MomSkoop
New York State offers incredible dining experiences that go far beyond the famous spots in Manhattan. From Buffalo’s legendary wings to Albany’s hidden gems, every corner of the Empire State serves up unforgettable meals worth traveling for. Planning one special restaurant visit each month gives you a full year of culinary adventures across this amazing state.
1. Nick Tahou Hots – Rochester
Rochester’s most famous culinary creation was born at this humble spot in 1918. Nick Tahou Hots serves the original Garbage Plate, a messy mountain of mac salad, home fries, baked beans, and your choice of meat.
Cold January weather makes this the perfect time to warm up with comfort food. The restaurant stays busy with locals who swear by this hearty dish. Don’t expect fancy decor or white tablecloths here.
What you’ll find is authentic Rochester history on a plate, served with mustard and onions on top.
2. Gaudino’s Italian Kitchen
Valentine’s Day calls for romance, and nothing says love like homemade Italian food. Gaudino’s has been serving Schenectady families since 1952 with recipes passed down through generations.
Their chicken parmigiana melts in your mouth, while the marinara sauce tastes like it came straight from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, perfect for date nights or family celebrations.
Portions are generous enough to share, and the prices won’t break your budget. Make reservations early because word has spread about this neighborhood treasure.
3. Mercato Bar and Kitchen
Spring arrives early at this Hudson Valley gem where farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword. Chef-owner creates seasonal menus using ingredients from local farms within a twenty-mile radius.
March brings fresh possibilities as winter vegetables give way to early spring greens. The menu changes weekly based on what farmers deliver that morning. Wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta highlight the kitchen’s Italian influences.
Located in a renovated barn, the rustic atmosphere matches the honest, simple cooking style. Reservations are essential, especially on weekends when city folks drive up for dinner.
4. The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
Albany’s culinary scene gets serious recognition at this stylish downtown hotspot. April showers won’t dampen your spirits when you’re sampling their creative American cuisine and craft cocktail menu.
The chef trained at top New York City restaurants before returning home to elevate Albany dining. Seasonal ingredients shine in dishes that look as good as they taste. The bar program features local spirits and house-made mixers.
Modern industrial decor creates an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere. Business dinners and special occasions both work perfectly here, making it a versatile choice for any celebration.
5. Rio Tomatlan
Cinco de Mayo celebrations continue all month at this authentic Mexican restaurant in Bushwick. Real Mexican families run the kitchen, not corporate chains trying to copy their grandmother’s recipes.
Handmade tortillas arrive warm at your table while you decide between mole poblano or carnitas. The salsa verde has just enough heat to make you sweat without overwhelming your taste buds.
Colorful murals cover the walls, and Spanish conversations fill the air around closely packed tables. Cash only, so hit the ATM first, but the prices make it worth the extra stop.
6. Toutant
Buffalo summers call for something different from wings and beef on weck. Toutant brings New Orleans flavors north with a menu that celebrates Creole and Cajun cooking traditions.
The chef spent years in Louisiana learning proper gumbo techniques and spice combinations. Shrimp and grits arrive perfectly seasoned, while the jambalaya packs enough flavor to transport you straight to the French Quarter.
Located in a restored Victorian building, the atmosphere balances elegance with Southern comfort. The cocktail menu features bourbon selections that pair beautifully with the spicy, rich food coming from the kitchen.
7. Cooperstown Diner
Baseball season peaks in July, making this the perfect time to visit America’s favorite pastime hometown. The Cooperstown Diner has been feeding hungry baseball fans since 1948 with classic American comfort food.
Their apple pie recipe hasn’t changed in decades, and neither has the friendly service from waitresses who remember your order. Burgers come thick and juicy, while the milkshakes are thick enough to require serious effort with a straw.
The vintage decor includes baseball memorabilia and red vinyl booths that have hosted countless family celebrations. After visiting the Hall of Fame, this feels like the natural next stop.
8. Hazelnut Kitchen
Summer’s peak brings perfect weather for exploring the Finger Lakes region and discovering this farm-to-table treasure. Hazelnut Kitchen sources ingredients from farms you can actually see from their windows.
The menu changes daily based on what grows best in August heat. Tomatoes reach their peak flavor, corn gets sweeter by the day, and stone fruits create memorable desserts.
Located in a converted house, the restaurant feels more like dining at a friend’s home than a commercial establishment. The chef often comes out to explain where specific ingredients came from that morning, creating a personal connection to your meal.
9. Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café
Fall foliage season brings crowds to the Catskills, but most visitors miss this quirky combination of antique shop and gourmet café. Browse vintage treasures while waiting for your artisanal grilled cheese sandwich.
The café specializes in locally made cheeses melted between thick slices of homemade bread. Tomato soup comes from a secret family recipe that perfectly complements the crispy, buttery sandwiches.
September weather makes their outdoor seating area perfect for watching leaves change colors. The eclectic mix of old furniture and collectibles creates an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the mountains.
10. The Waffle Factory
October mornings get chilly, making warm waffles the perfect comfort food to start your day. The Waffle Factory serves Belgian-style waffles with enough topping options to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Fresh fruit, whipped cream, maple syrup, and chocolate chips are just the beginning. Seasonal pumpkin spice options appear in October, along with apple cinnamon combinations that celebrate autumn flavors.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families with kids who love watching waffles cook in the open kitchen. Lines form on weekend mornings, but the wait gives you time to study the extensive menu and plan your perfect waffle creation.
11. Doug’s Fish Fry
Thanksgiving month calls for celebrating New York traditions, and Doug’s Fish Fry represents upstate dining at its finest. Started in 1982, this local chain serves fresh fish in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Their haddock comes beer-battered and fried to golden perfection, while the clam strips satisfy seafood cravings far from any ocean. Coleslaw and French fries complete the classic fish fry experience that locals have loved for decades.
Multiple locations across central New York make it easy to find one near you. The simple menu focuses on doing a few things really well rather than trying to please everyone with endless options.
12. Halsey’s Restaurant
Holiday celebrations deserve special settings, and Halsey’s provides elegant dining in the heart of the Hamptons. December brings a quieter, more intimate atmosphere to this summer resort area.
The menu features classic American dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients and careful attention to presentation. Prime rib and fresh seafood highlight the dinner offerings, while the wine list includes selections that pair perfectly with winter comfort foods.
White tablecloths and professional service create an atmosphere suitable for anniversary dinners or holiday parties. Reservations are essential, especially during December when locals reclaim their town from summer crowds and celebrate the season in style.