A selection of winners from this year’s Best of the Valley Readers’ Poll.
Theodores’ Booze, Blues & BBQ
201 Worthington St., Springfield (413) 736-6000
www.theodoresbbq.com
This Springfield institution has been home to the region’s blues and jazz scene for more than three decades.
The Dirty Truth
29 Main St., Northampton (413) 585-5999
www.dirtytruthbeerhall.com
For beer lovers, the Dirty Truth is a must-visit. This is one of Northampton’s great rooms, and with the big front windows open on a warm, late summer evening, it’s a fine place to sample a few of the Truth’s vast and ever-changing selection.
Amy’s Place
80-82 Cottage St., Easthampton
(413) 527-9333
It takes loyal fans to win the coveted Best Neighborhood Bar category and Amy’s Place has won it two years in a row, three of the last four. You do the math.
Wildwood Barbeque
325 Russell St. (Rte. 9), Hadley
(413) 584-4227, www.wildwoodque.com
Opened in July of 2013, Wildwood has a clear mission, says owner Glenn Brunetti: “We’re known for great smoked meats (ribs, brisket, pulled pork and chicken), solidly good side dishes, creative, eclectic specials, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu items, a strong rotating selection of regional craft beers, and outrageous house-baked desserts.” They also have outdoor seating.
Northampton Brewery
11 Brewster Ct., Northampton (413) 584-9903
www.northamptonbrewery.com
After 26 years of trial and error, say sister and brother founders and owners Janet and Peter Egelston, the Noho Brewery recently closed for some major renovations. Since their reopening, thirsty patrons have enjoyed a brand new bar, open-concept kitchen, and gigantic 6,000-pound oven—plus an expanded outdoor deck and the popular beer offerings that keep Best Of voters and others coming back for more.
Berkshire Brewing Company
12 Railroad St., South Deerfield
(413) 665-6600
www.berkshirebrewingcompany.com
BBC celebrates its 20th anniversary this year by expanding distribution to Maine, thereby reaching every state in New England. Additionally, BBC now offers its popular Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale in cans, a nice new option, says Gary Bogoff, who founded and owns the company with Chris Lalli.
Liquors 44
238 King St., Northampton, (413) 586-3007, 458-9 Campus Plaza, Hadley, (413) 253-9344, 44 Lincoln St., Holyoke, (413) 534-4555, www.liquors44.com
A longtime favorite with readers, Liquors 44 has locations in Hadley, Holyoke and Northampton, carrying a large selection of domestic, imported and craft beers as well as kegs, wines from around the world, and an extensive selection of spirits.•
