New York State is full of surprises, especially when it comes to its dining scene. Beyond the hustle of NYC, you’ll find quirky food spots that turn meals into unforgettable adventures. Head to Buffalo’s Anchor Bar, where the iconic buffalo wing was born, or indulge in rustic elegance at The Culinary Institute of America’s Bocuse Restaurant in Hyde Park. For a more whimsical experience, dine inside a vintage airplane at The Airplane Restaurant in Elmira or savor fresh seafood at The Dock overlooking the Finger Lakes.
From authentic Italian at Pasta e Fagioli in Syracuse to elevated comfort food at Deer Mountain Inn in the Catskills, New York blends flavor with unforgettable vibes. These aren’t just meals—they’re memories waiting to happen. Let’s dive into the 18 most unique restaurants in New York State!
👉 Pro Tip: Book the Bateaux New York Dinner Cruise early for prime window seats and epic skyline views. Pair the seasonal dishes with a cocktail for a night to remember!
Unique Restaurants in New York State: 18 Incredible New York State Eateries
From dining in the dark to eating in a castle, we’re showcasing spots that offer more than just great food. Get ready to explore eateries that promise an adventure as memorable as the meals they serve!
1. Trailer Park Lounge
- 📍 Location: New York City (Chelsea)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Comfort Food / Kitsch Bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Over-the-top trailer park-themed decor, strong and cheap drinks, classic greasy spoon eats.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Kitschy night out and Americana lovers (the weirder, the better!).
Get ready to embrace your inner hillbilly chic at Trailer Park Lounge in Chelsea! This place is a glorious, over-the-top explosion of trailer park kitsch – think astroturf, lawn flamingos, and Christmas lights year-round. The air is thick with the smell of tater tots.
You should grab one of their potent moonshine margaritas. For food, a sloppy, delicious bacon cheeseburger or a basket of crispy tater tots are classic choices. It’s loud, a little bit trashy (in the most endearing way!), and an absolute blast.
2. Llama Inn
Beneath the rumble of the elevated subway in Williamsburg, Llama Inn flashes a big Peruvian grin. The rooftop alone is worth a visit, splashed with greenery and sunshine and boasting killer skyline views. Chef Erik Ramirez riffs on Peruvian classics, with stunners like the beef tenderloin stir-fry (Lomo Saltado), plus a tangy, spicy ceviche that should not be missed. The cocktails lean creative (shout-out to the Chicha Morada with pisco), and the minimalist wood accents play off bold textiles for a space that’s simultaneously stylish and inviting. Tip: The rooftop brunch is a winner, especially if you snag a spot when the weather’s good. If you’re up for a stroll afterward, McCarren Park is close by. I left wishing I could bottle up the sauces – each one was a showstopper.
3. The Pandorica
- 📍 Location: Beacon
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / British / Doctor Who Themed
- 🔥 Standout Features: Doctor Who-themed decor and menu, “fish fingers” and custard (sometimes!)
- 🎯 Perfect For: Doctor Who fans and a geeky dining experience.
Calling all Whovians! The Pandorica in Beacon is your TARDIS-powered trip to a Doctor Who culinary adventure! This place is a lovingly crafted homage to the beloved sci-fi series, with themed decor and menu items named after characters and episodes.
You can actually order “fish fingers” and custard (a surprisingly tasty bread pudding version!). Other popular choices include a hearty Shepherd’s Pie Who or their “Time Lord” burger. It’s a wonderfully geeky and charming spot where you can enjoy some good food. Allons-y!
4. Frevo
Frevo is a secret worth sharing, hidden behind a painting in Greenwich Village – yes, an actual working gallery. Walk through the canvas and you’re in an intimate, chef’s-counter-only space where everyone gets a front-row seat to artful, ever-changing tasting menus. Chef Franco Sampogna’s plates are playful yet elegant – the duck with polenta is next-level, and the seasonal amuse-bouche always surprises. Expect soft jazz and moody lighting: the whole place feels like a romantic speakeasy for food lovers. Make a reservation and come hungry. Afterward, Washington Square Park is within easy reach. I’ll admit, the reveal when the door swung open set the tone for a giddy, unforgettable meal.
5. Tokyo Record Bar
- 📍 Location: New York City (Greenwich Village)
- 💲 Price range: $50 – $80+ per person (Prix fixe menu/experience)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Izakaya / Vinyl Listening Bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Subterranean vinyl listening room, curated playlists chosen by guests, multi-course izakaya-style tasting menu with sake pairings.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts, date nights, and an immersive Japanese culinary experience.
Descend into a subterranean sanctuary of sound and flavor at Tokyo Record Bar in Greenwich Village! It’s an intimate vinyl listening experience where guests help curate the playlist. While LPs spin, you’ll enjoy a multi-course izakaya-style tasting menu with sake pairings.
The menu changes, but expect delicate sashimi, perfectly grilled yakitori skewers like chicken thigh or shishito peppers, and flavorful small plates such as agedashi tofu. It’s a unique fusion of culinary and auditory delights. Reservations are a must.
6. Dirt Candy
Forget every bland salad stereotype – Dirt Candy in the Lower East Side packs a true punch bowl of flavor. Amanda Cohen’s pioneering veggie menu is 100% vegetarian, but it eats like a celebration, not an obligation. The Korean fried broccoli is a must (seriously addictive), and the vegetable-forward tasting menu is curated like the world’s quirkiest botanical garden. The space is fun – light, colorful, indie jams humming in the background – and the open kitchen is pure theater. Watch your food being torched, pickled, and painted. Insider tip: Go for the tasting menu and add the beverage pairing – you’ll introduce your palate to veggies in ways you never imagined. If you time it right, Katz’s Deli and indie galleries nearby are a fun post-dinner wander. I love that veggies finally get to be the cool kids here.
7. Last Chance Cheese and Antiques Cafe
- 📍 Location: Tannersville (Catskills)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Cafe / Comfort Food / Antiques Shop
- 🔥 Standout Features: Sprawling antiques store, massive cheese selection, home-style sandwiches and soups.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Antique hunters, cheese lovers, and a quirky lunch stop in the Catskills.
Browse for treasures and then treat your taste buds at Last Chance Cheese and Antiques Cafe in Tannersville! This unique spot is a mashup of a sprawling antiques store and a cozy cafe, famous for its incredible selection of cheeses from around the world.
Trying one of their amazing grilled cheese sandwiches, made with your choice of artisanal cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie, is a must. A hearty bowl of homemade soup, or their popular turkey club sandwich, are also fantastic. It’s perfect for refueling.
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8. Clover Hill
Nestled on a sleepy Brooklyn Heights corner, Clover Hill is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it destination for serious food lovers. This Michelin-star spot serves a tasting menu that takes dead aim at under-the-radar luxury, like slow-poached lobster or an absolutely jaw-dropping aged duck with chanterelles when it’s in season. The Victorian townhouse setting – moody, candlelit, supremely romantic – makes it a dark horse for date nights. Tables are close, but the crowd is there to swoon over the food, not show off. Ladybird Bakery and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade are a short amble away, which means you can catch killer sunset skyline views pre- or post-dinner. I was blown away by the mix of neighborhood charm and full-on culinary fireworks.
9. Beetle House
- 📍 Location: New York City (East Village) & Los Angeles
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Themed / Spooky
- 🔥 Standout Features: Year-round Halloween vibe inspired by Tim Burton, costumed characters, themed food and cocktails.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Fans of Tim Burton and gothic horror, theatrical Halloween-esque experience any time of year, and embracing your spooky side.
Every day is Halloween at Beetle House, the NYC (and LA) ode to all things Tim Burton and delightfully spooky! It’s an immersive experience with gothic decor, costumed characters, and a menu filled with cleverly themed dishes and cocktails.
Sip on a “This is Halloween” cocktail. For food, consider the “Edward Burger Hands” (a creative burger), the “Cheshire Mac & Cheese”, or the “Giant Peach Cobbler”. The atmosphere is dark, a little creepy (in a fun way!), and totally unique.
10. The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
In downtown Albany, The Hollow fuels the city’s heart with a rock’n’roll spirit (live music, local brews, funky lighting). There’s history in the bones – some say the spot dates back to 1719 – but it’s all modern energy now. Crowd-pleasers include their giant burgers stacked with wild toppings (jalapeño popper and PB&J, if you dare), plus poutine smothered in house gravy. The stage is legendary, hosting bands on the regular, and exposed brick keeps things cozy. If you want to hit the after-show circuit, Lark Street’s night scene is an easy stroll. Personally, I dig their bourbon list and local beer taps – it’s the kind of place you could lose an entire Saturday night, no regrets.
11. ’76 House
- 📍 Location: Tappan
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Colonial American / Historic Fare / Steak & Seafood
- 🔥 Standout Features: New York’s oldest tavern (a National Historic Landmark), key Revolutionary War site (Major André’s prison), classic American cuisine.
- 🎯 Perfect For: History buffs (especially Revolutionary War) and American history fans.
Dine where American history was made at The ’76 House in Tappan, New York’s oldest tavern and a National Historic Landmark! This incredible spot served as a meeting place for patriots during the Revolutionary War. The ancient wooden beams and stone fireplaces whisper tales.
Enjoy classic American cuisine. Popular choices include a perfectly cooked prime rib, fresh pan-seared salmon, or their historic Yankee Pot Roast. Soaking in the incredibly rich history is part of the special and evocative dining experience.
12. Peekamoose Restaurant
Catskills vibes don’t get more magical than Peekamoose in Big Indian. Imagine a rustic farmhouse meets cozy ski lodge, twinkle lights overhead, mason jar drinks, and communal wood tables. The menu leans farm-to-fork, with legendary dry-aged burgers, house-cured charcuterie, and a killer wild mushroom risotto. The bar slings craft cocktails by a giant stone fireplace, which is basically an invitation to linger. Bonus: They have a family-friendly game room filled with vintage amusements. Belleayre Mountain and some epic hiking trails are super close by. My favorite moment? Toasting s’mores around their bonfire out back – you feel miles from city worries.
13. Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
- 📍 Location: New York City (Grand Central Terminal)
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $80+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Seafood / Oyster Bar / Classic American
- 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic location beneath Grand Central Terminal, massive selection of fresh oysters.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Oyster lovers, experiencing a classic New York culinary landmark, and seafood feasts.
Slurp down some history at the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant, an iconic institution beneath Grand Central Terminal. Serving fresh seafood since 1913, it’s always buzzing. Pull up a seat at the winding oyster bar and choose from their massive daily selection.
Ordering a dozen freshly shucked oysters from various regions is essential. Their classic pan roasts (oyster or clam), creamy New England clam chowder, or a simple broiled fish of the day are also legendary. It’s a quintessential New York experience.
14. Beardslee Castle
- 📍 Location: Little Falls
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person (Dinner), also hosts events/murder mystery dinners
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Continental / Fine Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Dining in a replica Irish castle (built in 1860), reportedly haunted, murder mystery dinners and events.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Spooky dining experiences, castle lovers, and special occasions.
Dine like royalty at Beardslee Castle in Little Falls. This stunning replica of an Irish castle, built in the 19th century, offers a unique and atmospheric dining experience. With stone walls, grand fireplaces, and rumors of resident ghosts, it’s steeped in history and intrigue.
Enjoy their menu of American and Continental cuisine. Consider a classic prime rib, pan-seared scallops with risotto, or their popular chicken Marsala, while soaking in the castle’s unique ambiance. They frequently host popular murder mystery dinners.
15. Ellen’s Stardust Diner
- 📍 Location: New York City (Times Square/Broadway)
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Diner / Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: World-famous singing waitstaff (many aspiring Broadway performers), retro 50s diner vibe, classic diner fare.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Family meals, theater lovers, and a quintessential New York City diner experience.
Get ready for a Broadway-caliber performance with your burger at Ellen’s Stardust Diner! This world-famous Times Square hotspot is renowned for its incredibly talented singing waitstaff. While you chow down on classic diner fare, servers belt out show tunes, often dancing on tables!
Ordering a classic diner burger with fries is a good choice. A thick milkshake (chocolate or vanilla), or a comforting plate of meatloaf with mashed potatoes, are also popular. It’s loud, a little bit cheesy, and an absolute blast.
16. Maureen’s Kitchen
- 📍 Location: Smithtown, Long Island
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Breakfast & Brunch / Eclectic
- 🔥 Standout Features: Cow-themed decor (inside and out!), creative breakfast/brunch dishes.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Brunch fanatics.
Moo-ve over, ordinary breakfast! Maureen’s Kitchen in Smithtown is a legendary Long Island brunch spot, an absolute delight with its adorable (and extensive!) cow-themed decor. The lines out the door on weekends are a testament to how amazing their food is.
Trying their incredible baked oatmeal with fruit and cream is a must. One of their creative omelets, like the “Farmer’s Omelet,” or their fluffy pancakes with various toppings, are also fantastic. The portions are generous and the flavors are fantastic.
17. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
- 📍 Location: Brooklyn (Carroll Gardens)
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain / Ice Cream Parlor / Light Bites
- 🔥 Standout Features: Historic apothecary building, classic soda fountain treats.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Sweet nostalgic treats, families, and experiencing an authentic soda fountain.
Step back in time at Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain! Housed in a beautifully restored historic apothecary in Carroll Gardens, this place is a lovingly recreated old-fashioned soda fountain, complete with a marble counter and staff in classic soda jerk attire.
Indulging in one of their incredible ice cream sundaes, like “The Sundae of Broken Dreams” (pretzel caramel), is essential. A classic egg cream (chocolate or vanilla), or a thick, creamy milkshake, are also highly recommended. It’s a delightful trip down memory lane.
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18. The Playhouse and Swillburger
- 📍 Location: Rochester
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Burgers / Bar Arcade
- 🔥 Standout Features: Combination burger joint and vintage arcade/bar, craft burgers.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Arcade game lovers, casual meals with entertainment, and satisfying your burger and pinball cravings.
Get your game on at The Playhouse and Swillburger in Rochester! This awesome spot is a brilliant combination of a top-notch burger joint (Swillburger) and a fantastic vintage arcade and bar (The Playhouse). Chow down on delicious craft burgers, then hit the arcade.
Ordering one of their juicy craft burgers, like the classic “Swillburger” or the spicy “El Diablo,” is a good plan. Crispy fries or onion rings, and a local craft beer, complete the experience. It’s perfect for unleashing your inner child.
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