We all have our go-to restaurants for a guaranteed savory meal, but who isn’t interested in stumbling upon a tasty new place to eat? When it comes to deciding where to go to grab some food, the overall outward appearance of a dining establishment is weighed heavily when making the decision. But, should it be? Proving that you should never judge a book by its cover, these 13 spots are the best unassuming restaurants in New York that don’t look like much, but will knock your socks right off:

1. Mother's Cupboard, Syracuse
Fox E./Yelp
Aleksandra G./Yelp
First off let me say, I challenge you to try and leave this restaurant hungry. Specializing in scrumptious breakfast foods, the pancakes you'll find here are like something out of this world! As big if not bigger than the plates they are served on, the pancakes aren't the only thing that will blow your mind. Our suggestion? Just do the best you can to try and clear off whatever plate you decided on, the rest of life's answers will come at one point or another.
2. Ambar Restaurant, Sleepy Hollow
Bill L./Yelp
Blake C./Yelp
Often missed by those looking to find it, this restaurant blends right in with its surroundings. Small in size but filled with tons of flavor, you won't regret coming here and shoving your face full of delicious Dominican food.

Find hours and information online, here.
3. Dogtown, Rochester
Vincent C./Yelp
Linda T./Yelp
Calling all dog lovers, this spot is for you! A menu that will have you smiling from ear to ear, all of the hot dogs listed are named after different breeds of dogs! Looking to eat something other than a dressed up hot dog? This restaurant offers a variety garbage plates that will have any true New Yorker drooling!

Find hours and information online, here.
4. The Good Bite Kitchen, Lake Placid
Jay B./Yelp
Ryan M./Yelp
A vegetarian's dream that's blending in right amongst the shops of this popular village, the restaurant actually used to be a storage hallway. Talk about a hidden gem! Serving up vibrant and affordable dishes, you'll want to stop in here if you find yourself up in the Adirondacks.

Find hours and information online, here.
5. Mexican Grill 2000, Patchogue
Dallas D./Yelp
Brendan T./Yelp
From the outside, this restaurant looks like the solution to solving your hunger while you're stuck somewhere in a laundromat plaza and have no where else to go for several hours. But believe it or not this Long Island Mexican Grill is a true treasure. Serving up a variety of dishes, we suggest trying the fish or tongue tacos!

Find hours and information online, here.
6. Sunny Restaurant Asian Cusine, Utica
Justin L./Yelp
Justin L./Yelp
Somebody stop me from dreaming of noodles! Wonderful food and even better service will have you completely forgetting about the outward appearance of the this restaurant, proving to be unimportant. Not sure what you want to eat? We suggest one of the crispy noodle entrees!
7. Provisions, Woodstock
Roger B./Yelp

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What some declare as being the home to the best breakfast sandwiches in the area, this small but scrumptious restaurant will take hold of your taste buds. While you may not think to give this spot a second thought due to its small size and lack of mass seating, we assure you that the last thing you'll be thinking about is where you're sitting once you dive into this food.

Find hours and information online, here.
8. Marco's Italian Deli, Buffalo
Marco’s Italian Deli/Yelp
Marco’s Italian Deli/Yelp
A great spot to check out if you're craving some classic Italian food, this restaurant will make you wish you could somehow find room for more! Don't let its average exterior fool you into thinking this isn't a total gem. Our suggestion if you plan on going here? Try out one of the sandwiches and make sure to get a dessert

Find hours and information online, here.
9. Spiedie & Rib Pit, Binghamton
Twinkie T./Yelp
Denise W./Yelp
Operating since the early 1990's, this restaurant has become a favorite spot to dine on one of New York's favorite dishes, the Spiedie. Despite its exterior appearance, once you sit down the menu will have your mouth watering.

Find hours and information online, here.
10. "Poopie's" Di Manno's Lunch, Glens Falls
Kevin D./Yelp
Matt L./Yelp
A local favorite that's been up and running since the 1950's, you'll find all your favorite dishes waiting for you here. While our favorite meal of the day to eat here is breakfast, we also can't help but love Poopie's incredible burgers!

Find hours and information online, here.
11. Plant Wise, Dix Hills
Plant Strong/Yelp
Emily O./Yelp
If vegans had a heaven on earth with a designated dining area, this restaurant would probably be it. Colorful menu items that are all completely gluten free and plant-based will have you feeling good about deciding to dine on these healthy dishes. If you decide to stop in we suggest you try out one of the yummy parfaits!

Find hours and information online, here.
12. Johnny's Lunch, Jamestown
Google Maps
Nicole N./Yelp
Filled with all your favorite classic dishes, your stomach will be rumbling before you even walk through the door. Dressed up hot dogs, burgers and shakes, it's all so good. Known for their tasty sauce, we suggest making sure to try the rice pudding before you leave. Yum!

Find hours and information online, here.
13. Bob's Diner, Watervliet
Google Maps
Daniel Z./Yelp
Nestled right along the train tracks, this 24 hour diner has been a long time favorite and dependable spot to get good food at all hours of the day.

Find hours and information online, here.

We love discovering the best unassuming restaurants in New York! Which one of these underrated restaurants looks the most tasty to you?

For more foodie inspiration, read These 8 Amazing New York Restaurants Are Loaded With Local History

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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best unassuming restaurants in New York

Kim Magaraci | October 28, 2020

What is the smallest restaurant in New York?

It's no surprise that you would find so many tiny restaurants in New York City, but the smallest is currently a French spot called Sel et Gras, and you may not expect just how little it is! There are 14 tables, seating just 32 diners, in this 225 square foot dining room. As of publication, it's the smallest full service restaurant in New York, and it's worth the wait for a table because the food is absolutely delicious.

What are the most popular foods in New York?

New York is a state known for unique cuisine! Of course, you won't find a better bagel anywhere in the country, and everyone's always trying to duplicate our New York pizza... but what else is there? Buffalo wings, for one. They were invented here in 1964. Chicken Riggies are another dish you'll only find in the Empire State, and if you're traveling through Binghamton, you've got to stop by Spiedies for a sandwich. Anyone with a sweet tooth will talk about Freihofer's cookies, and Sprague's maple syrup goes well with everything.

Where can I find the best buffalo wings in New York?

The world-famous Anchor Bar, in Buffalo, serves up the original buffalo wing. Though they are now a staple of any American bar or restaurant, that wasn't the case until Teressa Bellissimo fried them up and coated them in a spicy sauce, on a whim, in 1964. Over the years, thousands of restaurants have created their own version of buffalo wings, but to any foodie, there's only one original spot to get New York's most iconic finger food.

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Featured Addresses
Mother's Cupboard, 3709 E James St, Syracuse, NY 13206, USA
60 Clinton St, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, USA
Dogtown, 691 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, USA
The Good Bite Kitchen, 2501 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946, USA
703 Medford Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772, USA
530 Albany St, Utica, NY 13501, USA
Golf Club, 114 Mill Hill Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498, USA
1085 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14213, USA
1274 Upper, Front St, Binghamton, NY 13901, USA
54 Lawrence St, Glens Falls, NY 12801, USA
15 E Deer Park Rd, Dix Hills, NY 11746, USA
966 Fairmount Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701, USA
929 19th St, Watervliet, NY 12189, USA