On the west side of Rochester, New York, is a quaint village where I grew up called Spencerport. It runs along the Erie Canal. Check out the Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum, which also serves as a visitors center.
Spencerport is an important stop on the Western NY stretch of the Erie Canal. In July, they host Spencerport Canal Days. This festival is filled with food, arts and craft vendors, a car show, entertainment, and shops to enjoy and explore.
You will see people walking and biking on the Erie Canal bike trail. Bring your bike, buy a bike, or get your bicycle repaired at Sugar’s Bike Shop. I am still pedaling around on the beautiful blue bicycle I bought there. After biking or walking around, you are sure to be hungry. Here are restaurant recommendations for any season.
The Seven Best Restaurants in Spencerport NY
Bad Apples Bistro
42 Nichols Street, Suite 4, Spencerport, NY 14559 // 585-352-2231
Executive Chef Christopher Kisiel took a bold step when he opened Bad Apples Bistro on the west side of Rochester. It’s refreshing to have an upscale bistro with a family feel on this side of town – at the same time a great find amongst the restaurants in Spencerport NY.
Since I grew up in Spencerport, NY, it brought back fond memories and the chance to make new ones once I discovered this quaint, comfortable bistro. It was an unusually warm fall day when I dined at Bad Apples Bistro with my son and dear daughter-in-law. We enjoyed sitting at an outside patio table. My son’s early birthday celebration here proved to be the perfect gift. Music played over the outside speakers, the superb service with a smile, and our choice of menu items made for a memorable experience.
The menu lists classic dishes with an interesting twist. Seasonal flavors are served with a unique flair in this charming, casual atmosphere.
You’ll feel like you’ve traveled the world looking at the wine list. Quench your thirst with a glass of Beau Rivage Bordeaux Blanc from Bordeaux, France. Perhaps you prefer Stella Moscato d’Italia from Sicily. You will find other wines from Germany, Argentina, Chile, California, and our local Finger Lakes region. May I offer you a glass of Forge Cellars Dry Riesling from Seneca Lake? As for me, I’ll take the Moscato. Cheers.
The tables are delicately decorated with fine dinnerware and silverware. The clear water tastes refreshing from the crystal glasses. It’s time to order.
The Beet and Apple Salad has roasted heirloom beets marinated and served with chevre cheese, wilted spinach, and warm bacon vinaigrette topped with green apple slaw.
My daughter-in-law, Stefanie, shared some bites of her Wild Berry Salmon. It was an artful display of pan-seared Norwegian salmon fillet served with caramelized fingerling potatoes, topped with chipotle/mixed wild berry jam.
My son, Joseph, opted for the Venison Meatloaf made with ground venison and caramelized onion loaf wrapped in bacon. It was slathered in blackberry BBQ ketchup and served with bleu cheese mashed potatoes. I enjoyed a taste of his meal too.
I knew I couldn’t go wrong with Filet Mignon. A center-cut choice filet mignon was grilled to my liking. It was served over roasted garlic mashed potatoes with caramelized Brussels sprouts and finished with cabernet demi-glace.
Now for dessert. The Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla bean ice cream was my favorite. Seasonal Fruit Crisp with house-made ice cream was a close second. You are sure to find a fabulous finish to your meal at this superb eatery and one of the best restaurants in Spencerport NY. Add a cup of coffee or Espresso. Magnifique.
Mangia Mangia
2273 South Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559 // 585-352-7782
Mangia Mangia is the place to go for Italian American food in Spencerport.
This full-service restaurant and catering service in Spencerport, NY, offers farm-fresh ingredients and made-to-order dishes. Get a gourmet breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Fresh bread is made daily, and they have plenty of wonderful homemade desserts.
In addition to appetizers and salads, there is a variety of sandwiches and burgers. Wings and pizza are also on the menu.
Fish frys are served daily, which is hard to find anywhere else.
Look at these Italian favorites. Chicken French is made with egg-battered chicken in a lemon butter wine sauce served over your choice of pasta. The Pasta and Meatball dish comes with your choice of penne, rigatoni, angel hair, linguine, gnocchi, or spaghetti and red sauce topped with a meatball.
Ravioli is a cheesy choice. You get three jumbo pasta pillows filled with fresh ricotta cheese, and one homemade meatball smothered in sauce.
Take a Tour of Italy in this Spencerport restaurant. This includes eggplant Parmesan, chicken Parmesan, a stuffed shell, ravioli, and a meatball. If you like variety, this is the dish for you.
Texas BBQ Joint
122 South Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559 // 585-476-3179
This Spencerport restaurant will give you a taste of the Lone Star State when you eat at Texas BBQ Joint. Saddle up, Cowboy. Step up to the counter, place your order, and grab a booth. You’ll find soup you ladle yourself in the back corner.
Here is home to the Famous Outlaw Potato, filled with butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, chives, and a heaping pile of meat on top. You can pick pulled pork, chopped brisket, or BBQ pulled chicken. Or, if you rather, there is a Cowgirl Potato with butter only.
The Baby Back Ribs are lip-smacking good. Get a Family Meal Deal that includes ½ rack of ribs, ½ chicken, 1 pound of meat, 4 regular sides, cornbread, and a jar of BBQ sauce.
Round up a Wrangler Platter with one choice of meat, two sides, and a cornbread muffin. The cornbread is sweet and delicious, as is the bread pudding for dessert.
Settle in and enjoy. When you’ve had your fill, tip your hat, leave with a smile, and stroll down to the canal.
Union Street Coffee House
123 South Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559 // 585-617-4912
Serving beverages beyond coffee, this cute café has a wide variety of hot and iced drinks. Look at the latte and smoothie list. They work with local roasters to make the best quality coffee and tea.
Stick around for some sweet and savory food options. Try a breakfast wrap, sandwich, or bagel.
Breakfast and lunch are served all day. The Sweet & Sassy Chicken Sandwich is my favorite. Other choices include a Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap (or Panini) or Greek Chicken Salad, just to name a few.
Treat yourself to a Biscotti to dunk in your coffee. Even better, get their Award-Winning Baklava with crispy layers of filo dough, walnuts, honey, and special syrup. Ask them to warm it up, and it will melt in your mouth. For the best in sandwiches and salads, make sure to drop into this find amongst the restaurants in Spencerport NY.
Johnny D’s
2139 North Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559 // 585-617-3430
The American family Spencerport restaurant serves all your favorites. The warm and welcoming atmosphere provides fresh food and fast service.
This is farm country, so why not order the Farmer’s Wrap with eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, cheddar cheese, and hollandaise sauce? The #1 Plate is a hearty choice with two eggs, two pancakes, two bacon or sausage, and home fries. Pig out on the Down on the Farm Omelette with bacon, sausage, ham, onion, peppers, tomato, and cheddar.
It’s lunchtime. Lunch options are gyros, wraps, paninis, burgers, and more. The Johnny D Burger is a 1/3 pound burger, with bacon, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and mayo. The Sky Burger and Western Burger are also flavorful.
Clubs and hot sandwiches, and much more are waiting for you when you walk through the door. Experience this delightful diner when you visit the village and this gem amongst the restaurants in Spencerport NY.
Slayton Place
26 Slayton Avenue, Spencerport, NY 14559 // 585-352-0260
Affordable, delicious food is sure to please your palate and your wallet. This family enjoys cooking for your family. Come hungry. Slayton Place is one of the best restaurants in Spencerport NY.
Belgian Waffles for breakfast are the best. More waffle options are Cinnamon Waffles or Banana-Pecan Waffles.
Blueberry Pancakes are my choice. They have delectable French Toast and Omelettes as well. There are specialties and combos galore.
Get cozy, grab your spoon, and enjoy the Clam Chowder soup. Then pick up your fork and dig into the Cobb Salad. Or go right for the Chicken and Biscuits or Meatloaf. It reminds me of meals my mom made.
Spice it up with a Blazin’ Tom grilled roast beef topped with provolone cheese, jalapenos, mushrooms, and meat hot sauce on a grilled hard roll. I usually order the Patty Melt.
Hot dogs and hot sandwiches. Yes, those are also available.
Let’s dive into dinner. The specials are a smart way to go. You can choose seafood, beef, poultry, or pasta for dinner.
Have you ever had a Fried Banana Sundae for dessert? You can get one at Slayton’s Place. Try the all-American food at this gem and one of the best restaurants in Spencerport NY.
Grandpa Sam’s Italian Kitchen
138 South Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559 // 585-349-7267
The Alonci family will ensure that you are well-fed. They will share their favorite family traditions. Enjoy their authentic Italian food and an extensive list of wine, beer, and cocktails at this highly-rated eatery amongst the restaurants in Spencerport NY.
Top-rated pasta and rich sauces will enrich your eating experience. You can purchase a jar of homemade Marinara or French Sauce to take home.
House specialties include Grandpa’s Sampler with chicken Parmigiano, cheese mugliulati, spaghetti marinara, and meatballs. And everyone raves about the Lasagna.
Did someone say steak? Yes, please. Get Grandpa’s Steak of the Day served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of either baked potato or pasta. That is the best of both worlds.
Dessert is to die for. The two that excite me are Tiramisu and the Chocolate Truffle, a Zabaione cream center surrounded by chocolate gelato, caramelized hazelnuts, and cocoa powder. Explore more in dessert heaven with a piece of Cheesecake or Cannoli Cake. Wow.
Restaurants In Spencerport NY: Wrap Up
Explore more of the restaurants in Spencerport NY, while you’re in the area. Enjoy the canal or drive to Pineway Ponds Park nearby. Springdale Farm is fun for animal and nature lovers. There are trails and a playground. I took my kids there when they were young. It’s for the young at heart too. I still stop in now and then. Be sure to say hello to Ricky, the pig.
Visiting other destinations in the region? Check out our other delicious guides:
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- 10 Must-Try Jersey City Restaurants
- 10 Must-Try Restaurants In Rochester NY
- 5 Best Restaurants in LeRoy, New York
- 7 Must-Try Batavia Restaurants
- The 7 Best East Tremont Restaurants
- 10 Must-Try Saratoga Springs Restaurants
