A Half-Century of Serving Generations in the Heart of Reading
Nestled at 49 High Street in the heart of Reading, the Last Corner Restaurant is gearing up for a milestone celebration: 50 years in business. On January 6, 2026, this beloved local diner will commemorate five decades of serving hearty breakfasts, legendary roast beef sandwiches, and friendly smiles to generations of residents, commuters, and town workers.
Owned and operated by Paul and Valerie Pavlidis, the Last Corner has been a cornerstone of the community since the mid-1970s. What started as a modest breakfast and lunch spot has evolved into a true Reading institution, known for its fresh, made-to-order meals, reasonable prices, and welcoming atmosphere that feels like an extension of home. In fact, my father has been a regular at the Last Corner since long before I joined the Select Board in 2021—and he lives all the way in Everett!
“The people are what make it special,” Valerie Pavlidis said in past interviews, a sentiment that echoes through countless customer reviews. Regulars praise the restaurant’s signature roast beef sandwich — thinly sliced, piled high on a buttered and grilled onion roll — as one of the best in Massachusetts. Breakfast favorites like generous omelets, eggs with home fries, and bottomless coffee draw early crowds, while lunch brings in police officers, firefighters, and public works crews who appreciate the quick, delicious food.
The diner currently operates as a traditional cash-only spot, though Val mentioned to me last week that she’s considering adding tap-to-pay options in the near future. They are open early for the morning rush (typically 6 a.m. weekdays) and closing in the early afternoon. Its no-frills charm — casual seating, friendly service that often remembers your usual order, and a relaxed vibe — has earned it high ratings on platforms like Yelp (4.5 stars) and Google (4.7 stars), where myself and other patrons call it a “local gem” and “hidden treasure.”
As Reading continues to grow, the Last Corner Restaurant stands as a testament to consistency, community, and good food. Here’s to 50 years — and many more plates of that unbeatable roast beef with fries of course!
