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New
England dining >>> Mackie's, North Attleboro, Mass.
Mackie's of North Attleboro,
Mass., is a true dining "hidden gem"
by Eric H.
Mackie's Restaurant and Country Store
is the kind of restaurant you'd like to take home to mother.
Old-fashioned and sweet, Mackie's is full of charm, character
and graciousness.
Located in the working class town of
North Attleboro, Mass., Mackie's is part of a lively downtown
that features a long row of independently-owned stores and a
stretch of some of the nicest large homes in southern Massachusetts.
Dating back to an earlier time, the 1940s feel of Mackie's is
apparent once entering through the screen door (only in the warm
weather, of course) and into a non-Corian, anti-HGTV kitchen-like
lobby with memorabilia hung over the walls (Wheaties, the Three
Stooges, old-time sports), old stools by an old counter, great
smelling coffee brewing on the pot, and a warm greeting by the
hostess. To the left is the entrance to an absolutely charming
long, narrow dining room with country accents brought to life
by wall sconces, hanging baskets, ivy, black picnic bench-like
tables and the warm glow of unsassuming chandeliers. The "Country
Store" is featured on the walls of the restaurant and around
the dining room, including Bennington pottery, Warren Kimble
prints, wreaths, triple layer candles and seasonal country gifts.
Mackie's has it all -- breakfast, lunch
and dinner. We went for an early dinner, and were immediately
impressed by the homey offerings. A menu highlighted by "Mom's
special of the week" added to our feeling of being right
at home in this family-oriented establishment. Mom's special,"
a turkey dinner with all the fixings tasted fresh and was plentiful
-- something you would expect from your grandmother many years
ago. The tender and flavorful steak tips were perhaps the best
we've sampled, close in quality to the famed Newbridge Cafe in
Chelsea, Mass.
Dinners include a wide variety of Italian,
steak, seafood and chicken dishes. For those who want to go a
little more basic a hand-made half-pound hamburger 
Full dinners are accompanied by homemade
bread-- featuring phenomenal cinnamon sticky buns -- and a choice
of soup or salad. Soups are outstanding, including a pungent
French onion.
Desserts are a specialty at Mackie's
as the bakery and ice cream store turn out authentic homemade
gems, including a wonderful blueberry pie and great vanilla ice
cream.
Service was extraordinary, the most
pleasant, efficient and intuitive we've experienced in a long
time. Every time we needed something, the waitress was there
with a smile, a kind word and a quick turnaround. This was especially
impressive with the waitress servicing several people.
Pricing was fair, with the turkey dinner
coming in under $10.00 and the steak tips for a couple more.
Some restaurants "wow" you
with their flair, flamboyance, presentation and pretentiousness.
Mackie's, on the other hand, is straightforward in approach,
only concerned with turning out the best product possible. Its
approach is much like the town of North Attleboro, where people
work hard to maintain their community. Such effort should not
go unnoticed. Mackie's is one place we don't mind spending our
money, given its excellent cuisine and hard-working approach.
It is a place we'll be coming back to for a long time.
Mackie's Restaurant and Country
Store, 49 North Washington St., North Attleboro, Mass. Tel. (508)
643-4141
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