Above photo: The charming main dining room side exterior at Mackie's in North Attleborough (photo by Eric H.)

by Eric H.

Upon opening the dated screen door and entering the old-fashioned homelike dining room at Mackie's Restaurant and Country Store, you'd almost expect to see Aunt Bee baking apple pies, and Andy Griffith treating Opie to a hot fudge sundae over a leisurely, loving father-son conversation.

The mid-sized Town of North Attleboro, MA, might be far removed from rural Mayberry RFD, but one could picture Mackie's in a scene from the Andy Griffith Show. The friendly staff, the presence of comfort food, and an old-world decor that dates back to a gentler era all suggest an honest, warm authenticity that seems to sadly be waning in our fast-moving, high-tech 21st century lifestyles.

Mackie's is an integral part of a lively, thriving still old-fashioned, tree-lined downtown North Attleborough that features a long row of independently-owned stores, a classic New England town common with gazebo, and a stretch along North Washington St., of some of the nicest large homes in southern Massachusetts. The old-time feel of Mackie's is apparent once entering through that aforementioned, wonderfully not-up-to-date old screen door (only in the warm weather, of course) and into a non-Corian, anti-HGTV kitchen-like lobby with memorabilia hung over the walls (Wheaties, the Three Stooges, old-time sports, and, of course, Andy Griffith), old stools by a tall, old counter, great smelling coffee brewing on the pot, gumball machines, local schools photos and student art work, and a warm greeting by the hostess. To the left is the entrance to an absolutely charming long, narrow dining room with country accents brought to life by wall sconces, hanging baskets, ivy, black picnic bench-like tables and the warm glow of unassuming chandeliers. The "Country Store" is featured on the walls of the dining room, including Bennington pottery, Warren Kimble prints, wreaths, triple layer candles and seasonal country gifts.

Mackie's has it all -- breakfast, lunch and dinner (the latter, Wednesday through Saturday night) -- and some of the best-tasting coffee in the region. We went for an early dinner, and were immediately impressed by the homey offerings. A menu highlighted by "Mom's special of the week" added to our feeling of being right at home in this family-oriented establishment. One of the "Mom's Special," offerings, a turkey dinner with all the fixings, tasted fresh and was plentiful -- something you would expect from your grandmother many years ago. The tender and flavorful steak tips were perhaps the best we've sampled, close in quality to the famed Newbridge Cafe in Chelsea, MA.

Dinners include a wide variety of Italian, steak, seafood and chicken dishes, including a succulent chicken marsala and fresh, tender baked schrod. For those who want to go a little more basic a hand-made half-pound hamburger puts the fast food chains to shame. 

Full dinners are accompanied by homemade bread-- featuring phenomenal cinnamon sticky buns -- and a choice of soup or salad. Soups are outstanding, including a pungent French onion.

Desserts are a specialty at Mackie's as the bakery and ice cream store turn out authentic homemade gems, including a dense, mouthwatering chocolate cake, light and fluffy chocolate mousse pie, and a wonderful blueberry pie perfectly complemented by a scoop of great tasting vanilla ice cream.

On ensuing trips to Mackie's, we have found the omelets, chocolate chip pancakes, blueberry and chocolate chip muffins, turkey and cheesburger club sandwiches, and salad bowls (you create what goes in the salad) to be absolutely delicious and of a better value than most other restaurants in the area.

Service is extraordinary, pleasant, efficient and intuitive. Every time we need something, the waitress is there with a smile, a kind word and a quick turnaround. Pricing is always fair, with, for example, the turkey dinner coming in under $10.00 and the steak tips for a couple more.

Some restaurants "wow" you with their flair, flamboyance, presentation and pretentiousness. Mackie's, on the other hand, is straightforward in approach, only concerned with turning out the best product possible. Its approach is much like the town of North Attleborough, where people work hard to maintain their community. Such effort should not go unnoticed. Mackie's is one place we don't mind spending our money, given its excellent cuisine and hard-working approach. It is a place we'll be coming back to for a long time.

Mackie's Restaurant and Country Store, 49 North Washington St., North Attleboro, MA. Tel. (508) 643-4141