As Father’s Day approaches, you’re probably wondering what to do to celebrate dad this year and show your appreciation for all he does for the family. Many families choose to attend events, such as baseball games or car shows. Instead of fighting through crowds and buying expensive fast food, how about going out locally for drinks and a nourishing meal? Father’s Day can be more relaxing, and the family will enjoy trying somewhere new to eat.
From breakfast to dinner, steak to seafood, and American to Vietnamese cuisine, here are the best restaurants Wilkins RV compiled to celebrate this Father’s Day near Utica, New York.
Aqua Vino Restaurant
Aqua Vino Restaurant is an American-Italian kitchen with many delicious entrees and is known for its cheerful, friendly staff. Bring dad for a hearty Father’s Day lunch or dinner.
Customers love the Shrimp and Crab Bisque. The Chicken Riggies are another customer favorite: boneless chicken sauteed with hot cherry and green bell peppers, served on rigatoni and covered with a creamy tomato sauce.
If you go for dinner, start with a special appetizer, such as Aqua Vino’s famous fried meatballs. The dinner menu has a variety of soups and salads along with fresh entrees that will satisfy any cravings. Dad can choose from dishes such as rack of lamb, salmon, ahi tuna, and chicken parmesan. Aqua Vino features a large selection of beef from its farm, such as filet mignon or ribeye. You might want to go all out for Father’s Day and try the incomparable Tomahawk, a tender, juicy steak perfect for special occasions like this.
Location: 8655 Clinton St., New Hartford.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Craylee’s
If your dad is more of a breakfast guy, you may choose instead to visit the family-owned Craylee’s, where you can enjoy some of the best eggs Benedict in the area. The friendly ambiance and traditional foods make this a local favorite dining destination. The diner serves American cuisine and is open for breakfast and lunch. Craylee’s serves breakfast all day, so you don’t have to be an early riser to sample those eggs Benedict.
The breakfast menu features traditional egg combinations, giambotta (vegetable stew), skillets, omelets, and frittatas. You can also get French toast, pancakes, or waffles. Craylee’s has a tasty selection of breakfast sandwiches, such as the Wafflewich, layering eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, and cheese between two waffles.
If you order lunch instead, you can get a juicy burger or classic sandwiches, such as a Downtown Philly, a Reuben, a grilled ham and cheese, or a wrap. Enticing dishes and generous portion sizes make Craylee’s an excellent choice for hungry families on Father’s Day.
Location: 237 Bleecker St., Utica.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
If your father prefers steak or Italian cuisine, Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse is the place to go. The Italian-themed decor and music set the mood for a relaxing dining experience.
The highlight dish is the restaurant’s signature Delmonico steak, a colossal 24 oz, certified Angus beef, center-cut ribeye served with penne marinara. Other steak choices include filets, bone-in pork chops, and New York strip. Other meats, such as chicken and veal, are also available.
On the Italian side, Delmonico’s prepares authentic dishes, such as ravioli, lasagna, tortellini, and pasta combinations. The expansive menu also features a variety of seafood, such as salmon, shrimp scampi, and linguine with clam sauce.
After your meal, celebrate dad with a delicious dessert, such as homemade cannoli, tiramisu, or amaretto cheesecake.
Location: 147 N. Genesee St., Utica.
Hours: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Nail Creek Pub & Brewery
Head to Nail Creek Pub & Brewery if your loved one would prefer a burger and a beer. The establishment offers lunch and dinner and has a rotating selection of 12 local craft beers and international favorites, plus a full bar. There’s also a large selection of unique wines and dozens of different bottled beers.
This comfortable, casual pub will make you feel content as you relax with a tasty meal, refreshing beverage, and great company. The burgers are outstanding and come from locally pastured organic beef.
Sunday brunch has options such as an outstanding Elote Benedict. The Elote Benedict is made with Mexican street corn, pork carnitas, queso fresco, and poached eggs on an English muffin and topped with chipotle hollandaise.
Location: 720 Varick St., Utica.
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Pho Vietnam
If your family enjoys pho, the Vietnamese soup containing noodles and thinly sliced meat, Pho Vietnam in New Hartford has a reputation for having the best pho in the area. Pho Vietnam offers authentic Vietnamese dishes, including appetizers, pho and other soups, rice dishes, and noodle bowls. You can also get house specialties, such as red curry or stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables.
When you eat at Pho Vietnam, try the restaurant’s bubble tea, which comes in many unique flavors, such as avocado, mango, kiwi, or guava.
Location: 4479 Commercial Drive, New Hartford.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Zeina’s Cafe and Catering Restaurant
Zeina’s Cafe and Catering Restaurant serves Lebanese-style Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy casual dining with dad as you eat delicious fresh-made Middle Eastern dishes, such as falafel, hummus, and chicken shawarma. Family-owned, Albert and Leyla Zeina’s cheerful hospitality make this restaurant feel like home as they interact with dining guests.
Start with strong Turkish coffee. Be sure to try the homemade hummus, a recipe passed through the family for generations. The family might also enjoy one of the various gyros made with fresh pita bread. The menu also features specialties, such as veggie or meat kabobs and grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice and ground beef.
Location: 607 Varick St., Utica.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
There’s our list of some of the best eateries to take dad for Father’s Day this year. We hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day and try one of the suggested restaurants. If you do, let us know what you think of our recommendations.
