Chef’s Hat

905 Simonds Road, Williamstown, Mass.; 413- 458-5120. 

Have a taste for turnip? The popular, seasonal Berkshire County dish is rarely seen on menus and often only served around the Thanksgiving holiday. But Dave Rock, chef and owner, says “we usually have it available and people come from all over the county to order it.”

That kind of down-home cooking is what the Chef’s Hat prides itself on, along with “service and smiles.” The diner boasts a warm atmosphere with plenty of open seating; grab a stool at the classic diner counter or take one of the cozy booths.  

The breakfast menu has regulars and visitors alike lining up to be seated for favorites like homemade corned beef hash and farm-fresh eggs; old-fashioned waffles loaded with strawberries, blueberry sauce, peach and walnut or cinnamon apple. Don’t forget to request real Vermont maple syrup. <L2>

Rock says he’ll make you a breakfast that you won’t find anywhere else - over-stuffed omelets, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes or the diner’s famous cinnamon swirl French toast. The best part, breakfast is served all day so you don’t have to get up early.

The lunch menu is available beginning at 11 a.m. Order a cup of homemade soup of the day and half a deli sandwich. Love burgers? The Chef’s Hat has seven choices to choose from on its menu.

The grill is hot and ready to cook a classic Rueben of corned beef with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on a grilled rye bread. Prefer seafood? Try the fried clams or scallop dinner. Whatever your lunch choice, don’t forget to order a side of turnip! <R3>

Rock and his sons Devin and Eric invite all to come and try the fare at the Chef’s Hat. If you don’t have time to stay, they offer full takeout service.

Open six days a week for breakfast and lunch until 2 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. on the weekends; closed on Monday.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.