A Look Back At Some Massachusetts Restaurants We Lost in 2021

MASSACHUSETTS— There's no debating the fact that 2021 was a tough year for the restaurant industry. Hundreds of restaurants around Massachusetts tried their best to come back from the torture and uncertainty that plagued the ones who survived the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Things were looking tough for Massachusetts restaurants walking into 2021, as more than 4,000, or 22% of the state's restaurants closed permanently in 2020 according to the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. We lost some big names, fixtures that were part of Boston's history, leaving us with nothing but memories and maybe some boarded-up windows.

As grim as 2020 was, 2021 didn't offer much of a positive start for the restaurant industry. I myself had just lost my place of employment and source of income in August 2020, when the Pour House on Boylston Street in Boston closed its doors.

Serving and bartending jobs were open in 2021, but almost none of them could offer a sustainable income. Capacity limits, an ongoing pandemic, and shortened hours scrambled the livelihood of those who had spent years working hard to reach where they had in their profession. Most of my friends in the industry also lost their jobs, some of whom had worked in the same place for over a decade.

As 2021 comes to a close, here's a taste of who we've lost.

Eastern Standard, Boston

The Kenmore Square staple was one of the first ones to leave us in 2021 after originally opening in 2005. One of Boston University's more popular hangouts, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her sadness over the loss of one of her favorite spots via Twitter. Part of a trio of restaurants within the Hotel Commonwealth, Eastern Standard closed alongside Island Creek Oyster Bar and the Hawthorne in February 2021.

Snappy Kitchen and Punjabi Grill, Somerville

Two Davis Square restaurants quietly shut their doors in early February 2021, taking down their neighboring signs. Somerville lost an Indian eatery and a ramen and sushi spot off the same block seemingly overnight.

Halfway Cafe, Marlborough

A fixture along the Boston Post Road for more than 20 years, Halfway Cafe said goodbye to its loyal customers in a Facebook post in May 2021. The pub offered a cozy and casual atmosphere for the whole family or a meeting spot for friends. At one point, the local chain had four locations, including in Watertown, Maynard, and Holbrook, and the original in Dedham. Only the Watertown and Dedham locations are still open.

Super Chicken, Beverly

The owners of the Rantoul Street restaurant closed its doors after 20 years, thanking every customer as they said goodbye. The North Shore restaurant known for its chicken dishes and other comfort food items closed its doors in May 2021.

Besito, Newton

The Mexican-inspired restaurant at The Shops at Chestnut Hill closed in June 2021. Besito opened in 2014, to aplomb. Besito at the Chestnut Hill Mall was the fifth in the U.S. and the second in Massachusetts. Three locations remain open in New York as well as a restaurant in Pennsylvania and one in Florida, according to the website.

The Red Hat, Boston

After being in business for more than 100 years, the popular Beacon Hill spot The Red Hat closed its doors for good in June 2021. But an industry friend of mine Jake Nicholson, formerly of Finn McCool's, decided to buy the joint shortly after its closure. "Teddy's" is set to reopen in its place sometime this winter.

Beerworks, All Locations

Beerworks was a staple for many on their way to a Red Sox game, a stop while visiting Salem in the fall, or a trip for those checking out the Hingham shipyard. Beerworks first opened in 1992 across from Fenway Park, proving to be a popular pit stop during baseball season. With five locations, Beerworks has decided to call it quits in July 2021.

Cilantro Thai & Vietnamese Cuisine, Woburn

After six years in Woburn, Cilantro Thai and Vietnamese Cuisine closed its doors in July 2021.

White's Bakery, Hingham

The Derby Street shops bakery had been a staple for many in the South Shore for over two decades. A Facebook post from the owner says the decision, "was not made lightly or due to the pandemic, but because it is the best course of action for our family at this time." The Brockton and Mansfield stores will still remain in operation, but the Derby Street location closed in late July 2021.

Craigie on Main, Cambridge

The iconic Central Square spot opened in 2008 but has been put on "pause" since August 2021 and has yet to reopen. At the beginning of the pandemic, Craigie on Main offered outdoor dining in a parking lot patio and takeout, but the Main Street bistro is still listed for sale.

Highland Fried, Cambridge

Citing an Instagram post by the chicken and barbecue restaurant, Highland Fried "pressed the pause button" and will remain closed "while we figure out our next move for Highland Fried. ...watching what happens with Delta", inferring that part of the reason for the closure could be due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, affected by the Delta variant. Highland Fried officially closed its doors in September 2021.

The Kinsale, Boston & The Asgard, Cambridge

Two Irish pubs tried their best to come back after a COVID-19 fueled hiatus, but sadly both had to say goodbye in October 2021. The sister pubs cited an "ongoing pandemic, office buildings at low occupancy, chronic labor shortages," and more as the reasons behind their closures.

Twyrl, Arlington

Italian restaurant Twyrl shut down Dec. 16 after more than four years in Arlington Center. Twyrl offered customizable pasta dishes with a slew of bases, sauces and toppings, as well as specialty pastas. "We ask that the 'friends of Twyrl' stop by before we close, if only just to say goodbye. Fair warning: we may shed some tears," the owners wrote in a statement on their website.