7 Massachusetts Restaurants That Are So Much More Than Amazing Places To Eat
By Melissa Mahoney|Published September 17, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Massachusetts is filled with some of the most incredible restaurants in the country. You can find excellent seafood and just about any other type of cuisine you can think of around the state. From the fanciest of places to hole-in-the-wall eateries, we have it all. But sometimes we may want something a little more when going out to eat at a restaurant. Whether it’s a breathtaking view, the history of a place, or some other unique feature, here is a list of seven Massachusetts restaurants that are more than just incredible places to eat.
Located in a very inconspicuous place, Saloon is a speakeasy that's a little hard to find on your first visit. This underground bar and eatery is only open Wednesday through Saturday. Here you can drink artisan cocktails and dine on a variety of food from poutine to burgers to steak frites in a setting that will take you back to the 1920s.
Do you like bowling? How about bbq? If you like both, then The Alley Bowling & BBQ in Orleans is the place for you! Serving some of the best bbq on the Cape plus video games and air hockey, this is certainly not your average bowling alley.
Built in 1832 by John Stone, Stone's Public House started out as a hotel called the Railroad House. Stone's became a tavern over the years offering a cozy atmosphere with local art on display and excellent food and drinks. It's also said to be haunted by several spirits.
Warren Tavern has been around since 1780, making it the oldest tavern in Massachusetts. Today, you can enjoy a wide variety of tavern fare for lunch and dinner. Brunch is served on the weekends. Over the course of its long history, it's seen its fair share of notable customers including George Washington and Paul Revere. It is said that Warren Tavern is also haunted by several ghosts.
Bernie's Dining Depot is a popular, family-run diner in Western Massachusetts. Known for its large menu and oversized portions, especially its prime rib, you won't walk away hungry and may even be taking some of your meal home with you! Aside from the delicious food, you can eat in the diner's passenger train car.
Salem's Ledger Restaurant occupies the building that was once the Salem Savings Bank, circa 1818. While it's now an elegant eatery, there are plenty of reminders of the building's former purpose as a bank including a bank vault, a teller's window, and safety deposit boxes. The ambiance is just as incredible as the food, cocktails, and desserts.
A waterfall, a covered bridge, and a duck pond are just a few of the features at The 1761 Old Mill - and that's just the outside. Inside you'll find a gift shop, event space, and the Cracker Barrel Pub. The food is hearty and quite delicious and your meal will be served with a basket of fritters and pecan rolls. Between the amazing food and historical atmosphere, you'll want to come back time and again.