Colonel Isaac Barre Restaurant,

Exchange Street (on the common), Barre, (978) 355-4629.

This off-the-beaten-path gem, just 20 minutes from downtown Worcester, offers rustic charm, quiet elegance, and top-notch food. Yet two people can dine for $30, perhaps half the tab of some of the area's other fine eateries. Several entrees are available for $11.95, such as the sauteed chicken marsala with mushrooms and the baked haddock with pistachio crumb topping.

Price Range: $11 - $16.