25 Best American Restaurants near Groton

“A very cute sit down diner with great family vibes. The food is hearty and fresh and at a very good price, I wish I lived closer because it would be a frequent stop for a late breakfast. Also they have coloring books and crayons which is always the best“

“Absolutely fantastic food at great prices. I’ve never had anything off the menu that I didn’t like. They are striking a unique balance between sophisticated farm-to-table food at diner prices and classic Americana staples that scratch all the itches while still using local ingredients. Every detail of their food, down to excellent local hot sauce and freshly ground pepper and sock salt on the tables, is thoughtful without any degree of snobbery. The space is casual and comfortable and has the feeling of a place you want to become your “spot.”“

“Did a search of great places to eat after a campus tour of Cornell for my son and found this place. My four kids and I loved the food but we were left satiated w the super friendly service. Our server Max was so prompt w our food and his suggestions were spot on. He also had lots of useful knowledge about the area and even suggested some interesting things to check out on campus. Honestly best service I’ve had since being in NY. Would highly recommend this place…hope you get Max as your server!!!“

“I've heard about the Lincoln Street Diner from past family members and people from Ithaca. This was my first and not last time dining. The atmosphere is very light, warm and welcoming. It was nice to walk in the door and feel like I stepped back in time. Everyone worked together like a well oiled machine. They wanted you to be there and were ready to serve you. I was asked if I wanted to sit at the counter. Part of the ambiance was listening to the conversations of others. I orderd coffee, and a Philly cheese omelet with homefries and toast. I was delighted to find they offered sourdough bread. The coffee was very good and my food was delicious, made with love and care. The people serving were very kind and attentive. They knew incoming people's orders before they walked in. I left feeling very satisfied and comfortablely full.“

“Barb's looks like the type of place that might be closed and when you get inside it's small and dated and you'll wonder how it has such a high rating.BUT then you'll order and get AMAZING housemade fried chicken, or a slice of homemade cherry pie that is so good you'll want to buy more to take home. You'll strike up a conversation with a local at another table, and between the food and folks there, you'll remember a time when going to a diner felt like visiting someone's home where the food was simple but so good it may even have curative properties.If you're a city slicker who turns up your nose at this spot assuming it can't be good, bury your pride and order the best Super Melt you'll ever have.By the way, where you gonna get a lunch under $10 nowadays, much less one this good!?“

“Gorgers has become a must-do for lunch whenever I visit Ithaca. Great range of creative subs, and I really appreciate that almost everything can be made vegetarian or vegan, using eggplant or their homemade seitan (I've enjoyed the seitan on multiple occasions). Great looking sides, etc., but a small sized sub is more than enough food for me. Can't wait to get back!“

“We always enjoy ourselves here. The food and beer selection is wide, so there's a bit of something for everyone. I'm doing dry February, and they had a terrific NA beer from Athletic! My vegetarian friend enjoyed the cauliflower wings. We accommodated a group of 10 on the fly (had unexpected extras), and the staff was ok with us putting tables together. Another nice table of guests even agreed to switch tables with our large group. It just shows that the people here, both patrons and employees, are into the friendly vibe.“

“Great service and delicious food. It was fun to see everyone talking and they even have a dart board. The fried haddock was perfectly done and the French dip was good. Horseradish aioli is not to be skipped! Nicely done apple crisp, creamy rich cheesecake, and great flavor to the carrot cake. You can even buy a bottle of wine to go which is perfect if you are staying in the hotel.“

“We drove an hour to check this truck out, and it was so worth it. The owner is super kind and talented. You can never go wrong with the ‘cook’s choice’. He even made me a vegetarian version! I’ll take a second job to pay for gas if I need to, because I need Circus Truck in my life regularly.“

“The Statler Hotel staff were very helpful and friendly. The staff at the check-in desk were very nice and helped us with the check-in and check-out process. They also helped us pick up our wedding decor the day after our event. The Ballroom is beautifully decorated and the rooms are clean and spacious! Chef Eric and his team create food that is delicious, and we received so many compliments from our wedding guests about the food! We highly recommend the Statler Hotel if you are planning an event or staying in the Ithaca area.“

“Great place to eat and chill. The bartenders were very friendly and the service was beyond my expectations. The food made it experience 1000 times better. Me and my friends all ordered completely different dishes and no one had complaints at all. Will be becoming a regular here. They deserve one million “

“Exceptional in every way... atmosphere, service, and especially the food, including presentation. Rivals high end restaurants, even those in Europe. Food obviously chef prepared with the freshest of top quality ingredients. The only drawback...the "Commons" in downtown Ithaca where this is located (thankfully, on the best corner, if it can be said one exists) has deteriorated severely in every way. I applaud the remaining businesses that tenaciously hang on and certainly deserve support. Shame on the city for not stepping up...the area gets worse every time I go there. This should not be in a town where one of the most prestigious universities on the planet is located. We parked in the large ramp, about two/three blocks away, which is very reasonably priced, roomy, and has electric vehicle charging stations; however, the walk through the "Commons" was depressing except for a scant handful of delightful shops and this truly fantastic restaurant. I know downtowns have a hard time, but there are two excellent universities/colleges with not only students, but additionally, professors and other staff as potential patrons - there should be constant shuttle service/park and ride to a thriving "Commons"!Vegetarian options: I had the mushroom "burger" sandwich, which was exceptional. It's what I always order; however I noticed several non-meat pastas, salads, etc.“

“I honestly wasn't expecting much because of the outdated interior... and exterior for that matter. But the food turned out to be really excellent. I had the Demonico steak and would choose it over Texas road house any time.My wife had the Chefs special which was shrimp, scallops, and hadock. She loved it. Thank you for a delightful suprise.Kid-friendliness: Kind and attentive.“

“Parking for the restaurant is not something for handicap people to experience. Food was ok, nothing g special, prices are extremely high, cornell and ithaca college can afford. Not average low income peopleParking: Go there in off hours no parking“

“Visited Ithaca for a few days this past weekend and loved the space here. Had the Sweet Potato Hash, with an extra scrambled egg on top and it came out amazing. I also had the two egg scramble, and that was awesome too. There wasn't much wait time, though you do have to order up at the register and bus yourself.When my brother and I came early afternoon on Saturday, we missed a rush of students coming in for their food. Great place to talk to come cool locals/students while chomping on some great food.The Barista who was there (a college aged young lady) was on top of her game with the caffeinated drinks. Order your drinks separately, and enjoy!!Great place and highly recommend. Seating is limited, but we were always able to find a spot.Kid-friendliness: Quaint atmosphere which Kids, (and adults) will enjoy!!Parking: The lot is shared with what I assumed was student housing. Not lots of street parking in Ithaca, but we drove into a spot on the side. Also some room in the far back.Wheelchair accessibility: No steps to enter the establishment.“

“Dinner four four on a Wednesday evening, we got in just around 5:00 and were able to get a table without a reservation. The restaurant quickly filled up afterwards. Starters were the lobster bisque and Santa Barbara salad along with bread and olives. It was prime rib night ($31) and it was enjoyed though the veg of the day was bland green beans. The house burger comes recommended and we also had the vegan chili (with rice). Good dessert menu as well. Best seating is further inside beyond the fireplace, seats up front during the winter are often very cold.Vegetarian options: The only obvious option was the vegan chili with rice. It is good and spicy but the inclusion of jack fruit was odd and questions were asked.Dietary restrictions: In emails with owners/staff they attested to most meat options like the steak, duck, and salmon being dairy free.“

“I'm sad I didn't know about this place sooner. The people are friendly, the service is great, the drinks are tasty, and well-behaved dogs are welcome inside! I wouldn't bring your pup on a night that's likely to be busy, though. Pool tables and a fireplace in the back. What's not to love?“

“A great bar, decently busy. Everyone pretty much knows each other there. I believe every Saturday there is a 9 ball tournament. The interior is pretty good, hall way to the bathroom is on an incline so do be careful if you are drinking because you could stumble and fall if you are intoxicated enough. There are two tvs in the bar, hosted the duke and north carolina game recently. The bartender wasn't really friendly she looked like she didn't want to be there, complaining with and attitude but didn't bother me much. Pretty decent bar in the area.“

“Food is good (GET THE GRILLED SALMON!)! Ordered the grilled dates, grill salmon and cheeseburger (which comes with a generous amount of fries). Limited menu options means it's easy to choose what to eat and more likely that the food is good, which is exactly the case.Grilled dates comes in 3 pieces which is a bit awkward to share but it's good. Grilled salmon is perfection, crispy on the outside yet so tender on the inside, sauce goes really well with it. Cheese burger is simple but good, the bun is so soft, fries is just fries nothing special.Server is nice, keeps checking in and surprised that they would replace the cutlery after appetizer, but they did forget the knives so oh wells. Overall a very good experience and will definitely go back.“

“We went for a small family celebration and had a wonderful time. Our server Patrick was extremely knowledgeable and genuinely excited about the wonderful food that was coming from the kitchen. I particularly enjoyed the mussels, fennel and mango appetizer, and the desserts were out of this world.“

“Excellent place to eat food. They have a huge variety of foods. I actually like them better than the dining halls because the salad bar has more options and is more organized. They also pay by the lb for a lot of stuff, so you don't have to feel compelled to stuff yourself to get your money's worth. On the go snacks are available too.“

“The Statler Hotel staff were very helpful and friendly. The staff at the check-in desk were very nice and helped us with the check-in and check-out process. They also helped us pick up our wedding decor the day after our event. The Ballroom is beautifully decorated and the rooms are clean and spacious! Chef Eric and his team create food that is delicious, and we received so many compliments from our wedding guests about the food! We highly recommend the Statler Hotel if you are planning an event or staying in the Ithaca area.“

“The lunch menu was small, but the food was amazing. The server was friendly and agreeable when I asked if a dish contained onions, which I dislike. He advised that the curry did contain a small amount of onions, but said that they are pureed into the sauce, and not easily noticed. He said with confidence, "this dish is so good, I would hate for you to miss it." I loved his confidence, and he was right, it was delectable! Our group all loved their meals, including the lentil soup, tofu salad, chickpea stew, and black bean burger. I love the history of Moosewood and love that they continue to serve veggie forward dishes, and clearly identify what is vegan.“

“Parking pickings are slim for this place, but when you get in, it's easy to see why. The place was absolutely packed, with a line of people waiting for a table. So you know it's gotta be good, right? The vintage vibe is really nice, but the food and drinks are so much better. Looking at the menu alone, you can tell this place has good taste, variety, and style. They really do. I had the cappuccino to drink, and it was so smooth that I didn't even need sugar. For brunch, I ordered the sweet garlic chicken and waffles, which are OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD! They were just about everything I'd hoped they'd be. Maybe I wish the sauce had been a little thicker so it could be used to coat the chicken, rather than a liquid, but at least the flavor was GREAT. I'd recommend this place to anyone in the area. I know where I'm having brunch when I come to Ithaca. Right here!!“

“Be prepared to get into a waiting list.The vibe was good but not super cool. It’s not too loud so you can enjoy talking beside the food.I tried the turkey breast sandwich and it was casual and fresh but not something really surprising. The portion size was medium if you are hungry don’t go for it. However, the red’s cocktail is also exciting to try out. 51$ for a sandwich, French fries, and 2 glass of cocktails.The staff care and pay attention to you if you want to call them.A good normal place that you can spend your casual time easily. But a bit expensive for a casual and a twice a week to go place.“