For those of you who used to scoot east of Barre to Princeton for nice lunches at the Mountainside Cafe, here's a review of the new place. For those of you who have not had the pleasure, here is your introduction and review. It's a couple miles north of town up Mountain Road from the main crossroads in the village. This photo of the front shows off the gently sloping lawn. There are plenty of tables, benches and chairs for dining on the very pleasant grounds.
They also have indoor dining available, but it just can't beat this beautiful space on a very nice day. It's a good place for a family outing and many families bring their pooches as well.
There's nothing to be done about paper and plastic these days, so presentation is not as enticing as one might like, but my companion says this carrot and quinoa soup is very delicious. I indulged in a tomato basil soup on a subsequent visit and was very happy with the blend of flavors, the textures and the lovely aromatic basil. I would happily try any of their soups.
Their delicious sandwiches are accompanied by chips and a pickle. I know the sad take-out presentation doesn't do this sandwich any favors. This one is a little weak, with kale slaw and pulled pork. I thought the cooks should have tasted a bit more diligently and given the pork the sauce it need to be decent BBQ. I've had many sandwiches in the old place and a couple now in the new place that are better, and the staff strives for creativity in dressings, toppings and condiments. They offer a good variety of meat sandwiches and plenty of alternatives if you don't always want a sandwich.
Each time I've gone I've managed to be just in front of the line that forms out the door, signaling that the good people of Princeton know a nice place to have lunch when they see it. There's a trail head right next door to the cafe and those omni-present Mass country road bikers seem to have Mountainside on their minds as a mid-ride break and lunch spot too.
Their menu is small - one sheet- and they have plenty of daily specials to add to it. Currently there are sandwich and quiche breakfast items plus the bakery breakfast treats, soups, sandwiches and salads. They like to have a grain bowl option. They have teas, coffee, beers and wines plus sodas in the refrigerator cases.The breakfast and lunch offerings can be pre-ordered for pickup or can be ordered on a walk-in basis on site. They also offer a pre-order weekly dinner menu for pickup. The details and menu for those meals are on the website.
They are taking orders at the main counter with open cases holding drinks, ready made foods and a few deli items like in the old place. Orders are packaged and there is a pickup counter.
It is basically still a bakery that opens at 7 and closes at 3 Wed - Sun. Their bakery treats and breads are very good and beautiful, and stock dwindles as the day moves along, so if that is your interest go early. But by all means go and check them out. For casual dining, this little cafe will provide many a pleasant meal.
Here's a nice video regarding how they moved to this location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euhXmkSWfq8
We asked if they would move to Barre, and they turned us down flat.
Mountainside Bakery Cafe
https://www.mountainsidebakerycafe.com
213 Mountain Road - Princeton MA 01541
(978)464-0300
