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The Usual is out and The Chameleon is in

The Chameleon on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, MA appears to have closed.

Nearly three months ago, Kevin A. Perry, owner of The Usual on 166 Shrewsbury Street, was arrested for charges in connection with using the proceeds of drug sales to purchase and renovate nine properties in Worcester County. The fate of The Usual hung on a thin line of customer support but in May, The Usual closed for good, leaving the opportunity open for a Worcester restaurant newcomer.

Today, the same space that incubated Niche Hospitality’s The Fix Burger Bar and Mezcal Tequila Cantina, is getting a face lift with a whole new restaurant concept.

The Chameleon, run by Joseph Herman, is a restaurant offering a twist to the concept of seasonal menus. While most places like deadhorse hill, change their menu to complement the farming season, The Chameleon will not just change the food options but instead change the entire menu theme. It is said to have seven to eight main core items available on the menu throughout the year but it will consistently change the rest of the menu to fit a new dining theme. Concepts will last for three months and then on to the next new dining theme.

If all goes according to plan, The Chameleon will kick off the first day of summer, June 21st, with its first menu theme: Classic American BBQ.

But the menu will not be the only thing consistently evolving at The Chameleon. To stay true to its name, The Chameleon will remain flexible to change and adaptation – including technological advances. The restaurant will offer customers a high-tech experience with tablets for menus and digital displays for draft beers. Offering 24 beers on tap as well as eight “draft cocktails” such as Hard Blueberry Lemonade or Hard Peach Tea, the cocktail list will be a staple to their ever-changing restaurant.

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The Burger Grove

The Left Coast Burger at Oak Barrel Tavern on Grove Street in Worcester, MA

We know Grove Street for its parks, lakes, and playing fields, but we love Grove Street for its burgers. In the short stretch behind Institute Park, Grove Street guarantees a burger for every occasion.

The Phenomenal Burger from The Fix on Grove Street in Worcester, MA
The Phenomenal Burger from The Fix on Grove Street in Worcester, MA

“Burgers are the best medicine.”

The Fix

Worcester’s own ‘burger bar,’ The Fix, allows customers to take their pick of over 40 toppings as they design custom burgers featuring everything from sriracha aioli to fried pickles, espresso bacon, and seared foie gras. Or, the Phenomenal Burger, which, Evan says, is, in fact, phenomenal.

“Eat at Ralph’s and live forever.”

Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner

If you’re hoping for anything but cheeseburgers and chili, you’ve come to the wrong place. But, if you like live music, cheap beer, and immortality, Ralph’s is happy to oblige.

“The tavern experience, at its finest.”

Oak Barrel Tavern

Order a boozy burger at Oak Barrel Tavern, topped with onion strings and pepper jack cheese. Bourbon barbeque sauce is the only worthy companion for OBT’s 8 ounce Certified Angus prime burger.