Sara S.
Yelp
One of the better local bars in the Northampton area.
At least on the surface, there isn't really anything especially notable or outstanding about Packards, but it a pretty decent local bar with decent bar food and a few really good beers on draft (hint, hint- Harpoon) and a friendly ambiance.
I've hung out here a few times with friends who live in the area and the first time they took me here, they said it was the "place to be" in Northampton. Well, at least they felt it was that way. To be honest, they weren't wrong. Of all the pubs in the area, Packards was one of the more low-key local watering holes, one that was neither pretentious nor a straight dive. It is what it is- a decent Northampton bar with pool tables, pub grub, good service, and great drinks.
The best thing about Packards? Hello, they have Harpoon IPA on tap! It's essentially my favorite beer of all-time and the fact that I can't actually get any of it back in Michigan is a real bummer, so whenever I've had the opportunity to come on out to Massachusetts (thank you for friends and family that live in the area and make for a convenient excuse to travel back here), I make a point of hitting up the local pubs, particularly Packards, to snap up some of those great Harpoon brews. So, yes, the biggest selling point for me when it comes to Packards is the fact that they always have Harpoon IPA on tap, but I must say they usually have a pretty decent stable of other beers on draft as well, but for me, it will always be Harpoon.
I've had their onion rings, which were actually pretty good fare for a bar. They were better than I expected and less soaked in grease than most of the versions passed off by typical fast food chains and other pubs. They were actually pretty tasty and hit the spot. I've had the fries before and they were okay, but could've used a tad more seasoning or something, even though they were supposed to have more of a kick to them. They were just alright.
As for the service, Packards has been pretty decent. We managed to get waited on quickly, even when the place was jam-packed. It's true, the food did take a bit longer than expected, but the drinks always hit the table quickly, whether we ordered up at the bar or from our table. I've never found the service to be anything less than friendly and prompt.
For me, when in the area, this will probably always be the default watering hole for grabbing a quick drink, at least as long as they don't change things too much.