It is finally getting nice outside — thank god. And who doesn’t love to sit outside on a beautiful spring day, when the weather is just hot enough that you are warm, but not so hot that you are sweaty while enjoying a nice meal out? I love eating and being outside, so I have been to a bunch of really amazing restaurants near UMass Amherst, and I would love to share!
The deck Bar Northampton
The Deck Bar is at the renovated Union Station building. It is completely outdoor seating, and they also have a Gazebo bar. However, for those like me who are not 21, they also have really good zero-proof drinks! For those who aren’t looking to drink — the food there is very good. They have mainly American dishes that really hit the spot. The Deck Bar is a really fun environment with good food, fun drinks, and music!
Osteria Vespa
Osteria Vespa is located right here in Amherst! It serves Italian and Mediterranean food. I would say it is a little more upscale than most places in Amherst, but it is totally worth it — the food is amazing. The restaurant prides itself on incorporating local food from farms and butchers. They also have an outdoor terrace with lots of seating and umbrellas to block the sun if you’d like.
Savannas Bar and Bistro
This is easily my favorite restaurant in Amherst. Savannas is a fairly new bistro that is to die for! It is also a more upscale restaurant located right on University Drive; you can literally walk here from Southwest. They have amazing wood-fired pizzas, very good seafood, and great dishes like roasted chicken and filet mignon. Their outdoor seating is beautiful, with string lights and even heating lamps for the perfect spring nights.
High Brow Wood Fired Kitchen And Bar
High Brow is located in Northampton, serving mainly American dishes. The outdoor seating here is very different, in a good way. The seating is in between Highbrow and its neighboring building, with a tent over the top. While you are eating your amazing food, you get to see everyone walking the streets of Northampton. If you take up this suggestion, it is an absolute must to get the “Wood Fire Buffalo-ish Wings.” I am not the biggest fan of wings, but these ones were a complete game-changer. They were by far the best wings I have ever had in my entire life.
There are so many amazing restaurants near us in Amherst, it was hard to pick my favorite. I also have not been able to go to all of the restaurants with outdoor seating, so these are just my favorites thus far. However, wherever you go, I am sure it will be amazing. It is hard not to have a good time eating food and basking in the sun.
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