You’re driving down Route 28, the sun is starting to dip behind the trees, and suddenly there it is—that massive brick building with the iconic Siamese cat logo. If you grew up in the North Shore area, specifically around North Reading, Kitty’s Restaurant & Lounge isn't just a place to grab a bite. It’s a landmark. A rite of passage. Honestly, it’s basically a community center that happens to serve a mean Chicken Parm.
But lately, if you search for "kitty restaurant n reading ma," you get a weird mix of nostalgic love letters and some pretty intense headlines from a few years back. People are confused. Is it still open? Is the food the same? Did they ever recover from that 2018 situation?
Let's clear the air. Kitty’s is very much alive in 2026.
The 80-Year Legacy You Can’t Just Ignore
Kitty’s opened its doors back in 1943. Think about that for a second. This place has survived world wars, economic crashes, and the rise of a million chain restaurants that all look exactly the same. It’s currently run by the third generation of the White family, specifically Scott White, who has been steering the ship through some of its choppiest waters.
Walking in feels like a time capsule. It’s old-school. It’s informal. You’ve got the Keno screens humming in the corner, the hum of the barroom, and dining rooms large enough to host a small army. Or a really, really big family reunion.
💡 You might also like: Wire brush for cleaning: What most people get wrong about choosing the right bristles
The "vibe" is exactly what you’d expect from a 1940s establishment that refused to change its soul. It’s wood paneling, dim lighting, and the kind of booths where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over EDM music.
That 2018 Salmonella Outbreak: The Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about it because it’s the first thing that pops up on Google. In the summer of 2018, Kitty’s hit a massive wall. There was a salmonella outbreak that sickened dozens of people. It was a mess. The health department traced it back to the antipasto salad and the house dressing.
The restaurant was shut down, reopened, and then shut down again because inspectors found that some employees who hadn't been cleared were back on the line. It was a nightmare for a family business that prides itself on being a local "fixture."
How they bounced back
A lot of restaurants would have folded. But Kitty’s has this weird, unbreakable loyalty from the North Reading community. People were literally wearing "Kitty’s Strong" t-shirts.
📖 Related: Images of Thanksgiving Holiday: What Most People Get Wrong
Scott White and his team ended up doing a "top-to-bottom" review. They brought in lawyers, food safety experts, and completely overhauled their protocols. They threw out all their food stock. They basically hit the reset button. While it took a while for some people to trust the salad dressing again, the restaurant survived because, frankly, where else are you going to get a 20-ounce sirloin strip and a mountain of pasta for those prices?
What to Actually Order (And What to Skip)
If you're going to Kitty's, you aren't going for "artistic plating." You’re going for volume.
- The Chicken Parm: This is the heavyweight champion. It’s massive. You will have leftovers. You will probably have leftovers for two days.
- The House Salad Dressing: This is the stuff of legends. It’s creamy, it’s zesty, and despite the 2018 scare, it remains their most requested item. They even sell it in bottles.
- Lobster Pie: A local favorite that has a cult following. It’s rich, buttery, and exactly what you want on a Friday night in Massachusetts.
- The Antipasto: Yes, the infamous one. It’s back, it’s safe, and it’s still a giant pile of meats and cheeses that could satisfy a whole table.
The Reality Check:
Look, it’s not perfect. Some recent diners have mentioned that service can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on how slammed they are. It’s a huge building. Sometimes the pasta comes out a little cold, or the steak sits a minute too long. But that’s the trade-off for a place that feeds hundreds of people every single night.
Is it Worth the Trip in 2026?
Honestly, yeah.
👉 See also: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessing Over Maybelline SuperStay Skin Tint
If you want a trendy, "Instagrammable" spot with Edison bulbs and $24 cocktails, Kitty’s is going to disappoint you. It’s not that kind of place. But if you want to sit in a booth that has probably seen five generations of North Reading families, eat a plate of food larger than your head, and maybe win twenty bucks on a Keno ticket, it’s iconic for a reason.
The prices have crept up—inflation hits everyone—but compared to the boutique spots in Lynnfield or Burlington, you still get a lot of bang for your buck.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- The Bar vs. The Dining Room: If you’re just two people, sit in the bar area. It’s livelier, the service is usually faster, and you can catch whatever game is on.
- Parking: They have a massive lot, which is rare for this part of the state. You can enter from either Main Street (Rt 28) or Lowell Road (Rt 62).
- Reservations: They do take them. If you’re coming on a Friday or Saturday night with a group of more than four, call ahead. It gets packed.
- The "Secret" Favorites: Don’t sleep on the teriyaki steak tips. They’re often overshadowed by the Italian classics, but they’re arguably the best thing on the menu.
Kitty’s Restaurant & Lounge has been around for 83 years. It’s seen it all. It’s a reminder that even when things go wrong—really wrong—a business built on community roots can usually find its way back to the table.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
If you're planning to head over, check their current hours on their website (usually 11 am to 8 or 9 pm). If it’s your first time, start with the Chicken Parm or the Steak Tips, and don't be afraid to try that house dressing. Just maybe leave the fancy clothes at home—this is a "jeans and a sweatshirt" kind of establishment.