Suess, Hoops and Brews: the Hidden Gems in Springfield MA
By Max Hartshorne
GoNOMAD Editor
Springfield, Massachusetts, is a city in the western part of the state, home to some interesting restaurants and historical sights.
It’s also a city that gets very little tourist love, although it has some worthwhile sites to explore.
The drive from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Boston, is about 90 minutes. We asked some local residents to share their favorite dining choices in the city.
Whether you are a local resident or a tourist, there are plenty of dining options.
Springfield Sites
The Museum of Fine Arts features a collection of American art and artifacts, while The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden honors the famous children’s author with whimsical statues. The Springfield Armory National Historic Site showcases the history of firearms and their role in developing the United States.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a must-visit for basketball fans and it’s not only NBA but women’s WNBL and college greats represented in this hall. Springfield is also the home of one of the country’s largest gun manufacturers Smith and Wesson.
Restaurants in Springfield
- Red Rose Pizzeria
- The Student Prince Cafe and The Fort Dining Room
- Theodore’s BBQ
- Max’s Tavern
- MGM Springfield Casino: Many restaurant choices
- Dewey’s Jazz Lounge
- Pho Saigon at the X
- Bamboo House
- Del Rey Taqueria
- Osteria
- White Lion Brewery Taproom
- Saray II Turkish Restaurant
When it comes to dining, Springfield has a relatively diverse range of options. It’s not a town famous for dining, but you can find a wide variety and satisfy anyone’s taste.
Restaurants in Springfield, MA
We asked half a dozen people who live in Springfield to tell us about their favorites…and of course, there is no consensus, only opinions.
Peter Soderberg weighed in. “Theodores for the blues, brews, and BBQ. Great no-frills dining with delicious food and drinks, and service is always excellent. 2nd, I’d go with Max’s Tavern for a finer dining experience.”
Mark Auerbach, a PR maven from Longmeadow, agreed about Max Tavern, as did a third local resident.
Bill Dusty from Springfield said, “I like Bamboo House for Vietnamese food. They’re affordable, have a good selection, and serve French press coffee. My favorite is their vermicelli with grilled pork. Plan B Burger Bar at the Hall of Fame. Great burgers, and they do a good job with the fries.”
Del Rey Taqueria also got a nod at 211 Worthington Street near Union Station.
Christopher Haynes, who lives in the city, shared his thoughts. “My vote is for Saray II, at 1347 Allen Street. A Turkish restaurant in the truest sense, with remarkable baked goods and bread. But when you try the soup, salads, and especially the grilled fare, along with a cup of yummy mint tea, you’ll forget that they have no alcohol, and life is fine without it.”
An Editor Weighs In
Former Valley Advocate Editor-in-Chief Geoff O’Connell has been a Springfielder for decades. Here is his take.”I’d pick Dewey’s Jazz Club for interesting, ever-changing specials, imaginative cocktails, and sophisticated live music. Osteria is even newer. They serve up really top-notch house-made pasta dishes with portions so generous we typically order one entree. For more casual fare, White Lion’s taproom features light fare by High Brow. Their fish and chips (maybe Fridays only?) are among the best in the city.
Dewey’s Jazz Lounge offers something a little different to the downtown scene. With regular music on weekends and an interesting menu of small plates, this African-American-owned joint is worth a try. The lounge is located at 232 Worthington St. in downtown Springfield, in the space formerly occupied by The Fat Cat Bar & Grill. Dewey’s website.
Pho Saigon gets mixed reviews; some say it’s Springfield’s best Vietnamese, yet in that same neighborhood at the “X,” there are other similar places to try, including Soc Trang and Vinh Chau. Reasonable prices and fast service. Pho Saigon, (413) 781-4488 400 Dickinson St in Springfield.
Springfield, MA Hotels
Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel offers comfortable rooms and convenient access to many of the city’s top attractions. The hotel features an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
The Tower Square Hotel Springfield is another great option for your stay in Springfield. The hotel is located within walking distance of the MassMutual Center and the Springfield Museums. The hotel features a fitness center and an indoor pool.
MGM Springfield Casino If you want a more luxurious stay, consider MGM Springfield. The hotel features a full-service spa, a casino, and several restaurants. The hotel is in the heart of downtown Springfield, within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions.
Find a place to stay in a local home.
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Interesting town! Thanks for highlighting that Dewey’s Jazz Club is African-American owned! I’d also love to see an article about a pilgrimage to interesting African-American owned businesses.