Massachusetts Best Local Secrets 2012

Yankee Magazine‘s 2012 picks for the best local secrets in Massachusetts.

BEST CAPE COD BREAKFAST
Ruggie’s,Harwich
There’s nothing unusual about the selection of eggs, pancakes, bacon, and so on found here, but every plate is so good that diners come back for more. Daredevil eaters can take the “Duke” challenge, which starts with six eggs, ends with fried chicken, and makes several stops in between. Antacid extra. Breakfast: from $4.50; sandwiches: from $5.75. 707 Main St. 508-432-0625

BEST DINER POTATOES
Charlie’s Diner & Grill, Spencer
Steve and Charlie Turner, who operate this circa-1950 Worcester Lunch Car #816, know spuds. They serve them as hand-cut french fries, in potato salad, in chowder, as home fries, and as a key component of corned-beef hash. There’s a separate bar and grill on the side–but the original structure still serves a menu fit for Edward Hopper’s nighthawks. Breakfast: from $5; sandwiches: from $6. 5 Meadow Road. 508-885-4033

BEST COOL VIBE
Acton Jazz Cafe, Acton
It’s hard to imagine a more finger-snapping place anywhere in New England. Music’s almost always in the air: six nights a week, including sunset and starlight jazz jams on Sundays and blues jams on Thursdays. A light menu of pastas and salads and not-so-light desserts rounds out the offerings. Admission: from $5. Entrées: from $11.95. 452 Great Road. 978-263-6161; actonjazzcafe.com

BEST CUTLERY SHOP
Lamson & Goodnow Factory Outlet Store, Buckland
The best knives you’ve never heard of have been crafted across the river from Shelburne Falls since 1837, and are often sold under the names of fancy kitchenware stores. Chefs know Lamson & Goodnow well, though. This factory store is the only place that sells the company’s pricey forged cutlery at significant discounts. 45 Conway St. 800-872-6564 (general inquiries), 413-625-0201 (Web inquiries); lamsonsharp.com