Having a hard time deciding where to spend your Valentine’s Day this year? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re spending Valentine’s day with your mom, some girlfriends, or a significant other, these local restaurants are sure to impress!
1. Judie’s
Judie’s in downtown Amherst is a local favorite, most famous for their shockingly huge popovers that are served with delicious apple butter. Their menu has great range — everything is equally scrumptious. You can get their famous popover served by itself or as an overstuffed sandwich — you can even get a popover ice cream sundae! Judie’s is perfect for a lunch with your girlfriends or a romantic dinner with your significant other. If you’re lucky, you’ll get seated by the window and get to people-watch all night long!
2. Eastside Grill
Eastside Grill is located in downtown Northampton. Eastside Grill is having a special Valentine’s Day menu this Tuesday, featuring fried lobster mac and cheese bites, blackened swordfish, surf ‘n’ turf, and even a dark chocolate and strawberry pot de crème to end the night. While they are typically known for their variety of seafood, Eastside Grill also has a variety of burgers, steaks, chicken dishes and delicious desserts. My personal favorite dessert is the warm molten chocolate cake. You can even eliminate the phone call and make an online reservation on their website.
3. Sylvester’s
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean a fancy dinner. Sylvester’s in Northampton is the perfect place for a Valentine’s Day brunch. Sylvester’s never disappoints — it has continually won awards for best brunch in the valley. Their homemade breads are a fan favorite, and they can make French toast on any bread of your choice — including banana bread. My favorite breakfast treat from here is the grahamite waffle; a Belgian waffle topped with fruit, whipped cream and graham cracker streusel. If you don’t feel like breakfast, they also have a lunch menu that includes an assortment of different sandwiches, burgers and salads.
4. Pasta e Basta
Pasta e Basta is a family-owned restaurant in downtown Amherst. The menu has tons of amazing authentic Italian dishes to choose from. You can start with fresh bruschetta or a house salad and then have your choice of dozens of delicious pastas and pizzas. Despite having three entire floors, Pasta e Basta remains warm and intimate inside.
5. Herrell’s Ice Cream and Bakery
Herrell’s is not a restaurant; rather, it’s the place to end your evening out. Located in Northampton, Herrell’s is an old-time favorite, although the selections have been limited recently due to renovations. Now, it is back up and running, and has a completely full and even slightly expanded menu. Herrell’s isn’t limited to ice cream — they also have milkshakes and an array of homemade baked goods. I love their homemade chocolate chip cookie pie warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Without question, Herrell’s is the sweetest place to be this Valentine’s Day.