Diverse Cuisine - Reading, North Reading, and Andover. (Lowell, Cambridge: houses, living in)

[kf781]

Hello all,

We are considering locating to Reading, North Reading, and Andover from Melrose in the next two to four years. One of our concerns is lack of a variety of restaurants (beyond pizza shops and American cuisine). Can anyone speak to this. I feel that we might be driving back into the city to eat more but I do not know enough about that part of the Merrimack Valley.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by kf781

Hello all,

We are considering locating to Reading, North Reading, and Andover from Melrose in the next two to four years. One of our concerns is lack of a variety of restaurants (beyond pizza shops and American cuisine). Can anyone speak to this. I feel that we might be driving back into the city to eat more but I do not know enough about that part of the Merrimack Valley.

In general, you will see the choices drop off outside the 128 belt. It's one of the reasons I wanted to stay within...easy access to the Cambridge/Somerville dining mecca.

[sal1181]

I live in North Andover we have Mexican, Argentine, Indian, and other Asian restaurants in town. Right next door in Lawrence you will find many Latin American restaurants and Methuen & Haverhill as well

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by sal1181

I live in North Andover we have Mexican, Argentine, Indian, and other Asian restaurants in town. Right next door in Lawrence you will find many Latin American restaurants and Methuen & Haverhill as well

Yes...didn't mean to imply the 495 belt is barren, but the density is much lower than inside 128/95. Westford/Chelmsford and especially Lowell, have a nice collection of restaurants.

[BosYuppie]

The Andover area has pretty good food. Some very good restaurants (Fine American, gastropub, oyster bar, contemporary american, mexican, etc) right in Andover Center. Couple great steak houses Lawrence next door has of course amazing latin food. There's at least one good Sushi and Chinese place within 10 minutes, and a few Indian joints. No lack of Italian food in the Merrimack Valley either.

Based on my experience living in the area 20 years ago and returning often, the trend is in the right direction for food. The classic places tend to be more American in nature (The Loft, Palmers, places like that) but the newer chains that come in are good (Burton's, Chateau, etc) and some interesting smaller places have opened up (15SX for instance)

What I'm trying to say is that it isn't Applebees Country.

Most importantly, Harrison's Roast Beef is in North Andover. Best North Shore Roast Beef, fight me on that. And right next to that is the 99 where you can get your Gold Fever fix.

[gf2020]

A lot of restaurants could open or fail in the next 2-4 years. What kind of cuisine are you looking for? It's not like Reading, North Reading or Andover are that much more in the boondocks than Melrose!

[kf781]

First, I cannot predict what will happen to restaurants as a result of covid, I am trying to obtain an overall picture. From Melrose, I (pre-covid) would frequent Assembly Row, Lynnfield Marketplace and go to Malden for Asian cuisine. Doing an overall search some of those cities seem to have a more limited food selection which may become stale over time. I think Melrose has an ok food scene, nothing great. I find Wakefield rather lacking.

[htfdcolt]

Originally Posted by kf781

First, I cannot predict what will happen to restaurants as a result of covid, I am trying to obtain an overall picture. From Melrose, I (pre-covid) would frequent Assembly Row, Lynnfield Marketplace and go to Malden for Asian cuisine. Doing an overall search some of those cities seem to have a more limited food selection which may become stale over time. I think Melrose has an ok food scene, nothing great. I find Wakefield rather lacking.

Well, Reading/North Reading to Lynnfield Marketplace ain't that far! Arguably closer than you would be in Melrose...

[BosYuppie]

If the boujey chains of Assembly are your "diverse food options" then you'll be perfectly fine in the Andovers, believe me.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Originally Posted by sal1181

I live in North Andover we have Mexican, Argentine, Indian, and other Asian restaurants in town. Right next door in Lawrence you will find many Latin American restaurants and Methuen & Haverhill as well

Best answer.