Tom's

37 State Rd., Whately, MA - (413) 665-2931

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Posted By Michael Stern on 9/16/2000 12:10:00 PM

A Tom’s long dog audibly snaps when you sink your teeth into it. Foot long (far beyond the bun) and packed into natural casing, it is pale pink and quite literally bursting with flavor. It comes in a soft split bun. It is well-nigh perfect with nothing more than a line of mustard and spoonful of relish and raw onion spread across the top, but Tom’s offers a full array of toppings, including chili, bacon, kraut, and cheese, as well as the quasi-ethnic Mexican dog with spicy jalapeno cheese and a Tom’s Special with tomato sauce and cheese.

On the side of the superlative dog, you definitely want French fries. These are gorgeous spuds cut from locally grown potatoes and fried until they are a rich honey color, served in a cardboard boat. At the order counter, to flavor the potatoes, there is ketchup and there are also squeeze bottles of cider vinegar and white vinegar. Vinegar is the condiment of choice among many French fry hounds in parts of the Northeast where fish and chips is part of the culinary heritage.

Other than picnic tables out back – which are wonderful in summer – Tom’s has no place to sit and eat. Meals are presented on battered orange trays; and while much business is take-home, in-car dining is very popular.

Special thanks to Greg Pasco of West Springfield for tipping us off to this landmark Roadfood drive-in.

Scorecard

Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace

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Reviewers Photos [Upload Your Photos]

"On this battered tray are four-star eats: a long dog, fully dressed, and an order of superlative French fries."
Michael Stern

"Tom's has no indoor seating, but there are nice picnic tables way around the back."
Michael Stern

"Since the last time I visited (summer 2010) Tom's has expanded their restaurant to accomodate customers all year long. I had the ''Chicago Dog'' and it was excellent! My dog had a plain hot dog with nothing; she loved hers too."
Dominick DePaolo

"Stopped in on my way home from Thanksgiving down in CT. I parked next to the new signage announcing year-round service at Tom's. My dog waited patiently in the van for her lunch."
Dominick DePaolo