9 Famous Restaurants In Massachusetts That Are So Worth Waiting In Line For

This is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in America, so you know they know how to serve an oyster or two. While great seafood is standard here, you can also count on delicious sandwiches and steak. The dining room has plenty of character and you can learn plenty about the history of Boston just by stopping by for lunch. (41 Union Street, Boston)

This seasonal seafood shack isn’t a five-star dining establishment, but it is home to some of the best fried clams around. Locals and visitors alike rave about the Clam Box’s amazing trays of hot seafood. It’s the perfect pit stop on your way to the beach, as long as you don’t mind hanging out in line behind other hungry diner for a few minutes on busy days. (246 High Street, Ipswich)

Chez Albert celebrates the best of French countryside dining with classic dishes in a comfortably upscale environment. They’re known for their impressive wine cellar and amazing daily specials like salt cod beignets and rabbit ragout with polenta. (178 N Pleasant Street, Amherst)

The Federal is a classic upscale eatery that combines the best of American, Italian, and French cuisine. The food here strikes the perfect balance between artful and satisfying, so you don’t have to worry about being served something long the lines of a single scallop with a rose petal garnish. Try the "You Be The Chef" menu option to create your own dish with a choice of meats, two sides and a sauce. (135 Cooper Street, Agawam)

While you may not need a reservation here, people are known to queue up for those famous White Hut cheeseburgers. This spot has been serving up classic fast food since 1939 and is a great example of a homegrown institution doing one thing right for generations. (280 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield)

Alta is a favorite haunt of socialites and celebrities summering in beautiful Lenox, but its thoughtful menu and elegant dining space is accessible to all. They have two dozen wines offered by the glass and delectable options like mushroom and leek tart tatin, seared maple leaf duck breast, and Misty Knoll Farm chicken statler. (34 Church Street, Lenox)

Okay, so Four Seas may not be a restaurant per se, but this ice cream shop is a Cape Cod institution known for its irresistible flavors and equally tremendous summertime lines. Still, if you’re willing to wait out the crowds you’ll be treated to some of the finest frozen treats money can buy. (360 S Main Street, Centerville)

The Red Lion Inn has been serving up delicious fare and New England hospitality for more than 200 years. Their menu is packed with locally grown vegetables and farm-fresh meat, not to mention some intensely satisfying comfort food like roasted turkey with farmhouse stuffing and pan gravy. The atmosphere is cozy and homey with a generous helping of elegance. (30 Main Street, Stockbridge)

Bistro Les Gras has made quite the name for itself by focusing on French-inspired dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. While they don’t skimp on the butter here, you’ll be sighing with delight at offerings like hand-cut egg pasta with braised Vermont rabbit, Reisling-braised pork and smoked sausage, and dark chocolate dessert pots. (25 West Street, Northampton)