Civilians and restaurant industry workers alike were dismayed by the January closing of this tiny, long-lived South End institution, a rare almost-dive in a largely gentrified neighborhood. But in May, hallelujahs resounded at the news that two former servers had bought and reopened Delux, having refurbished its barstools and updated its closet-sized kitchen. To the relief of all, its very nice (and nicely priced) drinks, decent food and quirky decor—yes, including the beloved Elvis shrine—remain intact.
Delux Cafe
100 Chandler St., Boston • (617) 338-5258
Other Winners
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Comeback
2016 Winner: Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe
A legendary icon of Boston dining, Charlie’s Sandwich Shoppe opened in 1927, winning fame for slinging tasty turkey hash and welcoming blacks in the era of segregation...
- 429 Columbus Ave., Boston
- (617) 539-7669
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Comeback
2017 Winner: East Coast Grill
This historic wood-grilled seafood and barbecue spot pioneered many dining concepts we now take for granted, like fresh-juice margaritas and obsessive love of fresh chili...
- 1271 Cambridge St., Cambridge
- (617) 714-4662
- eastcoastgrill.net
Photo Credit: Holly Rike -
Photo Credit: Jacki Morisi
