Carroll’s – Medford’s Most Famous Restaurant

By Joe Viglione

The front page of http://www.carrolls02155.com notes “Carroll’s Medford Roots dates back to 1930!.” But for those of us who know the famous cable car that sat across from 100 Main Street back in the 1980s and before, it’s comforting to know that such a heritage restaurant continues as part of Medford’s present and future as well as its past. Upon leaving the restaurant on Saturday, February 23, 2020, a group of patrons were making their exit – I had to photograph the moment for the first print edition of the Somerville/Medford News Weekly.

That website notes: Our promise at Carroll’s is to make every guest visit a memorable celebration of exceptional food, wine and personalized service. At Carroll’s we are committed to celebrating the diversity that has always been one of the core strengths of our business. We thrive from the special kind of energy that comes when talented associates with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives achieve success by working hard, working smart and working together in the spirit of Carroll’s high standards.

You can check out the amazing photographs and history here: http://www.carrolls02155.com/about/history/

“Medford Battery Company was founded by Maury Carroll’s grandfather in the early 1900s …it’s the

It was all batteries, people would drop batteries off, he’d charge them, he’d give them replacement ones or a “loaner” while there’s were being charged and serviced. Mr. Carroll then brought Beacon Gas in, which became Esso. The grandfather put the first diner in front of the gas station in the early 1930’s. Maury’s father and uncle kept expanding on the location, in 1986 it was sold and removed for
101 Main St, which is now the Medical Building.

In May of 2012 the current location opened on the Mystic River at 21 Main Street. There’s convenient parking at the municipal parking lot and on-street parking on High Street and Riverside Ave. – free after 7 pm – with the public transportation being the 95 bus, the 96 and the 101. The MBTA drops you off right at the door.

“We have a long-standing tradition of great food, friendly service at reasonable prices” Carroll told this first print edition of the Medford News Weekly. “We update our specials according to the season. The Chevalier Theater is a major boon to the downtown area, people from all over experiencing Medford for the first time.” When we asked Maury about the competition he was very supportive: “The different food venues available to them (gives the Chevalier concert-goers choices,) we have a lot of fine restaurants here in Medford Square.

Carroll’s has always catered to the hometown crowd with a novel menu and special events for special days. Maury continued: “St. Patrick’s day we have our traditional Corn Beef and Cabbage dinner as well as other St. Patrick’s Day favorites; we have live music on March 17th – a local duo – Defunked – performing around 8 to midnight. Carroll’s also has Mother’s Day and Easter Brunch – make your reservations early.

Carroll’s has had comedy shows where Lenny Clark, Tony Vee, Christine Hurley performed – among many others – so it is best to keep checking in on the website carrolls02155.com or join the mailing list available on the site.