Finding casual dining spots in the Berkshires for our guests to enjoy is one of the pleasures of being an innkeeper. Dozens of restaurants line the main streets and back roads of all the towns and villages that comprise the region. American eateries, fine dining establishments, intimate bistros, and international cuisine options abound. But when you’re in the mood for something simple, served in a relaxed atmosphere, with a menu that meets the needs of everyone in your party, you might need a little guidance to find the best option.
Lee, Lenox, and Great Barrington lead the list of where to find the best restaurants in the Berkshires. But you could also travel further afield to combine a casual dining experience with a bit of sightseeing.
Some of the most popular Berkshire restaurants are right here in Lee. The Morgan House and 51 Park spring to mind whenever we are asked for a local recommendation. And if you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Lenox, MA, we consider Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano one of the top contenders.
The food scene in the Berkshires continues to expand and delight with longtime favorites and welcomed newcomers. So, bring your appetite next time you come to western Massachusetts. Here are the top casual dining spots in the Berkshires that always satisfy.
Prairie Whale
178 Main St, Great Barrington
Open Thursday through Monday starting at 5:00 PM
Located in a former antique mart and bookstore, Prairie Whale in Great Barrington evokes an atmosphere of old-world charm. With paneled walls and a stunning zinc bar, it’s the kind of place where you feel right at home. With a passion for authentic farm-to-table dining, Chef Daniel Studwell’s menu changes with the season.
Barrington Brewery and Restaurant
420 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington
Open for lunch and dinner daily, except Tuesdays
Serving its own barn-brewed beer and made-from-scratch menu items, Barrington Brewery got its start in 1995. You’ll find something here whether you’re in the mood for heart-warming comfort food, a grass-fed burger, or stand-out barbeque. It’s a place that doesn’t need to change with the times because it offers food and drink that stand the test of time.
51 Park Restaurant and Tavern
51 Main Street, Lee
Open seven days a week beginning at 11:00 AM for lunch and dinner
Featuring a lovely wrap-around porch for outdoor dining in season, the menu at 51 Park introduces a “fresh spin on great tavern food”. Think hardy soups, fun finger food, inventive salads, and rib-stickin’ entrees. An assortment of overstuffed sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas round out the menu.
Morgan House
33 Main Street, Lee
See their website for restaurant hours
Another great local establishment for casual dining, Morgan House, offers excellent food and service, featuring a female vocalist on Friday nights. Its illustrious history includes a stint as a stagecoach stop in the 1800s. Steak features prominently on the menu, with delectable sides and accompanying sauces. Lunch items include an assortment of soups, salads, and sandwiches. And if you’re in the mood for a real turkey dinner or an authentic meal of English fish and chips, this is the place to go.
Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano
80 Main Street, Lenox
Open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 5:00 PM
Voted the best Italian food in the Berkshires, Frankie’s Ristorante serves Italian-American dishes “like your Mama used to make”. A Lenox tradition since 2007, you’ll feel like family when you dine at Frankie’s. Serving classic Italian favorites on red and white checked tablecloths inside and outside in season, the old-fashioned service and genuine hospitality are as authentic as it gets.
Bistro Zinc
56 Church Street, Lenox
Open Monday through Sunday, 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Bistro Zinc, a modern French bistro sits in the heart of downtown Lenox. Serving both lunch and dinner daily, the casual atmosphere and friendly staff make dining here a pleasure. Step up to the sleek zinc bar for an imaginative cocktail, then sit back for a delicious meal with a distinctive French flair.
Although the choices of casual dining spots in the Berkshires are numerous, these are some of the most popular. The restaurant scene in western Massachusetts offers an extensive array of international and American cuisines. That’s why so many of our guests return year after year to sample the tastes of the Berkshires in every season. Get more date ideas during your stay at Devonnfield Inn.
