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5 Great Places for Mac & Cheese in Central Massachusetts

Seafood Mac and Cheese from O'Connor's on West Boylston Street in Worcester, MA

Comfort food by definition is food that provides a comfortable feeling of well-being. When conversations turn to “favorite comfort foods,” inevitably Mac & Cheese is high on most everyone’s list of favorites. So whether it’s baked, boxed, buffaloed or baconed, Mac & Cheese has oozed its way into the hearts of many Americans – much to the dismay of cardiologists everywhere… (but that is a story for another day).

Lets start with Mac & Cheese, the fast and easy way – at a lunch counter. For that we have the Boulevard Diner and Mac’s Diner in Worcester, Harry’s Restaurant in Westborough, and Puffin’s in Millbury – all places you can sit down at the counter and enjoy a bowl of steaming hot cheesey goodness and be on your way full and happy in no time. Looking for Lobster Mac & Cheese? Scales in Millbury and Red Rock Grill & Bar in Upton have been keeping their customers happy with this tasty crustatean concoction for a long time. For a few twists on the Mac & Cheese theme, try Vintage Grille on Shrewsbury St. in Worcester for a Mac & Cheese pizza or crispy and crunchy deep fried Mac & Cheese bites. For Mac & Cheese along with BBQ, BT’s Smokehouse is outstanding and just to be fair, since we mentioned BBQ, for a great vegan Mac & Cheese, yes we said it, vegan Mac & Cheese you must try Belmont Vegetarian in Worcester!

Maybe it’s just that time of the year, after the holidays, when things slow down and our thoughts turn to Mac & Cheese or other comfort foods like casseroles, stews and soups. So get into your sweat pants, get on the couch and relax…..here are some of our favorite places for Mac & Cheese in Central Massachusetts.

Armsby Abbey's Mac and Cheese
Armsby Abbey’s Mac and Cheese (Source: Instagram)

Armsby Abbey

The famous Mac & Cheese at the Abbey is ridiculously decedant, handcrafted and some say, beyond description. Stuffed with assorted Farmstead cheeses, rustic breadcrumbs and some IPA for good measure this is truly a dish you must have. Hint…try it with a spicy Bloody Mary for weekend brunch – you won’t be disappointed.

Addie Lee’s Soul Food

With recipes handed down from Addie Lee herself (born in Mississippi in 1909) this restaurant does soul food right, including a baked Mac & Cheese that must have Addie Lee smiling down from the heavens!

Horseshoe Pub

The ‘shoe (as it is known locally) serves a baked, five-cheese Mac & Cheese with a buttery Ritz cracker crumb topping served piping hot is a cast iron skillet that is legendary. Try it with one of the 80 ice cold beers on tap and you are in for a special treat!

Black & White Grille

The pub-style food at the Black & White grille in Spencer is worth the trip, especially the very generous serving of their homemade Baked Mac & Cheese. Add lobster, chicken or bacon to make it a very filling comfort food meal!

Truffle Mac and Cheese at the Oak Barrel Tavern on Grove Street in Worcester, MA
Truffle Mac and Cheese at the Oak Barrel Tavern on Grove Street in Worcester, MA

Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern

This family-friendly Worcester staple has been serving up Mac & Cheese forever. On the menu now is pulled pork or lobster, both with a rich Hoffman’s sharp chedder that goes perfectly with a Wormtown Brew Be Hoppy!

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BYOB Worcester

Salmon dish from Caffe Espresso Trattoria

Worcester has it’s share of great eateries, whether it’s pizza, Italian, sea food or Thai you can always find what you are craving. While it is easy to find the food you like, it can be difficult to find a restaurant that carries your favorite bottle of wine. That is why some of Worcester’s BYOB restaurants are a perfect way to enjoy some fantastic dishes while enjoying your favorite tasty beverage. Next time you go out consider Caffe Espresso Trattoria, Big Joe’s Nightside, Zia Grill, Westside Steak & BBQ, Mac’s Diner, Lucky’s Cafe, Pampas Churrascara, Tortilla Sam’s, Onelove Cafe, or even a night out at Spiritual Haze: Hookah Lounge.  Where do you go?