By Hannah Kirschenmann (your “Gluten Free Food Gal”) with photos by Charlie Kirschenmann
Classic, Nostalgic, and Gluten-Friendly Forkfuls: Dining at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Downtown Medford
Growing up in Northern California, I was lucky to have closer access to restaurants like The Old Spaghetti Factory (OSF) – a place that always felt like a treat. So when OSF opened its doors in the heart of Downtown Medford, I couldn’t wait to check it out, especially through the lens of someone who constantly hunts for inclusive, gluten-friendly dining options.
After my husband, our wonderful food photographer, made a midday reservation on a warm July Sunday, our family was kindly welcomed and seated in the quiet bar area of the beautifully repurposed Historic Union Pacific Railroad station. The nostalgia hit immediately – the high ceilings, vintage touches, and warm lighting set the perfect tone for what’s quickly becoming a go-to destination for locals.
Once a beloved steakhouse, this location’s transformation into an Old Spaghetti Factory was met with some hesitation from community members concerned about adding “just another chain” to downtown. But as Restaurant Manager Megan shared with us, the support has been tremendous. Regulars are already carving out routines here, embracing the charm of the Old Spaghetti Factory.
My two bonus daughters are among OSF’s growing fanbase. On this visit, they enjoyed every bite – one choosing fettucine alfredo with applesauce, a meatball on the side, and the ever-popular rainbow sherbet for dessert. She also never misses an opportunity to ask for blue cheese crumbles, of which our server provided an ample supply of (and was met with wide-eyed reception of). The other went classic with spaghetti and meat sauce, a side of minestrone, and her own scoop of rainbow sherbet to finish. Growing ever adventurous, she enjoyed taking the heal of the freshly baked bread and making a small boat to add some of her soup to.
Our server, Kenny, was a standout. His easy rapport made ordering feel like catching up with an old friend. He took a seat at the booth next to ours to chat with one daughter and walked us through the ordering process with kindness, patience, and a sense of humor. He even joined in on a bit of our family banter – an unexpected but welcome treat.
Charlie and I had previously joined the OSF team for their dress rehearsal, which was equally delightful. We shared laughter with friends over generous plates of pasta, already dreaming of our next visit. Charlie opted for the Meat Lover’s Treat this time around – a hearty trio of Sicilian meatballs, Italian sausage, and spaghetti with meat sauce, plus a zuppa toscana starter and a bold, rich, and creamy scoop of spumoni for dessert.
As for me, I was thrilled to find a QR code on the menu that took me straight to an online gluten-friendly menu – an inclusive feature that made my dining experience effortless. At many places, figuring out what’s safe to eat feels like a game of 20 questions, but not here. Kenny was knowledgeable and even double-checked when I asked for clarification.
I enjoyed a generous plate of gluten-free pasta with alfredo sauce, which was simple, rich, and made with butter and parmesan rather than a heavy cream base. I added a perfectly seasoned chicken breast for some protein and started with a crisp salad tossed in a creamy pesto dressing. Dessert was a simple classic scoop of vanilla ice cream for me – the perfectly sweet and satisfying finish.
This was an all-around enjoyable outing as Charlie and I celebrated 10 months of marriage. We left with full stomachs, full hearts, and plans to bring more friends and family back to share in the comfort, joy, and yes, the nostalgia that comes with a meal at the Old Spaghetti Factory.
THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY
147 N Front Street
458-225-1670
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 11am – 9:30pm
Friday & Saturday 11am – 10pm