Boston

Back Bay roundup: 5 new businesses to debut in the neighborhood

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Published on June 15, 2018
Back Bay roundup: 5 new businesses to debut in the neighborhoodPhoto: minigrow/Yelp

Want to explore the newest restaurant and retail additions to Back Bay? From food to fitness, read on for a rundown of the newest hot spots in this part of Boston.

Minigrow

565 Boylston St.

Photo: Minigrow/Yelp

First up, it's minigrow, the noodle-focused younger sibling to Philly-based fast-casual chain, honeygrow.

Its menu invites visitors to create noodle or salad bowl combinations that include seasonal vegetables, greens, dressings and a variety of proteins. This is one of two minigrow outlets to open recently in Boston; the other is downtown.

Yelpers are generally positive about minigrow, which currently holds four stars out of 14 reviews on the site.

Songyi W., who reviewed the eatery on June 6, wrote, "A great place for a quick and very filling meal (because you can get yummy noodles instead of just salad!) for under $10. Will be back soon and often."

Yelper Ashlyn K. wrote, "Walking around and saw a place that had healthy eats so I stopped. Staff was nice. Few seating areas. Most people took their food to go."

minigrow is open from 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.

Trend Boston

134 Newbury St.

Photo: Trend boston/Yelp

Trend Boston is a family-owned and operated shop carrying shoes, accessories and outerwear for men and women.

Some of the store's featured brands are TOMS, Herschel Supply Co., Helly Hansen, Uggs and Birkenstock. Trend Boston also offers personalized shopping for those who want assistance with choosing items for their new wardrobes.

Yelp users are getting excited about Trend Boston, which currently holds five stars from two reviews on the site.

Yelper Margaret C., who reviewed the shop on May 5, wrote, "Amazing customer service! I bought some Blundstone boots that turned out to be too small. Although they didn't have a larger size in stock and the Blundstone factory was sold out of my size, Jimmy and Lady back-ordered them for me. They arrived just a couple of weeks later and fit perfectly."

Aleksandra N. noted, "Beautiful products, good customer service! Very unique store. I would definitely come back."

Trend Boston is open from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.–7 p.m. on Sunday.

Naco Taco On Newbury

354 Newbury St.

Photo: Anna X./Yelp

Naco Taco on Newbury is a food truck parked on Newbury Street. As you might expect, the menu is to the point — tacos and tortas (sandwiches) plus sides.

Meats range from cochinita pibil (Yucatan-style pork) to chorizo, but smoked tofu will keep vegetarians happy. Ordering is available online. 

Naco Taco on Newbury currently holds four stars out of five reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.

Yelper Anna X., who visited the truck on May 31, wrote, "Conveniently parked right on Newbury Street, they attract lots of customers and offer quick, efficient service. If you're looking for bold flavors, I'd recommend the bistec and chorizo tacos."

Maggie Y. noted, "The tacos were quite large and good value. The fried cod taco was delightfully crispy but the pulled pork was a little heavy for my taste. Really quick service as well."

Naco Taco on Newbury is open from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. daily.

Motion Stretch Studios

349 Newbury St.

Photo: Motion Stretch Studios/Yelp

Motion Stretch Studios is a fitness and health spot that aims to help increase energy and prevent injury through whole body stretching.

Specializing in 30-minute sessions of bodywork, therapists target eight points on the body using myofacial release and trigger point therapy to release tension and increase elasticity. Boston's is the latest outlet for this fast-growing Atlanta-based chain. 

Yelp users are excited about Motion Stretch Studios, which currently holds five stars out of two reviews on the site.

Yelper Victoria C., who reviewed the studio on March 3, wrote, "The workers here are really nice and I think it would be a great addition to anyone who runs/exercises a lot to keep your muscles stretched."

Heather M. noted, "My muscles and joints are more fluid. I have a quicker recovery after workouts and I can run around with my kids knowing that my body will support me."

Motion Stretch Studios is open from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday.

Tatte Bakery & Cafe

399 Boylston St.

Photo: Yan L./Yelp

Finally, there's Tatte Bakery & Cafe located at 399 Boylston St. Diners can expect offerings like the potato and duck confit shakshuka with leeks and poached eggs, a prosciutto and fig panini, and a croque monsieur with ham and Gruyere.

On the extensive pastry menu, look for a variety of croissants, including pistachio and ham and cheese. The coffee is from Stumptown.

With a four-star rating from 65 reviews on Yelp so far, Tatte Bakery & Cafe has developed a strong following.

Joey M., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot, said, "I stopped in for coffee and saw the list of breakfasts, ogled the pastries and generally just basked in the new coffee shop glow. I will be back, frequently."

And Rory G. said, "Tatte is a solid spot. You just have to knock off a star because it is pricey and usually absolutely packed. This location is bigger than the one nearby on Charles St. though, so [I] imagine it may be better."

Head on over to check it out: Tatte Bakery & Cafe is open weekdays from 7 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m.–7 p.m.