Daily brief · Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
Acclaimed Wine Bar Dear Annie to Close July 31
July 9, 2026
Top story
Porter Square Wine Bar Dear Annie to Close July 31
Dear Annie owner Lauren Friel announced on Instagram Wednesday that the Porter Square wine bar will end nightly service and permanently close July 31, writing that it will "cease to exist" in both name and being. Friel, who opened the restaurant during COVID-19 and earned mentions on 2022 'best of' lists in the New York Times and Bon Appétit, cited financial pressure, industry shifts toward luxury steakhouses, and her life as a new mom. Her Somerville wine bar and shop, Rebel Rebel, will remain open.
Cambridge Day
Charlie's Kitchen Beer Garden Cleared Out After Water Damage
Photos shared this week show Charlie's Kitchen's outdoor beer garden being cleared out; the space has been shuttered since a pipe leak caused extensive water damage in January.
Cambridge Day
State Senate Candidates Brownsberger, Lander Clash Over Beacon Hill Transparency
Incumbent Will Brownsberger and challenger Daniel Lander debated legislative transparency on July 8, agreeing on concerns over local affordability and transportation ahead of the September primary.
Cambridge Day
Dumpling-Making Party Tonight at Historic Windsor Inn
The Dumpling School hosts a hands-on dumpling-making party for all skill levels at The Historic Windsor Inn tonight.
Cambridge Patch
Cambridge Health Officials Flag Rise in Tick-Borne Powassan Virus
The Cambridge Public Health Department's July 8 advisory notes Massachusetts accounts for 8 of the 15 nationwide Powassan virus cases diagnosed so far this year.
Cambridge Public Health Department
Why Try and Everfiner Play Joint Show at Lizard Lounge Tonight
Indie-rock bands Why Try and Everfiner team up for a live show tonight at Lizard Lounge on Massachusetts Avenue.
Lizard Lounge
Lisa Bello Brings R&B and Soul to Lou's
Vocalist and songwriter Lisa Bello performs in the intimate performance space at Lou's in Harvard Square, drawing on jazz, soul, and late-night storytelling.
Harvard Square Business Association
Novelist Howard A. Rodman Discusses New Books at Harvard Book Store
Harvard Book Store hosts Howard A. Rodman for a talk on his novels "Destiny Express" and "The Great Eastern," joined by playwright and Harvard lecturer Sam Marks.
Harvard Square Business Association
"Certified Fresh" Comedy Night at The Comedy Studio
The Comedy Studio hosts "Certified Fresh" with host Brian Rojas, featuring comedians Andrew Della Volpe, Kathy Lynch, Will Smalley, Sky Nockels, and Jason Cordova.
Harvard Square Business Association
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