Are you ever looking for a quick grab and go meal, but are sick of dealing with the guilt and grease of fast food restaurants? Outpost Farm is the perfect place for you, with a homey feel and high quality homemade food, Outpost stands out from your typical quick-turn around food restaurants.

Less than a ten-minute drive from downtown Hopkinton, Outpost Farm is in the perfect location to grab a quick lunch, dinner, or dessert. Outpost is perfect for all seasons.

Throughout the fall months, they are known for their pumpkins and caramel apples. In the spring and summer, they have flowers, fresh fruit, and vegetables. And, of course, on the cold winter days, Outpost is the perfect spot to feel the warmth of a homey meal, with warm chicken pot pies, turkey sandwiches, and delicious desserts.

At a Glance
Pulling into the Outpost Farm Parking lot, a comforting feeling immediately rushed over us. The building is structured with warm red tones and wooden posts, creating an old-timey feeling.

Outpost Farm doesn’t try to win you over with flashy lights and bright colors like the modern restaurants we’re used to, it doesn’t need to. Outpost Farm feels like coming home from a long day. It’s a safe and welcoming place, but not just from the outside.

“Come on In”
As we pushed open the barn-wood door, the smell of turkey and cranberry immediately entered our brains. Right away, we saw bottles of locally made maple syrup and some Saint Patrick’s Day hot chocolate bombs. Each item was labeled with a simple light brown paper that reminded us of a homemade paper bag lunch, and it was all priced very reasonably.

Everything from potatoes to apple cider to chocolate chip cookies were organized throughout the space, and the availability of it all made each item stand out.

Feeling Hungry
After drooling over the pies, the menu caught our eyes. Written in a clever fashion above the produce counter, each item looked delicious. Although they did not have too many options, each one was different, and simple enough to love.

Together, we decided on a chicken caesar wrap, chicken fingers and fries, a chocolate chip cookie, and two “Culture Pop” sodas. All of which were items we thought would be popular orders. After placing our orders at the counter, the food came out in less than ten minutes, and was portioned generously.

Take it to go, or eat in?
Although Outpost is a great place to grab food-to-go, we were interested in what the rest of the place looked like. Walking up a few steps, the rest of the place opens up into fun seating. Keeping the “country” feel, there were wooden countertops with wooden stools and furnished wooden tables. With pictures hung up on the wall and modern backsplash, the space felt like a home. It was a very private and inviting place to have a good conversation with a friend.

Mediocre, Good, or a Hidden Gem?
So the real question is how was the food? The chicken caesar wrap was the perfect mix of crunchy and soft, with an ideal ratio of chicken to lettuce to croutons. With a light dressing, the flavors of the chicken stood out. The best part of the wrap was in the quality of the meat, a strong source of protein that leaves you feeling satisfied and fueled.

As for the chicken tenders, the perfect option for anyone with a limited palate, the quality of the meat was consistent. Each piece was thin and crispy, every bite keeping the same combination of meat and coating. The tenders paired perfectly with their sweet and sour sauce, or any condiment of your choosing.

Served beside them were the homemade french fries. The fries were different from your typical French fry. Instead of the thin, often soggy, fast food fries, these fries were thick and well seasoned. You could really taste the potato in the fries, and as you ate them, you didn’t have to feel bad about all the oil that usually coats fries.

Finally, the homemade chocolate chip cookie. This cookie is perfect for true chocolate lovers, the chocolate is rich and fresh, and definitely the dominant flavor of the cookie. For any non-chocolate lovers though, I’d steer clear and grab one of many different delicious bakery options.

From the high quality chicken to the rich chocolate chunks to the homey inside seating, to the aesthetically pleasing barn, Outpost Farm definitely qualifies as one of Massachusetts’ hidden gems.