Down Home Diners

For vittles from the bygone era of diners, check out a few of the North Shore’s sole survivors.

Sometimes, eating out is a special occasion. You make a reservation weeks in advance, dress in your best threads, and shell out for a meal that you know you’ll be talking about for weeks to come. Other times, you just want to go somewhere with reliably delicious food, friendly service, and a tab that won’t set you back two weeks’ pay. When that’s the case, the North Shore has no shortage of options. These seven fuss-free restaurants boast some of the best food the area has to offer—from a seafood shack serving up bursting-at-the-bun lobster rolls alongside traditional Greek food like fried feta and honey to a charming small town cafe? with sidewalk seating and the freshest panini and salads around. The best part: There’s no better time to hit up these hot spots than summer. So, what are you waiting for? Dig in!

Little Depot Diner

Talk about a moveable feast! The lunch car that now resides on Railroad Avenue in Peabody called The Little Depot Diner began its life as a diner in Lynn, circa 1929, eventually relocating to Danvers and, in 1950, in Peabody. Current owners Ross and Alicia Scanlon, who took over the place two years ago, know that they’ve got an institution on their hands—and they don’t want to mess it up. “We’re not creating anything new here,” Ross says. “We’re just improving upon the classics.” That includes 10 different varieties of eggs Benedict, their famous Hungarian sausage, homemade baked beans, and (drumroll, please) a Nutella frappe.

1 Railroad Ave., Peabody, 978-977-7775, thelittledepotdiner.com

Lanna Thai Diner

It may be located on Route 38 in Woburn, but step through the doors of the Lanna Thai Diner and you’ll be transported to Bangkok. Owner Agachai “Max” Katong hails from Lampang and regulars swear it’s the most authentic Thai cuisine in the area. Traditional dishes like Shumai dumplings and Thai rolls set the stage for the exotic array of flavors offered by the restaurant’s stir-fry and curry dishes. A must: the Khao Tum Mud, a sweet sticky rice with coconut milk wrapped in banana leaf and topped with fried bananas.

901 Main St., Woburn, 781-932-0394, lannathaidiner.com

ZuZu’s Cafe & Catering

A stone’s throw from gorgeous Lake Quannapowitt, ZuZu’s features scratch-made prepared foods and inventive sandwiches perfect for a picnic on Wakefield Common or on the cafe?’s outdoor patio while enjoying the sights and sounds of historic Main Street. In addition to the in-house dining and takeout options, ZuZu’s also specializes in catering, with succulent quiches, inspired vegetable side dishes and comfort food classics on the menu. Owner Dawn Beebe Ghaouta opened the cafe? in 2010 with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients that perfectly complement the quaint, homey setting. “As a working mother, I didn’t always want to cook but there was nowhere I could go to get takeout and not feel bad about it,” Dawn says. “That’s what I want the future of ZuZu’s to be.”

316 Main Street,. Wakefield, 781-245-3035, zuzuscatering.com

Arthur’s Paradise Diner

No visit to Lowell would be complete without trying Arthur’s famous Boot Mill Sandwich. A tempting mix of egg, cheese, hash browns, bacon, ham, and sausage sandwiched between a decadently buttered roll, it’s the ultimate a.m. indulgence. But there’s more to this classic 1937 Worcester diner car than breakfast in a bun. To step into Arthur’s is to step back in time—to a simpler era that revolves around food and community. Owner Paul Delisle can often be found behind the counter, warmly greeting guests as they enter and ensuring that the steady clientele of students and nearby suits keep coming back.  

112 Bridge Street, Lowell, 978-452-8647

As Good As It Gets Cafe

For more than 40 years, Wilmington residents have been starting their day with an Overstuffed Omelette at As Good As It Gets Cafe?. The breakfast mecca, owned by the husband and wife team of Richard and Christine Deangelis, extends its hours for one night only (Friday) to offer a dinner service of comfort food classics like rack of ribs, fish, and panini sandwiches with a BYOB policy. “It’s always fresh and hot off the grill,” Richard says. “When our food is placed in front of you, we want it to look awesome and taste awesome, too.”  

35 Lowell Street, Wilmington, 978-988-3888

Black Horse Tavern

Knowing that scenic downtown Winchester didn’t have a casual but creative restaurant with a pub feel to call its own, longtime residents Jimmy and Kim Covino swooped in to fill the void. Its name pays homage to Winchester’s original Black Horse Tavern, which served as a meeting place for patriots, including, rumor has it, George Washington. These days, expect solid takes on New England classics. Case in point: The tavern’s fresh-caught Gloucester haddock, served with herbed mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, and a drizzle of beurre blanc. “We make pretty much everything—our stocks, sauces, dressings, and soups—from scratch, and our customers can tell,” says general manager Jesse Meyer-Mino.

32 Waterfield Rd., Winchester, 781-369-1620

Nate’s at Front Beach

Across from a small stretch of beach in picturesque Rockport lies this unobtrusive seafood shanty that’s been packing them in for six years, since owner Nathan Sotis bought the place in 2007. New England seafood classics like fried clams and lobster rolls are a mainstay, but Sotis insists it’s the seafood platter—a mix of succulent fried fish, scallops, shrimp, clams, and calamari—that is Nate’s signature. “On a beautiful summer day, we keep the front door open,” he says. “Our customers love coming in and eating while a nice, comfortable breeze comes in off the ocean.”

18 Beach St., Rockport, 978-546-0055, natesfrontbeach.com