Food

You can smell the garlic from the street outside of Baba Louie’s (286 Main St., 413/528-8100, www.babalouiessourdoughpizzacompany.com [1], 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 5–9:30 p.m., $10–18) half Indian dhaba, half pizza cave that makes the best pizza around. The casual eatery uses a special recipe for its sourdough crusts, then piles on gourmet toppings including roasted red pepper, portabella, and chevre.

A dark barroom with exposed brick walls and wooden booths, 20 Railroad Street (413/528-9345, 11:30 a.m.–midnight or 1 a.m. daily, $8–10) serves buffalo and ostrich burgers in addition to sandwiches and pub fare.

Meanwhile, bistro gets done right at Once Upon a Table (34 Main St., 413/298-3870, 12 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Mon.–Thurs.; 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun., www.onceuponatable.com [2], $22–28). Berkshire regulars are understandably addicted to the Alaskan salmon burger with guacamole, as well as the gnocchi with roasted red pepper.

Summer reservations are made in the spring for the acclaimed Verdura Cucina Rustica (44 Railroad St., 413/528-8969, 5–9 p.m. Thu. and Sun.; 5–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat., $22–28), which uses the finest imported ingredients for “rustic” Tuscan cuisine of meat and seafood dishes. A happening bar menu ($7–10) at the enoteca next door includes a signature aged-balsamic martini.