Hey Neighbor! When’s the last time you visited downtown Pittsfield?
Exciting experiences await you – Explore new shops. Enjoy global cuisine, community festivals, world-class theatre, and take in colorful mural and mosaic art. Check out some of these small businesses on your next visit!
Hey, Neighbor! Meet Ashley Davidson, owner of Thistle ‘n Thorn Floral!
“As a floral shop in downtown Pittsfield, I’m committed to drawing people into the heart of our community – where art, culture, and local pride bloom together,” says Ashley. “By bringing people downtown, I’m not just selling flowers; I’m contributing to the beauty and vibrancy of every stroll, celebration, and gathering.”
Thistle ‘n Thorn Floral, a women-owned floral design business at 393 North Street, offers stunning bouquets and wreaths, local gift items, and hands-on experiences that foster creativity and connection.
Ashley offers a mix of services and experiences that highlight the beauty and creativity of floral design. For locals, she provides scheduled workshops, custom events, flowers and DIY floral bars for baby showers and bridal parties, and opportunities for creative engagement downtown. For tourists, she offers thoughtful touches like table flowers upon arrival, bedside arrangements, and personalized floral experiences that enhance their stay in Pittsfield. Thisle ‘n Thorn has also recently established a new flower garden with 40+ beds at Balderdash Cellars. It’s called Folle Cardo, Italian for “crazy thistle”.
“Pittsfield is a city in motion, growing and revitalizing, and I’m proud that my shop plays a role in that momentum,” says Ashley. “Being here means being part of something bigger than myself – something meaningful and deeply rooted in community.”
Thistle ‘n Thorn hosts many workshops and events in their shared gallery space with Methuselah Bar and Lounge, creating the perfect pairing. Ashley provides the floral experience, and Methuselah offers cocktails, mocktails, and food, making each gathering a well-rounded and memorable downtown event.
“As a proud Pittsfield native, I see downtown as the heart of our community – a place full of potential and local pride. With its mix of restaurants, theaters, museums, galleries, services, and creative offerings, it brings people together and drives our local economy. By operating Thistle in this space, I aim to contribute to that vibrancy – offering experiences that draw people in, support neighboring businesses, and foster connection.” ~Ashley Davidson
Hey, Neighbor! Meet Jay Santangelo, owner of WANDER Berkshires!
WANDER is the Berkshires’ pioneering trans-owned café, inclusive event space, and future analog darkroom, serving the best zero-proof cocktails and coffee in the Berkshires.
“We are proud to offer a welcoming third space that builds community, sparks connection, and brings consistent energy and vibrancy to downtown Pittsfield”, says Jay. “We hope to further welcome LGBTQIA+ community members, artists, and allies, while also connecting with theatergoers and creatives looking for a place to gather before or after a show.”
WANDER Berkshires, located at 34 Depot Street, offers unique cultural experiences appealing to a wide range of audiences. Enjoy Community Sing Alongs with Berkshire Music School, a monthly Drag Bingo night, Book Readings, Live Music, a Community Storytelling & Karaoke Night, and Come As You Are Dance Parties – just to name a few!
WANDER’s café is unique in that it is recovery-focused, featuring locally roasted Six Depot coffee, sweet birch botanical tea, and functional non-alcoholic beverages, along with holistic alternatives such as herbal mocktails, tinctures, and teas that promote well-being and vitality.
“We want to share that downtown Pittsfield is the vibrant heart of the Berkshires—a welcoming, walkable destination where creativity, culture, and community converge. It’s a place where local businesses collaborate rather than compete, where theatergoers, artists, families, and neighbors come together to experience everything from zero-proof cocktails and independent shops to live performances and community events. Downtown Pittsfield is alive with possibility, and everyone is invited to be part of it—just as they are.” ~ Jay Santangelo
Hey, Neighbor! Meet Fabia Raquel Atherton and Nazira Vargas Martinez, owners of Brazzucas!
Brazzucas, a family-owned, LGBTQ+ and women-owned Brazilian multicultural market and café, offers exclusive Brazilian/Portuguese products, a divine lunch buffet, fresh baked goods, and a welcoming, bilingual atmosphere.
“More than a store, we’re a community hub that celebrates diversity and local partnerships,” says Nazira. “Discover a taste of Brazil in the heart of the Berkshires!”
“Brazzucas actively boosts downtown vitality by offering a unique Brazilian and multicultural experience that draws visitors who otherwise travel over 70 miles for these goods. Our location in downtown Pittsfield makes us a new and exciting destination that encourages the exploration of nearby shops, cafés, and services.”
“Our store provides a welcoming space where families can learn, explore, and enjoy a rich cultural experience together.”
“Through Brazzucas, we want to show that downtown isn’t just a location. It’s a destination full of heart, flavor, and opportunity. From unique shops to inclusive events, downtown Pittsfield is where community comes together. We hope to inspire both locals and visitors to discover its richness, support its small businesses, and feel proud to be part of its growth.”
Brazzucas is located at 75 North Street in the Central Block.
Hey, Neighbor! Meet Cristiane, Osmar and Mariana, owners of Espetinho Carioca!
“Downtown Pittsfield is a thriving, ever-growing community which everyone can benefit from,” says Mariana Melo, co-owner. “It is a place that celebrates diversity, not just in people, but in food, art, and experiences. As a proud member of this evolving neighborhood, we want to share the message that Downtown Pittsfield is alive with vibrance, energy, and opportunity. Whether you’re looking for unique dining experiences, arts and entertainment, or a strong sense of belonging, downtown is where you can find everything.”
Espetinho Carioca, a family-owned business at 48B North Street, invites you to come experience the flavors of Brazil in the heart of downtown Pittsfield. Espetinho Carioca brings the best of Brazilian cuisine to the Berkshires, focusing on authentic dishes like feijoada and churrasco to share the Brazilian culture through the culinary arts.
As the only Brazilian restaurant in a 60-mile radius (and the only one in the Berkshires), Espetinho Carioca serves both locals and visitors, drawing in many customers from neighboring towns, including those in New Yorks’s Capital Region and Vermont.
“We want to see Downtown Pittsfield as people’s go-to evening destination, where Espetinho is part of the buzz, drawing people not just for fresh, authentic food, but for a sense of culture, community, and connection,” says Mariana.
“We proudly collaborate with our neighbors at Hot Plate Brewing Co. located right next door to us. Since they don’t serve food, we offer direct table-side delivery of our dishes to their customers. To make the experience even smoother, we’ve recently introduced QR codes at Hot Plate, allowing guests to browse our menu, order, and pay right from their phones.”
Espetinho offers authentic Brazilian cuisine including the Churrasco Misto, a flavorful combination of picanha, linguiça and chicken grilled to perfection (one of their most popular dishes). Their feijoada, offered every Saturday, is also a highlight of their menu. Pair your meal with their fresh Brazilian limeade and end on a sweet note with their passion fruit mousse, one of Brazil’s most cherished desserts.
Espetinho Carioca is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm, serving lunch and dinner. Check out their beloved lunch buffet Tuesday through Friday, 11 am to 2:30 pm!
Hey, Neighbor! Meet Yuki Cohen, owner of Methuselah Bar and Lounge!
Methuselah Bar and Lounge at 391 North Street specializes in craft cocktails and beer, sustainable/organic wines, and succulent tapas. At Methuselah, the cocktails are classy, the DJs and artists are fire, and the dance floor is where your night goes from “maybe” to magic.
“On any given night in the summer, Methuselah hums with energy—pre-theatre couples clinking glasses, friends gathered for music bingo or karaoke, and dancers closing the night to the beat of our resident DJs,” says Yuki. “We don’t just serve food and drinks—we create a rhythm that keeps downtown Pittsfield vibrant, inviting, and unforgettable.”
“As a business owner, resident, and cultural advocate, I’ve seen downtown Pittsfield grow into a vibrant, inclusive community. It’s not just a place to grab a bite or see a show — it’s a safe space where everyone can feel seen, celebrated, and connected. From art and live music to Pride events and dance parties, there’s a heartbeat here that welcomes all. My message is simple: downtown Pittsfield continues to rise—with heart, with creativity, and with room for everyone at the table.” ~ Yuki Cohen
Hey, Neighbor! Meet Lindsey and Luke Marion, owners of Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort!
Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort at 95 East Street is a scratch-made, comfort food-based brunch spot right in the heart of downtown Pittsfield. Serving great food and great vibes for eleven years, they are deeply invested in the dignity and success of their workers, fellow community members, and downtown neighbors.
“Downtown Pittsfield, like any great area, is in a constant state of building and improving,” says Luke. “Like anything great in life, change takes time, and luckily downtown Pittsfield is already bustling with creative energy, new businesses, downtown staples, and optimistic business and civic leaders. We are the heart of the county. We are diverse. We are compassionate and capable entrepreneurs. We are always working to make downtown better today than it was yesterday.”
The team at Otto’s takes pride in scratch-cooking, and recognizes that love, and a little soul, go a long way in making a delicious brunch! Favorites like Southern-style cheddar grits, jumbo buttermilk biscuits, or spiced-up fried chicken, are made up hot and fresh every single day. From the fluffiest, buttery pancakes, to thoughtfully roasted turkey and tender beef for your favorite sandwiches, Otto’s puts a little love into your meal every step of the way. “Good food shouldn’t just fill up your belly; it should fill up your heart too.”
Hey, Neighbor! Meet Ashley Mendonca, co-founder of Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery!
Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, a locally owned business at 146 North Street, serves quick, healthy breakfast and lunch, with a fresh salad bar and delicious soups. Ashley invites you to “Explore our gallery while you eat!”
Marie’s is open from 7:30 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday. “Our customized hours are meant to feed people at the exact times they need it: breakfast before arriving at work or an appointment, the lunchtime rush, and even the mid-afternoon snack,” says Ashley. “Since opening in late 2023, we have become the central hub for the bustling downtown lunch crowd, and many of our regular customers look forward to coming in on a daily or weekly basis.”
The salad bar is a unique find on North Street offering over twenty-five selections and toppings, and Ashley’s soups round out the selections perfectly.
The Eatery also offers a large selection of hot and cold sandwiches, with a variety of meats, cheeses, and toppings to choose from, as well as vegan selections. All sandwiches can be made on gluten-free bread or wraps as well. “We truly enjoy making custom sandwiches for our guests.”
“Over the years there have been many changes to North Street, but this year is the best yet,” says Ashley. “We have so many new shops downtown. Come one come all, you will find something, somewhere, that sparks your interest. Downtown is thriving but we need community support to continue! Once you experience the new downtown, you will want to come back!”
Hey, Neighbor! Meet Mike Dell’Aquila and Sarah Real, owners of Hot Plate Brewing Co.!
As the only Latina-owned brewery in Massachusetts, Hot Plate Brewing Co. is on a mission to change the complexion and challenge the conventions of the craft beer industry. From hosting monthly punk shows to supporting a variety of philanthropic efforts, Hot Plate continues to find new ways to inspire, support, and mobilize the community.
In addition to their inclusive taproom, which is both family- and dog-friendly, Hot Plate allows and encourages their guests to bring in outside food to ensure that a visit to their brewery supports additional businesses downtown.
Hot Plate recently made USA Today’s “10 Best” list for best new brewery coming in at #3; and they also made the list of Top 10 Craft Beer Breweries in the “Who’s Who of Beer Cool in 2025” by Punch magazine.
“Downtown Pittsfield offers the best of both worlds,” says Mike. “After spending a day on a mountain, lake, or trail, you can spend your evenings in this dynamic community to catch a stage performance, a movie, grab a drink, or dinner with friends and family.”
Hey, Neighbor! Meet John McNinch, President of McNinch Restaurant Group!
Experience downtown dining with a local touch! John and Tucker McNinch of the McNinch Restaurant Group bring you two family-owned favorites right in the heart of Pittsfield.
Patrick’s Pub – A cozy Irish pub at 26 Bank Row, serving up lunch, dinner, and the Best Nachos in the Berkshires! Don’t miss their legendary buffalo wings!
101 Restaurant & Bar – Located on the second floor of the Holiday Inn, 1 West Street – serving bold, southern-inspired flavors for breakfast and dinner.
Show Your Ticket, Get a Deal!
We’ve partnered with Barrington Stage Company and Berkshire Theatre Group to offer exclusive dining discounts to ticket holders on show days. Dinner + a show = perfect night out!
Planning a Party?
Private events welcome! Up to 40 guests at Patrick’s, or go big with up to 250 at 101.
Locally owned. Over 50 local employees. 100% community-focused.
Dine Local. Support Local. Taste the Berkshires.
Patrick’s Pub
101 Restaurant & Bar