Readers share memories before Grasshopper closed in Allston

In just over a month, a longtime favorite vegan restaurant in Allston will close its doors.

Grasshopper’s owner told Boston.com the news of its closure – they said because of a lease disagreement, but the owner disputed that in a previous article – but hopes to be able to find a new location for serving its extensive range of vegan and vegetarian Asian products. menu elsewhere in Allston soon.

“I hope that in a few months…we (can) continue to carry the Grasshopper name,” its owner said by phone.

Grasshopper will announce a possible reopening, if it finds a new place, on its Facebook page.

We asked Boston.com readers to share their memories of this 27-year-old staple before it closes on May 29. What we heard were stories of first dates, shared laughs at their Sunday buffet, and lots of thanks for the No Name, a breaded gluten dish the restaurant has become known for.

Readers share memories of Grasshopper

“The food was always excellent. But it holds a special place in my heart as the restaurant I went to on my first date with my future wife, where we ate on our engagement night, and where they even hosted our rehearsal dinner.

—David P. of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, formerly Brookline

“Sunday Buffett has always been a fun night out and an opportunity to eat good food for less.”

—Patrick C. of Allston

“I will miss the Boston Vegetarian Society events, which included a large buffet and speaker. I learned a lot at these events and had some great meals too! I also miss my late sister, who loved this restaurant, and we had many fun family meals there. It’s hard to see so many plant-based restaurants struggling in Boston. I feel like we’re way behind in the vegan/vegetarian food scene in New York and Philadelphia, and I wonder why.

—John D. of West Newton

“I will miss the buffets on the third Sunday of the month, because it always felt like a family dinner with new friends. Without forgetting the No Name and the tofu fingers! Hopefully the location will reopen. Grasshopper is loved by Boston.

—Hannah G. of Roslindale

“I miss the delicious avocado shakes, the varied food and the fact that this was one of two vegan dining establishments on this street of the owners. Down to zero. Whole Heart Provisions was by far the best vegan restaurant I’ve been to in the Boston area. Note: I am not vegan. He and Grasshopper had alternative food options and worked well, eaten in and taken out. They also helped define this street corner.

—Aleksander M. of Brighton

“It’s my favorite restaurant in the world. My son introduced me to Grasshopper 20 years ago, and it’s always a pleasure to go there for dinner. It hurts my heart to think of it closing. (The) seitan “beef” No. 69 is the best. I also like “chicken fingers” and spring rolls. In fact, I love everything on the menu. Please reopen quickly.

Leslie W. of North Easton

“I had a first date there in 2001. We were both nervous. This was my favorite restaurant, but I didn’t realize they didn’t have a liquor license – an oversight on my part. However, the meeting went well. We moved in together in 2004, got married in 2008, became parents in 2010, and I was diagnosed with soy intolerance (lol) in 2011. Still, we’ll have to take our kids — now ages 10 and 13 — along. at the restaurant. where the dads had their first meeting, before closing. Thanks, Grasshopper!

—Ian H. of Concord, New Hampshire

“Vegans and non-vegans alike enjoyed it. Plus the food for the price was the best thing left in Allston. As a long-time vegan, it seems like a lot has been lost lately, and it’s a big blow for a restaurant that has had no problem staying in business. They have also shown great care towards their community during the pandemic. It’s a shame to let an Allston landmark disappear.

—James N. of Allston

“I love their delicious vegan food. I only order Asian food from them.

—Ruth F. of Brookline

“Such an iconic place. The incredibly warm welcome, the epic menu, the avocado shakes, the pigskin app, the No Name special – (the list goes on) on and on. To the extent that it was not just a restaurant but rather a gathering place.

—Sarah from Boston

“Their buffet was the best. The No Name is also iconic. Lots of memories, from birthday parties to outings with roommates to delivery orders for our thesis work sessions.

—Jason of Watertown

“It’s a place where I never have to wonder if a dish is made with fish sauce, oyster sauce or beef/chicken broth. I love delicious food and friendly people. My grandchildren always want the No Name. I travel from West Roxbury to Brighton and deal with all that traffic just to get takeout for me and my extended family. I wish you all good luck and hope to see you reopen soon – maybe in West Roxbury!?!?

—Amy from West Roxbury

“I’m going to miss almost everything about Grasshopper. So unpretentious, so welcoming. The Nguyen family cared deeply about the cause of animal rights, without any preachy overtones. Huge portions, cheap prices, inventive dishes. The restaurant made Allston special. Unfortunately, this is now a thing of the past, with the old warehouses being demolished to make way for shiny condos inhabited by a transient population. First Great Scott, now Grasshopper. I’m going to have a hard time explaining to my teenager how cool it was to live here.

—Adam from Boston

“Grasshopper has been providing great service to the vegan community long before vegan restaurants became trendy. Even as a vegan teenager growing up in a distant suburb, I knew about it and would make it a point to go if I was ever within earshot of Boston. My relatives and I ate there to celebrate my college graduation 16 years ago. It’s sad to think that this might disappear.

—Eric from Jaffrey, New Hampshire

“No Name is the greatest dish ever invented. I’ve been eating here since at least 2000.”

—Tommy from Somerville