The Lighthouse Cafe — Restaurant in Medford

UPDATE: Unfortunately for Leo, the truth hurts. Respect your customers. I have been working in restaurant business for a long time myself so I have seen/recognized/acknowledged some F’up stuff behind the scene. It is my opinion and right to inform other customers on MY own experiences. It was not worth my time to explain to you and your staff what went wrong. That is what reviews are for and reporting to the BBB or to the Health Division Inspectors @ boston.gov. You sir should refresh on taking cooking classes. It won’t hurt to learn something new and better your business. If food/operational cost is a concern then limit your menu options and lower the price to attract more customers. I shouldn’t tell you this since you know better. Skimping quality and quantity because of high business cost is not the way. Also, some customers maybe uncomfortable nor worth the hassle to tell you and your staff about the bad service in-person. However, customers have the right to share their personal experiences online and to friends, etc. Don’t attack honest reviews from customers who gave your restaurant a try and didn’t enjoy the experience. That’s life! At the end of the day it’s your business and I wish you the best in this struggling economy. I’m sure you are a kind person, but take accountability.

Well I did not get food poisoning thank goodness!! Something quite sketchy about this cafe from being greeted to the food ordered and the bill. The concerning thing was the basic breakfast. I ordered a simple breakfast: coffee, scrambled eggs, bacon, potato hash and buttered toast. The food presentation seemed normal until first few bites of the eggs and the potato hash which both had the taste of pancake syrup but I did not order any pancakes nor waffles. I find it tasting very strange that the only semi-edible thing was the scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. The potato hash tasted off putting like it was spoiling and old so that turned me off. In fact it felt like the food was reused from other customers uneaten finished plates and re-microwaved rather than freshly cooked. I should have returned the breakfast and ordered something else but I was too hungry and had limited time before heading to a meeting. Also, I believe the bill was inflated a bit but again I was in no mood to challenge the cashier when I had to head to a meeting in a timely manner. If anything the BBB should investigate this restaurant practice and food quality to customers. The bad reviews is scary with spot on experience. Sorry, I will not be returning to this cafe. A zero rating would be more appropriate if that...

I have to say the owner / operator is very personal and hands on. The food its self is very bland! Under seasoned eggs. Its like they use non stick pans with no butter no oil no salt no pepper. the food looks good to the eye by taste nothing like it will look like. Hash over cooked. Prob frozen heat and serve. The French toast is dry. How do you do that? I mean its soak in a milk cinnamon and egg mixture and toasted on a griddle but the toast is dry ..... How Sway.

I call in because there are limited options to choose from for breakfast in Medford. By limited i mean none.

Reading all these great reviews, I'm wondering if the owner has change kitchen staff or menu. I've had better breakfast at my kids elementary school.

People want to start their day off right. Not here... Nope .... This is the type of breakfast your wife makes you when she asking for a divorce and tells you your oldest son is not your but your best friends.

I suggest Light House staff visits the restaurants below as a secret shop and see if they are truly on par for hometown cooking.

1. Reds Salem ( Breakfast)
2. Reds Danvers (lunch and dinner options)
3. Brothers Deli Lynn and Wakefield...

My husband & I went to the lighthouse for the first time more than five years ago. It has that classic cafe feel that doesn’t go out of style & it also is kept very clean (even the rest rooms). We live out of town but we continue to go back. We always have breakfast & it is a good classic breakfast at a very fair price. But it really is the people who are there that bring you back. Leo, the owner & cook eventually will know any regular customer’s name & he is always happy to see his returning customers. Gina remembers what you drink & has it at your table before you have even looked at the menu. She always has something to say to the kids or show to them. My granddaughters always get a special Micky Mouse pancake often delivered by Leo himself so he can say hi to the kids. There are (understandably) regulars there. If you enter with your hands full or pushing a stroller you never have to worry, someone always jumps up & lends a hand. It is the Cafe version of Cheers. There is a sense of community there. They know you & are happy to see you. If you haven’t been there definitely give it a try. A little local gem where kindness isn’t...