Yes, we go to the school with the second best ranked dining commons in the entire country. The food is amazing and makes the transition from home to school all the more easier. Although the food is very enjoyable, the Amherst community has many places that are a great break from walking around Berk at 6:30 pm trying to find a seat. Here are the top 10 places to eat in the Amherst Community outside of our delicious dining halls.

1. Antonio’s Pizza

This famous pizza place serves huge slices of pizza with everything but the kitchen sink on top. A great late night snack or a craving for some good pizza is always fulfilled here. Walk into this place on a Saturday night and you won’t even be able to move until it is your turn in line. Worth the wait in the tiny little dive.

2. Pasta E Basta

This cozy italian restaurant offers huge meals for a very small price. I like to go there when I am feeling homesick, or just in the mood for some really great pasta. Located in downtown Amherst, only a quick bus ride, or short walk on a nice day, is in between you and the best chicken parm ever.

3. Glazed

If you’re feeling sweet, try out Glazed, located right in downtown Amherst. Offering every type of donut under the sun, this place a great place to grab a coffee and a delicious snack.

4. The Hangar

This place is packed on any night where there is a home hockey game at UMass. The best wings in town, and corn hole games while you wait. What more could you ask for?

5. Judie’s

A famous place for when the parents come to take you out to dinner. They have amazing food and the popover’s with apple butter are too die for. Definitely get your parents to come and take you out!

6. The Black Sheep

A great coffee shop with even better desserts and sandwiches. This a great spot to escape campus and get some homework done while having a delicious lunch. Their cupcakes are great for study breaks too.

7. The Taste

If you are sick of waiting in the stir fry line in Hamp, but still want oriental food, The Taste in downtown Amherst is a great place to fill your craving. This is the home of the best Pad Thai I’ve ever had, at least in my book anyway.

8. Share Coffee

The cutest coffee shop has long picnic tables, definitely leading up to their name of “Share Coffee”. This was one of my favorite places to come on a cold winter’s day after classes. The best lattes, and strongest coffee. Definitely a place to try.

9. The Works Bakery Cafe

This cafe has great sandwiches, coffees, smoothies, salads, and treats. My personal favorite thing however is how the employees make you breakfast sandwiches right in front of you. Adding whatever veggie, cheese, or meat to the egg makes for an extra delicious breakfast.

10. Atkins Farm

Located a little further from campus is this very popular local Farm. In the fall, this place is swarmed with foliage seekers and pumpkin pickers. I highly recommend making the trip out for the best cider donuts, a delicious and huge deli with great sandwiches, and a bakery that is to die for.

With all the great restaurants nearby on top of our already very good dining halls, it is very easy to gain the freshman fifteen. Remember we have a great gym nearby too.