7 Legendary Family-Run Restaurants In Massachusetts You Have To Try

When you walk into a family-run restaurant, you know that you are in for a great meal. These are the places where food is fresh, portions are generous, and staff members are likely to greet locals by name. With years of experience under their belts, chefs in these restaurants and diners create consistently good meals that they have perfected throughout the decade. In a time when restaurants seem to quickly come and go, family-run establishments can be hard to find. We have done some digging and have come up with a list of seven legendary Massachusetts restaurants that have been run by families for years.

1. Bluebonnet Diner, Northhampton

The Bluebonnet Diner in Northhampton has been serving great diner food since 1950. The menu at this local, family-run restaurant is extensive and includes fish, burgers, breakfast items, and daily specials. Find out more on the Bluebonnet Diner website.

2. Dottie and Ray's Diner, Salem

Dottie and Ray's Diner has been a fixture in Salem since 1958. This popular family-owned spot is best known for its comfort food. It is also one of my favorite brunch spots in town! Find out more information on the Dottie and Ray's Diner website.

3. Hammersmith Family Restaurant, Saugus

Hammersmith Family Restaurant has been feeding locals around the Saugus area since 1974. The Agganis family runs this popular breakfast and lunch spot where you can get a great meal in a welcoming setting. More information can be found on the Hammersmith Family Restaurant website.

4. Mel's Commonwealth Cafe, Wayland

Mel's Commonwealth Cafe in Wayland is a second-generation-owned restaurant that originally opened as a donut shop in 1958. Mel's serves classic breakfast and lunch options and still maintains their vintage atmosphere. Check out the Mel's Commonwealth Cafe website for more information.

5. J.J. Foley's Cafe, Boston

J.J. Foley's Cafe is one of the oldest restaurants in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Located in downtown Boston, this Irish Pub is a fun place to go for a meal or to meet up for drinks with friends. The pub has been owned and run by the Foley family since 1909. Find out more information about this historic establishment on the official J.J. Foley's Cafe website.

6. Salmon Run Fish House, Lee

Salmon Run Fish House may not be as old as the other family-run restaurants on this list, but it is just as delicious. Dating back to 1999, this husband-and-wife-owned seafood house in the Berkshires is a great place to visit for fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and mouthwatering desserts. Visit the Salmon Run Fish House website for menus and information on hours of operation.

7. Woodman's of Essex, Essex

Woodman's of Essex has become an iconic North Shore spot for fresh and delicious seafood. Over a hundred years ago, Lawrence Woodman decided to fry up a couple of clams at his small concession stand and now Woodman's has lines out the door. To find out more about visiting this eatery, please check out the Woodman's of Essex website.

Have you visited any of these legendary restaurants or know of other great family-run establishments? Please tell us more. For more Massachusetts restaurants that have an interesting historical significance, be sure to visit The Old Mill and The Red Lion Inn.