University of Massachusetts Amherst
“Overall, I feel like UMass Amherst is very knowledgeable about allergies and dietary restrictions when it comes to the college allergy world. There are many students with allergies and two dietitians you can work with to figure out how to have your dining needs met.
Attending college can be challenging for a variety of reasons and for me, it got better when I had my own kitchen and could make my own food. I got by with a mini-fridge, microwave, and food from home my sophomore year, and was fortunate to have access to a kitchen and understanding roommates my junior/last year at school. I utilized the allergy meal system where you plan your meals with the dietitian and have them prepared by a chef and the app to find safe food.
UMass really does a lot for students with allergies. Sure, there are still areas they should work on, but by and large they are significantly better than other schools.”
See Tori’s full UMass Amherst Review on the Spokin App.
Antonio’s Pizza
“Give Antonio’s a try for a classic UMass experience! So many unique pizzas and the staff is always friendly. My favorites were the Hawaiian and Veggie pizzas! I’d call ahead/early if you want to order a whole pizza as they get really busy!! They usually have a decent amount of slices out though if you’re just swinging by for a late-night bite! I never tried the pesto, but it was nut-free when I was there!”
The Drake
“Crowded spot where you can catch some live music! My friend was in a band and I went to her show here. Very crowded and loud, but a good time!”
Pulse Cafe
“I never actually ate here because they have an abundance of nuts on their menu, BUT I wanted to share as one of my roommates was vegan and she LOVED it so much! She would get lunch there on the weekends religiously and always looked forward to the kale salad. As a nutrition major, this place was so dreamy but I never made it there and it seemed like cross-contact would be a significant risk. I will say their menu is well labeled so it’s possible they handle allergies ok and I just don’t know.”
Whole Foods Market
“Well stocked with allergy-friendly snacks and in a shopping center with some other stores you may want to visit (Marshalls, Walmart, Ulta).”
Chipotle Mexican Grill
“Loved having a Chipotle close by for when I didn’t want to eat on campus. This location was sometimes understaffed but the food was always good.”
Stackers Pub
“Didn’t eat here but a fun spot for dancing and drinks! They have a small outside area with some tables out back too.”
Spare Time Northampton
“If you’re looking for a date idea or nonfood activity, Spare Time is pretty close to campus! Brought a group of 10 and we had a blast.”
Big Y World Class Market
“Big Y is super close to campus and probably the easiest place to get groceries. They had a lot of allergy-friendly brands and I did most of my food shopping here. I had a car but I am pretty sure it’s on the PVTA bus route!”
Harvest Market
“Harvest Market is located in the Campus Center, which is under the UMass Hotel. They have a hot food section and a small kitchen and food is labeled but they can’t accommodate students with allergies as well here. I loved coming here to stock up on Vermont Nut Free Chocolate, popcorn, a fun drink, etc. Not a ton of options but I did see some allergy-aware brands from time to time and took full advantage of spending my YCMPs on bags of skippers because…why not?!”
Johnny’s Tavern
“I safely had the bolognese here over parents’ weekend but it wasn’t the best so I did not return. Our waiter was new and didn’t seem as confident with handling allergies. Many of my friends went to Johnny’s for date night or brunch. I’d call before you go to see if they can accommodate!”
Star Nails
“Got my nails done here for graduation. Very clean, quick, and the staff was friendly!”
Western Mass Family Golf Center
“Fun places to go with friends in the spring or fall! They have a mini golf course and a driving range! Always down for putt-putt and an activity that’s not food-focused, so this was a highlight!”
Bueno Y Sano
“Had dinner here a couple of times while I was at UMass. They were very understanding about allergies and the food was so delicious!!! I had a salad with shrimp once and otherwise had burritos. I think they have since done away with their one peanut dish. Fun fact: this restaurant was started by a UMass Alum and his wife is an accounting professor on campus! An interesting story with an important mission. They also have a location in Northampton!”
Pasta E Basta
“Enjoyed my first meal out here in almost a year due to anxiety. No nuts in the kitchen, which made me feel so comfortable. The Waitress checked in with the kitchen to confirm but seemed confident to begin with. Pesto is also nut-free which is rare to find! I had the gnocchi with bolognese and it was very good. I didn’t have dessert as I thought they might’ve been made elsewhere, but the waitress confirmed that they’re made in-house. I saw an old Facebook post about a drink having freshly ground almonds…not sure if that’s still at the bar, but just something to keep in mind! Will definitely be going back!
Went back and had another awesome experience. Was bummed that they no longer have the gnocchi/tortellini but the waitress convinced me to get the manicotti and it was excellent. Better than the gnocchi and one of the best restaurant meals I’ve had. I also had the Pinot Noir without issue. They do have Bombay Sapphire (almonds) at the bar so just be aware of that.”
110 Grill – Hadley
“Went here a couple of times while at UMass. Waitstaff always asked about allergies and they have a very good system to flag the allergy meal, have the manager deliver it, etc. My favorite menu items would be the swordfish and nachos!”
Osaka
“Fun spot close to campus in Northampton. I came here for a hibachi dinner with some friends from school but opted to just get sushi. I don’t remember there being anything with nuts but I liked that the sushi was prepared separately and I didn’t have to worry about sharing food in case anything else had nuts. It was a little bit difficult to communicate with the staff but once I found the right person I felt better about eating there.”
Spoke
“Super loud, super fun, a classic UMass bar experience. Be prepared to wait in line/bar hop as it gets packed.”
Amherst Farmers’ Market
“One of my favorites! Go with your friends on Saturday and check out the local businesses! Not a ton of food options but it’s right on the commons downtown and near restaurants. I loved the fresh flowers and popsicles that were allergen-free!”
