12 Unique Restaurants in New York State: The Quirkiest Food Joints Uncovered

222

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 12 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: 12 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. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. ’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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

• Read Next: 10 AMAZING Places to Visit in Upstate New York (Bucket List Spots)

9. 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.

10. 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.

• Read Next: The 12 Most Magical Spots in Long Island You Can’t Miss

11. 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.

• Read Next: 12 Must-Try Trendy Restaurants in Brooklyn That Will Blow Your Mind
• You May Also Want To Read: 12 Amazing Places to Live in Brooklyn, NY for High Vibe Living

12. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in New York State

Got questions? Our New York State restaurant guide FAQ section has all the answers you need to make your dining experience unforgettable.

What is a unique food in New York?

New York is famous for its bagels, but have you tried the best food in NY State, the garbage plate? It’s a wild mix of everything you can imagine: meat, potatoes, beans, and salad, all thrown together on one plate. Originally from Rochester, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves to dive into local flavors. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about experiencing a piece of New York’s unique foodie culture.

Where do locals eat in New York?

Locals in New York love places where they can get delicious food without the tourist crowds. Many enjoy dining in small, cozy spots in neighborhoods like Astoria for Greek food or Flushing for authentic Chinese cuisine. These areas offer some of the best restaurants in New York State where you can find meals made with love and a touch of home-style cooking. It’s all about finding those hidden gems that serve up big flavors.

Where do celebrities eat in NYC?

Celebrities in NYC often dine in trendy spots where they can enjoy privacy and top-notch meals. Restaurants like Nobu for sushi or The Spotted Pig for gourmet pub dishes are hotspots. These places are known for their exclusive vibes and delicious food, making them some of the best restaurants in New York State for star-spotting. Just remember, these meals might come with a higher price tag due to their popularity and celebrity clientele.

What are some cheap eats in New York State?

For cheap eats in New York State, you’re in luck because there are tons of options! From dollar-slice pizza joints to delicious food trucks serving everything from tacos to falafel, you can eat well on a budget. Many neighborhoods have local delis or bagel shops where you can grab a filling and tasty meal without breaking the bank. It’s all about exploring and finding those deals that let you taste the city’s flavors for less.

What is the most famous restaurant in New York?

When talking about fame, Katz’s Delicatessen often tops the list. Known for its mouth-watering pastrami sandwiches, Katz’s is a New York icon that’s been around since 1888. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a piece of New York history where people from all over come to experience a classic New York meal. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to bite into a big part of the city’s foodie legacy.

Where can I find the best pizza in New York?

The best pizza in New York is a hot debate, but many swear by spots like Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn or Lombardi’s in Manhattan. These pizzerias are famous for their delicious, crispy crusts and fresh, flavorful toppings. Each place has its own secret recipe and method, making their pizzas stand out. Whether you like your slice thin and crispy or thick and saucy, New York has the perfect pizza for you.

Where are the most scenic places in New York State to eat?

For dining with a view, check out restaurants along the Hudson River or those overlooking the Adirondacks. These spots offer not just great food but also breathtaking views, making them some of the scenic places in NY State to eat. Imagine enjoying a meal as you gaze out over serene waters or lush mountains. It’s an experience that combines the beauty of nature with the pleasure of eating delicious food.

What makes New York’s culinary scene unique?

New York’s culinary scene is a melting pot of cultures, making it unique and vibrant, especially during your stay in New York State. You can find dishes from around the world, thanks to the diverse communities that call New York home. From street food to high-end dining, the state offers an endless variety of flavors and experiences. This diversity is what makes New York’s food scene stand out, as there’s always something new and exciting to try, no matter your taste or budget.

Final Thoughts On Unique New York State Restaurants

We hope you enjoyed exploring the flavors and fun spots with our New York State restaurant guide. From unique dishes to places where locals and celebrities hang out, New York State has something for everyone, showcasing its Northeast charm. Whether you’re craving a classic New York bagel, a slice of the best pizza, or want to dine with a view, this guide has got you covered. Remember, it’s all about discovering new tastes and creating memories one meal at a time. So next time you’re in New York State, dive into our guide and let your taste buds lead the way to some unforgettable dining experiences.