The Best of Western Mass: Top Dining Spots to Discover Beyond UMass Campus

Content

As we all know, UMass Dining exceeds expectations in the culinary world, offering students an array of dining options beyond imagination. However, it's equally important to highlight the exceptional restaurants in Amherst. The town boasts an abundance of fantastic eateries, both on and off campus. In the following sections of this blog, I'll share my top places in Amherst to grab a bite to eat. 

Cushman Market

This eclectic cafe and market is located in North Amherst, around the corner from Puffer’s Pond. Upon entering the bright blue building you’ll be met with a charming restaurant, full of character represented in art displayed throughout the room, and familiar faces who frequent Cushman Market. I visit the restaurant nearly once a week to grab my favorite dish, the Smitty, an egg sandwich on a bun with a hash brown and bacon in the middle. I often pair this with a Cushman’s maple latte. I would highly suggest this cafe to anyone interested in feeling like they are nestled in a small town somewhere in the middle of Vermont. 

Cushman Market: I visit the restaurant to grab my favorite dish, the Smitty, an egg sandwich on a bun with a hash brown and bacon in the middle; Photo: Theo Nims

Mexcalito Taco Bar

If you're looking for a dinner spot with a sophisticated ambiance and delicious menu, then Mexcalito is the place for just that. I only recently discovered this restaurant because it is nestled behind the main strip in downtown Amherst, located on the corner of Kellogg Ave. Whenever I go to Mexcalito I have to get the birria tacos. They are slow-cooked with chile ancho and guajillo, and the beef is served with grilled cheese and consomme on the side. 

Johnny’s Tavern 

Johnny’s Tavern is easily my go-to restaurant for more of a fine dining experience. Since I was younger, my family would grab dinner at Johnny’s when my brother attended college in Amherst. It’s the best place to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and things like that. I recently had my birthday dinner there with my family and friends and it was not only a delicious meal, but our waitress exceeded every expectation. I also don’t usually consider myself a salad person, but my favorite dish there is their arugula salad with raw tuna (and a side of truffle fries of course). 

Image

Ginger Garden

Located towards the Hadley side of campus, is my favorite Pan-Asian restaurant – Ginger Garden. The restaurant offers up Chinese, Japanese, and Asian fusion foods in all assortments. In my opinion, one of the best parts of the restaurant is that it easily accommodates large parties. I have a fond memory of my friend’s father taking our friend group out to dinner here. The food was perfect, as was our overall dining experience for such a large group. Since that dinner, I now love to get takeout from Ginger Garden and further explore the expansive menu.

Bueno Y Sano: I have never once changed my order, the steak and mushroom quesadilla is just too good; Photo: Theo Nims

Bueno Y Sano

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the one place I eat at the most, my all-time favorite grab-and-go restaurant, Bueno Y Sano. Boasting eight locations in both Massachusetts and Vermont, this establishment has been a staple of mine for a long time. My first introduction to Bueno Y Sano was at its West Springfield branch when I was in high school. Since then I have loved it, and when I found the restaurant tucked away on Boltwood Walk I was over the moon. The restaurant itself was actually founded by a University of Massachusetts alum, class of 1993, Bob Lowry. So it only feels right to support UMass alum, and by that I mean eat my favorite food whenever I get the chance. I would also like to mention that I have been eating at Bueno Y Sano for around six years and I have never once changed my order, the steak and mushroom quesadilla is just too good! 

I hope you will check out these local restaurants and maybe find a new favorite spot. I too will be furthering my Amherst restaurant experience by heading to all of the places I haven’t yet tried.