Casual Dining

Casual Dining - MA Statewide


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!

8 places to visit

Harbor Light Inn

Enjoy the dining experience at this Marblehead inn from morning to evening

58 Washington Street Marblehead, MA 01945 781-631-2186
You could say that dining at the Harbor Light Inn, in the heart of Marblehead, MA’s charming Harbor District, is a delightful experience from morning to night. Stay at the bed-and-breakfast inn and start your day with a complimentary continental breakfast buffet, with options from assorted quiches and hot breakfast casseroles to freshly baked sweet breads. Feeling a little hungry in the afternoon? There are sweet treats, coffee and tea in the dining room. After a busy day in Marblehead (you can walk to shops, galleries and restaurants), relax in the popular tavern, where classic bar bites like Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, New England crab cakes and buffalo chicken bites are served up with a full selection of wines, beers and cordials.

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Deerfield Inn

Classic New England dining experience at this inviting inn’s restaurant, tavern

81 Old Main Street Deerfield, MA 01342 413-774-5587
Providing classic comfort food as well as innovative flavors to surprise your tastebuds, Champney’s restaurant and tavern at the historic Deerfield Inn offers that inviting New England dining experience. Seasonal dinners, lunches and breakfasts are based on what’s fresh from local farms, artisans and other purveyors. Choose chicken pot pie, slow-roasted turkey dinners, fish and chips or Norwegian salmon, among many exceptional entrees. Enjoy a creative cocktail by the fire or chat with guests and locals with a glass of wine or a local brew at the magnificent mahogany bar. Special nights have special deals on pizzas, burgers, oysters and prime rib, and there are a variety of budget-friendly family meals to go. Watch for special dining events like the yearly Robert Burns Dinner.

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Salem Waterfront Hotel

Friendly atmosphere, waterfront location and great food – this pub has it all

225 Derby Street Salem, MA 01970 978-740-8788
At the Regatta Pub & Patio at the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites, the atmosphere is as delightful as the food. Enjoy inside dining in the warm, friendly pub, or have a bite and a brew outside on the patio. In the evenings, fire pits and fire towers provide a happy glow – and so do the varied menu selections. For lunch or dinner, start with pork pot stickers, mahi-mahi tacos or New England clam chowder. Entrees include a seafood Cobb salad, lobster roll, fish and chips and the popular Witch City turkey sandwich. Drinks include wicked rum punch or a season-inspired martini as well as a large beer and wine selection. There’s a special menu for kids at all three meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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Briar Barn Inn

Farm-fresh ingredients, regional favorites make for superior dining at post-and-beam restaurant

101 Main Street Rowley, MA 01969 978-653-5323
A delightful atmosphere and an inventive menu featuring farm-fresh ingredients have made the Grove restaurant at the Briar Barn Inn a favorite with locals and inn guests. The seasonal menu focuses on inspired flavors and regional classics served with a twist. A winter menu might feature everything from duck and steak grilled to perfection to fish and chips and spaghetti with clams. The cocktails are creative, the craft beers are local, and the wine list is vibrant. The restaurant itself, in a beautiful post-and-beam barn, is an important part of the dining experience, with a terrace for outdoor seating in warmer months. Grove also offers an extensive and delicious brunch menu on the weekends, with everything from sweet potato and sausage hash to mussels frites.

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Southwick’s Zoo

Casual, friendly restaurant and tavern serves up New England favorites to zoo-goers

2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA 01756 800-258-9182
When you head out to the Blackstone Valley to visit the animals and go on the rides at Southwick’s Zoo, make a day of it with a visit to Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern! At Galliford’s, we take pride in serving upscale New England fare made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From our signature Bourbon Steak Tips and Pan Seared Salmon to our rustic, hand-crafted pizzas, there's something for everyone on our extensive menu.
Our cozy and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for families, couples, and friends looking to share a special meal together. With attentive service from our friendly staff, you'll feel right at home from the moment you walk in the door. At Galliford’s, everyone is family!

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Sip at 1620 Wine Bar

A tasty Plymouth speakeasy, just steps from the waterfront!

The Shoppes at Village Landing - 170 Water Street Plymouth, MA 02360
Located in the heart of historic Plymouth, MA just steps from the waterfront, Sip at 1620 Wine Bar is the perfect place to refuel with delicious food, award-winning wine, and craft cocktails after a day of exploring. Sip’s menu is a mix of creative small plates and comfort food that goes beyond the ordinary – Lobster Rangoon, truffle fries, and braised short ribs that melt in your mouth. Whether you're popping in for a quick snack or settling in for a full meal, each dish is crafted with fresh, local ingredients. With its prime location, mouthwatering menu, flights of wines, and handcrafted cocktails, Sip at 1620 is a must-visit on your Plymouth adventure! This speakeasy-like lounge is adults-only. Reservations for groups of 6 are more are recommended! dule of performances.

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Worcester Art Museum

Art museum’s dining venues provide visitors with creative offerings, locations

55 Salisbury Street Worcester, MA 01609 508-799-4406
Be inspired by art indoors and out when you dine at the Worcester Art Museum. The awe-inspiring Renaissance Court is the inviting location for the museum’s Cafe. Enjoy coffee drinks, pastries, fruit and a variety of lunch options surrounded by inspiring art and architecture in an immersive space. Try a Lebanese yogurt cup, a Korean cold noodle bowl, or a special salad or sandwich. Kids’ sandwiches are available. The cafe is open during regular museum hours. In the evening, unwind with drinks, music, a bit of art and nature in the summer beer and wine garden in the Stoddard Garden Courtyard and Lancaster Room. Wine, locally brewed beer and snacks will be served and flowers and houseplants offered from Sparkle on Park.

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Faneuil Hall Marketplace

1 South Market Street Boston, MA 02109 617-523-1300
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is Boston’s hottest, newest old spot for dining and entertaining. Full service restaurants include Ned Devine's Irish Pub, Salty Dog Oyster Bar & Grill, and Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville®, and merchants on the Collonade include Jen Lai Noodle & Rice, the Boston & Maine Fish Company, and Aris BBQ. It’s always a festival with free entertainment and incredible shopping.

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