Note: This post has been updated on 7/02/2025 to reflect updated information on local dining.
There are many things I love about Potsdam. This gem of a town really grows on you. The beautiful views of the Raquette river, the kind people with their perpetually genuine smiles, and the proximity of thousands of college students. While it is a town not short on charm, the thriving food scene is a highlight! For every occasion, every need, and every craving, there is one (or more) of the over 40 restaurants and cafés to cater to you. Potsdam’s downtown area is carried by its specialty shops and top quality restaurants. These spots are customer forward and provide vegetarian/vegan and gluten free options to give everyone a great experience. It may be a small town, but the food packs big flavor!
In this guide, I will introduce you to some of our incredible food options, most of them within walking distance of campus, and all of them with food you will crave even when you are home for breaks.
Best for Brunch — Jake’s on the Water, 5726 NY-56.
Student Endorsement: It was beautiful. The drinks were good, the food was really great. Some of the best pizza I have ever had too! – Josie C.
Jake’s is a restaurant that overlooks the scenic Hannawa Pond. The menu changes by the season and their ingredients are fresh, quality and locally sourced. The outdoor waterfront seating is a space to relax and take in the beautiful scenery the North Country is known for.
Best Burgers — Hoof & Horn Butcher and Eatery, 32 market St.
Student Endorsement: This sandwich (bulgogi beefer) was phenomenal! – Paige B.
Bulgogi Beef: Braised beef, Korean BBQ sauce, toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, kimchi, Sriracha aioli, toasted ciabatta baguette, made with care, secret ingredient is love, etc.
This is a meat lover’s paradise. They also have amazing vegetarian and gluten free options. So really, it is everyone’s paradise. I won’t say too much. The food speaks for itself.
Best Crepes — Old Market Coffee, 1/2 Main St.
Student Endorsement: It doesn’t matter what you get, it will be the most delicious crepe you’ve ever had – Dani G.
Smoothies: so so good!
Sweet and savory crepes: the best!
Espresso: The “don’t talk to me before I have had my morning coffee” people are unanimous that this is the best coffee!
You: go there as soon as you can!
Best View — Cactus Grill and Cantina, 11 Raymond St.
Special Highlight: Great Tex-Mex and large portion sizes.
Stepping inside the Cantina, with its high ceilings and colorful murals, immediately passes the vibe check. Some people might say the margaritas are what they go here for, but don’t let that fool you. The cantina has got something special up its sleeve. It boasts an outdoor patio seating overlooking the Raquette River AND a rooftop dining area overlooking all of Potsdam!
Best Fine Dining — Maxfield’s, 15 Market St.
Student Endorsement: Banging truffle fries! – Grace W.
This spot is part sit down restaurant, part bar and it does well at both things. The Friday evening happy hour (21 and over) is accompanied by talented local musicians. It also transforms well into a chill hangout spot, with darts and other lounge games to relax with friends or family.
Best Buffet — Asian Buffet & Mongolian Grill, 175 Market St.
Special Highlight: Sushi and Seafood Grill
This budget friendly spot is full of asian delicacies (and pizza! This is the North Country after all). The dessert section is a treat. You can have as much ice cream, chocolate fondue, fruit, cookies and Chinese biscuits as you want.
Best for Late Night Munchies— Little Italy, 30 Market St.
Special Highlight: Cheesy Garlic Knots.
This is a cozy spot with New York style pizza (thin crust) and authentic Italian flavors. It is open late nights on weekends.
Best for Date Night — Mama Lucia, 1 Constitution St.
Special Highlight: Half price pasta special on Thursdays.
Enjoy some delicious Italian cuisine paired with quiet seating that makes for a perfect date night (that won’t break the bank). Dishes come individually or family-style for sharing. The complimentary homemade bread is to die for. Plus, it’s in a renovated train station, so that’s pretty cool too.
Best Vegan/Vegetarian – Foster the Plant Cafe, 55 Market St.
Special Highlight: Earn points for every dollar you spend.
An environmentally conscious vegan cafe providing healthy, plant based food options. Picture breakfast served all day, wraps, smoothie bowls, salads, snacks and sides, as well as a large variety of drinks like Pitaya Lemonade, Barrel + Brine Kombucha, Glen Edith Cold Brew Coffee, Moment Botanical Water, Harney & Sons organic drinks, and Bear’s Fruit Organic Kombucha.
Best Pre-Hockey Game Spot — Eben’s Hearth, 115 Maple St.
Special Highlight: Student favorite group hangout spot.
Eben’s is a short walk from campus and the favorite spot for trivia heads. Their big beers, wings, burgers and sandwiches are named after local legends. Before the Golden Knights crush it on the ice, their fans flock to Eben’s for good meals and big laughs.
Best International Cuisine — Thai Cuisine, 29 Maple St.
Special Highlight: Crazy noodle. Order it. Trust me.
This is a great takeout spot, and an even better sit down place with outdoor seating overlooking the Raquette river. They offer every Thai menu item you can think of, and it is always delicious.
Best Unique Treats – Sweet Margaret Dessert & Bubble Tea Shop, 2a Market St.
Student Endorsement: The custard cream puffs are divine – Miriam A.
Sweet Margaret’s is where you go to when you need a treat. Macarons, smoothies, dumplings, they have it all. It is a beautifully decorated and cozy place. They also have a great selection of fruit and milk bubble teas for the boba lovers. And Margaret really is very sweet!
Best Night Out Spot — McDuff’s Pub, 59 Market St.
Special Highlight: Half off wings every Wednesday
McDuff’s is an all in one Irish-style pub with great music, food and drinks. The chill bar vibe can rival any pub in the big city. They have huge portion sizes that make it perfect for splitting with friends or a special someone.
Best Sports Bar — ½ Ton’s Bar & Grill, 141 ½ Market St.
Special Highlight: Steak Poutine Fries
Whether you are Bulls or Eagles fan, watching your favorite team, a plate of their deliciously crispy wings, and surrounded by other sport enthusiasts is a hands-down unbeatable experience.
Best Bang for Your Buck — Sergi’s Italian Restaurant, 10 Market St.
Special Highlight: Deep Fried Pizza Rolls
Sergi’s is great in many different ways. It is a family restaurant, making food from authentic recipes passed down for generations, to bring you a taste of Italy. They have been a tried and true family business, serving delicious food since 1967!
Best Place to Study Off-Campus — Jernabi Coffeehouse, 11 Maple St.
Student Endorsement: I really go there to lock in, you know? – Carter S.
If you are looking for a productive little break from campus, look no further. This laid-back coffeehouse offers great music (seriously, be prepared to pull out Shazam every few minutes), handcrafted seasonal beverages, and like-minded people.
Best Hidden Gem — Barking Dog Saloon, 495 West Parishville Rd.
Student Endorsement: Best chicken wings in the North Country – Bayley R.
The theme of this great family-owned spot is junkyard but don’t let that fool you. People travel far and wide for their wings which come with specialty flavors like mango habanero and spicy garlic aioli. Their salt and vinegar tater tots have often been described as out of this world. Go ahead and see for yourself.
Best Locally Sourced Food — 1844 House, 6885 US-11
Special Highlight: Buffalo Shrimp
This quaint, country-chic spot asks you to take your time, have a conversation and enjoy the ambience. They offer an Early Bird special that includes an appetizer, entree and dessert for one great price.
Best Gluten Free — 3 Bears Gluten Free Bakery & Café, 51 Market St.
Student Endorsement: The cutest spot in town! – Griffin S.
The baked items are amazing, and can be enjoyed by anyone, even if you don’t need to eat gluten-free. There is no risk of cross contamination. There are vegan and vegetarian options. They provide a beautiful seating space with art supplies, puzzles and board games. What more is there?
Best Indoor Scenery — Park Bros Coffee (Bagelry), 9 Market St.
Student Endorsement: One of my favorite spots! – Manpreet M.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a place to relax and do some work, solo or with a group (they have a conference room you can reserve for an hour or two), Park Bros has got you covered. Jazz music streams into the beautiful open space, the service is quick and friendly and the bagels are made fresh daily.
Best “Fast” Food — Lee’s Hawaiian Grill, 3 Market St.
Special Highlight: Chicken Katsu
They offer convenient ordering and a pick up window right on Market Street. It is a stress-free place to pick up a quick, reasonably priced and delicious meal.
Best All-Day Breakfast — Village Diner, 22 Depot St.
Special Highlight: Old timey diner vibes.
This is a paradise for pancake lovers. Their Flapjack Attack challenge asks if you are brave enough to consume a thick fluffy pancake the size of two dinner plates! Those who finish get a pretty sweet T-shirt, complete with bragging rights. Many have tried, will you be the next to succeed?
Best Crowd Pleaser — Royal India Grill, 38 Market St.
Special Highlight: Mango Lassi
At this Indian spot, there is something for everybody. For some it’s the delicious curries and biryani. For others, the gluten-free and vegetarian options. For everybody else, there is the reasonably priced lunch and dinner buffet.
Best Caffeinated Drinks — 3TK, 4 Main St.
Special Highlight: Lit Teas.
This is a fitness-focused spot. They have a variety of healthy caffeinated drinks, protein shakes and fiber-rich snacks. Service is great and they offer only ordering for a quick pick up.
Best Chinese Takeout — A-1 Chinese Kitchen, 80 Market St.
Special Highlight: Their lunch specials are especially cheap and come with an egg roll.
This takeout restaurant is aptly named. It is number 1 at what it does, and I guess the A is just to hammer everything home? Their menu is expansive and delicious. The service is quick and easy. The food is inexpensive and huge. I give them an A!
Best North Country Chain — Jreck Subs, 61 Market St.
Student Endorsement: I love subs. I might be biased, but these are the best subs! – Emilia B.
Jreck is an Upstate New York specialty. They are very busy during the weekday lunch hour, so that should give you an idea how much people rely on them for a quick and delicious lunch.
Best Taqueria — Burrito Bob’s, 6 Elm St.
Special Highlight: It transforms into a live music venue on the top floor.
Here’s what you do at Burrito Bob’s: You get a burrito bowl, with extra chicken because the chicken is really good. You get the loaded nachos because, why not? You get a drink. You sit. You relax. You enjoy.
Best Mediterranean — Jour et Nuit, 13 Market St.
Special Highlight: Authentic Mediterranean Hummus.
The Paella and Chicken Kabobs are standout favorites. Portion sizes are great and they offer a quick delivery service.
Best Organic Selections – Potsdam Food Co-op, 24 Elm St.
Special Highlight: The Lumberjane (sourdough mini loaves with fruits, nuts, and seeds).
If you’re looking to shop for organic/local/specialty foods AND grab a bite to eat, head to the Potsdam Food Co-op, where they have a variety of grab and go items like wraps, salads, and baked goods. Their curried chickpea salad is heavenly!
Best Year Round Ice Cream – NJ’s Homemade Ice Cream, 24 Elm St.
Special Highlight: Waffle cones made fresh daily!
This is the first shop you see when you round the corner onto Potsdam’s main downtown street. It is a worthy introduction. It is a beautiful little shop with a great atmosphere. The ice cream is good, the desserts are even better. Their menu changes often so you can always try something new when you stop by.
Best Summer Treat – Scoops Ice Cream, 22 Main St.
Special Highlight: Sundaes with peanut butter topping.
This seasonal shop opens up towards the end of May. It is the go to spot for soft serve ice cream on a hot summer day. The flavors are plentiful, the vibes are immaculate and it is a great spot to meet people in the greater Potsdam community.
Best Asian Grocery – Purple Rice, 22 Main St.
Special Highlight: The store owner, Alex, is funny and she makes shopping here an absolute delight!
While this is mainly an asian grocery store (like a very small scale H Mart), Alex also offers lunch specials like seaweed salad, kimchi, and sushi. These are flavorful, with varying spice levels (don’t worry) and reasonably priced. A must visit for all Asian food lovers!
