By Valerie Franchi, Contributing Writer 
Marlborough – I am not a big fan of eating out alone, but from the first moment I walked into the Main Street Café in Marlborough I felt like one of the family. When I arrived for lunch one weekday afternoon, I was immediately welcomed by a sign saying “please seat yourself” and made myself comfortable in a booth. There were a few people seated in the dining area and another handful seated around the large counter, diner-style. Everyone seemed to know each other.
Owners Mary and Randy Scott, who have owned the restaurant for 30 years, were cooking, serving and greeting customers as usual.
“It’s definitely a ‘Cheers’-type place,” Scott noted. And everyone did seem to know each other’s names – the staff was on a first-name basis with most of the customers.
I perused the menu which boasted “specializing in comfort food,” and discovered a wide variety of options. From the traditional deli sandwiches and burgers to the unique specialty sandwiches and “grappers” – grilled wrappers – there was something for every taste. For a more substantial mid-day meal, try one of Main Street Café’s dinners, such as marinated steak tips, fish and chips, grilled ham steak and the roast turkey dinner, all served with two sides.
I chose the Santa Fe wrap, grilled chicken with bacon, cheddar cheese, roasted red peppers, lettuce tomato and avocado spread wrapped in lavash bread. It was evident that all the ingredients were fresh. The sandwich was light and tasty – a perfect lunch on a hot summer day, even though it was still chilly outside – and served with French fries and crisp deli pickles.
Mary said some of the menu items are traditional fare that they have been serving since they opened, such as the homemade roasted turkey used in sandwiches and the roasted turkey dinner. Other items are updated classics.
“I love to cook,” she said. “I like to try new things to keep up with trends and what customers want.”
After hearing about their famous turkey, I decided to order a turkey supreme sandwich to go. The turkey was piled high on toasted bread with stuffing and cranberry sauce. It made a very satisfying lunch the next day.
In addition to the wide variety of lunch items, they offer the usual breakfast items all day – eggs, pancakes and omelettes – with a few twists such as their original bagel French toast.
All the dishes are very affordable; all the menu items are under $12. There are also kid’s meals for under $5 each, daily specials, wine and beer selections and free WIFI.
The Scotts pride themselves on giving back to the community, helping to create the Marlborough Downtown Village organization. They showcase local artists on the walls of their restaurant and hold “gallery” openings featuring local musicians and bands. The money they raise goes back to the organization.
Main Street Café, located at 182 Main St., Marlborough, serves breakfast and lunch. It is open weekdays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, visit www.themainstcafe.com or call 508-485-7664.
Photos/Valerie Franchi
