Everyone loves a beautiful restaurant in the Empire State, and we’ve got plenty of gorgeous ones, complete with equally phenomenal views. But do you ever find yourself wanting something a little grittier? In truth, nobody does hole-in-the-wall restaurants quite like New York. The small, humble atmosphere, the general feeling of nostalgia, the tasty food… it all makes for a uniquely memorable experience. If you’re a fan of deliciously unassuming New York restaurants (often so small they don’t even have a website), check out this epic road trip! It’ll take you to some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in New York.

The entire drive time for the trip is less than three hours, and all the cities are worth checking out on their own. You can check out the full route and customize it to your liking on Google Maps.
Google Maps
1. Village Diner, Johnson City
Village Diner, 255 Floral Ave, Johnson City, NY 13790, USA
Village Diner/Google Maps
Luis Vazquez/Google Maps
Your first stop is, fittingly enough, famous for their delicious breakfasts. The Village Diner calls itself "the little place with big taste." They have typical diner fare, like sweet and/or savory breakfast dishes, plus plenty of lunch choices. They've been serving the Johnson City area for over 60 years and have such a great hometown feel.
2. Cacciatore's Restaurant, Johnson City
Cacciatore's Restaurant, 119 Harry L Dr, Johnson City, NY 13790, USA
Cacciatore's Restaurant/Google Maps
Carl Gratzer/GoogleMaps
You won't have to travel far for your next stop! Cacciatore's is a tasty Italian restaurant also located in Johnson City. Established in 2000, they're open for dinner and serve upscale food in a relaxed and familial atmosphere. They've got superb homemade pasta and serve the freshest made-from-scratch Italian dishes around.
3. Brooks' House of Bar-B-Q, Oneonta
Brooks' House of Bar-B-Q, 5560 NY-7, Oneonta, NY 13820, USA
Brooks' House of Bar-B-Q/Google Maps

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Brooks House of Bar-B-Q reportedly has the largest indoor charcoal pit in the east. They're unique in that they started 60 years ago as a small family-run business. With their continued success, they have expanded some, but we still think of them as a hole in the wall restaurant in New York because of the relaxed surroundings and down home atmosphere. In addition to the fantastic atmosphere, you'll enjoy some of the best barbecue in New York here! Check out a menu and more information on their website.
4. Dan's Place Two, Albany
Dan's Place Two, 494 Washington Ave #1230, Albany, NY 12203, USA
Chris Anderson/Google Maps
Juan D Carrascal/Google Maps
Next up comes a trip to the Empire State capital. Dan's Place Two is yet another charming diner: we've got so many of those in New York! This spot is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Dan's doesn't have a website, but they open early for breakfast. Stop by and check them out; you won't regret it!
5. The Greek House, Troy
The Greek House, 27 3rd St, Troy, NY 12180, USA
The Greek House/Facebook
The Greek House
Troy is filled with some of the best delicious but unassuming restaurants in New York. The Greek House is a family-owned restaurant that's been in downtown Troy for more than 10 years. Pick up delicious authentic Greek food like gyros and wraps here. Their salads are particularly tasty, and who doesn't love baklava? You can get a full menu on their website.
6. Famous Lunch, Troy
Famous Lunch, 111 Congress St, Troy, NY 12180, USA
Famous Lunch/Google Maps
Robert P Scifo Jr/Google Maps
Famous Lunch may be famous, but they're still in their small Congress Street shack they've had for nearly 100 years! Famous Lunch is famous for their hot dogs, but they've got other dishes as well. The prices are great and their hot dogs are so popular that they ship them all over the country.

Did we miss your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant in New York? Share it in the comments and maybe you’ll see it featured in a future article!

We’ve got plenty more New York road trips for you to drool over. This fantastic pie road trip through New York is the PERFECT finish to a weekend spent enjoying the state’s best hidden gem restaurants!

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