Bascom Lodge - Lanesborough

Situated atop Mt. Greylock, this restaurant has a unique and quirky atmosphere. It appears to be primarily aimed at hikers traversing the Appalachian Trail, although I can't help but question how many would be willing to pay $40 a night for accommodations. The operating hours are a bit unusual as well. We arrived at the summit around 5 pm, just as dark clouds loomed ominously, suggesting a hailstorm was on the way. We entered the lodge, hoping to grab a quick bite and a cocktail while waiting out the storm. Unfortunately, the dining room wouldn't open until 7 pm, meaning food was off the table unless you were staying overnight. We did manage to enjoy a beer for $8 and a glass of wine for $7, so we ended up seated on the covered porch, watching the storm roll through.

The restaurant features a delightful rustic ambiance, mouthwatering hamburgers, and an incredible view, even on cloudy days. Overall, the area has remained relatively unchanged over the years, aside from the fact that we used to prepare our own meals at the Thunderbolt Shelter during the 1950s and 60s.

If I could give this place zero stars, I absolutely would. The service and the food were so disappointing that I felt the need to write my very first Yelp review, despite dining out frequently. Dining here was reminiscent of the Soviet Union, with tiny, seemingly rationed portions, barely edible food, and a staff that seemed annoyed by our presence despite having made a reservation. From the beginning, the staff appeared overwhelmed and irritable. Everything took an absurdly long time. With a prix fixe menu featuring just one option for the first course, three for the second, and one dessert, you would expect the process to run smoothly, but it was the exact opposite. The kitchen seemed chaotic, taking ages even to serve water and bread, which was ice cold. The entrees were disappointingly bad; they couldn't have been worse if they had tried, especially at $30 per person for drinks in such a casual setting in Berkshire County—it was outrageously overpriced. This establishment should provide classes on how not to operate a restaurant. It's truly a shame because the view is stunning, and if the food and service were even remotely acceptable, I would have gladly returned. Next time, I’ll just bring a picnic!

Delicious food, with most items freshly prepared on-site. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this gem! The view and atmosphere are fantastic. It's a nice change to see an open kitchen where the food is reheated on the stove instead of in a microwave.