Eating in Upstate New York and Beyond

Eating in Upstate New York and Beyond I am Lee Hinkleman, your local Foodie Extraordinaire. My goal is to promote local family-owned restaurants. Let's eat!

I will never write a negative review; everyone has a bad day. Please help me support local by sharing and promoting this page.

This is my most exciting time of the year, Food Truck Season. These mobile emporiums of culinary delights seem to pop u...
09/06/2026

This is my most exciting time of the year, Food Truck Season. These mobile emporiums of culinary delights seem to pop up everywhere. They even gather in groups sometimes at events like Food Truck Fridays in Lewis County, New York.
Catering (Ninos Pizza) is a traveling pizza truck and catering service. Owner and pizzaiolo Tony was born and raised in Pozzallo, Italy, just outside of Sicily. With his wife, pizzaiola Cindy, by his side and Bella guiding the carriage, they have created an amazing meal, available on wheels.

The pizza was some of the best we have ever had. It was a classic New York–style thin–crust pie. Ours was loaded with bacon, mushrooms, and onions (my preferred pizza). It was loaded with fresh mozzarella cheese. On a previous visit, we went with the pepperoni pie. The pepperoni they use is not the standard non-flavorful,
cardboard-tasting meat. It was heavily flavored with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and fennel seeds, giving it its signature smoky kick and reddish hue. Now that’s a pepperoni!

The deep fried calzone was loaded with ham, ricotta and mozzarella cheese. So good!

But they don't stop at savory dishes. Their county fair-style fried dough and cinnamon knots are a sweet treat that will satisfy your cravings. The cannolis are amazing, and perhaps one of the highlights of the visit! Keeping the menu simple ensures that every dish is made with fresh ingredients and served at a reasonable price, making Nino's the perfect choice for any occasion.

They also offer a gluten-free crust option made with rice and potato flours.

When not traveling, Nino’s is sometimes set up at 7539 Snell Road in Lowville. They offer catering as well. Call them at 315-486-1445, write to them at [email protected], or follow them on Facebook.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 18 3-7 pm Croghan Street Fair
June 26 6-9 pm Food Truck Friday Lowville
July 11 9am-5pm Hopenhagen Lavender Festival
July 24 & 25 11am-9pm New Bremen Stuck in the Muck
July 28 5-8pm Tasty Tuesday Castorland Heritage Park
Aug 20 3-7pm Croghan Street Fair
August 28 5:30-8:30pm Food Truck Friday Castorland Heritage Park
Sept 11 4:30-7:30pm Lewis Night Out
Sept 12 & 13 9am-5pm LC Renaissance Faire
Sept 19 11am- 6pm Lowville Cream Cheese Festival
Sundays during Football season watch our page for Openings in 7539 Snell Road in New Bremen.
Thanksgiving Eve, New Year’s Eve & Superbowl Sunday.

With Crystal Pond, a local swimming and fishing hole just across the street, the longtime Pond Effects Bar & Grill conti...
02/06/2026

With Crystal Pond, a local swimming and fishing hole just across the street, the longtime Pond Effects Bar & Grill continues to serve Pub Food with a home-prepared twist.

The clean kitchen with a small stove looks more like Grandma’s house than a commercial kitchen. Given the feeling of the kitchen, I was not surprised when the owner, Lori, and the master cook pulled out a small frying pan to prepare our hamburgers. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a burger out of a skillet, so it was a welcome change of pace. Throw some bacon and cheese on top, pop a cold one, and enjoy Pond Effects in Lowville.

The crispy, garlicky butter parmesan fries made this meal well worth the trip. They were loaded with flavor, fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The potatoes, I believe, were russet (US), and the parmesan may have been freshly grated, given the way it stuck to the fries.

The Pub Menu offers a wide array of deep-fried options, from clam strips to jalapeño poppers to deep-fried shrimp. We tried a little of everything and were pleased with our appetizers. Wednesdays are wing day with eat-in only. The pickles were Bread-and-Butter Chips. As a pickle connoisseur, I found them to be amazing. They can also host events of up to 126 people.

They also offer options you won’t find on the menu, but are there for the asking. They will gladly cook a clam Po’ Boy (or shrimp) served on a Costanzo roll. This traditional Louisiana sandwich is served on a fresh roll, then “dressed” with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and onion. The presentation was excellent and the taste amazing. It was refreshing to see a pub menu with some variety as well. It originated in the 1920s to feed striking streetcar workers, hence the name “poor boy”.

On my radar is a Hofmann hot dog with cheese, bacon, and mayo. They also offer an array of pizzas and wings. Also pictured are breaded and deep-fried cheese curds (a local favorite) and a chicken sandwich.

The name Pond Effects is derived from the “Crystal Pond” located across the street. The snowmobile trails are groomed by the highly respected “Long Pond Sno Sled Club” (though they are currently addressing some access issues). ATV accessibility is questionable as well, although many do ride there following the tracks.

**** Soon, accessibility to Pond Effects and parts of downtown Lowville will be accessible through the Lewis County Rails to Trails initiative. It will be a multi-use 33-mile trail project converting former railroad corridors stretching from Lowville to Carthage and East to Croghan. The county officially acquired the land for $2.5 million and is actively developing a comprehensive master plan. This would be a financial boon to the economy in Lewis County. ****

The pub is located at 7575 Snell Road in Lowville. Call them at 315-874-4650. They are open Sun 12-8, Mon CLOSED, Tue 5-11, Wed and Thu 3-11, and Fri–Sat 12-Closed. The owners are Randall and Lori Turck. They opened on Jan 29th, 2021.
US Foods is their sole supplier. Burgers are Schweid & Sons, and the rolls are from a bakery in Buffalo called Costanzo’s.

My name is Lee Hinkleman, Foodie Extraordinaire. Recommendations encouraged. Please Share and Like this page, as I do this solely to support local, family-owned restaurants. I receive no financial gain from the FB Food Blog.

The Veteran (Women)- owned “Empire Square,” located in Watertown’s Historic Public Square, offers “southern fusion food”...
26/05/2026

The Veteran (Women)- owned “Empire Square,” located in Watertown’s Historic Public Square, offers “southern fusion food” and a Bourbon- and Prohibition-style cocktail bar. The owner and her chefs are formally trained culinary Chefs. Their cooking style is influenced by the school where they were trained. They honed their skills at the renowned Louisville Brown Hotel.

My meal today, though it looks more like a dessert in my photograph, truly delivered a southern fusion of flavors on my palate. The Chicken ‘n Biscuits, fried chicken, biscuit, poached egg, hot sauce, and a homemade cheese sauce were both tantalizing and a refreshing change of pace. I strongly encourage going with the hot sauce as they serve it, not on the side. The hot sauce's uniqueness gave off more flavor than kick. I highly recommend this meal.

From a previous visit, the Chicken and Waffles were among the best savory-and-sweet comfort foods I’ve had in our three-county region. This southern concoction consisted of waffles made from scratch with buttermilk and a heavy complement of sugar. The added sugar caramelizes the waffle, creating a crisp edge. It is then drizzled with local maple syrup.

Behind the scenes today was Aaron. Starting as a dishwasher at 17, he has moved his way up to Chef. His passion for what he had prepared only further enhanced my meal as he explained the preparation. Sarah, the bar manager, artist, and social media guru, is the one who drove me to this phenomenal establishment via some FB postings years ago. Master Chef Vonnette owns this historic establishment and will gladly offer a walk-through of its history. If she is available.

They locally source everything they possibly can. The meat comes from Red Barn, syrup from Zehr’s, cupcakes from Europe Cakes, and candy from Lindsey's Fine and Dandy Candy. Bread is from Alteri’s, cheese curd is from Bechaz Riverdale Cheese and Gelateria (Clayton), and more as available.

This restaurant is an art gallery in itself, worthy of a visit. The walls are adorned with artfully tasteful paintings by chef and artist, Sarah. She referenced her art as “abstract materialism”. She incorporates anything and everything she can find to create a unique and artful dining ambiance. The art alone is worth a visit. They are also for sale.

Perhaps their most famous customer of this historic venue is Charlie the ghost. He tends to throw bananas and break plates. Fortunately, he elected not to dine with us.

On my bucket list is a walking-and-eating tour of downtown Watertown and its rapidly growing restaurant scene. The diverse choice is sure to please any Foodie! The night scene seems vibrant as well. Downtown Watertown is a food mecca.

Here are some choices:

The Chrystal, Jonnys Ds Paddock Club, Vitos, Taste of the Philippines, Frosted Couture Sisters Candy, New Italian cafe under the Y, Bistro, Boots, Bad Apple, Holy Smokes, Friedes, Mos, Time Warp, Whisytlers.

They are open Wednesday 5 – midnight, Thursday 5-11, Friday 11-2 am, Saturday 10-2 am, and Sunday 9 2 pm. They are located at 63-65 Public Square in Watertown. Call them at 315-777-4114

I am Lee Hinkleman, your local Foodie Extraordinaire. My goal is to promote local family-owned restaurants. I will nev...
12/05/2026

I am Lee Hinkleman, your local Foodie Extraordinaire. My goal is to promote local family-owned restaurants. I will never write a negative review; everyone has a bad day. Please help me support local by sharing and promoting this page. Let’s eat!

The Cottage Inn, the home of the “Mac and Cheese Bake,” has once again taken life on the ATV/ road trail up a notch. With a diverse menu, available home-style lodging, and a new menu, the Cottage Inn is a must-try Foodie trail stop. Located in historic downtown Copenhagen along the Deer River.

New menu item! The Chicken Riggie Mac is served with a riggies sauce, smothered over fresh pasta, and tossed with chopped red onions and jalapenos. It was then topped with mozzarella cheese and baked to golden-brown perfection. I tasted the flavor of Utica-style riggies.

My all-time favorite is the butter-loaded, bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese bake. It's smothered in nacho cheese sauce, ground beef, crumbled bacon, and diced red tomatoes, topped with shredded cheddar and baked to a golden crisp. The serving was huge enough for two meals (for some of us). This meal far surpassed any of my previous meals, although they do make a mean Cottage Cuban sandwich. It is served with tender, roasted pork, sweet, smoky ham, pickles, spicy mustard, and Swiss cheese on fresh rye bread. With fries on the side, this gourmet sandwich is a must-try. I’m told that as a wrap, it is simply amazing!

New Menu item! The Buffalo Chicken mac and cheese bake came with your choice of a ranch or blue cheese sauce, grilled chicken, topped with shredded cheddar and blue cheese crumbles.

They offer a build-your-own burger with over 20 toppings to choose from, served with your choice of fries, Cajun Fries (absolutely amazing!), or house-made chips. You can also throw in a side order of their famous mac and cheese.

Today we went with a burger topped with tangy pepper jack cheese and sautéed mushrooms. The burger was served on a fresh roll with Cajun fries and a dill pickle.

One of our sides was fried cheese curd (a local favorite). The fresh cheese curds were battered and fried to perfection, resulting in a slight crisp on the outside and a soft, cheesy interior. Simply delectable. While they offer an array of dipping sauces, I prefer mine plain. Why would you have the taste of such an amazing cheese? The fried pickles were a perfect complement as well.

They should call the Mac and Cheese Bake the Mac and Cheese, Cheese, Cheese Bake! It is SO good!

Our server today was the able-bodied and smiling McKenna. Her cheerfulness only enhanced our amazing meal further. Working behind the scenes, slaving away in the kitchen was the master of the kitchen, Ben (not the owner Ben).

They offer .75-cent wings from 5-8 on Thursdays, Friday fish fry, and Prime Rib on Saturdays, the Beeny Brunch on Sundays.

Not only does this ATV stop offer great meals it also has some affordable lodging on the trail. The condo located on the second floor is perfect for a large group of riders. They can comfortably accommodate up to 8 riders. An indoor entrance is available during open bar hours, with a separate entrance available after hours.

They are located on Route 12 in Copenhagen and can be reached at 315-688-9797. The kitchen is open 10-10 daily, the bar is open Monday – Saturday 10-2 AM and Sunday 10-2 AM.

The ATV/UTV trail from “The Hill” to Brantingham is officially open for the season. Since many of the trails are on priv...
28/04/2026

The ATV/UTV trail from “The Hill” to Brantingham is officially open for the season. Since many of the trails are on private land, they can change regularly. Please always carry a current map and do not purchase the heavy-duty ones (people who do tend to keep them for years, and they are outdated).

Today, the trail led to the Brantingham Inn and Motel, located directly on the county trail system, which is maintained by one of the premier ATV clubs in New York, the Black River Valley Four Wheeler Club, Inc. (join here). They do a great job! This is a complete stop, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant with a daily $8 special! Today's special was a unique and scrumptious. The “Blue OX” was a pile of roast beef, Swiss cheese, red onions, and blue cheese. It was served with a side of homemade mac salad and chips. Served on a roll or butter-grilled Italian bread. At $8, you couldn’t go wrong in today's market.

Nothing beats a flame-broiled burger; it creates a beautiful piece of meat that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Served on a fresh, toasted bun with chips, lettuce, and tomato, and a generous portion of pickles, it comes in 4- or 8-oz. sizes. We both went with the grilled onion, with the smaller one served with grilled mushrooms. As always, we smothered them with mayonnaise and cheese, which oozed out of the bun. The fries were crispy on the outside and tender in the center. In Lewis County, I believe this is the only dining establishment that offers a flame-broiled burger (other than Elm Diner in Lowville).

Follow them on FB to see the band lineup that they will offer periodically throughout the season. On Friday, April 25th, they will have Jim Nostam and Chris Correll performing live.

Our master of the kitchen and bartender extraordinaire was the amazing Bobby. He easily prepared our meals while still serving those at the bar. Julie has owned this place for over 25 years and is known for hiring talented staff. She is also the master of the pancake that, interestingly, has the texture of French toast. While not currently offering breakfast, I think that could make an amazing pancake burger (served with an egg on top). Sorry, just my Foodie coming out.

The Inn offers a cozy sports feeling with some highly interesting paraphernalia. Take a moment to just walk around and look at the surroundings. They also have an assortment of TVs,s so that you can watch your local sports event of choice.

They are open at noon on Wednesday through Saturday and on Sundays at 1. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and located at 7791 Brantingham Road in Greig, NY. Call at 315-348-8125.

As always, please share and like this page on FB. I do this only to support local, family-owned restaurants. My name is Lee Hinkleman, and I’m a Foodie Extraordinaire.

My name is Lee Hinkleman, and I'm a Foodie Extraordinaire.

A little more about the area:

Brantingham Lake is a 327-acre (1.32 km2) lake, within the Adirondack Park, located east of the hamlet of Brantingham in Lewis County, New York. Home to both seasonal and year round residents, the lake and surrounding area offer public boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, ATV, horse, and snowmobile trails, the Brantingham Golf Club, Catspaw Country Market, Moose River Campground, Cold Brook Campsites, and a variety of restaurants including the Pine Tree Tavern, Brantingham Inn Motel, Trailside Inn, and Coach Light Inn. During the winter months, the area receives an average of 200 inches of snow, making Brantingham a popular destination for winter enthusiasts.

I’ll do my normal food posting next Tuesday at 7 pm. This is an ATV/UTV update as the trails are now open. Please join...
21/04/2026

I’ll do my normal food posting next Tuesday at 7 pm. This is an ATV/UTV update as the trails are now open. Please join a club! Please add to your local club's ATV FB Page.

Let's Ride and dine on the Tug Hill Plateau! With the ATV/UTV trails officially opened, Lewis County offers a trail system that features 84 miles of dedicated off-road trails and approximately 450 miles of seasonal roads open to ATVs and UTVs. The system is often described as part of a regional network spanning 500+ miles. Includes a 144- acre play area and connects various scenic areas across the Tug Hill Plateau. The system includes forested trails, gravel logging roads, and mud play areas. An OHV permit is required, costing $65 for the season, or join a local ATV club for a $20 discount.

With an abundance of trail stops offering everything from fine dining to basics, there are plenty of culinary choices. Deep-fried cheese curds are part of the local cuisine on “The Hill.” They are crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and are an appetizer often featuring cheese curds dipped in beer batter and deep fried until golden brown. They need to be served immediately, hot and fresh, after browning. Cheese curds are also great served cold, though you may want to microwave for 20 seconds to get the signature “squeak” of a cheese curd (which may be tough on the trail). While numerous sauces are offered, I prefer mine plain; it's kind of like steak. Why would you put ketchup or anything on a beautiful cut of meat?

Many riders will stop at a local meat market to pick up sandwich meat and bring it to eat on the trail, rather than chasing neon signs. From Eddy’s Meat Market to Croghan to Miller’s, each offers a fresh-cut selection of your finest deli meat.
Nothing beats a sandwich and a cold drink along the trail, although we all like the neon lights. Sometimes you may need internal lubrication, but please do so in moderation.

Throughout the season, I will be reviewing UTV/ATV trail stops as we ride. Please share this blog with all your local clubs and encourage them to share it with their members. I do this to promote where to eat on the trail, ATV establishments, and those that support our sport.

Please Like and Share this page as we support local, family-owned restaurants. I will never write a negative; everyone has a bad day occasionally. If I do have a bad experience, I simply don’t write about it. Currently, 24,653 of you follow this FB Food Blog. Millions of you read this blog, with 104,878 of you reading my recent posting of Squishy's BBQ. Help me support our local businesses.

My name is Lee Hinkleman and Im a Foodie Extraordinaire

The chicken potato bowl at Robins Nest Diner is a signature comfort food dish featuring homemade mashed potatoes, a rich...
07/04/2026

The chicken potato bowl at Robins Nest Diner is a signature comfort food dish featuring homemade mashed potatoes, a rich, creamy homemade gravy, corn, and crispy boneless chicken wings, topped with cheddar cheese. It was an absolutely amazing meal, and the portion was large. It's similar to the KFC Famous Bowl, only considerably better.

The restaurant's atmosphere had a homey feel, providing a sense of warmth, comfort, and belonging, making it feel cozy, welcoming, and lived-in rather than sterile or overly formal. In reviewing pictures on their FB page, I can see where they change it up based on the season and holidays. The tidiness told me instantly that they run a clean kitchen.

The homemade sugar donuts are fried, then coated in granulated sugar for a crisp, sweet exterior. Fried eggs and some corned beef hash would be the perfect complement.

All of their desserts, soups, chicken, and egg salad are homemade. They offer poutine, fries topped with fresh cheese curds, and smothered in brown gravy.
On my bucket list is The Big Nester—a burger between two grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as the cube steak sandwich on Texas toast.
In the summer, the restaurant also serves as an ice cream stand, offering Hershey's and Perry's Ice Cream.

I found the staff to be highly motivated and welcoming the moment I walked in the door. With Robin, the owner, cheerfully preparing the meals, and Sherry expertly manning the counter, my meal was further enhanced. Happily delivering my meal was the equally talented Jackie. Staff is what takes a restaurant from good to great, and they have easily achieved greatness.

On a side note, Robin also owns Cross Roads Diner in Watertown and has for over 30 years (see my recent review).

They are located at 4685 US-11, Pierrepont Manor, NY. Call them at 315-872-0034. They are open daily from 5 am to 3 pm and closed on Tuesdays.

Suppliers include JFS Distributors and Blue Mountain for produce.

Sackets Harbor, NY, is renowned for its significant role in the War of 1812: it served as a crucial U.S. naval and milit...
24/03/2026

Sackets Harbor, NY, is renowned for its significant role in the War of 1812: it served as a crucial U.S. naval and military base on Lake Ontario, built ships, and housed troops, making it a key battlefield site with well-preserved history. Today, it's also known as a charming waterfront village for history buffs and tourists, offering outdoor recreation, boutiques, craft breweries, dining, and a picturesque setting for sailing and exploring.

Today we visited Good Fellos, which specializes in Italian Cuisine and their famous scratch-made Brick Oven Pizzas. We started our meal with the four-cheese garlic bread made with toasted ciabatta bread (a rustic Italian bread with a crisp crust and an airy, chewy interior). It was served with a house-made tomato sauce. The large smoked duck wontons are a must for an appetizer. They are filled with smoked duck, bacon, cream cheese, and sweet corn. It was served with spring greens with a Thai chili sauce. The craft beer choices are the perfect complement to these appetizers.

We went with the half order of the Good Fellos Classic for Two salad. The half order was enough for two people. It was a mixture of mixed greens piled high with artichoke hearts, olives, prosciutto, peppers, and Asiago. Dressed with pesto oil and balsamic vinaigrette,

The Lasagna de Ricardo was exceptional. This Italian classic was a combination of beef and pork, seasoned with ricotta and served with house-crafted marinara sauce. The sauce was light and had a fresh, herbaceous flavor, with hints of garlic, oregano, and basil. The pasta was made from wheat flour, which gave it an incredible texture. I love a lasagna where each bite is meaty and not overwhelmed with pasta. Good Fellos has mastered this dish.

The best meal of the day was pork shank, carbana era. It was pork shank (also known as pork knuckles or ham hocks), which had been cooked low and slow. It was served as a braised, off-the-bone dish, mixed with some amazing noodles (ours were served on the side). It had a slight smoky taste with so many flavors bursting in your mouth, it was hard to identify some of the seasonings. This was not a regular menu item, but rather off the special board. We have learned to focus on the special board first every time we visit.

Our server today was the energetic and pleasant Alicia. With some gifted pizzaiolo’s hand tossing the pizza and more, these specialists were entertaining as well. Working hard and equally talented, Tracy rounded out the staff amazingly.

They are located at 202 West Main Street in Sackets Harbor, NY. Call them at 315-646-3463. Hours are Monday – Tuesday 4-10, Wednesday – Friday 4-11 and Saturday – Sunday 11:30 - 11

Please always Like and Share this FB Food Blog. I do it solely to support local family-owned restaurants and receive nothing in return. I currently have 24,604 followers. Please help me achieve my goal of 30000 followers. My most recent post about Squishy’s BBQ had 104,050 views. Over 16 million of you have viewed my food photos from all over the world on Google Maps.

The time has come to open your horizons and try something outside your comfort zone. Jamaican food is a vibrant, flavor...
10/03/2026

The time has come to open your horizons and try something outside your comfort zone. Jamaican food is a vibrant, flavorful, and aromatic blend of African, Indian, Spanish, and Chinese influences characterized by the heavy use of spices, coconut milk, and tropical ingredients. Predominantly, they use jerk seasoning (pimento/allspice and scotch bonnet), rice and peas, ackee and saltfish, and root vegetables. Black offers an opportunity to explore your Foodie world and step way out of your box. This is a must-try.

Today I went with the je**ed chicken, which had a bold, spicy, smoky flavor with the flavors of thyme, garlic, ginger, and pimento. The flavors exploded in my mouth with this juicy chicken cooked to perfection. It had a bit of an attitude without being overpoweringly “hot”. I love a slight demeanor, though not an overbearing "give me a glass of water" stance. This was the perfect balance.

The meal was served with rice and peas (not the green peas your parents forced you to eat, but rather a meaty version). It also comes with steamed cabbage, with a perfect texture and a slight crunch (Al dente). The cabbage had a sweet, yet sour flavor. It is kind of hard to describe, just really good. The meal also included plantains, a starch fruit in the banana family. Mine were green, with a starry, potato-like taste. They are also served in yellow and black, with each having its own distinctive flavor.

I periodically stop for their Jamaican Beef Patties (they also have a spicy beef option or chicken). They are made fresh daily, in house. The patty is a savory, flaky, golden yellow baked pastry filled with the meat of your choice; it's similar to a turnover or empanada. When visiting Jamaica, you will find these patties served by street vendors everywhere. I absolutely love these and all of their offerings.

They also have a full-service bar and periodic entertainment. Follow them on FB to learn more.

My server today was the amazing and delightful Megan. She readily served my meal with a broad smile and a great attitude. Not far behind was the owner, Jason, who has made Jamaica proud by bringing a piece of his people and culture to an area striving to find new foodie delights.

Tropicx Black is located at 1851 State St in Watertown (in the far corner of the plaza). Call them at 315-405-4189. They are open Monday – Wednesday 10:30 – 7:00, Thursday 10:30 – 7:30, Friday 10:30 - *:00, Saturday 10:30 – 9:00, and CLOSED on Sundays. Door Dash is used for deliverys.

There food supplier is US Foods.

My name is Lee Hinkleman, and I’m a foodie. Please share and like this page to support local, family-owned restaurants. I receive no compensation for what I do. Having spent 24 years in the US Army, I had an opportunity to try food all over the world (hence my willingness to try anything). I encourage recommendations.

One of my long-time favorites, the Spook Hill Bar & Grill, offers an exciting menu with items and variations not often f...
17/02/2026

One of my long-time favorites, the Spook Hill Bar & Grill, offers an exciting menu with items and variations not often found in our area. It has a dining area suitable for families with small children as well as a bar area.

The BBBLT is not your normal BLT – this big bad BLT is loaded with bacon and served on fresh, lightly toasted bread with lettuce and tomato. The bread is not overly thick, as in many restaurants, so it’s meant to hold everything in place. I highly recommend this with a hot bowl of their signature chili. They can also do it as a wrap, something I strongly suggest as well.

The pot roast was more of a dinner than a lunch, and I was able to get two meals out of it, so the price was more than fair. While many restaurants have cut back on their portion sizes, Spook Hill has remained consistent. The slow-roasted pot roast was cooked to perfection. The meat was juicy, virtually fat-free, and extremely tender. It was served on a bed of real mashed potatoes with carrots and onions on top. The vegetables were al dente, indicating they didn’t come out of a can but were freshly cut. Personally, I went with cottage cheese instead of a salad.

They also offer a Too Much Bacon Burger, a bacon lovers dream with an 8 oz burger topped with lettuce, tomato, onion (I always ask for mine to be grilled) bacon, bacon jam, bacon aioli (a creamy, flavorful condiment that combines the smoky, salty taste of bacon with the rich, garlicky base of aioli or mayonnaise) and chaddar cheese. Their weekly specials include tacos on Mondays, wings on Tuesdays, burgers on Wednesdays, meatloaf on Thursdays, Fish Fry on Fridays, Prime Rib on Saturdays, and chicken and biscuits on Sundays.

Under the leadership of the Breakfast King of New York, Mr Ray Avery is the master of the egg and more. Breakfast is a must-stop when looking for a phenomenal morning delight. They also have a tap system with 18 beers on tap. Although not recommended for breakfast. (Then again, that would be an interesting pairing)

Their second annual car show will be on Saturday, June 13th. Then, starting on Thursday of Memorial Day week, they will have bike nights every Thursday until the week of Labor Day in September. If you see a 2003 1800-cc bright red Victory Classic Cruiser with stage II piping and hard saddle bags, you will know I’m visiting.

Working behind the bar today was the highly motivated Brittney. Food quality is obviously critical, while staffing is what can take a meal from good to great. Pictured serving today was the cheerful and dynamic Hannah. We also had an opportunity to speak at length with the kitchen manager, Matt, who explained the art of the Cuban Sandwich in detail.

They are located at 12139 U.S. Route 11 in Adams, NY. Reach them at 315.284.4074. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Monday – Sunday 7 am – 9 pm (closed Tuesday for breakfast).

Suppliers include US Foods as well as JFS (provider of protein, including the pot roast meat)

From a previous posting and still one of my favorites!

Perhaps one of my favorite sandwiches of all time is the Cuban. It originated in cafes catering to Cuban workers in Key West and Tampa. These communities in Florida also centered on the cigar industry. Nothing beats a Cuban sandwich with a Cuban cigar for dessert, although not today. My Cuban was served with thinly sliced pork and ham topped with pickles, Swiss cheese, and roasted garlic mustard. It was served on a baked ciabatta roll (a Cuban-type bread). It was amazing! In Tampa, they use salami, but never in South Florida. In Key West, they are served with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. I like mine, Spook Hill style.

I originally wrote about them in 2017 when they first opened. and included some amazing pictures from then. At that time the walls had pictures of the series Sons of Anarchy (see pics). Since then, they have removed them due to the value. Perhaps one of the best biker series of all time.

What this establishment used to be:

Behling Orchards was established in 1947 and was passed down through 5 generations. They grew from 6 acres of apples to over 200 with nearly 80 varieties of apples. Of the 80 varieties, there was one special apple that they produced named Jenna Blush which was the perfect blend of sweet/tart. For over 50 years Behling Orchards made cider the old-fashioned way. Their cider mill used a rack and cloth technique that captured the flavor of the apples.

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