Northampton, Massachusetts Restaurants

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Northampton, Massachusetts Restaurants and Real Estate

Northampton, Massachusetts

Being my home town, I know my way around here pretty well. There are plenty of good places to eat in Northampton.

Just because I don't eat someplace doesn't mean there is anything wrong with it ... but this should serve as a good starting point if you are just getting into town for the first time, presented in no particular order.

Also Scroll down for many off-topic "Quickies" and other links to get you familiar with this neck of the woods.

For the time being, if a restaurant name is in red, it is one of my favorites.

I break format on this page a bit. I put together a list of links that should save you many hours of Googling if you want to learn more about the area.

Enjoy.

- DOWNTOWN NORTHAMPTON PARKING MAP

- NORTHAMPTON IN SOME MORE DETAIL ... At one time I thought I'd do real estate, so I put together a page that gets deep into Northampton stuff. I didn't do the RE thing and the page exists ... I might as well share it with you: LINK.

- THE OLD DAYS IN NORTHAMPTON ON THE RADIO

NORTHAMPTON RESTAURANTS

HOT OFF THE PRESS: NEWLY OPENED

Is it possible the best lunch around is in EASTHAMPTON ???

I'm always frustrated that so much of the Northampton restaurant community is closed for lunch. I got bored

~~one day and headed south ... I may have also found a favorite dinner and weekend breakfast option. THE EAST VILLAGE~~

(SADLY NOW CLOSED)

SAM'S ... Until I get around to doing up a proper post, you'll have to ask someone where the Bay State section of town is ... in short it's behind the high school and down Riverside (Road? Street? Ave?) ... Sam's is a breakfast and lunch place that just opened there, after moving from a smaller spot at Smith College. (This is not to be confused with the Sam's on Main Street, a viable pizza place with live music.)

I had their version of a "Juicy Lucy" with her horseradish sauce. It was very good. The burger and a yuppie bottle of tea came to about ten bucks. Worthwhile.

On another occasion I had an omelet ... a flat-top omelet with superb roasted veggies and some meat. Overall a nice choice ... It would be a good alternative for a Sunday morning breakfast, but I think they're closed on Sunday ... Maybe you should call ahead, this ain't the "Washington Post" I'm a blogger not a journalist.

... (No Beer or wine.) ... Gregg WILL be eating there.

NEW TO ME: DELANEY HOUSE ... (Just down the road in Holyoke) I have started to hear very good reports again ... especially about the prime rib dinner night.

PAGE'S LOFT at THE CLARION HOTEL ... an exception to the "don't eat at the hotel rule. This is a reincarnation of a place that had operated in the same spot over a decade ago. And, by reincarnation I mean it is being run by the same, well-respected operator as in the old days. Early reports are that the food is superb -- and reasonable. I eat at the bar and had their loaded dog (very good) while watching the guy down a few stools having a very enviable steak. (Full bar.) ... Gregg WILL be eating there.

Now I hear they have the best breakfast in town.

There are some changes underfoot. I've not heard as many good reports as before. I wish them the VERY best.

THE ASIAN BUFFETT ... On King Street, not walking distance from town. All you can eat sushi, Asian, even vegetarian. This place has changed hands and/or concept many times. This time they got it right.

SIPS ... Very new. A nice setting across from city hall. A friend ordered the green salad and was disappointed the word "chopped" didn't seem to carry the same meaning as in "chopped salad" like she expected. I think they are going to cater to people with the time and money to savor a well crafted coffee or tea.

THE ROOST ... Brand, brand new at the end of town by the overpass.

Coffee, tea, light meals. I had a muffuletta sandwich which was served hot (!!!) and on a small grinder roll, sparse on the muffuletta fillings. No, I didn't think I was in New Orleans (D+) ... my friend's chicken salad sandwich was sparse also (B-) ... no bargains ... probably a great place to come, have some cookies and tea and camp out with your laptop. (Beer and wine.)

TWO RESTAURANTS THAT HAVE JUST CLOSED ...

CIRCA ... Always one of the best alternatives. I'm surprised and saddened to hear Circa didn't survive what I understand is a recent change in management.

UNION STATION/SPAGHETTI FREDDIE'S ... ~~I'll miss the Deck, where many locals convened on nice summer nights.~~ Apparently that business alone wasn't enough to keep the whole place, occupying the old train station alive year-round. The restaurant depended on a thriving economy, in that they they were trading in very large part on the atmosphere and setting. Update: The Deck remains open. Now without food, which is a good thing. Now you can bring food or have it delivered ... better food ... quicker service than the old days.

GREEN STREET CAFE

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I see the queries that people use to eventually wind up on the site ... Sometimes I feel a little bad in that what they are asking about is not actually addressed. So here goes with a couple from recently:

IS GREEN STREET CAFE CLOSING ??? ... Sadly, yes. LINK (Daily Hampshire Gazette, sometimes, annoyingly, you have to pay to read their content).

GOOD BRUNCH IN NORTHAMPTON ... ~~Although I haven't been there, I'd choose~~ ~~Page's Loft~~ ~~at The Clarion, just off the highway.~~ The Hotel Northampton brags about their brunch ... you won't find many locals there.

~~MAYBE THE BEST BET IS IN EASTHAMPTON ... Check out THE EAST VILLAGE~~

BEST HAPPY HOUR ... I am not a big fan of Mama Iguana's ... but, I've heard it has a good HH ... they used to feature cheap food at HH, but you'd go broke on drinks. I like the camaraderie at the bar at Spoleto ... not exactly a HH tough.

QUIET BRUNCH ... (See "Lunch" below) ... Green Street Cafe, Page's Loft (?)

LIFE IN NORTHAMPTON ... SITE FROM WHEN I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DO REAL ESTATE

RESTAURANTS WITH PARKING ... Joe's Cafe (a sliver across the street) ... Pleasant Street Grill (good parking, fair food) ... Green Street Cafe (out back) ... The Hotel (I don't recommend eating there just for the parking) ... Roberto's (just a sliver, but on-street isn't much of a hassle during the hours they are open) ...

QUIET LUNCH IN NORTHAMPTON ... Paul & Elizabeth's ... Sometimes the place gets pretty busy, but you'll get good food, not feel rushed. Go to Williamsburg for Chef Wayne's Big Mamu, for Cajun ... quiet in a not crowded sort of a way. The Tibetan Place across for Thorne's. Finally The Auto Garden, behind the very well respected Green Street Cafe ... You'll enjoy food cooked on the grill and it might be the best secret in town. Picnic table ambiance might not meet the needs of someone who made this specific query.

WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS ... ~~I have no idea ... I have no kids ... email me and I'll post your thoughts.~~ So ... I've been enlightened ... out in Florence, about 2 miles west on route 9, is The Cup and Top ... I've met people there, as grown-ups, and never really appreciated the play area out back or the other accommodations that make kids and their adults feel welcome.

Breakfast and lunch. It is more than a coffee shop and their food service is responsible, local ingredients and worthwhile.

Okay. Where Gregg Eats ...

JOE'S PIZZA
	This place is anything BUT fancy. Joe's is known for a great thin crust pizza and other excellent Italian meals. Rustic food. No frills. Friendly bar. Gregg eats: Joe's House special (large, but Joe's large isn't all that large), macaroni soup, mussels. New owner as of summer 2011. I have seen changes ... too soon to say. They tried to "fancy up" a scallops dish and the grapefruit juice seemed less fresh squeezed. Too soon to downgrade by any means. (Full bar. Open evenings (after 4) and weekend days during the winter.) 33 Market Street, Northampton, MA, 01060 (413) 584-3168 Get directions
SPOLETO
	Spoleto is a loud, boisterous place with a line most weekend nights a very nice bar with friendly locals who are always out for some conversation to go with their Italian dishes. It always seemed to cost a bit more than to make everyday dinner eating practical. Calaudio has freshened up, maybe tightened up is a better way to say it and there are some very good, affordable dinner items. I hope, Tara, the new Sunday night bartender continues to stay at the helm. I order the bolognaise ... maybe with a VEP Green. Tara at the bar on Sunday nights. (Full bar, Open daily for dinner.) Also Spoleto Express on King Street for roughly same fare in a fast food setting for lunch and dinner. SPOLETO: 50 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060 (413) 586-6313 SPOLETO EXPRESS: 225 King Street, Northampton, MA 01060 (413) 586-8646 www.spoletorestaurants.c

WOODSTAR BAKERY

Woodstar Bakery, Northampton, MA

A really popular place just off Main Street.

Successful, in large part, because of the coffee, baked goods and sandwiches.

I get an "everything" bagel with cream cheese, lox, onion and tomato. I sometimes pick up a baguette to take home.

(No alcohol. Open pretty much all the time)

60 Masonic Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 585-9777
Get directions

PACKARDS

Packard's, Northampton, MA

Packard's is open for a beer and burger lunch as well as dinner.

If you get a friendly bartender, it might even be a pleasant experience. The problem is I've never had a bartender there who seemed anything but dismayed to have to bother with a customer ... If you are looking for a beer and some valid food while watching the bartender read the paper, this is your place. The food is slightly better than average pub grub.

(Full bar, Lunch, Dinner)

14 Masonic Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-5957

Get directions

PAUL AND ELIZABETH'S

Paul and Elizabeth's, Northampton, MA

This is the first natural foods restaurant I'd ever heard of. They are located inside the Thorne's Marketplace of shops. Paul & Elizabeth's serves up outstanding soups sandwiches and entrees. Not surprisingly, because they seem to use the best ingredients.

(Beer/Wine. Lunch/Dinner.)

150 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-4832
Get directions

www.paulandelizabeths.com

SIERRA GRILLE, MULINO'S, BISHOP'S

Old Baystate Hotel, Northampton, MA

News is that the Opa Opa steakhouse, brewery chain has bought the building.

Expect a change with the under heralded Mulino's ... The Sierra Grille is a tenant in the building.

LINK

They are actually three places piled on top of each other in the old Bay State Hotel. So I lump them all together in this write up.

The Sierra Grille is my favorite and is popular with almost everyone I talk to.

Essentially the place is about excellent beer and wine and small plates to go along (kind of like tapas, but bigger).

Nice bar crowd.

My experience, especially with their frites, which they are so proud of, is that things tend to be too salty.

(Beer/Wine. Open for dinner.)

http://www.sierragrille.net/

Bishop's Lounge ... Actually, I'm not even sure if they serve food. They are known for having good music weekends.

http://www.mulinos.com/specialevents/

Mulino's used to be on the other side of town (along with Bishop's). Mulino's features Italian food. I don't visit them very often. I hear little about them, good or bad,

(I don't know about liquor here, I am guessing beer and wine. Same with the hours. Check the site. I guess I don't eat here that much after all.)

http://www.mulinos.com/mulinos/

41 Strong Avenue, Northampton, MA 01060

THE DECK

It is a good place to enjoy a nice afternoon or evening and have a drink.

(Full bar. Open when it is nice out. Summers only.)

At the old train station.

TUNNEL BAR

Tunnel Bar, Northampton, MA

~~Part of the Spaghetti Freddie and Union Station conglomeration~~, The Tunnel Bar seems to attract a nice clientele and they serve up very well-crafted drinks.

The restaurants are now closed. Bars still open. Works for me!

Below the old train station.

INDIA HOUSE

India House, Northampton, MA

Nicely done Indian cuisine.

45 State Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-6344
Get directions

BLUEBONNET DINER

Bluebonnet Diner, Northampton

Fried Chicken

(Full bar. Open almost all the time. Closed Sundays.)

324 King Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-3333
Get directions

www.bluebonnetdiner.net

SMITH COLLEGE COMMISARY

Smith College Commisary

Just a cafeteria really ... but you can get viable food at a good price. Nice salads and wraps.

22 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060

JAKE'S

Jake's, Northampton, MA

~~Total no frills dining right next to The Calvin and across from the hotel.~~

~~I used to go there for breakfast a lot more than I do now.~~

Somewhere along the way, they made it so if you want home fries you have to order them separate ... so you get a big heap of potatoes, far more than you can eat, and it is a waste of food and makes the meal too expensive for what you get.

~~New owners as of 2010. No field reports yet.~~

(No alcohol. Breakfast and lunch.)

I happened to have posted to Yelp before I did this.

My first visit to the newly managed place ... I'd say the food was a touch better than before ... I had a biscuit with gravy (superb biscuit, gravy was just better than luke warm, a problem not limited to here and a pet peeve of mine) and fried eggs over medium (perfect) ... (note to Jake's: don't even consider using a microwave as a solution to this problem.)

They used to have nice cold fresh milk in one of those gravity bag-of-milk thingys ... that was gone and replaced by milk from a cardboard carton that wasn't by its nature as fresh or cold.

Breakfast potatoes were tasty ... (in the old place they'd gone down hill) ... but they were far from crisp ... (either a decision to do them that way, or they haven't mastered them, or maybe they are cooking for the masses ... do they hear occasional complaints from old ladies that "my home fries are too crisp" and are trying to please the masses?

TODAY ... in this day and age, eating out isn't automatic ... a restaurant has to "nail it" and there is little room for error.

Oh, the blank walls added a soul-less-ness to the revamped decor. Oh, and we don't need plastic table tops and table cloths ... not at Jake's ...

Suggestion: take the old sign inside and put it outside and the new sign inside for a while to make a point.

17 King Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-9613
Get directions

HERREL'S ICE CREAM

Herrell's Ice Cream, Northampton, MA

Steve Herrell innovated the smooch-in concept for ice cream years ago in boston.

After getting the Steve's chain up and running he came here and opened Herrell's.

Excellent ice cream, great smooch-ins in a fun spot downstairs at Thorne's Marketplace.

Even if you are not a big ice cream fan, or for that matter, much of a sweet tooth. Try Steve's

8 Old South Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-9700
Get directions

www.herrells.com

ROBERTO'S

Kind of a classic spaghetti and meatballs place.

Better-than-decent Pizza in a decent family atmosphere.

New owners spruced it up over the last couple of years.

... seems to get better and better all the time.

Newly renovated outside.

A viable choice.

(Full bar. Open for dinner.)

223 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-0204
Get directions

www,sylvestersrestaurant.com

SAM'S PIZZA

Sam's, Northampton

Newer place.

A good selection of pizza by the slice.

A good stop on your way home on a Friday or Saturday night when they close at something like 3 in the morning.

If you are thinking whole pie, I'd go to Joe's.

For a snack or a light lunch, Sam's fits the bill.

(Beer, wine. Pen 11AM until late.)

235 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060

THE GREEN BEAN

Green Bean, Northampton

Here's a health food place.

Lots of greens and brown rice.

But, a bit pricey in my book.

I sometimes get the Itty Bitty, a fried egg with tomato and a touch of pesto and cheese on an English muffin.

It winds up costing about five bucks to-go ... about the same as a hearty bagel with cream cheese and lox around the corner at Woodstar.

Very good food from what I can tell. Best coffee in town.

(No alcohol. Open for breakfast and lunch.)

241 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-2326
Get directions

SHELBURNE FALLS COFFEE COMPANY

Shelburne Falls Coffee Company, Northampton

On King Street a few blocks further down than making a convenient walk from Main Street.

SBCC roasts coffee in their own nearby plant and, here is the biggie for me, makes their own chai tea ... not too sweet like everyplace else.

124 King Street, Northampton, MA 01060

(413) 582-6799

IRON HORSE MUSIC HALL

Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton

A world class small concert venue. Great acts, all the time.

You gotta line up at 5:30 to get the best seats ... they kind of trick you in there for dinner.

Overall, a bit better than pub grub. The veggie lasagna is good.

But you are really just there for the music.

Sometimes it is challenging to get parking nearby, so plan for that.

(Full bar. Open 5:30 when they have a show.)

20 Center Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-0610
Get directions

http://www.IHEG.com

NORTHAMPTON BREWERY

Northampton Brewery, Northampton, MA

Reliable pub grub place.

Decent bar crowd on evenings and weekends -- especially in the good weather when it is hard to find a spot in the upstairs patio.

11 Brewster Court, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-9903
Get directions

www.northamptonbrewery.com

VIVA FRESH PASTA

Viva Fresh Pasta, Northampton, MA

Across from the park in downtown, I've only had to-go food here ... they have warmed up wraps that are very satisfying. Everything else looks good too.

(Beer/Wine. Open for lunch and dinner.)

249 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-5875
Get directions

www.vivafreshpasta.com

Going Gluten Free ... in the Valley

I'm not sensitive to gluten. I'm becoming sensitive about gluten and have a g-f-f, coming to town to visit.

So ... Here is a report from the field. In no order whatsoever. Places where I know something and places where I suspect there might be good choices for g-f options.

I, not surprisingly, am not here to document the chains, which for some reason are leading the way in g-f sensitivity.

ONLINE: Gluten Free Registry ... (seemingly, not at all complete) ... AMHERST | NORTHAMPTON

CAFE EVOLUTION ... in Florence, which is under-appreciated on this site overall ... it is a superb local-ingredient, socially-conscious,

everything is made with love place, in an old mill building, behind the gas station with the tow trucks.

... some baked goods and muffins everyday (I had the g-f rice, peanut butter, chocolate treat with my coffee and it was, well, a treat!)

... any sandwich can have bread replaced with rice.

... nachos (which I am sure are superb) ... veggie chili ... salads

Sometimes, I'll be writing about foods I am not entirely, 100% familiar with myself, such as Tahini (theirs uses g-f miso w/ no barley).

As I've found with most restaurant owners, who really care, they are (A) the most conscious about g-f and (B) the first to warn you that there is regular flower in the building and ...

Now some quickies, I'll expand upon later ...

WHOLE FOODS, Hadley ... has an immense g-f section by the eating area.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/gluten-free.php .... much of their in-house g-f offerings come from a contract g-f bakery in the Carolinas (I presume some, if not much, is shipped frozen and that you could probably ask and get frozen "pre-thawed" items if that would suit you.)

ATKIN'S FARMS, South Amherst ... has an immense g-f (and nut-free) section by the milk.

http://www.atkinsfarms.com/gluten-free-foods

Unknown favorites: Their superb broccoli salad and their corned beef from Boston Brisket. (inquiry pending)

EMAIL ... 10/26/2011: I have a friend visiting who eats gluten free.
It only took minutes of asking around before I heard from many friends that Atkin's is a key stop in stocking for a gluten free lifestyle.
As my interest grows, I'm compiling an online summary of g-f options in the valley and will be posting it locally and on roadfood.com nationally.
I'm hoping you can address two specific questions (A) regarding any g-f surprises in your meat department (especially in your Boston Brisket corned beef, marinated meats and sausages) and (B) at your salad bar, especially as it applies to your excellent broccoli salad (dressing).
High regards. And thanks for providing an ever-enhanced shopping experience for the 30+ years you've been doing so.

12/16/2011: Still no reply from email.

SERIO'S GROCERY ... my local cornerstone. Cookies and treat at checkout are g-f ... I sent an inquiry regarding what else in the store fits the bill ... So far, no reply.

10/26/2011: I didn't think to record my note to them.

12/16/2011: Still no reply from email.

CORNUCOPIA GROCERY, Downtown, Northampton ... has many g-f items around the store ... worth looking around.

No g-f web page. They do have a chocolate shop ... http://www.heavenly-chocolate.com/ ... no g-f specific info on that site. An experience g-f shopper should be able to do ok there.

HERRELL'S ICE CREAM ... I have no idea what you'll find there. My second sense says it would be worthwhile asking.

TRADER JOE'S, Hadley ... http://www.traderjoes.com/lists/no-gluten.asp

SMITH COLLEGE COMMISSARY ... has g-f pizza (call ahead, or wait 30 minutes) ... haven't had it, I have high hopes in that nothing really bad happens in that kitchen.

And, as we venture away from Northampton ... This site seems to do a very superb job in researching the g-f world we live in: Gluten-Free in Western Massachusetts ... they have a newsletter I'll be signing up for too.

QUICKIES

OTHER THINGS AROUND HERE THAT MAKE LIFE GOOD

Hungry Ghost, Northampton

HUNGRY GHOST BREAD BAKERY

Excellent wood-fired bread.

Problem: at a very reasonable $6 a loaf for a good sized loaf of bread ... I can't eat enough at home before it goes stale.

62 State Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 582-9009
Get directions

Serio's Market, Northampton

SERIO'S MARKET

A great, downtown, corner market. An institution. Reliable vegetables. A very good deli and meat department ... they always have nice local alternatives in their selections.

A very busy deli counter at lunch makes decent wraps and sandwiches, plus a selection of hot dishes too.

The grocery aisles are always packed with excellent canned goods and other groceries.

The butcher is always willing to carve out something special for you -- from an extra thick chop to meat for you Philly cheese steak sandwich.)

SERIO'S PHARMACY, next door, is a handy and affordable place to consider if you want to shop local.

65 State Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-2633
Get directions
www.seriosmarket.com

State Street Fruit Store, Northampton

STATE STREET FRUIT, DELI, WINE AND LIQUOR

Another institution with a long history here. They have swayed from their fruit emphasis over time. The produce is reliable, at best.

Grocery selections are little downscale compared to Serio's.

Excellent selection of beers and wine with a knowledgeable staff. But, if you are going for more than a bottle or two, you might want to head to the bigger places ... at State Street it can be as much as $4 a bottle more.

Their deli is also reliable. You get decent servings.

They are doing a major remodel ... we'll see what happens.

51 State Street, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-2301
Get directions

www.statestreetfruit.com

.... more below ... keep reading ... MS Front Page formatting headaches.

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WHERE TO STAY

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A Great Bed & Breakfast ... from our friends at Pedal2Properties.

The Sugar Maple Trailside Inn is a recently restored 1865 Colonial home with Italianate characteristics that in 2003 was awarded the City of Northampton's Historic Preservation Award.

The restoration and the interesting stories behind it were the subject of a segment on House & Garden Television’s (HGTV) acclaimed series, "RESTORE AMERICA" in November of 2003. Click HERE for a link to the video on YouTube.

http://www.sugar-maple-inn.com/home.html

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Hotel Northampton ... Right downtown, try for a room that faces the park or the street.

36 King Street, Northampton, MA 01060 ... (413) 584-3100
Get directions

Quality Inn ... A short walk to downtown. Stardard issue exit ramp place.

259 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060 ... (413) 584-7660
Get directions

Autumn Inn ... Closer to Smith. A short walk downtown. Quiet.

259 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060 ... (413) 584-7660
Get directions

The Clarion ... A bit further than you'd walk. A little worn out, but passably clean and viable.

1 Atwood Drive, Northampton, MA 01060 ... (413) 586-1211
Get directions

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HONORABLE MENTION RESTAURANTS

Lhasa Cafe ... serves up some decent Tibetan foods. Not exciting, but certainly ok. (Beer/Wine. Open for lunch and dinner. Might be closed Mondays.)

The Hotel Northampton ... has a decent bar.

** The Side Street Grille in Florence ... real good food. (Beer/Wine. Open for lunch and dinner.) http://sidestcafe.com/

** Bistro Les Gras ... French-influenced bistro up on West Street by Green Street.

I only went there once during restaurant week. Fare was good, I thought the wine flight they had to go with the meal was too sparse (nothing to go with dessert).

So, I can't say with certainty how the place is overall and day-to-day. I would try it again and not hesitate to recommend it either.

They also have a little shop for cheeses that I've heard good things about. (Beer/Wine. Open for dinner.) http://www.bistrolesgras.com/

Caminito Steakhouse ... Argentinean. I've been meaning to try the place. I just haven't made it there yet.

Great Wall ... for excellent Chinese (use the gourmet menu) in a strip mall in Florence is a favorite of many locals.

All the Sushi places in town are good ... I just don't eat at them enough to feel as if I should make a suggestion.

Mama Iguana's ... I hear conflicting reports on their food. My last visit went nicely.

NEW FOR ME: The Haymarket ... is a sliver of a place serving breakfast and lunch. Healthy-ish meal items, good portions ... at times, it seems to be too much of "the" hangout on Main Street for me to be comfortable breaking through the crowd of people (people, I'd probably not seek out for any reason) who are just lingering in front.

BUT, someone pointed out that has gotten better lately ... I've been getting my morning coffee there lately and it has been quite good. Employees are always very pleasant.

They now have table service ... downstairs ... at breakfast, and maybe lunch ... (I've only had coffee, upstairs) ... but, that might bode well.

A place that is this popular should be taken note of.

Bela ... is a popular vegetarian place open for lunch and dinner ... I've never been there myself ... I just never seem to think of it. If you are so inclined, I'd try it if I were you.

** Buyeno y Sano and VeraCruzana ... are two perfectly viable places to get some Mexican-influenced food without losing a paycheck. Living nearby, I usually get two entrees to go and get three or four meals for my effort. The setting in each case is "upper lunch counter."

The Restaurant at Smith Vocational High School ... is little known even amongst locals. Open for lunch three days a week. LINK

** Outlook Farm ... in Westhampton, specializes in farm raised pork. Although I never see any sign of actual pigs nearby.

They have other nice things for sale and a nice lunch counter. www.outlook-farm.com

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OTHER GOOD PEOPLE TO DO BUSINESS WITH

No ads here, just my opinions.

Pro Lube ... Good, honest people ... Not just for lubes, but for any kind of a car repair. LINK

Pleasant Street Theater ... A wonderful treasure. LINK

There is a Trader Joe's and a Whole Foods about five miles out of town in Hadley ... try for an early to mid-morning excursion to avoid traffic headaches.

Mountain Goat ... for REI, EMS, LL Bean quality, right here on Main Street. LINK

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SOME NORTHAMPTON LINKS

In no particular order ...

EATING

GAZETTE RESTAURANT LIST ... includes some menus.

NORTHAMPTON RESTAURANT WEEK ... in July and December.

"THE VALLEY MENU" ... a comprehensive list with links to restaurant menus.

VALLEY ADVOCATE RESTAURANT SECTION

PHANTOM GOURMET RESTAURANT DATABASE ... is from the somewhat commercialized Boston TV show of the same name. The compete with another show, THE TV DINER ... both are skewed towards boston, and I don't always agree with their findings (again I suspect they treat their sponsors extra special in the show). But, I post the links anyhow.

RUSSEL NOD ... A Pioneer Valley food blog.

NORTHAMPTON HISTORY

CALVIN COOLIDGE MUSEUM

WIKIPEDIA: CALVIN COOLIDGE

CALVIN COOLIDGE NORTHAMPTON HOMES

FORBES LIBRARY

HISTORIC NORTHAMPTON MUSEUM

BRIDGE STREET CEMETARY

HISTORIC DEERFIELD

ABOUT THE TOWN

NEW: GOOGLE STREET VIEW OF NORTHAMPTON

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY REGISTRY OF DEEDS