The Stagecoach Tavern

As you drive down pitch-black Route 41 in Sheffield, MA, you see the twinkling lights outside the venerable Stagecoach Tavern and you wonder if it's a mirage. As you head toward the front door, you feel as if you've stepped onto a soundstage at MGM circa 1941, where they are shooting a movie set at a quintessential New England tavern. Your heart skips a beat when you walk inside, because this restaurant is cozy, quirky and authentic with a crackling wood-burning fireplace. Thankfully, the food is contemporary county cuisine and the chef uses local, organic ingredients whenever possible. The salads ($8 - $16) are large and fresh, the strip steaks is accompanied by mashed potatoes, sauteed greens, herb compound butter and "frizzled onions" ($32). Of course there's the option that one regular we know enjoys - skip the entrees entirely and makes a meal of starters and sides. Stagecoach Tavern at Race Book Lodge 864 S. Undermountain Rd. (Rte. 41), Sheffield, MA (413) 229-8585 Thursday - Sunday 5 - 9 p.m. Closed Monday - Wednesday