History of Waltham restaurants

Waltham restaurant history

Through the years many restaurants have come and gone from the streets of Waltham. This is a recent history of the restaurant scene. The guide is sorted by street name and number. If you have any facts that I should include, please contact me. sshurr@gmail.com

Bear Hill Road

155 Bear Hill Road - March 25, 2017 - Uno Chicago Grill has closed.

Beaver Street

5 Beaver Street - Dean Dairy (photographs) - In the spring of 2001, this favorite ice cream stand failed to open. The spot is now occupied by some new houses.

Carter Street

3 Carter Street - September 12, 2016 - Biagio Express confirmed that they are now closed. Tap-Tap Station Authentic Haitian Cuisine opened at the site in early 2017.

Cooper Street

16 Cooper Street - In the 90's this was an Italian restaurant called Ristorante Marcellino. At the turn of the century former politician Joe Malone took it over, and it became C. P. Nutting's (photographs), an upscale steak house. That business failed, and in March 2002 it reopened under the former management, and is once again Ristorante Marcellino.
. On July 11, 2015, their website announced: "To all our friends, We want to thank you for the 13 years spent together. We hope to see soon as it is time to say goodbye. A presto..." Rhino Lounge At Afro Grill is now at this address.

Crescent Street

10 Crescent Street - Karibu Restaurant, serving African cuisine, was open as of March 13 2007.
185 Crescent Street - On July 29, 2016 the second location of Brelundi opened at the Watch Factory.
241 Crescent Street - Victoria's Cafe Restaurant opened in January of 2003, serving American breakfasts and Peruvian the rest of the day. They closed in February of 2012, due to Waltham Watch Factory's termination of their lease. (review , review )

Felton Street

16 Felton Street - Franca's was closed as of December 2009. The story I heard was that the former owner of Sal's was going to reopen at this location. Franca's $$ - - 781-899-7200 (reviews )
Corner of Felton and Harvard - Saldi's - From an email received in January of 2004 - Scott: You failed to include Saldis Pizzeria. I forgot the address, but it was a constant watering place from 1953-1957. where a large cheese pizza cost $0.90 and a glass of beer $0.35. I know that in 50 years, things change, but Saldis was forever. Another reader wrote in September of 2013 - Regarding Saldi's Pizzaria. It was on Felton Street on the corner of Felton and Harvard. It was called just Saldi's. The woman who made the pizzas was named Betty. Best pizza in Waltham at the time.

High Street

223 High Street - July 2006 - Paisano Restaurant and Bar is now serving Mexican and Guatamalan cuisine at the former site of Buckaroo's, which was closed as of May 2006. Before Buckaroo's, it was Patty's Donuts.

Lexington Street

33 Lexington Street - In February, 2012 Kabob & Tandoor moved to a more spacious restaurant at 699 Main Street, former site of Wright Seafood. That site was abandoned in January of 2011 and moved to the lower floor of the Waltham India Market at 315 Moody Street.
146 Lexington Street - Kenny Rogers Chicken Roasters was built here in the 90's, but closed within a year. The restaurant now houses the popular Waltham branch of Watertown's Demos Restaurant, an economical choice for Greek cuisine.
249 Lexington Street - Legends Hall of Fame Grill closed as of February 2011. April, 2011 - City Streets Restaurant, an "upscale casual pub", is open.
1077 Lexington Street - Subway opened their third outlet in Waltham here in 2015.
1100 Lexington Street - Late in 2002 - Panera Bread opens in the plaza on Lexington Street
Rick said: "There used to be a Chinese restaurant in the middle of the shopping plaza where Panera is on Lexington St, called China Tower. It burnt down in the late 70's I believe...". Does anyone know more about that?

Main Street

39 Main Street - This was the Ground Round for a long time, but it is now John Brewer's Tavern & Restaurant. It started out as a Howard Johnson.
470 Main Street - Sal's Family Restaurant closed after a fire on July 15, 2007. Sal has no plans for a new restaurant.
573 Main Street - August 19, 2016 - The Asia Wok restaurant on Main Street was closed after a fire that caused about $20,000 in damages. They plan to reopen after repairs.
617 Main Street - A number of different restaurants have occupied this location. In the 90's, it was Viet Foods. It became the JTK Grille and Sushi Bar for a short time, and later was Sushi Yasu, a family owned restaurant serving Japanese, Korean, and Thai food as well as sushi. Apparently the name was changed again to Sushi Box in 2009.
655 Main Street - Sam's Deli occupied this spot, with several different proprietors, until March 2003, when it reopened as The Coffee Ring Review. In 2004, the name was changed to In A Pickle. In November of 2013, the manager of the planned Bliss Diner, announced in September, announced that it will not be opening at the site. In early December, 2014, Leo's Place Diner opened here.
659 Main Street - Occupied by Chinese institution New House Restaurant for years, this spot became Tumrubthai Restaurant in late 2001. Since then the name was changed to Baan Thai. It was originally the Nanking Restaurant.
663 Main Street - This was Bluestone Bistro before it reopened as Carambola, a sister restaurant to Boston's Elephant Walk, specializing in Cambodian & French cuisine. In 2005, the name was changed to Elephant Walk. April 30, 2013 - The Elephant Walk's owner, Bob Perry, has announced plans to expand the restaurant from 90 to 152 seats, with an expected completion date in September, according to a post on the Brand New Watch blog. November 11, 2013 - A note on their website says that The Elephant Walk has closed. On November 11, 2014 - Gustazo Cuban Cafe opened at this location. They closed their restaurant in Belmont and moved it to Waltham.
677 Main Street - In 2004, the former storefront of Allegro Printing opened as Cafe On The Common. On August 1 2006 Sebastian and Alexander's, a new ice cream shop, is opened in an expansion into the space next door.
699 Main Street - Waltham Seafood Restaurant, as of October 2003, had signs in the window saying "closed" and "space for rent". March 19, 2004 - Wright Seafood & Italian Restaurant opens in the former Waltham Seafood building. The new restaurant was closed as of April 2006. On December 12, 2008 Kabob & Tandoor reopened at this address. The tiny storefront at 33 Lexington Street moved to a casual but elegantly decorated restaurant furnished with booths and tables. In spring of 2011 they moved again to a space in the Indian grocery store at 315 Moody Street.
806 Main Street - Arbys was torn down in 2001 to make way for Wendy's Restaurant. Review.
831 Main Street - February 23, 2012 - Moe's Southwest Grill opened a location on the corner with Francis Street at . The building is the former site of Tony D's, which moved a block east on Main Street.
835 Main Street - Beijing Star Restaurant, a local favorite, closed in September of 2010. Mu Lan Taiwanese Restaurant opened on March 29, 2011. They closed during the summer of 2015, but reopened in September after expanding into the space next door, which had been the Arcadia Restaurant.
837 Main Street - The Arcadia Restaurant closed on November 23, 2014, to make room for expansion of Mulan next door.
849 Main Street - Joe Sent Me was formerly The Press Box.
869 Main Street - Summer of 2005 - Costello's Pub closed. By March 12, 2007, it had reopened as a Subway.
873 Main Street - Anna's Pizza House, run by Anna herself for years, was sold early in the new century, but retained the name.
888 Main Street - Il Capriccio was a Brighams Ice Cream up until around 1993.
897 Main Street - The restaurant at this spot, under several different names, was run by the same family for 37 years. Starting out as Piece of Pizza, it was later a Papa Gino's, and finally Mama Josie's after founder Josephine Hebert. It closed in February 2002. On February 8, 2004, Papa George's Pizza opened at this location. That establishment closed, and it reopened on May 1, 2006 as the new site of Sabatino's. In November of 2016 new owners opened Marsala's Italian Kitchen
912 Main Street - Pete's Pizza & Wings (formerly Johnnie's Pizza Shop) (Review by Mike Morrison) became Hall Of Fame Pizzeria & Wings in March of 2010. May 5, 2012 - Bits & Bites Cafe opened.
922 Main Street - In August of 2015 Jin's Sichuan House Restaurant opened. A sign was seen on July 20, announcing that Hon Dynasty had closed.
1006 Main Street - Bickford's Family Restaurant was closed as of January 2006. The building was razed in April of 2012.
1030 Main Street - November, 2013 - Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Chipotle Mexican Grill are open at the new Main Street Marketplace. On November 27, 2013 Panera Bread opened its 2nd store in Waltham at the same location. The grand opening was slated for Wednesday, December 4.
1056 Main Street- In 2008 - Pizzeria Express changed its name to Cafe Angelinos, featuring Italian dishes, pizzas, and seafood. On December 12, 2016 Peters Greek Kitchen opened at this location.
Unknown address on Main Street - From an email received in April of 2011 - Doesn't anyone remember Dandy Dutch Candy? It was in a block of buildings next to what was once Waltham savings bank (the original building) and almost diagonal from where Rex Trailer is now. It's drivng me nuts I have been looking for years for old photos or pictures to no avail. Here is a photo. From an obituary: Charles G. Cokkinos, age 89 of Medford, died suddenly December 27, 2004 at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. Charlie was born in Boston October 3, 1915, son of the late George K. Cokkinos and Melpo (Apostle) Cokkinos. Charlie, for over 40 years, was a "Candy Man," working for the Palace of Sweets in Malden, after which he opened Dandy Dutch Candies in Waltham. Email from another relative, August 2017: "My wife is sister-in-law to Charlie Cokkinos (Wife = Janie Lilas Sentner), owner and operator of the "Dandy Dutch Candy" shop on Main Street in Waltham. You had a few questions regarding what happened to the restaurant/candy shop. Charlie sold and moved his store to wholesale fudge only in Medford, Mass in 1965. His wife Janei, known as Lilas, worked the Waltham store for many years. She is still with us in a nursing home in Medford."

Market Place Drive (1265 Main Street) is the former Polaroid site

12 Market Place Drive - December 19, 2014 - The second Starbucks in Waltham opened this morning.
70 Market Place Drive - October 2, 2014 - Jake n Joes Sports Grille was opened by the Nocera family.
74 Tower Road - February 10, 2016 - Flank opened. They closed on April 19, 2018.

Moody Street

11 Moody Street - This was the Central Square Sea Grill, later called Liberty Lunch. Photo of the building. If you look closely at the sign, it reads "Eat at the Sea Grill". Richardson's Hardware & the Dandy Dutch were at the far end in later years. The full name was Central Square Sea Grille. Inside of the Sea Grille in 1923.
100 Moody Street - September 4, 2014 - News Tribune published a photo of sign on the door of Mimi's Roast Beef: "To all of Mimi's customers. It is with a heavy heart that I close the doors to Mimi's due to unforeseen circumstances. I would like to personally thank all of Mimi's loyal customers. It has been a pleasure serving you and getting to know you all. Health and best wishes." December 22, 2014 - The Mimi's Roast Beef building near the downtown train station was purchased by the owner of Biagio. It is under renovation, and a new sign for "Biagio Express" is up.
123 Moody Street - February 23 2007 - Biagio Ristorante & Bar opened by the owners of Casa Mia (review ).
220 Moody Street - The Red Rooster occupied this site until 1999. It became Jake and Earl's until Earl retired, and it was renamed Jake's Dixie Roadhouse. Jake's was closed on May 31, 2010, after owner Don Yovicsin announced he was retiring from the restaurant in order to care for an ailing family member.
227 Moody Street - Ciro's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria occupied this prime location on the first floor of the Cronin building. In January, 2003, the Waltham location closed, and a few months later, all of the sites of this small local chain were empty. Reviews. The site reopened on July 22, 2003 as Margaritas Mexican Restaurant & Watering Hole.
240 Moody Street - The Skellig closed in July of 2014. Garcia Brogan's opened at this address on July 21, 2015.
256 Moody Street - August 12, 2014 - Downtown Waltham Partnership announced that Boston Beer Works will be opening a new restaurant at the former site of the Watch City Brewing Company. Brewer's Tap & Table opened here on November 9, 2016.
265 Moody Street - In A Pickle opened here in April of 2013, having moved from their old location on Main Street. Asian Grill closed in October of 2012. This was open for a little while as Tomato City before it changed hands to become the Asian Grill. Before Tomato City it had been the Moody Spa. Review by Eric Salerno.
273 Moody Street - May 15 2006 - Opening of Guanachapi's Restaurant, featuring authentic Guatamalteca, Salvadorena, Mexicana & American dishes.
286 Moody Street - La Piazza Cafe, a coffee and pastry shop, closed in January of 2006. In June 2006 Ponzu "Far east and the rest" opened here.
313 Moody Street - August 9, 2008 - Grand opening of The New Landing restaurant. Formerly at this location, closed as of June 2008, was Iguana Cantina (Wendy and Tom review ) In June, 2012 The New Landing was closed. The site at 313 Moody Street was purchased by the Waltham Islamic Society.
315 Moody Street - became the new home of Kabob & Tandoor, formerly at 699 Main Street, in spring of 2011.
329 Moody Street - December 31, 2016 - According to a post on the Bring Retail to Waltham Facebook group, Korean fried chicken chain BonChon is planning to open an outlet at the former site of J & N Joke Shop.
336 Moody Street - September 8, 2014 - New Mother India announced on their website that they have closed after 33 years on Moody Street. On July 20, 2015 Bistro781 announced on their facebook site: "We are very happy to announce that we will open our doors to the public, this Tuesday, July 21st, 2015 at 5pm."
342 Moody Street - This site housed the Moody Lounge from the late 1960’s until he sold it was sold to Robert around the year 2000. They had pool and live music in the 1970’s. Robert's Restaurant and Bar closed in 2011. In the fall of 2011 Stadium Sports Bar & Grill opened. The name was changed to Playmakers Bar and Grill in May of 2013 after a change in ownership.
361 Moody Street - November 12, 2013 - A call to the Tuscan Grill confirmed that they are now closed. Red Bird opened on July 15, 2014. This is the first restaurant for chef Daniel Stokes of the Franklin Cafes in Boston and Gloucester.
374 Moody Street - The popular Heritage Restaurant occupied this space for a number of years after moving from a smaller location across the street. Tom Can Cook, which serves Thai & Chinese food, took over after the Heritage closed on 25 February 2001. A 2006 Boston Globe Review of Tom Can Cook talks about their recent partnership with InBoston, and the addition of Korean fried chicken to the menu. Review. Photos of the Heritage Restaurant.
380 Moody Street - Jewel Of India, an Indian restaurant, was closed as of June 2008. review by Nicole
435 Moody Street - The Upper Crust Pizzeria opened at at the former site of the Panopticon Gallery in late July 2007. They closed in October of 2012.
450 Moody Street - Joco's Bar & Kitchen was opened by Jonathan O'Connor in July of 2008.
457 Moody Street - Pho & Spice, serving Vietnamese and Thai food opened in July of 2011. This used to be China Star II, formerly Hong Kong restaurant.
458-462 Moody Street - October, 2014 - Santa Banta Indian restaurant opened where Bombay Mahal used to be. They were closed as of August 23, 2017, to make room for expansion of Moody's next door.
464 Moody Street - On August 19, 2014, Wings Express closed. The space was reopened on April 8, 2015 as a restaurant attached to Moody's Delicatessen and Provisions, called The Back Room.
467 Moody Street - In October 2005 the bar known as Frosty's reopened with it's original name The Lincoln Bar.
468 Moody Street - November 12, 2013 - Joshua Smith announced that Moody's Delicatessen and Provisions opened at the site of Salem Foods. The site features a breakfast/lunch deli and gourmet shop in the front and a USDA facility for curing meats in the back. Also, weekly farm-to-table dinners with guest chefs are on the docket.
469 Moody Street - Erawan of Siam changed hands in May of 2011. On March 8, 2015, a sign on the storefront stated that it is now closed. On August 26, 2015 Nonna's Italian Bar & Grill opened. They closed on July 1, 2016. In December, 2016 Raffaele's Ristorante opened here. They closed on April 29, 2018. Balani opened in late October 2018.
474 Moody Street - On February 18, 2005 Tempo, an American-style bistro, opened between the So Cal and Wings Express. The site was once an auto accessory store.
482 Moody Street - November 14, 2012 - Co-owner Lou Giovanetti announced that Charcoal Guido's Pizzeria Bar opened.
484 Moody Street - The So-Cal Restaurant opened in March 2004 at the former storefront of Hanlon's Men's Shoes. Review. It was closed by February 2006. In May of the same year, a partnership between the So-Cal owner and a relative of the owner of Taqueria Mexico opened a new restaurant called The Hungry Coyote (Netzahaualcoyotl) at the site. By November of the same year, the restaurant closed. It was Tango Mango from the spring of 2009, but closed in 2011. In September, 2011 - Habanero's Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar opened. On December 30, 2013 - A sign on the door of Habanero's read "Happy holiday's Habanero's is closed for renovations Be safe". They have not reopened. On August 18, 2015 - Amuleto Restaurant opened.
560 Moody Street - Ritcey's Sea Food Kitchen began in 1911 as a fish market opened by Ernest Ritcey, whose portrait is above the front counter. The market was turned into a restaurant by his son Harry in the 1940s. After several more succesions of family members, the restaurant closed in January of 2004. It is scheduled to re-open on April 1, under the direction of Kim Collins, Kevin Ritcey's daughter. The new business failed, and was closed for good by February of 2006. An Italian restaurant, Ristorante Gemelli opened there in August of 2006, but was closed by July of 2008.
714 Moody Street - Cafe Berlottes closed in March of 2003, and Franco's Italian Pizzeria moved in from it's old location at 727 Moody Street.
731 Moody Street - On February 11 2006 - Shoppers Cafe was destroyed by a fire that consumed a building that also contained apartments, a hair salon, and a motorcycle shop. It has since been rebuilt and reopened. Photograph.
727 Moody Street - Vacated in March of 2003 Franco's Italian Pizzeria moved across the street to 714 Moody Street.
934 Moody Street - In June of 2011 NY Pie opened at the former site of Moody Street Pizzeria.

Newton Street

229 Newton Street - Former site of Casa Mia. A Brazilian restaurant called Vitoria's Grill opened in December of 2006. Sometime along the way they changed their name to Panela De Barro.
344 Newton Street - January 2007 - Newton St. Deli and Market, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at 344 Newton Street, opened.

Pine Street

5 Pine Street - On October 19, 2012, Sadie's Saloon and Eatery, known for their steak tips and wings, was closed by owner John Ratta after two decades in business. A bar called Ma's occupied the site before Sadie's opened. Sakura Japanese Restaurant opened at this address in December of 2014.
11 Pine Street - During the summer of 2007 The Boca Bar "A Taste of Costa Rica" opened across from the movie theater. They closed in November of 2012. January 9, 2014 - The Grill, a new Mediterranean restaurant, opened at 11 Pine Street.
64 Pine Street - Jolly Burger was where Donovan's Bear now called Donovan's Alignment on Pine St. is now

Prospect Street

53 Prospect Street - In 1974, this was La Lanterna Restaurant. Later, it was the original location of Il Capriccio, before they moved to Main Street. Now it is Tree Top Thai Cuisine.
136 Prospect Street - Watch City Diner, which changed owners a few years before, again closed during the summer of 2003. It was later open as Sabatino's Italian Kitchen. On May 1, 2006, Sabatino's reopened on Main Street at the former site of Mama Josie's.
137-139 Prospect Street - This was the Condor Restaurant, up until June 2002. For a short time after that it was El Gran Jaguar. Mediterranean Breeze opened there in November of 2003, but closed again early in 2004. A reopening under the same name was planned for June, but apparently never happened. Late in January 2005 the restaurant appeared to be open as the Prospect Cafe.

River Street

85 River Street - Pini's Pizzeria used to be George's Cuisine.
90 River Street - Brigham's employees were told on 24 December 2002 that today was the last day of business. Subway opened at this location in 2006.
154 River Street - Used to be the Ming Terrace Restaurant. Green Tea House, Chinese & Japanese Cuisine And Sushi Bar opened in August of 2007, and closed by June of 2008. On December 7, 2008 Guanachapi's Bar & Grill opened at the site. A pickup truck ran into the building, but it remained open for business. I found that Sacco's Three Sons Restaurant, Inc. was registered at this address on 02/22/1974, but I don't know when they closed. A reader noted: There were three paintings hanging in that restaurant that I'm very interested in. They were of the Trapelo Road area specifically dealing with the McAdoo farm. I would love to know what happened to that restaurant and more so those three paintings.
434 River Street - A new gourmet deli opened in early 2004.

South Street

570 South Street - March 2, 2017 - According to Waltham Patch, the Chillbox frozen yogurt shop quietly opened at some point over the past month.

Third Avenue

75 Third Avenue - D'Angelo's Sandwich Shop closed on April 20, 2018.
99 Third Avenue - November 23, 2015 - Osteria Posto, an Italian steakhouse, opened. An article by Boston Magazine says that Alpine Restaurant Group, which owns restaurants in Somerville, opened the new restaurant at Waltham's CityPoint development.
99 Third Avenue - March 31, 2018 - Bonefish Grill closed. The parent company that owns the chain is having financial difficulties.

Totten Pond Road

500 Totten Pond Road - January 23, 2017 - Ruth's Chris Steak House opened.
Totten Pond Road - This site was once Thackery's, with an outdoor patio that was always a great place to go for drinks and dinner in the summer. It was torn down when the hotel at the site was renovated.

Trapelo Road

Cottage Crest, a large, popular local restaurant, closed (early 90's, maybe) and is now a condo development.
1019 Trapelo Road - September 29, 2014 - Starbucks was open this morning at Lexington Street and Trapelo Road.
1019 Trapelo Road - April 22, 2016 - Feng Shui Kitchen opened for take-out Chinese and Japanese meals at the corner of Lexington Street and Trapelo Road

Waverly Oaks Road

411 Waverly Oaks Road - April 7 2006 - The KnowFat! Lifestyle Grille opened. They were closed as of December 4, 2008. March 25, 2015 - Per Waltham Health Dept: Beat Da Wrap has closed for good. Comes after they paid overdue taxes. November 2, 2015 - City Streets reopened at 411 Waverley Oaks Road, after having moved from Lexington Street.

Willow Street

170 Willow Street - Pandorgas closed in 2002.

Winter Street

380 Winter Street - Early June, 2013 - The Copper House Tavern opened at 380 Winter Street, at the Best Western Hotel site that housed the Piccadilly Pub. Copper House Tavern. On April 29, 2005 - Piccadilly Pub opened at the Best Western TLC - This was Michael's Italian Grill. On April 29, 2005, it reopened as Piccadilly Pub. They were closed as of February 2012, and there were applications in for a new restaurant to take over the common victualer and liquor licenses previously used by the now-shuttered restaurant, on the ground floor of the Best Western.
475 Winter Street
- Winter Street Cafe changed its name to Sato. There was once a Chinese restaurant, Lanai Island, at this location. It closed around 1990.
- November 21, 2012 - CEO John Pepper announced that the Boloco restaurant chain was abandoning plans to open a burrito restaurant at 475 Winter Street, vacated by Wineseller of Selene several years ago. He said that delays from Waltham's Rules & Ordinance Committee were to blame for not receiving a special fast food permit nearly 2 years after they had signed a Letter of Intent. Sato Restaurant was closed as of February 2, 2015. Umi opened at this location in August of 2015.
- November, 2015 - Jimmy John's opened at the plaza.

Unknown Street and address Please let me know if you have information about these restaurants.

Thank you for your history of Waltham restaurants. My Father-in -law who is 90 grow up until HS in Waltham when he moved to Woburn. A member of the Smith family unfortunately a very common name. His father built homes on Auburn st, Prospect etc. and his mother worked at a restaurant called the Blarney Stone. Which according to my searches , is no longer there. Again unfortunately it this would be decades ago. I wonder if that rings a bell with you.for any information. If not, I certainly understand.
Was wondering about Helen's restaurant? Would truly love to contact Jim and Vanthy

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