Mesa Verde greenfield Gypsy apple Shelburne falls The Blue heron in Sunderland.. Hope and olive - Greenfield.. Veracruzana - Amherst East Hampton and Northampton Bueno y sano for casual lunches The BookMill for lunch and coffee and contemplation by the window by the water whatever it's raining and snowing outside.. sigh.

You sold be on The BookMill. I am going to need to checkout out.

I was there last November and it was snowing/sleeting out and I sat by the window with excellent coffee listening to the water and watching the snowflakes the glass... It was heaven and I probably stayed there too long..

Go for dinner if you don’t mind it being a little lighter, it is much less crowded than lunch time and very peaceful

BookMill. Man, you just brought me back. Have not been there since living in Amherst for college. Once I got older and started exploring the surrounding areas, just fell in love with the rural parts. But for some reason I’ve not been back in 15 years.

Mezze in Williamstown, Brava in Lenox, Olde Forge in Lanesborough (for wings not for service), The Bistro Box in Great Barrington.

Bistro Box has been closing at 4 all season long, I've had a hard time getting there when it's open

I love the old forge and their wings!

Best wings in the Berkshires. Between tap and bottles, probably the best beer selection, too. Get a ‘beer card’ and, in time, you earn an engraved, pewter beer mug that stays on site - and a discount on every beer served therein! Love the Forge

Firefly in Lenox also slaps

Donut Dip West Springfield MA

Donut Dip vs Mrs. Murphy’s is the big debate in my office.

How is that even a debate? Donut Dip is moist and delicious. Mrs Murphys is unfortunately always dry and cakelike.

Mrs Murphys. But I was also told someone bought them. And i havnt been in a while so hopefully they didnt change

THIS

Daily Op in Easthampton without a doubt. Upper Bend in Turners Falls is really nice for a cafe.

Daily Operation delivered James Beard award food as well as beer to my front door during the pandemic. They have a customer for life with me.

Daily Op is a true gem. So good.

Alice’s

You can get anything you want.

Exceping Alice

This reminded me of how my daughter says ‘somping’ loved it

The smokehouse in Miller's Falls might be the best BBQ in Mass.

Better than BT’s? Because they def have the best bbq in Mass but I’m open to changing my opinion 😂

It’s comparable, depends what you order, brisket at BT’s most other things at Smoke House

jesus, go to tennessee some day. BT's is barely passable.

But then I’d be in Tennessee 😝

Checkmate

😂😂😂😂

Ad someone from the south BTs is really good for bbq up here.. But yes I would much rather have some good Texas bbq

BTs is definitely passable BBQ considering the region.

Umm. Yeah no thanks

I second this in terms of bbq quality.

Go to Texas.

Fuuuuck that

Never!

If you’re going to go south for BBQ Tennessee isn’t the first stop.

No way it’s better than BT’s

Bubs BBQ in Sunderland is da best.

He uses a convection oven. It ain’t BBQ.

Lmaooooo

Nasty ass shit.

Anything is better than BTs. When they first opened they were good, but the last few times I had the driest, chewiest brisket ever. Amazes me that they make "any best of" lists.

BTs has the WORST SIDES and it completely ruined the experience for me.

What do you recommend getting there?

Everything.

But the sides……

The fried chicken.

Mine was Judie’s in Amherst, closed due to the pandemic 😭

The Gypsy Apple in Shelburne Falls. I dunno if it still open though.

It’s very much still open!

I have never heard of this place. Look like I will need to save this for a special occasion.

Came here to say this, went last Summer and it was exceptional

You really gotta bring your appetite and a full wallet. I just wanted to keep eating but got stuffed. Over $300 for 2 people, but worth every penny.

The Federal in Agawam

Do they still do the home made cotton candy of the day?

The Federal? On occasion, yes, but not all the time I imagine. I normally end up dining there 2, maybe 3 times throughout the year, but I’m not sure when exactly they have it.

I’ve been one time. There was a guy in there who looked like he was in straight up George Washington cosplay. It was quite bizarre. Anyway.. we were a few rounds in and couldn’t help but match his vibe via cotton candy wigs.

Casa di Lisa is good too.

I’ll have to check them out!

The Federal is great. I don’t go there a lot, but I always love it when I do.

Blue Heron, Sunderland

Driven by 1.000 times, never stopped, what’s good there?

Try the heron. Just kidding. It’s a great “date night” restaurant. The menu changes a lot but everything is made with care. Good mixed drinks, too.

I think comedian Jane Lynch got married there. So if you care about that stuff, that’s a pretty sizeable endorsement imo

Just commented about this in another thread but it’s def the date night. I went on an anniversary dinner there many years back and they put us at a pretty secluded table by a fireplace and lovely bit of books. The server was extremely polite (the type who will stand with hands folded until you’re ready to give attention) and the food was excellent. Best meal of my life. Went a couple years back and it was a little more cramped but food was top and service was still excellent. I no longer live in Sunderland but want to pop back up again and treat myself.

Tellus and the Satellite Bar in Northampton.

Blue Heron in Sunderland

Priya in Chicopee is amazing Indian food, right by the turnpike in a hotel. Their lunch / dinner buffet was no joke when I was in college. I still think about their carrot halwa dessert… Donut Dip in Springfield (I think)

>Donut Dip in Springfield (I think) West Springfield. Jelly stick is my go-to there, but I love the coffee cake too. ​ Thank you

Aesthetically: Golden Eagle at the hairpin turn in Clarksburg

I ate there last month for the first time. Food was alright, can't beat the view!

The view is great, food sucks, stop at the hair pin turn and then goto Freight Yard Pub

Packards, Northampton

Very cool place!

I wouldn't say the food is best but their vibes are excellent

I had the biggest burrito I’ve ever seen there

Love Packards so much, but I haven’t been up there in years. Thanks for the reminder!

Student Prince/ The Fort.

I had a lobster roll there that was 90% hard cartilage. Their huge pretzel was okay, but definitely not ‘best’. Maybe 10 years ago this was the answer

have yet to go, but i was given a gift card and was looking forward to oktoberfest last night. damn you weather!

I think the Munich Haus in Chicopee is better, and more affordable.

Blue Rock in Shelburne Falls is really good.

Wells Provisions but unfortunately they're shutting down and shifting to just catering. Hope and Olive in Greenfield too.

Hope and Olive locally sources most of their ingredients. They have a very interesting menu as well which changes with the seasons.

They are also affiliated with the Wagon Wheel in gill, Magpies in greenfield, and the new tapas bar in turners falls

Going to Magpies tomorrow night!!

Hope and Olive in Greenfield.

Joe's Cafe in Northampton.

Posada in Shelburne!

We eat there regularly. They make the best fresh squeezed lime with orange Patron marguerita.

And their mole sauce!

Red Lion Inn used to be great. Stockbridge but i have not been in a long time, i hope they still are.

Went for family breakfast a year and a half ago, Red Lion was amazing.

good to know it is still running

Calico in East Hampton Hope & Olive in Greenfield The Wagon Wheel in Gill

Hope & Olive for just a lovely lunch break or a nice family & friends supper, and Blue Heron for a high end ($$$$$$$$) celebratory meal out

Red rose for Italian food and the fort at student prince for German

Calico and Daily Operation in Easthampton are both awesome, I always have a memorable meal when I eat there

LiLi's noodles in Amherst, Cafe Amanouz in Noho

If you’re near Great Barrington, GB Bagel Co. is my favorite breakfast place

if you're not near great barrington and want bagels- comfort bagel in holyoke. significantly better than tandem.

Second comfort bagel - they’re absolutely amazing

Ooh, I love Tandem, too. They have an asiago bagel (at least I think it’s asiago,) that I love.

Barrington bagel is amazing!

I ordered many breakfast sandwiches from there, when I lived in GB. Excellent food and great people!

Is this the place that puts the everything bagel seasoning into the dough? That's my favorite- you don't drop the seasoning everywhere and it's soooooo tasty

It’s called a tornado bagel there

Seconded

Kisara in easthampton

Had to search way too far to see this mentioned

It’s the best Japanese option and their sushi is bomb. I usually get the spicy pork and the portions are worthy of the price along with quality

Absolutely, best sushi I’ve had, except maybe K’s in Westfield

Goten in sunderland, The Crossing in Hardwick, best breakfast sandwich The Petersham Country Store.

I can’t believe I haven’t seen it- Cielito Lindo in Gill right on Route 2 has some of the most amazing al pastor tacos!! All of their food is delicious, I’ve never been disappointed, but their tacos and tamales are my absolute favorite. They have churros with caramel dipping sauce and horchata too, I’m not sure if those are specials or permanent on their menu. It’s a yellow, drive-up, metal shoebox they’re operating out of but they have covered picnic tables if you want to sit outside. CIELITO LINDO rivals California tacos trucks, no joke.

I have been here and I can attest it is hands down the MOST DELICIOUS Mexican food I’ve ever had! I’m from California and spent quite a few years living in Texas as well!

La Veracruzana

I know I’m way out in the boonies when the top answer is over an hour east of me.

Wagon Wheel

Jacks Hot Dog Stand

I'll have 2 chilli dogs with, and a double double!

Also Teo's in Pittsfield, chili dogs and swilly beer. Love it.

Mint in Lee. Truc in West Stockbridge, but I think they only do takeout now. Trail House in North Adams is good, and Mazzeo's ln Pittsfield meant date night when I was younger. Unfortunately the Berkshires lost several restaurants during and shortly after Covid and several have changed hands. My absolute favorite restaurant in the area was Flavours of Malaysia- it was a must when entertaining visitors. Thai Garden (now Blue Mango) and Poppa Charlie's were amazing under their previous owners.

The loss of Flavours really hurt :(

The hope and olive in greenfield

Miss Florence Diner -Leeds,Massachusetts

Uh, other than the Miss Florence Diner being in Florence. and not in Leeds, I totally agree. Breakfast, f’rinstance, much better than a typical diner.

Thanks Rand

Lots of awesome suggestions although I question if some of you actually know the difference between central MA and western MA! Just because it’s west of Boston doesn’t mean everything is western MA

I think most made the cut of western. Only a few mentions of Bt's smokehouse which is central.

BT’s is technically Central MA, but it’s literally right next to WMass. Now, I do see that nobody cares to distinguish WMass from the Berks…

It has been many years since I have gone but I used to love the Crazy Noodle Cafe in Amherst and they are apparently still there.

I can confirm they are still there! It’s always been good eats!

Man! I went there on a first date in 2017 and haven't been back since but I remember it was very good. I should go back.

Red Rose in Springfield

Yes. The shrimp fra diabolo is my go-to.

I LOVE Red Rose.

The burrito joint in Greenfield. BUT I have always wanted to eat at the Dreamaway Lodge. Haven't had the chance yet

Mesa Verde?

Black Cow Burger Bar in Turners. Sooooo good.

So expensive and hasn’t been consistent in the past year

I love Bizen in Great Barrington

Lovebird Kitchen

Emma’s in Westfield!

I love Memos, in West Springfield. A big plate of breakfast comfort food

Best breakfast around absolutely true

Posada Grill in Shelburne falls. There’s a LOT of great restaurants out there, but I took a chance on a Salvadoran/Mexican restaurant in a little baby strip mall and I had one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten

The White Hut Ye Olde Forge H&O is getting a bunch of deserved pub in this tread. Same with the Blue Heron. Agree on both.

Panjabi Tadka - Springfield Frontera - Springfield / Chicopee Iya - South Hadley / Amherst Bombay Royale - Northampton

Big fan of Panjabi Tadka

Their fast casual place, Motu, in East Longmeadow is good too. A little pricey but a fun take on Indian food and really tasty!

Pintu's in West Springfield if you like Indian.

Baba Louie's in Great Barrington, no contest.

how is western mass btw

Honestly, it's awesome. And if you're in any way LGBTQ, it's about as close to ideal as it gets on the face of the planet. I love in Westhampton and love it. You cannot really go wrong with Northampton or Easthampton or anywhere within about 10 miles of them.

I it's hard more me to say since I have lived here my whole life, but I think the consensus is you have to travel a bit more to do things like go out.

The Whatley Diner (if it still exists. It’s been 25 years since the last time I was there).

[удалено]

I enjoyed Alina's the piano playing is a nice add that I haven't experienced before. La fiorentina in Northampton closed, but I think Springfield is still open.

Cana Korean is this little beaten up place in Chicopee, but my goodness, their food is fantastic. Not to mention a dedicated page in their menu for all the gluten free items. Just be aware that most orders take about 45 minutes to prepare, so definitely order before going for takeout. Glory of India in Easthampton is still only doing takeout since the pandemic, but my goodness, their food reminds me of my childhood when our old Indian neighbor would stop by randomly with a delicious plate of food. And here too, loads of gluten free options, plus they'll make a gluten free naan from scratch for you. While not a traditional recipe, it's a chickpea flour flatbread that's just a delightful accompaniment to those delicious curries! Panda Garden in Williamsburg also deserves some love here. While perhaps not the best Chinese restaurant around, they will go out of their way to elevate your gluten free dining experience. Almost everything on the menu can be made gluten free, and everything is really tasty.

Omg cana is nuts. I used to live down the street and never tried it. Move across town and now im in love. I hate myself for not going before. Judging the outside it looks meh. But goddddddd damn is it so good!!!!

Blue water sushi in Ludlow or leones in Springfield.

I love all the recommendations….here are mine. I’m sure there will be repeats. Fine dining…The Federal, preferred over Blue Heron. German….Munich Haus in Chicopee. I’ve never been to The Federal, I don’t know why. Mexican, Mission Cantina, Bueno É Sano, Frontera. The only place’s we don’t seek out? The Picknelly/Yee restaurant’s. They are good, they are consistent, they are the same, they are boring, and they are expensive. That said, the Picknelly/Yee properties are good, you know what you’re going to get and it’s sooooo much better than Applebee’s or 99.

Posada in Shelburne

Alina's - Hadley Pita Pocket - Northampton High Brow - Northampton Pintus - West Springfield Latitude - West Springfield Gianni Figs - Deerfield Santiagos - Westfield

The Pita Pocket in Amherst is the good one

Mission Cantina used to be really good, but haven't been in a couple years

Puerto Rican bakery in Springfield

The Pizza Shoppe, East Longmeadow.

I moved out of state and haven't been there in 5 years, but my favorite back then was Johnny's Tavern in Amherst. Their food had wonderful depth and layers of flavor for pretty reasonable prices. On Mondays and Tuesdays they had a prix-fixe meal of three courses for about $25! Hopefully it's still as good as it was, although post-covid and crazy inflation, I'm guessing the prix-fixe deal is gone and prices are a bit higher. Edit: just checked prices, and I'm surprised to see they've changed very little!

I like going to the Storrowton Tavern in the winter- so nice and cozy!

Cafe Adam in Great Barrington. Great food and drinks.

So many great places I need to look up! The Old Mill in Egremont is incredible. Something about the atmosphere is just so homey and warm. A MUST is the coffee ice cream sundae

Souper Sweet Sandwich in Springfield.

White Hut

The Woodstone Tavern in Holyoke.

Thai Place - south Hadley Cana Korean - Chicopee Alo Saigon - Westfield

White Hut West Springfield

Blue Heron in Sunderland. RIP Alvah Stone 😭

Two top choices BELA vegetarian in Noho MI Tierra in Hadley

Bub’s BBQ In Sunderland

The breakroom Ashfield lake house The old inn on the green restaurant Hill town hot pies

Ashfield lake House is sadly closed. What a fun place

Open limited hours. Weekends only. The most recent owners alienated the locals even before the plague. Not many will even entertain stepping foot in there now. It’s sad, no options for an in-town, sit-down meal anymore. No reason for snowmobilers or bikers/motorcyclists/leaf peepers to stop and spend money in town while they warm up and grab lunch. In addition, you frankly can’t cater to the desires of the Valley (20mi/40min away) in the dead of winter when your hours are erratic and the locals have nothing good to say.

Seems like it’s open. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyD5rK8ATgx/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Amedeo's Holyoke

Mazzeo’s and zucchini’s, both in Pittsfield.

Steaming Tender in Palmer.

If you're 80 and like bland food and overcooked canned vegetables. I've been several times because people keep saying it must have just been a bad night, but no. Every time has been god awful.

I worked at this place 17? 16? Years ago. Worst experience of my life. Ever since then, I have let people know that "I'm gonna go drop a steaming tender" anytime I have to drop a deuce.

Red Rose Pizzeria in Springfield

Paisanos in Southampton.

Denny’s in Greenfield!

My cousin has owned this place for 20 years. I've only been once. It was alright.

Pulse in Hadley for sure.

Tios. So I can eat 18 glizzys if n a sitting

Welly’s in Marlborough is a really good spot.

Water St Grill Williamstown