Smithsonian Cafe and Chowderhouse

Delicious clam chowder brought me here! The perfect pit stop before hitting up Deerfield and Yankee Candle. Conveniently located off the highway. They’ve got homemade soups, chilis, and chowders, along with grilled sandwiches and stuffed popovers. Very reasonably priced! They won 2025 Advocate Best of the Valley Readers’ Poll for the best place for soup.

The crab roll was the best I’ve had. A Generous portion without too much fillers, binders, mayo or seasoning etc. Just the sweet snow crab shining through. Came with a big portion of fries and some slaw. The slaw was a bit funky- tasted like the mayo was turning bad which deserves a star subtracted, but everything else made up for it. Seafood chowder and chicken soup were delicious and filling. Tuna melt popover was delightful but I wish I had gotten something other than canned tuna fish. It feels like a local joint; self service, bussing your own table, food and vibe being the focal point rather than decor. Only one restroom- spacious and clean. So glad we stopped rather than Chik-fil-A as was our original plan. It’s hardly a detour off the interstate and with their quick service, m

Was passing through the area and stopped for dinner. Had scallops fries and a Whoopie pie. Food was not bad. It was tasty. Good stop.

Hands down some of the best chowder I've had in my life. You also had a fried clam strip plate. One of their chicken sandwiches and pizzas. Clam strip plate was fried very nicely, but lacked backbone, prepared to be underwhelmed or have a jar of slap your mama in your ready in your pocket. Chicken sandwich was underwhelming and was very heavy on the barbecue sauce and the pizza was quite delicious according to my daughter.

Loveeee Smithsonian chowder house! Lobster and crab rolls are honestly a pretty fair price and the quality always holds up. The bisque is so good as well! I didn’t even know they carried other food items beside seafood too! Tbh probably one of the best places for a roll/seafood in western mass. Shout out to Peter! 🔥