Brian’s guidebook
Otis Food scene
This is the best (and all) that Otis has to offer for food. It's a limited selection, but not a bad one!
2 miles from the house, this general store is a lake favorite. You can get most essentials here, including alcohol. There is also a butcher on site for all of your grilling needs. However, the best part about this gem is the summer takeout business which is a true throwback. Soft serve ice cream, fried chicken, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and some of the best mozzarella sticks you'll ever have, are some of our favorites.
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Katie's Country Store and Takeout
1922 E Otis Rd2 miles from the house, this general store is a lake favorite. You can get most essentials here, including alcohol. There is also a butcher on site for all of your grilling needs. However, the best part about this gem is the summer takeout business which is a true throwback. Soft serve ice cream, fried chicken, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and some of the best mozzarella sticks you'll ever have, are some of our favorites.
It may look like you're run-of-the-mill gas station from the road but don't be fooled - it's called "Healthy Food & Fuel" for a reason. The produce inside is much better than Katie's as is their selection of snacks and groceries, offering a much more local selection and unique brands. Their breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, wraps and soups are also a nice alternative to the greasy spoon take out of Katie's. The gas at Katie's is cheaper, but we use Papa's because they have modern pumps and payment methods.
Papa's is also where you'll find Otis' weekly farmer's market, occurring on Saturdays from 9am - 1pm, May - October. In the height of summer, it's grown to host a nice selection of produce and local vendors that will usually have a live band performing in the afternoon.
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Papa's Healthy Food & Fuel
2000 E Otis RdIt may look like you're run-of-the-mill gas station from the road but don't be fooled - it's called "Healthy Food & Fuel" for a reason. The produce inside is much better than Katie's as is their selection of snacks and groceries, offering a much more local selection and unique brands. Their breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, wraps and soups are also a nice alternative to the greasy spoon take out of Katie's. The gas at Katie's is cheaper, but we use Papa's because they have modern pumps and payment methods.
Papa's is also where you'll find Otis' weekly farmer's market, occurring on Saturdays from 9am - 1pm, May - October. In the height of summer, it's grown to host a nice selection of produce and local vendors that will usually have a live band performing in the afternoon.
The Knox Trail Inn got new owners a couple of years ago and they've really brought the place back to life. There are two sections; more of a white table cloth, quiet restaurant and then the much larger bar area with high top tables, large bar area and stage that often hosts live music, performances and karaoke all year round. We will get take out from here often, but have only ever eaten in the bar area which offers a slightly elevated take on your standard bar fare. They also offer pizza at The Knox but for that we much prefer Fratelli's.
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Knox Trail Inn
1898 E Otis RdThe Knox Trail Inn got new owners a couple of years ago and they've really brought the place back to life. There are two sections; more of a white table cloth, quiet restaurant and then the much larger bar area with high top tables, large bar area and stage that often hosts live music, performances and karaoke all year round. We will get take out from here often, but have only ever eaten in the bar area which offers a slightly elevated take on your standard bar fare. They also offer pizza at The Knox but for that we much prefer Fratelli's.
Having lived in New York City for most of my adult life, I'm a tough critic when it comes to pizza and Fratelli's does not disappoint. This is good, old fashioned, take-out pizza at its best. Don't be afraid to try other things from the menu either because just about everything here is good. Eating in at the restaurant attached restaurant is also a trip that we indulge on a rainy day every now and then. The hours at Fratelli's can be a little hard to pin down sometimes so make sure to call and check their hours of operation which can often end earlier than you would expect.
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Fratelli's Restaurant & Pizza
8 S Main RdHaving lived in New York City for most of my adult life, I'm a tough critic when it comes to pizza and Fratelli's does not disappoint. This is good, old fashioned, take-out pizza at its best. Don't be afraid to try other things from the menu either because just about everything here is good. Eating in at the restaurant attached restaurant is also a trip that we indulge on a rainy day every now and then. The hours at Fratelli's can be a little hard to pin down sometimes so make sure to call and check their hours of operation which can often end earlier than you would expect.
The Grouse House offers a surprisingly good menu and is a great place for either eating in or take-out. We mostly eat here during the winter as it abuts the Otis Ski Ridge and you can eat while watching skiers as they come down the "mountain". If you're a skier yourself, you can come in right off the slopes, during day and evening skis. With a full bar, its a great place to warm up.
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Grouse House Restaurant & Inn
195 Monterey RdThe Grouse House offers a surprisingly good menu and is a great place for either eating in or take-out. We mostly eat here during the winter as it abuts the Otis Ski Ridge and you can eat while watching skiers as they come down the "mountain". If you're a skier yourself, you can come in right off the slopes, during day and evening skis. With a full bar, its a great place to warm up.
Skiing
If you're here in the winter and looking to ski, Otis Ridge has the reputation of being "steep and cheap." This "mountain" is tiny, with just one chair lift and the rest are t-bar and rope pulls. We love it because it was a great place to learn how to ski and because, at just 5 miles down the road, you can ski for an hour or two and just come home without feeling guilty about not getting your money's worth. It's great for kids and novice skiers but those looking more for "a day on the mountain" might want to visit Butternut, Catamount or Jiminey Peak.
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Otis Ridge
159 Monterey RdIf you're here in the winter and looking to ski, Otis Ridge has the reputation of being "steep and cheap." This "mountain" is tiny, with just one chair lift and the rest are t-bar and rope pulls. We love it because it was a great place to learn how to ski and because, at just 5 miles down the road, you can ski for an hour or two and just come home without feeling guilty about not getting your money's worth. It's great for kids and novice skiers but those looking more for "a day on the mountain" might want to visit Butternut, Catamount or Jiminey Peak.
Butternut is your closest option for a larger mountain that offers a much more traditional ski experience.
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Ski Butternut
380 State RdButternut is your closest option for a larger mountain that offers a much more traditional ski experience.
Catamount Mountain Ski Resort
78 Catamount RdJiminy Peak
37 Corey RdOther Berkshire Food Favorites
In our opinion, this is one of the best restaurants in the Berkshires and one of our favorites just about anywhere. An old stage-coach stop and inn, the rooms are all lit by fire and candlelight providing a truly unique fine dining experience. The pre fix menu serves rich, classic dishes paired with an incredible wine selection, overseen by renowned chef Peter Platt. Perfect for celebrations, romantic evenings, or anyone looking for a truly special evening.
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The Old Inn On The Green
In our opinion, this is one of the best restaurants in the Berkshires and one of our favorites just about anywhere. An old stage-coach stop and inn, the rooms are all lit by fire and candlelight providing a truly unique fine dining experience. The pre fix menu serves rich, classic dishes paired with an incredible wine selection, overseen by renowned chef Peter Platt. Perfect for celebrations, romantic evenings, or anyone looking for a truly special evening.