Team Behind North Square Oyster Opens Bodega Canal in Early November

News release from the team behind Ward 8 and North Square Oyster — Nicholas Frattaroli to open Bodega Canal on Canal Street in November.

Slated to open next month, Bodega Canal will bring elevated Mexican fare and flare to the TD Garden neighborhood. Owner of North End gastropub Ward 8 and hot newcomer North Square Oyster, Nicholas Frattaroli aims to elevate Mexican dining with the “rustic luxe” concept.

Bodega Canal will offer an alternative to the sports bar-heavy neighborhood with a fresh, lively destination for guests to enjoy a delicious meal, pre- or post-game drink, or fun night out on the town. The restaurant and bar will serve up lively flavors by day and lively beats by night in a sexy yet rustic space that seamlessly transitions from lunch with colleagues to dancing with friends.

Helmed by Chef Kenny Schweizer, who also oversees the kitchen at Frattaroli’s Ward 8., Bodega Canal’s menu will offer a variety of house-made guacamoles, appetizers, tortas, salads, entrées, and, of course, plenty of classic and reimagined tacos. Menu highlights will include: Mole Short Rib with dirty rice and roasted green beans; Buttered Lobster Tacos with butter-poached lobster, grilled corn pico de gallo, cojita; and ancho crema, and Queso Fundido with chorizo and poblano rajas.

Ward 8’s General Manager, Mike Wyatt, will oversee the bar program as beverage manager to develop a creative, carefully curated cocktail, beer, and wine menu. With a full liquor license, Bodega Canal will serve up a wide variety of options including: a variety of margaritas; three frozen drink options; red, white, and rosé sangria; signature cocktails; shareable drinks; South American and Spanish wines; Mexican soft drinks; Mexican coffees; and domestic and foreign beers available by draft or the bottle.

Designed by Justin Power, formerly of Pioneer Goods Co. in Boston’s South End, Bodega Canal will take a slight departure from the usual splashy colors and bright tones associated with Mexican restaurants and instead offer a sexier, more sophisticated “rustic luxe” take on Mexican style. Reminiscent of a timeworn Mexican mansion that has experienced decades of wear and tear, the interior will feature grand chandeliers, reclaimed wood, weathered-looking painted walls, exposed concrete, funky lighting, and ornate finishes.

The multi-room space features a main dining room, lounge, and three bar areas, with full menu available throughout. Boasting a 295-person capacity, multiple seating options are available as well as private and semi-private event spaces.

“Always having loved Mexico’s cuisine and its rich culture, our team is excited to open a space that celebrates the vibrancy and boldness of Mexican flavors and dishes.  In an area brimming with sports bars, we’re looking forward to bringing a fresh, new, sophisticated concept to Canal Street. We felt there was a need for a really great quality restaurant and bar that offers guests a fun atmosphere as well as elevated food and drink; we hope Bodega Canal meets that need.” says Frattaroli.

Located at 57 Canal St., Boston, MA, Bodega Canal will be open daily. The bar will be open Sunday through Wednesday from 11:30 to 1 a.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 to 2 a.m. Lunch will be served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner will be served Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. Weekend brunch service will begin at a later date.

For more information, please visit www.bodegacanal.com or contact (617) 833-4885. To stay up-to-date on Bodega Canal’s progress, please follow @bodegacanal on Facebook and Instagram.