Where to Eat and Drink in Western Massachusetts’s Pioneer Valley | Eater BostonSkip to main contentCurrent eater city: BostonNavigation DrawercloseCloseSearchVisit another Eater city siteAtlantaAustinBostonCarolinasChicagoDallasDenverDetroitHoustonLas VegasLos AngelesMiamiNashvilleNew OrleansNew YorkPhiladelphiaPhoenixPortland, ORSan DiegoSan FranciscoSeattleTwin CitiesWashington, D.C.Eater.comHow to Spend a Day Eating and Drinking in the Pioneer Valley of Western MassachusettsFrom post-hike doughnuts to a scenic cafe at a used bookstore to late-night pizza slices, the Pioneer Valley has plenty to exploreby and Updated Jun 18, 2025, 4:42 PM UTCFacebookLinkWhere to feast in Amherst, Northampton, and beyond. | /ShutterstockHow to Spend a Day Eating and Drinking in the Pioneer Valley of Western MassachusettsFrom post-hike doughnuts to a scenic cafe at a used bookstore to late-night pizza slices, the Pioneer Valley has plenty to exploreby and Updated Jun 18, 2025, 4:42 PM UTCFacebookLinkPart OfFood-Filled New England Day Trips Outside of Bostonsee all Perhaps you’re headed west of Boston to see an art exhibit at Smith College, or to go leaf peeping along the country roads, or to visit one of the area’s many colleges and universities. Maybe you’re heading to the or to enjoy some of Western Massachusetts’s favorite cultural attractions. Or, maybe you’ve planned a weekend around Hadley’s . Whatever the occasion, the region offers an incredible food scene to complement your travels.Western Massachusetts’s Pioneer Valley, in particular, is an attractive destination for food enthusiasts. If you’re visiting one of the schools of the — Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke, Smith College, or UMass Amherst — you are in the Pioneer Valley. The nickname refers to towns such as Amherst, Northampton, Easthampton, and Hadley, which embody New England charm. With plentiful farmland throughout the area, the Pioneer Valley is a buzzing hub not only for students but also for excellent food and drink with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.From Boston, drive under two hours west for a perfect day of dining and drinking. Here’s a recommended itinerary.Coffee and BreakfastTo kick off a day in the Pioneer Valley, start at , a stylish coffee bar in downtown Amherst that is known for its expertly poured espresso drinks and baked goods. (It also converts into a chic, boozy bar at night.) is another good stop for ethically roasted and locally brewed coffee paired with fluffy, fist-sized scones; there are cafe locations in Amherst and Northampton and a roastery in Hadley.For an adventurous morning, go for a hike at the Notch at ; next, get doughnuts at. The apple cider doughnuts — a fall staple, but also available year-round — are the quintessential New England treat. is another gem, beloved by students and locals alike, that offers groceries as well as fresh-baked goods and breakfast foods like omelets and bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches in a cozy cafe tucked in the back of the store.Brunch In an area teeming with this many colleges, brunch deserves its own category. For a leisurely (and perhaps hungover) meal in the area, the egg dishes at in Northampton reign supreme. Explore the town, which is rich with early American history and eclectic shopping, after your meal.Or, head to Hadley. Along Route 9, provides classic diner fare. The ideal meal might include an omelet or eggs Benedict, pancakes, a milkshake, and even a $4 mimosa or $5 bloody mary; it’s impossible to leave hungry. is also a sure bet for fluffy pancakes doused in local maple syrup, or French toast made with challah. (On the weekends, go early or expect a wait.)LunchFor lunch, head to the town of Amherst for sandwiches and salads at . The Black Sheep’s sandwiches are unique creations, such as the Southern Comfort (Buffalo chicken, bacon, pepper jack cheese, spicy mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion on a baguette), Green Monster (roasted chicken, basil pesto, lettuce, tomatoes, and roasted red peppers on a baguette), and C’est La Brie (brie, roasted red peppers, spinach, and raspberry mustard on a baguette). Don’t sleep on the baked goods, either; they’re also made in-house. Or, stop by Chinese restaurant along the town’s main road for excellent regional Xi’an dishes, including spicy, hand-pulled biang biang noodles and a hearty stewed pork noodle soup. is another great spot to enjoy all day long. Set in a scenic location on the edge of the Sawmill River, it’s home to a delightful cafe and used bookstore where it is easy to lose track of time browsing and reading.The river view from the bookmill. The Montague BookmillDinner When dinnertime approaches, the options are plentiful and offer a range of dining experiences. In Northampton, is a fast-casual spot for a burger, fries, and a milkshake. Steps away, is well-known for its excellent North African food, from simmering tagines to couscous plates and kabobs.Or head to Easthampton, where beloved neighborhood favorite Coco and the Cellar Bar, which, has been reborn as , with former Coco employees . Don’t miss the buttermilk fried chicken, a Coco staple that has reappeared at Calico in all its crispy glory, alongside equally excellent sides of jalapeno slaw and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Bookend the dinner with drinks at , a cool cocktail bar a short walk away.Dessert and Late Night Stay in Easthampton and make your way to , a drinks and dessert spot run by the same team behind the excellent neighborhood bakery . Or, wind down a perfect Pioneer Valley day by hanging out with cows and enjoying ice cream at in Hadley. It’s a fully operating dairy farm, so the ice cream is made right on-site.But save room for more, because without a doubt, in Amherst is the last but most crucial stop on a Pioneer Valley food tour. Visit at the end of the night, perhaps after bar-hopping in Amherst from to to. Antonio’s is beloved for its late-night slices; must-try pizzas include the chicken bacon ranch, beef taco, and tortellini pesto.See More: Most PopularEater BostonAll your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to youEmail (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our and . 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All Rights Reserved, Savor the flavors of Western Mass with farm-to-table dining, local favorites, and global cuisine that showcase the region’s fresh ingredients and charm., These classic Western New York restaurants – listed in no particular order – are always a solid choice for a return visit again and again after years in the business..