Mac's Diner,

185 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, no phone.

Mac's is a classic diner, with dark wood booths lining one wall and a counter with stools offering a front-row view of meal preparation. Behind the counter, chef/owner Paul McMahon, presides, assisted by a staff of young women cooks and bakers who turn out first-rate meals and loaves of outstanding bread. Try the Italian combo with sausage, meatball, and chicken served cacciatore style; veal parmigiana; or chicken with pepperoni, tortellini, and mushrooms served in an oil-and-garlic sauce. Specials change nightly; we loved the lamb florentine, but the all-time favorite of Mac's fans is ciambutta, a rich stew of shrimp, mussels, scallops, and fish.

Full review.

Price Range: $8 - $11.