Steaks sizzling on grills, frosty mugs clinking on wooden bars. That first juicy bite of a charred burger, that salty crunch of golden fries. Nothing beats it. In Utica, these classic bar-and-grill staples aren’t just sideshows—they’re the main attraction. This is a celebration of the city’s most satisfying, no-fuss feasts, where the best meals often come with a side of draft beer and good company.
Marcy Tavern
$ | (315) 865-6090 | WEBSITE
The way we see it, ordering this duo of the Turkey Club and Nick Burger is not optional when you’re at Marcy Tavern. Generous portions of each come with crispy fries and crunchy pickles. While it’s all designed to be shared, we often don’t dare to.
Laufer’s Pub
$ | (315) 736-9840 | WEBSITE
With a golden crust and flaky interior, the buttery pretzels at this Utica institution make for the perfect starter you can nibble through the whole meal. The salt stands out like a bass line, and the dough has just enough chew to it without putting your jaw through a workout. Fish fry may be the signature of this place, but these things deserve love, too.
Beer Garden
$ | (315) 797-2131 | WEBSITE
Anything involving the grill at this Utica bar and grill is great, especially the quesadilla burger. The Beer Garden spot nails this standout dish with high-quality meat that’s juicy and flavorful, confidently bearing the weight of melted cheddar cheese and crunchy tots. There’s one per order, but you’ll want another for yourself. Avoid the intra-table envy by getting two servings, and round out the meal with something from their wide drink selection, especially when Collin is the bartender.
Mcgill’s Whiskey Tavern and Grill
$ | (315) 507-2512 | WEBSITE
Just like belting out a classic rock anthem at a dive bar, the fish fry from this Utica tavern gets the table talking. It’s enormous in size, served with creamy clam chowder soup, garlic cheese bread, wedge fries, tartar sauce, and coleslaw, enough to share between two people. A plate of this is just the right main to go with a few pints of local craft beer. We really wish this came by the bucket, though.
Babe’s
$ | (315) 735-0777 | WEBSITE
Babe’s sources their sandwiches from all over the menu, but the best are their buffalo chicken and pulled pork. These juicy sandwiches are savory and satisfying all at once. Eat these with just a side of sweet potato fries and a cold drink. And order generously, because you’re going to want to share a pizza and fries for the best value.
The Beer Hub
$ | (315) 732-4677 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of roast beef sandwiches in the city—so many that we ranked our favorites—and The Beer Hub’s reigns supreme. There’s no skimping, which means the savory flavors and tenderness headline every bite. Look forward to the triple whammy of satisfaction from the juicy meat, toasted bread, and house sauce, and don’t forget to pair it with one of Chimere’s craft beer recommendations.
The Grill at Kitlas Restaurant
$$ | (315) 732-9616 | WEBSITE
Instead of bland frozen entrees, The Grill at Kitlas serves prime rib dripping with au jus, baby back ribs glazed in tangy barbecue sauce, and haddock fried to golden perfection. Dig into a generous portion next to a couple of attentive servers and a perfectly cooked entree while contemplating how many hearty meals you could devour before your belt buckle calls you to ask about a ‘suspicious expansion.’
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
$ | (315) 733-6611 | WEBSITE
We’ve written extensively about how much we love Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub’s hand-cut fries, and have no interest in stopping any time soon. The golden, seasoned potatoes are tremendous. Life-affirming, even. And the crispy, perfectly salted exterior is even better when paired with a side of house ranch, or dipped in ketchup. Starting your meal off with these should be a Swifty’s mandate.
72 Tavern & Grill
$$ | (315) 801-7272 | WEBSITE
We could cobble together an entire meal from the appetizers at 72 Tavern & Grill and leave completely satisfied. If you’re inspired to go full comfort food at this Utica bar and grill, be sure that the fried fish dinner and Buffalo chicken wing pizza are on the table. The crispy fish is drenched in a thick layer of tangy tartar sauce, and the pizza is topped off with blue cheese for a hefty kick.
One Genny
$$ | (315) 724-3669 | WEBSITE
At this Utica bar and grill, the poutine arrives with a rich gravy, is generously topped with fresh cheese curds, and gets served with enough crispy fries to make you reconsider your appetite. And while you could theoretically share this mountain of comfort food, you’re going to want it all for yourself.
The Bunker New Hartford
$$ | (315) 864-3108 | WEBSITE
With appetizers this good, you don’t just serve them as starters, you build the whole damn reputation around them. Choose from incredibly delicious wings, nachos, and sliders prepared with the care of some sort of flavor architect. Between the food and the layers of sauces, cheeses, and seasonings, your friends will likely fork-joust for any remaining scraps.
Prop’s Inn
$ | (315) 797-9806 | WEBSITE
Cozy, welcoming, and steeped in local history, this tavern will make you wonder why you’d ever go anywhere else for a casual meal in Utica (though you should definitely try their daily specials, too). The bar area offers good food and drinks at fair prices, with service so fast and friendly you could almost miss it, but the far better approach is just to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere.
Stockdale’s Bar and Grill
$$ | (315) 316-0419 | WEBSITE
This classic small-town bar has been serving some of the best hamburgers in Utica with an impressive selection of hard-to-find beers. The burgers are juicy, perfectly seasoned, and surprisingly satisfying even for a seasoned New York City resident. Grab a seat at the bar and chat with the cool bartender before diving into those excellent fries and pretzel-type bread.
The Famous 727 Bar at Venice Pizzeria
$ | (315) 736-7220 | WEBSITE
Crispy, cheesy, savory, and satisfying. The New York-style pizza from The Famous 727 Bar at Venice Pizzeria in Utica will have you thinking, “Maybe one more slice” before realizing you’ve already finished the entire pie. The sun-drenched front booths at this cozy spot are worth it for these pies alone. Just remember to call ahead, since their phone service can be spotty.