The Blue Room

Years

1989 – present

Location

1 Kendall Square

Profile

Eclectic, wood-grilled fare; casual upscale

 

History

The neighborhood was once a busy industrial center, and this c. 1890s building originally housed the old Woven Hose Factory, manufacturer of fire hoses. It became the Woven Hose Restaurant, then in 1991 The Blue Room was opened by East Coast Grill's Chris Schlesinger, Carrie Wheaton, and Salamander's Stan Frankenthaler. They retained much of the building's original character in its bare beams, exposed ductwork, and brick walls. The southern wing of the building houses other businesses, such as the Cambridge Brewing Company. Ownership of the Blue Room shifted with Steve Johnson (now of Cambridge's Rendevous Restaruant) as chef/co-owner for many years, along with Nick Zappia, who now runs it exclusively with wife Liz Vilardi.

Photo courtesy of the Cambridge Historical Commission