Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to restaurants. Sure, the sprawling size of a massive eatery can certainly be impressive and appealing. But there’s something to be said for the simple, at-home feel you get eating in a tiny restaurant. If you find yourself looking for that fun, intimate experience when dining out, check out these small restaurants in New York.
- Mother’s Cupboard: 3709 E James St, Syracuse, NY 13206
J H/Google Maps Mother’s Cupboard is a small shack with a big reputation. It was featured on a 2010 episode of the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” for its massive six-pound frittata. Its foot-long pancakes are some of the best in New York. You’ll definitely want to make sure to ask for a to-go box! Mother’s Cupboard, 3709 E James St, Syracuse, NY 13206, USA
Star L. Cuthrell/Google Maps Check out our feature on Mother’s Cupboard. If you visit, make sure to bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards.
- Healthy on Lark: 274 Lark St, Albany, NY 12201
Anton Beletskii/Google Maps Healthy on Lark is a vegetarian restaurant that’s so tasty even meat-eaters can enjoy it. They only have a few tables, but the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. They’ve got all day breakfast as well as lunch options, and a smoothie bar as well! Healthy On Lark, 274 Lark St, Albany, NY 12201, USA
Healthy on Lark/Google Maps For more information, visit their website or Facebook.
- Muscoot Tavern: 105 Somerstown Turnpike, Katonah, NY 10536
Muscoot Tavern/Google Maps The Muscoot Tavern is a small red shack with crooked walls, and you’d be forgiven for driving by and thinking it’s a fruit stand or ice cream shop. It’s actually an incredible eatery that’s been delighting New Yorkers for more than 100 years. The menu features everything from thin-crust pizza to barbecue and burgers. Muscoot Tavern, 105 Somerstown Turnpike, Katonah, NY 10536, USA
Wendy Natter/Google Maps You can check out their website for more information.
- Penn Yan Diner: 131 E Elm St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Penn Yan Diner Penn Yan Diner is located in a delightful little 1925 rail car with five tables and 10 counter-top stools. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor. The small size and simple menu hearken back to an easier time. Penn Yan Diner, 131 E Elm St, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA
Casey Cuthbert/Google Maps A menu and more information about their history is available on their website.
- Swannie House: 170 Ohio St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Skrilz Mitchell/Google Maps Swannie House is a Buffalo institution that’s easy to miss. It’s tucked away right in the midst of the city’s grain elevators. This place has had a cult following for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Walking inside feels like a step back in time: the walls are lined with remnants of Buffalo history. This place has such a fun atmosphere and it’s especially fun for watching football games. Swannie House, 170 Ohio St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
Rafael Arvelo/Google Maps Visit their Facebook for more information.
Did we miss your favorite small restaurant in New York? Share yours in the comments (or shoot over a nomination using our easy-breezy form). Who knows, you could see them featured in a future article!
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to restaurants. Sure, the sprawling size of a massive eatery can certainly be impressive and appealing. But there’s something to be said for the simple, at-home feel you get eating in a tiny restaurant. If you find yourself looking for that fun, intimate experience when dining out, check out these small restaurants in New York.
J H/Google Maps
Mother’s Cupboard is a small shack with a big reputation. It was featured on a 2010 episode of the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” for its massive six-pound frittata. Its foot-long pancakes are some of the best in New York. You’ll definitely want to make sure to ask for a to-go box!
Mother’s Cupboard, 3709 E James St, Syracuse, NY 13206, USA
Star L. Cuthrell/Google Maps
Check out our feature on Mother’s Cupboard. If you visit, make sure to bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards.
Anton Beletskii/Google Maps
Healthy on Lark is a vegetarian restaurant that’s so tasty even meat-eaters can enjoy it. They only have a few tables, but the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. They’ve got all day breakfast as well as lunch options, and a smoothie bar as well!
Healthy On Lark, 274 Lark St, Albany, NY 12201, USA
Healthy on Lark/Google Maps
For more information, visit their website or Facebook.
Muscoot Tavern/Google Maps
The Muscoot Tavern is a small red shack with crooked walls, and you’d be forgiven for driving by and thinking it’s a fruit stand or ice cream shop. It’s actually an incredible eatery that’s been delighting New Yorkers for more than 100 years. The menu features everything from thin-crust pizza to barbecue and burgers.
Muscoot Tavern, 105 Somerstown Turnpike, Katonah, NY 10536, USA
Wendy Natter/Google Maps
You can check out their website for more information.
Penn Yan Diner
Penn Yan Diner is located in a delightful little 1925 rail car with five tables and 10 counter-top stools. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor. The small size and simple menu hearken back to an easier time.
Penn Yan Diner, 131 E Elm St, Penn Yan, NY 14527, USA
Casey Cuthbert/Google Maps
A menu and more information about their history is available on their website.
Skrilz Mitchell/Google Maps
Swannie House is a Buffalo institution that’s easy to miss. It’s tucked away right in the midst of the city’s grain elevators. This place has had a cult following for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Walking inside feels like a step back in time: the walls are lined with remnants of Buffalo history. This place has such a fun atmosphere and it’s especially fun for watching football games.
Swannie House, 170 Ohio St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
Rafael Arvelo/Google Maps
Visit their Facebook for more information.
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