Tl,dr: do yourself a favor and GO EAT HERE. PRONTO.
We stopped in on a Saturday at 4pm for my FIL's birthday. I now know that this unassuming restaurant has some of the friendliest staff and best prepared food in the Utica area. I can't wait to go back.
With a full roster of reservations scheduled for their dining room, the four of us walked in and slotted up at the bar for dinner with front row seats to the action in the kitchen. First up: spicy and flavorful Utica greens covered in a healthy sprinkling of cheese. Would order again.
After chatting with the owner, we ordered two scallop pasta dishes, a steak sandwich, and chicken Parm (which they were kind enough to make with fra diavolo sauce for my spice lord husband).
EVERYTHING was impeccable, and I was honestly tempted to pick up my plate and lick it clean - that's how good the seared scallops over linguine were. Pasta was cooked perfectly, the sauce was light, well seasoned and well balanced (and not actually on their menu, so bonus points for being willing and able to pull that out on the fly!).
In and out in about an hour, though we never felt rushed. We're looking forward to trying more apps and staying for an espresso and dessert next time! read more