​Where to Eat & Drink in Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts

Pioneer Valley is an area of western Massachusetts filled with history, museums and outdoor adventure (along with several well-known universities), but it’s also home to a pretty amazing food scene that you might not expect when traveling outside of the nearby, more populated areas on the East Coast. Local restaurants abound, serving local produce and products.

For some of the tastiest options in Pioneer Valley, check out these five favorites.

1. Johnny’s Roadside Diner

For a classic, 1950s diner feel and all your classic diner favorites, there’s no place to go other than Johnny’s Roadside. Here, you’ll get your choice of a bevy of breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and waffles, omelets and more. Lunch options include mouthwatering sandwiches. Make sure you save room for dessert, as the sundaes are scrumptious.

Photo courtesy of https://www.johnnysroadside.com/gallery/06cuaqmc05...

2. Paul & Elizabeth’s

Paul & Elizabeth’s has been serving regional fare for decades, all from Northampton. With a focus on all things local and seasonal, the menu offers some of the best of the best of Pioneer Valley’s agricultural producers and makers. Stop in for a quick lunch or peruse the dinner menu, which includes a nice selection of seafood, vegetarian eats and tempura.

Photo courtesy of https://www.paulandelizabeths.com

3. The Black Sheep Deli

For a sandwich lunch and a delicious, fresh-baked treat or two, visit The Black Sheep Deli and the brand’s Main street market in Amherst. Choose from specialty sandwiches such as the Valley Girl — which is smoked turkey, brie, tomatoes, lettuce and mustard on a baguette — or the TNT, which is also a baguette-based sandwich, but stuffed with roasted turkey, portobellos, roasted red peppers, olive tapenade and spinach.

Photo courtesy of https://www.blacksheepdeli.com/about-us/

4. Blue Heron Restaurant

For New American cuisine with local roots, visit this restaurant that’s received a James Beard Foundation nod in recent history. Located in Sunderland, the restaurant offers from-scratch food, along with a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The dinner menu might be on the smaller side, but it includes tantalizing options such as roasted half duck with maple-whipped sweet potatoes, and wild mushroom risotto with butternut squash.

5. Esselon Café

To get your caffeine fix, stop into Esselon for a cup of the café’s hand-roasted coffee, but stick around to enjoy an all-day breakfast and lunch menu, plus indoor and outdoor dining. Expect classic café fare with an upgrade, such as the Tupelo hash that comes with two Maine crab cakes, or the French toast made with cranberry orange bread.

Photo courtesy of https://www.esselon.com/cafe/

Need More?

Of course, there are many, many more amazing spots to eat and drink throughout the expansive Pioneer Valley, so be sure to check out even more of your options in the Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts guide from Discovery Map. The guide, which comes in both print and digital formats, also includes recommendations for hotels, activities and shopping. It’s your one vital resource for planning your perfect Pioneer Valley trip.