15 ‘Hole In The Wall’ Restaurants In New York That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away

We’ve all experienced it, that moment when you bring your friend to a new restaurant and suddenly they’re looking at you like you have four heads. Looking at you like they’re questioning if maybe you’ve been thrown into an alternate universe, where you’re having some sort of restaurant-style Shallow Hal moment. But no worries, we’re here to assure you that no one has gone crazy and that looks can be deceiving. Not all things in life come in pretty packages. Here are 15 ‘hole in the wall’ restaurants in New York that will completely blow your taste buds away:

Google Maps

Andy C./Yelp

This restaurant may truly be the definition of a hole in the wall, hiding amongst tiny and tight corned streets in the city of Albany. This restaurant is one you'd really have to be looking for and is not easily stumbled upon. Not far from the popular Times Union Center, this Italian restaurant will make you feel like you've possibly just stepped into your favorite 1980's film. With heart shaped mirrors and perfectly cooked Italian food, you'll enjoy everything about this place. Our suggestion? Come here on a night when there aren't any events happening at the TU.
Location: 89 Beaver Street, Albany NY 12207

Kevin B/TripAdvisor

Kevin B/TripAdvisor

You may feel the instinct to overlook this restaurant, but that would be a huge mistake considering that the largest indoor BBQ charcoal pit is cooking up delicious dishes inside! Recently winning a James Beard award, the restaurant has been a longtime local favorite and continues to effortlessly pump out savory plates.
Location: 5560 NY-7, Oneonta NY 13820

Phil M./Yelp

Alexis S./Yelp

A restaurant known for its mouth watering burgers, Grover's is an American style restaurant with generous portions. Looking to try something different? Try their cheeseburger soup...yes, soup!
Location: 9160 Transit Road, East Amherst NY 14051

LakeRecluse/TripAdvisor

James A./Yelp

Realistically, we could do an entire post featuring restaurants in Troy that don't particular look like anything special but are filled with scrumptious dishes. The city just outside of our state's capital is filled with a ton of hidden gems. Walk inside Famous Lunch and feel right at home as you take on an awesome menu that's been a longtime local favorite.
Location: 111 Congress Street, Troy NY 12180

Phantom Dine R./Yelp

64Tia/TripAdvisor

Looking for a unique place to grab a savory beef sandwich? Then look no further! Located on Grand Island, this restaurant will have you wishing you wore elastic sweatpants by the time you leave. Our suggestion? Follow up your tasty sandwich with an even yummier ice cream cupcake!
Location: 2335 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island NY 14072

stuartled/TripAdvisor

Jacque R./Yelp

If you were driving by this restaurant you'd probably assume it was a small little ice cream shop or something of that nature, but guess again! The Muscoot is a charming tavern that you'll never want to leave. Our suggestion? Try the Clams Casino!
Location: 105 Somerstown Turnpike, Katonah NY 10536

GoogleMaps

License 2 Grill/Yelp

This one you may have to keep your eye out for, it can be easily missed! The well-known burger restaurant also has a variety of other great dishes on its menu, a favorite being their various empanadas.
Location: 802 Commerce Street, Thornwood NY 10594

4bird1/TripAdvisor

Denise W./Yelp

This absolutely charming restaurant is located inside a small dining car, giving you a truly unique dining experience. Our suggestion? Stop in here for breakfast and make sure to get yourself some home fries!
Location: 131 East Elm Street, Penn Yan NY 14527

roadtrippin58/TripAdvisor

Deb E./Yelp

Homemade food that feels like it just came out of your Grandma's kitchen, Gibby's Diner has unforgettable dishes and a wonderful staff. Our suggestion? Try a hot turkey sandwich!
Location: 10040 Duanesburg Road, Delanson NY 12053

Marqus R./Yelp

jeduweb/TripAdvisor

Right near the shores of Lake Erie, this small town restaurant can be found in Chautauqua County. The small but flavorful restaurant doesn't look like much, but the food inside is the absolute best you'll find in the area!
Location: 8249 1st Street, Westfield NY 14787

Google Maps

Warren F/TripAdvisor

Offering breakfast and lunch, this restaurant right in Syracuse will give you fantastic service. Our suggestion? Stop in for lunch and grab a delicious Reuben Melt!
Location: 3788 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse NY 13215

Barbara Z./Yelp

Bala J./Yelp

Consistency is key when it comes to winning over the hearts of customers, and The Village Diner does just that! If you find yourself in the area, you won't regretting stopping in.
Location: 255 Floral Ave, Johnson City NY 13790

Brian T./Yelp

Mike L./Yelp

While many of the visitors who come to this diner prefer to show up during the late hours of the night with bellies full of adult beverages, this diner is delicious during any time of the day. Our suggestion? Try the Emmy Bull Burger!
Location: 494 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12203

Jim B./Yelp

Jake R./Yelp

Amazing comfort style food right on Long Island, this restaurant celebrated its 25th anniversary last year! A longtime favorite, this hole in the wall restaurant is a great place to stop in with your family. Our suggestion? Be sure to grab dessert before you leave!
Location: 23 East Main Street, Babylon NY 11702

Sarah L./Yelp

Tim L./Yelp

Hand made food and real milkshakes? Say no more! If it wasn't for Voss' large milk bottle on top of their building, you may easily drive right by this tiny dining establishment! This restaurant is the perfect place to check out if you're in the area and looking to grab burgers, hotdogs and perfected shakes.
Location: Erie Street at Oriskany Boulevard, Yorkville NY 13495

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