Back in December, there was a neighborhood buzz about a new business opening on the ground level of South Standard. Well, we have more details for you!
Common Craft South Boston is set to open its doors next month, and the team behind it brings strong culinary credentials. The restaurant has tapped James Beard Award–winning chef Tony Messina as Chef Partner. The East Boston native, who took home Best Chef: Northeast in 2019, brings both national recognition and deep local roots to the project.
While Common Craft’s Burlington location is known for being beverage-driven, the South Boston outpost will lean heavily into the food side, with full table service and a more immersive dining experience. Messina’s resume includes time at local favorites like Cunard Tavern, along with Menton, AKA Bistro, and UNI.
According to Boston Chefs, a central part of the concept is The Current — a rotating menu focus that explores one theme at a time, whether that’s a particular ingredient, place, technique, or person. The idea is to keep things evolving and creative, with each chapter diving into the inspiration behind the food. Founder and Managing Partner Larry Leibowitz (also of Salem’s Kokeshi and Bambolina) sees food as the anchor, with storytelling and thoughtful technique shaping the experience.
You’ll find Common Craft South Boston on the ground floor of the South Standard building at 85 Damrell Street. The space will feature a 133-seat dining room, two bars, and a plant-filled lounge called the Stillroom.
Keep an eye on their Instagram and we’ll keep you posted as we get closer to the expected March opening.
