Good food in Western Mass?
I'm staying in Pittsfield, MA, for a few months and wondering if anyone has suggestions for restaurants, markets, cafes, ANYTHING in the area? (And anywhere we should avoid!)
The area can include all of Western Mass, since we also tend to visit Northampton a lot and everything in between.
Thanks!
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11 Comments:
I haven't been there in ten years, since I left Mt. Holyoke, but back then my favorite places to eat were Amanouz Café in Northampton (which taught me that iced green tea with honey, lemon and mint was not, in fact, too many flavors in one glass), Tailgate Picnic in South Hadley (great sandwiches), and a brunch spot in Northampton that is now called Sylvester's (I can't remember what the name was back then). I'm going to be back in the area visiting this weekend and am looking forward to hitting all three! Also, the Haymarket Café in Northampton has an awesome juice bar, though I've never had the food.
gwenkern at 10:43AM on 03/05/09
In Great Barrington (just a hop down Rte 7), try Baba Louie's (on Main Street) for truly inventive and outstanding pizza, and, if you've got big $$$ burning a hole in your pocket, Pearl's on Railroad St. (up at the top) for an outstanding dinner.
For nostalgia, the Red Lion Inn is decent, but it's more about the pace and place than the food. Still, I never complain when someone suggests going...(and paying!)
moibec at 11:42AM on 03/05/09
Trattoria Rustica (26 Mckay St, Pittsfield, MA 01201) is a nice place. A little fancy-pants for Pittsfield, but delicious fresh food. If you are there in the summertime, they have outdoor seating where you can sit in their little garden of fresh herbs and veggies.
Also, make sure you get a pizza from Hot Tomatoes (100 Water St, Williamstown, MA, 01267). Just trust me. My SIL regularly travels an hour each way for this pizza.
Kerosena at 12:20PM on 03/05/09
i'm from pittsfield (lived there for 18 years) and have a hard time recommending anything because most of the places i grew up with have given way to *shudder* chains. my parents have been to trattoria rustica and loved it.
however, teo's hot dogs on east street is an institution. go when you're in the mood for baby hot dogs with the works! it's definitely not "serious eats" (the place is a total dive), but i go every single time i'm home.
anniedra at 2:33PM on 03/05/09
I second Baba Louie's. I eat there every Sunday evening on my way home from VT. It's my favorite pizza anywhere!!!!!
Also, be sure to visit Guido's Market on Rte 7. The absolute best produce and meats and a great deli/prepared foods section.
bebes at 5:35PM on 03/05/09
It's pricey but if you want a really great meal and have the dough to blow go to the Wyndhurst at Cranwell resort in Lennox, MA. I havent been there in quite some time but when I was, the food was outstanding and the service was wonderful as well.
http://www.cranwell.com/dining.php
Pavlov at 11:06AM on 03/06/09
thank you! I planned on going to Guido's today but they were closed (because it's only early March? It was about 6pm on a Friday...?). I'll try all the suggestions... funny enough the one I'm super excited about is Teo's hot dogs!!
allyn at 12:33AM on 03/07/09
i'm so relieved - i thought you might be horrified by my teo's suggestion! :)
hot harry's (burritos) is another super-casual place and there are several locations (i know there's one on north street). i've never eaten there but my best guy friend RAVES about it, as does my mother.
let me know what you think about teo's!
anniedra at 9:02AM on 03/09/09
I used to live in Northampton... my favorite places to eat were Pizzeria Paradiso (get the sangria!) and the Teapot. Oh, and Herrell's for ice cream, definitely.
ultraviolet79 at 10:49AM on 03/09/09
You must go to Chez Nous in Lee. It's authentic and sumptuous French cuisine that changes with the seasons. You'll love it!
needlemans at 9:21AM on 03/11/09
You absolutely must try Elmer's on Main Street in Ashfield, for either breakfast (7 days a week from 8-12) or dinner Thursday - Saturday. Cozy surroundings (in a country store) and fresh, home-cooked food! They also serve beer and wine. Here's there website: http://www.elmersstore.com
If you're venturing further out, Hope & Olive in Greenfield is excellent for dinner. And in Northampton I've been really happy with the food at The Dirty Truth (not to mention their huge selection of beers) and the sushi (especially the fusion rolls) at Osaka.
mheart at 9:31PM on 03/26/09