1. Garbage And Wieners Are Destined For Greatness At Dogtown
Dogtown
691 Monroe Ave
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 271-6620
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 268 reviews
One of the many achievements
New York can tuck under its belt is the ability to turn some otherwise mediocre food into world-famous dishes, garbage plates and hot dogs being two of their shining examples. Other places might have a bigger name around
Rochester, but Dogtown stands pretty firmly on its own accord thanks to its brilliant combination of Martusciello’s rolls and Zweigle’s dogs.
If you’re not from Upstate, just know that those names, along with an avalanche of topping selections, are the difference of what makes a hot dog just a hot dog or a true New York experience. Their fries and garbage plates are also worth their weight in edible gold.
2. Tournedos Can Rock A Steak Like A Hurricane
Tournedos Steakhouse
26 Broadway St
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 269-3888
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 41 reviews
It’s hard to find a steakhouse that isn’t a chain these days and that’s what makes Tournedos’ even more special. This gem is tucked away on the main floor of the Inn on Broadway in Center City and offers one of the best dining experiences in the area. With seafood flown in daily from
Hawaii, in-house dry aged beef, and an amazing selection of over 550 award-winning wines from around the world, you get every bit of what you pay for and more.
3. Taqueria Tlaxcalli Is Nacho’ Ordinary Mexican Spot In The Bronx
Taqueria Tlaxcalli
2103 Starling Ave
Bronx, NY 10462
(347) 851-3085
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 268 reviews
The
Bronx might have given the world Jennifer Lopez but some might argue that an even bigger gift is the food at Taqueria Tlaxcalli. This unassuming hole-in-the-wall prides itself in churning out some of the most deliciously authentic Mexican food not just in The Bronx, but perhaps anywhere this side of Mexico. Their beautifully plated burritos are the star of the show, but there’s nothing that you’ll order here that will ever disappoint: chicken nachos, coconut flan, quesadillas, they’re all great and will keep you coming back to The Bronx for more.
4. Sushi Boats To Sail You Into The Horizon At Sun Restaurant In Buffalo
Sun Restaurant
1989 Niagara St
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 447-0202
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 282 reviews
Buffalo might not be the first New York city to come to mind when you’re looking for great sushi, but it should be. Sun Restaurant in Black Rock is an all-around great experience. Amenities like their own lot for ample off-street parking, great service, and fresh ambiance are only the tip of the iceberg here. You’ll also find some of the best rolls and sashimi in Upstate New York. Whether you’ve heard about Sun and still haven’t gone or you’re just hearing about it now, you need to go.
5. Go Dinosaur Big Or Go Home
Dinosaur BBQ
246 W Willow St
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 476-4937
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 797 reviews
Anyone from
Syracuse was probably expecting to see Dinosaur on this list. They’re not exactly a best-kept secret and there aren’t many New York residents who haven’t eaten there at least once. But there’s a reason for that: the barbeque never stops being the best of the Northeast. So much so that the name Dinosaur has become almost synonymous with Syracuse. Come hungry and don’t skimp on the sides. From the cornbread to the deviled eggs and creamy macaroni and cheese, they’re truly what takes your meal over the edge.
6. The Griffon Is The Little Gastropub That Could
The Griffin Gastropub
2470 Military Rd
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
(716) 236-7474
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 241 reviews
When you’re in
Niagara Falls, there’s no better place to compliment your experience than with a meal at The Griffin. This gastropub has the laid-back atmosphere of a traditional American grille yet offers a unique and inventive menu that is anything but. If you’re feeling particularly hungry and a little brave, go for their famous Bacon Jam Burger, an eye-popping concoction of a beef patty topped with a panko chicken breast, mushrooms, and fried onions that is sure to blow your gut or your mind, whichever comes first.
7. Leon’s Italian Is On Top Of Niagara
Leon’s Italian Bistro & Pizza
8890 Porter Rd
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
(716) 297-3366
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 28 reviews
If you’re looking for something a little less intense but equally delicious in Niagara Falls, then look no further than Leon’s Italian Bistro & Pizza. This traditionally classic Italian restaurant has been serving Western New York with some of the finest pizza, sauces, and pasta in the area since 1978.
The pizzas here are the real deal: completely homemade and delicious, not the overproduced commercial stuff that tries to pass for pizza everywhere else. And the pasta dishes are just as excellent, with favorites including the Linguini Alla Pescatore, a linguini dish tossed with mussels, shrimp, clams and calamari in a delicious homemade sauce.
8. Freestyle Takes The Gold For Lake Placid
Freestyle Cuisine
2126 Saranac Ave
Lake Placid, NY 12946
(518) 837-5228
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 25 reviews
If you thought you were going to
Lake Placid for just the scenery, you’re in for double the treat when you find out you’re going for the food, too. Freestyle fits somewhere between an upscale restaurant and an American grille with a homey feel, where you can indulge in a menu that has an entire section dedicated to foie gras or a burger seamlessly. One stop here and you’ll know why Lake Placid hosted the Olympic Games twice: because they medal in awesome.
9. Bergen Hill Makes The Brooklyn Price Tag Feel Worth It
Bergen Hill
387 Court St
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 858-5483
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 135 reviews
Brooklyn is anything but inexpensive these days. But at least a meal at Bergen Hill makes you feel like you walked away the winner. It won’t come cheap, but if you have a few extra bucks burning a hole in your wallet, definitely make a reservation for one of their tasting nights where you’ll get to enjoy seven courses of some seriously great food that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious.
10. Wings That Sell Buffalo’s Name At The Nine-Eleven Tavern
The Nine-Eleven Tavern
9-11 Bloomfield Ave
Buffalo, NY 14220
(716) 825-9939
Yelp: 4 stars, 58 reviews
Whether it’s cliché or not, when you’re in Buffalo, you have to try the city’s namesake wings. There’s probably even a law that mandates it. But next time try skipping the big names since they’re usually too busy competing with each other to even notice. The truth is, some of the most unassuming places in Buffalo are where you’ll find the best wings and the Nine-Eleven Tavern is one of them.
11. Hone In Your Spiedie Senses In Binghamtom
Spiedie & Rib Pit
1268 Upper Front St
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 722-7628
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 90 reviews
If you don’t know what a Spiedies are, I’ve got good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that you’ve seriously been missing out up until now. The good news is that there’s plenty of time to make up for it and you can do that at Spiedie & Rib Pit in Binghamton. The perfectly marinated chicken goes great as a kabob or in a roll, but now you can even get a spiedie caprese, a stuffed pita with mozzarella, pesto, tomato bruschetta, lettuce, and of course—that chicken!
12. Rossi’s Sandwiches Is The Deli New York Dreams Are Made Of
Rossi Rosticceria Deli
45 S Clover St
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 471-0654
Yelp: 5 stars, 168 reviews
Doesn’t an awesome Italian sandwich handcrafted by a deli that has been at the top of their game for over 35 years sound awesome right about now? Well, you’re in luck because that’s what you’ll get at Rossi Rosticceria Deli in
Poughkeepsie. Layers of flavor-packed and perfectly salted meats pop against fresh cheese and perfect New York bread make the sandwiches here as famous and beloved as they are.
13. One Meal At Hush In Long Island Will Make You Anything But
Hush Bistro
291 Main St
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(516) 293-4872
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 88 reviews
Short rib grilled cheese, anyone? How about a kimchi burger or a kurobuta pork chop? All of the above await at Hush Bistro in
Farmingdale. This exciting bistro is one of the best spots on Long Island to enjoy a truly authentic culinary experience, with passion and flavor oozing through every bite and a modern atmosphere to keep it fresh.
14. Find A Real New York Slice In Queens At New Park
New Park Pizzeria
15671 Crossbay Blvd
Howard Beach, NY 11414
(718) 641-3082
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 302 reviews
In all fairness, there is no way to truly gauge the one and only perfect pizza spot in NYC. There are so many amazing places, it’s just impossible. But there are a few that shine among the rest for consistently delivering on the best New York crusts underneath the perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio and one of them is New Park Pizzeria in
Howard Beach. By the slice or the whole pie, it doesn’t matter, every stop here will remind you why New York is known for its pizza.
15. Let Them Eat Cake, Manhattan Style
Laduree
864 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10021
(646) 558-3157
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 1418 reviews
What do you eat in the city that never sleeps and has the best of every restaurant around the globe? Dessert, of course! Mingle with the upper crust on the patio at the Upper East Side’s Laduree and you’ll feel like Marie Antoinette for the afternoon. Except you’ll get an amazing assortment of the best French inspired desserts you’ve ever tried, from the delicate cakes to the macaroons, and you’ll still get to keep your head when the meal is over.
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