08 Nov 2014
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A new lease on life for Bella Luna and the Milky Way

In the Brewery District, Bella Luna and the Milky Way Lounge continue to be iconic symbols of the Jamaica Plain community.

By Kate Mason (Open Post) Updated November 3, 2010 at 11:15 pm

For 15 years, Bella Luna and the Milky Way Lounge were the main attractions in the revitalized Hyde Square neighborhood, where the combination restaurant/bowling alley/lounge was considered by many to be a Boston institution.

But two years ago, when a considerable rent increase forced the businesses to find a new home, they packed up and moved to the Brewery Complex near Egleston Square. And although the beloved bowling alley didn't make it in the move, it hasn't stopped this favorite haunt from attracting the same faithful following in its new digs and enjoying a literal new lease on life.

The new space boasts elements from its past as the former industrial home of the Haffenreffer Brewery—high ceilings, weathered brick walls, and exposed steel fixtures. A soothing red palette dominates throughout and extends from the walls, to the leather banquettes, and to the large, sparkly U-shaped bar that punctuates the mammoth space.  Star-shaped paper lanterns, ceiling spotlights, and vibrant, large-scale photographs throughout combine to give the spot a modern yet comfortable, cool, cosmic vibe.

In the kitchen, Chef Justin Hackett seems firmly focused on a menu showcasing comfort food favorites--mozzarella sticks, fried calamari, chicken wings, and all-beef hot dogs are popular orders. Both lunch and dinner menus feature a handful of salads—the simple Arugula Salad with shaved parmesan, toasted pumpkin seeds with lemon vinagrette, and the Little Capri with vine-ripened tomatoes, tart goat cheese and mixed greens drizzled with basil oil are two house winners.  

A Crab Cake BLT smothered with chipotle mayo and applewood smoked bacon is a favorite from the sandwich menu, where only the 8-ounce Bella Burger (with choice of cheddar, gorgonzola, bacon and avocado toppings) served with fries and a salad won the more popular vote on our visits.

Gourmet pizzas are also available with sauce and dough made in-house daily. The menu lists a half-dozen signature pies including the Amory Street Breakfast Pizza with scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast sausage, cheddar and mozzarella. More traditional pizzas—and over 30 toppings —are also available.

Dinner entrees include popular Italian faves like the Wild Mushroom Ravioli--cheese raviloi with a variety of wild mushrooms in a thyme, white wine sauce, and the Chicken Piccata featuring tender chicken sauteed with shallots, garlic, lemon, capers and white wine over linguini. There's also the "Better than your Mama's" Meatball dinner which delivers huge homemade meatballs with marinara sauce, parmesan linguini and buttery grilled garlic bread. Bella Luna's Mac & Cheese is a another popular choice--fresh rigatoni pasta tossed in a six-cheese sauce with broccoli or honey ham. 

Bella Luna's location near the Sam Adams brewery insures a steady stream of brew tour traffic, especially on weekends.  Patrons can pick up where the tour left off with five Sam Adams brews on tap including the Sun Ray Ale brewed exclusively for the restaurant and lounge. There's plenty more bottled beer (microbrews and craft beers included), a full bar of spirits and both domestic and international wines including many organic selections from small producers. 

The bar area seats about 25 patrons and the surrounding dining area boasts about 20 tables that can easily configure to accommodate large groups or intimate dining. There are a handful of tables available on an outdoor patio that wraps around the giant old Haffenreffer smokestack — plans for outdoor heat lamps may hopefully extend the al fresco dining season. 

For group fun, parties, and the late-night crowd, the Milky Way Lounge--the building's entertainment and hang-out space — doesn't disappoint. There's a pool table, leather seating, and the same hip, galactic vibe as the rest of the building's space. A back room offers Wii sports and a wall-mounted, large-scale Connect Four game, and is the spot for nightly live music, dance parties, trivia and karaoke. An up-to-date schedule of events is listed on the Milky Way's website, as well as information on booking this sleek space for private parties.  

It's been two years since they've settled into the new neighborhood, and Bella Luna and the Milky Way Lounge continue to be iconic symbols of the Jamaica Plain community. In fact, and some may argue that the Amory Street location is even better than the original. Thanks to a supportive and warm neighborly welcome, this spot seems primed to remain a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. 

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