French-style eatery coming soon

FOREST HILLS—A new restaurant called Tonic will open early this year at 3698 Washington St., offering French-influenced cuisine at affordable prices and with late dining hours.

“It’s a French restaurant with an accent of American food,” said owner Croan McCormack.

Tonic is going into the former Griffin’s bar location and is right next door to another restaurant also set to open early this year, Napper Tandy’s. Both spaces have in development for a year and will bring added life to the stretch of Washington Street across from the Forest Hills T Station.

McCormack said the delay in opening Tonic has been by his choice as he customizes the restaurant to be something special. “The delay has been my commitment,” he said, describing Tonic as aiming for a “1980s retro theme.” He said he has extensive experience in the restaurant business, including in the U.K. and Europe.

Tonic is partly inspired by the South End’s Franklin Cafe. McCormack said that, as someone who often works late, the idea for Tonic came from his frustration at having to drive to the South End to find high-quality food at late hours. Tonic will serve food until about 1:30 a.m. The restaurant has a liquor license, but will not have a separate bar and will serve drinks only with food, McCormack said. The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council already approved the restaurant last year.

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