Favorite restaurants that are no longer there

[Copyright1982]

I liked Bickford's a lot better when it was a greasy spoon coffee shop that was open all night and allowed smoking. I have fond memories of the one in Woburn. It's still there, but I remember when it would literally be busier at 3AM than it was at 9PM. Plus now it's gone hoity-toity with lobster omelettes (gross!) and alcohol. Bring back the cheesy toys in the glass case at the cashier!

Meanwhile, there is a full (meaning: not just ice cream, and has sit down service) Brigham's at the Burlington Mall near Sears. It's been there ever since I can remember.

Also, the Pewter Pot in Burlington on the Middlesex Turnpike is now a Thai/Sushi restaurant called the Lemon Tree. I just went today and was shocked--the interior has barely changed. The murals are, of course, painted over, but the black beams on the ceiling, brick faux fireplace, crown molding and wainscoting are still there! The best part by far, though, is that on the way to the bathroom there is actually an old Pewter Pot sign on the wall that was apparently kept for nostalgia. If you're at all into Asian cuisine and are aching for a nostalgia fix, I highly recommend you visit Lemon Tree.