We all salivate over the thought of a slice of Antonio’s, or rush to High Horse or Pasta e Basta when it comes time to go on a date, but what about all the other establishments that Amherst has to offer?
Downtown Amherst and the surrounding areas are overflowing with unique restaurants and their fabulously, delicious food. It’s time to step out and try the amazing hidden gems that Amherst has to offer.
Cushman Market and Café
Located at 491 Pine Street in Amherst, Cushman’s is a bit a of hike for those of us who live close to campus, but the trek is totally worth it. Brimming with boiling coffee, local farm products, and the occasional live, local band, Cushman’s is a vibrant and quaint way to start your day.
The half restaurant, half general store is famous among locals for it’s large breakfast menu, including my personal favorite, “By the Sea:” three farm fresh eggs scrambled with caramelized onions and smoked salmon. Cushman’s has something for everyone. The “Homer,” two eggs scrambled with salami and rosemary roasted potatoes is sure to please any meat lover. But for the vegetarians among us the “Veggie Scramble” packed with mushrooms, onions, and red peppers may be a better choice.
Not only is the food fantastic, but the environment at Cushman’s plays to the earthy, artistic talents of the locals. Cushman’s walls are covered in original pieces of artwork. Ranging from watercolor paintings and printed posters, to abstract collages on patron’s tables, there is certainly a lot to take in when you walk through the door at Cushman’s.
House of Teriyaki
If you’re looking for quality Asian cuisine, while simultaneously trying to expand your pallet beyond Panda East and Amherst Chinese Food, House of Teriyaki is the place to be. Located at 1177 North Pleasant Street in North Amherst, House of Teriyaki delivers a diverse menu and a warm atmosphere.
The B.Y.O.B. restaurant offers traditional Japanese and Korean food, as well as a vast sushi menu with original rolls. All donburi and teriyaki dishes are fresh and flavorful served with miso soup and salad.
You really can’t go wrong with teriyaki at House of Teriyaki, the name itself spells it out for you. The beef or chicken teriyaki comes with a generous portion of meat and vegetables. Topped with the restaurant’ savory sauce, the teriyaki dishes are most definitely a personal favorite.
So the next time you decide to venture out for Asian cuisine forego the coveted Scorpion Bowl, and opt for the dim lighting and original flavors at House of Teriyaki.
Mission Cantina
In the mood for some quality Mexican food? Mission Cantina should be at the top of your list. The yellow-and-red-walled restaurant upholds the traditions of Mexican culture. Located at 485 West Street in Amherst, Mission Cantina is a little slice of Mexico in Western Massachusetts.
Full of color and life, Mission Cantina is warm and welcoming. If the enticing aromas from the kitchen aren’t enough to bring you in, the original menu certainly is.
Homemade chips top the tables, served with original salsa recipes and fresh guacamole. The impressively large dinner portions are impossible to resist, even when you think you can eat no more. The dinner menu is full with the traditional Mexican dishes that we all love. Enchiladas, enormous burritos, quesadillas, and tacos come sizzling from the kitchen just waiting to be enjoyed by seasoned patrons and new customers alike.
The Freedom Café (The “Non-Profit Coffee Shop at UMass”)
The Freedom Café is a little different than the previously mentioned establishments. Well, it’s a lot different. The Freedom Café works with the support of donations from companies who, like the Freedom Café staff, want to see a positive change in the world. These companies donate organic, fair-trade coffee, fresh cream, milk, sugar, and all the essential products needed to run a successful café.
The mission of the Freedom Café is to end human trafficking. The passion for social justice of the volunteer workers, donating companies, and frequent customers is truly inspiring. The staff at the Freedom Café works solely for the reward of helping the world.
The donation-based motto also speaks to the customers. Drinks are not given a set price; rather it is up to the customer to decide what he or she is willing to donate to end human trafficking. 100% of the profits and donations from the Freedom Café go directly to the cause.
So the next time you decide to explore the UMass campus, be sure to stop by 768 North Pleasant Street for a coffee where committed volunteers are “bringing freedom one cup at a time.”
