THE MERCHANT BOSTON 
Opening aimed for: this Saturday or Sunday night
Picture this: Two floors of dining. 36 drafts and a 40ft bar. A former downtown leather store. From-scratch everything (see: sweetbread nuggets). A new late-night menu every night. Raw bar from open to close. And an exec chef who cut his teeth at Craigie on Main and Sycamore. All fused together. Now just picture The Merchant. Or go there this weekend when they soft open.

The Merchant, 60 Franklin St., Boston, 617-482-6060. themerchantboston.com

ROXY’S GRILLED CHEESE
Opening aimed for: End of February
The beloved food truck’s first brick an mortar location will be drawing in Allston-ites and pretty much any other person on the hunt for Roxy’s killer grilled cheese. Bonus: the new spot will be a haven for local beer, vegan friendly noshing, poutine, and even burgers. Expect serious cheeseburger-ing here.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, 485 Cambridge St., Allston. roxysgrilledcheese.com

BOSTONIA PUBLIC HOUSE
Opening aimed for: March
Goodbye Kitty O’Shea’s. Hello this, which will fling open its doors and show you what’s what. Namely, a rustic vibe courtesy of local HGTV designer Tanya Nayak (lots of banquets, vintage and modern seating), two floors, 100ft walnut bar, exposed kitchen, private dining, and a lot of nooks to do whatever you do in such places. Sinner.

Bostonia Public House, 131 State St., Boston. facebook.com/BostoniaPublicHouse