The Berkshires are made up of a chain of towns along the western border of Massachusetts. In the 19th century, it was the summer getaway for polite society with most of their mansions surrounding the Lenox area. Many of the mansions are gone, either burnt to the ground or have become hotels, but the genteel feeling of the area remains and it’s still a cultural center for music, dance and theater.

It’s also turning into a culinary destination. The distance from the farm to the table is short. Here it’s not a trend, it’s just the way they cook. This guide will help you find the more classic and quintessential places in the Berkshires for eating, drinking and food shopping. Check out our other FED | Guide for the newer spots.

To get the full Berkshires guide to local restaurants, bars and shops, download the free Find. Eat. Drink. iPhone guide with recommendations from local chefs and bartenders.

MORNING

Breakfast & Brunch

CAFFEINE FIX

Coffee & Photography | Shaker Dam Coffee

A small coffee house and gallery with photos taken by owner and photographer John Stanmeyer, who traveled the world as a photojournalist documenting war-torn areas for National Geographic. Located in a 1800s Shaker-style house in West Stockbridge, he’s more likely to chat with you about coffee brewing methods than f-stops. Get an iced coffee made with the in-house Japanese Oji water dripper that takes 8 hours to brew a cup.

2 Main Street, West Stockbrige, MA 01266 | T: 413.232.7707 | www.shakerdamcoffeehouse.com

Coffee | Lenox Coffee

Get your caffeine fix at this cafe owned by Berkshires native Gregg Charbonneau, who is the founder of Barrington Coffee Roasting Company in Lee.

“They source smaller farms and get different kinds of beans and they don’t over-roast.” - Chef Stephen Browning of Prairie Whale

52 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240 | T: 413.637.1606

SHOPS

Vanilla Extract Makers | Charles Baldwin & Sons

The Baldwins have been making small batch vanilla extract for over a century. Made in their basement of a former carriage shop, they use imported Bourbon Vanilla Beans from Madagascar and 100-year-old barrels for aging. They sell their extract, as well as ice cream toppings, sugar blends and their signature Worcestershire sauce all made using their vanilla.

1 Center Street, West Stockbridge, MA 01266
T: 413.232.7785 | www.baldwinextracts.com

European Imports | Bizalion's Fine Food

Jean-Francois Bizalion brings Marseilles to Great Barrington with his European cafe, bakery and specialty foods store. He imports micro-estate olive oils, European cheeses and charcuterie. They serve croissants, pain au chocolate, tartines, baguette sandwiches, coffee and wine.

“This shop is owned by a couple, one is French and the other is Irish. They make French-style sandwiches and import some crazy olive oils from France.” - Chef Stephen Browning of Prairie Whale

684 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230
T: 413.644.9988 | www.bizalions.com

FARM STAND & MARKET

LUNCH

Red Lion Inn

The first guests came by stage coach when the restaurant opened in 1773. Long on history, this grand New England inn still honors its tradition.

“The menu features local foods. Chef Brian Alberg raises his own pigs and features local everything, including house-made corn dogs. I love them.” - Restaurateur Nancy Thomas of Mezze Bistro + Bar, Allium Restaurant + Bar

“Chef Brian Alberg does in-house butchery and they have the best meat program.” - Chef Jeremy Stanton of The Meat Market

30 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA 10262 | T: 413.298.5545 | www.redlioninn.com

Burgers | Lantern Bar & Grill

Vintage neon sign, TVs playing in the background and waitresses that call you “Hon.”

“They started the same year as the Oscars. It's been here for over 85 years. It completely goes against me in one way, but it agrees in another. It's a $5 burger served in this historic room and they've been doing it as it’s been done for decades and there is something that feels really cool about that.” - Chef Bjorn Somlo of Nudel

455 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 | T: 413.448.2717 | lanternbarandgrill.com

AFTERNOON SNACK

DINNER

New American | Mezze Bistro + Bar

Chef Nicholas Moulton creates a menu focusing on the Berkshires region and nose-to-tale philosophy. Owner and beverage director Nancy Thomas has co-authored a few cocktail books, so make sure to check out the bar list.

“It’s a great place for a really nice meal. They deliver a solid product and they do a great job with everything.” - Chef Bjorn Somolo of Nudel

777 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, MA 01267
T: 413.458.0123 (Book a Table) | www.mezzerestaurant.com  

American | John Andrews

Chef Dan Smith has won the respect of local chefs for his seasonal, fine dining restaurant in an old farm house.

“It's always been obvious to chef Dan Smith to take advantage of the local sustainable agriculture. It didn’t seem that obvious to everybody 20 years ago, but it did to him. He makes amazing dishes, like lamb from Lila Berle’s farm and seared duck breast. His fried oysters are extraordinarily delicious which, not local but amazing.” - Chef Scott Cole of Monterey General Store

“Dan makes lambcetta with Lila Berle's lamb and it’s really terrific.” - Chef Brian Alberg of The Red Lion Inn

“For chef Dan Smith's sweetbreads and farm-to-table loveliness. He’s got outdoor dining and a fireplace, so in any season it’s an even more special treat to dine here. And Eric knows his cocktails, too.” - Chef Daire Rooney of Allium Restaurant + Bar

224 Hillsdale Road, South Egremont, MA 01258
T: 413.528.3469 (Book a Table) | www.jarestaurant.com

LATE NIGHT

Wine & Tapas | Brava

Wine by the glass, beer on tap, small plate tapas-style, pizzas, cheeses and charcuterie. You’ll see chefs and summer stock performers coming in for late night bites.

“They serve a whole range of wines and I can get food until midnight.” - Chef Brian Alberg of The Red Lion

“This is cool tapas bar. I like to come in for the Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp with garlic).” - Chef Franck Tessier of Chez Nous

Open until 1am
27 Housatonic Street, Lenox, MA 01240 | T: 413.637.9171