Posted in Massachusetts Food & Dining March 27, 2021 by

9 Unsuspecting Restaurants In Massachusetts With Food So Good It Should Be Illegal

Sometimes good things come in unsuspecting packages. There’s nothing like discovering your new favorite eatery in a place that you would have never thought to look. These unsuspecting restaurants in Massachusetts might not seem like gourmet dining, but they serve food so good that you’ll wonder why you never stopped in before.

1. Williamsburg Snack Bar, Haydenville
Yelp/gunks n.
Yelp/gunks n.
Looking for a great seafood shack in Western Mass.? Look no further than the Williamsburg Snack Bar. Even born-and-raised Cape Codders will appreciate their delectable lobster roll. The sweet potato fries and fried clams are also favorites. They have plenty of outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your goodies in the fresh air of the Berkshires. For more information, visit the Williamsburg Snack Bar website.

Address: 109 Main St, Haydenville, MA 01039
2. Jake's, Northampton
Yelp/John F.
Yelp/Joie Y.
Situated right next to the historic Calvin Theater, this unassuming joint serves some of the best breakfast and brunch in the Valley. Big portions, low prices, and amazing flavors combine to make Jake's a local favorite. You just can't miss the delicious French Toast. For added convenience, there is a second Jake's location in Amherst. For more information, visit the Jake's website.

Address: 17 King St, Northampton, MA 01060
3. Pie Bar, Florence
Yelp/Hannah P.
Yelp/Michael M.
This is an adorable little shop that bakes fresh pies of the savory and sweet variety. The shop is cozy and quaint, frequently filled with hungry locals looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. The aroma in the shop is heavenly. You can't go wrong with their fresh blueberry pie, and for a savory treat, try the delicious bell pepper and cheddar quiche. For more information, visit the Pie Bar website.

Address: 17 A Main St, Florence, MA 01062
4. Strawbale Cafe, Westhampton
Yelp/Kate L.
Strawbale Cafe/Facebook
This place is so cute it's almost a crime. It's housed in an old barn on a farm and is just secluded enough that it normally doesn't have a wait. The setting is perfect, and the food is fresh and delicious. Try a fabulous pizza, either one from the menu, the rotating monthly special, or build your own. And don't forget to pick up some maple syrup while you're here. For more information, visit the Strawbale Cafe website.

Address: 188 N Rd, Westhampton, MA 01027
5. El Comalito, Amherst
Yelp/Dan R.
Yelp/Jacelyn P.
Hidden behind the inconspicuously located behind the Moan and Dove Pub and situated next to a gas station, you'd never think this place serves some of the best tacos in the area. This is more of a take-out joint (though they do have a few seats inside), so the food comes out fast. Try the pulled pork tacos, although they have plenty of vegetarian options, too. If you are looking for good hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Massachusetts, this one is hard to beat. For more information, visit the El Comalito website.

Address: 460 West St, Amherst, MA 01002
6. Bub’s BBQ, Sunderland
Yelp/Chelsea T.
Yelp/Shujian L.
Bub's has a cult following, and with good reason. This scruffy-looking shack is open in the warmer months and home to some of the most authentic BBQ and southern fare in the state. Try the pulled pork sandwich, the brisket sandwich, or the baby-back ribs, and you'll be a believer. Dining outside on the picnic tables is great in the warm weather. This is a good place to grab a heaping plate of mouthwatering BBQ without laying down a lot of cash. Bub's should be added to your list of must-visit restaurants in Massachusetts. For more information, visit the Bub's BBQ website.

Address: 676 Amherst Rd, Sunderland, MA 01375
7. Gardner Ale House, Gardner
Yelp/RH
Yelp/Ken G.
This little brewery isn't located in the thick of things, but it serves up amazing pub fare and beer made in-house. It's not a fancy eatery, but everything on the menu is thoughtfully made and absolutely mouthwatering. Try the Fig and Prociutto pizza for an extravaganza of flavor. For more information, visit the Gardner Ale House website.

Address: 74 Parker St, Gardner, MA 01440
8. Anne’s Dairy Drive-In, Orange
Yelp/Matt Q.
Yelp/Matt Q.
This place is amazing in terms of the amount of delicious grub you get for what seems like almost no cash. Anne's Dairy is open seasonally as a classic summer eatery that offers mouthwatering fried seafood, tasty lobster rolls and fresh, homemade ice cream. You can pull up a seat at the picnic tables or take your treats to go, but either way, you'll definitely want to save room for seconds. For more information, visit the Anne's Dairy Drive-in webpage.

Address: 360 E Main St, Orange, MA 01364
9. Mumma Mary's, Wareham
Yelp/Chato M.
Yelp/Jennifer C.
Mumma Mary's is a budget-friendly and absolutely delicious Italian cookery. Whether you're looking for piping-hot stuffed shells, the perfect grinder or yummy pizza, Mumma Mary's can provide. Look out for their specials on Pizza Day. This place is a steal! For more information, visit the Mumma Mary's website.

Address: 219 Main St, Wareham, MA 02571

For more hidden dining gems across Massachusetts, check out these 10 Bay State sandwiches that you must try before you die. What’s your favorite unsuspecting restaurant in Massachusetts?

Address: 109 Main St, Haydenville, MA 01039, USA
Address: 17 King St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA
Address: 17 Main St, Florence, MA 01062, USA
Address: 188 N Rd, Westhampton, MA 01027, USA
Address: 460 West St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
Address: 676 Amherst Rd, Sunderland, MA 01375, USA
Address: 74 Parker St, Gardner, MA 01440, USA
Address: 360 E Main St, Orange, MA 01364, USA
Address: 219 Main St, Wareham, MA 02571, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Unsuspecting Restaurants In Massachusetts

April 01, 2021
Melissa Mahoney

What Massachusetts diners should I visit?

With nostalgic allure, diners have long been go-to places for delicious eats through the decades. Both cities and small towns throughout the Bay State are graced with the presence of some incredible diners where you can get a filling meal. If you’re from Malden, you may be familiar with the iconic Doo Wop Diner and its 1950s theme. With a red countertop, jukebox, and black and white checkered floor, you’ll feel transported back in time. Order a classic diner meal named after a famous figure from the ear and don’t forget the milkshake. In Natick, you will find the oldest diner in Massachusetts. Casey’s Diner first opened in 1890 in a horse-drawn wagon until 1927 when it moved into the more permanent location it resides in today. Steamed hot dogs and burgers are the main specialty here but any of the classic breakfast items are satisfying as well. 

What are the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Massachusetts?

The best food can oftentimes be found in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and Massachusetts has some good ones! Head to Springfield for Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou On The Go, a Cajun-inspired restaurant that will make you feel like you’re in the southeast, not the northeast. You must get the jambalaya or a poboy, or both! Spanky’s Clam Shack in Hyannis is adored by locals and summer tourists alike. Located in the Hyannis Harbor, expect to get some super fresh seafood to chow down on. For information on these and more, head to our article, 9 ‘Hole In The Wall’ Restaurants In Massachusetts.

What must-visit restaurants in Massachusetts?

If you have a bucket list of restaurants to eat at in the Bay State, we have a list of 14 that you should add. The Lobster Pot in Provincetown has been a mainstay for many decades and serves up fresh seafood as well as Portuguese specialties. This iconic eatery is located in the heart of Commercial Street and, fun fact, Anthony Bourdain began his cooking career here. Head to the rolling countryside at Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton for some fresh fare. This restaurant has its own produce farm on-site and you can’t get any fresher than that. 

 

Address: 109 Main St, Haydenville, MA 01039, USA
Address: 17 King St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA
Address: 17 Main St, Florence, MA 01062, USA
Address: 188 N Rd, Westhampton, MA 01027, USA
Address: 460 West St, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
Address: 676 Amherst Rd, Sunderland, MA 01375, USA
Address: 74 Parker St, Gardner, MA 01440, USA
Address: 360 E Main St, Orange, MA 01364, USA
Address: 219 Main St, Wareham, MA 02571, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.