Category: Dining

The Very Best Restaurants in Cooperstown NY

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Cooperstown, NY may be best known for baseball, but its dining scene is just as worth exploring. From lakeside restaurants to casual local favorites, the best restaurants in Cooperstown NY offer a mix of classic American fare, Italian comfort food, and craft beer experiences—all within a small, walkable town.

Hawkeye Bar & Grill
For a meal with a view, Hawkeye Bar & Grill stands out. Overlooking Otsego Lake, this restaurant serves upscale casual American cuisine, including steaks, seafood, burgers, and seasonal dishes. The lakeside setting and historic resort atmosphere make it one of the most scenic dining spots in Cooperstown.

Mel’s at 22
A reliable downtown option, Mel’s at 22 is known for its approachable American menu and relaxed setting. The focus here is on fresh, made-to-order meals, with options ranging from sandwiches and salads to heartier dinner plates. It’s a solid choice for both lunch and dinner, especially if you want something casual but well-prepared.

Brewery Ommegang
Located a few miles outside the village center, Brewery Ommegang is worth the short drive. Known for its Belgian-style craft beers, the on-site café serves food designed to pair with its brews. The open, rural setting adds to the experience, making it a popular stop for both locals and visitors exploring the area.

Toscana of Cooperstown
For Italian cuisine in a comfortable setting, Toscana of Cooperstown is a longtime Cooperstown staple walking distance from Inn at Cooperstown. The menu features classic pasta dishes, sauces, and traditional entrees that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Its central location makes it an easy dinner option after a day exploring downtown.

Stagecoach Coffee
Start your day at Stagecoach Coffee, a well-established local café known for its small-batch roasted coffee. Along with espresso drinks, you’ll find simple breakfast options like bagels and pastries. It’s a convenient and dependable stop before heading out to explore Cooperstown.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Cooperstown, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of delicious wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

Our Favorite Cooperstown Bakery Stops for a Sweet Treat

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Cooperstown isn’t just about history and baseball—it’s got some seriously delicious bakeries too. From decades‑old donut traditions to lakeside café treats, these sweet spots are perfect for a treat break while you’re exploring the village. Here are three standout places you’ll want to visit.

Schneider’s Bakery

Located at 157 Main Street, Schneider’s Bakery has been a Cooperstown institution since 1887. Step in early in the day to take in fresh‑baked donuts, cinnamon rolls that still win praise, moon pies, custom cakes, and warm cookies. The aroma of baking is real as

Brimstone Bakery at the Fenimore Art Museum

For something a little more scenic, head to 5798 State Highway 80 to find Brimstone Bakery perched on the terrace of the Fenimore Art Museum overlooking Otsego Lake.
This spot offers a cozy blend of light lunch‑fare and decadent sweet treats: quiche, wraps, and baked goods paired with coffee and a lake view. It’s less about the bustle and more about relaxing with something delicious and taking in the calm.

Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard
Just a short drive from downtown Cooperstown, The Fly Creek Cider Mill is more than just a bakery—it’s an experience. Famous for its fresh-pressed apple cider, cider donuts, and homemade baked goods, this spot is a fall favorite, but it’s open seasonally from spring through late fall.

Inside the market, you’ll find fruit pies, apple dumplings, breads, and pastries all made with love (and local ingredients). You can even watch cider being made, sample dozens of gourmet goods, and stroll by the millpond after your sweet fix. It’s a perfect mix of small-town charm and country indulgence.

Cooperstown Farmers’ Market

Held year-round on Saturdays, the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market is a treasure trove of artisan breads, pastries, cookies, and sweet treats baked by local vendors. You’ll also find handmade jams, syrups, and even gluten-free goodies.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Cooperstown, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of delicious wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

Warm Up with These Cooperstown Coffee Shops

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Cooperstown in winter is like stepping into a storybook, with snow-dusted streets, cozy shops, and a welcoming small-town charm. There’s no better way to embrace the season than by exploring its local coffee spots, where warmth and flavor await. Here are some of the top coffee shops to visit this winter:

Stagecoach Coffee

Nothing beats the chill like a cup of organic, house-roasted coffee from Stagecoach Coffee. This cozy café is a winter favorite, offering hot lattes, rich cappuccinos, and even seasonal drinks to keep you toasty. Pair your coffee with a hearty breakfast burrito or a flaky pastry while enjoying the snug, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of winter adventures.

Doubleday Café

In the heart of town, Doubleday Café feels like a warm hug on a cold day. This local favorite is adorned with baseball memorabilia, giving it a unique charm. Their coffee and breakfast menu are just what you need to start your day, whether you’re planning to stroll snowy streets or cozy up indoors.

Sunflower Café

Near Otsego Lake, Sunflower Café is a serene escape during the winter months. Its rustic, intimate setting is ideal for sipping on hand-crafted coffee or tea while watching the snow fall outside. Their menu features healthy, fresh options that pair perfectly with a quiet morning or an afternoon catch-up with friends.

Schneider’s Bakery

There’s something about the smell of fresh-baked goods on a cold day that feels like home, and Schneider’s Bakery delivers just that. Their rich espresso drinks and smooth coffee blends are expertly crafted to warm you up. Add a freshly baked pastry, and you have the ultimate winter indulgence.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Victorian home surrounded by snow in Cooperstown, New York

Our historic bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Cooperstown, only 1 ½ blocks from the Baseball Hall of Fame and minutes away from downtown and Otsego Lake.

Outside, our front porch is the idyllic place to enjoy a glass of delicious wine or beer while you relax on one of our rocking chairs. Inside, retreat to your well-appointed room for the night and enjoy the luxurious amenities and comfortable surroundings that await you.

We look forward to having you here at The Inn at Cooperstown! Book now for your next getaway.

6 Date Night Ideas in Cooperstown

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Planning a romantic getaway? Consider charming Cooperstown in upstate New York. Known as the home of baseball, Cooperstown is also a beautiful destination for couples seeking a romantic retreat. Need a little help in the planning department? Here are six great date night in Cooperstown ideas for the perfect vacation with your honey.

Fine dining in Cooperstown

One of the best date night ideas in Cooperstown is dining at a village restaurant. Cooperstown offers a great selection of fine dining options that appeal to all tastes. Try Toscana Italian Grill for fine Italian cuisine in a lovely atmosphere.

If you prefer something more casual, try Nicolette’s Italian Café. Located on Main Street, Nicolette’s serves tasteful Italian cuisine in a laid-back setting.

Visit Schneider’s Bakery

Treat your SO to some sweet-tasting baked goods from Schneider’s Bakery. Open year-round, Schneider’s Bakery has been baking for Cooperstown residents and visitors since 1887. Find everything from moon pies and cupcakes to chocolate chip cookies and homemade donuts. Their sweet treats are the perfect way to say I love you!

Watch the sunset

What could be more romantic than a sunset in Cooperstown? End your day with a gorgeous sunset in the Catskills Mountains. Coupled with quiet streets and charming homes, set against the beauty of Otsego County, beautiful sunsets are easy to come by in Cooperstown.

Our number one favorite spot to see the sunset is at Otsego Lake in Glimmerglass State Park. With tremendous views and crystal clear water, perfect for colorful reflections, you’ll want to stay from sunrise to sundown.

Explore the Sleeping Lion Trail

Take a leisurely walk hand in hand along the Sleeping Lion Trail inside Glimmerglass State Park. The two-mile loop features views of Otsego Lake and is accessible year-round. This is a great activity if you plan to watch the sunset at Otsego Lake.

Valentine’s Day Special with Brewery Ommegang

Treat your loved one to our February Valentine’s Day Bed & Brew package at The Inn at Cooperstown. Our hotel, in partnership with Brewery Ommegang, now offers a very special spin on our extremely popular Bed & Brew package.

With this special edition package, available in February only, we’re taking it to a whole new level with a gourmet multi-course food and beer pairing, made just for Valentine’s Day. Expect special Ommegang beers and delicious food that honor this special holiday.

This package isn’t available at any other hotels in town, so rest assured you’ll enjoy a truly unique experience! Combine your love of Belgian-style beer with a delightful stay at The Inn at Cooperstown, for a date night in Cooperstown you’ll never forget.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

Whether you sign up for a special package or just visit for a romantic weekend in Cooperstown, The Inn at Cooperstown is the place to stay. Our beautifully restored 1874 historic hotel is located in the heart of town and provides a peaceful setting for couples to enjoy each other’s company.

Enjoy a quiet evening cozying up by the fire with a glass of wine, recounting the events of the day. Our main hall features a warming fireplace and comfortable seating to enjoy a romantic evening together.

Choose from luxury and premium suites, plus standard and classic rooms. The Luxury Suite features two bedrooms, a private entrance, a living area with a fireplace, and a spa hydro-massage tub for two. Of course, if you purchased our Valentine Bed & Brew package you are already booked for a two-night stay!

Our award-winning hotel is conveniently located near The Baseball Hall of Fame, Otsego Lake, and downtown – making it easy to enjoy all these date night ideas in Cooperstown.

Your Guide to Restaurants in Cooperstown, NY

Posted on | by Cass Tooke

Named by Food and Wine Magazine as one of the six “best little food towns,” Cooperstown has a lot to offer with its culinary scene. When visiting Cooperstown, you will find there is no shortage of good places to eat. Whether you are looking for a casual spot to dine with the entire family or a romantic dinner for two, there are plenty of restaurants in Cooperstown to choose from. So, pull up a seat and discover some of our favorite restaurants below.

Nicoletta’s Italian Café

Located along Cooperstown’s quaint Main Street and walking distance from The Inn at Cooperstown, Nicoletta’s Italian Café is a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike. With a family-style dining atmosphere with a hand-picked menu of authentic Italian cuisine that features fine cuts of meat, seafood, and pastas, plus an extensive wine list.

Bocca Osteria

This family-run Italian restaurant helped to put Cooperstown on the map in the food world with its unique takes on your favorite Italian foods. Indulge in pastas, paninis, and pizza from their woodfired oven.

Mel’s at 22

Serving up classic American cuisine in an intimate and stylish setting, Mel’s at 22 is one of the best restaurants in Cooperstown. Enjoy eats like tequila scallops, steaks, seafood, and more from their dinner menu. On the lighter side, try their lunch menu, featuring soups, salads, burgers, plus sandwiches and wraps. But don’t forget about their signature cocktail menu that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Council Rock Brewing

A local brewery with a food problem. Not only does Council Rock Brewing serve up tasty brews, but they also dish out one of the best food menus around. With an elevated take on bar food classics like their signature garlic-pesto fries, salads, brie burger, and signature bratwurst, all of which pair nicely with one of their brews.

Doubleday Café

For a casual setting and good food, check out the classic Doubleday Café. Serving up American-style cuisine, pub grub, and beer, both the food and atmosphere are casual and comfortable. Down the street from the Baseball Hall of Fame, the café offers burgers, sandwiches, soups, Mexican easts, plus a nice selection of drinks, wine, and beer.

Alex & Ika

For a bit more of an upscale dining experience, check out Alex and Ika. This cozy bistro focuses on international dishes with food items ranging from Hong Kong pork belly steamed buns and Thai curry to Mexican tacos and a Moroccan tagine. So, grab your passport and enjoy a taste around the world at Alex and Ika.

Fenimore Café

If you plan to visit the Fenimore Art Museum, then you should also plan on a light lunch at the Fenimore Café. Choose from a selection of homestyle soups, sandwiches, and wraps, which all pair nicely with a glass of wine or local brew. But what makes dining here even better, is the café’s location on the beautiful garden terrace.

Stay at The Inn at Cooperstown

image of breakfast at inn at cooperstown
Breakfast at The Inn at Cooperstown

Dine at these delicious restaurants in Cooperstown and start your day off right with a complimentary breakfast when you stay at The Inn at Cooperstown. Choose from a custom-blended, locally roasted coffee selection, a variety of cereals and granola, plus fresh fruit and more. Enjoy breakfast in one of our two beautifully decorated dining rooms and soak up the charm of our inn as you set out on your adventures for the day.