Massachusetts: This is the Best Local Restaurant in the State
There’s something so special about a local, independent restaurant. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy going to chains, too. But, nothing beats going to eat at a favorite local eatery. Thankfully, here in Massachusetts, we have lots of fantastic local places to get your grub on. I’ve found some delicious spots all across the state, from small towns to the big metros. Massachusetts peeps just love our food, and we have the restaurants to show for it. Now, one area restaurant has been named the best local restaurant in the state.
Ondeck.com has released a study about the best indie restaurants in America. In it, they note that the average person in the U.S. goes out to eat at a restaurant three times a month, according to USfoods.com. Does three times a month seem low to you? Perhaps they aren’t counting takeout. To me, going out to eat three times a month seems like a low number. But, I’m also the girl who grew up with parents who went out to eat all the time. Anyway, Ondeck.com states, “Grabbing a bite at a fast food chain is a popular go-to — indeed, we’re the world’s biggest consumers of fast food — but you may not know that over half of the restaurants in the U.S. are independent.”
To come up with the winners, they used Yelp data in each state. “We used Yelp.com to retrieve publicly available ratings and review numbers for 149,099 independent restaurants within the most populated cities in every state and across the following categories of cuisine served: pizza, vegan, burgers, breakfast and international cuisine (e.g., Chinese food).”
So, what’s the best local restaurant in Massachusetts? It’s Ciao! Pizza & Pasta in Boston. They received 4.8 stars, according to Ondeck.com. So, next time you’re in the Boston area, you might want to stop there for some grub. Find the full list of the best independent restaurants in the U.S. here.
4 Reasons Why People Love Chain Restaurants
Safer Bets & Convenience
One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you’re in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it’s there. It’s that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.
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Familiarity & Nostalgia
For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It’s like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.
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Affordability
Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef’s specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn’t want to feel like we’ve emptied our pockets for a single meal. That’s why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.
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Seating & Space
Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you’ve got more than four people in your party. Unless you’ve made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone’s a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.
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