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World-Class Culture + Great Food Are Better Together in the Berkshires

Posted on June 01, 2023Written by Nancy Macy on behalf of 1Berkshire
Updated on June 01, 2023

Groups of people eating outdoors at The Barn Kitchen and Bar in Williamstown, MAThe Barn Kitchen and Bar, credit Ryan Bent Photography

Some of the best restaurants in the Berkshires are located near popular cultural spots.

It’s easy to fill your time here at museums or music, dance, and theater performances. And, with so many award-winning farm-to-table restaurants in the Berkshires, it’s also easy to find a delicious meal. So why not plan experiences that include both? To whet your appetite, here’s a short list of restaurants close to Berkshire attractions.

North

After spending the day at MASS MoCA, the Clark, or Williams College Museum, you’re going to have an appetite. Whether you’re looking for appetizers, burgers, steaks, pizza, or a cold beverage, head for Trail House Kitchen + Bar or Chee’s Chinese Cuisine. Each offers house-made fare with a pleasing yum factor that comes from fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Have tickets for the Williamstown Theater Festival or Adams Theater? Try nearby PUBLIC eat + drink or The Barn Kitchen & Bar at the Williams Inn for cocktails, craft brews, and innovative seasonal menus. The emphasis here is on freshness and the unique flavors of local farms, artisans, and food producers.

Central

Visiting Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District or doing a bit of shopping around the city brings you close to Mazzeo’s Ristorante, Methuselah Bar and Lounge, or District Kitchen & Bar. A cocktail or meal at any of these local favorites is a wonderful accompaniment to seeing a downtown show at Barrington Stage or the Colonial Theater. For hearty sandwiches or fresh-baked treats, stop in at The Marketplace Café next door to Phoenix Theatres Beacon Cinema. How about dining with a view? Head to The Proprietor’s Lodge on picturesque Pontoosuc Lake. For early mornings before another museum or a hike on Greylock, grab a great-tasting specialty coffee or tea at Currency Coffee Co. in the Allendale section of town.

Xicohtencatl, credit Ogden Gigl

South

There are many draws to the southern Berkshires, including dozens of restaurants serving everything from pub fare to multi-course meals. If you’re in Lenox for live music or a play, treat yourself to a glass of wine and a satisfying meal at Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar or Brava. If you’re in the mood for comfort food, get a table at Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano on Main Street. Their first-come, first-serve outdoor seating is also perfect for people watching. You can also check out Mint Indian Lakeside Dining just a short drive away in Lee – ask for a table by the window overlooking Laurel Lake. On the other side of Lee you’ll find 51 Park Restaurant & Tavern serving wood fired pizzas, burgers, and craft beers.

To cap off a day exploring artist studios and galleries, savor a relaxing candlelit dinner at Stagecoach Tavern, The Old Mill, or The Old Inn on the Green. And if an event at the Mahaiwe or Bard College at Simon’s Rock is in your plans, aim for Prairie Whale or Xicohtencatl Mexican. In addition to creative farm-to-table dishes, both of these restaurants are among the most popular outdoor dining spots in the Berkshires.

Hungry yet? Find more great places to eat and drink in the Berkshires with our online guide.

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