Culture + Cafés: Where to Eat Near Berkshire Attractions

Some of the best restaurants in the Berkshires are close to popular cultural spots.

Visiting the Berkshires for art, theater, and music? Make the most of your stay by exploring the best restaurants near first-rate museums, new plays, and outdoor concerts. To whet your appetite, here’s a short list of places to eat close to Berkshire attractions.

NORTH

For a quick takeout or coffee in North Adams, head for Craft Food Barn or Wild Oats Market. Love a good microbrew? The taproom at Bright Ideas Brewing next to MASS MoCA has outdoor seating and invites you to bring in your own food to enjoy with a cold one. Common Table in nearby Cheshire serves up scratch-made American comfort food and craft cocktails in a fun, lively atmosphere.

In Williamstown for The Clark, Images Cinema, or Williamstown Theatre Festival? Have dinner and drinks at The Barn Kitchen & Bar in the Williams Inn or Spice Root Modern Indian Cuisine. (Tea & Boba Lounge is another fun spot for a mid-morning or pre-dinner treat.)

Pizzeria Boema

CENTRAL

In historic downtown Lenox, you can’t go wrong at Doctor Sax House for tapas, Pizzeria Boema for Neopolitan-style crafted pizza, or Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar before or after a show at Tanglewood, WAM Theatre, or Shakespeare & Company. Need to satisfy a sweet tooth or purchase yummy souvenirs? Visit Chocolate Springs, Desserts & Café.

While out in Becket for an evening of dance at Jacob’s Pillow, duck into Dream Away Lodge for good food, drinks, and live music from local bands. The remote 200-year-old farmhouse is a unique music venue whose history includes hosting the likes of Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan.

Pittsfield’s Upstreet Cultural District is home to a mix of restaurants, bars, and cafés close to theaters, museums, and art exhibitions. For casual fare, head to Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort, The Marketplace Café or Hot Harry’s Fresh Burritos. For craft beers, cocktails, and light snacks, go to Hot Plate Brewing Co. or Methuselah Bar and Lounge. Or grab a table at District Kitchen & Bar for dinner with a contemporary-American flair. If lakeside dining appeals, book a table at the Proprietor’s Lodge just outside of town. After, if the timing is right, you can play mini-golf across the road at Baker’s Golf Center.

With a location central to most Berkshire attractions, 51 Park Restaurant & Tavern in downtown Lee is popular for wood-fired pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. Just north of town, take a table at MINT for delicious Indian food and views of Laurel Lake.

Xicohtencatl Mexican Restaurant

SOUTH

After strolling galleries and museums in the Stockbridge area or touring Frelinghuysen Morris House + Studio, head for the Red Lion Inn. You can settle into a comfy rocking chair on the front porch with a cold drink for some of the best people-watching in the Berkshires or catch live music downstairs in the Lion’s Den. Another wonderful option just down the road is the Norman Rockwell Museum – enjoy lunch at the Terrace Café or a picnic on their beautiful grounds. After, take in all this iconic museum has to offer.

In the village of Housatonic—a short drive south from Tanglewood or Chesterwood—stop in at Pleasant and Main for a seasonal-inspired breakfast, lunch, or brunch. You can eat inside, in the back garden, or grab a takeout and head for your favorite picnic spot.

Catching a performance at the Mahaiwe in Great Barrington? Have dinner at The Prairie Whale or Xicohtencatl Mexican. With creative dishes focused on fresh Berkshire-grown ingredients, these two restaurants are among the most popular outdoor dining spots in the Berkshires.

And finally, if you love slow mornings with good coffee and a leisurely breakfast, drop into the Southfield Store. It may be off the beaten path, but this hidden gem is a highlight on any map of must-try eateries in the Berkshires. They also have mouthwatering take-out options and baked goods. Berkshiresoutside.org can help you locate hiking trails and other outdoor activities in the area where you can enjoy your goodies.

Ready to explore the Berkshire culinary scene? Find more great places to eat and drink in the Berkshires with our online guide.

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