Every state around the country has earned its list of stereotypes. New York’s often consists of food-related stereotypes, like the fact that the only things we’re great at making are pizza, bagels, and wings. Proving that there’s so much more to the Empire State than you could imagine, try any one of these fantastic restaurants to get a true taste of what local life is like.
1. Famous Lunch - Troy
While it may not be the most widely known piece of information, the Capital Region does have a long history with perfecting the art of making mini hot dogs. Over history, favorite small-town shops have withered away with time but amazing destinations like Famous Lunch have managed to stay true and strong. Located right in the heart of Troy, Famous Lunch has earned quite the reputation with their amazing and savory menu items.
2. Charlie the Butcher's Kitchen - Williamsville
Out around Buffalo and the surrounding areas, you'll find that many people are simply itching to get their hands on a plate full of wings. If you're looking to get a different taste of Western New York though, one that feels a bit more small town, then perhaps its time you start feasting on our beloved Beef on Weck sandwiches that are made to perfection at Charlie the Butcher's. Putting slices of roast beef on kummelweck rolls, get a taste of a different side of Buffalo that you're bound to love at Charlie's in Williamsville.
3. Chesterfield Restaurant - Utica
One of our favorite reasons to pay Utica a visit, Chesterfield's is an Italian restaurant that will blow you away. Tucked away along the roadside in an inconspicuous brick building, Chesterfield's has everything from wood-fired oven pizzas to unique local dishes like Chicken Riggies that'll give you a unique taste of small-town Utica.
4. Heid's of Liverpool - Liverpool
Just outside of Syracuse, Heid's of Liverpool is an eatery that has an over 100-year-long history with Central New Yorkers. Specializing in the creation of their famous Franks and Snappys, or commonly referred to as White Hots, Heid's is a destination that you'll always find filled with locals who are looking to enjoy a tasty meal with their friends and family.
5. Nick Tahou Hots - Rochester
If you're willing to step a bit outside of your comfort zone and are ready to try something new, then getting a taste of Rochester via Nick Tahou Hots restaurant is the right way to go. Famous for giving New York the Garbage Plate, this restaurant has a long history with locals. Packing all types of flavors and components into just one dish, your taste buds will be surprised by everything that you find in each bite.
6. Spiedie & Rib Pit - Binghamton
Binghamton may not technically be a small town, but once you take a bite into one of the spiedie's at Spiedie & Rib Pit you'll get to fully indulge in New York's small town flavors. Another sandwich that doesn't contain a whole laundry list of ingredients but still manages to hit your taste buds with a powerful punch of flavor, you'll find marinated cubes of meat within each spiedie sandwich.
7. Doug's Fish Fry - Skaneateles
The scenic beauty of Skaneateles may be originally what brings you here to this wonderful small town, but it's restaurants like Doug's Fish Fry that will make you stay and have you coming back for more. Doug's Fish Fry will make you feel as though you've entered a little fish fry that's situated somewhere out along the coast, making it even more of a local gem. The fish itself may come all the way from Boston, but things like their french fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce are all made in-house. Yum!
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