Fall River has a lot of history from mills to the Battleship, to the Highlands. One food publication is adding restaurants to that list.
Chowhound has listed the 13 most historic restaurants in Massachusetts and two are from the Scholarship City.
One of the two is Al Mac’s Diner. Here is what they had to say:
“Long before the prevalence of the classic 1950s diner, Al Mac’s was up and running as a horse-drawn food wagon. Beginning operations in 1910, Al Mac’s was originated by Al McDermott, who offered food and drink to underpaid mill workers around the city of Fall River, Massachusetts.
“The restaurant finally became stationary in 1953, setting up shop as a stainless steel diner — the type that was becoming increasingly common for the time. In a city otherwise known for the Lizzie Borden murders and the Chow Mein Sandwich, Al Mac’s became an integral part of the community. In 1999, Al Mac’s Diner was named an official historic landmark, helping preserve it through time.
“Though ownership has changed hands over the years, Al Mac’s still offers traditional diner food at an affordable price. Most Fall River residents attend for breakfast, where you can get buttermilk pancakes for only $4 or create your own three egg omelet for $12. Some Al Mac’s breakfast favorites are titled after other historical landmarks in Fall River, like “The Battleship” — a bacon, ham, egg, and cheese sandwich named after the fleet of World War II naval vessels located down the street in a nook of the city called Battleship Cove.”
Sagres also made the top 13.
“The best Portuguese food in America can be found in southern Massachusetts, and that’s partly thanks to Sagres. This white tablecloth, old-school Portuguese restaurant opened in Fall River in 1976, starting an international dining trend that has stayed with the city ever since.
“Fall River, neighboring New Bedford, and the greater southern Massachusetts area has a large Portuguese population that greatly inspires the local cuisine. You can find Portuguese egg rolls at almost any Chinese takeout spot or pizza topped with Portuguese chouriço. That all began with Sagres, one of the first Portuguese restaurants in the United States.
“Sagres boasts an impressive wine list featuring Portuguese glasses and bottles hard to find elsewhere in the states. The low ABV vinho verdes are a must-try, or sample the wines from various regions of Portugal like Duoro, Alentejo or the Açorean islands. Start off with a cold glass and a warm cup of caldo verde — a kale and potato soup with beans and chouriço. The Portuguese steak — bife a Portuguesa — buries a sirloin in grilled onions, a spicy red pepper, and a fried egg. Paired with a side of hand-made, home-cut fries, Sagres offers a Fall River favorite that is hard to beat. “
Fall River is steep in history. Congratulations to Al Mac’s and Sagres for being a part of it.
To read more on the rankings and who else made the cut:
https://www.chowhound.com/1855730/most-historic-restaurants-massachusetts/
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