One of the best parts of exploring Massachusetts on the MBTA Commuter Rail? Besides skipping the traffic, it’s the incredible food waiting for you when you arrive.
From hidden gems and cozy cafés to legendary fried clams and waterfront seafood, the Commuter Rail connects travelers to some of the best food destinations in the state—no parking stress or long drives required.
Whether you’re planning a foodie day trip, exploring a new town, or pairing a great meal with one of our Keolis massAdventures experiences, here are some restaurants and cafés that are absolutely worth the train ride.
Best Dining Picks on the Lowell Line
Lowell:
Lowell’s rich cultural diversity and historic mill city roots have created one of the most exciting food scenes in Massachusetts.
1981 Ramen Bar: A must-visit for noodle lovers! Located in downtown Lowell, this hotspot is up serving deeply flavorful ramen and creative small plates. (A personal favorite of our Director of Operations, Camille.
Sizzling Kitchen: is another standout in Lowell, known for its bold Asian-fusion menu featuring Korean BBQ bowls and Vietnamese specialties.
Craft Beer & Bites on the Worcester Line
Worcester:
Worcester has quickly become one of Massachusetts’ most exciting food cities, thanks to its thriving restaurant scene, award-worthy craft breweries, and a centrally located Commuter Rail stop that makes visiting easy.
Make it a full-day trip by pairing the city’s food scene with a visit to the beautiful New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Wander through more than 100 acres of gardens and seasonal displays before heading back to Worcester, because by then, you’ll definitely have worked up an appetite.
- Armsby Abbey – Famous for its extensive craft beer list and locally sourced, seasonal menu.
- BirchTree Bread Company – A beloved bakery and café known for artisan breads, pastries, and standout brunch dishes.
North Shore Classics on the Fall River / New Bedford Line (South Coast Rail)
Middleboro:
Middleboro offers small-town South Shore charm and welcoming locally run restaurants and cafes perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch stop.
Local favorites include:
- Central Cafe – A local staple (and yes, the famous $0.99 cheese pizza on Mondays is real).
- Coffee Milano Cafe – You may know them from TikTok, this hometown coffee shop is known for dancing and serving up delicious drinks and pastries.
Middleboro is also home to one of Massachusetts’ most unique traditions: cranberry farming. In the fall, visitors can experience this firsthand through Keolis massAdventures Become a Cranberry Bogger for a Day tour, which allows you to get into the bogs and experience cranberry harvesting firsthand. This trip is only offered in the first two weeks of October.
New Bedford:
New Bedford is one of the best seafood cities in New England, thanks to its historic fishing fleet.
A must-visit is The Black Whale, a lively waterfront spot known for oysters, lobster rolls, and fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
Great café stops include:
- Cafe Arpeggio – A cozy café with excellent espresso drinks.
- The Baker – A local go-to for artisan bread and creative pastries.
Dining Near the Franklin/Foxboro Line
Heading to a game or concert at Boston Stadium, also known as Gillette Stadium this summer? Check out these can’t-miss spots while at Patriot Place!
Foxboro:
- Tavolino – A standout Italian restaurant known for handmade pasta and wood-fired dishes.
- Cupcake Charlie’s – A gourmet cupcake shop with a few locations across the state. They’re most known for being on Cupcake Wars on Food Network.
Mansfield:
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Foxboro, you can jump back on the train and head one stop down to Mansfield and go to Cibo Matto Caffe, A lively Italian restaurant with creative pizza and pasta dishes with unique craft cocktails.
Plymouth:
Planning a coastal day trip to Plymouth? These local spots are perfect during your free time:
- SALT – A modern American restaurant with upscale coastal flavors.
- Mama Mia – A casual, crowd-pleasing Italian favorite.
- Keegans Kreations – A fun, creative café in downtown Plymouth.
Plymouth has so much to offer! Hit all the major spots with our full-day trip to Plymouth, which takes you to the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Mayflower II, and free time in downtown Plymouth to explore and enjoy all the local fare!
Waterfront Icons on the Newburyport / Rockport Line
This scenic North Shore route connects travelers to some of the best seafood towns in Massachusetts.
Beverly:
Beverly has quietly become one of the North Shore’s best foodie destinations.
- Depot Diner – A beloved spot for classic diner breakfasts
- Sala Restobar: A unique South East Asian Latin Restaurant.
Salem:
Salem offers one of the strongest dining scenes on the North Shore.
- Ledger Restaurant & Bar – A stunning farm-to-table restaurant inside a historic bank building.
- Red’s Sandwich Shop – A legendary breakfast and lunch spot near Salem Common.
Gloucester:
Gloucester, one of America’s oldest fishing ports, is a must for seafood lovers.
- Causeway Restaurant – Known for hearty breakfasts and Portuguese-inspired dishes.
- Oak to Ember – A newer favorite featuring wood-fired coastal cuisine.
Gloucester is also home to Keolis massAdventures kayaking trips, where visitors can paddle through the harbor and see landmarks like the Beauport Hotel and Ten Pound Island from the water.
Ipswich:
Ipswich is world-famous for its fried clams.
- The Clam Box of Ipswich – An iconic New England seafood shack.
- Little Wolf Coffee – A nationally recognized specialty coffee roaster.
Ipswich is also home to Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, where you can explore stunning grounds, kayak scenic waterways, hike coastal trails, and tour the grand mansion. With guided tours and outdoor experiences, it’s the perfect place to turn your visit into a full-day trip.
Newburyport:
Newburyport combines a charming waterfront with a vibrant food scene.
- Brine Oyster Bar – Known for oysters and upscale coastal cuisine.
- The Black Cow: a waterfront favorite that has plenty of space for large gatherings and admiring the sunset at dinner.
Rockport:
Rockport offers stunning coastal scenery, outdoor adventures such as Kayaking to Thacher Island, and unforgettable seafood.
- Roy Moore Lobster Company – A legendary lobster shack.
- Fish Shack Restaurant – A casual harbor-side staple.
Charming Cafe Stops on the Fitchburg Line
Concord:
With MA250 here, Concord is a hot stop on your day trip itinerary. This cozy New England Town blends history, charm, and great food!
- Saltbox Kitchen – A seasonal farm-to-table favorite.
- Main Streets Market & Café – A cozy café perfect for coffee and breakfast.
BONUS: Where to Eat Along the CapeFLYER
Taking the train to Cape Cod this Summer? Don’t miss these iconic stops:
Bourne:
- Lobster Trap: A classic Cape Cod seafood shack serving up ultra-fresh lobster rolls, fried clams, and waterfront views that feel straight out of a postcard.
- The Chart Room: Dockside dining at its best—grab a drink, watch the boats roll in, and enjoy elevated seafood favorites in a laid-back marina setting.
Buzzards Bay:
- Krua Thai: A hidden gem dishing out authentic, flavor-packed Thai cuisine—perfect for a quick but memorable bite just steps from the station.
- Captain Al’s Tiki Bar; Lean into vacation mode with tropical cocktails, live music, and breezy waterfront vibes that scream summer on the Cape.
Hyannis:
- The Break Restaurant: A go-to for casual coastal eats, craft drinks, and a lively atmosphere right in the heart of Hyannis.
- Ocean Street Deli: The perfect grab-and-go spot for stacked sandwiches and beach-day essentials before heading to the water.
- Anejo Mexican Bistro: A vibrant, must-visit for creative tacos, strong margaritas, and a fun, energetic dining scene in downtown Hyannis.( And a favorite of our Marketing Coordinator, Halie!)
Turn Your Foodie Trip Into a Full Day of Adventure
One of the best parts about traveling by train is how effortlessly a great meal can turn into a full day of discovery. Pair the Commuter Rail with guided adventures and you’ll unlock incredible food, charming historic towns, and unforgettable experiences across Massachusetts all without the need for a car.
