Mass MoCA campus in North Adams | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
By Chef Sandy Smith
“North Berkshires has a small, but nice, art scene. Lots of outdoor activities and a growing farm-to-table restaurant scene.”
About Chef Sandy Smith
Chef Alexander "Sandy" Smith is the chef and owner of Gramercy Bistro, located on the Mass MoCA campus in North Adams, MA. The bistro serves locally-sourced New American cuisine.
In 2015, Smith took over the shuttered Mohawk Tavern, which is also in North Adams. The tavern was first opened in the 1930s, but closed in 2013. Smith kept the original bar and restored the space adding new stained glass, air conditioning and flat screens TVs.
Photograph courtesy of Gramercy Bistro
Gramercy Bistro
The experience....
"We create well-executed classics, that might have a new approach or are just as you remembered. It is about global classics sourced locally."
87 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA 01247
T: 413.663.5300
www.gramercybistro.com
Make sure to order..
"The sweetbreads and tuna."
Photograph courtesy of Mohawk Tavern
Mohawk Tavern
The experience....
"It's a neighborhood bar with a jukebox, pool table, and dart board. We have craft beer on tap and a small wine program."
30 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA 01247
T: 413.346.4052
themohawktavern.com
Chef Sandy Smith's North Berkshires Guide
MORNING | Coffee
Photograph courtesy of Brewhaha
Brewhaha
Wake up to a latte, a Cubano, or an Espresso Con Panna (with fresh whipped cream) at this coffee shop in downtown North Adams.
"They have great coffee and awesome breakfast sandwiches."
20 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA 01247
T: 413.664.2020
www.facebook.com/brewhahacafe
SHOPS | Farmers Markets & Specialty Foods
Photograph courtesy of North Adams Farmers Market
North Adams Farmers Market
This market is open from June to October and sells everything from fresh produce to flowers to baked goods to skincare products. In addition, you can enjoy live music from 10am to 12pm.
"There are two vendors that I really like, North Yeast Bakery and Many Forks Farm. Make sure to get pastries from North Yeast Bakery."
Sat: 9am - 1pm, June - Oct
Marshall Street and St Anthony Drive, North Adams, MA 01247
T: 413.664.6180
www.facebook.com/NorthAdamsFarmersMarket
Photograph courtesy of Williamstown Farmers Market
Williamstown Farmers Market
This market is open from May to October. The vendors sell local products, soaps, ciders, cheeses, and prepared foods.
"Peace Valley Farm have the best cherry tomatoes and leaf lettuce."
Sat: 9am - 1pm, May - Oct
125 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA 01267
www.williamstownfarmersmarket.org
Photograph courtesy of Wild Oats Market
Wild Oats Market
This market opened in 1982 and has been providing its members and the local community with fresh produce and organic groceries ever since.
"This is just funky and cool, and great for vegetarians too."
320 Main Street, Williamstown, MA 01267
T: 413.458.8060
wildoats.coop
MID-DAY | Lunch
Jack's Hot Dog Stand
An old school restaurant serving classic American food at affordable prices. This stand has been around since 1917.
"It's the real deal of a blue collar hot dog and hamburger hole-in-the-wall kind of joint."
12 Eagle Street, North Adams, MA 01247
T: 413.664.9006
jackshotdogstand.com
AFTERNOON | Sweets
Photograph courtesy of The Rainbow Shack
The Rainbow Shack
Try one of their 18 flavors of hard ice cream or 38 flavors of soft-serve ice cream and soft-serve frozen yogurt, from Moose Tracks to Tutti Frutti to Orange Pineapple.
"A rainbow of flavors, pick what you like and they do frozen yogurts too."
85 Summer Street, Adams, MA 01220
T: 413.743.4031
facebook.com/TheRainbowShack
HAPPY HOUR | Beer
Photograph courtesy of Bright Ideas Brewing
Bright Ideas Brewing
Located in the shadow of the Mass MoCA museum, stop by this brewery after you visit the Sol LeWitt paintings.
"It's local, fresh beer and I really like the pale ale."
111, Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
T: 413.346.4460
brightideasbrewing.com
EVENING | Dinner
Summer Tomato Salad @ Mezze | Photo Credit: ©Find. Eat. Drink.
Mezze Bistro + Bar
New American cuisine cooked by chef Nick Moulton highlights local artisans and independent farmers. Owner and Beverage Director Nancy Thomas has co-authored a few cocktail books, so make sure to check out their bar list.
"All the food is really great here and their menu is constantly changing."
777 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown, MA 01267
T: 413.458.0123
www.mezzerestaurant.com
Guidebook | The Berkshires
VIDEO | A Chef's Guide to the Berkshires Food Scene
FED Berkshires Features & Videos
