The Everyday Joe

Buff's Pub, 317 Washington St., Newton, MA

Across from the Crown Plaza and some office buildings, there isn't anything that special about Buff's.  But the food is good, and instead of going through the madness of the MASS-Pike, it's worth it to shoot over and grab a quick bite.

The locals seem to like it - it was packed from 5.30 until I left, and everyone seemed to know each other - and the food is good, but there are two things about the place that almost made me pass on a review:  they only take cash, and the attitude is kind of cold.

The service was fast though, so if you don't care to have anyone really give two hoots that you are alive, Buff's will fill the bill.  And remember to stop at the ATM next door before they present a bill to you.

Super Duper Weenie, 306 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, Ct

I'm going to make this one quick, because they are a)famous, b) have been on the Food Network, and c) don't need anyone else talking about how great they are.

But Super Duper Weenie really is awesome, and you really should go.  Check out the website for more info: superduperweenie.com

My favorite part - the iced tea that is pre-lemoned.  Oh. So.  Awesome.

Sea Witch Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Rt 1 North, Peabody, MA

Since I stopped in for lunch, I didn't go too crazy at the Sea Witch, opting for the fish and chips and a half dozen oysters on the half shell.   But the meal was great, the atmosphere very old school New England fish house, and the service good.

The strange man who decided to sit in the next booth past mine, facing me, in an otherwise empty restaurant (I get up early and often eat lunch around 11 - 11.30 to beat the rush, or wait until later for the same reason) made the experience a bit surreal.  

Rinaldi's, 456 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT

I'm a sucker for a good sandwich, and Rinaldi's delivered.  Not literally - though they do delivery to the local businesses, $20 minimum - but the sandwich was awesome, and they were willing to bend their menu to my tastes.

They didn't have fresh brewed tea, which is always a black mark in my book, but honestly, most deli's on this coast don't.  It's a sad fact, but something I deal with often.  

But if you find yourself hungry on the Merritt Parkway, pull off at the Norwalk exit for Rte 7 north, sit down with one of their many magazines, and enjoy a very good sandwich.

Cindy's Diner & Restaurant, 46 Hartford Ave, Scituate, RI

Scituate is the only real town on SR-6, and if you find yourself facing a green light when you get close, you probably wouldn't even notice Cindy's.  But turn away from the McDs across the street and turn in for a good quick meal.

Price was very reasonable, and the place was filled with locals, always a good sign.   I had the Linquica (a Portuguese sausage) omelette and homefries, some great coffee, and got back on the road satisfied.  I'll probably stop in again next time I'm working my way to or from MA.  

New reviews coming tomorrow

It's been a good week on the road, and there are some really good new spots to add to the list, including two trips to an awesome dog shop, seafood that was good if not cheap, a great sando, and a decent pub with typical Boston charm - infer from that what you will.

Yia-Yia's Diner, 6124 Buffalo Ave. Niagara Falls, NY

They don't have a card, takeout menu, or an atmosphere  that says 'come in and enjoy a great meal here!'

They do have a chicken souvlaki breakfast that's really good, great service, and a big yellow sign that would be perfectly suited to advertising bingo, a sale at your local sporting supply store in upper MI, or used cars.

The service was good and the staff friendly enough to a stranger wandering in, something that I was certain didn't happen very often around there.  Oh, and they were cheap.  Really cheap.  Budget eaters need to find Yia-Yia's.

Fish House and Grill, 184 Cambridge St., Burlington, MA

In a strip mall, behind a gas station, is a nice place to get a quick lunch or dinner.  Not cheap, but not expensive either, the Fish House and Grill has some good things going for it.

The first is selection - a wide variety of fish, fresh lobster, the ubiquitous steak tips of New England - no iced tea, which is always a disappointment - and a casual atmosphere.

I had the swordfish and steak tips, with rice and sauteed snow peas.  It was all good, served hot and fast, and while it's pretty no frils on the service end - order at the counter and they bring it to you at the table - it was a good, filling dinner for about 20 bucks.

Newtown Deli and Catering, 79 South Main Street, Newtown, CT

Reuben on a hero?  No problem.

Giant iced tea? Sure, we'll even put it in a deli container and poke a hole in the top for a straw.

Big selection of salads, hot/cold appetizers, wide array of 'house sandwiches' and even a TV tuned to the news for those taking advantage of the seating you offer?  They got that too.

Newtown Deli does it's thing very well, and while it's not convenient  if you are heading up to Danbury from I-95, or vice versa, take the rouddabout way via SR-25 and have a quick lunch in Newtown.

Hilltop Steakhouse, US Rte 1 South, Saugus, MA

It has a gaudy sign.  It's 'famous'.  It's massive.  And it's got a good steak.

Hilltop Steakhouse has had it's tumult over the years, and some people I asked told me it's not what it used to be (but getting better all the time), but if you are North of Boston, stop in for a really good steak, a hearty salad, and some great service.