The Fall River area restaurant scene was hot in 2023. Have you tried these new places?

FALL RIVER — It's been an exciting year for Greater Fall River foodies.

The local restaurant scene was buzzing with activity in 2023, which served up a bounty of options to please any palate.

From quick-bite cafes and trendy eats, to laid-back pub grub and the next best breakfast hangout, to experimental menus, quirky haunts and an infusion of ethnic offerings, there have been some creative things cooking in this corner of the SouthCoast.

Folks craving variety are in luck, as over a dozen new eateries have opened their doors this year, adding to the area's vibrant food culture. 2023 also marked the revival of an iconic event venue.

And it appears a culinary renaissance may be underway on South Main Street, bringing life to a vital Fall River artery with the debut of four new dining spots each with their own distinct vibe and flavor.

We're down to the final 2: Which of these is Fall River's most iconic food? Vote now.

So skip the trip to big cities like Providence and Boston. There's no better time than now to take a Fall River area food tour, explore its growing dining choices and savor every bite.

Before we embark on 2024, let's dig into some new restaurants to add to your must-try list from 2023:

Much-anticipated Fall River newcomers

Fall River's latest arrivals have revived a couple of former go-to city eatery spots.

The Brewhouse District began welcoming customers in late November to its 139 South Main St. space, with the goal of infusing new energy into the downtown area.

Most recently Java House Chew and Brew, which ceased cafe operations last year and shifted its focus to catering and private events before eventually closing its doors, the Brewhouse District's prime location in the historic Cherry & Webb building across from the Fall River Justice Center have made the place a go-to for hungry locals and visitors alike for years, a tradition co-owners Angela Celli and Nick Ozug hope to continue.

Their menu features coffee, breakfast, lunch, small plates, desserts — with gluten free options available — as well as signature cocktails, for dine-in or to go. An announcement on their official grand opening is still pending, but you can get a taste of what they have to offer now by dropping by weekdays.

In the city's North End, Twisted Griddle made its much-anticipated debut this fall at 757 Robeson St., longtime home of the shuttered Highland Luncheonette. There, Fall River native and owner Lexis McGlynn serves up breakfast and lunch with a twist — hence the name — putting a unique spin on classic diner fare.

New eatery touches down: Fall River's Twisted Griddle puts fun spin on classic diner fare

They hit the ground running this September, as locals packed the brunch site to give the menu a whirl. It features "crazy" waffles, funky french toast flavors such as blueberry cheesecake, Twisted Sweetcakes, chicken and waffles, jalapeno popper grilled cheese, buffalo chicken egg rolls and much more. If you haven't yet stopped in, what are you waiting for?

Buzzworthy additions in Greater Fall River

You never know what delectable dishes you'll find at Christopher's from one day to the next. And it seems that's what folks love about the cafe in Fall River's South End. That, and the fact that each newly featured culinary creation is just as mouth-watering as the last.

Since owners Nate and Chris Silva opened at 1816 South Main St. this past March, their Facebook following — which now stands at over 7,000 — grows as more and more check in daily, curious what gourmet offerings they're cooking up. Each item on their ever evolving, experimental menu is made fresh, and available on a first come, first served basis. Lobster scones, pre-packaged to-go lunch options such as berry and brie salad, Portuguese mac and cheese, French meat pie Wellington, charcuterie boards, hand-filled cannolis, and pistachio cheesecake are just the tip of the iceberg as far as the cornucopia of from-scratch food the cafe churns out daily.

In addition, the cafe offers catering, hosts private events and the Silvas pride themselves on their community outreach - from their recent Ramen Night to a Fall River stuffing contest to a Christmas toy collection and sensory friendly kids Christmas party.

'No child should be going without': Holiday toy drive underway at Fall River cafe

This past August, "the most haunted coffee shop in the world" — Miss Lizzie's Coffee — debuted at 242 Second St. in Fall River to a good amount of buzz, but not the kind you would expect.

The quirky Lizzie Borden-themed cafe, inspired by Fall River's most notorious resident acquitted of the murders of her father and stepmother, opened on the Aug. 4 anniversary of the Borden murders. It's a fun spot to satisfy your craving for the macabre — featuring bloody axes in the decor and other nods to the slayings, like a "Lizspresso" menu item — and a good cup of joe.

But it quickly drew attention when U.S. Ghost Adventures, which operates the Lizzie Borden House bed and breakfast and museum next door, filed a lawsuit against Miss Lizzie’s Coffee and its owner claiming the latter is intentionally making customers think that the coffee shop is connected to the Lizzie Borden House and violating trademarks and other laws. In October, the ghost tour company filed a request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against Miss Lizzie’s Coffee and its owner, which a judge denied. The judge also asserted their lawsuit has a limited chance for success.

'The ghosts are not happy': 2 Fall River businesses clash over use of Lizzie Borden name

Pub and event venues pop up in Swansea

Swansea is home to some eagerly awaited dining destinations/event venues that were welcomed with overwhelming enthusiasm in 2023.

In April, Aviary Restaurant owners Lynn and Jack Tickle spread their wings with the addition of two new businesses at their 2219 GAR Highway property. The Rookery Pub and Events at the Aviary, both located in the newly renovated barn-like building that once housed Tickle's gift shop, were projects that started pre-pandemic and only just came to fruition this year.

Rookery's casual vibe and elevated pub fare serves to complement the Aviary, the couple's more upscale restaurant next door. Some featured offerings have included Roasted Statler Chicken, Beef Short Rib, Veracruz Tacos, Buffalo chicken flatbread pizza, cheesy tots, desserts like Boozy Banana Bread Pudding and winter cocktails like the Mistletoe Martini.

Events at The Aviary was launched in response to patrons' requests for a place to host larger gatherings, which Aviary could not quite accommodate with its limited capacity. Their two new event spaces, designed with a farmhouse feel, offer folks an option for a more intimate place to host special occasions, in contrast to the area's larger function halls.

Aviary expands: New pub and events venue open in Swansea

Speaking of larger function halls, none has drummed up as much excitement this year as the Venus De Milo. With the Ferris family still at the helm, the SouthCoast landmark and once-bustling banquet facility made its long-awaited comeback this November — three and a half years after its pandemic-related closure — much to the delight of locals looking to recapture special memories made there over the decades.

While Venus has continued to offer takeout since closing its banquet and restaurant doors to the public, the relaunch of its events business marks a new beginning for the region's largest event center, a sprawling 7.5-acre property at 75 GAR Highway, Swansea.

Guests will notice many changes — such as "multimillion-dollar improvements" that include completely revamped banquet rooms, updated facade and an extended takeout operation, though the Empire Grille restaurant will remain closed — but its beloved signature fare will remain largely the same. Their famous Venus de Milo minestrone soup, stuffies, Delmonico potatoes and baked stuffed lobster aren't going anywhere, and their popular annual events are also making a triumphant return with a successful dine-in Thanksgiving Day Buffet in the books and a New Year's Eve celebration to follow.

'Next level': Venus de Milo to reopen after 'multimillion-dollar improvements'

Comfort foods

There's a trio of new places serving up comfort fare with flair, while taking well-known SouthCoast fixtures to the next level.

After a year and half dishing classic barbecue with a contemporary New England twist out of their food trailer, Missing Link BBQ is ready to roll at its new Somerset home. In November, owners Tom Lyon and Doug Moniz made the long-awaited move from their food trailer parked on Lees River Avenue to its exciting, instantly recognizable destination: inside the landmark Cape Cod rail car visible to all traveling Route 6.

All aboard: Missing Link BBQ restaurant opens in iconic Somerset train car

Missing Link's new indoor dining car will be serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner five days a week. Owners anticipate it will be a go-to breakfast spot for locals, with unique BBQ spins on traditional dishes, and look forward to expanding their full-time menu, which includes smashburgers, the popular brisket and ribs, as well as Cuban and cheesesteak sandwiches and sweet pancake creations such as Java Monkey Cakes (banana slices, spiced coffee ladyfinger mascarpone, caramel drizzle, cinnamon sugar, toasted granola and whipped cream).

If feel-good fare is what you're craving, you'll find even more of it a bit further down Route 6. Bearded Chicken took off this fall, serving up funky farmhouse vibes in a familiar Somerset spot, and a creative menu that goes well beyond poultry.

The catering business-turned-restaurant has been winging it since September at their first brick-and-mortar space at 1160 GAR Highway, which previously housed the long-time town fixture Chad's Chowderhouse. Offerings feature wings and tenders with their scratch-made sauces, chicken sandwiches and an array of inventive egg rolls, both sweet and savory. It's currently takeout only, but owner Eric Thomas hopes to renovate the dining area and invite patrons to stay for a bite soon.

Wings, chopped cheese sandwich: Bearded Chicken restaurant serves up creative menu, funky vibes

Red's Kitchen kicked off 2023 with some sweet news. Owner Max Reeves, who for years served comfort fare from his signature red food truck, took a break from the road to settle into his new, more permanent Swansea home in January, in the same building as the beloved Eskimo King. Red's, which also has a location in the Seekonk Teamworks building, served as a savory complement to the ice cream shop's sweet offerings this summer. Known most for its artisan cheesesteaks and its line of fresh, hand-cut fries with various tasty toppings, Red's aims to make the Market Street spot a destination for foodies year-round.

Also, this past August Rea's, a popular coffee and brunch fixture in Swansea since 2021, made the move from its food trailer at Coles Landing to its new, much cozier home base. You can now find Rea's signature cold brew creations, bagels, brunch specials, sandwiches and sweet treats just up the road at 531 Wilbur Ave., giving owner Laura Finn room to grow her business and patrons a comfy space to enjoy a quick bite.

Rea's on the move: Popular Swansea coffee stop has room to grow at new location

Not your average Asian cuisine

In the mood for Asian cuisine? There are no shortage of options for Chinese takeout in Greater Fall River, but a couple of new eateries are mixing things up and adding some variety for those seeking this diverse flavor palette.

Chicken Story introduced the increasingly popular Korean street food trend to Fall River with the opening of its takeout restaurant on Stafford Road this past spring. Headed by Providence restaurateur Jaewoo Choi, Chicken Story's menu features made-for-Instagram culinary creations like the Korean corn dog — coated in unusual crusts such as hot Cheetos and cubed potatoes — and an array of bubble tea, as well as Korean fried chicken. The uninitiated will have fun exploring the unique menu here and at their second location in New Bedford, which also launched this fall.

It may have taken a while, but the hibachi is finally fired up at 1553 Brayton Point Road, Somerset. After nearly a year and a half of wondering when locals would get their long-promised Hibachi Poke Bowl Express, the takeout only eatery opened its doors in September, in a space adjacent to USA Karate.

They have also jumped on some food trends with boba milk tea and build-your-own poke, a traditional Hawaiian dish that is influenced by Japanese cuisine. There, you can get a poke bowl or salad to go — just pick your protein, add mix-ins, choose your flavor, add toppings, and choose your crunch. And while not quite offering the same sit-down, in-person hibachi experience, it's a welcome addition to the area after the closure of Umi Japanese Steak House in Swansea.

In Assonet, Poke-Soul also made its debut Nov. 27 at 63C South Main St., where they serve up Asian-inspired poke bowls, bubble tea and Acushnet Creamery ice cream to eat in or take to go.

Ever tried a Korean corn dog? It's on Chicken Story's menu in 2 locations

Fall River expands palate for Caribbean, Latin American flavors

Fall River has seen an influx of Caribbean and Latin American eateries in recent years, and 2023 added a few more to the mix.

On South Main Street in Fall River, the spring opening of Origen Bar and Grill marked an exciting new beginning for the prime, but long-vacant, downtown space, formerly SADO Asian Fusion and Tap House Grill. The restaurant features a family-friendly atmosphere with a menu centered on Latin American food — offering a taste of authentic cuisine from Columbia to Peru, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Mexico. Try their ceviche, empanadas, famous Cuban sandwich and paella, as well as familiar American fare, such as burgers, with an ethnic flair.

Within walking distance from there, the family-owned Fiesta Mexican Restaurant has opened a second Fall River location. A bit different from their current full-service, dine-in spots in the city's South End and in Somerset, this 362 South Main St. site — called Fiesta Taqueria — introduces a new fast-casual concept with a focus on takeout items like tacos, burritos and bowls.

Also spicing up the city's dining options are Casa Ive Dominican Cuisine, which opened for eat-in or takeout in the Southway Plaza at 390 Rhode Island Ave. this September, and Piyay Resto, serving up traditional Haitian dishes and Caribbean favorites — from its signature jerk chicken to homemade plantain chips — since February at 1335 Pleasant St.

'Something different': New restaurant bringing Latin American flavors to downtown Fall River

What Fall River area restaurants closed

While 2023 saw the addition of many restaurants, Greater Fall River also said goodbye to a few. Ket's Empire Restaurant, which served Caribbean-style takeout on Plymouth Avenue in Fall River, closed its doors a little over one year after opening, as well as One Horse Pizzeria and Saloon in Swansea and Java House Chew and Brew in Fall River.

In April, owners of The Saucery at No Joke Smoke BBQ, which debuted its Southern comfort fare in 2019, closed their 395 Wilbur Ave. location in Swansea. They announced plans to take their barbecue on the road with the launch of a new food trailer, which has been popping up at local outdoor markets and events.

Umi Japanese Steak House also ended its run at 1027 GAR Highway, Swansea, this year after owners decided to retire and sell the building. Plans are underway for a familiar Mexican restaurant to soon take its place as the Fiesta chain expands.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: A look back at restaurants that opened in Fall River area in 2023