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Stonecat Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Food Restaurants, Food [Edit]
5315 State Rt 414Hector, NY 14841
(607) 546-5000
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Stonecat Cafe
Review Highlights
"...to check out for dinner along the Seneca Lake wine trail."
(in 8 reviews)
"They smoke all their own meats."
(in 3 reviews)
"I had the delicious pulled pork sandwich and my boyfriend..."
(in 2 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Camilo R.
Ithaca, NY
11/6/2011 1 photo
I was instantly captivated by our friendly hostess and waitress. Very friendly and professional. After sitting down to read our menu, I had time to take in the atmosphere of the establishment. Elegantly humble to say the least. Warm and home like atmosphere with great music. Sophisticated menu options with incredible presentation accompanied by a great selection of local wine and a gorgeous view of Seneca Lake.
The special of the day that I had and would recommend to anyone visiting this hidden jewel in central NY is:
Pan seared, caramelized beats sauce scallops with roasted rosemary potatoes and a salad and a glass of delicious Merlot. -
Review from Lawrence H.
11/2/2011
Went for Sunday brunch at the very quaint and charming Stonecat Cafe after an early visit at the Penguin Bay Winery nearby.
Was completely satisfied by our meal here:
-Coffee an latte were good
-Amazing seafood chowder, a must order if available
-Great french toast with raspberry sauce and maple syrup
-Poached eggs with sausage, served with roasted potatoes with a hollandaise sauce
-Fresh local ingredients
-Service was attentive
Best of all, on Sundays there is a live blues/jazz band. The band itself is worth coming to Stonecat Cafe.
Brunch for 2 with tax and tip was just over $40, excellent value. -
Review from Joseph V.
Springfield, NJ
10/17/2011
A great restaurant in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Located on the Eastern Side of Seneca Lake, this place offers local fare and vegan options!
The high point? Thai Squash Curry Soup. Excellent with just enough curry to give it a kick but not overpower it. Finished with an apple-raspberry crisp topped with vanilla ice cream. Great food and good value showcasing what the Finger Lakes have to offer. -
Review from Slavka P.
Red Creek, NY
8/6/2011
The food was superb. The service was very patchy. After we were seated my partner had to remind the hosting station that we were there(15 or more minutes after seating). Our waitress was, well, terrible. The other wait staff seems to pitch in and cover, but she was very absent. They have people running food from the kitchen, an excellent idea, and the arrivals were timely and hot. Pretty much had to plead for drink refills.
Will we go again? Yes, after we check out all the other restaurants in area. If we see the same waitress heading to our table, we will run, not walk away.
Again, the food was fabulous, from start to finish. If the service was even adequate, I would give five stars. -
Review from Melissa S.
Brooklyn, NY
9/25/2011
Stopped at this unassuming roadside restaurant for lunch following a recommendation at Atwater winery. SO glad we did! I had the delicious pulled pork sandwich and my boyfriend had the really excellent burger. We shared both plates because each was so tasty and high quality.
Their daily specials looked really good and their menu has suggested drink pairings, which we took them up on. Lovely back patio and view, friendly staff. We'll be back for both lunch and dinner the next time we're in the area. -
Review from d. t.
Kew Gardens, NY
7/2/2011
This is by far my favorite restaurant in the area. It's got just about everything going for it: excellent location with a beautiful view of Seneca lake, relaxed atmosphere and laid-back but helpful staff, delicious food, and a good selection of local wine and beer. And of course, many of the ingredients used are locally sourced and organic.
Dishes tried and enjoyed: A salad special featuring greens with roasted beets and fresh local chevre, cornmeal crusted fried pickles (not on the menu anymore, but they were kind enough to make us an order when we asked!), the beef cut of the day with rosemary mashed potatoes, and a creamy peppercorn fettuccine dish with shitake mushrooms and greens. All topped off with a slice of grand marnier chevre cheesecake with a ginger sauce.
All of this AND we got to watch the sun set over the lake on the back deck as we sipped our wine. :D -
Review from Chris J.
7/27/2011
All around good restaurant.
Local food sources (with providers listed on the menu), decent prices, interesting dishes, nice draft beer selection, okay view of the lake, and pretty good service.
And right in the middle of some of Senecas wineries. -
Review from Phoebe S.
Syracuse, NY
8/31/2011
I had the opportunity to eat here with a bunch of my friends- including a vegan. I do have to preface my 4/5 stars that it's based on the fact that I am able to eat anything on the menu. If you're vegan, you have very few options- all appear to be salads.
With that said I was very impressed with their brunch menu. All locally sourced items. They smoke all their own meats. And even though I don't drink I was impressed that they put thought into wine pairings with each meal choice. It shows you that they care about the whole dining out experience.
I, along with 2/3 of my friends went with the Stonecat Eggs Louisianne- which is a fantastic take on eggs benedict. Instead of an english muffin it's cornbread. The ham is spicy andouille sausage. The poached eggs were cooked perfectly. The hollandaise sauce was creamy and flavorful. The side of roasted potatoes were delicious.
The specials sounded exciting but my one main critique is when the server appears winded after reciting them, perhaps they should be summarized. I felt like I was being read a novel. By the end of the last one I didn't remember any of the previous ones mentioned.
I think next brunch I will try the french toast which I was especially craving. But I was very happy with my choice in the end.
Overall, a very pleasurable dining experience and I would more then likely revisit if I was in the area again. -
Review from Nicole C.
Philadelphia, PA
10/4/2011
Very good food! Great spot to check out for dinner along the Seneca Lake wine trail.
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Review from Jason L.
Syracuse, NY
7/10/2011
Wife and I celebrated our 7-year itch here last weekend with dinner. She had the halibut with almond toasted quinoa and I had cherry smoked pulled pork with slaw, backed eyed peas and cornbread. Food was absolutely perfect. I hesitated in getting the pork since I live about 2 miles from Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse, but absolutely no regrets. It was a much more tender, juicy and flavorful cut than the Dino. Sides were bliss as was my seafood gumbo.
The menus were limited (which I liked), ingredients are mostly local, and the waitress, Sheila, was superb. Wonder beer/wine list to boot. So looking forward to our next trek down the Seneca Wine trail. -
Review from Brian T.
12/7/2010 4 photos
Stonecat was located at the perfect spot. After hitting several wineries, we needed some food to bring us back down. After looking over the menu board, I knew exactly what I wanted, the roast beef. Since it was later in the afternoon, I promptly asked if they had anymore? I was informed they didn't. Fail.
We decided to stay though, for I knew of it's great reviews. As we were looking over the menu, the waitress informed me there was enough roast beef left for one order... Score!! I ordered the roast beef and my lady ordered the pulled pork. I enjoyed the listed food/drink pairings on the menu, but this was a hydration stop, food and water for us this time around!
Food came pretty quick, and looked tasty. The pulled pork was pretty decent, and had a sweet BBQ sauce. Now, onto the reason why I'll be returning... The roast beef was just so tender and flavorful. Being from Buffalo, I've had my fair share of roast beef going up, and this might have been some of the best, I've ever tasted! It was served open with the onions and cheese on top. The focaccia was a great piece of bread that completed the grand sandwich. I couldn't say enough of a lunch special sandwich. If you stop and it's available, please order, you'll enjoy. After this experience, I definitely want to return to see what else they serve. -
Review from melissa p.
Central Islip, NY
2/10/2011
Stonecat is getting 4 stars, rather than 5, because while lunch was absolutely fantastic, dinner was a bit of a let down.
I saw online that Stonecat had some vegan options which is why we went here. We first went for lunch/brunch. There was a jazz band playing which was nice, and our waitress was great and friendly. My boyfriend couldn't decide between two items, and eventually picked one. The waitress brought out a sample of the other item because she wanted him to try it and he did in fact love it.
I had the falafel which was amazing and ended up getting more of the dressing because it too was great.
We were in town for the day and liked it so much, we headed back for dinner. Dinner was more expensive, yet more disappointing. I had a tofu dish which seemed bland to me, as if the tofu was not marinated long enough and did not have an opportunity to soak up the flavors. My partner had an apparently new dish, which, while he liked the components well enough on their own, did not like them paired together.
I would give brunch/lunch a solid 5 stars, but give dinner 3. We will probably head back for lunch but skip the dinner this time. -
Review from Meghan B.
New Orleans, LA
WOW! What an amazing way to start off a get away at the finger lakes. Beautiful view overlooking Seneca Lake, amazing food, great wine and knowledgeable wait staff.
All menu items are locally grown and organic.
Started off with some great local wine recommendations. My mom and I shared the half portion of the field greens salad tossed with home-made vinaigrette. We each decided to order the specialties of the day.
I had the seared scallops served with walnut quinoa and fresh green beans. My mom had the shrimp and sausage tempura served with coconut sticky rice and cucumber peach salad. Both were absolutely AMAZING! I would recommend either dish!
We finished the meal with blueberry peach upside down cake--WOW! A little piece heaven in your mouth. -
Review from Andrea V.
Bloomfield, NY
7/27/2010
Stonecat is a nice place to go and relax when you are taking a break from the wine trail. They are very accomendating with making vegan dishes and have a great live music brunch on Sunday mornings.
The ambiance is great especially if you sit outside, the service is ok, and the food is fresh, mostly organic, and local. -
Review from Lisa S.
Ithaca, NY
10/21/2010
Lovely spot, friendly staff and brilliant local food and wine. A must stop in the Fingerlakes! And don't forget to also visit one of the best local wineries, Damiani, nearby.
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Review from tak O.
Tarrytown, NY
9/2/2010
I hate doing negative reviews. But this place warrants one from me.
Everything was going well. We were sat, live jazz was playing, we ordered our drinks and scoped the menu.
We heard good things so we were really looking forward to it, and we were starving! The first courses came out, no problems, tasty too.
The problem arrived on our second course. My girlfriend ordered the special of the day, and I had the Steak and Eggs. The special was cast iron seared Halibut. Except this one came with "edible" flower on it, which is fine, but when I started eating, I noticed tiny black specks on my food and plate. So I looked around and saw that there was clusters of this black stuff on the under-side of the flower. I called the waiter over and he started to argue with me that its not a bug because they dont use pesticides and take pride in organic produce. Does that even make sense? I thought you use pesticides so these bugs dont get on food? He quickly took the flower away but left the plate. I kept picking around and more black bugs were found. I almost puked in my mouth. I lost my appetite and he came back with the check to argue even further! He says " I checked it out and it wasn't bugs, maybe soil". So should I be relieved thats its dirt, not insects? I've eaten bugs before, like chapulinas in mexico, but I give one star for this server's unprofessionalism and horrible customer service. Oh, and he gave our plates first to people at another table, before taking it back from them and delivering it right to us, as we watched. Maybe I should have let the other table keep the cast-iron halibut with soil and bugs.
So, Scott Signori, owner and chef, food was great but this type of service is infuriating. We left very upset and still hungry. I'm sure you can find a way to reach me or contact me if you cared. -
Review from Candee R.
Reno, NV
8/17/2009
This place rocks! I only ended up here after my first choice restaurant was closed (it had been recommended by a friend). I ended up here and it was great!!! Yummy food, great service, great view, reasonable prices. The service was fantastic and there was a wide variety of foods to choose from. I don't have children but if I did, I would recommend this to other parents. The owners let the kids run around in the yard below the patio. Go Stone Cat!
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Review from Kelly K.
Philadelphia, PA
8/30/2009
I only wish I lived close to the Stonecat so I could become a regular. The service was wonderful--beyond friendly, informative and attentive. We were all in love with our dishes and had some lovely drinks to start the morning off right. I highly recommend Sunday brunch out on the deck looking over the gardens, listening to some live jazz. They grow fresh mint for their mojitos and spiked lemonade. Tons of organic, local and homemade ingredients, put together into some very creative dishes.
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Review from Renee L.
Pittsburg, CA
6/12/2008
This restaurant came highly recommended by our wonderful hostess Barbara at the Sunrise Landing Bed & Breakfast in Dundee. My hubby and I are fairly health conscious, so we always try to support restaurants that offer organic and vegetarian options. Stonecat sits off Rt 414 kindof in the middle of nowhere bordering vineyards.
For starters, we ordered the organic green salad with candied nuts and cranberries and a vinegarette dressing. The salad greens were fresh. They even included a few edible flowers. The dressing was also good.
I ordered the grilled chicken and masala sausage dinner special. It was served with an apricot chutney, roasted potatoes and organic sauteed greens. Of course I had to ask for at least one subbstitution so I swapped out the roasted potatoes for the rosemary mashed potatoes. No problem. Everything was tasty.
The hubby ordered the vegetarian tamales served with an almond quinoa, organic sauteed greens and a tomatillo sauce. Also very tasty. The plate was sparking clean when he finished.
No dessert this time, even though it all sounded yummy. We have homemade cookies waiting for us back at the B&B!
Pros
- The service was great. Very friendly and accomodating staff. My constant need to request substitions didn't even seem to phase our waitress.
- The food was tasty and simple. Everything tasted fresh and healthy without sacrificing flavor.
- Good ambiance. Definitely sit in the outside area if weather permits. The views are lovely.
"Cons"
- The organic salad was a little too simple. Not enough candied nuts and cranberries. Could have used some crumbled feta or blue cheese to add a little salt for balance.
In summary, we would definitely go back again to try other items on the menu. -
Review from L. Z.
State College, PA
7/26/2010
View from patio over Seneca Lake was lovely in the evening. Try the Damiani Dolce Bianco for a yummy inexpensive white wine. The "leg and a link" entree of roased duck leg and a sausage with fennel all dressed with a cherry chutney was fabulous. Very affordable for such delicious food and great view. Service was a tad slow to start. Reservations recommended.
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Review from Patrick B.
Harrisburg, PA
8/17/2011
How can so much go wrong and still end with a wonderful dining experience? I'd rather not dwell on the negative, especially the tumble B took when the leg of her resin chair just snapped off, but prefer to describe the good stuff. Great ambiance seated on the deck watching the sun set over Seneca Lake. Good drink selection, both of us chose the Southern Tier IPA. (Hey, Harrisburg's own Troegs also on the menu!) Started with a special, roasted garlic bulb with chevre, crostini and micro-greens, Fabulous! B had pulled pork with black-eyed peas and dill cole slaw, while I had the catfish with the same sides. Very pleased. Catfish was light and not greasy, and raved over the slaw. Two double espressos later, we finished with the apricot upside-down cake (B) and a special fresh peach sundae. Best meal we've had all week. Service was efficient and fun. (Thanks, Bettina, you were terrific.) We'd both go back tomorrow, but Moosewood beckons...
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Review from Pimp D.
Brooklyn, NY
9/8/2010
Great brunch place. The Bloody Mary's are excellent and made with smoked tomatoes. In fact, they smoke their own meats here. My wife and I had the smoked salmon appetizer, pulled pork sandwich, and the scallop special. The food was excellent! The ingredients are local and organic. It is a little pricey, but worth it.
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Review from Sara C.
Montour Falls, NY
1/4/2009
If you are in Schuyler County on a Sunday, this is the ONLY place to be! Dinner menu is good, particularly the catfish and the pulled pork, but when I lived there I was a brunch regular (as in, they called me "brunch lady" until I started calling in my reservation so I didn't picture myself as old and owning lots of cats). Scott the chef/owner smokes his own meats, and fish, and veg, yum! Seriously, try the ketchup, hot sauce, and smoked heirloom tomato bloody mary and you will understand my undying affection for the place! Also on the menu are several excellent variations on eggs benedict (eggs cordova with smoked salmon and foccacia, and my fave eggs lousianne with smoked sausage and cornbread), Scooter's hash and eggs, the pulled pork from the dinner menu... I could go on and on. Jessica runs the front of house, and Mary is the coolest waitress ever. I got stood up by my friends on my birthday and these girls kept me in great spirits, literally. The best place for socially-acceptable pre-noon drinking with a patio overlooking Seneca Lake. Nothing but love for Stonecat! Also great live music on Saturdays, and don't miss the closing party.
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Review from Erika B.
Trumansburg, NY
11/6/2008
Love it - they smoke everything themselves. It's local, it's organic, and the chef knows what (s)he is doing. Love the smoked salmon.
