14 Restaurants You Have To Visit In Massachusetts Before You Die
It’s time to get your dining priorities in line. There are just some menus you absolutely must experience before the end and some mouthfuls that will live in your memory for years. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best restaurants in Massachusetts that you have to try before you die. Here’s to racking up delicious meals and epic Instragram food shots before your ability to chew becomes a thing of the past.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
This place is a local hidden gem and is definitely one of the best places to get southern-style BBQ in the state. A Zagat and Opentable award darling, they cook up honest and mouthwatering meats with an authentic down-home touch. Try the Barbecue Belt, which comes with one Texas rib, two St. Louis ribs, two baby back ribs, sliced brisket, and house smoked sausage. That's a lot of animal. Stop by the official website of Redbones.
2. Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant, Springfield
Serving sublime German food and beer since 1935. Stop in for a mouth-melting schnitzel in a wood-paneled dining room, and check out the zillions of ornate steins at the bar. Visit the official website of The Student Prince & The Fort.
This one's a classic. Get the freshest seafood (like delicious lobster, duh) and tasty Portuguese specialties in a world-famous setting. Learn more at the official website of The Lobster Pot.
Incredible pizza made with local grains. Seriously, the pizza... So good. You can pick up a few of their freshly made loaves and pastries while you're there as well. Pizza is only available Wednesday through Saturday, and you have to be sure to get your order in early because they almost always sell out. For more info, head over to the official website of Hungry Ghost Bread.
Forget plates: the best food comes on blocks of wood. The Salty Pig's menu is designed to let you create personalized charcuterie boards. Fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients are rotated according to season and are used to make stone-grilled pizzas, hand-made pastas, and traditional Italian entrees. Visit the official website of The Salty Pig.
Gibbet Hill is a farm to fork restaurant. They are one of the only restaurants in New England with a produce farm on site and the majority of their summer menu is sourced straight from the farm. And the location is GORGEOUS. Rolling fields and rustic glamor will surround you as you savor some of the freshest food around. Try their shepherd's pie or the dry-aged bone-in sirloin. Visit the website of Gibbet Hill Grill.
Come here to enjoy a 1700s-style feast prepared on the hearth of a great fieldstone fireplace over a crackling fire of wild cherry logs. While dinner cooks, enjoy a horse drawn wagon or sleigh ride across the Inn's 600-acre estate. Don't miss the clam chowder cooked in a giant cast iron cauldron or the incredible apple pie with fresh whipped cream. Reservations are strongly recommended. Browse the menu on the website of Salem Cross Inn.
8. White Hut, West Springfield (other locations in Longmeadow and Amherst)
Classic American fare. Their menu is unfussy and features some of the most delicious burgers you'll find for miles around. They've been serving good eats and comfort food at low prices since 1939. Stop by for a cheeseburger, fried onion rings, and one of their impeccable egg sandwiches. Learn more on the website of White Hut.
A word to the wise: don't look at their Instagram unless you want to break ALL of your dieting New Year's resolutions. This place does everything you can imagine with simple flour. From scrumptious savory baked goods to meltingly delicious desserts, you won't leave hungry. And they do have a gluten free menu, so don't let anything stop you from checking them out. Here's the website for Flour + Café.
You'll know something fancy is up when you walk into The Federal's stately Greek Revival building. This place isn't all show though: the food is artfully presented and the flavors are incredible. Try their “famous” risotto balls with fresh black truffle butter and snipped chives or their seared diver scallops with duck confit “hash,” sugar pumpkins, marbled potatoes, roasted red onion rings, and melted truffle. Reservations are required. Visit The Federal Restaurant.
If you think you could never make friends with vegetables, check this place out. Everything is completely vegan (and I do mean everything) and completely mouthwatering. They have brunch on the weekends and dinner every night except Monday and Tuesday. Try the saffron pasta ravioli with roasted squash, parsley pesto, sun-dried tomato cashew cheese, or the phyllo purse, with brandy braised tempeh, heirloom winter squash, green mole, sour cream. And don't leave without a bite of the chocolate bourbon pie. Here's the website of Bistro Les Gras.
This place specializes in hyper-local cuisine with a French accent. Everything from their condiments to their charcuterie is made in-house from the freshest local meats, seafood, and produce. Try the whole roasted trout or the poutine. Reservations are required and only outdoor seating is currently available due to the pandemic. Learn more about Bistro Les Gras.
Consistently rated one of the top restaurants on Cape Cod (#1 on TripAdvisor!), this is one of those places that just radiates warmth and friendliness. The food is top-notch and the service is impeccable. You can make reservations on the official website of Jimmy's Hideaway.
This place takes the breakfast classics and whips them into delicious shape. Henrietta's Table is tucked into the Charles Hotel and oozes cozy charm. The portions are great (read: breakfast for dinner) and the offerings are creative but familiar. Personal favorite: shirred eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, and cheddar cheese served in a cast iron skillet. Check out the official website of Henrietta's Table.
Do you agree that these are the best restaurants in Massachusetts? If not, which do you think should also be included on the list? Share with your friends (maybe set up a dinner date!) and let us know in the comments. Then check out 10 of the best outdoor restaurants in Massachusetts.
Address: 321 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
Address: 62 State St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA
Address: 130 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Address: 61 Lowell Rd, Groton, MA 01450, USA
Address: 260 W Main St, West Brookfield, MA 01585, USA
Address: 280 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089, USA
Address: 30 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Address: 135 Cooper St, Agawam, MA 01001, USA
Address: 1153 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144, USA
Address: 25 West St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA
Address: 179 Commercial St, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
Address: 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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best restaurants in massachusetts
October 15, 2020
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best restaurants in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is brimming with restaurants that promise something for every taste and every dietary need. If you’re looking for the best local restaurants in Massachusetts, look no further than The Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton. The enchanting restaurant sits in the countryside and offers cozy seating. It’s also known as one of the best steakhouses in the state. If you’re a fan of bacon, you might think you’re in heaven when you dine at The Hangover Pub in Worcester. Just about everything on the menu, like the burgers, is topped with bacon. How can you go wrong with that?
Where can I find the best pizza in Massachusetts?
Dining out in Massachusetts is all the more fun by the many choices we have. Did you know that Massachusetts is home to some of the best pizza joints? If you’re up for a drive, make your way to Village Pizza in Greenfield. The popular pizza joint is known for its Greek-style pizza, which you can get plain or with all of your favorite toppings. If you like having a lot of choices when it comes to pizza toppings, head over to Ernesto’s North End in Boston for a pie. There, you’ll have 25 toppings from which to choose.
Where can I find the best burgers in Massachusetts?
Burgers make the perfect lunch, dinner, or even snack. If you’re not sure where to dine out in Massachusetts, visit one of its popular burger joints. Classic Burgers in West Springfield, for example, offers a retro dining experience and some of the best burgers around. Pair your burger with a hearty helping of golden fries for the perfect meal. For some of the best gourmet burgers in Massachusetts, stop by Bred Gourmet in Dorchester. Choose from such favorites as the veggie burger or the jerk salmon patty. Don’t forget to order a helping of the popular Cajun fries.
