbecue chain when The Smoke Shop BBQ closed their Eastie outpost. Fortunately, their other locations around Greater Boston are still firing up the smokers.
photo: Birds of Paradise
November
Birds of Paradise
The vibey tropical cocktail den in the Speedway flapped its wings for the final time. Known for its globally-inspired cocktail menu, the bar brought a little slice of escapism to Brighton and we're sad to see it go.
Burro Bar (South End)
Looks like Burro Bar is out and Posto is moving in. The South End spot is trading tacos for wood-fired pizzas as the team behind The Painted Burro rebrands the space into a second location of their Italian concept.
photo: Ten Tables
December
Ten Tables
This longtime JP favorite will serve its final dinner on New Year’s Eve, closing after 25 years of intimate dinners and locally-driven plates. In good news, the owner is thinking ahead to a new concept, aiming to carry on the same thoughtful, community-minded spirit.
Daddy Jones
Daddy Jones is closing its doors on December 20th after 13 years in Magoun Square. Known for Greek mezze and strong cocktails, the neighborhood spot is signing off with a lot of gratitude for everyone who ever grabbed a gyro, a drink or a seat at the bar.
last updated December 2025
