Harry's Restaurant and Dairy Bar
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 8:00AM Harry’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar
149 Turnpike Road (Route 9)
Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 366-8302
The warm weekend weather had me thinking summer. Yes, it is just January, but 50 degree weather is closed enough for this northerner to summer. While not beach weather, or time for corn on the cob, a nice summer taste would go well with the weather.
Harry’s came to mind for some fried clams. I’ve been to Harry’s probably a zillion times, between liking the clams and picking up kids after football or cheering events.
Harry’s originally opened in Shrewsbury in 1946 and moved to a former gas station in Westborough in 1968. The restaurant and dairy bar are near iconic in Westborough. While I haven’t been to Harry’s in a while, I’ve heard it has slipped a little. Time to find out.
My foursquare check-in unlocked the Greasy Spoon badge with the following description, “Sticky vinyl booths, bottomless mugs of joe, apple pie fresh out of the display case… Does that waitress have syrup on her hairnet? Sounds like diner heaven to us. Now, treat yourself to onion rings. Or a milkshake. We suggest both.” I didn’t think foursquare actually visited places, but the description was familiar.
The inside of Harrys hasn’t changed. Vinyl booths, a couple tables, and the
shortest height counter in town characterize the motif. Add old school cartoons to the wall, and the motif is complete.
I debated having clams this time of year. Aren’t there rules of thumb…like you are not supposed to have lobster in any month with an R in the name? I was assured clams are not like that, and Harry’s gets fresh clams delivered every day.
The food has changed….a little. The crab portions are appropriately smaller, as it used to be an overwhelming amount of clams. Harry’s knows how to do fried clams well, and today was no exception. The accompanying French Fries used to be piping hot, and today were just warm.
Frankly, I was debating whether Harry’s had gone from “icon” to “has been”, so I called my son who had recently been there with his new in-laws. “I thought it was as good as ever, and it did seem the portions were smaller. The haddock was excellent.” His in-laws were disappointed some of the entrees they wanted were out of season, and were generally pleased with what they did have.
Has Harry’s slipped? Based on my experience I’d say a little, and my son would say they were the same.
Harry’s gets a GREEN LIGHT, as any place still turning out good food for 67 years must do something 
right. The portions being smaller are understandable in this economy, and arguably appreciated. Harry’s does need to keep an eye on the kitchen and food delivery to keep the product optimal.
Harry’s does have a take-out menu giving an idea of the breadth of product and the “pricey for a dairy bar” prices. Bring cash, or use the on-site ATM, as no plastic is accepted.
Winter Hours
Sunday: 11:00AM – 11:00PM
Monday - Thursday: 7:00AM – 11:00PM
Friday: 7:00AM – 12:00AM
Saturday: 11:00AM - 12:00AM
Harry’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar gets a GREEN LIGHT – Go and enjoy.
About the RAG scale:
Green Light – Go and enjoy
Amber Light – Use caution
Red Light – Save your time and money