It’s Time to Eat

The Berkshires rank high on many a foodie bucket list. Here are a few of the must-eat spots to try right now!

Ask anyone where to go for dinner in Great Barrington and they’ll likely mention Prairie Whale on Main Street. This hotspot owned by former Brooklyn restaurateur Mark Firth serves up seriously good burgers, creative cocktails, and a rustic farmhouse vibe. You’ll find the wood stove roaring in winter and the patio hopping in summer. Kids of all ages will enjoy the food and the fun.

If you’re feeling hungry while wandering south-county backroads, head for the Southfield Store. This hidden gem (a sister property of The Old Inn On The Green in nearby New Marlborough) is the perfect stop for a coffee, fresh-baked snack to go, or eat-in lunch/Sunday brunch. Formerly home to the town’s general store and a gas station, the light-filled café has become a favorite of both locals and visitors looking for a taste of the Berkshires off the beaten path.

In the Lenox area for Shakespeare & Co, shopping, or Tanglewood? Stop at Haven Café & Bakery on Franklin Street. This casual eatery lures its devoted following with fresh-made food, great coffee, and delicious baked goods. (Don’t miss the carrot cake!) Chocolate lovers will want to head a mile north to Chocolate Springs Café for velvety hot chocolate, creamy gelato, and award-winning handmade confections made with exotic fruits, buttery caramel, nuts, fresh herbs, and tea blends and distilled spirits made in the Berkshires.

If you’re exploring Pittsfield’s downtown cultural district, hit Yuki Cohen’s rustic-chic Methuselah Bar & Lounge. You’ll find tacos, charcuterie, and other light bites made with farm-fresh ingredients alongside an extensive menu of wines, craft beers, and cocktails. It’s hip, fun, and just what you’re looking for after a show at Barrington Stage or before you turn in for the night at Hotel on North.

In Williamstown? Discover north county’s newest eatery, The Barn Kitchen & Bar at The Williams Inn, located near both the Clark and Williams College. Pull up a comfy chair for a full-course meal in the upscale casual dining room or sit at the bar for lighter fare. Whatever you do, the food and drinks are superb (and you’ll want to save room for dessert). Over in nearby North Adams, PUBLIC eat + drink is popular for its inventive cocktails, rotating selection of craft beers on tap, curated wine list, and casual American fare made with Berkshire-sourced ingredients. The open-brick interior is reminiscent of the area’s mill-town heritage and the galleries of nearby MASS MoCA.

The Berkshire food scene is like no other. Discover for yourself what makes this a favorite destination for food lovers. Come and taste the Berkshires!

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Photos (top to bottom):

Prairie Whale – Photo: Kacey Hatch
Haven Café & Bakery – Photo: Michelle Murphy
The Barn Kitchen Bar at The Williams Inn

Nancy Macy is a freelance writer and editor based in the Berkshires.