Food & Drink

Acqua Seafood Grille at Mechanic Court Receives Supportive Vote For Expanded Restaurant From Residents’ Association

[responsive_youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w61zWcKVOFM]

The North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA) voted 28-6 in support of a proposal by North End restauranteur Frank DePasquale, represented by attorney William Ferullo, regarding a zoning variance proposal for Full Comp. Inc., d/b/a Acqua Seafood Grille, at 1 Mechanic Court. The meeting was on April 10, 2014 at the Nazzaro Community Center in Boston’s North End.

The location is off Hanover Street in the space of the former Ida’s Restaurant with a new expansion into the first floor of an adjacent residential building. The total seating for Acqua Seafood Grille, including the newly-added area, will consist of 48 seats inside and 48 seats at the outdoor patio in the back off the building abutting the Sumner Tunnel ramp.

The application to the Zoning Board of Appeals includes a change of use for a unit behind the former Ida’s restaurant from residential to restaurant. The request is in connection with the installation of larger handicap-accessible bathroom facilities and the addition of 22 restaurant seats in the area provided by the unit being added. Ida’s formerly had 26 seats in its restaurant area. That area will continue to have 26 seats, of which 8 will now be at a dining counter.

NEWRA had previously supported a transfer of the alcohol license (beer, wine & cordials) last Fall with a midnight closing hour, 7 days, a patio closing at 11:00 pm. The property is located in the Hanover Street Community Commercial subdistrict, where restaurant is a conditional use.

See the video above for more details.