Best Bites In Genesee and Wyoming Counties
Coming together for a meal is a time-honored vacation tradition. Whether you’re sitting down to a delicious home cooked spread, or letting everyone order exactly what they want, the best memories are those you make together at the table.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots to grab a bite as you cruise through Genesee and Wyoming County on your Fresh Air Adventure.
Genesee County
Where rolling hills and fertile farmland meet small town charm and big city attractions
Family fun abounds in Genesee County, from the largest theme and waterpark in Western NY at Six Flags Darien Lake to Genesee Country Village and Museum, the largest living history museum in New York. Couples love the hospitality at Batavia Downs Racetrack, Gaming & Hotel, and the free play that comes with each night’s stay.
Alex’s Place has been a local favorite for over 30 years, known for hearty portions, a homey atmosphere and heartfelt hospitality. Originally a one-room track stop for local racers and athletes, as their reputation for delicious food and exceptional service grew, so did the restaurant.
Today Alex’s Place calls a 100-seat restaurant home, serving up a menu of American steakhouse favorites and Italian classics including their famous baby-back ribs, prime rib, char-grilled steaks and the freshest seafood. Watch as the chefs put together your masterpiece entrée through the open-kitchen and marvel at the multiple BBQ awards on the wall from across the state. Grab a cocktail or a glass of wine while you wait for your food. Located half a mile off the thru-way, Alex’s Place is the perfect way to begin or end your Fresh Air Adventure.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast from the iconic Pok-A-Dot! The Dot, as it’s known to locals, has been serving up fan favorite breakfasts and local specialties for over 65 years. Don’t let the small building fool you- the colorful Dot holds some of the most iconic stories and delicious dishes in the county. The Dot is a staple in the region, mentioned in art, literature and music from creators spanning the years. Most famous for their Beef on Weck, a local sandwich, you can’t go wrong with any order at the Dot.
Built in 1953, the iconic polk-a-dot exterior has remained the same throughout the decades, making it a Batavia icon. Visitors today can still enjoy original menu offerings including burgers, hot dogs, Beef on Weck, pepper and egg sandwiches, ice creams and frosty cold mugs of root beer.
Like the Pok-A-Dot, Oliver’s Candies is a local Batavia institution, serving up delicious chocolates and other sweet treats since 1932. Quality is the name of the game here in this Swiss Chalet, and has been for over 85 years. Their special chocolate blend is melt-in-your-mouth rich with a subtle caramel flavor at the end. Family recipes are still made here in the way they were when Oliver’s opened, from the glazed cashews and assorted chocolates to the sponge candy. If you’ve never tried sponge candy, this Western NY delicacy is a chocolate coated piece of honeycomb, and will take your tastebuds soaring. Oliver’s also has a wide selection of candies, dipped fruits and nuts, licorice, and ice cream in the summer.
The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant was opened in 1979, but the iconic red roofed building in which it lives was built in the late 1930s. Known for their quality cuts of meat, the fan favorite is the delectable and well-marbled prime rib, served fresh and carved tableside. The popularity of the prime rib is legendary across Western NY, so you’ll want a reservation here to hold your spot. The prime rib has remained their signature and staple dish since opening, but they also have crispy fish fry, fresh seafood, and a variety of local and craft beverages.
A true Irish pub in the heart of Batavia, O’Lacy’s is the best place to go for a pint of Guinness and a hearty Ruben sandwich. The quaint pub exterior could be transported straight from Dublin, while their menu is a selection of classic American cuisine with an Irish flare. O’Lacy’s is known for their exceptional customer service, premium beer selection, and homemade chips and dip.
Wyoming County
On the western edge of the Finger Lakes Region, Wyoming County has an abundance of fresh air, open space, and outdoor recreation.
Whether you come to Wyoming County for the stunning views of Letchworth State Park, a trip to the rodeo or a ride through history on the historic rail train, you’re greeted with sweeping country views, open skies and unrivaled green spaces. Come for the fresh air, stay for the small-town hospitality and full dinner plates.
Just a few miles from the shores of Silver Lake lies the Lumber Yard Restaurant, Perry NY’s favorite eatery. With an expansive menu of pasta, seafood, and prime rib, dinner here is the perfect way to end a day on the water or exploring the trails of nearby Letchworth State Park. Refuel your hungry stomachs with their Cheesey Jalapeno taters, Lumber Chips, or their famous prime rib. An all-you-can-eat soup and build-your-own salad bar means everyone can get exactly what they want to stave off the hangries while your entrees are prepared. Be sure to save room for dessert!
Grateful Grill exemplifies the best in farm fresh food in Wyoming County. Their menu changes with the season to follow what’s in harvest and ensure all of their food is fresh and local. They also have the classic menu staples, like burgers, pizza, Beef on Weck, and crispy, salty fries. Just a few miles up the road from Letchworth State Park, their kid’s menu is the cure to post-hike hungry crankies with choices from “I don’t know” (chicken nuggets and fries) to “I don’t want that” (Hot dog and fries). Their desserts are also made locally and rotate seasonally.
The Glen Iris Inn resides in what was once the country estate of William Pryor Letchworth, the namesake of Letchworth State Park. Open since 1914, the Inn has welcomed guests from across the world for dinner and a night’s stay next to the magnificent Middle Falls. Caroline’s Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and, dinner but you can also stop in for cocktails and hors d’oeurves on the verandah or a to-go picnic lunch for a day in the park. They also have a kid’s menu available, so everyone can find a dish they love.
If you’re looking for a classic family-friendly diner serving up delicious American dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, then look no further. The Arcade Village Café has an expansive menu from pancakes and waffles to burgers and fish fries. If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious home cooked meal, you’ll find it here. Save room for their rotating selection of local desserts!
You can’t beat ice cream from Yummies! With a motto of “makin’ it, scoopin’ it, lovin’ it” you know that everything is locally sourced and the ice cream is hand-mixed on site. With 28 flavors to choose from, the hardest part of visiting is deciding what to have! Their menu ranges from classics like chocolate and strawberry to wild and wacky flavors you can’t find anywhere else. Try a scoop of Terry’s Guilty Pleasure, white chocolate ice cream blended with oatmeal cookie pieces, or Twixted Sister, with vanilla ice cream, caramel, and Twix.
Still looking for more? See all of our delicious offerings under the Eat and Drink section!