Adjacent to The Connector located in Winthrop Center, a 691-foot mixed-use tower with the moniker of Downtown Boston’s newest urban "living room," The Lineup food hall just opened on January 17. While the spot houses five quick-serve culinary delights, don’t go opening your dinner reservation app too soon. These eateries are only open during the week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The brainchild of Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur John Fraser (of NYC’s Dovetail and now-closed Nix fame), The Lineup is his first-ever food hall concept and it’s one for the 9-to-5 daily grinders (although it is missing a sub shop).
"The JF Restaurants team is thrilled to team up with Millennium Partners to launch our first ever food hall in the heart of Downtown Boston at The Connector," he said in a press release. “We look forward to welcoming the Boston community to discover this new epicurean destination whether you're looking to dine in or simply place an order for pick up."
While convenience is definitely on the menu (the hall’s restaurants are all fast-casual for those looking for quick lunch options), you can also look forward to exploring five one-of-a-kind concept restaurants, ranging from 3.5-ounce smash burgers at Big Grin and Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas at Gatto Pazzo (check out their signature pie with golden yellow tomato vodka sauce and citrus-marinated shrimp) to vegetarian Mexi-Cali street food at Ariana (the pizza box of vegetarian nachos will make you the most popular coworker) and fresh Mediterranean bowls and pitas at IRIS Mezze.
For the early risers looking for a little morning assistance to get their work day started, Day Shift does boast earlier hours than the rest of the spots. The coffee kiosk starts its day at 7 a.m. and serves up freshly brewed coffee, handcrafted lattes, juices and smoothies alongside a selection of homemade pastries, breakfast sandwiches and guilt-free salads. Bonus: bring in your own mug and you get the coffee for a dollar.
Waiting in the wings is Chef John’s spring 2024 plans for a full sit-down restaurant also open to the public (he currently also leads the exclusive dining program at The Residences at Winthrop Center).
The Lineup is located at 115 Federal Street in Boston. The lunch spots will be open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Day Shift from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.