Jan 29, 2026
Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Charlie’s Kitchen, a favorite for many in Harvard Square, has been getting some much-needed support after some damage from the snowstorm last weekend.
Since the 1950s, Charlie’s Kitchen has been a staple, serving everything from burgers to lobster rolls. The restaurant closed indefinitely after severe water damage.
“Oh, it looks terrible, it looks terrible, it looked like a swimming pool up on the second floor, which is nuts because I spend so much time up there, so to see so much damage, it was heartbreaking really,” said one patron after checking out the aftermath.
David Oshima, owner of Charlie’s Kitchen, told WBZ NewsRadio that a dishwasher malfunction flooded the restaurant. The main priority throughout the disruption, Oshima said, was keeping employees paid and preventing food from going to waste.
In a video posted to their Instagram on Wednesday, Charlie’s Kitchen shared the damage on the second floor of the establishment, showing water and broken ceiling tiles covering the floor.
The comment section was filled with support from Cambridge residents, looking forward to getting the restaurant back on its feet. The support isn’t just coming from online either.
“I have so many memories, some of the best times in Harvard Square up on that second floor, it’s a lot of fun up there. So yeah, it’s terrible,” said one Cambridge resident.
“I like to support local Cambridge businesses, and I’m sorry to hear about any hardship that they experience,” said another Cambridge local.
Charlie’s Kitchen will keep people updated on when they plan to reopen.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.