<p>We'll be visiting S this weekend for the Class of 2012 Family Days. Looking for restaurant recommendations in the area, though it may already be too late for reservations.</p>
<p>My favorite restaurant in the area is across from MassMOCA in North Adams. I can't remember the name, but it shouldn't be too hard to find. The food was excellent. We took our frosh their last year. It's an excellent continental restaurant, not too pricey.</p>
<p>The restaurant at the 1896 house is low key and fun. It's best for burgers and wings, that type of thing. Reasonable. And they have checkers and such a really comfortable room while you wait for your table.</p>
<p>Neither of these is right in town, but the 1896 house is about two minutes away.</p>
<p>Thanks. I remember the 1896 House from our college visit. It's close, so if we're pressed for time that's a good option. Their internet connection was down then and were only taking cash, but we had decent (if frugal!) meal there. </p>
<p>Do you think it will be difficult getting in at the restaurants in the area? I know with my D at Colgate, we have to reserve weeks in advance.</p>
<p>I'll check out N. Adams. We ate at Cafe Latino this summer - I nearly passed out before we were served, but the food, when it arrived, was good.</p>
<p>I was surprised that it wasn't harder to get seated than it was. I think we did make a reservation for the restaurant in No. Adams, and come to think of it, it probably was Cafe Latino. Perhaps the one nice restaurant in town would be more difficult.</p>
<p>I wasn't impressed with Isabella's which was highly recommended.</p>
<p>Hm. I wish I could go again. My S would shoot me, and luckily we did sneak up to see him already.</p>
<p>Have you seen this list?
Williams</a> College :: Visitors - Restaurants</p>
<p>I believe the North Adams place that Mythmom's thinking about is The Gramercy Bistro. Very good.</p>
<p>We frequented Mezze (but only the bar area). You'd need reservations for sure.</p>
<p>When we hosted a group of kids we usually went to The Waterstreet Grill. Hamburgers, grilled meats, fajitas etc. A lively place, accustomed to handling crowds.</p>
<p>We also really liked Helen's for lunch. GREAT sandwiches, salads, soups and varieties thereof.</p>
<p>Now a question: There's been some debate on this board whether Williamstown has a Chinese restaurant within walking distance of campus -- sit down or take away. What and where is Chopsticks?</p>
<p>There's a Thai/Sushi place for sure. Not sure about your question, though.</p>
<p>Chopsticks is Chinese (although they also attempt other Asian cuisines), both sit-down and take away. It's either a short drive or long walk (maybe about a mile?) from campus.</p>
<p>See the Chowhound.com foodie boards.</p>
<p>Updated</a> North Berkshire Guide - Chowhound</p>
<p>Search</a> Results: "north adams" - Chowhound
Search</a> Results: williamstown - Chowhound</p>
<p>Sushi Thai Garden is so good.</p>
<p>Thought I'd update this thread on our dining experiences last weekend.</p>
<p>We ate dinner at Mezze, which was fully booked; the hostess was turning a party away as we entered. The waitstaff was somewhat inexperienced, considering the prices at this restaurant, albeit very pleasant and accommodating (we had some timing issues because S needed to leave before we did). The food was very good - probably the equivalent of the better places in Lenox - and priced accordingly (a bit too high, IMO). In any case, we won't be eating here at every visit; it's just not quite worth the price.</p>
<p>We had both lunch and dinner at the Waterstreet Grill, and although it wasn't the most immaculate space, it was decent food and the service was amazing, considering how packed it was. Reservations a must during a busy weekend.</p>
<p>Finally, the Chef's Hat on Rte. 7 just north of town is an ok diner. Very pleasant atmosphere with adequate food. I love diners and this one is clearly popular.</p>
<p>DadofB&G- If you love diners, there's a famous one in Bennington, only about a 20 minute drive north of Williamstown. I've not been to it so I can't tell you specifics. But, try Blue Benn Diner.</p>
<p>Also, for Williamstown you can get opinions about dining from either WSO or Willipedia. Actually, you can get student opinions about a range of topics at both websites.</p>
<p>Tuppence,</p>
<p>I saw your post on the Financial thread and came back here to reply. Thanks for the tip. How long of a drive is Bennington? We have friends in the Arlington area, so maybe we could kill two birds with one stone (not that any birds were harmed in the making of this post - I'm actually a birder).</p>
<p>I've always had good experiences with the waitstaff at Mezze: maybe they went to the second string for Family weekend. If you're there a little later on a regular night you're likely to meet up with your student's professors. That happened almost every time and was a wonderful opportunity to interact with the people who your child interacts with.</p>
<p>The service at the Waterstreet Grill is amazing. Nothing fazes them. We'd often have 10 or 12 at the table with everyone coming and going -- study group, team practice, audition -- everyone ordering different things at different times. The conversations were amazing and to me worth the cost of tuition.</p>
<p>I MISS Williamstown. Aside from basking in the reflection of my son's overwhelmingly positive experience, I found a few days meandering through town and the countryside therapeutic for the body and soul. My son's heading back for homecoming this weekend. Hopes to meet up with some of his professors to talk about graduate school. Those kind of continuing connections are priceless.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong; we had a fine meal at Mezze. I'll admit things were a little crazy and we were asking the staff to serve S and his girlfriend early while we relaxed with friends who came down from VT for the occasion, so our waitress had to keep pace. </p>
<p>I have been happy about how happy S seems. As we walked around campus and at Mezze, he was saying hi to other kids and introducing us to them. This is a kid who, although not exactly anti-social in HS, was not outgoing. He seems to have settled in so nicely; frankly, we were surprised. The "vibe" I get from the school is very positive. </p>
<p>The only negative thing I experienced was a sort of underlying mantra from the speakers we heard..."Williams is superior, Williams is superior." Well, it might be, but just let us and our kids learn that through their experiences. I'm probably being picky. In fact, I know I am.</p>
<p>My D is a Junior JA this year.
Quick thoughts;
They all love Lotus Garden for Thai.
The Moonlight Diner is owned by a Williams Dad and serves an awesome breakfast/lunch.
Hobson's Choice is very good. Not elegant, but good food. Nice salad bar.
Same with Water Street Grill.
Jae's Inn is excellent for diverse Oriental/American.
Mezze is excellent but pricey. Location, location, location.
Cozy Corner attracts a lot of locals for the pizza and fish and chips. Caveat; the locals dental challenges may be on display.
Boston Sea Food is ok.
Cayote Flaco has excellent food.
Tunnel City has great coffee and now serves sandwiches and has wireless access.
Isabella's is new and improving and serves good Italian.
A lot of area restaurants are converted homes. That doesn't make them bad, but due to the seasonality of the area, and it's dependence on the college calendar, they can't spend capital on extravagant facilities.
At all Williamstown restaurants, I'd advise reservations and get there early if possible because there is huge rush at 6:00-7:00 and you may not get in.</p>