Local's favorite restaurants in Medford, New York
# A Culinary Road Trip: Savoring the Soul of Medford, New York
Forget the well-trodden paths of Manhattan’s food scenes for a moment. The real, beating heart of Long Island’s culinary diversity isn’t always found under neon signs or in Michelin guides. It’s in the unassuming strip malls, the cozy corners, and the family-run storefronts of towns like Medford. Here, along the bustling stretches of Route 112 and Horseblock Road, lies a world of flavor waiting to be discovered—a delicious mosaic of Chinese delicacies, smoky barbecue pits, homestyle Southern comfort, vibrant Mexican fiestas, and classic American diner fare.
Welcome, fellow foodie, to your ultimate guide to dining in Medford. We’re not just listing restaurants; we’re embarking on a flavorful journey. I’ll be your local guide, steering you to the must-try dishes, setting the scene, and sharing the secrets of each spot. So, loosen your belt and prepare your palate. Medford is ready to surprise you.
### **1. Chan's Kitchen: The Art of Sichuan & Hunan**
**Location:** 2799 NY-112 #3
Step through the doors of Chan’s Kitchen and the aromatic punch of dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns (*ma la*), and fermented beans hits you—a promise of the authentic, regional Chinese cuisine to come. This isn’t your standard takeout joint. The atmosphere is clean, bright, and functional, with a focus squarely on the food emerging from the kitchen. The menu is a thrilling document for adventurers, diving deep into the bold, complex flavors of Sichuan and Hunan provinces.
**The Experience:** Come with a group. This is a place for sharing, for passing plates, and for the collective “wow” as numbing, spicy, and savory flavors dance on your tongue. Service is efficient and knowledgeable; don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations if the extensive menu feels overwhelming.
**What to Order:**
* **Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles:** Start here. It’s a symphony in a bowl: springy noodles coated in a spicy, savory, slightly nutty sauce of minced pork, chili oil, and that signature Sichuan peppercorn tingle.
* **Dry Pot (Any Variety):** A showstopper. Choose your protein (the lamb or beef is fantastic) and watch it arrive sizzling in a metal pot, packed with vegetables, aromatics, and a dry, intensely flavorful spice blend. It’s interactive, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
* **Hunan Style Crispy Whole Fish:** For a special occasion. A whole fish, fried to a shattering crispness, is smothered in a vibrant, garlicky, and spicy Hunan sauce. It’s a masterpiece of texture and flavor.
* **Tea Smoked Duck:** A house specialty. The duck is cured, smoked over tea leaves, and then fried, resulting in incredibly fragrant, mahogany-colored meat with a unique, sophisticated flavor profile.
### **2. New Century Kitchen Restaurant: Cantonese Comfort & Seafood Towers**
**Location:** 1699 NY-112
Just down the road, New Century Kitchen offers a different, equally essential Chinese experience. The vibe here leans more toward classic, spacious Cantonese banquet-style dining. It’s where multi-generational families gather for Sunday dinner and where the lazy Susans on large tables spin with an abundance of dishes. The focus is on fresh seafood, delicate flavors, and expert technique.
**The Experience:** This is the place for a celebratory, abundant meal. The atmosphere is lively and communal. Check out the live seafood tanks—your dinner might be swimming there moments before it’s steamed with ginger and scallions.
**What to Order:**
* **Salt & Pepper Soft Shell Crab:** A perfect appetizer. Lightly battered, fried until airy and crisp, and tossed with fried garlic, chilies, and scallions. It’s addictive.
* **Live Lobster, Prepared Your Way:** The star of the show. Choose from ginger and scallion, black bean sauce, or the luxurious ginger and scallion with pan-fried noodles (where the noodles soak up all the incredible lobster juices).
* **Beef Chow Fun (Hor Fun):** A Cantonese classic done right. Wide, silky rice noodles are wok-fried with tender beef, bean sprouts, and scallions in a dark, savory sauce. The hallmark is *wok hei*—that elusive “breath of the wok,” a smoky, charred essence.
* **Clay Pot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Preserved Meat:** Comfort in a pot. The rice is cooked in its individual clay vessel, forming a delicious crust at the bottom, topped with sweet lap cheong sausage and salty preserved meats. Mix it all together for a heavenly bite.
### **3. Chubs Meats: The Temple of Texas-Style BBQ**
**Location:** 2598 Rt 112
You’ll smell Chubs before you see it—the unmistakable, sweet, smoky perfume of post oak and hickory wood slowly transforming meat into barbecue perfection. This is a no-frills, order-at-the-counter temple to Texas-style ‘cue. The decor is rustic wood and picnic tables; the art is on the metal trays behind the glass.
**The Experience:** Get there early, especially on weekends. The best stuff sells out. This is a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves, get-sauce-on-your-chin kind of meal. It’s communal, casual, and utterly delicious.
**What to Order (The Holy Trinity of Texas BBQ):**
* **Brisket (Moist/Cut of the Fat Cap):** This is the test. Chubs’ brisket, with a dark, peppery bark and a smoke ring that’s a badge of honor, should be tender, juicy, and flavorful. Ask for the moist cut for maximum succulence.
* **St. Louis Cut Pork Ribs:** Perfectly seasoned, with a beautiful pull-away-from-the-bone texture. The smoke flavor penetrates every bite.
* **House-Made Sausage (Kielbasa or Hot Link):** Snappy casing, coarse-ground, juicy interior bursting with garlic and spice. A must.
* **The Sides:** Don’t sleep on them. The **creamy mac & cheese**, the **tangy, mustardy potato salad**, and the **baked beans** with bits of burnt ends are essential companions.
### **4. How Tin Kitchen: The Hidden Gem for Traditional Fare**
**Location:** 2080 Route 112
How Tin Kitchen feels like a well-kept secret. It’s a smaller, more intimate spot with a menu that feels like a curated “greatest hits” of American-Chinese and traditional dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and straightforward, often filled with locals who have been coming for years for consistent, satisfying food.
**The Experience:** This is your reliable neighborhood favorite. It’s perfect for a quick, hearty lunch or a low-key dinner where you know exactly what you’re going to get: quality and flavor.
**What to Order:**
* **Boneless Spare Ribs:** A classic for a reason. These aren’t actual ribs, but pork shoulder meat, cut into chunks, marinated, and fried until caramelized and sticky-sweet. They’re incredibly moreish.
* **Roast Pork Lo Mein:** A simple dish elevated. The lo mein noodles are perfectly cooked, and the roast pork (char siu) is tender, sweet, and plentiful.
* **Shrimp with Lobster Sauce:** Don’t let the name fool you—no lobster. It’s a comforting, savory sauce of ground pork, black beans, and egg, blanketing plump shrimp. It’s a texture and flavor dream over white rice.
* **House Special Wonton Soup:** A meal in itself. Plump, pork-filled wontons float in a clear, deeply flavored chicken broth with fresh vegetables.
### **5. Little Mexico: A Fiesta of Flavor**
**Location:** 3253 Horseblock Road
Vibrant colors, friendly service, and the sound of sizzling fajita platters—welcome to Little Mexico. This family-run spot is a hub for authentic, joyful Mexican cuisine. The portions are generous, the margaritas are strong (and frozen or on the rocks), and the vibe is consistently warm and welcoming.
**The Experience:** This is a place to relax, share, and celebrate. It’s lively on weekend nights. Start with a margarita and a bowl of their freshly made, warm chips and salsa.
**What to Order:**
* **Molcajete:** A volcanic stone bowl arrives bubbling and dramatic, filled with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, nopales (cactus), and cheese in a rich, spicy salsa. It’s an interactive, shareable feast.
* **Carnitas:** Slow-braised until fall-apart tender, then crisped on the edges. Served with onions, cilantro, lime, and warm tortillas for building perfect tacos.
* **Enchiladas Suizas:** For something creamy and decadent. Chicken enchiladas are smothered in a tangy, creamy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese.
* **Fresh Guacamole (Prepared Tableside, if offered):** When available, this is a treat. The perfect balance of ripe avocado, lime, cilantro, and onion.
### **6. May Garden: A Modern Take on Pan-Asian**
**Location:** 700 Patchogue Yaphank Rd Ste 19
May Garden offers a sleeker, more modern dining experience. The menu is a confident tour through Pan-Asian favorites, from Japanese sushi to Thai curries and Chinese classics. It’s a great option when your group can’t decide on one cuisine—there’s truly something for everyone.
**The Experience:** A step up in ambiance for a casual night out. The dining room is spacious and contemporary. It’s ideal for a date night or a family dinner where diverse tastes need to be accommodated.
**What to Order:**
* **Sushi & Sashimi Platter:** The fish is consistently fresh. The “May Garden Special Roll” or a simple **Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll** are excellent choices.
* **Pad Thai:** A benchmark dish. Theirs is well-balanced—not too sweet, with a good tamarind tang, plenty of peanuts, and your choice of protein.
* **General Tso’s Chicken (or Cauliflower):** A classic American-Chinese dish done exceptionally well. Crispy, coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce.
* **Thai Red or Green Curry:** Fragrant, coconut-milk-based, and packed with vegetables and your choice of meat. Perfectly spicy and aromatic.
### **7. Chicken Place Bistro: Where the Bird is the Word**
**Location:** 1761 Route 112
As the name unabashedly declares, this is a temple to poultry. The atmosphere is simple, clean, and fast-casual, with a focus on high-quality, well-prepared chicken in every form imaginable. It’s the answer to the question, “Where can I get really good, non-fried chicken?”
**The Experience:** Quick, satisfying, and wholesome. Great for a healthy-ish lunch or a easy takeout dinner. The staff is proud of their product and happy to explain the different preparations.
**What to Order:**
* **The Rotisserie Chicken:** The flagship. Moist, herb-infused, with a beautifully seasoned, crispy skin. You can get a quarter, half, or whole bird, often with fantastic sides.
* **Chicken Paillard:** A tender, grilled chicken breast, pounded thin and served over a salad or with sides. Simple, clean, and delicious.
* **Chicken Panini:** A hearty sandwich option, often featuring that rotisserie chicken with melted cheese and vegetables pressed on good bread.
* **The Sides:** They shine here. The **roasted vegetables**, **mashed potatoes**, and **quinoa salad** are fresh and flavorful complements.
### **8. Lola’s Southern Cuisine: A Taste of Soulful Hospitality**
**Location:** 2717 A Rte 112
Walking into Lola’s is like getting a big, warm hug. The smell of collard greens simmering with smoked turkey, fried chicken crackling in the fryer, and sweet cornbread baking is pure soul food solace. The decor is homey and welcoming, often featuring the owner’s personal touch.
**The Experience:** This is comfort food at its finest. Come hungry, come with love in your heart, and leave in a state of blissful, satisfied contentment. It’s a celebration of tradition and flavor.
**What to Order:**
* **Fried Chicken:** Crispy, well-seasoned, juicy, and iconic. It’s the gold standard.
* **Shrimp & Grits:** Creamy, cheesy grits topped with plump shrimp in a rich, often andouille-spiked gravy. A perfect balance of textures and Southern flavors.
* **BBQ Ribs (if available):** Fall-off-the-bone tender, with a sweet and tangy sauce.
* **The Soul Food Plate:** Your chance to sample it all. Often includes a choice of meat (fried chicken, smothered pork chop) with **mac & cheese**, **candied yams**, and **collard greens**. This is the quintessential experience.
### **9. Metropolis Diner: The All-American Classic**
**Location:** 1711 NY-112
No culinary tour is complete without a classic diner, and Metropolis fits the bill perfectly. Gleaming chrome, a long counter with swivel stools, a massive menu, and coffee that’s always flowing. It’s open late, it’s reliable, and it’s a slice of Americana.
**The Experience:** This is for late-night cravings, hearty breakfasts at any hour, or when you just need a massive, no-fuss meal. It’s bustling, friendly, and timeless.
**What to Order:**
* **The Greek Omelette (for Breakfast):** Packed with spinach, feta, and tomato. A nod to the diner’s common Greek ownership and always a solid choice.
* **Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe:** A classic, cooked to order on a griddle, with all the fixings and a mountain of crispy fries.
* **Open Turkey Sandwich:** Slices of roasted turkey on bread, smothered in gravy, with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce on the side. Ultimate comfort.
* **A Milkshake:** Thick, creamy, and made with real ice cream. Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry—you can’t go wrong.
### **10. The Vintage Beano and Vino Lounge: An Unexpected Culinary Oasis**
**Location:** 3316 NY-112
This place is a delightful surprise. As the name hints, it’s a unique hybrid: part classic American luncheonette (“Beano”) and part sophisticated wine lounge (“Vino”). You can get a stellar burger and a craft beer at the old-school counter, or enjoy a glass of fine wine with a plate of mussels in the cozy, dimly lit lounge area.
**The Experience:** Versatility is key here. It’s perfect for a casual lunch, a relaxed evening with wine and small plates, or a full dinner. The dual personality makes it fascinating.
**What to Order:**
* **The Vintage Burger:** Often a standout—high-quality beef, creative toppings, on a brioche bun. Consistently praised.
* **Mussels Mariniere:** For the “Vino” side. A generous pot of plump mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, with crusty bread for dipping.
* **The Reuben Sandwich:** A diner classic done with care. Corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on grilled rye.
* **Explore the Wine List:** The real differentiator. They often have interesting, well-chosen bottles by the glass that you won’t find elsewhere in the area. Ask for a recommendation to pair with your meal.
---
### **The Medford Foodie Itinerary:**
* **For a Spicy Adventure:** Start at **Chan’s Kitchen** for Dan Dan Noodles, then head to **Little Mexico** for a Molcajete nightcap.
* **For the Ultimate Comfort Food Day:** Lunch on brisket at **Chubs Meats**, then dinner on fried chicken and mac & cheese at **Lola’s**.
* **For a Group with Diverse Tastes:** Gather at **May Garden**—sushi for some, curry for others, and General Tso’s for the traditionalists.
* **For a Classic Long Island Experience:** A late-night burger and shake at **Metropolis Diner** after a show or game.
* **For a Date Night:** Share small plates and a great bottle of wine at **The Vintage Beano and Vino Lounge**.
Medford’s culinary landscape proves that great food isn’t about pretense; it’s about passion, tradition, and flavor served with genuine hospitality. Each of these ten spots offers a distinct chapter in the story of this community. So, hit the road, explore with an open mind and an empty stomach, and taste the true soul of Medford, one incredible bite at a time.
Forget the well-trodden paths of Manhattan’s food scenes for a moment. The real, beating heart of Long Island’s culinary diversity isn’t always found under neon signs or in Michelin guides. It’s in the unassuming strip malls, the cozy corners, and the family-run storefronts of towns like Medford. Here, along the bustling stretches of Route 112 and Horseblock Road, lies a world of flavor waiting to be discovered—a delicious mosaic of Chinese delicacies, smoky barbecue pits, homestyle Southern comfort, vibrant Mexican fiestas, and classic American diner fare.
Welcome, fellow foodie, to your ultimate guide to dining in Medford. We’re not just listing restaurants; we’re embarking on a flavorful journey. I’ll be your local guide, steering you to the must-try dishes, setting the scene, and sharing the secrets of each spot. So, loosen your belt and prepare your palate. Medford is ready to surprise you.
### **1. Chan's Kitchen: The Art of Sichuan & Hunan**
**Location:** 2799 NY-112 #3
Step through the doors of Chan’s Kitchen and the aromatic punch of dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns (*ma la*), and fermented beans hits you—a promise of the authentic, regional Chinese cuisine to come. This isn’t your standard takeout joint. The atmosphere is clean, bright, and functional, with a focus squarely on the food emerging from the kitchen. The menu is a thrilling document for adventurers, diving deep into the bold, complex flavors of Sichuan and Hunan provinces.
**The Experience:** Come with a group. This is a place for sharing, for passing plates, and for the collective “wow” as numbing, spicy, and savory flavors dance on your tongue. Service is efficient and knowledgeable; don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations if the extensive menu feels overwhelming.
**What to Order:**
* **Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles:** Start here. It’s a symphony in a bowl: springy noodles coated in a spicy, savory, slightly nutty sauce of minced pork, chili oil, and that signature Sichuan peppercorn tingle.
* **Dry Pot (Any Variety):** A showstopper. Choose your protein (the lamb or beef is fantastic) and watch it arrive sizzling in a metal pot, packed with vegetables, aromatics, and a dry, intensely flavorful spice blend. It’s interactive, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
* **Hunan Style Crispy Whole Fish:** For a special occasion. A whole fish, fried to a shattering crispness, is smothered in a vibrant, garlicky, and spicy Hunan sauce. It’s a masterpiece of texture and flavor.
* **Tea Smoked Duck:** A house specialty. The duck is cured, smoked over tea leaves, and then fried, resulting in incredibly fragrant, mahogany-colored meat with a unique, sophisticated flavor profile.
### **2. New Century Kitchen Restaurant: Cantonese Comfort & Seafood Towers**
**Location:** 1699 NY-112
Just down the road, New Century Kitchen offers a different, equally essential Chinese experience. The vibe here leans more toward classic, spacious Cantonese banquet-style dining. It’s where multi-generational families gather for Sunday dinner and where the lazy Susans on large tables spin with an abundance of dishes. The focus is on fresh seafood, delicate flavors, and expert technique.
**The Experience:** This is the place for a celebratory, abundant meal. The atmosphere is lively and communal. Check out the live seafood tanks—your dinner might be swimming there moments before it’s steamed with ginger and scallions.
**What to Order:**
* **Salt & Pepper Soft Shell Crab:** A perfect appetizer. Lightly battered, fried until airy and crisp, and tossed with fried garlic, chilies, and scallions. It’s addictive.
* **Live Lobster, Prepared Your Way:** The star of the show. Choose from ginger and scallion, black bean sauce, or the luxurious ginger and scallion with pan-fried noodles (where the noodles soak up all the incredible lobster juices).
* **Beef Chow Fun (Hor Fun):** A Cantonese classic done right. Wide, silky rice noodles are wok-fried with tender beef, bean sprouts, and scallions in a dark, savory sauce. The hallmark is *wok hei*—that elusive “breath of the wok,” a smoky, charred essence.
* **Clay Pot Rice with Chinese Sausage and Preserved Meat:** Comfort in a pot. The rice is cooked in its individual clay vessel, forming a delicious crust at the bottom, topped with sweet lap cheong sausage and salty preserved meats. Mix it all together for a heavenly bite.
### **3. Chubs Meats: The Temple of Texas-Style BBQ**
**Location:** 2598 Rt 112
You’ll smell Chubs before you see it—the unmistakable, sweet, smoky perfume of post oak and hickory wood slowly transforming meat into barbecue perfection. This is a no-frills, order-at-the-counter temple to Texas-style ‘cue. The decor is rustic wood and picnic tables; the art is on the metal trays behind the glass.
**The Experience:** Get there early, especially on weekends. The best stuff sells out. This is a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves, get-sauce-on-your-chin kind of meal. It’s communal, casual, and utterly delicious.
**What to Order (The Holy Trinity of Texas BBQ):**
* **Brisket (Moist/Cut of the Fat Cap):** This is the test. Chubs’ brisket, with a dark, peppery bark and a smoke ring that’s a badge of honor, should be tender, juicy, and flavorful. Ask for the moist cut for maximum succulence.
* **St. Louis Cut Pork Ribs:** Perfectly seasoned, with a beautiful pull-away-from-the-bone texture. The smoke flavor penetrates every bite.
* **House-Made Sausage (Kielbasa or Hot Link):** Snappy casing, coarse-ground, juicy interior bursting with garlic and spice. A must.
* **The Sides:** Don’t sleep on them. The **creamy mac & cheese**, the **tangy, mustardy potato salad**, and the **baked beans** with bits of burnt ends are essential companions.
### **4. How Tin Kitchen: The Hidden Gem for Traditional Fare**
**Location:** 2080 Route 112
How Tin Kitchen feels like a well-kept secret. It’s a smaller, more intimate spot with a menu that feels like a curated “greatest hits” of American-Chinese and traditional dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and straightforward, often filled with locals who have been coming for years for consistent, satisfying food.
**The Experience:** This is your reliable neighborhood favorite. It’s perfect for a quick, hearty lunch or a low-key dinner where you know exactly what you’re going to get: quality and flavor.
**What to Order:**
* **Boneless Spare Ribs:** A classic for a reason. These aren’t actual ribs, but pork shoulder meat, cut into chunks, marinated, and fried until caramelized and sticky-sweet. They’re incredibly moreish.
* **Roast Pork Lo Mein:** A simple dish elevated. The lo mein noodles are perfectly cooked, and the roast pork (char siu) is tender, sweet, and plentiful.
* **Shrimp with Lobster Sauce:** Don’t let the name fool you—no lobster. It’s a comforting, savory sauce of ground pork, black beans, and egg, blanketing plump shrimp. It’s a texture and flavor dream over white rice.
* **House Special Wonton Soup:** A meal in itself. Plump, pork-filled wontons float in a clear, deeply flavored chicken broth with fresh vegetables.
### **5. Little Mexico: A Fiesta of Flavor**
**Location:** 3253 Horseblock Road
Vibrant colors, friendly service, and the sound of sizzling fajita platters—welcome to Little Mexico. This family-run spot is a hub for authentic, joyful Mexican cuisine. The portions are generous, the margaritas are strong (and frozen or on the rocks), and the vibe is consistently warm and welcoming.
**The Experience:** This is a place to relax, share, and celebrate. It’s lively on weekend nights. Start with a margarita and a bowl of their freshly made, warm chips and salsa.
**What to Order:**
* **Molcajete:** A volcanic stone bowl arrives bubbling and dramatic, filled with grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, nopales (cactus), and cheese in a rich, spicy salsa. It’s an interactive, shareable feast.
* **Carnitas:** Slow-braised until fall-apart tender, then crisped on the edges. Served with onions, cilantro, lime, and warm tortillas for building perfect tacos.
* **Enchiladas Suizas:** For something creamy and decadent. Chicken enchiladas are smothered in a tangy, creamy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese.
* **Fresh Guacamole (Prepared Tableside, if offered):** When available, this is a treat. The perfect balance of ripe avocado, lime, cilantro, and onion.
### **6. May Garden: A Modern Take on Pan-Asian**
**Location:** 700 Patchogue Yaphank Rd Ste 19
May Garden offers a sleeker, more modern dining experience. The menu is a confident tour through Pan-Asian favorites, from Japanese sushi to Thai curries and Chinese classics. It’s a great option when your group can’t decide on one cuisine—there’s truly something for everyone.
**The Experience:** A step up in ambiance for a casual night out. The dining room is spacious and contemporary. It’s ideal for a date night or a family dinner where diverse tastes need to be accommodated.
**What to Order:**
* **Sushi & Sashimi Platter:** The fish is consistently fresh. The “May Garden Special Roll” or a simple **Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll** are excellent choices.
* **Pad Thai:** A benchmark dish. Theirs is well-balanced—not too sweet, with a good tamarind tang, plenty of peanuts, and your choice of protein.
* **General Tso’s Chicken (or Cauliflower):** A classic American-Chinese dish done exceptionally well. Crispy, coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce.
* **Thai Red or Green Curry:** Fragrant, coconut-milk-based, and packed with vegetables and your choice of meat. Perfectly spicy and aromatic.
### **7. Chicken Place Bistro: Where the Bird is the Word**
**Location:** 1761 Route 112
As the name unabashedly declares, this is a temple to poultry. The atmosphere is simple, clean, and fast-casual, with a focus on high-quality, well-prepared chicken in every form imaginable. It’s the answer to the question, “Where can I get really good, non-fried chicken?”
**The Experience:** Quick, satisfying, and wholesome. Great for a healthy-ish lunch or a easy takeout dinner. The staff is proud of their product and happy to explain the different preparations.
**What to Order:**
* **The Rotisserie Chicken:** The flagship. Moist, herb-infused, with a beautifully seasoned, crispy skin. You can get a quarter, half, or whole bird, often with fantastic sides.
* **Chicken Paillard:** A tender, grilled chicken breast, pounded thin and served over a salad or with sides. Simple, clean, and delicious.
* **Chicken Panini:** A hearty sandwich option, often featuring that rotisserie chicken with melted cheese and vegetables pressed on good bread.
* **The Sides:** They shine here. The **roasted vegetables**, **mashed potatoes**, and **quinoa salad** are fresh and flavorful complements.
### **8. Lola’s Southern Cuisine: A Taste of Soulful Hospitality**
**Location:** 2717 A Rte 112
Walking into Lola’s is like getting a big, warm hug. The smell of collard greens simmering with smoked turkey, fried chicken crackling in the fryer, and sweet cornbread baking is pure soul food solace. The decor is homey and welcoming, often featuring the owner’s personal touch.
**The Experience:** This is comfort food at its finest. Come hungry, come with love in your heart, and leave in a state of blissful, satisfied contentment. It’s a celebration of tradition and flavor.
**What to Order:**
* **Fried Chicken:** Crispy, well-seasoned, juicy, and iconic. It’s the gold standard.
* **Shrimp & Grits:** Creamy, cheesy grits topped with plump shrimp in a rich, often andouille-spiked gravy. A perfect balance of textures and Southern flavors.
* **BBQ Ribs (if available):** Fall-off-the-bone tender, with a sweet and tangy sauce.
* **The Soul Food Plate:** Your chance to sample it all. Often includes a choice of meat (fried chicken, smothered pork chop) with **mac & cheese**, **candied yams**, and **collard greens**. This is the quintessential experience.
### **9. Metropolis Diner: The All-American Classic**
**Location:** 1711 NY-112
No culinary tour is complete without a classic diner, and Metropolis fits the bill perfectly. Gleaming chrome, a long counter with swivel stools, a massive menu, and coffee that’s always flowing. It’s open late, it’s reliable, and it’s a slice of Americana.
**The Experience:** This is for late-night cravings, hearty breakfasts at any hour, or when you just need a massive, no-fuss meal. It’s bustling, friendly, and timeless.
**What to Order:**
* **The Greek Omelette (for Breakfast):** Packed with spinach, feta, and tomato. A nod to the diner’s common Greek ownership and always a solid choice.
* **Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe:** A classic, cooked to order on a griddle, with all the fixings and a mountain of crispy fries.
* **Open Turkey Sandwich:** Slices of roasted turkey on bread, smothered in gravy, with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce on the side. Ultimate comfort.
* **A Milkshake:** Thick, creamy, and made with real ice cream. Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry—you can’t go wrong.
### **10. The Vintage Beano and Vino Lounge: An Unexpected Culinary Oasis**
**Location:** 3316 NY-112
This place is a delightful surprise. As the name hints, it’s a unique hybrid: part classic American luncheonette (“Beano”) and part sophisticated wine lounge (“Vino”). You can get a stellar burger and a craft beer at the old-school counter, or enjoy a glass of fine wine with a plate of mussels in the cozy, dimly lit lounge area.
**The Experience:** Versatility is key here. It’s perfect for a casual lunch, a relaxed evening with wine and small plates, or a full dinner. The dual personality makes it fascinating.
**What to Order:**
* **The Vintage Burger:** Often a standout—high-quality beef, creative toppings, on a brioche bun. Consistently praised.
* **Mussels Mariniere:** For the “Vino” side. A generous pot of plump mussels steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, with crusty bread for dipping.
* **The Reuben Sandwich:** A diner classic done with care. Corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on grilled rye.
* **Explore the Wine List:** The real differentiator. They often have interesting, well-chosen bottles by the glass that you won’t find elsewhere in the area. Ask for a recommendation to pair with your meal.
---
### **The Medford Foodie Itinerary:**
* **For a Spicy Adventure:** Start at **Chan’s Kitchen** for Dan Dan Noodles, then head to **Little Mexico** for a Molcajete nightcap.
* **For the Ultimate Comfort Food Day:** Lunch on brisket at **Chubs Meats**, then dinner on fried chicken and mac & cheese at **Lola’s**.
* **For a Group with Diverse Tastes:** Gather at **May Garden**—sushi for some, curry for others, and General Tso’s for the traditionalists.
* **For a Classic Long Island Experience:** A late-night burger and shake at **Metropolis Diner** after a show or game.
* **For a Date Night:** Share small plates and a great bottle of wine at **The Vintage Beano and Vino Lounge**.
Medford’s culinary landscape proves that great food isn’t about pretense; it’s about passion, tradition, and flavor served with genuine hospitality. Each of these ten spots offers a distinct chapter in the story of this community. So, hit the road, explore with an open mind and an empty stomach, and taste the true soul of Medford, one incredible bite at a time.
Comments
Post a Comment