Taylor’s Takes: A guide to dining like a McAlbert

As of the posting of this article, we’re in Day 12 of the Karen Read re-trial. Yesterday was a dreadful day if you’re more interested in the central characters of the proceedings, as most of the questioning was of digital forensics expert Jessica Hyde.

Yawn.

So, I thought I’d have a little fun and dig through the reviews of the eateries/watering holes that have now reached levels of infamy thanks to this trial.

#1 – The Hillside Pub

4.5 stars (Google Reviews)

On January 28, 2022, the Brians (Albert, Sr. and Higgins) were returning to Canton, MA from New York City. The drive would normally take about four hours, but as Brian Higgins said during the 2024 trial, “I would also factor in the fact that we stop and ate on the way back.”

Higgins did not say where their first stop to eat on the drive back to Canton was, but once they paid their tab they set their destination as The Hillside Pub. It may be hard to imagine wanting to eat again so soon after just enjoying a full meal at another restaurant, but if you laid eyes on Higgins in 2024 it’s not so far-fetched.

Rumor is that Higgins has dramatically slimmed down since the first trial.

Once at The Hillside, Higgins said he had “something to eat” and “something to drink.” He did not specify what meal he ordered, but his thirst was certainly insatiable, having no less than three “Jameson and gingers.”

During his testimony, Higgins read aloud a text from Karen Read to him, “Everyone’s happy at The Hillside.” Let’s see what the reviews have to say.

I was working far from home for a week and the owner, staff and people of Hillside made me feel warm, welcome and fed. I had great food and wine and was able to watch ballgames and relax after work. The Reuben, chicken pot pie, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips were all fresh and delicious!

– Mary Christy Jones

A sandwich, two types of entree pies, AND fish and chips? Were you sneaking food to Brian Higgins under the table?!

★★★★★

I’m probably shooting myself in the foot reviewing Hillside, because I really don’t want more people to know about this largely hidden gem. A cozy Irish pub in the truest sense of the word, filled with locals from Canton to Donegal. Super-efficient, friendly staff who have your well-poured beverage waiting for ya the moment you walk in. Food is amazingly all homemade in the teeny kitchen, from the turkey soup to delicious sandwiches to the tasty bar pizzas. And a fantastic value, too. If you want a proper pint, a great bite, and banter that’ll make you think your back in Killarney, stop into the Hillside. If you can find it. (If not, that works for me.)

– MrCooperBuddy

Dear, MrCooperBuddy, you can thank Brian Higgins for letting the Hillside secret out. Be sure to buy him a Jameson and ginger to thank him properly.

★★★★★

This was one of those places, they don’t ask for a review, but you want to give them one.

Stopped in as we were staying in the hotel around the corner and it was awesome. The owner was in and couldn’t have been nicer, the staff were excellent and the food was great. Highly recommend the steak tips.

If you’re in the area and need a good spot to feel welcome and get some good food and a pint, this is your spot!!

– Kyle M

It seems that most everyone is indeed happy at The Hillside. I found only a handful of one-star reviews, and most lacked a reason for their low rating of the establishment. Seems like a great restaurant to kick off a night of hijinks with your law enforcement or otherwise employed friends!

#2 – C.F. McCarthy’s

4.5 stars (Google Reviews)

Our second stop on this cop-filled culinary carousel is another Irish pub, C.F. McCarthy’s. This is the spot where John O’Keefe and Karen Read began their booze-filled night, with the soon-to-be accused Karen allegedly slurping down no less than nine drinks throughout the entire evening, according to the prosecution.

Read and O’Keefe didn’t appear to have anything to eat at C.F. McCarthy’s, with Read sticking to a strict diet of vodka tonics. The drinks must have been good, though, since Karen decided to sneak hers out of the restaurant en route to The Waterfall across the street.

The food, however, seems to be what keeps people coming back. McCarthy’s prides itself on it’s unique menu offerings, as seen in a 2023 episode of The Phantom Gourmet.

I can’t blame the owners for having the Andelmans come to review their food in time for the beginning days of the first trial. I would want to be famous for my restaurant’s cuisine, too, and not for it’s circumstantial connection to the most publicized New England murder trial of the 21st century.

★★★★★

Really great menu and tasting food with late night options. The fish and chips were really well seasoned and the piece of haddock literally weighted a pound. The accompaniments were also flavorful and well prepared. The staff was friendly and the Guinness pour was proper. I ended up going back a second time and had the a pizza which was also really good. The first time I went was a Friday night which was kinda loud but would definitely go back.

– Chris P

I’m sorry to inform you, Chris, but it seems wild Friday nights aren’t just a one-off in Canton.

★★★★★

New to the area and I Love this place already. From the food, to the awesome and refreshing customer service. Britt, Erin and Emily not to exclude the rest of the great staff. Greeted, the moment I walked in.
The AHI TUNA holy smokes was Unbelievably fresh and the pizza which was suggested did not disappoint. The owner was awesome as well. Engaging and worked along side his team like he was an employee. I never write reviews. Yet, felt I wanted to for CF McCarthy’s. As a bartender/manager working at the same pub and restaurant since 2007 I know what a great team looks like! Definitely, Looking forward to going back for a girls night, date night, takeout and now knowing they have brunch! Well done guys. Also, the atmosphere and all around feel of the establishment decor etc is great!

– Colleen OBrien

It’s one thing for a restaurant to have good food, but even better staff makes a visit really special. And many of the reviews pointed out how attentive and friendly the employees at C.F. McCarthy’s are on a consistent basis.

If I ever find myself hungry in Canton, C.F. McCarthy’s is probably where I’d opt to dine.

#3 – The Waterfall Bar and Grille

4.1 stars (Google Reviews)

Uh-oh. We’re starting to see some slippage in the ratings. Please don’t hold the raucous, rough-and-tumble behavior of the Brians against this establishment.

Yes, The Waterfall is where worlds collided. John O’Keefe and Karen Read left McCarthy’s and headed across the street and into The Waterfall to be greeted by the Alberts, McCabes, and Brian Higgins.

While the mood was light-hearted and friendly to begin, tensions were running high just beneath the surface, as testimony from the first trial revealed.

But what is it like to actually eat there without having two grown men fake-wrestle each other?

★★★★★

Had to get lunch before a conference, never been to downtown Canton before. A colleague chose this place and I met them there. Atmosphere was a very nice and the restaurant was very clean. They also have a really nice function room in the back. The service was excellent and the staff was very nice. I really like the waterfall Burger. It was cooked just right. And my colleagues like their meals also.

Also Check out my recipes, reviews and travel posts on tiktok, Instagram, and YouTube @average_moderate_guy

– Mike “Average Moderate Guy”

Everything checks out according to Mike.

★★☆☆☆

The chicken parm sandwich was delicious. The waitress took out drink order but we didn’t get menus until we asked when the drinks arrived. The table we chose 15 minutes after restaurant opening was sticky, they were out of crab cakes and chicken fingers and they don’t serve soup in the summer.
If you’re in the area it’s a good stop for a quick meal.

– Steven F.

Oof. Two stars from Steven. Sticky tables are a deal-breaker for most.

A common theme among many of the reviews was references to inattentive staff. Several customers reported waiting in excess of 20 minutes before they were noticed by or had to flag down a server.

Mediocre food can be somewhat overlooked if the service is stellar. But rarely do I find that terrible experiences with the staff can be redeemed by an excellent meal.

#4 – D & E Pizza & Subs

2.7 stars (Google Reviews)

Before leaving The Waterfall for 34 Fairview Road, Karen Read inquired of Jen McCabe if they’d be stopping at Jen’s brother-in-law’s eatery, D & E Pizza & Subs. While the gratuitous use of ampersands in the restaurant’s name may allure some, McCabe was not intrigued on January 28, 2022, and gave a hard pass on Chris Albert’s establishment.

The below picture may give you a clue as to why….

I mean, what in God’s name is that? This picture was submitted to Google by the restaurant, not an unhappy, disgruntled customer. Eesh.

To be fair, many of the reviews left for D & E seem to be fake submissions by Karen Read supporters. But I did find this one posted on Tripadvisor to be very amusing…

★☆☆☆☆

Chicken parm was cold and mediocre at best. Owner was very rude and called me a “loosah” when I asked for it to be reheated.

– Kevin J

There are many more like this, and while the owner seems to make an effort to respond to them individually, it doesn’t appear he’s discovered how to flag fake reviews of his business.

The bottom line: If Chris Albert’s own family snubs his grub, why shouldn’t I?

As a disclaimer, I have not visited any of these establishments and cannot verify the claims of these reviews. The reviews featured in this publishing are publicly accessible and are not necessarily my opinions or the opinions of The Howie Carr Radio Network.