13 Irresistible Restaurants That Define New York

Out-of-towners may envision New York as a place that’s solely know for its great tasting pizza, but real New Yorkers know that it’s our small town Mom & Pop restaurants that truly define our state. Loved for creating dishes that you simply cannot forget, these thirteen mouthwatering places to eat around the Empire State will show you what we’re all about.

munchkinkaty/TripAdvisor

Thomas C./Yelp

Possibly one of the most bizarre dishes that New Yorkers can't get enough of, Nick Tahou is where you'll find the greatest garbage plate of your life. Known for this unique meal, this iconic spot in Rochester is one that you'll never be able to forget once you make the visit for yourself.

How to get here: 320 West Main Street Rochester, NY 14608

Gregory P/TripAdvisor

Kevin B/TripAdvisor

Every region of New York has their own favorite BBQ spot, but one place that we can all universally agree on is Brooks' in Oneonta. Known for their to-die-for barbecue sauce, this small town spot pumps out some of the most flavorful and delicious meat that you could ever dream of.

How to get here: 5560 NY-7 Oneonta, NY 13820

Kevin R./Yelp

Alan B./Yelp

One of the things that New York is most well known for? Our delicious wings. If you're looking to see what the Empire State's wings are really about, you'll need to make the trip out to Western New York and feast your way around the Buffalo area. There are so many restaurants out in this region that have mastered how to cook wings and we all have our favorites, but if you need a good place to start you should undoubtedly head to Anchor Bar.

How to get here: 1047 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14209

C T./Yelp

Frank P./Yelp

Out in Central New York you'll find our residents dining on amazing dishes that include chicken riggies and Utica greens! But if you've somehow gone your entire life without familiarizing yourself with these amazing foods? Well, then you're lucky we have incredible dining establishments like Chesterfield's that you can visit!

How to get here: 1713 Bleecker Street Utica, NY 13501

Lobster Roll/Yelp

Lobster Roll/Yelp

The most iconic eatery out on Long Island, Lobster Roll has become a crucial part of New York's dining. Tucked away out in the town of Amagansett, you'll enjoy some of the best lobster rolls and lobster infused dishes of your life at this memorable restaurant. With a history dating back to the 1960's, this spot is one that's long proven to be a delicious destination in our state.

How to get here: 1980 Montauk Highway Amagansett, NY 11930

David F./Yelp

Monika D./Yelp

Diners are easy to come by no matter where you're living in New York, but you'll certainly never find one like the Phoenicia Diner anywhere else. Tucked away down in the Catskills, this small town diner is one you won't be able to get out of your mind once you visit. Whether you're stopping in for breakfast or need to fuel up for lunch and dinner, the Phoenicia Diner will blow you away with its glorious menu.

How to get here: 5681 NY-28 Phoenicia, NY 12464

Jim B./Yelp

Jim B./Yelp

Out in the Finger Lakes in the scenic town of Skaneateles, there's a fish fry restaurant that's so good it'll take your attention away from one of New York's most beautiful lakes. When you're done soaking in the stunning sight of Skaneateles Lake, you can see why everyone can't stop talking about Doug's. Bringing fresh food to the hungry bellies of locals since 1982, this small town shop will blow you away with its generous portions, tasty flavors and friendly service.

How to get here: 8 Jordan Street Skaneateles, NY 13152

Sunny K./Yelp

Cheryl M./Yelp

There are a ton of wonderful places to eat along New York's Southern Tier, but you won't find a tastier dish than our scrumptious spiedies! Dine at one of the tow Spiedie & Rib Pit locations in the Binghamton area and you'll get to see for yourself why this dish is the talk of the town. Made up of marinated meat cubes in a fresh roll, the simplicity of this meal is not to be underestimated.

How to get here: 1268 Upper Front Street Binghamton, NY 13901

John K/TripAdvisor

Yan T./Yelp

If you're unfamiliar with the small town of Tappan, then it's time you get yourself acquainted because this is where you can find New York's oldest restaurant! Known for being one of the oldest taverns in our country, this restaurant is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Filled with pieces of fascinating history, rustic charm and mouthwatering food, everyone in New York should dine here at least once.

How to get here: 110 Main Street Tappan, NY 10983

Mimi S./Yelp

Tien B./Yelp

All along Main Street in Lake Placid you'll find restaurants that will call out to your hunger, but if you're interested in visiting a local spot that's been around since 1987 you'll want to stop in to Great Adirondack Steak and Seafood. A restaurant that will have you drooling before you even walk through the door, this spot is wonderful to experience local beers and flawless hearty dishes.

How to get here: 2442 Main Street Lake Placid, NY 12946

NYroadside/TripAdvisor

Tes Y./Yelp

Out along our Southern Tier in Western New York is a restaurant that you can't go on living life without visiting. Hiding in plain sight on a maple farm, this restaurant has dishes that are infused with maple in ways you could not imagine. From maple pork ribs and homemade maple sausage to maple milkshakes and maple apple sauce, you'll be amazed at how many different ways this restaurant has created food items that feature a delicious maple taste.

How to get here: 1048 Portville Obi Road Portville, NY 14770

Glen F./Yelp

Katie A./Yelp

Looking for the perfect way to start off your day in New York? Then have the best breakfast of your life out on Long Island at Maureen's Kitchen! A local favorite and loved by anyone who visits, this restaurant features a whimsical cow theme and homemade dishes that will complete your morning.

How to get here: 108 Terry Road Smithtown, NY 11787

LakeRecluse/TripAdvisor

James A./Yelp

One of the greatest examples of why you should never judge a book by its cover, New York's unsuspecting restaurant in the city of Troy makes wonderful hotdogs. While there are so many amazing hot dog destinations in our state, this restaurant is one that's been around since 1932 and never fails to please your tastebuds.

How to get here: 111 Congress Street Troy, NY 12180

If you had to choose one restaurant that defined our state, which one would you pick? To discover another amazing place to eat, find out why Everyone Goes Nuts For The Hamburgers At This Nostalgic Eatery In New York!