The 11 Best Little Food Towns In New York You Need To Visit Before They Get Too Popular
By Lea Monroe|Published November 07, 2017
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
When it comes to checking out New York’s food, visiting any one of our restaurants is an experience that you’ll never forget. Often hiding away in some of our most delightful small towns, some of the best places that you’ll ever eat in the Empire State can be found in the most unsuspecting places. Lucky for us, this list of towns in our state are fortunate enough to have multiple amazing restaurants where you can quench your hunger!
One of the many charming towns you'll find out on the waterfront of the Finger Lakes region, Canandaigua has a front row view of Canandaigua Lake. The small town is part of Ontario County and offers visitors and locals plenty of dining options. If you're interested in feasting on Mexican food there's no better place to look then Rio Tomatlan, while other amazing options for eating like Casa De Pasta, the Bristol Harbour Lodge Restaurant and Simply Crepes Cafe also exist in town!
A small town that sits just west of Cayuga Lake, Trumansburg is less than a half-hour drive from the city of Ithaca. Many people make their way out to Trumansburg to visit the famous Taughannock Falls State Park, discovering along the way that there are plenty of great places to eat here. Look around town and you'll find the Inn at Taughannock Restaurant, Hazelnut Kitchen, Felicia's Atomic Brewhouse & Bakery and Little Venice!
Sitting right on the southern shores of Otsego Lake, the town of Cooperstown is one that's popular for many reasons. Plenty of people come here to explore the fascinating pieces of history that you can find all over town or to enjoy scenic places like Glimmerglass State Park. But while you're exploring around town you also won't want to forget to check out the area's wonderful restaurant. Only In New York recommends checking out Mel's at 22, The Blue Mingo Grill or the Cooperstown Diner for amazing dishes.
A beautiful town tucked away within the northern Catskills, Greene County is home to Tannersville. The town's Main Street is lined with fantastic places to eat like Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Cafe, Pancho Villa's Mexican Restaurant, Maggie's Juice Bar and Mama's Boy Burgers while other incredible options like the Deer Mountain Inn can also be found in town.
Another town that features a Main Street that's decorated in unbelievable restaurants, Lake Placid is an amazing town to visit if you consider yourself to be a foodie. Walk around town and you'll be able to get a peek at eateries like Big Mountain Deli & Creperie,The Cottage, Lisa G's,Kanu, Smoke Signals, Top of the Park, Great Adirondack Steak & Seafood Company and so, so many more restaurants.
Known for being one of the coolest towns in New York, you'll find plenty of exciting things to do in Phoenicia. The small town has acquired quite a following when it comes to visitors who love checking out the area's restaurants. Those who visit Phoenicia love checking out popular places like the Phoenicia Diner, Brio's Pizzeria & Restaurant and Tavern 214.
Another scenic town within the Finger Lakes region, Skaneateles has an amazing view of some of the bluest water in New York. Waterfront dining can be enjoyed in town at places like the Blue Water Grill, while historic gems like the Sherwood Inn are also incredible to check out. Spend a weekend away in Skaneateles and you won't regret taking your time to see what spots like Doug's Fish Fry, The Krebs 1899 and Rosalie's Cucina all have to offer.
Less than a half-hour east of the city of Rochester, the wonderful town of Webster is waiting for you out in Monroe County. Giving you the best of both worlds, this small town offers both sweet and savory eateries for you to visit. For a classic New York dish, visitors should head on over to Charlie Riedel's and those who are looking for something more along the lines of dessert should be sure to grab a decadent waffle or milkshake from The Waffle Factory.
One of the most delightful small towns that you'll ever visit in the Empire State, Penn Yan is full of amazing local restaurants that are full of your favorite Mom & Pop vibes. Favorite places to check out in town include unforgettable spots like Seneca Farms, the Penn Yan Diner, Top of the Lake, Timmy G's and La Cocina.
A town that's long been known for having amazing restaurants, New Paltz's amazing eateries are something New Yorkers have done a pretty good job at keeping a secret of. Walk through the heart of town and you'll get to have your pick from places like Main Street Bistro, the Gilded Otter, A Tavola Trattoria, P&G's and you can't forget the Mohonk Mountain House either!
Yet another town that's been known for being one of New York's coolest, Hammondsport is one of the most amazing small towns that you can visit in the Finger Lakes. With plenty to do by the water, visitors love coming here to play outdoors and then fuel up on amazing food afterwards. Get your fill in town with restaurants like Union Block Italian Bistro, Timber Stone Grill and Bully Hill Vineyards.