Top Hole In The Wall Spots – Western Mass

All across the hills of Western Mass there are great local spots in every town. In this guide, we are going to break down the best of the best of those hole-in-the-wall spots that are taking their craft and elevating it to the next level.

B.T.’s Smokehouse

B.T.’s is serving up not just some of the best BBQ in the Northeast, but some of the best BBQ in the country. They have all the classics: brisket, burnt ends, pulled pork. You name it, and they absolutely knock it out of the Earth’s atmosphere. They are also offering up some non-traditional BBQ items such as a BBQ burrito and poutine (because the only thing better than french fries, gravy, and cheese is all of that– topped with mouth watering pulled pork). To top it all off, B.T.’s is BYOB, so stop at the world-renowned Tree House Brewing Company down the street, grab some beers, and have yourself an afternoon.

Daily Operation

Self-proclaimed “Stoner International” cuisine, Daily Operation is churning out twists on classics from all across the world. This local spot is a perfect place to fill up between breweries, or before a show in Northampton. With menu items ranging from kung pao cauliflower to spicy BBQ beef shank melt, you can visit time after time and never get bored. Also, make sure to save room for dessert, because you know a menu designed for stoners is going to have killer dessert.

Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou

Chef Wayne has been slinging fire Cajun food in Springfield, MA for over two decades. Can’t make it down to Mardi Gras? Well, with BYOB the Big Mamou is the next best thing. So, bring a six pack or bottle of wine and enjoy some good old southern cooking. They have all the classics, from crawfish quesadillas to Bourbon street corn bread, and everything in between. If you are more in the brunch mood, the Cajun eggs benedict is a must try.

Local Burger

Come for the locally sourced burgers, stay for the crispy fries and bomb fried pickles. For those mornings when you wake up with an urge for a juicy burger and hand cut fries, Local will more than satisfy that fix. Local also has rotating specials, from poutine to mac and cheese stuffed burgers, you never know what they are cooking up. If burgers aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with Captain Crunch battered chicken fingers. Yup, that’s a thing.

Riff’s Joint

Located in the mills of Easthampton, above the breweries and by Fort Hill, Riff’s is the perfect place to grab food to bring to any of the local breweries nearby. There is something here for everyone, from classic burgers to Mexican food. We highly recommend any of the “Riffwiches.” These include, but are not limited to: an avocado pork belly BLT with house-smoked pork belly bacon, a bulgogi cheese steak, and a New England turkey melt with house-smoked turkey. Trying to decide what to get might seem impossible, but no worries, no matter what you order, you will not be disappointed.