The food was always outstanding. However the Trackside is now closed forever. It no longer exists read more

Very good lunch. I tried the eggplant sandwich. Just perfect. Even the roll was great. Their soup was well prepared. Coffee was good, a little weak brewed for me. I asked if the fries were handmade. Waitress said yes, but when I got them they were the coated ( frozen) variety. I will gladly return. Probably order the homemade chips next time. The station is a magnificent building with profound history. Good service too. read more

Had dinner there and the service was shockingly bad. The menu was short, much shorter than the online menu. That made sense when we saw other tables being shown a board with lots of specials. Too bad our waitress never mentioned specials when we ordered. We were served bread with no bread plates. I had to get up and find a busgirl to get us some plates. Courses took ages to arrive. We barely saw our waitress during the meal. We ended up grabbing the busgirl so many times for help that we ended up tipping her when we left as well. At this price point, service shouldn't be this bad. This is a management problem, it's not servers' fault if they haven't been properly trained. Nice looking room in a historic location. Too bad the ball has been dropped in so many areas. When you go into a bathroom and there's an empty toilet paper roll and a nearly gone one sitting on the back of the toilet it sends a message - more like a frat house than a nice restaurant. Won't be back. read more

Went to Our favorite restaurant in town for the valentine's dinner. Food rarely disappoints us there. The coconut shrimp was super: huge shrimps butterflied and dipped into coconut batter, then fried to almost perfection as you don't taste greasy. It was great flavor in its own as the shrimp and batter was savory while the sweet coconut flakes gave the sweetness needed to push it to next level. My haddock en croute was almost excellent: full of flavor, fish was tender with plenty of tasty sauce. The layer was complex and each of them has its flavor to compromise each other: savory puff pastry with roasted red pepper layer over spinach, all on top of the haddock. Rice was cooked well and sucked in all the flavors. I enjoyed my meal very much. His Italian platter with chicken Parmesan was still his favorite. I think the chef(s) at trackside really know how to play with flavors and cook them into perfection. The chocolate lava cake was warm and rich - good but somehow not to our liking tonight. I feel instead whipped cream, paired with ice cream may be better as the whipped cream was not enough to balance the thick texture and chocolate flavor. There are also areas needed improvement: the service!! When we were there it was not that busy. From the very beginning we felt they are understaffed: waited forever to get the waitress to serve in every round, they messed up his order first, we never got our salad or lemon sorbet... well, the good thing is they admitted it and took of the drink as an apology. So far, still the restaurant on top of our list. #thisisutica #italianrestaurant #uticany #uticastation #uticafood #uticarestaurants read more

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I've been going to Trackside for 30 years. The new location across the street in the beautiful train station. It is a must see from the era of Grand Central style stations. I'm told the long time cook is now the owner. Food great as always, had the Osso Bucco, Utica Greens and crab cakes. Menu appears slimmed down and the waits were longer, I think the staff is short like everywhere else and the staff there was hard working, doing their best. Make sure you take this into account wherever you go, the staff that is choosing to WORK, and not sit home, deserve your understanding. read more

Trackside is my favorite the food is delicious we love Easter brunch and the service is excellent and it is so elegant thank you trackside

First server completely ignored us after seating us. Second server asked us why were we sitting at a table without waiting for it. We were the only non-white diners and felt pretty much at the bottom of the pecking order. We stuck around to see if that changed. Did marginally, food wasn't that great - it was clearly a mistake that we went there. Don't recommend read more

Fish is cooked to perfection. Wonderful place, atmosphere is great. The owners are wonderful........ the food was more than wonderful.. The perfectly fried fish came with cole slaw, excellent and macaroni salad with Tuna. Just wonderful, and the french fries were flavored with no less than perfection. So great!!!!!! I just love train stations and it made the dinning over the top for me. read more

The Trackside Restaurant - Macaroni salad with tuna excellent , coke slaw sooooo refreshing. The people her are great - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Utica, New York

This is a wonderful place located in the train station in Utica. The food is very fresh and very good. This is a great place for two or a group. Music is great and the bar is very comfortable. Enjoy! read more

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The best restaurant between Buffalo and NYC!! A real gem in Utica. They have the very best Fish Fry I've ever had. Never greasy, always crisp and delicious. It's served with fries, Cole slaw, tuna Mac and of course with their Treasure Salad. We have even driven from Buffalo to Utica on a Friday just to get the perfect fish fry. We have also been there on other days to enjoy their other menu items. Their Chicken parm is another great dish as is their Lobster, shrimp with crabmeat special. Burgers are always done to perfection. It is located in the beautiful Amtrak Station in downtown Utica. Be sure to stop for a great meal! read more

I was visiting Utica from out of town and had dinner at Trackside, which provided one of the best dining experiences I've ever had! From the second we walked in, the staff was incredibly friendly and attentive and every single person we interacted with was absolutely lovely. Their menu balances classic with uniquely creative, the food is BEAUTIFULLY plated, and the quality is unbelievably delicious and well thought out! The treasure salad is by far the absolute best salad I've ever had - and it tasted as incredible as it looked (which was absolutely stunning)! We were able to sit on the patio on a beautiful day, and even watch a train go by! Not only was their food beyond delicious, the atmosphere is gorgeous, and I felt like I was transported to a different time in history. I'm often overwhelmed because I'm so busy, but Trackside made me feel like I was living in a simpler, more pure time with fewer distractions and I appreciated the opportunity to truly relax. As I dined, I thought of how many people came through the station, including my ancestors, who made Utica their home in search of a better life. In that moment, I felt connected to humanity and history while being incredibly grateful to be dining in a place with so much history. Trackside provided such a wonderful and refreshing dining experience with friendly people, fresh, delicious food, and a gorgeous interior! Trackside is a unique and amazing dining experience, anyone visiting or currently in Utica HAS to try them because you're missing out on an amazing experience if you don't. read more

Worst experience ever. I'm usually not over critical of restaurants. I understand they have good days and bad days but this was inexcusable. We had reservations for 8 people to celebrate a family members birthday. The restaurant was busy but not all the tables were filled. Waitress had a scowal on her face the entire time. Not the least bit friendly. Plates were not served to each guest but rather placed on the corner of the table for us to pass out. Meals came out 1 at a time at 10 minute intervals. Not sure how that happened. One of our relatives got the special beer battered fish fry. She attempted to share but the minute she broke the crust you could smell a terrible fishy odor. Needless to say she couldn't eat because it tasted so bad. The next two dinners that came out were cavatelli. They were basically uncooked. One was redone the other was removed from the bill. My wife's salmon was murdered because it was so overcooked. By the time the last 2 were served everyone else was done. The coffee tasted like colored water. I guess it was such a terrible experience I could never recommend Trackside to anyone. read more

Definitely a beautiful train station and a pretty restaurant. We decided to have lunch here on Monday because my daughter was taking the train to Buffalo. We arrived around 1:30pm and could not figure out where to go for to be seated. Once seated it took a bit to get service. My mother ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich, my daughter, macaroni and cheese, and I ordered the mushroom Swiss burger MEDIUM WELL. My burger arrived rare to medium rare. I asked to have it cooked up. I only had time to eat half the burger because the train was scheduled to arrive. About 2 hours after I became very sick with food poisoning. Thank goodness my mother and daughter had not shared the burger with me! I will not return to this restaurant and do not suggest it. Sorry! read more

Went out to eat here while staying in Utica during Baseball Hall of Fame weekend. The food was fantastic! Server amazing! And setting is just gorgeous in old restored train station from early 1900s. read more

Signed up to Yelp just to review this restaurant. After a change in ownership in November 2012, the Trackside Restaurant (formerly the Blue Flag Room) inside Utica's Union Station provided a fantastic meal for my fiancee, my mother, and me. Regina has an absolutely amazing personality, and not only offered her advice on things from decorations to her own personal favorites on the menu, but also gave us a little bit of the history of a very unique restaurant that has been open since 1914. The head chef, Rich Goodman, presented a fantastic meal. I personally ordered the Chicken Lucia (a fantastic recommendation from Regina), and the meal did not disappoint. My only (minor) critique was that there was perhaps a bit too much sauce, but it's a small qualm from an otherwise flawless meal. I'll definitely be going back to the Trackside again. read more

Twenty of us ate there last night. The service was top notch. The waitress was very professional and worked very hard the entire evening. This was the best tasting food I had since we have been coming to Utica. Definately the place to eat in Utica. read more

Brought a tour group of 36 for supper before boarding our train.All enjoyed the service as well as the meal. Excellent place to dine.

Service was absolutely delightful -- friendly, helpful, and available (but not annoyingly hovering). You aren't going to find a better atmosphere in the area... it's a beautiful, interesting space to dine to say the least. I can't recommend their desserts enough either. Both the peanut butter cheesecake and orange creamsicle cake were to absolute die for. My cosmo was perfect too. I'm only giving this a four, not five stars though because my NY strip was unfortunately rubbery (the sides and included salad and palate cleanser were all great, so it wasn't a total bust). The mains the rest of my table had, however, were well enjoyed by them, no complaints. Will definitely be back, just will probably not order the steak. read more

This is my wife and I first time here and it won't be the last! The food is fantastic! I had the Osso Buca, one of the best I have ever tasted. The atmosphere was great and our waiter was very attentive. I highly recommend this restaurant! It deserves more than 5 stars. read more

Will never go again! We went to this restaurant to celebrate my mother and step fathers birthday. The prices and menu were different from what was posted on the website, when I asked why it was so different I was told the menu changes every 3 months my response was that the website should show these changes. We waited over an hour for bread to even be put on the table. My mother spoke to the manager, who's appearance looked as if she had rolled out of bed and came to work, she told my mother that her meal and my step fathers meals would be taken off the bill. When the check came the meals were still there, I spoke with the manager who said the owner told her she could not take the meals off but neglected to let us know. I spoke with the owner who told me the meals would be taken off, and when the new check came the meals again were still there. The manager has terrible people skills and was not presentable for an "upscale" restaurant. We overpaid and were underwhelmed with the restaurant. I would give a negative score if I could. read more

Happy taste buds and great service. Meal included delicious parmesan bread, a unique house salad and lemon sorbet. House made pasta was most excellent. I've eaten at places with double the prices and half the quality. Trackside is well worth a visit, or two, or three... read more

Stopped here for a late lunch, the place had one other table going, should have told us to be aware. The food was slow in coming, the chicken sandwich I ordered was deep fried (this was not on the menu as such,) my daughter got very sick (3 days worth) from her burger which had to be sent back. The waitress had plenty of time to talk to the other table, but did not get our order right, nor did she bring us water on a timely basis (like when the glasses are empty...) when the bill came, none of us ate our whole meals, she did not ask if there was a problem and she charged $6.00 for our drinks. When we questioned the $6 charge, she said oh that is for your drinks.... we said Water? if we had not read the bill well, we would have paid for water from the tap. I will not return, nor would I suggest anyone else go here. read more

Six of us went for dinner last night. It took a while to find the hostess so we went to the bar. The bartender had trouble getting beer orders straight. After sitting at the table for 15-20 minutes I finally asked the hostess to send over a waitress. We ordered and it took another 20-25 minutes, as well as our asking , to get any food. We had to ask for bread as well as water refills. 4 of us enjoyed the food but the 2 who order pasta did not like their dishes. The restaurant seems to suffer from bring understaffed. There were no bus boys to clear our plates and we had to ask for that to be done as well as for coffee. The atmosphere is that of of a low level banquet hall set in a lovely old train station that is not well highlighted. I would not recommend this place and would not return. read more

A no brainer for dinner or a May 5th Wedding and Reception. From start to finish Cheryl was on point. Pricing was great. (No fees for this or that like other places.) Venue was beautiful. Service was timely, courteous and professional. Food was excellent. They helped both set up decorations and take them down when finished. Have to say every member of serving staff were on top their game. I'd even say that they were enjoying the event as much as we were. Especially Rafaele ... the point man of the whole evening. TY sir. Can't recommend this place enough. Thank you all. We'll see you for dinner very soon. read more

Very good food, Blackened tuna was sweet and excellent and featured 2 large spicy shrimp in a hotter sauce on the other side of the plate. Greens were top notch. The salad was fruity, but not overly sweet or wet, very well balanced. They served a lemon sorbet as a palate cleanser, which was a nice touch. The only reason I gave 4 stars was the service was just a little off. Not terrible, but we had to grab someone from the kitchen to get seated, and we were a bit rushed to order. The food was so good though, that I didn't mind the hiccup. If the timing was tweaked a bit, it would be a perfect dining experience. It was reasonably priced, so all in all, a very nice place to go eat. read more

First time here was for a wedding rehearsal dinner and I was blown away. The ambiance is amazing and the food is just as good. First course was bread and salad. The Caesar was spectacular and I was pleasantly surprised by the other salad option that consisted of grapes, oranges, strawberries, and what I first thought was cheese but turned out to be shredded coconut. I don't even like coconut but it was perfect with the salad. The main course of chicken, Riggies, and Utica greens was also spectacular. A few people at the table had never had Utica Greens and Riggies and absolutely loved them. I will have to make a point to try and stop in here next time I'm in town! read more

We were just lucky enough to attend a beautiful wedding at The Trackside. The ambiance was beautiful and the food was delicious! Even their salads were elaborate and delicious. No iceberg with a sad lonely tomato here. There were oranges and grapes and all sorts of nuts and delicious field greens. The staff was attentive and I even heard a waitress go check with the kitchen to find out if the dressing was gluten free for another guest. She came right back with the answer (it's not- FYI.) everything we tasted was delicious and the staff were wonderful too. I highly recommend it! read more

By far the best restraunt in utica..service is great and food is impecable...and if your lucky enough to get rafeale as your waiter you will be lucky.. read more

I was willing to givw this place much more than the 2 stars. The salad was excellent and the service fine. But.. Upon recieveing my bill I s that our table was described on the bill as "Old Lady and Guest." Do you really think my wife will want to go back there?? read more

I had dinner at the Trackside last night. This was my first visit but will not be my last. It's great if a restaurant has a unique and interesting atmosphere but it don't mean a thing if it ain't got great food! This place has both. We started out with the Greens appetizer accompanied by chunks of fresh in-house baked bread. Excellent. I had the Fish Fry and the others in my party ordered Veal Oscar and Chicken Riggies. All three entrees were fabulous, with loads of taste, fresh and light. The crisp house salad had mandarin oranges, walnuts and a champagne dressing. It was perfect. Such a nice departure from the norm. A wonderful lemon sorbet palate cleanser came before the entrees. The chef /owners Rich and Regina came over to our table to personally ask how our meals were and to thank us for our business. This is what you're supposed to do when you own a business, unfortunately few entrepreneurs do. These folks got it right. I can't say enough good things about the Trackside. Check it out. It's a fun and historic location, in Union Station, downtown. Utica has it's share of excellent, locally owned restaurants and this is a fantastic addition. Who the heck needs Olive Garden? read more