Harry's: 80 Years of Clams, Comfort, and Family

Celebrating eight decades in business, Harry's Restaurant in Westborough stands as a remarkable example of a family-owned eatery. The establishment first opened its doors in Shrewsbury in 1946, later moving to its current Route 9 location in Westborough in 1968. The restaurant was founded by Harry Cohen, a former painter who transitioned to the culinary world after a diabetes diagnosis.

Despite its longevity, Harry's retains elements of its automotive past, such as large windows and external bathrooms. Today, it operates as a cash-only establishment celebrated for its homemade food. The menu features a variety of comfort staples alongside its acclaimed seafood, with items like fried haddock, hand-cut onion rings, and lobster rolls being popular choices.

Generations of customers and staff have formed a unique bond at Harry's. Many employees have worked there for decades, viewing each other as family. Waitresses recall serving customers who first visited as teenagers and now bring their own children. This sense of community extends to the patrons, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The restaurant is currently honoring its 80th anniversary with various promotions, including "military Mondays," student discounts, and "throwback Thursday specials" that offer original menu prices on select items. For example, onion rings were offered for 80 cents, a slice of apple pie for $4.80 on National Apple Pie Day, and the Reuben sandwich was slated for a $6.80 throwback price. This year-long celebration highlights the restaurant's rich history and its ongoing commitment to its loyal clientele.