It’s been nearly four years since the coronavirus pandemic devastated the restaurant industry, but 2023 marked the start of a rebound, with several new restaurants setting up shop in Andover — including at least two that opened in spaces that previously housed eateries lost during COVID.
When the Park Street Pub closed in 2022, it left a major hole Downtown. That hole was successfully plugged by Shoyu, which opened a sister location to its original Saugus restaurant in May. Like a lot of restaurants that opened in Andover in 2023, the opening was delayed thanks to problems sourcing construction materials for the renovation.
Smythe & Dove abruptly closed in January, leaving another massive Downtown vacancy. But not for long: by October, the owners La Rosa’s, La Fina, and Prive were welcoming diners at the Autograph at 74 Main Street. “We have poured our hearts into creating a restaurant that not only reflects our passion for food but also honors the trust and loyalty our patrons have shown us over the years,” co-owner Mike Cammarata said. The restaurant opens an “eclectic menu” and is open daily for lunch and dinner.
While not an Andover spot, While not an Andover spot, Harrison’s Roast Beef was a go-to spot to get their fix on the locally-famous delicacy. The no-thrills joint closed in September. The silver lining? The new owners are renovating the space and rumored to be planning to offer a similar menu.
Akita Ramen opened in the Shawsheen Plaza in March, taking over the space previously occupied by Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, which closed in the spring of 2022.
“We thought it might be a good idea if there is an authentic Japanese ramen shop here in Andover, so we decided to open one for ourselves,” Akita-Ramen said on its Website.
The ramen specialists were an instant hit, winning “best new restaurant” in the 2023 Andover News Readers’ Choice Awards.
An abundance of pizza places in Downtown Andover didn’t stop Brooksy’s Brick Oven Pizza and Bar from becoming an instant hit when it opened in the former Bertucci’s space at 90 Main Street.
The concept was launched in Andover by Brooks Rice, of Reading, has worked in restaurants for more than 25 years. The upscale pizza restaurant, which created 15 jobs, is 0the first he has owned.
More 2023 Andover restaurant news:
- Fore! Matchplay Golf, offering a full bar and menu, as well as six golf simulators, opened in November.
- Andover Town Market on South Main Street reopened and rebranded in August after a major renovation. The spot now offers a full bar and menu and has been renamed Tavern On 28.
- Andover Fire Rescue extinguished a fire in July at the location of restaurants that closed after a fire last fall. There’s still no word about what is happening to the block once occupied by Daxi, Sauce, and 15sx.
- Ballardvale got a new cafe when Lulu’s Lunchbox opened at 195 Andover Street in May. Early social media reviews said the restaurant’s food is “delicious” and the prices are “crazy low.”