Sure, Valentine’s Day is for your love, your partner, and your boo, but it’s also a fun time to celebrate all the amazing girls in your most inner circle. You know, the ones who lift you up and make you fall over with laughter, and truly GET you and all you’re going through as a mom. As your go-to foodie, I’ve rounded up some local restaurants that would make for the perfect Galentine’s Day outing. Just depends on your vibe and whether you lean toward morning, lunch, or night-time hangs.
Here are the 8 best local restaurants for your Galentine’s Day celebrations:
Bagel Time (Worcester)
For most of us moms, the days get started early. So by 9 or 10 am, you may be ready for a moment out and about…with friends. Why not head to Bagel Time in Worcester—at their new, bigger location—for some bagel-y goodness, cream cheese, and coffee? You’ll leave completely satisfied and smiling ear to ear.
The Happy Place (Mendon)
My mom and I recently discovered The Blessing Barn—a non-profit second-hand shop—with a cute cafe attached and fell in love. Though they have three different locations spread across MA, their Mendon one has The Happy Place next door, an adorable spot to dine and read, before or after you shop for unique finds.
Volturno’s (Worcester)
Buy one, get one pizza on Mondays and Tuesdays…say less. Pizza is so very shareable and the best accompaniment to great conversation, laughter, and New Year goal setting. If that’s your thing…plus, Volturno’s has easy city parking—woo!
Bocado Tapas Wine Bar (Worcester)
Always debating what meal you want to order for dinner? Bocado makes it easy—tapas style. Choose from a long list of shareable, small plates that are certain to keep things interesting and flowing. Try something new to you. Sit back with a cocktail. Don’t skip the paella. It’s a must for the end!
deadhorse hill (Worcester)
I’ve never had anything I didn’t like at deadhorse hill. Everything is just… phenomenal! When it comes to their food, drinks, and cozy atmosphere, there’s no doubt you’re all bound to have an enjoyable time catching up. Here, they choose to incorporate the most interesting, fresh, and local ingredients they can find. You can tell they really care about it all.
Brilla Coffee (Holden)
No need to get dressed up this Galentine’s Day. Keep it simple with coffee and a baked good—and hours of chit-chat in this bright and eclectic setting. What makes Brilla so unique is that it’s a family-owned business that specializes in sourcing and roasting high-quality coffee beans from around the world.
Chuan Shabu (Worcester)
Chuan Shabu is a new personal favorite. Hot pot on a bitterly cold winter night…unbeatable. In case you’re new to this—hot pot is a dish of thinly sliced meats and vegetables boiled in water and served with dipping sauces. All-you-can-eat hot pot is really fun when the service and quality of food are unmatched. The options and variety are really endless here and depending on your dietary restrictions, like being a vegetarian or pescatarian, you’ll be completely covered.
Roots Natural Foods Market (Leominster)
Another top fave for me for their delicious salads, sandwiches, soups, and smoothies. Their market is a perfect spot to grab a few items for home after as well. Two-for-one! Roots’ organic produce, vegan, and gluten-free options are bountiful. You may close your eyes for a moment and feel as if you’ve been transported to an earthy-crunchy Los Angeles cafe (ask me, I used to live there). This place would make for a laid-back Galentine’s luncheon.
Okay, now that I’m salivating and craving time with my girlfriends, it’s time for me to plan my very own outing this Valentine’s Day. Have any local restaurants that Central Mass Mom should know more about for a Galentine’s Day date? Comment your top picks for local restaurants for us all to follow for our next gathering.
