Upstate New York is kind of having a moment right now—and we’re all for it.
Stealing the summer spotlight one small town at a time, these summer getaways are just the escape NYC dwellers didn’t know they needed.
From Narrowsburg, NY being named to one of the best to visit this summer to Skaneateles being named most beautiful lake town in NY, it’s becoming even more noticeable that these spots are true hidden gems.
We today focus on one Upstate town that just earned itself a seriously tasty reason to visit, especially if you’re planning a summer foodie road trip.
Say hello to Oneonta, New York, which was just named one of the world’s best food destinations for summer 2025, according to Airbnb.
Nestled in the Northern Catskills, Oneonta has quietly built a reputation for its farm-to-table restaurants, locally brewed beers, and a growing community of creative chefs.
Long known as a laid-back college town with baseball roots, it’s now drawing attention from culinary travelers across the country.
It’s just a 3.5–4 hour drive from NYC, making it the perfect weekend getaway for anyone craving authentic eats, craft brews, and a taste of rural New York’s best.
And while it may be small, the flavors are anything but.
Where to eat and drink in Oneonta, NY
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just passing through, Oneonta’s food scene is bursting with local flavor, inventive menus, and welcoming vibes. Here are three standout spots you can’t miss:
Muddy River Farm Brewery
Craft beer lovers, rejoice!
Muddy River Farm Brewery is a standout, offering a true farm-to-glass experience year-round on the city’s west end.
This brewery stands out for its small-batch beers brewed with locally grown ingredients, including hops grown right in Delaware County.
Sip on everything from crisp lagers to creative seasonal ales in their relaxed, rustic taproom and scenic outdoor space. Perfect for the summer time, you can try out a rotating menu of craft beers, sample flights, and even enjoy food from Ty’s Taco-Ria.
Muddy River Farm’s dedication to excellence pours is exactly why people are flocking in to try out these pints.
Where: West Gate Plaza, 107 Winney Hill Rd Suite #1, Oneonta, NY
Autumn Café
Airbnb’s criteria for collection mentions “a diverse array of dining options, with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients” and that’s exactly what Autumn Café is.
The beloved restaurant is a pioneer in the farm-to-table dining industry, focusing on utilizing the region’s local produce to create vegetarian dishes and house-made desserts.
It’s been around since 1980, serving world-class food that includes everything from French toast sandwiches to Brumese curry to Hamburgers to pork dumplings with kimchi.
Pro tip: During the summer they have a rooftop with live music.
Where: 244 Main St, Oneonta, NY
Sloan’s New York Grill
Sloan’s New York Grill is the go-to for hearty, locally sourced comfort food. The restaurant prides itself on using New York State meats butchered in-house and fresh, hand-selected produce from area farms, which not only ensures peak freshness and quality but also supports local agriculture and producers.
The menu at Sloan’s is a farm-to-table showcase of American comfort food with an Upstate twist: think smoked wings with house-made blue cheese, a show-stopping tomahawk ribeye, brisket and pulled pork smoked on-site, and classic sides like onion rings and coleslaw.
Not to mention the robust selection of New York craft beers and wines from local breweries.
Where: 337 Chestnut St, Oneonta, NY