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[[Category:Guides]] [[Category:Dining]]
Where's there to eat around here? Don't want to eat at the [[dining hall]]? Here are some restaurants that are nearby, cheap, or good.
== 6 House Pub ==
The 6 House Pub, just three minutes south on [[Route 7]] next to the 1896 House, is legend amongst old Williams alum for the place to be to hang out. Re-opened this past July of 2005, the 6 House offers a very simple menu of [[Great sandwiches|sandwiches]], salads, pasta, and burgers for your dining pleasure. The burgers are just plain awesome, probably the best in town, and the wings are almost (but not quite) on a level comparable to [[#Ye Olde Forge|Ye Olde Forge]], but much closer to town. The [[beer]] selection, while not nearly as expansive as the Forge's, is still decent in its own respect. Perhaps the greatest trait of the 6 House is that it is close to campus and just a great place to hang out with a quaint bar area (including a big screen and 6 tvsTVs) and very pleasant dining room with fire place and outdoor terrace with fire pit. The prices are also very fair for the amount of food you get. Try it some time, you won't be disappointed. Especially if you get the warm brownie sundae...
910 Cold Spring Rd
Williamstown, MA
== Angelina's Subs ==
240 Main St.
Williamstown, MA
== Antonio's Pizza (in AmHerst) ==
If you're passing through [[Amherst]] to watch the Ephs defeat the dirty 'herst, do yourself a favor and stop in here for some of the BEST pizza in Western Massachusetts. They offer big portions (by the slice) and a huge and interesting variety of toppings. According to Dennis the security officer, the guy who runs it is a millionaire. Just from selling pizza by the slice in a college town. The spicy chicken blue cheese and the sicillian Sicilian pizzas come highly reccomended. Definitely worth the drive. (There is also one in Providence, RI.)
31 N. Pleasant St
Amherst, MA
[http://www.antoniospizzas.com/ Website]
- Pizza Hut
- Quizno's
- Panera (down the road)
- Starbucks (a real one)
- Taco Bell
== Berkshire Mall Dining ==
102 Hunt St
Bennington, VT
== Cafe Latino ==
IT'S CLOSED NOW! =(
Located on the Mass MoCA campus, this swanky restaurant is owned by the same people who run Mezze. The food is good, if a bit pricey. Its funky atmosphere, interesting menu, and quality food make it a nice change of pace from time to time, for dates, special occasions, or just a burning desire for something different, but with a rather small selection of main dishes, it's difficult to go there frequently without getting bored.
1111 MASS MoCA Way
Building #11, North Adams, MA
413-.662-.2004
== Chef's Hat ==
Great and Cheap Dinercheap diner, with a laid -back, homey atmosphere. For 10 5 dollars a person you can get a feast solid meal - for 5 10, a solid mealfeast. I recommend their homefrieshome fries, reuben, country -fried steak (the gravy has sausage in it and is a meal in itself), and peach and walnut waffles. For Sunday brunch you can't beat it - though you may have to wait a few minutes to get a table, the service is quick and the apple-cinnamon french toast is well worth it.
905 Simonds Rd., Rt. 7 north
Williamstown, MA
== Chopsticks ==
412 Main St
Williamstown, MA
== Colonial Pizza ==
[[Constantine]], the proprietor, is a minor [[Route 2]] celebrity. This pushy flirt almost invariably concludes his phone exchanges with "OK, I take care of you" in a Greek immigrant accent. Anyway, the pizza is pretty good and solidly mediocre to downright terrible but not too pricey, although not many people swear by the crustthough it's better than Domino's. The calzones aren't bad, either. Colonial's delivers to Williams, and closes at 1am on weekdays and 2am on the weekend. Why do they still answer the phone when they're closed? They bring your hopes up, then crush them. Possibly the best late night drunk food in town. Beware the famous Colonial Hangover.
The chicken parm calzone with blue cheese is real good.
234 Main St.
Williamstown, MA 01267-2641
[http://www.amazon.com/gp/yp/imap.html?asin=B0003SOERO&ostr=&ocity=&ostate=&ozip=&destlat=42.702002&destlong=-73.184498&storePhone=4134589009&storeState=MA&storeZip=01267-2641&storeCity=Williamstown&storeStr=234%20Main%20St&storeName=Colonial%20Pizza map]
The newest offering in off-campus dining, Coyote Flaco is a short drive away on [[Route 7]] South, not far from [[Sheep Hill]]. Upon entering, you'll immediately encounter the congenial hostess who will take you to your table. She'll hand you the drinks menu, which is an impressive collection of different kinds of margaritas. They have over 50 kinds of Tequila, ranging from the house brand to the likes of Cuervo Reserva de la Familia; make sure to bring a designated driver along in order to enjoy some tasty drinks. Although the sign outside reads that the restaurant offers "Mexican and Spain cuisine", there is sadly only one Iberian offering--the Paella Valenciana.
If you sit really still while you're reading the menu, you might notice the Mariache music playing in the background at about 4 decibels. This is really a New England restaurant with a Mexican veneer as thin as their salsa. Burritos, nachos, and fajitas are described in an illegible "fancy script" font, and the food will almost certainly disappoint your "Mex-pectations"Mexpectations. It's tasty, to be sure, but the average spiciness level is somewhere between Gerber and Baked Potato. And the portions will make you thank God for [[dinner points]]. For example, the "Deluxe Nachos" consists of exactly four circular nachos, neatly arranged in a square. I wish I were kidding. The only thing Mexican about the experience is the speed of service, which makes the [[1914 Library]] seem like [[Wal-Mart]]. There was approximately a one-year interval between when we were seated and when we placed our orders. The waitstaff is generally helpful, and both the manager and the hostess will periodically check on you to make sure that you are enjoying your petite, well-mannered, New England meal.
I have to disagree with the previous post. The service at Coyote Flaco was wonderful, other than the fact that they brought us a full pitcher of margaritas instead of the half-pitcher that we ordered. They were prompt, the food was delicious, the margaritas were tasty, and the sweet, guitar-playing man walked around and played a little something at each table, in addition to chatting with everyone around.
I absolutely agree that Coyote Flaco is excellent. It isn't the MOST authentic Mexican food, but I will defend that it has the most authentic Enchiladas Suizas I have ever had North of Austin, Texas. I think of it as the best food in Williamstown, certainly.
I also agree with the positive reviews. Though the food may not be true Mexican cuisine, it is very tasty in an upscale -New -England -college -town sort of way. The service is excellent because, unlike many places in Williamstown, the waiters/waitresses seem to realize that your business actually supplies their paycheck. If you're torn between here and Desparados, Coyote Flaco is the clear winner.
505 Cold Spring Rd.
Williamstown, MA
== Cozy Corner ==
Cozy Corner serves store-bought frozen pizza, and very greasy Greek food. The food is bad... save your money.
... Not entirely sure what the above commenter meant by "store-bought frozen pizza." There is a certain similarity in the crusts (the thick, crunchy, doughy kind that shoots the difference between deep-dish and NY style), but it's like saying dining hall sushi is as good as the best tuna-belly sashimi in that they both involve fish. Yes, Cozy Corner is probably the best pizza in Williamstown: tasty toppings, delicious crust, and very reasonable prices. Also, they serve a mean cocktail.
Certainly not store-bought frozen pizza. Everything is made in-house and it is without doubt the best pizza in Williamstown. I also ask for my pizza well done ... I love an extra crunchy crust.
Take Rt. 7 north
850 Simonds Rd.
Williamstown, MA
== Desperado's ==
Located in Colonial Plaza, probably ''just'' too far to walk (though you can certainly do that if you want to). It looks kind of like a hole in the wall, but Tex-Mex makes for a nice change from the Spring Street restaurants.
Pretty standard American -fast -food -type texTex-mex Mex fare-- Nothing nothing too well seasoned or too savory. Frankly, the food is downright mediocre. Just a basic alternative to wrap night.
It's pretty easy to get served alcohol here, perhaps easiest at the Desperados in North Adams.
Colonial Shopping Plaza, Route 2
Williamstown, MA
== Dunkin' Donuts ==
Two convenient locations!
'''Williamstown''': A few minutes' walk east of campus on Route 2 (on the right, opposite Cumberland Farms). Best [[coffee]] in town, but closes at 10. Now accepting credit and debit cards.
'''North Adams''': Further east on Route 2, at the intersection with 8A. Open 24 hours!
Elizabeth's, 1264 East St.
Pittsfield, 01201
== Gideon's ==
24 Marshall St.
North Adams, MA
== Helen's Place ==
== Hickory Bill's Bar-B-Que ==
== Hobson's Choice ==
Located on the west side of [[Water Street]] between Latham and Meacham, Hobson's Choice offers excellent "American cuisine and seafood" for moderate prices. It features a make-your-own-salad bar, and the cozy atmosphere is highlighted by lots of those little hand-crafted puzles puzzles where you have to get a metal ring off some convoluted intertwining of other metal rings and triangles and bars. You know the sort. [[Brent Yorgey|I]] highly recommend the Cajun blackened swordfish/tuna.
On the other hand, other people find the prices exorbitantly high for either small portions or mediocre food. It used to be better, now it's a pretentious, overpriced restaurant with nothing special.
This poster did not see any puzzles in 2010-2011, but the cozy atmosphere remains. The restaurant is in a smallish house that must be at least a hundred years old--so, there's lots of nice old wood and even a fireplace. The food is mostly classic American dishes and is slightly upscale. [[Meredith Sopher|I]] wouldn't say it's overpriced.
Not to be confused with [http://afactor.net/hcf/index.html Hobson's Choice in Williamstown, Victoria, Australia]. You may also be interested to know the [http://www.wordorigins.org/wordorh.htm#Hobson's origin of the phrase] (a "hobson's choice" is a supposed choice where there is really no choice at all; presumably, in this context the implication is that one has no choice but to eat at the restaurant, since the food is so good).
159 Water Street
Williamstown, MA 01267
== Hot Tomatoes ==
Simply the best pizza you are likely to find anywhere in Western Massachusetts (assuming you have a rare audiovisual disorder that somehow places [[#Little Anthony's Pizza|Little Anthony's]] tantalizingly beyond your field of perception / you are not from New York). People from New York need to get off their high horse and realize that Hot Tomatoes comes much closer to the type of fresh pizza found in Italy, and real Italian pizzamakers wouldn't wipe their behinds with most NYC slices. Somewhat expensive ($20 for a large pie), no side dishes, they often don't deliver, and they close too early. However, the pizza makes it all worthwhile. The crust beats [[#Colonial Pizza|Colonial's]] any day. Get adventurous: try the pizza with pesto (instead of tomato sauce) and shrimp, or try eggplant as a topping.
Of the people I know, about half prefer Colonials to Hot Tomatoes and vice versa. One of its criticisms is its sweet and chunky tomato sauce which they use a good deal of. But for others, the sauce is one of the highlights of Hot Tomatoes pizza.
Hot Tomatoes is fine if you like designer foofy pizza. I doubt it would make the cut for someone with native NYC pizza taste buds.
Located at the intersection of Latham St. and Water St., near the [[#Water Street Grill|Water Street Grill]]. Just start walking south on Water St. at the bookstore, and the smell of fresh pizza will guide you.
I agree with the third comment. As a native New Yorker, this pizza has never cut it for me.
100 Water St., Route 43
Williamstown, MA
== House of India ==
Amazing Indian restaurant in Pittsfield. Blows Spice Root right out of the water.
False. Most bland Blandest curry I have ever eaten!
261 North Street
Pittsfield, MA
== Isabella's ==
896 State Rd. (Rt. 2)
North Adams, MA 01247
== Jack's Hot Dog Stand ==
What a place. Located at 12 Eagle Street in North Adams, this hot dog stand is famous among locals for its chili cheese fries and 95 -cent hot dogs and "hamburgs" (as they're called in North Adams). All items on the menu are cheap and delicious. Probably the best choice for lunch or dinner in [[North Adams]], especially when you're in the mood for something greasy and delicioustasty. Jack's can't be beat, especially because Chef Mike, the infamous carrot-topped chef, has an impeccable memory and remembers exactly what each of the regular clientele eats. Be wary of the time however, as Mike's prima donna personality increasingly becomes an issue as it nears closing time and the hot North Adams's party scene (where he is a huge player)revs up. The best way to go for dinner is one chili cheese dog, two double bacon "cheeseburgs", and an order of chili cheese fries.
Open since 1917.
They do deliver to Williamstown, but it's probably best to get your food fresh. No credit cards accepted--cash only.
12 Eagle St.
North Adams, MA
== Jae's Inn ==
1111 South State Street
North Adams, MA
== Jae's Spice ==
--CLOSED-- as of Spring 2011
A new Jae's opened by the chef from Jae's Inn restaurant formerly in Williamstown.
297 North Street
Pittsfield MA
== Lickety Split ==
Lickety Split is great for ice creamback, at the bottom of course, but also serves a nice quiche and salad lunch (among other things) during the academic year. The BLTs are to die for, and the simple grilled cheese is cheaper and just as good as pappa charlies. Lickety Split also has the worst service EVER. Expect to be rushed and to be treated rudely. Speak in extremely simple and explicit language when ordering,or the ice-cream girl will roll her eyes at you when she gets your order wrong. 69 Spring Street Williamstown, MA (413) 458-1818St
== Little Anthony's Pizza ==
OUT OF BUSINESS. This is very unfortunate because they had the closest-to-NYC-pizza.
== McDonald's ==
17 Union St.
North Adams, MA
==Mezze Bar and Bistro==
Located on Water Street just next door to The Browns. The food is delicious and although it's called new American cuisine, the menu seems to focus on foods from local farms and artisan cheesemakers, which is cool and on par with the sustainable green movement. Warm atmosphere, cozy bar and really great service. Nice [http://www.mezzerestaurant.com/ website], too.
Dinner nightly at 5pm.
16 Water Street Williamstown, Ma 01267( 413) .458-.0123 [http://www.mezzeinc.com]
== Michael's ==
460 Main St.
Williamstown, MA
== The Mill on the Floss ==
This cosy yet refined French restaurant 15 minutes down Route 7 has been around for 30 years. It used to be the only game in town when it came to fine dining, but its star shines less brightly now with so many more options close to Williamstown. That said, it remains a favorite for special occasions, such as graduation. Unlike its newer rivals, the Mill on the Floss knows what it does best - French country cooking - and has a well-trained staff and a consistently good menu. Good wine, too.
Agree. I especially recommend the tournadeu with bearnaise sauce and the prosciutto with melon.
Agree. The lighting is a bit dim, but the restaurant is in such a beautiful old building and the food is sublime.
Disagree. I've only been there once, but I would never go again. They charred my steak--which I requested rare--twice; the third time they brought it out I thought it wasn't worthwhile to complain again. Everything else was pretty bad too, and decidedly bland. If you want mediocre, overpriced food, Mezze is a better bet: it's both less expensive and tastier.
342 Route 7
New Ashford, MA
== Moonlight Diner ==
408 Main St.
Williamstown, MA
== Moulton's Pizzeria ==
Located on the [http://tinyurl.com/2p9ko7 corner] of Main St. and Eagle St. in North Adams.
For those who are looking for a quality pizza at a good price, Moulton's can't be beat—Hot beat; Hot Tomatoes is pretty good (depending on who you ask of course, opinion on campus is split on their chunky tomato sauce), but it's more of an "occasion" pizza because of the prices, ; and Colonial's is falling behind the times, as anything above a cheese pizza is not worth what they charge (and don't be fooled, the prices on their takeout menu are outdated).
A large 16" cheese will run you '''$8.50''' (that's right, $8.50...it says $9.50 on their menu, but just mention the #5 coupon when you call in the order). (and is this coupon still valid in 2011?) They've got plenty more of the usual fare on the menu, but the pizza alone is definitely the roundtrip round trip into NA North Adams (or the $1 charge for delivery + tip...be sure to plan ahead, it can take them a while to get your pizza up to campus).
Good pizza, competitively priced, delivers to campus ($1 charge, but no minimum order), accepts Visa and MasterCard, and a menu with a whole set of coupons every time you get food from them (even though you don't even need to give them the coupon).
117 Main Street
North Adams, MA
== Pappa Charlie's Deli ==
Also it doesn't hurt that the owners are wicked awesome and they have cute girls working there. ;)
28 Spring St.
Williamstown, MA
== Purple Pub ==
A friendly and unpretentious pub located behind Subway. Make friends with the staff, and you will get great service. Don't go there to act like a drunken jackass - Williams students have a bad reputation at this place and other bars or pubs in town. [http://wso.williams.edu/facebook/view?unix=07rb This author's] favorite place to grab a leisurely Sunday lunch. Burgers and wings are cheaper than at the Red Herring or the Water Street Grill. A hearty meal of a burger (try the tanglerTangler) and fries with a good cold draught beer (try the local Berkshire Brewing Company beers on tap) can be had for less than $15 - beats Subway "sandwiches" or dining hall "brunch" on those lazy weekend afternoons.
[[http://www.thepurplepub.com/ Link to Website]]
8 Bank Street
Williamstown MA 01247
== Rattlesnake Cafe ==
Service is usually lightning-fast, but be prepared to wait if you go at busy times. Excellent Tex-Mex restaurant - don't expect anything authentic, but what they do serve they do very well. Buy extra salsa to take home!
230 North St.
Bennington, VT
== Red Herring ==
Located on Spring Street, below [[Images Cinema]]; (turn left and go downstairs before entering thecinema). Good beers on tap and a few hearty entreesand snacks. Decent wings, and probably the best placein town for burgers. Best to avoid on Friday andSaturday nights when you will be lucky if thebartender even acknowledges your existence in thecrowd.
Or... best to attend on Friday or Saturday nights,when you won't be the only person there.
WARNING: DO NOT TRUST your credit card to the bartender by opening a tab. They have "lost" credit cards in the past, offering no compensation.
Salad, Quesadillas, Pasta Primavera, Thai Wings, and
of course, fantastic burgers/fries.
The prices are more than reasonable for the quality of the food and the atmosphere is very laid-back. Watch tv TV while you eat at the bar, sit outside if it's a nice night, or eat in the dining area. Definitely go to the Herring for dinner sometime. You won't be disappointed.
On a related note, don't ever go there with a fake i.d. ID that has the smallest chance of being taken away. Or for that matter, don't ever go with a real id either. The Red Herring has a twitch that compulsively takes people's i.d.s IDs away (fake or not). You'll cry, we'll all cry, and you'll still be i.d.ID-less.
46 Spring St.
Williamstown, MA
413.458.2808 == Saigon ==Vietnamese food in rural Massachusetts?! Surely not?! 66 Spring St.Williamstown, MA(413) 458-28083588
== Subway ==
Semi-delicious, cheapest sandwiches in town. Ask about the discounted sandwich of the day. You will have eaten at one of these before. Ask for the special spicy sauce (it's red in colour - I don't remember its name but it's awesome). Ask for extra napkins if you get the sweet onion teriyaki sub because that sauce just goes everywhere. Closes (DON'T) avoid the meatball sub. Eat the Italian BMT. Savory turkey breast with bacon is good too early though.
North Adams: 1 Main St North Adams MA 01247 413.664.8020 Spring St.: 51 31 Spring St. Williamstown, MA (413) 458-260001267
== Spice Root ==
Spice Root is a mid -sized restaraunt on Spring Street that serves Indian food. The food is as close to authentic Indian that you'll find within a pretty good radius, and tastes quite good. Modestly priced student meals are available ($11 for a sit in meal and $7 for a take away of small proportions) The Naan naan bread is good, as is the tandoori chicken. The chole (pronounced chho-lay) served with a student meal is excellent.
Not for the hard-core Indian food fans who might be offended by the mixture of North Indian and South Indian cuisines (note that Indian restaurants ''in India'' often do the same thing), but definitely worth a try. Check out the buffet lunch for $8 -- an excellent deal any day! However, since the buffet tries to cater to everyone, it's terribly bland. Dinner dishes can be ordered extra-spicy.
Actually, I HIGHLY recommend trying out the chicken jalfrezi with nan (ask them to make it spicier than usual)
NOT a good idea at all if you're catering for a group. They'll basically rip you off - we got trays with ridiculously small amounts of chicken and paneer swimming in tons of gravy, and none of the regular sides like raita or chole, even though we paid according to regular menu prices. They are also often (reasonably) annoyed with large groups of students, which makes a lot of sense because we can be pretty uncouth.
23 Spring St
Williamstown, MA
==Sushi Thai Garden==
For extra authenticity, don't say "Pad Thai" with an 'a' like in 'paddy'. It's more like a cross between the 'a' in father mixed with 'putt'.
Surprisingly inexpensive for lunch, and quite generous portions (at a higher price) for dinner. Biggest complaint: some of the staff can seem rude and abrupt, though this might be due to a language/culture gap. They've definitely improved their friendliness over the last three few years.
Ask for chilli chili sauce and/or peanut sauce on the side. If you don't like extremely sugary, dried up pad thai, do not get pad thai from here. Rolls are also on the more rice-packed side than ideal if you're used to good sushi and rolls.
27 Spring St.
Williamstown, MA
== Water Street Grill ==
123 Water Street
Williamstown, MA
== Williams Inn ==
Sometimes called The Barn, this is one of the best places to get an overpriced bite on campus. If your rich friend's mom is staying at the Williams Inn, be sure to butter her up so that you get invited to dinner that night. Bring a large bag to take some of the sourdough home. Note that if you pursue a Winter Study internship with WorldCare, you will receive a catered lunch from the Williams Inn. The Sunday brunch is not to be missed. Beg, borrow, or steal your way to one of those meals. For the more, but not absolutely, ethically endowed, keep an eye on speakers coming to campus sponsored by departments and special-interest clubs. Many clubs take a speaker who stays overnight out to the brunch the next day, and students are invited to come on [[Uncle Eph]]'s tab. Frequently, there are even more seats than demand! Bring your significant other on a free date!
In Spring 2006, some students alleged that a brunch at the Inn was responsible for an outbreak of [http://www.williamsrecord.com/wr/?view=article§ion=news&id=7965 food poisoning], but the cases were never officially tied to the Williams Inn, nor did any more cases develop after the isolated incident.
1090 Main St.
Williamstown, MA
== Ye Olde Forge ==
Don't forget to have a designated driver!
This is a classic getaway, especially for upperclassmen, but over the years it has become increasingly popular among the Williams community. A perfect night at the Forge involves several of their quality beers on tap (they normally have about 15 on tap at any time in addition to almost 300 more bottled varieties available), a cup of chili with cheese and top it off with some Dean's Original wings (the buffalo style). Contrary to popular belief, the Forge also does food other than wings, some of which is also very tasty. Try the foccaccias. If you don't order wings make sure you get a side of Deans sauce to dip in.
On the poster above the urinal in the male bathroom you may witness ongoing communication between two 05's (Shokstar and Z-mac) who loved the place more than anything else and still return there every other weekend despite having graduated and living several hours away.
The butternut squash quesadillas are really good. <strike>But not as good as the Deans, which are greatthe best ever.</strike> It's all about the Buff Orpingtons, baby -- sweet and gooey and a Forge exclusive. Williams College connection: The Forge is run by a former Faculty House chef. The weekends produce an absolute mad house ... find a good weekday night to dine.
125 North Main Street
Lanesboro, Massachusetts, 01237
==See also==
*[[Coffee]]
