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Date: 6/26/2023
This weekend, I spent an inordinate amount of time brainstorming what to focus on for this week’s What I’m Eating column. A variety of robust cuisines and homey eateries came to mind, but I wanted to find a new avenue for expanding this column’s scope. That’s where the food tour comes into play!
Intermixed with my coverage of particular food groups, I will also cover food from the viewpoint of towns and cities. There are so many remarkable destinations I want to cover along the way in this column, so I hope this format helps me spread the love even further into Western Massachusetts.
I know what some of you are thinking, “why start your food tour in Agawam?” Aside from a four-year college detour, I have called Agawam home for most of my life. Most people I talk to outside of the town’s quaint suburbs only know the community for hosting Six Flags New England. It’s true; Six Flags is the marquee tourism destination of Agawam. However, visitors will likely be surprised to discover the bounty of wonderful restaurants dispersed throughout the town’s corridors.
With that said, here are a few food destinations to check out if you are visiting Agawam.
141 Main Street, 141 Main St.
Synonymous with its hearty lunchtime offerings, 141 Main Street has quickly entrenched itself as a community staple over its decade-plus of business. The restaurant is a picturesque location to many, with the cozy interior’s gamut of seasonal decorations complimented by a scenic outdoor patio that is tailor-made for festive gatherings. 141 has utilized its restaurant home for a variety of communal events, whether patrons are stopping by for live music performances or taking part in competitive trivia nights.
141 Main Street’s menu offers an endless list of comfort food staples. Homemade recipes elevate familiar dishes, such as mac and cheese and chicken ranch paninis, into a new stratosphere of deliciousness, while an assortment of original creations continues to spotlight the restaurant as a distinctive eatery. The grilled cheese “The Gronk” is a great example of this dynamic. Between two slices of thick bread, “The Gronk” features buffalo chicken, ranch dressing and pepper jack cheese in a delectable twist on an old-time favorite.
Nicky’s Pizza, 1000 Main St.
Located within walking distance of my house, Nicky’s Pizza continues to build a storied reputation as one of Agawam’s most active food destinations. This is especially the case during the summer season. Loads of cars pack into their modest parking lot after long visits to Six Flags, with families often enjoying their meals outdoors or within the confines of the restaurant’s traditional pizza shop interior. I am always happy to see the shop packed to the brim with a mix of local patrons and out-of-town visitors.
It’s easy to see why Nicky’s is a frequent stop for many. The menu features a balance of classic Italian fare, including pasta dinners and thick-crust pizzas, along with an infusion of guilty pleasure favorites, like fried Oreos and cheese curds. I will always be partial to their individual slices. For a measly three or four dollars, Nicky’s serves up a massive slab of sauce, cheese and dough that delivers a robust pizza experience. These slices were a true gift in high school when I was starving and barely had a penny to my name.
EB’s Restaurant, 385 Walnut St.
Agawam hosts several wing stops, yet none are as synonymous with flavorful chicken as EB’s Restaurant. EB’s is a favorite for many gameday festivities, whether patrons enjoy their meals inside their polished yet homey restaurant space or order them to go. The restaurant serves up chicken wings, boneless chicken tenders and nuggets alongside a medley of traditional dinners, such as chicken parmesan and beer-battered fish and chips. EB’s also provides a gamut of excellent deals. Sunday chicken wing discounts and a weekly charity night on Wednesday that donates 10% of earnings to a local organization are always embraced by the community.
The variety of chicken is always a highlight. Each preparation captures a complimentary balance in its juicy interior and crunchy exterior, with the dynamic taste profile amped up by the restaurant’s well-prepared sauces. Classic buffalo sauce with a hot, tangy kick and zesty garlic parmesan are certainly longstanding favorites, but EB’s most distinguished sauce is their 24 Karat Gold. The sauce’s sweet heat packs a potent flavor punch that keeps visitors returning for more.