Cazenovia is affectionately referred to as Caz by those who know and love it. Before John Lincklaen created the town in 1793, the quiet settlement was a preferred site for vacationers to escape daily tension along the beaches of Cazenovia Lake.
It was interesting to discover how the creator, Lincklaen, allegedly advertised that the first ten families who came to Cazenovia to help him build a profitable and sustainable colony could acquire property for $1.00 per acre, which corresponds to around $29.93 per acre in 2022. (Are you serious?)
The town streets are adorned with beautiful architectural designs from bygone eras, giving the impression that visitors are time travelers. Houses on Lower Lincklaen Street, for example, were erected in the 1820s and 30s and are strong examples of the Greek Revival Style, which was popular and sought after at the time.
Currently, there are museums in the neighborhood where visitors may learn about Cazenovia’s history. Retail stores along the main street and sell one-of-a-kind products. There are waterfront parks, outdoor art parks, lots of fishing and boating, spectacular waterfalls, breathtaking sunsets, nice people, lovely hotels to stay in overnight, and an abundance of cuisine options.
These are 11 of my favorite restaurants for a supper. Cazenovia, believe me, appeals to all tastes.
11 Best Restaurants in Cazenovia, New York
The Brae Loch Inn
315-655-34315 Albany St.
I’ve gone to Brae Loch Inn numerous times since finding it a few years ago. It’s a quaint inn amid Cazenovia NY eateries, with a nice Scottish heritage woven throughout. If you can, stay overnight instead of simply eating there. Others even claim it’s haunted; wouldn’t it be interesting to find out for yourself?
The cuisine is usually excellent, and I have a difficult time deciding on a dinner since there are so many delicious options on the menu. On this particular night, I opted to order their Bonfire Shrimp, which are crispy and coated in a delectable, sweet, spicy Thai sauce.
If you can, try the Scottish Fish and Chips; the haddock is fresh, beer battered, and cooked to a light golden brown. The meal is served with thinly cut French fries and crisp coleslaw. I couldn’t even finish it, though I really wanted to.
If the weather permits, relax on the outside terrace. People watch as you dine and can view Cazenovia Lake from the Inn’s front yard.
The Hotel at Brewster
(315) 655-92325
The Brewster Hotel is situated on Cazenovia Lake, and the views are part of what makes this restaurant so appealing. Since you do not have to stay overnight to eat here, it is quite popular with tourists who are in the region for business or leisure.
My companion and I agreed to dine there one evening. The weather was wonderful, and the large terrace was a great spot to dine while watching the sun set beyond the boats parked at the pier.
The New Zealand Rack of Lamb was a terrific supper option. After marinating the meat in a burgundy balsamic marinade, it was incredibly tender.
The Chantilly potatoes were hot and very creamy. Green beans were the restaurant’s seasonal vegetable of the day, cooked al dente, exactly the way we like them.
We decided to go all out for dessert. The souffle was a pleasant surprise. It was light and fluffy, with a toasty golden brown crust.
Our waiter sliced the lid and poured a Grand Marnier Anglaise inside. None of us had any idea what this was! Our waitress described the process of combining Grand Marnier with egg whites, sugar, heavy cream, butter, and egg yolks. I definitely recommend you try it since the taste was great.
McCarthy’s Irish Tavern
315-815-408564 Albany St.
One of the things visitors remember about their visits to Ireland is how kind the people are. And when people think of pubs, they think of terms like homely, friendly, and comfortable, and how everyone, no matter where they come from, departs a friend.
It’s like that when you go inside McCarthy’s Irish Pub; the bar and dining tables are well-worn, and huge soft seats sit near to the fire, allowing guests to rest while enjoying a pint. Framed images of all sizes adorn the brightly colored walls, and their menu includes traditional Irish foods. It is unquestionably one of the top Cazenovia NY restaurants.
Soups, salads, build-your-own sandwiches, extra-large chicken wings, different burgers, and more are available at the pub. The roasted beet salad combines field greens with sliced beets, tomatoes, and onion in a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette.
Make it a meal by adding grilled chicken, beer-battered shrimp, or portabella mushrooms.
You could also try their Irish Poutine crispy fries with local cheese curds and Guinness onion sauce. Yum.
They also provide sweets, which seem to vary on a regular basis rather than being on the printed menu.
Pizza by Caz
(315) 655-4164
Caz Pizza has been a family-run company since its inception in 1985. They focus on providing the greatest pizza in Cazenovia NY restaurants by utilizing the freshest ingredients available. And who doesn’t search for a good slice while they’re traveling alone, on a date, or with children?
In addition, they have one of the greatest beer options in the CNY region. It is not only constantly changing, but they also offer fourteen taps and an excellent assortment of bottles for those who like craft brews.
To name a few, their pizza selections include build-your-own, meat-lovers, Margherita, Greek, pesto, and vegetarian.
They also have specials of 12, 14, 16, or 24 boneless wings. I like that this covers a smaller pizza that I may want to take home or a huge lunch with friends, such as football, with a variety of foods to eat while pulling for the home side.
Vineyards Owera
E Lake Road (315) 815-43115276
Owera Vineyards is one of the Cazenovia NY restaurants that will steal your breath away when you first see it, set high up on a hill, surrounded by natural beauty wherever you turn, and boasting row upon row of thriving grape vines.
The property is a lovely setting for a glass, flight, or bottle of wine, and there is plenty of indoor and outdoor space for guests to settle in, relax, and enjoy a meal.
As my buddy and I went, we observed a lot of couples and huge families with kids of all ages come in for supper.
The staff was kind and eager to provide information about the winery and the grapes themselves.
We drank a flight of red and white wines that I had them choose for me. We chose a Charcuterie Board and waited a few minutes for an arrangement of artisan cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits, chocolates, and nuts to complement the wines we were tasting.
The café menu is rather extensive, so I’ll need to return many times. Entrees include flank steak, planked pork belly, surf & turf, pecan smoked rib tips, and other options. Their brick-oven pizza looked delicious; we drooled as we sat at the bar and saw many being brought past.
Loka Tea Leaf Lounge is a tea lounge.
315-815-444176 Albany St.
If you like tea, this is a lovely little gem among the Cazenovia NY places to try. They provide a diverse assortment of loose-leaf teas from across the globe in a welcoming environment that fosters community.
I chose a dark Oolong from their comprehensive tea selection, which included white teas, China green teas, Japanese and Taiwan teas, green tea mixes, and more. Tung Ting is a rolled, medium-roasted Oolong with a silky golden body and delicate vanilla flavors.
But it’s not just about tea. The lounge also provides delectable sandwiches, fruit bowls, and desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat, but don’t worry, you will.
It’s a nice location to linger for a long over a cup of tea, talking with the waitstaff, catching up with friends, and sometimes being treated to live music.
Meiers Creek Brewing Company, Inc.
315-815-402233 Rippleton Road
I don’t know about you, but I like a good beer, especially a nice craft brew.
Meiers Creek Brewery, located just outside of Cazenovia’s lovely downtown area, is a great location to stop in all weather and one of the greatest Cazenovia NY restaurants.
I like how guests can see inside the building via the floor-to-ceiling windows, where they work their magic, while drinking one of Meiers beers, maybe a new release.
Meiers’ menu varies with the seasons, which I find refreshing. Shareable dishes like as corn and crab hushpuppies, house-smoked wings, or deviled eggs are just a few of their appetizers.
I like their brewhouse burger, which is produced with local wagyu beef and comes with garlic aioli, American cheese, and a choice of side. They also provide vegan and gluten-free options, which my friends search for when they go out.
They have so many sandwiches, sides, and salads to choose from that you’ll have trouble selecting.
The property is 22 acres in size and includes a hops field, an 18-hole disc golf course, hiking and snowshoeing trails, and an active apiary.
Cazenovia Lake may even be seen during the winter months when the leaves have dropped off the trees. Eating at Meiers seems to be more of an experience than a standard restaurant. I hope you give it a go!
Pita Kalamata
Albany St. (315) 655-066947
Kalamata Pita is a fantastic Greek restaurant on Cazenovia’s main street and one of the greatest Cazenovia NY restaurants.
The restaurant, which debuted in 2018, is owned by Scott Baker and his wife Chrissie. Ethan and Ella, their children, assist with the family company.
The menu is limited but provides classic Greek food like pitas, gyros, pork souvlaki, falafel, and my favorite Baklava, to name a few items.
They provide Greek salads, fresh hummus, rice bowls, and delicious curly fries.
If you like Greek cuisine as much as I do, their Greek salad with protein is an excellent choice. It’s loaded with fresh greens, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.
You may also choose your favorite protein, from chicken or pork souvlaki to hummus or falafel. If you add kalamata or black olives, pepperoncini peppers, and a heaping spoonful of feta cheese, you may not even need supper today.
Lincklaen Residence
Albany Street (315) 655-346179 Albany Street
Lincklaen House is another lovely option among Cazenovia NY eateries.
They serve meals in their large dining room, on their patio, and in their informal, pub-style tavern.
We chose the formal dining room since natural light came in through the windows and we wanted to photograph our meal and the surroundings.
The calamari was crisply fried and seasoned with just enough salt and pepper. We topped it with lemon wedges and chipotle ranch dipping sauce for a little more flavor.
I liked how delicate the calamari was without being rough or chewy.
My girlfriend’s New York Strip Steak was cooked medium rare, whereas mine was done rare. We were both pleased with the meal.
The portion was generous and extremely tender. Our steaks were peppercorn-crusted, topped with sherried mushrooms, and served with flavorful heated mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies tonight, carrots and summer squash.
Distillery in Madison County
(315) 655-47062412 Route 20
The night we chose to go to Madison County Distillery, the place was packed.
To the sound of country music and people laughing, we parked in the last row available far out back, got out of the vehicle, and made our way into the lovely barn, which was recently erected but decorated with 200-year-old salvaged wood retrieved from the land.
We picked a high-top table on the patio to gaze out over the distillery’s 80 acres of farmland since the weather had begun to chill and the sun was going lower in the sky as it approached evening.
The tasty-bits menu includes items such as chips and salsa, candied bacon, buffalo chicken dip, baked brie cups, and more. I went for the taco duo and a side of (omg!) bacon. My corn tortillas had been topped with cabbage, queso fresco, lime crème, and house Pico de Gallo by the chef. Freshly fried tilapia clinched the deal for me since it was so flavorful.
Sisters Beth and Marissa adjust the menu to reflect the seasons, so your experience may vary when you visit. And their handcrafted drinks are fantastic! After your dinner, try their honey gin spritz or my personal favorite, the bloody mary. One of the most distinctive eateries in Cazenovia, New York.
Dave’s Restaurant
Albany Street (315) 815-430035 Albany Street
I just stepped into Daves Diner with a buddy for the first time and fell in love with the old-fashioned ambiance of this local establishment. It is without a doubt one of the most charming Cazenovia NY restaurants.
They utilize local products, give back to the community, and cook from scratch. There are plenty of tables for guests in the brilliantly lighted dining room, and there is a long bar where you may relax and have a meal while chatting with the waitstaff.
The menu offers a variety of omelets, breakfast sandwiches, fruits, and oatmeal. Lunch options include a variety of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and speciality foods mentioned under the OwaghenaFavs section of the menu.
Salads, wraps, a variety of sides, and desserts complete the Diners menu.
Daves Dinera emphasizes that food is more than simply something we offer; it is something we love, and it shows in every mouthful. I’d have to say yes.
The waitresses are polite, and despite the fact that it was crowded and seemed to be understaffed when we arrived, everyone working had a bright grin.
Try the Buffa-love chicken wrap or the smokehouse brisketburger. You will not be sorry.
Trash fries, salt potato home fries, grilled onions, peppers, jalapenos, bacon, BBQ sauce, and MontereyJack CheddarCheddarCheese are all delicious.
Finally, Cazenovia NY Restaurants
If you’re anything like me, you want to have food alternatives when you travel. And you want to try a range of eateries to get a sense of the ambience or taste of a new location.
Whether you want an overnight stay and supper in a five-star restaurant, want to hang out with the locals, or merely have a short amount of time to have a fantastic meal before hitting the road again, Cazenovia has enough of both.
Visiting more places in the area? Check out our other tasty guides:
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