A beloved, decades-old Harvard Square fixture has temporarily gone dark.
Charlie’s Kitchen, the longtime Cambridge eatery located at 10 Eliot St, has closed following what the team describes as a “catastrophic leak and extensive water damage.” The restaurant, which first opened in 1951, was forced to shut down last week after a dishwasher malfunction caused significant flooding throughout the space.
Shortly after the incident, owner David Toraji Oshima shared a video on social media showing standing water covering the restaurant’s floor, ceiling panels collapsed onto the ground, and water audibly dripping throughout the space, with a caption noting that Charlie’s Kitchen would be “closed until further notice.”
Two days later, Oshima posted an update, offering a glimpse of early progress. “Water removal from the dishwasher malfunction has been completed,” the caption reads. “Please stay tuned as this long process continues. We are eager to serve you again.” According to ownership, all food on site was donated and no injuries were reported.
To support the restaurant’s staff during the closure, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched. The fundraiser explains that proceeds are primarily earmarked for payroll and employee support, with any remaining funds going toward the extensive repairs needed to reopen.
According to the campaign, the flooding caused major damage throughout the restaurant, including to both electrical panels, necessitating significant construction work. A February 2 update mentions that the team is currently working closely with city inspectors, insurance representatives, and contracting crews to assess and address the damage.
Oshima purchased Charlie’s Kitchen in 2024, with the goal of preserving its no-frills charm while thoughtfully modernizing the operation. The restaurant has long been a Harvard Square mainstay, beloved for its classic burgers, wings, grilled cheeses, and affordable libations.
“We’re thankful for every single donor we’ve had so far… We’re looking to get back to serving Cambridge and giving our staff back their livelihoods as soon as possible,” reads the GoFundMe. “Whether that means opening fully or partially, we’re considering various paths forward. Most of all we miss serving double cheeseburgers to our loyal customers.”
