Bestsellers Café

Mystical retreat from Medford bustle

by Sarah Lariviere

on the cheap

JJ Sushi September 21 Café Rustica, September 14 Fusion Express, September 7 Pemberton Farms, August 31 Herrera's Mexican Grill, August 24

One of Medford's well-kept secrets is the view of the tranquil Mystic River that can be enjoyed from some of its houses. For those of us who don't live there, the experience requires a trip to Bestsellers Café and Bookstore in Medford Square. The bookstore is filled with, you guessed it, best-selling books, as well as a large selection of children's books and magazines. The café contains about 10 tables on two flora-filled levels, spaced far enough apart that you can spread your Sunday paper around your feet. And at the back of the café, the windows overlooking the river occupy 90 percent of the wall.

There's a full selection of Equal Exchange organic coffees in giant, painted ceramic mugs ($1.50), and also a menu of egg-salad, ham-salad, yellowfin-tuna, or chicken-salad sandwich "bites" ($1.50 each). Although the food isn't made on the premises, the café chose its caterer well -- each salad is distinctive. The egg salad is peppery, the chicken is lightly mayonnaised, and the tuna is chunky rather than mushy. And the view comes at no extra charge.

Bestsellers Café and Bookstore, located at 24 High Street in Medford, is open Monday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (781) 391-7171.

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