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
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!
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!