‘A shame to let an Allston landmark go’: What Grasshopper means to readers

In a little more than a month, a longtime favorite vegan restaurant in Allston will close.

Grasshopper’s owner told Boston.com the news of its closure — they said over a lease disagreement, but the property owner disputed that point in a previous article — but hopes they’re able to find a new spot to serve their extensive vegan and vegetarian Asian menu elsewhere in Allston soon. 

“I hope in a couple of months… we [can] continue the Grasshopper name,” its owner said on the phone. 

Grasshopper will announce news of a potential reopening, if they find a new spot, on their Facebook page. 

We asked Boston.com readers to share their memories of this 27-year-old staple ahead of when it shutters May 29. What we heard back were first-date stories, laughs shared at their Sunday buffet, and plenty of shout-outs for the No Name, a dish of battered gluten the restaurant became known for. 

Readers share memories of Grasshopper

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

—David P. of Lewisburg, PA, formerly Brookline

“The Sunday Buffett was always a fun date night and an opportunity to get good food cheap.”

—Patrick C. of Allston

“I will miss the Boston Vegetarian Society events that included a big buffet meal and a public speaker. I learned a lot at those events and also had some great meals! I also miss my late sister, who loved this restaurant, and we had many fun family meals there. It is tough to see so many plant-based restaurants struggle in Boston. I feel like we are way behind New York and Philly’s vegan/vegetarian dining scenes, and I wonder why this is.”

—John D. of West Newton

“I’ll miss the third Sunday of the month buffets that always felt like a family dinner with new friends. Not to mention the No Name and tofu fingers! Here’s to hoping the location will reopen. Grasshopper is loved by Boston.”

—Hannah G. of Roslindale

“I miss the tasty avocado shakes, the diverse food, and the fact that this was one of two vegan dining establishments on this landlord’s strip. Down to zero. Whole Heart Provisions was by far the best vegan restaurant I knew of in the Boston area. Note: I’m not vegan. It 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

“This is my favorite restaurant in the world. My son introduced me to Grasshopper 20 years ago, and it’s always a treat to go for dinner. It makes my heart hurt to think of it closing. [The] #69 “beef” seitan is the best. I also love the “chicken fingers” and spring rolls. Actually I like everything on the menu. Please reopen quickly.”

Leslie W. of North Easton

“I took a first date there in 2001. We were both nervous. It was my favorite restaurant, but I didn’t realize that they didn’t have a liquor license — oversight on my part. Still, the date went well. We moved in together in 2004, got married in 2008, became parents in 2010, and I was diagnosed with a soy intolerance (lol) in 2011. Still, we’ll have to take our kids — now 10 and 13 — to the restaurant where daddies had their first date, before it closes. Thank you, Grasshopper!”

—Ian H. of Concord, New Hampshire

“Vegans and non-vegans alike all enjoyed it. Also, the food for the price was the best thing Allston had left. As a longtime vegan, it seems like a lot is lost lately, and it’s a big blow for a restaurant that had no problem staying in business. They also showed considerable care for their community during the pandemic. It’s a shame to let an Allston landmark go.”

—James N. of Allston

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

—Ruth F. of Brookline

“Such an iconic place. The incredibly warm welcome, the epic menu, avocado shakes, pork skin app, No Name special — [the list goes] on and on. The way it wasn’t just a restaurant but rather a place for gathering.”

—Sarah of Boston

“Their buffet was the best. The No Name is iconic, too. Many memories from birthday parties to housemate outings to ordering for delivery for our thesis work sessions.”

—Jason of Watertown

“This is one place where I never have to question if a dish is made with fish sauce, oyster sauce, or beef/chicken broth. I love the wonderful food and friendly people. My grandkids 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 well and hope to see you reopening soon — maybe in West Roxbury!?!?”

—Amy of West Roxbury

“I will miss almost everything about Grasshopper. So unpretentious, so welcoming. The Nguyen family cared deeply about the animal rights cause, without the preachy overtones. Huge portions, cheap prices, inventive dishes. The restaurant made Allston special. Sadly now a thing of the past with the old warehouses being demolished for shiny condos inhabited by a transient population. First Great Scott, now Grasshopper. I am going to have a hard time explaining to my teenager how cool it used to be living here.”

—Adam of Boston

“Grasshopper provided a great service to the vegan community long before vegan restaurants became trendy. Even as a vegan teenager growing up in an outer burb, I knew about it and would make a point of going if I ever got within shouting distance of Boston. My relatives and I ate there to celebrate my college graduation 16 years ago. Sad to think it might go away.”

—Eric of Jaffrey, New Hampshire

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

—Tommy of Somerville