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.
Late Night
Antonio’s (Amherst Center):I don’t even know how to elaborate on the description for superb, late night pizza. Amazing, with an array of unusual yet absolutely delicious varieties of toppings. There’s clearly a reason it’s famous among college students in the area, and its peak hours are around 1-2 AM . On weekend nights after midnight, you can find $1 (exceptional) cheese slices: “HOT CHEESE UP FRONT!”
Route 9 Diner (Hadley):Open 24 hours, and absolutely ideal post-2AM when everywhere else in the world is closed. So delicious and quite cheap. Breakfast, lunch, dinner – it’s all fantastic. Count on a plethora of drunk and obnoxious bros if you arrive late at night, and load up on that greasy comfort food! Pancakes, sandwiches, omelettes… you just can’t go wrong here.
The Hanger (Amherst):Another late night essential, and open as late as 2:30AM on weekendnights.Handsdown, The Hangar has the best wings around. They’re ideal for delivery (if you’re near UMass), although the restaurant itself has a fun atmosphere for hanging around and loading up on wings and beer. Glorious, right? Mouthwateringly so.
This is part of an ongoing series of blog posts entitled Food in the Valley. Next week: Grill/American Cusine!