With so many delicious restaurants to enjoy all throughout New York, it can be difficult to pick just one place to eat when you're willing to go out. It also doesn't help that some of the best places you'll ever dine at in our state can be some of the most modest looking buildings that you'll ever lay your eyes on. Don't believe me? Then take a look at these hole in the wall restaurants that will blow your taste buds away or drool over these thirteen underrated restaurants that are worth visiting.
If you thought that there weren't any other hidden treasures waiting to be found, then you'd most certainly be incorrect. You won't want to miss out on these 11 unassuming restaurants that should be added to your New York dining bucket list!
1. Grandpa Sam's Italian Kitchen - Spencerport
Whoever said that your Grandma is the only one serving up unforgettable dishes surely never took a trip to Grandpa Sam's in Spencerport! Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of dining at this establishment will tell you that it's hard to come by another Italian restaurant as good as this anywhere nearby. From their classic Italian dishes that will leave you full yet wishing you had room for more, to their desserts that look almost too good to eat, almost, you'll be eager to plan your next trip back to this place. To take a look at their entire menu that may cause severe hunger, click here.
How to get here: 138 South Union Street Spencerport, NY 14559
2. Shack on Delaware - Buffalo
A place many people drive by without realizing what exactly this tiny shack is, the Shack on Delaware only has a few stools at the counter for visitors to dine at! It might be easy to assume that not much magic could take place in a space so small, but then you'd be missing out on one of the best menus you'll find in the city of Buffalo. With a variety of dishes on their menu making it hard to choose just one thing to eat, we suggest trying their Greek Plate or Gourmet Burgers!
How to get here: 3753 Delaware Avenue Buffalo, NY 14217
3. Oliver's Cafe - Schenectady
While this place is great to checkout for lunch, it's their breakfast dishes that really win over our heart. Pictured above, you can see their famous skillet, a longtime local favorite. From the outside Oliver's may not look like much, but this restaurant knows exactly how to serve up a hearty dish that will quickly eliminate any feelings of hunger you had before you stepped through the door.
How to get here: 181 Freemans Bridge Road Schenectady, NY 12302
4. Frank & Mary's Diner - Cortland
Not far off of Interstate Highway 81 roughly right between Binghamton and Syracuse, you can visit the city of Cortland that's home to one out-of-this-world diner. The small but sweet restaurant has gained quite the following with their amazing homemade meals that keep visitors coming back for more. All the comfort food you could ever hope for, Frank & Mary's is open 24 hours a day on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays! If you follow the diner on Facebook, you'll be able to see their appetizing daily specials.
How to get here: 10 Port Watson Street Cortland, NY 13045
5. Ray Brothers Barbeque - Bouckville
Hiding out in the middle of nowhere, this delicious little restaurant only opened back in 2014. Opened by a pair of brothers, this barbecue paradise prepares slow-cooked meat that will quickly have your mouth watering. With friendly service and amazing portions, you won't regret taking a trip to this place. To view the entire menu for Rays Brothers Barbeque, click here.
How to get here: 6474 Route 20 Bouckville, New York 13310
6. Texas Hot - Wellsville
One of the many iconic restaurants that should be on your dining bucket list when it comes to speciality foods in New York, Texas Hot of Wellsville is a longtime local favorite. The restaurant has been up and running for over 90 years and has been consistently winning over the hungry bellies of our residents with their famous Texas hots covered in secret chili sauce for ages. To view their entire menu, click here.
How to get here: 132 North Main Street Wellsville, NY 14895
7. Flo's Luncheonette - Patchogue
This Long Island gem is well worth the drive it takes to get to it. Most of the visitors who are drawn to this restaurant come to dine on Flo's well known lobster rolls and other savory sandwiches! Open every day all year long, you can view their full mouth-watering menu right here.
How to get here: 225 West Main Street Patchogue, NY 11772
8. The Red Caboose Restaurant & Bar - Oneonta
Tucked right on the corner, you could easily drive past this place without realize what delicious goodness awaits inside. If you're familiar with Oneonta then you know that this small city is packed with a variety of incredible restaurants to dine at, The Red Caboose Restaurant & Bar being just one of them. Using ingredients from local farms to create unforgettable American style dishes, the fresh food that's all put together in house will have you coming back for more. To view their dinner menu, click here!
How to get here: 214 Main Street Oneonta, NY 13820
9. Nick Tahou's - Rochester
Speaking of legendary dishes in New York, you can't leave Nick Tahou's famous garbage plates off of your bucket list! If you've managed to walk the earth this long without knowing what a garbage plate is, then let us enlighten you. Your options when creating your dream garbage plate include adding either cheeseburger, hamburger, red or white hots, sausage, ham, fish, chicken, grilled cheese or eggs. It doesn't end there! You'll also have to decide if you want sides of baked beans, home fries, french fries or macaroni salad. Yum!
How to get here: 320 West Main Street Rochester, NY 14608
10. Katy's Cafe - Ellicottville
It wasn't too long ago that I spoke of the tiny townof Ellicottville, a charming and exciting place to visit no matter what time of year it is. With that said, this town starts to see an increase in visitors once the cold weather starts rolling in and that means you're going to need to know where the best place to grab food is. Well, look no further! The perfect place to go if you're looking to eat breakfast or enjoy a tasty sandwich, this charming little cafe will steal your heart with its fresh bread.
How to get here: 10A Washington Street Ellicottville, NY 14731
11. Holydog - Middletown
Tucked away out in Middletown, you'll find every hot dog lover's perfect dining establishment. Getting its name from all of the churches that can be found in the surrounding area, Holydog quickly became a local hit once they took over this small space on the corner. If you want our suggestion, we'd tell you to try the Chilean Dog that's pictured above in the middle, covered in yummy avocado greatness!
How to get here: 44 West Main Street Middletown, NY 10940
Have you been to any of these unassuming restaurants in New York? I can't think of a time when I've felt more hungry than I do right now. To silence the noise of your rumbling stomach, be sure to check out these 12 Neighborhood Restaurants In New York With Food So Good You'll Be Back For Seconds!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!