Food You’ll Find Around the Thruway
There are plenty of stops along the Thruway to satisfy all tastes
By Chris Clemens
Back when traveling the New York State Thruway meant always needing exact change and keeping track of your ticket, hopping off an exit for a quick stop wasn’t quite as appealing.
Since the state has gone entirely electronic with the toll system, merely hopping off here and there mid-trip is a breeze.
In fact, hopping off for a bathroom break or a bite to eat is probably even more advantageous than stopping at a rest stop.
Without a guide though, it can be tough to know which exits will have an ideal stop right off the exit.
Between Albany and Buffalo, there are a number of spots where you can dismount and find a unique spot within just five minutes of the exit.
Just east of the city of Buffalo you’ll find the exit for Transit Road (Route 78), which is the regular exit for the Buffalo Airport.
Route 78 runs north and south and just north of the Thruway is a long stretch of commerce with big box stores like Starbucks and Home Depot. In that first mile north though you’ll also find a Western New York hot dog joint called Ted’s. Locals know it’s one of the best spots for a charcoal grilled hot dog and a loganberry soda. Mighty Taco is a Buffalo-based Mexican fast-food eatery intended to rival the mighty Taco Bell. Even closer to the Thruway on the southside is a newer Anchor Bar location — the famed home of the original Buffalo chicken wing. Within one mile of this exit you can stop and eat and three classic Buffalo eateries that are all locally owned and celebrated!
The next city exit is Batavia, home of the Batavia Downs race track. Most would be a bit surprised to learn that Batavia is home to some of the best Mexican fare in Western New York! Senor Leon Mexico Restaurant’s is just a couple minutes from the exit offering table service and a full bar menu. Los Compadres Mexican Taqueria is a few minutes in the other direction. This spot is more of a casual taco joint, so if you’re looking for a faster meal this will get you back on track quick.
Once you hit Seneca County, you’ve got an option at the Waterloo exit in the Del Lago Resort and Casino. This might not be a super fast stop, but their buffet might be worth spending a few extra minutes.
Further east you’ll come to Syracuse and the Thruway goes practically right through the city. For a quick bite though, consider Heid’s of Liverpool just west of the city. Heid’s is a historic drive-in style hot dog stand serving the local Hoffman brand — plus they’ve also got an ice cream stand attached!
Utica is another city that the Thruway intersects, meaning there is a lot of options right next to the exit. This is a city known for both Italian fare like Utica Greens and tomato pie, but also for having a wide-range of international cuisine.
According to The Center, a resource for refugees in the Mohawk Valley, about 60,000 residents are refugees from countries like Bosnia, Myanmar, Tobago, Ecuador and many others. The refugee population accounts for about one quarter of the total city’s population.
As a result, there are unique cafes, markets and restaurants from many places around the world. Utica is also home to O’scugnizzo Pizzeria, claiming the famed status of being the second oldest pizzeria in the entire United States. Their pizza is not only historic, but fairly unique in its composition. O’scugnizzo will place toppings like pepperoni and sauage and pepper down first, then the cheese and then the sauce.
Heading further in the direction toward Albany, you’ll run into Herkimer — made famous by its Herkimer Diamond mines. The gems aren’t actual diamonds, but the unique crystals found in the rock formations near here have gem hounds driving from hours away. They’ll tell you the best spot to eat is Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner. It’s a classic diner style menu served up in what looks like a vintage-themed diner, but the appearance is legitimate. Crazy Otto’s has been a favorite since it opened in the 1950s.
If you’re still driving and have made it to Schenectady, you find a quick and classic burger at Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In in Scotia. This historic Upstate gem started in the 1970s as an ice cream stand, but has since grown into a favorite spot for a summer meal. Their Jackburger is a specialty that locals crave all winter long. A sesame bun holds two patties, one with melted cheese and one with coleslaw, each separated by a bottom bun to create a double-decker of sorts.
Just east of Schenectady will put you in Albany — the capital of the Empire State. The Thruway goes right through the city here, so nearly every exit will give you an opportunity to find something. The Gateway Diner on Central Ave. is a solid choice for a longtime, classic menu and Greek fare.
With each exit offering something slightly different in terms of opportunity, the entire Thruway becomes somewhat of a storybook about these regions.
You’ll pass through Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, the Mohawk Valley and the Capital Region.
With a unique culture and history each their own, you’d well to explore by hopping off the thruway and not only support small, locally owned businesses, but to experience a quick glimpse at what these regions have to offer.
Chris Clemens was born, raised and still lives in Rochester. With a penchant for exploring his own backyard, he has used words and digital media to tell the stories of Upstate New York that he’s discovered on the road.