27
edits
Changes
no edit summary
{{Outdated}}[[Category:Guides]] [[Category:Dining]]Where's there to eat around here?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. See also == 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 [[Coffeebeer]]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 TVs) 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 413.458.1896 == Angelina's Subs ==
== 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 ( 413) .253-.0808
[http://www.antoniospizzas.com/ Website]
== Berkshire Crossing Dining ==
- Applebee's
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut
- Quizno's
- Panera (down the road)
- Starbucks (a real one)
- Taco Bell
- Wendy's
== Berkshire Mall Dining ==
- McDonald's
- Pizza Hut (express)
- Starbuck's (express)
== Blue Benn Diner ==
Located in Bennington (Keep driving up Rt. 7 through Bennington.) You'll see an authentic, tiny diner on your left. An amazing variety of food available, from meatloaf to french fries. Not high class, but still delicious.The harvest pancakes are especially good. No one should leave Williams without going here. 102 Hunt St Bennington, VT 802.442.5140 == 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 ==
== Chopsticks ==
The "party room" in the back lefthand corner of Chopsticks is the scene of many sake-bombing experiences. [[Frosh Revue ]] and the [[Men's Golf Team ]] are frequent partakers of the messiest fun that can be had in the beaded, soundproofed area. Make sure to ask for Sharon as a waitress, who may bang the table with you, or at least bring her cute daughter out to watch.
== 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 "midnight" (11:30-midnight) 1am on weekdaysand 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 413.458.9009[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]Phone: (413) 458-9009
== Coyote Flaco ==
== Cozy Corner ==
Unknown to most students, probably because it doesn't deliver, but possibly the best pizza place in Williamstown.
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 ( 413) .458-.3854
== 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 the food is good. 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.
If you show your driver's license, they'll give you a free dinner on your birthday.
Colonial Shopping Plaza, Route 2
Williamstown, MA
413.458.2100
== Dunkin' Donuts ==
== Elizabeth's ==
This small Italian restaurant is run out of what seems to be a small house by the side of the road in Pittsfield, about a 45 minute drive from campus. Reservations are recommended, and do not blow one off without calling them, or come significantly late, as you may be blacklisted. Show up, and the service here is unsurpassed, an absolute joy. The cook, Tom, may serve you personally, lay a meaty hand on your shoulder and chat with you, and occassionally brings Williams students free appetizers. They love us there.
* They don't take credit cards. Bring cash or a check.
Elizabeth's, 1264 East St. Pittsfield, 01201. Tel. ( 413) .448-.8244
== Gideon's ==
== Gramercy Bistro ==
A small, cozy bistro right near Mass MOCA. Excellent appetizers (especially the crab cake with a light wasabi sauce) and pretty nice desserts (the chocolate cake with raspberry hits the spot), but the entrees themselves were on the weak side. Reservations recommended. [http://www.gramercybistro.com/ Website]. Phone: ( 24 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 413) .663-.5300.
== Helen's Place ==
159 Water Street Williamstown, MA 01267 413.458.9101 == Hickory BillHot 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 Bar-B-Que ==]] 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.
== Hobson's Choice House of India ==Amazing Indian restaurant in Pittsfield. Blows Spice Root right out of the water.
== 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.Phone: 413-664-9006. Open since 1917.
They do deliver to Williamstown, but it's probably best to get your food fresh. No credit cards accepted--cash only.
Your arteries clog just by looking at the grill, but the food is great!
12 Eagle St.
North Adams, MA
413.664.9006
[http:www.jackshotdogstand.com]
== Jae's Inn ==
== Little Anthony's Pizza Lickety Split ==
== McDonald's ==
Located a block past the overpass on Rte. 2, the North Adams McDonald's is almost always visited by Williams students between the hours of 1:30 and 5 a.m., the time when it's the only hot food in town. Caveat esor.
17 Union St.
North Adams, MA
413.664.7272
==Mezze Bar and Bistro==
Located a couple of stores before on Water Street Booksjust next door to The Browns. The fancy restaurant you get your parents food is delicious and although it's called new American cuisine, the menu seems to take you to when they're in townfocus 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. Chef Joji Sumi has added a few menu items that reflect his background, blending classic French technique with the influences of his Japanese heritage. His "small plate" gyoza (Japanese dumplings filled with pork) are a hit and the daily specials are always interesting. Not all new dishes have a Japanese accent, however, and the entrees I've tried are all really good. Worth a visit for sure. If your parents are in town, get them to foot the bill and order every course!
== Michael's ==
Lovely Greek/Italian restaurant located a few minutes' walk east of campus on Rt. 2 (on the left before you get to Cumberland Farms). Solid entrees, priced between $10 and $14. Friendly serviceOne of the friendliest restaurants in town. Free garlic bread and soup or salad with any entree, which makes it a good value. Order a carafe of retsina and try the Greek desserts - the baklava and the galaktobouriko are to die for. Note that the The malts are also quite good. Their hours can be a bit iffy...do a quick drive-by first to see if they're openor call them before you go. 460 Main St. Williamstown, but if they are, definitely go inMA 413.458.2114 [http://http://www.michaelsofwilliamstown.com/]
== The Mill on the Floss ==
== Moonlight Diner ==
The Pot of Gold, two half potatoes stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheese, and meat, is recommended for breakfast.
408 Main St.
Williamstown, MA
413.458.3305
== 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 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 round trip into 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).
Hours: Mon-Thu (11am-10pm), Fri-Sat (11am-11pm), Sun (12-10pm),
Here's their [http://www.moultonspizzeria.com/ website] with the complete menu.
117 Main Street
North Adams, MA
413.663.3770
413.664.6279
413.664.6888
== Pappa Charlie's Deli ==
Tastier than Subway, but also slightly more expensive. They make all sorts of deliciously overstuffed [[sandwiches]] named after celebrities. Mad crowded at lunch, and whenever any parents are in town. They make all sorts of sandwiches named after celebrities. Their gyros are surprisingly weak. Don't forget about the tasty juice/smoothie bar - call ahead to place an order to avoid waiting in the basementline!
Try the Richard Chamberlain for the delicious turkey/cranberry sauce you've always known belonged together on a sandwich. Freaking delicious-- can't go wrong.
== Purple Pub ==
BACK IN BUSINESS 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 Tangler) and fries with a good cold draught beer (try the local Berkshire Brewing Company beers on tap) can be had for less than $10 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
413.458.3306
Fax: 413.458.2586
== Rattlesnake Cafe ==
Large portions of food and well worth the trip. To get there, take Rt. 7 most of the way through Bennington. It will be hidden back a ways on your left, and very brightly colored.
== Red Herring ==
CLOSED Located on Spring Street, below [[Images Cinema ]]; (turn left and go downstairs before entering the cinema). Good beers on tap and a few hearty entrees and snacks. Decent wings, and probably the best place in town for burgers. Best to avoid on Friday and Saturday nights when you will be lucky if the bartender even acknowledges your existence in the crowd.
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.
Also, go on Sunday and/or Monday nights when Dennis is
bartending. Ask for a Lavelle. It's pretty much the
best drink out there.
Be sure to ask for the specials. The food is great,
and Mark usually makes some amazing entrees outside of
the norm. He used to be a chef for the Taconic
Restaurant. You might get things like Shrimp Scampi over Angel
Hair, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chicken Oscar and a few others.
Some of their main entrees include the Sesame Chicken
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 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 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 IDs away (fake or not). You'll cry, we'll all cry, and you'll still be ID-less.
== Saigon ==
CLOSED
== 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. Down Route 2: 384 Main St.Ste 4 Williamstown MA 01267 413.458.7015
== 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 ($10 11 for a sit in meal and $5 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)
Thai tips: If you have never eaten Thai food before, the Pad Thai iced tea is a good thing to order. Except that it's not really that much like real pad thai, it's too sweet and the noodles are very chewydelicious beverage. Also, Thai iced tea rocks. For dessert, the Thai custard is delightfulHighly recommended. Try going at lunch, when the portions and quality are as good, but discounted about 25% over dinner prices!
For extra authenticity, don't say "Pad Thai iced coffee is even better than Thai iced tea" with an 'a' like in 'paddy'. It's more like a cross between the 'a' in father mixed with 'putt'.
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 Street, St. Williamstown, MA ( 413) .458-.0004
== Water Street Grill ==
Prices average $12 for a full entree, or $7 - $10 for anything on the lunch-geared "pub menu." The burger platter, at a reasonable ~$7 with all toppings included, is a favorite for a cheap quick meal for some. Other meals in between. True to expectations for this kind of restaurant, portions are hearty, but again note this is American pub fare: don't seek the flavorful or unique here.
== 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 413.458.9371
== 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 413.442.6797
=Map=<googlemap heightSee also="500" width="300" lat="42.679407" lon="-73.148346" zoom="7">42.884958,-73.197184,[[#Blue Benn Diner]]42.705608,-73.189433,[[#Moonlight Diner]]42.710191,-73.204179,[[#Lickety Split]]42.710160,-73.199329,[[#Mezze Bar and Bistro]]42.701235,-73.174181,[[#Jae's Inn]]42.882977,-73.196497,[[#Rattlesnake Cafe]]42.529302,-73.227482,[[#Ye Olde Forge]]42.452911,-73.223791,*[[#Elizabeth'sCoffee]]</googlemap>