Our mission is to create community through delicious food & beverages, art & music; to be a gathering place where everyone feels comfortable and has fun; and to build a better Boston by supporting the work of local non-profit organizations.
Bella Luna Restaurant opened in November 1993 as a community development project. Co-founders Kathie Mainzer, Charlie Rose, Carol Downs and Pierre Apollon had years of experience working to reduce violence and develop young leaders in Boston. They wanted to put that experience to work opening a small business that would create jobs and establish a friendly, safe gathering place in the Hyde Square neighborhood of JP. With no capital or assets to speak of, the owners were inspired by friend Clara Wainwright (founder of First Night Boston) to ask family and friends for $1,000 or $2,000 each — person-to-person crowdsourcing before there was such a thing!
With just 19 seats and a menu focused on pizza, salads & sandwiches Bella Luna started small but quickly became a favorite spot for dinner or brunch on the courtyard patio. In 1999 Bella Luna expanded to take over the old JP Bowl candlepin bowling alley whose historic lanes had been built in 1914. They dubbed this basement space The Milky Way Lounge & Lanes, and added a stage and bar to create an award-winning and beloved entertainment hot spot. Hosting live bands, karaoke, comedy, burlesque shows, fundraisers and weddings, The Milky Way flourished until it was faced with a doubling of its rent at the end of its fifteen year lease in 2008. Faced with closure, Bella Luna & The Milky Way was able to find a new home in the historic Haffenreffer Brewery Complex on Amory Street (alas, the bowling lanes could not be relocated).
�Today the ownership team includes Megan Mainzer, daughter of co-founder Kathie Mainzer. With two women at the helm of operations and with 45 stellar employees, Bella Luna & The Milky Way continues to offer its special blend of hospitality with a purpose and entertainment for everyone.
If you are planning a wedding, congratulations! For wedding reception and rehearsal dinner options visit our website
or contact our Event Planner Sarah Clapham, sarah@
Love is Love at Bella Luna and Bella Luna is For Lovers!
We host a wide variety of nightly entertainment and live music, see our entertainment calendar at Please submit booking inquiries to David Rosen, drosen@
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