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A sorrowful farewell to Kitty's Restaurant (North Reading, MA) as a family tradition

 Time to say "Goodbye" to Kitty's Restaurant - my family's destination and tradition for six generations and more than 80 years.


My memories of Kitty's go back to the early-1950's. I would accompany my dad and grandfather on fishing trips to the Ipswich River in North Reading, Massachusetts - followed by a visit to the restaurant on Main Street. In later years, my wife, Linda, and I would eat there with our two kids, Marc and Lisa - and years later - with our two grand daughters - and still later - with our great grandson, Carson.

Author and family at Kitty's approx. 10 years ago

Kitty's never disappointed. The drinks were big and well-made. The food was terrific - as were the portions. The service was exceptional and we became well-acquainted with the waiters and waitresses. It all worked so very well for many decades.

My grand daughter, Courtney, was particularly fond of the restaurant. She was born with cystic fibrosis, and during her frequent hospitalizations, we would get "food-to-go" at Kitty's and bring it to her. Their lobster pie was always her favorite - as it was mine.

Courtney succumbed to her disease more than five years ago - leaving behind her (now) 12-year-old son. It is fortunate that Courtney is not witnessing what may be the demise of our favorite restaurant of all time.

Grand daughter, Courtney, with Carson Thomas Lane

The visit by my wife and me to Kitty's a number of weeks ago was our first-ever disappointment there. We recognized almost none of the staff - the drinks were still good, but much more expensive. The service was slow and the food was far from what it had been. We took the abundant leftovers home but tossed them in the trash.

Courtney's (and my) favorite (lobster pie)

Our negative experience was apparently not a one-time occurrence. My other grand daughter, Jordan, went to Kitty's a day ago, and it became even clearer that this once-iconic eatery was no longer a destination and tradition for our extended family. Like Linda and I, Jordan, was sorely disappointed in her experience there.

Nothing remains the same, but I always hoped that Kitty's Restaurant would be there for myself and my family. The building remains, but the pleasant experiences, great food, affordable generous drinks and family tradition appear to be a thing of the past. I retain some hope that I am wrong!



Comments

  1. It's still open. Was there 5/11/2025. The place was packed. Food was amazing! There's still time! I hear it'll be a couple more years. We are on gen 3. My go to is chicken parm (leftovers for dinner tonight) with ziti, a Caesar salad with extra croutons and that amazing bread and butter.

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  2. Good news. Others have said Kitty's is still great, so we will give it another shot soon.

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  3. Like you our family has been going there for 40 years. It is one of our staples. When you go try the scallops lightly buttered (to die for) and the garlic spinach and of course the amazing salad, you will not be disappointed. By the way, the haddock is enough for 2 meals, FYI

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  4. I was just there July 11, 2925. We go quite often. It is still delicious, the menu is huge. There is something there for everyone.

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  10. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) four years ago. For over two years, I relied on prescribed medications and treatments, but unfortunately, my symptoms continued to worsen. My breathing became more laboured, I experienced frequent coughing fits, and my energy levels started to decline rapidly. Last year, feeling desperate but hopeful, I decided to try an herbal treatment program from NaturePath Herbal Clinic. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but within a few months of starting the treatment, I began to notice real improvements. My breathing became easier, the coughing subsided, and, incredibly, my energy returned. It’s been a life-changing experience. I feel more like myself again better than I’ve felt in years. If you or a loved one is struggling with IPF, I highly recommend looking into their natural approach. You can visit their website at www.naturepathherbalclinic.com
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