Boston Restaurants Sought Licensing Approvals

New restaurant Oblix and coffee shop Central Perk petitioned the Back Bay neighborhood board for licensing changes.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Dining Out

Boston Restaurants Sought Licensing Approvals

Live Poll

Should city committees consistently approve requests for local businesses to upgrade to full liquor licenses?

The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay met to consider licensing applications for a new restaurant, Oblix, and an upgrade for the existing coffee shop, Central Perk. Both businesses requested permits from the committee to support their respective operational goals in Boston.

Why it matters

Local licensing hearings determine the operational capabilities and closing hours of neighborhood businesses. These decisions shape the local dining environment and define how establishments interact with nearby residents and hotel operations.

The proposed Oblix restaurant would occupy space at the Park Plaza Hotel with a 328-person occupancy and a targeted 2 a.m. closing time. Meanwhile, Central Perk at 205 Newbury St. currently holds a restricted license and closes at 9 p.m.

The players

Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay

This is a local civic organization that reviews building and licensing applications for developments within the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

Oblix

This is a restaurant brand that maintains an original location in London, England, and is currently proposing a new site in Boston.

Central Perk

This is a coffee shop located at 205 Newbury St. that is seeking to upgrade its existing liquor license to offer craft cocktails.

The details

Oblix, which operates a location in London, England, aims to open at the former Strip by Strega site by the end of July 2027. Central Perk is seeking a transition from its current restricted liquor license to a full license to allow for expanded craft-cocktail service.

April 2025: Strip by Strega closed permanently at the Park Plaza Hotel.
June 24, 2026: Central Perk received its original restricted liquor license.
October 5, 2026: The NABB Licensing and Building Use Committee held a virtual meeting.
End of July 2027: The planned opening timeframe for the new Oblix restaurant.

Culture Shift

The application follows the pattern set by the Massachusetts full liquor license quota system, which mandates competitive review processes for local businesses seeking to expand their alcohol service. This reflects broader trends in urban dining where hospitality groups must navigate complex regulatory landscapes to secure limited beverage permits.

Residents near the Park Plaza Hotel may see changes to traffic and noise levels if the new restaurant is approved for 2 a.m. operations. Conversely, patrons of Central Perk could see an expanded cocktail menu and potentially later evening hours if their license upgrade is granted.

The takeaway

Licensing hearings are critical community touchpoints that dictate the late-night character of urban business districts. Neighbors should stay engaged with association updates to understand how these proposed changes affect their immediate environment.