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!

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.

Mirbeau Inn & Spa Plymouth

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

Classic cuisine and an extensive wine list at Mirbeau

The centerpiece of Mirbeau Inn & Spa is The Bistro & Wine Bar which offers casually elegant indoor or outdoor dining and a menu that is inspired by that of a French Bistro peppered with classic New England flavors. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, The Bistro allows guest to indulge in decadent treats and try a selection of carefullycurated wines. Outside dining is offered seasonally on the Bistro Porch overlooking the beautiful Monet bridge and koi ponds. The Garden Bar is a casual outdoor dining experience featuring a wood-fired pizza oven, raw bar, and signature cocktails in the midst of the beautiful Monet-inspired ponds and gardens.
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.

Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort

Route 20 - Lee Road Lenox, MA, 01240 Phone: 800-272-6935

Local ingredients, comfortable atmosphere distinguish this resort tavern

Seeking a spot to unwind with a meal after a busy day? A comfortable atmosphere for breakfast with the family before setting out on a vacation day? Or maybe you want to sip a post-round cocktail on the deck overlooking the golf course. Look no further than Sloane’s Tavern at the Cranwell Resort, where New England favorites and locally sourced ingredients offer the complete casual dining experience. Tuck into a vegetable frittata at breakfast. Sup on clam chowder, homemade chili and fresh salads at lunch. Try the shepherd’s pie or glazed salmon at dinner (and don’t forget the New England sticky toffee pudding for dessert). The restaurant has a children’s menu, gluten-free options and a takeout menu for poolside dining.

Tradewinds Lounge 500x250 - Doubletree Boston North Shore - Danvers, MA

DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore

50 Ferncroft Road Danvers, MA, 01923 Phone: 978-777-2500

A cozy place to relax and enjoy some classic New England comfort food

At TradeWinds Restaurant and Lounge, our award-winning Executive Chef prepares new American cuisine ranging from seared diver scallops to braised short ribs to house-made burgers, grilled flatbread pizzas and panini’s. Featuring an expansive bar, comfortable couches, flat-screen TV’s, a double-sided fireplace, and semi-private space available for groups or events. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Conveniently located at the intersection of I-95 and Rt. 1 in Danvers, MA, a short drive from historic Salem and all of the North Shore area attractions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Deerfield Inn

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

Great food, ambiance, local craft beers, and house infusions

Central to its place and reputation in town and local history, is the inn’s food philosophy of eating the view. Champney’s Restaurant & Tavern offers twelve draft beers, a good wine list, house infusions, and creative cocktails. Comfortable seating, cozy corners, fireplaces, welcoming staff, and an 18-seat mahogany dining bar invite you to gather and linger. The Chef runs a scratch kitchen and supports farmers’ markets, family farms, and other area sources of sustainably-raised food and natural produce. Gather at this New England table to enjoy a relaxed and happy ambiance, and to celebrate local purveyors and local products and taste the difference in an authentic field to fork menu.

The Emerson Inn

1 Cathedral Avenue Rockport, MA, 01966 Phone: 978-546-6321

Year-round Oceanside Dining in Rockport

In today’s over-saturated and often overthought dining scene, Pigeon Cove Tavern is characterized by its commitment to quintessential New England fare done right. Chowder, lobster rolls, and other local favorites make the tavern the perfect meeting place for any occasion. From our ocean view veranda, soaking in the breathtaking views with a refreshing cocktail, fine wine, or craft brew and relax in the cool ocean breeze. The breath-taking views and creative approach to local cuisine draws people from across the region, while the warm, genuine hospitality brings them back time and time again.

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.

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!

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.

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