As lucky as we are to have great food options here at Mount Holyoke, I’m sure it’s safe to assume that all of us have the occasional (or frequent…) urge to get off campus and explore other dining options in the area. Thankfully, the Pioneer Valley has a great deal to offer our rumbling tummies that can help us escape the dining halls. Here are some of the gems I’ve encountered over the past few years in the Valley. It’s hard to narrow the list down since there are so many good eats to be had! Remember, I keep a college budget in mind… but I have included few suggestions for the joyful occasions when your parents are in town to treat you.
Grill/American
Johnny’s (Village Commons): Great, reasonably priced food. If you’re looking to go “off campus” for a nice dinner with your friends that isn’t as upscale or pricey as Food 101, this is the place to go. The food is fabulous! And many of the nicer draft beers are only $4.50. In fact, drinks in general are inexpensive, which is an excellent bonus. Stuff your face with those sweet potato fries!
Eastside Grill (Northampton): A must-go-to with the parents! Definitely a tad upscale and there is usually a wait, but it’s great food of all kinds. The soups are delicious! I’m not a fish eater, but my parents seemed to be huge fans of their seafood selection.
Judie’s (Amherst):Another Amherst staple. Always busy, no matter the time of day, and for good reason. If you’re looking to splurge a little on a nice meal, it’s well worth it. Famous for the popovers, fresh out of the oven, although I am reluctant to admit that I have never tried one myself. The guacamole veggie burger is my go-to dish. Frankly, every single dish of theirs I’ve seen served has been polished off happily. Their fries are delightful. The cocktail menu is varied and relatively cheap for the large sizes of the drinks they serve.
This is part of an ongoing series of blog posts entitled Food in the Valley. Next week: Pan-Asian!