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Pylon Jul 22, 2007 12:28 PM

Driving across NY

Will be driving across the state from Cleveland, taking hwy 86/17 (Jamestown to Binghamton). Looking for any noteworthy diners or dives along the route.

  1. m
    mom2 Jul 24, 2007 05:14 AM

    The Kopper Keg in Cuba, NY is a great dive! Exit 92 off 17/86. Easy to get to, Main St. Cuba. If you want something a little nicer, I recommend Sprague in Portville. Also exit 92, but a few miles on 305.
    www.spraguesmaplefarms.com
    While in Cuba, stop and the cheese shop and pick up some salt rising bread and cheese for the ride...
    www.cubacheese.com
    Someone suggested Hancock, but that is south of Binghamton...

    2 Replies
    1. re: mom2
      j
      jmoryl Jul 24, 2007 09:41 AM

      I wouldn't get off the highway for Blue Dolphin or Chris's Diner (although the latter is indeed a good breakfast greasy spoon). That is a nice scenic drive, but the eating isn't great. I spend a lot of time in the Binghamton area and about the only place enjoy is a little Korean place called Han-Am on the eastbound Vestal Parkway (rt. 434) hidden next to a KFC just west of the SUNY campus.

      If you like beer, you should stop at the Southern Tier Brewing Co. in Lakewood (near Jamestown). They make some really great stuff and have a pub (don't know if it serves food). Ellicottville Brewing is also in the area and might be worth a stop - they do serve food.

      1. re: mom2
        Pylon Aug 1, 2007 04:57 PM

        Thanks for the info. We stopped at the Kopper Keg and had a fantastic lunch!

      2. p
        pinenutswitheverything Jul 23, 2007 04:10 PM

        The Village Tavern in Hammondsport is cool

        http://www.discoverourtown.com/NY/Ham...

        1. j
          Jimmyg Jul 23, 2007 11:57 AM

          Chris's Diner on State Street in Binghamton is my absolute favorite "greasy spoon" diner. The food is high quality and the service is great. Everything that is supposed to be hot comes up hot. Open from like 5:00 AM - 4:00 PM, breakfast all day. You did not mention dates. Chris's will be closed for 3 weeks in August for family travel.

          1. p
            pinenutswitheverything Jul 22, 2007 07:36 PM

            Blue Dolphin Diner, Apalachin, off 17 near Binghampton.
            Case student here, Isn't 80W to 81 easier? just checking

            3 Replies
            1. re: pinenutswitheverything
              Pylon Jul 22, 2007 08:04 PM

              Maybe easier, but this is a pleasure trip. I suspect 86 is more interesting.

              Anything of note at the Dolphin?

              1. re: Pylon
                Sra. Swanky Jul 23, 2007 06:45 AM

                You can't go wrong with their combination seafood platter - king crab legs, shrimp, crab cake and their awesome broiled tomatoes. I know seafood at a diner isn't the first thing one would usually pick, but Blue Dolphin's seafood is some of the freshest & best I've had anywhere!! Definitely go there if a seafood craving hits!

                1. re: Sra. Swanky
                  s
                  scunge Jul 23, 2007 07:16 AM

                  In the town of Hanock exit 87 there's the Circle E Diner they have a "Sportsman's Breakfast" all day long with eggs any style,pancakes,toast sausage,bacon,and taters and coffee plus other daily specials.In the same town a Italian place called Little Italy that was "down statey good " A new hotel near the diner has a restaraunt heard it was good

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