I wasn't aware that TJ's had what the OP was asking for. That's great news and I'll have to try it.
But, since we have gotten on the make-it-yourself line, Alton Brown has a good recipe that has worked well, in addition to his brine-and-broil-shrimp I'm not sure if the chili sauce has HFCS.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/al...

Second the Tavern. But just between us. I like to be able to get a seat at the bar.

Got to agree that Salts is great for that romantic anniversary dinner for two.

Gotta say that Clam Box big-bellies are about the best I've ever had. But, I have to agree with phatchris that, when I drive by and see the hour-long line, I'll go to Farnhams. They're close enough in quality IMO,and, if Farnhams is serving cod cheeks. . . . sold!

OK, we'll give it another try.
It's impossible to say no after so many complimentary notes. I have to credit our experience to an off day, or even an off batch!

After all, as I said before, the service was friendly and attentive and the outside table seating was beautiful.

Now, for another convertible-and-outside-seating-worthy day!

Thanks to all. Bob's apparently has a very loyal following

We were surprised, too, expecially in light of all the good reviews.
In fairness, it was a holiday weekend, extremely busy, and no one in the shop appeared over early 20's so maybe it was a case of overload on an inexperienced crew.

Well, we must have had some bad karma because, after reading so many complimentary reviews of Bob Lobster we got out the little convertible and spent a beautiful day driving to Newburyport from Ipswich, with B-L as our destination. . . . and had one of the worst fried seafood dinners ever.

Started with a 2X combo with clams and oysters. Heavy coating, tasteless, other than by the size we literally couldn't tell the difference between the two. The fries were equally tasteless with watery ketchup and, as noted above, the tartar sause seemed like mostly mayo.

On the plus side I got an order of fried smelt and they were fresh and sweet, though with the same too-thick coating.

Service was pleasant and prompt, the ambience of sitting by the marsh on a beautiful day was grand, and the prices were fair.

But, sorry, no return trip planned.

From the Wakefield Patch, this morning:
"Slated to open in Wakefield in September of 2012 is a new joint venture of a restaurant: Laurie's 9:09 Steakhouse and Raw Bar.
The new eatery will be a mix of fine dining - think oysters, steak, lobsters and crab cakes - a full bar, and fun entertainment, including live music, trivia and other games.
The restaurant will be located at 33 Tuttle Street, the location of the former Cafe Jag's.

The incoming Tuttle Street restaurant is a joint venture between a Wakefield resident and a Stoneham resident. "

Sounds promising, but we'll see how they deliver on the promises.

Another gotta-go-back-to-try-more-stuff place! Read the reviews, had to try it, and we weren't disappointed!
Mrs had The Celtic sandwich - nice moist brisket slice over slaw with a fried egg on top, and mustard sauce over it. Interesting combo and delicious but FILLING! She had collard greens and sweet potato sides and both were outstanding.
I had the dry rub memphis ribs and asian slaw. Ribs were done just right, crusty and juicy! Asian slaw was very good but not great. I was going to try the fried oyster Po' Boy but then I realized that Belle Isle was nearby, so stuck with the BBQ.
Funky little place in a neat square in Winthrop.
Now that they've passed muster, I have to experience both The Hog and The Highway Burger, and any place that has fried chicken livers with onions and mustard is a keeper!

I know it doesn't get a lot of love here, but I'd consider Summer Shack at Alewife. The steamed lobster is a good as anywhere (IMO) and the pan roasted lobster is very good. Your colleague might have an enjoyable experience.

2nd for Babylon. Had their stuffed grape leaves last week, both with and without meat in the filling. Both were excellent.

Mounir's on South Broadway (Rt 28) in Lawrence. Give it about a -5 for ambience but a +9 for good, homemade tasting, Middle Eastern food.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/mounirs-resta...

Gotta agree with Swank that there is more bang for the buck than you can find almost anywhere (the Chelsea MB, too). I prefer their Italian with oil and hot peppers and, to me, that is done right. But, the important thing is that they have a good selection and will make it any way you want and the area is indeed pleasant, bright,and clean. Finishing with a 99 cent espresso is even better. Not really a destination spot but when we are in the area and need a bite it's got the food courts and chains beat by a mile.

Thanks SC. That's timely info even though I didn't ask the original question. We are taking our pre-teens there for the second time and your suggestions are just what we need.
PS The Ecotarium is a great day trip.

Tried TGND a couple of weeks ago. Mrs had a Reuben that she said was both way too fatty and dry. Go figure. My Bleu Cheese Burger was fantastic, and the roasted pepper topping went perfectly with the blue cheese.

The beer selection was excellent. Didn't have time to sample more than one ( a strong, nutty flavored stout - can't remember the name right now) but the bar had several different sets of taps.

Service was friendly and top notch. The owner was everywhere from directing cars in the lot to cleaning tables to greeting newbies like us.

A local friend swears by their breakfast and that will be our next visit.

A busy but enjoyable place. We also willl definitely return to sample more, though Mrs won't get another reuben.

Glad to hear some good words for Lester's. It's on my way home from work so take-home is pretty frequent. Waiting is not so bad with a frosty $2 PBR, either.
Gotta mention their side of homemade pickles. Mmmmmm.
Also, on Friday evenings they have a small show 'n shine for local rods in their lot.

And I thought I was the only one in the north to love those slimy little nuggets of flavor. . . . and a plus, the Mrs. hates them. All for me!

We have had the identical situation and have gone to Polcari's on Rt 1 (Saugus?) twice. Our group included 15-20 aged 8 to 80. The seating is open, the service was exceptional and especially kid-friendly. I'm sure the one in Woburn would be similar. It is affordable, the food is decent, but in this case the comfort level is what you need.
Bacci's would be a good choice, too as it is very comfortable and accommodating but check their capacity for 20-30 people.
Am I the only one who has had awful food at China Pearl? Twice. If I am the exception, then it is an excellent option, too.
Good Luck!

Fred's Franks opens Today (Monday, March 19th)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yippee!

There's no livin' like low livin'. When there isn't some little hole-in-the-wall that we have to try we default to one of these.

1. Tavern at the End of the World

2. Zaleks

3. Lester's BBQ

4. Pho #1

5. Mounir's

6. Little Q Hot Pot (Arlington)

Then movin' up town a bit. . . .

1. Reginas (Thacher St only)

2. Hungry Mother

3. Island Creek Oyster Bar

4. Gran Gusto

5. Peach Farm

Not a bad show at all. The whole dogfish story was news to me and I especially like the bit about molecular gastronomy at Clio via Harvard. Lots of little vignettes with some substance to them. Dinner with the Cambodian family in Lowell was real - been there and done that. The Santarpio's bit was much better than Bourdain in Southie. I guess I might be more of a fan of Zimmern than before.

Still on 28, just before the 128 intersection, on the same side, only a couple of hundred yards south of the current store.

Should be plenty of parking. The original area before demolition was huge. I talked with one of the employees a couple of months ago and parking was one of the main advantages for moving. Can't wait!

Mmmm, sweet and sour mouse! Seriously, they did somewhat of a rehab of the dining area a while ago and it is improved. Not really a "destination" but IMO it is still the best of it's type in the immediate area. We still go to Fuloon or Chinatown but for those take-out dinners it is just fine. And their curry flavor Singapore Noodles is the favorite of our very fussy 12 yo granddaughter.

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Bamboo House
21 Broadway St, Wakefield, MA 01880

Chestnut Hill area.

Looking for suggestions for a place to sit with a friend for coffee and conversation, late afternoon.

Perfect description, macca. In the day, Santoro's was the only sub to buy. Tried most of them and frankly, the best was in Stoneham. The owner, Paul, was from the family I think, and he was a master. Wakefield was OK, and now, Saugus has a hint of the greatness but. . . . maybe memories are just sweeter! My go-to now is Vinnie's for a super-Italian.

My pre-teen girls absolutely love their Buffalo Chicken pizza, and I have to admit it does have a pretty good kick. But, generally, I try to patronize local/ independent shops. Even if the pie is lousy it's rarely that bad.

Infomaniac - Love dem piggy feet! Where in Lawrence did you go?

Thanks

Excellent Thread, Thanks! I don't post much but C-H is my daily go-to for good info. Without you folks I wouldn't have found:

Mounir's and 3 Dogz Diner in Lawrence

Tavern at the end of the World (a gold star find!)

Trina's Starlight

Lester's BBQ in Billerica

China Star and Pho 88 in Lowell

Thanks again!

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Pho 88
1270 Westford St, Lowell, MA 01851

Mounir's Restaurant
34 S Broadway, Lawrence, MA 01843