Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Upstate New York? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ama Cocina

4.9

4.9 (295)

$30 and under

Mexican

Albany

About the restaurant

Located in Downtown Albany, ama cocina delivers a fresh and funky twist on modern mexican street food.

Our mission is to encompass the three most important elements of life -food•laughter•love

Let's get back to the days when we bond over a good meal and tasty beverage. Discuss our dreams, plan our next adventure, and remember the feeling you get when a thoughtfully prepared meal hits you. Don't forget to relax and laugh while you’re here - we will do the rest.  Welcome to our kitchen - and know that there is a lot of thought, fun & love here at ama.

Top review

Danielvip

Dined 6 days ago

Ama never disappoints - great authentic food and excellent service. Highly recommend.

Siro's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (72)

$31 to $50

American

Saratoga Springs

About the restaurant

Siro's is the Saratoga place to dine, drink, and be seen after a winning day at the Saratoga Race Course.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

Everything was outstanding. Every meal there ranks as one of the best I've ever had.

The Inn at Saratoga

4.7

4.7 (13)

$31 to $50

American

Saratoga Springs

About the restaurant

Nestled within the walls of Saratoga Springs' oldest continuously operating lodging house, the restaurant at the Inn at Saratoga takes inspiration from a turn of the century artists salon. Complete with antique sofas, vintage books and art, and welcoming fireplace, making it a rare gem of old world charm in downtown Saratoga. Sip vibrant cocktails, and nibble on small plates while enjoying live music in the tavern, or indulge in one of our signature dishes and share a bottle of wine by the fire.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

The French Onion Soup was one of the finest I've ever had. Wonderful entertainment and friendly staff.

The Saratoga Winery

4.6

4.6 (371)

$31 to $50

Winery

Saratoga Springs

About the restaurant

Step off the beaten path and come see why The Saratoga Winery is the place to be! Come and taste our wine made on the property, enjoy our selection of local craft beers or sample a handcrafted cocktail. Our kitchen features wood fired pizza, bar snacks, sandwiches and salads- something for everyone. Every Friday night we have live music with local artists. Saturdays and Sundays we offer an all day brunch with mimosa flights and bloody marys. Our expansive property features cozy indoor dining or a spacious backyard in the summer and fall.

We encourage you to come in and enjoy our rustic digs with great drinks and a friendly environment!

Please note- reservations for parties of 10 and under may be made on open table directly. If you have a party larger than 10 people, please email reservations@thesaratogawinery.com.

Top review

Emily

Dined 4 days ago

We loved the eggs Benedict and hangover pizza! We will back again 😃

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Popular dish

Cheese Please

Jack Rabbit

4.6

4.6 (393)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Saturday & Sunday: (brunch until 3pm) The kitchen closes at 10pm nightly.

Top review

Paul

Dined 6 days ago

Easy from the hostess stand to the table. Waitress was a bit preoccupied but did provide good service. The drink menu has a few very good cocktails and a great mocktail, beers and wines. The menu is deep and plentiful with something for everyone. I would highly recommend the Brussel sprouts as a side. Overall the food was great.

Tin Rooster at Turning Stone

4.5

4.5 (795)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Verona

About the restaurant

Dine on world-class BBQ at Tin Rooster, prepared by our expert pitmasters. Enjoy it while listening — or dancing — to some boot-stomping country music. Enjoy all-American, mouth-watering, slow-smoked goodness with scratch-made sauces, appetizers and sides plus creative cocktails.

Top review

Denise

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

Fast, friendly service. Food was amazing. Decent prices.

Hofbrauhaus- Buffalo

4.4

4.4 (2058)

$30 and under

German

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, German Inspired and Locally Owned.

Steps away from the KeyBank Center and Canalside, we are Buffalo's biggest party! Featuring live music, indoor and outdoor dining, Hofbräu Beer brewed on-site, and the best Bavarian cuisine. Hofbräuhaus Buffalo welcomes parties of all sizes!

For events, please reach our Director of Marketing and Events at MC@hofbrauhausbuffalo.com
If you encounter any issues booking your reservation, please call us at 716-939-BEER (2337) for assistance.

Top review

Jim

Dined 5 days ago

The opening of Oktoberfest celebration was lively with live music by the Bergholtz German Band, a keg tapping, great food and beer, and energetic participation of the diners. A very fistive and enjoyable evening.

New Vida Preserve Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (92)

$30 and under

Global, International

Lake Placid

About the restaurant

New Vida Preserve Restaurant is located in the re-imagined former Paleface Ski Mountain Lodge and now the largest resort in the Adirondacks at 2000 acres. It offers stunning views of Whiteface Mountain. Enjoy a creative menu that includes American Classics with a twist combined with bold globally-inspired flavors. You can dine in our Grand Dining Room, our Craft Bar area with live music or our more casual Billiards Lounge, all with stunning view and beautiful architecture. The expansive & diverse menu, the sensible pricing and feel-good vibes make NewVida a place where you can gather in with friends and family regularly for a memorable Adirondack experience. The restaurant is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm to 9pm. Come in early and enjoy a drink at our handmade craft bar, lined with skis from the Preserve’s former life as a ski resort or take a stroll after dinner around our romantic pond & dock. Reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are always welcome.

Top review

Rick

Dined 6 days ago

As always a superb experience. The food, on a scale of 1 to 10? It's a 40!

Patrick's Rooftop

4.1

4.1 (180)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Patrick's Rooftop is Downtown Buffalo's Highest Rooftop Bar and Patio

Top review

Jamila

Dined on Aug 25, 2024

Sunday Brunch had a very limited menu but the food was delicious. Highly recommend the French toast. The homefries were ok. The view was stunning. Highly recommend for the vibes!

Hard Rock Cafe - Niagara Falls

3.9

3.9 (426)

$30 and under

American

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

Hard Rock Cafe is a global phenomenon with 185 cafes that are visited by nearly 80 million guests each year. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened on June 14, 1971, in London, England, and from there the brand has expanded to major cities and exotic locations around the world.

Top review

Oliver

Dined 4 days ago

Perfect night with family!! Great dinner experience!

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Experience

Octoberfest Menu

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