Tag Archives: South End

Francesca’s Cafe is closing, after serving the South End for nearly 20 years from their cozy home on the corner of Union Park and Tremont Street. Earlier this afternoon I spoke to the staff and they confirmed Francesca’s closing. There is no word if the owner plans to reopen in another location.

In March I reported rumors about a pending close in my post Francesca’s Cafe South End. I speculated Francesca’s days may be numbered after South End resident, Fredmond Kiley IV, quietly purchased the building in what was rumored to be a cash deal.

Time will tell if this is the final chapter for Francesca’s or if the owners will look for another space to reopen. I’d love to suggest they look at the 7-Eleven space that will be closing at 1306 Washington Street in SoWa later this year. Time will also tell what the landlord will do with this prime real estate – rumor has it he’d like a high end restaurant or cafe.

After hosting friends and family night earlier this week, Five Horses Tavern on Columbus Avenue will have their grand opening tonight. as tonight).   If you live in the area, walk over this weekend to check out the newest restaurant to open in the neighborhood.

Five Horses Tavern is located at 535 Columbus Avenue in the South End.  Eater Boston earlier this week published a write up about Five Horses Tavern here.

Not all gossip is good and in the case of Yakitori Zai – the Japanese barbecue restaurant that opened in June – the rumors that I’ve heard are definitely not good.  The remodeling signs that are in the windows of this newly renovated restaurant are due to the brand new ventilation system that the owner installed. I don’t know all the details but rumor has it the issue is that Yakitori Zai’s new ventilation flumes are visible from the street. I hope there is more to the story, because the South End certainly has far more significant blights; one need only look left from Yakitori Zai to see the abandoned and crumbling Sahara Restaurant – talk about a blight to the neighborhood.

Fortunately, I have more exciting, albeit more ambiguous gossip to share about the eagerly awaited Five Horses Tavern. My curiosity got the best of me and I walked over to the restaurant the other day. I was able to meet one of the owners – Sarah Hanson – who walked me through the property.

I promised Sarah I wouldn’t say anything about the work they did, but for those familiar with the Columbus Cafe space – be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. This team has done a remarkable job and the space is both much better designed and beautiful.  The neighborhood should be very excited to have this property – I know I’ll be checking them out when they open shortly.

Photo: Hammersley’s Bistro in the South End from 40-Something Life blog

Now that the weather is warm enough to enjoy dining outside at night, nearly every restaurant in the South End with outdoor space has set up tables and chairs for patrons to dine al fresco.  However, not all patios are equal – some will leave you inhaling the fumes of passing cars and buses, others are so loud you can barely hear anything.  Here are some patios in the South End I enjoy.

Most comfortable patio in the South End
28 Degrees is set back from the hustle & bustle of Tremont Street and has comfortable patio furniture. If you’ve not been to 28 Degrees patio, I’d encourage you to check it out. This is a great space to meet up for a date or an evening out with a group of friends.

Best people watching in the South End
This is a tie between Stephi’s on Tremont and Kitchen. Both restaurants are approximately 1 block apart near Tremont and Clarendon Street – a major intersection for pedestrian traffic all but ensuring great people watching. You’ll see half the neighborhood walk by you when you have a meal here.

Most social patio in the South End
Tremont 647 / Sister Sorel patios are always full with parties more interested in chatting and having a drink than whatever is on the menu, although I will admit the scene is at its most fun each Tuesday night when both places host $2 Taco nights – good luck trying to get a table, but it is worth trying.

Most private patio in the South End:
Even though Cinquecento may have the dubious distinction of being the loudest restaurant in the South End, they have a very quiet and private patio away from any noise or pollution from the street that is tucked away and surrounded by a restored brick mill building.

Other South End restaurant patios worth checking out:
Petit Robert Bistro’s patio on Columbus Ave
Boston Chops on Washington Street
Hammersley’s as shown in the photo above on Clarendon Street

Chefs, shuckers, and bivalve lovers will gather to eat, drink, and  have fun in the South End this Sunday.  Attendees will also be able to meet Chef Barbara Lynch, Top Chef Season 10 winner Kristen Kish and finalist Brooke Williamson.  

More than 25 South End restaurants and oyster farms will make this year’s Oyster Invitational the largest yet. 

Sunday, May 5th – 1PM to 6PM for general admission

For more information and to purchase tickets to this event, link here.