Travel Itinerary
New York State offers amazing food experiences beyond the bright lights of Manhattan. From lakeside fish shacks to historic taverns, culinary adventures await in small towns and scenic locations across the Empire State.
Pack your appetite and hit the road to discover these unforgettable dining spots that locals treasure but tourists often miss.
1. Doug’s Fish Fry – Skaneateles
Along the shores of gorgeous Skaneateles Lake, this legendary spot has been serving up crispy, golden seafood since 1982.
Lines often stretch out the door during summer months, but nobody minds waiting for their perfectly breaded haddock sandwiches and hand-cut fries. Watch through the open kitchen as cooks prepare everything to order.
2. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – Syracuse
What began as a mobile food stand at motorcycle festivals has evolved into a barbecue institution with a cult following.
Housed in an old brick building under a Syracuse bridge, smoke billows from massive pits where pork ribs and brisket slow-cook to perfection. Blues music pulses through the dining room while hungry patrons devour platters of meat slathered in signature sauce.
3. Moosewood Restaurant – Ithaca
Vegetarian dining reaches artistic heights at this globally influential restaurant tucked away in Ithaca’s DeWitt Mall.
Founded by a collective in 1973, Moosewood revolutionized plant-based cooking long before it was trendy. Seasonal menus showcase local produce in creative dishes that convert even dedicated carnivores. Many visitors come clutching well-worn copies of their famous cookbooks.
4. New York Restaurant – Catskill
Stepping through the door feels like traveling back to 1920s small-town America, complete with vintage tin ceilings and original wooden booths.
Family-owned since 1919, this Greene County landmark serves Greek-American classics alongside hearty diner favorites. Regulars swear by the spanakopita and impossibly fluffy pancakes. Photos of local history line walls that have witnessed generations of celebrations.
5. Brooks’ House of BBQ – Oneonta
Follow your nose to this roadside attraction where chicken gets star treatment in custom-built brick pits.
Started as a small chicken farm in 1912, Brooks’ now roasts hundreds of birds daily using a secret marinade recipe guarded for generations. Massive dining rooms accommodate hungry travelers and locals alike.
Grab a bottle of their famous sauce to recreate the magic at home.
6. The Tailor and the Cook – Utica
Relationships with over 60 local farmers ensure ingredients travel minimal distances from field to plate. Menus change almost daily based on what’s freshest. Mixologists craft cocktails using house-infused spirits and regional fruits while diners watch chefs work magic in the open kitchen.
7. Druthers Brewing Company – Saratoga Springs
Beer lovers are delighted upon discovering this brewpub where liquid gold flows directly from production tanks to glasses.
While award-winning IPAs and stouts deserve attention, food steals the spotlight too. Mac and cheese reaches artistic levels with versions topped with everything from pulled pork to lobster.
Communal tables encourage friendly conversation between horse racing enthusiasts and craft beer aficionados.
8. The Silos Restaurant – Elma
Genuine farm-to-table dining happens at this converted grain storage facility surrounded by rolling countryside near Buffalo.
Actual working silos connect to a warmly lit dining room where locally raised beef and freshly harvested vegetables take center stage.
Seasonal specialties might include sweet corn risotto or maple-glazed duck. Sunsets viewed through enormous windows provide nature’s dinner entertainment.
9. Glen Park Tavern – Williamsville
Housed in a stone building dating to 1887, dining here comes with a side of fascinating local history.
Originally a stagecoach stop, rumors persist about secret Prohibition tunnels beneath the dining room.
Modern visitors come for perfectly cooked steaks and fresh seafood rather than bootleg spirits. Regulars often gather around the original mahogany bar, sharing stories late into evening.
10. Hattie’s Restaurant – Saratoga Springs
Southern hospitality found an unlikely home in upstate New York when Miss Hattie opened her doors in 1938.
Fried chicken prepared using the founder’s original Louisiana recipe remains virtually unchanged after 80+ years.
Red-checkered tablecloths and mismatched chairs create homey atmosphere while bartenders shake up mean hurricanes. Famous patrons from racing season mingle with locals seeking comfort food perfection.
11. The Krebs – Skaneateles
Refined dining meets small-town charm at this lakeside institution dating back to 1899.
After recent renovations balanced historic character with modern elegance, culinary offerings evolved while maintaining commitment to quality.
Profits benefit local charities, making indulgent meals feel virtuous. Seasonal menus showcase Finger Lakes produce alongside expertly prepared seafood and prime meats.
12. Beekman Arms Tavern – Rhinebeck
America’s oldest continuously operating inn welcomes hungry travelers just as it has since 1766.
Revolutionary War soldiers, presidents, and movie stars have all dined beneath these low ceilings.
Hearty colonial-inspired fare satisfies after antiquing or exploring Hudson Valley attractions. Winter visitors gravitate toward crackling fireplaces while summer guests enjoy the flagstone patio.
13. Ship to Shore – Kingston
Waterfront dining reaches sophisticated heights at this Hudson River gem housed in a beautifully restored building.
Maritime-inspired decor complements a menu where freshly shucked oysters and locally sourced steaks share billing.
Mixologists craft creative cocktails using small-batch spirits while sommelier-selected wines enhance seafood specialties. Weekend brunch draws crowds for crab cake benedicts and champagne.
14. Silo Restaurant – Greene County
Circular dining takes on new meaning inside this converted grain storage structure perched atop a rolling hill.
Panoramic windows frame stunning Catskill Mountain views while chefs prepare rustic American cuisine using ingredients from neighboring farms.
Signature burgers feature beef raised within eyesight of the restaurant. Apple cider donuts made fresh daily provide perfect sweet endings.
15. Richardson’s Canal House – Pittsford
Canal-side dining transports guests back to Erie Canal’s bustling heyday at this meticulously restored 1818 structure.
Summer evenings find patrons sipping cocktails on the deck while watching boats navigate historic locks. Inside, white tablecloths and candlelight create perfect settings for anniversary celebrations.