Going to be in the area this weekend and looking for a place to grab a casual meal and some good beers before heading back to Boston. I checked the BA Directory and didn't really see anything of note. Any suggestions? Thanks.
The only place I've been out there is the Northampton Brewery: http://www.northamptonbrewery.com/ The beer wasn't super exciting but it was respectable, I really enjoyed my food and they have a great deck that's a fun place to hang out.
I can't recommend Northampton Brewery in good conscience, other than for the deck..the beer is forgettable (being generous here) and their guest taps seem to be the only sure bet if you are forced to imbibe there. Food was unremarkable at best, chicken nuggets and uninspired quesadillas with foodservice grade ingredients among the safe options. My apologies to the above poster, but I just don't see how anyone could spend their money here when there are so many other restaurants (far beyond beer-oriented places) in Northampton that blow this place clear out of the water. Northampton is the restaurant/dining mecca for Western Mass, don't shortchange yourself when lucky enough to visit the area. Check High Horse/Moan & Dove in Amherst, Lady Killigrew in Montague, Sierra Grille/Dirty Truth in Northampton. If you're stuck in Springfield, Smith's Billiards/Theodore's BBQ or The Student Prince (strictly German offerings) are suitable choices. Palmer and Chicopee are unfortunately dead-zones, but luckily close (within reason) to the above.
+1 for Dirty Truth in Northampton. Much better place than the Northampton Brewery IMO. +1 for Smith' Billiards/Theodore's. Also, their beer fest - the Worthy Street Craft Brewfest - is getting better each year.
A little bit further on, but these guys just opened in Brimfield and will be pouring on Saturday: http://www.treehousebrew.com/ I haven't tried any of their beers, but a fellow BA knows them and loves their stuff. There's no food, but a few places nearby.
If you're looking for somewhere in Chicopee, Munich Haus has a decent selection of German beers/food.
About 20 minutes from Holyoke is the Opa Opa Brewpub/steakhouse. It's a big casual steak and BBQ restaurant that has about 15 of their own brews on tap. They're not astounding, but I think their porters and stouts are tasty matches along with their BBQ. I enjoyed my visit...
Go up to Amherst Brewing Co. House beers and guest list are really good. +1 for the lady kKilegrew in Montague as well Cheers
what he said. also i'll add another +1 for lady killigrew. it's a little out of the way, but it's worth it i think.
