Casual Dining Banquets - Pittsfield

I was disappointed with the service at the Lantern. My family of five visited on Tuesday for lunch, and the restaurant was completely empty. A waitress approached us, and I mentioned that since we had five people and only tables for four available, the kids could sit at a separate table. She then refused to accommodate us, stating that they couldn’t separate families into different tables. It was shocking to witness a restaurant turn away a potential $100 bill just to stick to their policy. We were ready to order drinks and lunch, but it felt like they preferred to miss out on our business rather than be flexible. It’s a shame, especially since there was no one else in the restaurant. The owners should reconsider this approach.

The Lantern is truly one of the finest dining spots in the Berkshires. From classic offerings like the Twin Bacon Burgers to inventive dishes such as Kim Chi Brined Fried Chicken and Kohlrabi Green Olive Caesar, every item on the menu is simply delicious. Don’t be misled by the charming old-fashioned tavern atmosphere; this is far from your average neighborhood pub. While you can choose from a seemingly endless selection of beers on tap or enjoy a meticulously crafted cocktail, The Lantern stands out as a community restaurant serving exceptional cuisine. It’s not easy to create simple, honest, yet innovative dishes, but The Lantern does it brilliantly!

When a friend recommended The Lantern for lunch, I anticipated a standard menu of mozzarella sticks, hamburgers (which they are famous for), or hot wings. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, under new ownership, they offer a limited yet incredibly creative menu that perfectly embodies the principles of salt, fat, acid, and heat. I ordered the fried eggplant sandwich, which came with garlic-roasted tomatoes, pickled zucchini, feta mayo, all on a cheesy ciabatta. It was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had in my life—and I’ve had quite a few! Our server was the delightful and chatty Hon type, which added to the overall experience. The mix of patrons that day included regulars, women enjoying lunch, and out-of-towners, creating a lovely atmosphere. I’m sure everyone left satisfied. The only downside is that I work in Pittsfield and may become addicted to their delicious lunches!

This tavern has great atmosphere with jazz music recorded for background listening. The hamburger was one of the best I've eaten. The service is great. It has a full bar. Located near Berkshire theater company productions. Very convenient.

We heard of this place through some blogs and magazines. Went on a Friday evening at 6:00. It was pretty empty inside but it’s nice out and a couple of people were eating outside and it was art walk night. It’s nice and open now on the inside unlike the picture. All adult drinks are $6.00. The cheese burgers are little 3 oz sliders but you get 2 to an order. They are good. I had the triple and it was better but the pimento cheese burger was by far the best of the 3 we tried. The tots were yummy. The Panna cotta with smoked cherries was excellent and must be tried.. the sweet and smoke went together brilliantly. The staff was great. Very friendly. Overall a very good meal and good New England selection of beverages. It’s a cool spot in Pittsfield.