The Brookhaus Sports Pub & Restaurant: 650 Cheshire Road, Lanesborough. thebrookhouse.net, 413-499-3331. Open 11:30 a.m. to midnight Tuesday through Saturday; Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Kitchen closes at 10 p.m.
Recipe for success: Lawn games, tasty drinks and a giant lawn chair that will make any adult feel like a kid again — these are the best elements of summer in the Berkshires and can be found tucked away on the back patio of the Brookhaus Sports Pub & Restaurant.
Located on Cheshire Road, The Brookhaus is across from the second entrance to the Berkshire Mall. The family-friendly spot has been offering casual fare under the Brookhaus name since 2015. The Vella family rebuilt and reopened the pub and restaurant after a fire in the fall of 2014.
While the restaurant's role as a sports bar has made it the place to watch the big game, it's also a summertime spot for those looking to unwind.
Customers who step outside the restaurant's back door will find a whole other vibe. Sectioned off from the noisy thoroughfare of Route 8, the back patio at The Brookhaus has several elements of what makes up a perfect Berkshire summer afternoon.
The patio's covered pavilion offers a full bar and high top seating and is perfect for large groups. There's a dedicated bartender for the patio, and customers have access to the complete food menu.
The Brookhaus' menu features classic pub fare as well as a selection of salads, loaded hot dogs, sandwiches and more.
In addition to seating under the covered pavilion, there is are picnic tables for those who are looking to get some sun, as well as an oversized Adirondack chair, with the restaurant's logo, that is a perfect spot for selfies and group photos.
For those looking for waterfront views, guests can bring their drinks to the two Adirondack chairs overlooking the small pond behind the back of the patio.
In addition to casual summertime dining, this outdoor spot is for fun and games. Customers can play a variety of games, including a custom cornhole set that features Red Sox iconography and keep score on the scoreboard inspired by Fenway Park.
What we can't get enough of: The Brookhaus offers a wide selection of craft beers and summertime beverages. Selections from the beverage menu include The Shark Attack, made with blue raspberry, vodka sour mix and pink lemonade; a Tequila Lemonade, made with Epsilon Silver tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup and a dash of orange bitters; or for more of a traditional drink go for Dark and Stormy with dark rum and ginger beer. The loaded hot dog options are fun and filling and their flatbreads are a great light dinner snack to enjoy on the patio while enjoying the sunshine.
Insider tip: The patio is open during regular business hours, but the staff share that the weekends feature live music and other activities on site. To learn more about what's going on at The Brookhaus, view the full menu, and more visit their website at thebrookhouse.net.