The Restaurant
489 Main Street, Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 935-2511
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It would be a reasonable assumption to make that a restaurant called, well, "The Restaurant" might be a rather plain, dull dining spot that doesn't have a whole lot to offer. But in the case of a cafeteria-style dining spot in Woburn Center with this name, this would be an assumption that wouldn't seem to hold much weight. The Restaurant, which resides on Main Street along the northern edge of Woburn's main business district, is indeed anything but boring, as it turns out some truly excellent Greek dishes, in addition to some very good American entrees.
The Restaurant is located in a rather cavernous spot that feels like it may have been a warehouse or an auto-repair shop in a previous life. Yet while the high ceilings and echoey acoustics imply that The Restaurant is perhaps not a place to go for a candlelight dinner, it is not an unattractive spot, either; its dining area has been upgraded, giving it a cozy and comfortable feel, and a bar (called "The Bar") that has been added to the space has almost an upscale look to it. And the food? Well, it is fresh, wholesome, and supremely enjoyable, with the daily specials as well as the everyday entrees being the type of meals that definitely stick to one's bones. As mentioned earlier, The Restaurant is basically a cafeteria (though with dimmer lighting and slightly nicer digs), in which diners grab a tray, order at the counter, then move to the left, picking up their food, drinks, and desserts as they head toward the cash register. The Restaurant has a large number of tables to accommodate patrons, though a good amount of the business done at The Restaurant is takeout.
Some of the best dishes at The Restaurant include the Greek salad with a particularly sweet-tasting dressing, the overstuffed turkey club sandwich, the similarly substantial reuben sandwich, the wonderful steak tips (complete with a delicious marinade), the stick-to-your ribs half chicken with stuffing, the hearty chicken pot pie, the old-school macaroni and cheese, and the dense, rich chili. A few of the traditional Greek items here are the pastitsio and moussaka, both of which are standouts at this place, along with the stuffed peppers, stuffed grape leaves, and the flaky spanakopita (spinach pie). Breakfast is also served at The Restaurant, with all the basics offered here (pancakes, French toast, omelets, etc.).
The Restaurant has quite a following among Woburn locals, but few restaurant critics seem to know about the place. That might just suit the neighborhood folks fine, though, as The Restaurant indeed feels like the kind of secret spot that you feel fortunate to have discovered once you try it. If you like reasonably-priced Greek cuisine and don't enjoy long lines for food, The Restaurant should certainly be on your list of places to try.
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