Rich G. wrote: > > We're off to the Berkshires (Great Barrington) next weekend to enjoy > the leaves and our Anniversary. Restaurant Suggestions? What are you in the mood for? It's been a year since I was there, but I spent about 5 years living there while I went to Simon's Rock College. So this is a run time from a college-student's perspective (not much "living high"). Apart from the first place, Dakota's, which is in a class of it's own, these are all ranked in descending order of Yuppie Points. If you want want a great steak, and you are willing to travel a bit outside of Gt. Barrington, I *HIGHLY* recommend Dakota's at 1035 South Street, in Pittsfield. It takes about 45 minutes to get there from Great Barrington. They have THE BEST 16oz steak in the county, their grilled chicken is wonderful, and their deserts are top notch. Good beer, wonderful atmosphere, you get the idea. You should call ahead for reservations if you go (413-499-7900). As I recall, the best "posh" place in Great Barrington (and Gt. Barrington isn't what one would call high class...) is Castle Street Cafe, at 10 Castle Lane off of Main St. It is really good food, but is also expensive. They have a number of dishes, including a good variety of pasta, fowl, and fish. You aren't expected to wear a suit and tie, but I had some college friends who got seated next to the kitchen when they decided to pop in "dressed as they were." So looking sharp can't hurt. :) There is decent Japanese restaurant called Kintaro. It used to be just off Main St., and then they moved into the old train station at the intersection of Alford Road and Main St., along with "The Bronze Dog Cafe." I've heard that they are pretty much Kintaro's now (i.e. the dog was put to rest). If you want a quite, pleasant, lunch try out the Helsinki Tea Company at 284 Main St. It is in the back of a building that has a diner (used to be Ruby's, but it got bought out and changed. They put up an obscenely bright purple and gold neon sign, you can't miss it.) in the front, and so Helsinki's "front" is across from new movie theater (a whole three movie screens, wahoo!). La Tomate was also supposed to be good (and I assume, French) restaurant, but expensive (I never went there myself). It is on Main St, and has a big red tomato on the sign. It is owned by the same person who owns Kintaro and owned the Bronze Dog (as if this might affect your decision). There was a good California-style (in the Berkshires! How's that grab ya?) placed that just opened up on Main St. before I left. I can't be sure of the name, but it may have been "The Painted Lady." If you've ever been to California Pizza Kitchen in Palo Alto, you get the basic idea (heck, they even sold Anchor Head). I hope they have stayed in business, but I'm afraid I can't absolutely remember the name or address. But Main St. is about 3 blocks long, so you can't really miss it. Jodi's Cafe, at 327 Stockbridge Road, is a good place for a variety of "typical American restaurant" foods (steaks, burgers, pasta, etc.). I really wouldn't "recommend" it, but some people like a place where they can play it safe. Jodi's fits that bill nicely. If you are in the mood for a nice bar atmosphere and decent food, try out 20 Railroad Street, at (big surprise) 20 Railroad Street, just off of (take a wild guess) Main St. They have good burgers and a decent selection of beer. One of my friends goes into ecstasy every time he thinks about their french onion soup (I never had it, so don't blame me if it sucks). Oh yeah, they also have ostrich burgers. 'Nuph said. If you want a "get some meat on your bones, and gristle in your teeth," I really recommend Hickory Bill's Bar-B-Que at 405 Stockbridge Road. It was one of my favorite places. If you go, make sure to order a side of Bill's wonderful cornbread, and go for the Sweet Potato Pie for desert. Bill is a sweet old guy, but he was getting little on the forgetful side last time I was there (1 year ago). I hope the place is still going! A decent, casual, Italian restaurant, which used to make good pizza, is Four Brothers, at 100 Stockbridge Road. Unfortunately the little old man and women who used to run the place (I believe the name is part of a chain), seemed to have sold it to a new fellow, and the food wasn't the same after that (not "bad," just different). As I recall Four Bothers was good, fast, and cheap The wine was also cheap (I'm not only talking about the price), so I wouldn't really recommend it for a romantic evening. Then again, Hickory Bill's isn't very romantic either (how can it be, with each of you holding a slab of ribs slathered in BBQ sauce?), and I guess a bar isn't exactly great for the exchange of love poetry (It IS good for getting pleasantly buzzed and enjoying the game on the set above the bar). Avoid Manhattan Pizza Company if you don't want to have grease congealing in your stomach for the rest of your life, and the Boiler Room Cafe will probably require parting with an arm and a leg for a piece of dry white toast. I would love to read a post about your dining experiences in the wild and crazy town of Gt. Barrington! Jim
Massachusetts