903 Waltham St, Lexington; (617) 861-1166 If you don’t mind the feeling that you’re crashing somebody’s birthday party, you’ll have no problem enjoying a meal at Chadwick’s. Defining itself as an ice cream parlor with food, this popular spot on the Lexington-Waltham line is an homage to the turn of the century, from its suspend-ers-and-straw-hat-clad employees and red brick walls to the ragtime music bouncing over the sound system.
And, although the prices aren’t quite such a throwback, they sure are reasonable. Thick, juicy burgers range in price from $2.75 to $4.20, while club sandwiches served with steak fries max out at $5.25. Mine was impressed with a deal of clam chowder, a garden salad, and half a turkey sandwich for $4.90.
Most diners here are families, no doubt attracted as much by the Kiddies menu (a burger or hot dog and fries, $2.50) as by the famous desserts. Some two dozen flavors of ice cream are made in-house. Six different sundaes are priced at $3.25; an immense banana split is $4.50. A side
Incidentally, you probably will be crashing not one but several birthday parties, since Chadwick’s offers a free sundae to such honorees (of any age). A drum roll, a startling holler of Ladeeez and gentlemen!, and a chorus of the traditional song are sure to ring out at least once during your visit This cheerful place is open seven days a week from 11 A.M. to 10 P.M. and until 11 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays.
