Casual dining in Massachusetts is a tasty and fun option for families

Massachusetts > State > Dining & Restaurants > Casual Dining

Everyone -- perhaps especially families with children -- likes to dine at a casual restaurant, diner, or drive-in on occasion, particularly on a vacation. Massachusetts has plenty of great restaurants serving American and traditional New England food that serve inexpensive and good food.

Check out more great dining experiences at our VNE Blog!

Deerfield Inn

81 Old Main Street Deerfield, MA, 01342 Phone: 413-774-5587

Peaceful, comforting surroundings, a creative menu add up to perfect casual dining

The surroundings of the historic Deerfield Inn’s restaurant and tavern are as comforting as the food, and that’s saying something. At Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern, diners can relax in comfortable wing chairs, get warm by the fireplaces and sample seasonal dishes that rely on the freshest local ingredients. The creative cuisine, perfect for a casual dinner or a quick lunch before sightseeing, includes modern renditions of classic favorites from chicken pot pie to fish and chips, as well as some eclectic surprises like artisanal mushroom risotto or bouillabaisse. A variety of beers on tap, a good wine list and signature cocktails guarantee a pleasant evening in a peaceful, inviting atmosphere both inside and out on the lawn, porch and terrace. Please visit our website to see current COVID policies.

Hampton Inn Boston Downtown MA Dining Area - Hampton Inns New England

Hampton Inns of New England

Hotels’ piping hot breakfasts a great way to begin your exploration vacation

There’s so much to explore when you stay at one of the Hampton Inn Hotels of New England’s Massachusetts inns. And how better to start your getaway adventures than with a piping hot breakfast? Complimentary hot breakfasts with options from eggs and waffles to fruit and pastries are just one of the many amenities at Hampton inns. All of the hotels also have free wifi, spacious rooms, flexible booking options with free changes and cancellations and great service. Many also have business centers, indoor pools and fitness centers and shuttles to nearby transportation hubs, shopping areas and other attractions. Those attractions range from mountain trails in the Berkshires to the historic Freedom Trail in Boston.

Salem Waterfront Hotel

225 Derby Street Salem, MA, 01970 Phone: 978-740-8788 Toll-Free: 888-337-2536

Classic regional fare featured in this waterfront hotel’s pub restaurant

At the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites, on beautiful Pickering Wharf, dining is part of the experience for guests seeking a relaxed time away from it all. At the hotel’s Regatta Pub Restaurant, the day begins with a hearty breakfast, from pancakes to lobster omelets. The lunch and dinner menus offer classic dishes like burgers, fish and chips, a seafood Cobb salad and, of course, New England clam chowder. For guests seeking to unwind with some liquid refreshment, the pub features a range of wines and brews as well as signature cocktails including frozen drinks, creative spins on martinis and, in a salute to historic Salem’s past, a wicked rum punch. Room service is also available.

Harbor Light Inn

58 Washington Street Marblehead, MA, 01945 Phone: 781-631-2186

Romance, history and high quality casual dining

Dine casually in one of the most romantic Inns in America in one of the most beautiful small towns in America. Located in the heart of historic Marblehead’s harbor the intimate and popular tavern is open to the public and serves an extensive list of fine wines, beer, cordials and house specialty drinks and is the perfect spot for relaxing during or after an evening out. You’ll also find a limited but high-quality menu highlighting favorites like shrimp and corn chowders, cheese and fruit platters, Maryland crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, grilled Panini and great burgers. Guests staying at the Inn can also enjoy the extensive continental breakfast buffet served in the dining room each day with a special smoked salmon platter available on Sundays.

Lenox Hotel

61 Exeter Street at Boylston Boston, MA, 02116 Phone: 617-536-5300 Toll-Free: 800-225-7676

Small plates to nosh, warm friendly service, there’s always a reason to stop in. Open nightly ‘til 2am.

City Table’s free spirited approach to the menu allows guests more freedom to share and try a wide offering of starters, entrees and sides that put a creative twist on classic American fare. We embody a casual approach and an emphasis on fresh and organic ingredients.
City Table is an intimate gathering spot for pre-dinner or after work with an extensive beverage list featuring a variety of traditional cocktails and signature libations along with one-of-a-kind martinis and an impressive wine list with many selections available by the glass. City Table’s full menu is served until 1am daily with cocktails until 2am.

Mirbeau Inn & Spa Plymouth

35 Landmark Drive Plymouth, MA, 02360 Phone: 508-209-2626 Toll-Free: 877-647-2328

Savor the delightful offerings at this inn’s bistro-inspired signature restaurant

A meal at the elegant Mirbeau Inn & Spa is something to savor. At the luxurious inn’s Bistro & Wine Bar, its signature restaurant, that means enjoying a French bistro-inspired menu infused with the flavors of New England. You might start your dinner with butternut squash and apple bisque or iced oysters, moving on to a poulet cassoulet or seared sea scallops. Or, you might just want a Mirbeau Burger! Breakfast features omelets, crepes, brioche French toast and house-baked croissants. (Ask about the Sunday Jazz Brunch.) The dining room is casually elegant, with an outdoor patio for relaxed nights with delightful meals and an extensive wine and spirits list.
Mirbeau accolades include Forbes Travel Guide recognition, AAA Four Diamonds and Conde Nast Top 20 Resorts in New England and Top 100 Hotels and Resorts in the World.

Hotel on North

297 North Street Pittsfield, MA, 01201 Phone: 413-358-4741

Chefs Who Think Globally & Shop Locally

When you walk through the front doors, you can see that Hotel on North in a place of understated sophistication. Things are simply done well, without pretense. Similarly, the hotels’ Eat on North is a casual restaurant where fresh, uncomplicated food from local ingredients is served proudly by Chef de Cuisine Ron Reda. Menus present tasty American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Small plates, large plates, snacks, and other options satisfy every appetite. A very cool oyster bar with views of the lobby and the hotel’s coming and goings serves delicious shellfish and oyster samplers; cured meats and cheeses. A kids menu corrals the taste and needs of young ones on a family vacation.

Briar Barn Inn

101 Main Street Rowley, MA, 01969 Phone: 978-653-5323

Fine local cuisine served up in a light-filled post-and-beam barn restaurant

Feast on exceptional local cuisine at the Grove restaurant in the Briar Barn Inn and immerse yourself in a distinctive farmhouse experience. The post-and-beam barn restaurant features inspired flavors, fresh ingredients from local farms and vendors and regional classics with a creative twist, under the guidance of an award-winning chef. Sit down at a rustic farm table in the light-filled room and order up an amazing burger or flatbread for lunch, duck cassoulet or chicken biscuit pot pie for dinner or the chef’s daily frittata or brioche bread budding for weekend brunch. Three separate bar locations feature craft cocktails like the lavender gimlet or rosemary bourbon smash. The restaurant terrace is perfect for outdoor seating in a relaxed atmosphere.

Hilton Boston Logan Airport

One Hotel Drive Boston, MA, 02128 Phone: 617-568-6700 Toll-Free: 800-445-8667

You'll love eating at Hilton's Boston airport hotel

Keeping you nourished and on the go is a top priority at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport. the day with breakfast a Berkshires, offering dishes like Huevos Rancheros, and a full buffet. At Cafe Presto, grab a Starbucks coffee and snack while on the run, or pack a wholesome meal for your trip. Berkshires is our breakfast cafe. Enjoy something low-fat and high-energy, like Irish steel cut oatmeal or house-made granola with berries. Or treat yourself to something more indulgent, like our Maine Lobster Towers, a New England twist on eggs benedict. For lunch or dinner, head to Connolly's Publik House and enjoy local seafood favorites -- clam chowder, lobster roll, baked scrod -- as well as stone-baked pizza, salads, and sandwiches.

Cape Codder Resort & Spa

1225 Iyannough Road Hyannis, MA, 02601 Phone: 855-861-4370

Casual yet sophisticated, located in the Cape Codder Resort & Spa

The Grand Cru Restaurant features creatively prepared Italian and American fare in a warm, casual, atmosphere or on the spacious Deck (seasonal). For a light bite or a complete meal, the menu offers a unique selection of appetizers, salads, entrées and decadent desserts made in-house by our acclaimed Chef. New thin crust pizzas are made to order with our very own signature cheese blend and savory sauce. Pizza is available for takeout. We're also known for our list of carefully selected fine wines by the bottle, glass or 3 oz. taste, creative martinis, classic cocktails, ports, cognacs, single malt scotches and ice-cold bottled and draught beer. On Friday and Saturday nights you can catch some of the area’s best Jazz and Blues musicians after 8pm. No cover!

Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa

149 Main Street Historic Sandwich Village, MA, 02563 Phone: 508-888-3622 Toll-Free: 800-444-3566

In the top 1% of restaurants in the country!

As recipient of the DiRona Award (placing it in the top 1% of restaurants in the country) and Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, the Dan’l Webster is home to one of the region’s most acclaimed wine cellars. Enjoy fine dining in the romantic intimacy of the Music Room or perhaps the sun or moonlit Conservatory. The menu’s distinctive selections represent traditional and contemporary tastes. Menu selections are true classics such as juicy Roast Prime Rib and Native Haddock. For casual fare, the Tavern at the Inn features lighter menu items and wood-grilled pizzas. Desserts are created fresh daily by an expert pastry chef. A delicious breakfast menu is served every day and Sundays feature a beautiful Brunch Buffet. Reserve direct for the lowest rate…guaranteed.

Western Mass.

Boston

Cape Cod & The Islands

Central Mass.

North of Boston

South of Boston