Dining Out

It’s easy to work up an appetite while touring the 27 cities and towns of North Central Massachusetts. All that hiking, shopping, museum-viewing … at some point, you just need to re-fuel. And you’re in luck! There’s no shortage of spots to stop in if you’re looking for a quick lunch—from a pizza cooked in a wood-fired brick oven to a sandwich at a local deli or even a familiar fast-food shop.

And when you’re in the mood to relax, enjoy some great food and attentive service, we’ve got you covered! Craving Italian? Want to try a Brazilian steakhouse? Feel like soaking up some incredible scenery while you dine in style? Or quaffing a tasty seasonal beer with your meal in a craft brewery setting?

We’ve gathered a selection of popular local restaurants that you’re sure to enjoy, no matter where you happen to be in North Central Massachusetts! Relax, take a break, and enjoy a taste of the region.

Comeketo Brazilian Steakhouse
23 Sack Blvd., Leominster
978-466-1224

Fine Brazilian cuisine with rodízio-style service, which is a true Brazilian experience; an assortment of dishes, especially meats, are brought to the table for picking and choosing, while customers help themselves to the gourmet salad bar.

Bull Run Restaurant
215 Great Road, Shirley
978-425-4311

The Bull Run has been a Tavern for centuries and was the first stop on the Boston-to-Albany Stagecoach route in the 1800s. Operated by the Geurcio family since the 1940s, the Bull Run has an intimate, one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Stop in for more than a meal—enjoy great entertainment year-round.

The 1761 Old Mill
69 State Road East, Westminster
978-874-5941

Originally a sawmill, the Old Mill became a tea room in 1921 and a restaurant after World War II. The Old Mill continues to serve foods in a setting of rare charm; listen to the joyful music of water rushing merrily over the mill dam, watch the ducks on the mill pond—and be sure to try the corn fritters and pecan rolls with your meal!

Lazy Bubble
112 Main St., Pepperell
978-925-9777

Chef Chris’ goal is to provide guests with high quality cuisines in a casual, comfortable environment in his own home town, set right in the heart of downtown Pepperell. Menus change weekly, so there’s always something new to enjoy!

Forge & Vine
128r Main Street, Groton, MA 01450
978-448-9200

Drawing inspiration from the region’s history and natural surroundings, Forge & Vine features an eight-foot wood fired grill as its centerpiece, an open kitchen with counter seating where guests can enjoy dinner while interacting with the chefs. Menu highlights include Veal Milanese, Wood-Fired Berkshire Pork, and a Bone-in Ribeye for two. Hungry?

Moon Hill Brewing Co. and Gardner Ale House
74 Parker St., Gardner
978-669-0122

This full menu brewpub known locally as the Gardner Ale House is kind of like one stop shopping for your stomach—whether you’re in the mood for a mushroom Swiss burger, a chicken parmesan dinner or hand-cut steak tips, you’ll find it here, along with incredibly interesting craft beers.