Eating In: Cooperstown, New York

It’s been a few years since I updated my Cooperstown Travel Series and this is the perfect time to do it. Every time I return there are a handful of new restaurants and places to eat, thanks in part to the emergence of the Cooperstown Beverage Trail. Some of these places I’ve loved for years, others I’ve come to know recently and have become instant favorites. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.

The Fly Creek Cider Mill: A visit to this old-fashioned cider mill is a super fun outing for the whole family. The gift shop is filled with all kinds of dips, jams, pies, and more. And the cider and old-fashioned cider press are really cool to see. My kids love going to the snack bar after we pick up our cider. They order the cider slushie, cider float, and the authentic cider donuts. Then we play on the playground and feed the ducks.

 Ommegang Brewery: As one of the original interns at Ommegang in the late 90’s this brewery holds a special place in my heart. I adore the beers and the recent addition of a fabulous Belgian-style pub only makes it better. Order a selection of frites with dipping sauces and the Three Philosophers bratwurst sandwich, along with a flight of beers, of course. Be sure to get there early because the pub fills up fast and is busy all day long. In addition to the regular brewery, the Ommegang Concert Series is fantastic. If you are visiting in the summer check the schedule and pick up some tickets for a fun night out.

Stagecoach Coffee: This is still the penultimate coffee bar in town. It is packed year-round and is the best place to catch up with the locals, get a hot cuppa, and enjoy a pastry or breakfast sandwich. On cool mornings we pick up hot steamed chais and my children indulge in a cinnamon roll or warm almond croissant. I also love their hot panini sandwiches for lunch. It is perfect to grab and go!

Bocca Osteria: This awesome Italian restaurant just opened a few years ago and has already become an institution. The menu changes seasonally, but the classic pizzas always stay the same. The appetizers and salads can comprise a meal on their own, but the real winners are their signature pastas and watching your pizza cook in the wood burning oven from the bar.

Jerry’s Place: Beyond Cooperstown in Fly Creek is this fun throwback diner-style restaurant. Their signature American offerings are all served in a plastic basket lined with wax paper. The milkshakes come served in giant quart sized mason jars and honestly can’t be beat. We like to go on Friday’s for the fish fry with chips and cole slaw. After my kids hit the swingset to work off some energy before heading home.

The Blue Mingo Grill: This delicious lunch and dinner spot is located in Sam Smith’s boat yard right on the lake. We love the Thai specialties, an unexpected cuisine to find in upstate New York, as well as the lake classics. The adorable Adirondack-style bar is really fun for cocktails. Whether before dinner, or after.

The Tunnicliff Creamery: This unexpectedly amazing diner is randomly wedged between two farms on Route 20. It serves simple diner-style food made with all local ingredients. Our personal favorites are the BLT’s and sweet potato fries. But the real standout is their homemade ice cream. I can’t get enough of it! Their Lemon Coconut flavor is my personal favorite. But we’ve also tried there Salted Caramel and Cherry Walnut Amaretto (CWA) and they are amazing.

Mel’s at 22: This new restaurant has become an instant hit with both tourists and locals. The burgers are insanely good and the location can’t be beat. I highly recommend giving this a try for lunch or dinner; it is completely family friendly and the menu has something for everyone. It is also good for a nightcap. My husband and I love sitting at the bar on one of our date night strolls around town. {I die for this cool cow photograph. If anyone knows who took it, please let me know!}

Toscana: Right on Main Street, nearly across the street from the Baseball Hall of Fame, is this delicious Italian restaurant. Big bowls of pasta, hot garlic bread, and plenty of good wine make it a year-round favorite for locals. In the summer reservations are recommended. But don’t worry, it is completely kid-friendly and there are lots of things on the menu the little ones will love.

Note: We also still love Sal’s Pizzeria, Schneider’s Bakery, and the Farmers’ Market which I wrote about a few years ago!