Welcome to the Taste of Ellicottville
Featuring 20 Restaurants & Live Performances

By Kate Bartlett

    Sample some of Ellicottville’s many unique restaurants and enjoy live music on Saturday and Sunday August 12-13 from 12-4pm. This guide features all 20 participants that will be lining the streets café style throughout the weekend. The Taste of Ellicottville provides the unique opportunity to sample the diverse local cuisine and there’s sure to be something to please every palate.

1. The Tee Bar: Why not start out with something sweet for dessert! Sara and her crew at the Tee Bar have reinvented the beloved (and sadly discontinued) Choco-Taco with a twist. Sample their Ice Cream Tacos in a homemade waffle shell with vanilla custard dipped in chocolate and rainbow sprinkles. Crunchy, cold sweet and smooth. Simply delicious. Or try their popular handcrafted chocolate chip cookie sandwiches with vanilla custard. Both winners in any ice cream-lovers book!
2. 12 Gates of EVL: New to the scene this year, 12 Gates is known for their unique well-crafted beer in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Their IPAs are a must-try and the Peruvian Porter is unique to their EVL location. The Brisket Slider Sandwich with jalapeño bacon jam is a new creation debuting at the festival. They’re also featuring their crowd favorite Reuben Flatbread of corned beef with sauerkraut, thousand island dressing and Swiss cheese on a warm toasted flatbread. Chef Jason is offering his popular chicken wing dip with tortilla chips. Refresh and cleanse your palate with their lavender lemonade, a non-alcoholic version of their popular Butterfly cocktail in the tap room.
3. EBC Taqueria Tap + Bottle: The Taqueria is the spot for fun and unique street fare, tacos, bowls, tapas and specialty drinks (especially margaritas). This year at the taste they’re featuring chipotle peanut noodles served in adobo peanut sauce, noodles, topped with guajillo toasted peanuts, Aleppo, sesame seeds and cilantro. A true fiesta for the tastebuds. They’re also serving up Al Pastor Pork Tacos, a true Mexico City slow-roasted pork shawarma with achiote, Chile guajillo, and pineapple, topped with cotija cheese and picked onions.
4. Finnerty’s Tap Room: A local favorite hangout, Finnerty’s fun environment is a great place to watch the game with delicious food year-round. Check out their game room with bubble hockey, darts and more. They’ll be serving their award winning Reuben meatballs. This unique eat won the people’s choice award in the 2019 Meatball Street Ball and the people’s choice in the 2022 Taste of Ellicottville. They’ll also be featuring their Pad Thai, a main feature on their Asian Monday specials and a crowd favorite. Save room for their best-selling beef on weck, a juicy medium rare roast beef thinly sliced on a kimmelweck roll.
5. Villaggio: Located at 7 Monroe Street, this casual Italian eatery celebrated 7 years this past fall. Owner Nick Pitillo and manager Andrea Austin put together a collection of items that capture Villaggio’s traditional Italian fare with flair. They’ll be featuring their signature appetizer, Risotto Bites made of fried risotto, sausage, Pecorino Romano cheese, and banana peppers served with a side of spicy rose sauce. Next are the Porchetta sliders made of Italian seasoned pulled pork on a slider roll topped with an arugula salad with pickled onions. Nani’s award-winning mini meatballs are miniature versions of their house made all beef meatballs; a family recipe from Nick’s mom Nani. The Meatball sliders feature Nani’s meatballs served on a slider with pecorino Romano cheese. One of Nick’s favorite menu items are the Pan seared sea scallops served over a tarragon sweet pea risotto. And save room for the healthy option Grain bowl tossed with arugula and their house made lemon parsley vinaigrette.
6. Silver Fox Steakhouse: One of the oldest establishments in Ellicottville, the Silver Fox is a tried-and-true favorite at the taste. Year after year, customers line up for their Angus Beef Tenderloin Skewer with Rosemary Aioli. Premium quality lean meat marinated to perfection. They’ll also be serving their Asian Tuna crowd pleaser at the Taste. For premium surf and turf, even if just for a taste, it’s always Silver Fox.
7. Winery of Ellicottville: A local and visitors favorite offering over 20 wines and ciders in small batches with local fruit. Let their staff guide you through a tasting and indulge in wine flights and charcuterie in their new barrel room. At the Taste, sample their gourmet skewers, dessert skewers and refreshing lemonade.
8. John Harvard’s at Holiday Valley: Known for their traditional American food, John Harvard’s is offering sampler sizes of some of their most popular dishes. The Beef on Weck Egg Rolls are a fantastic twist on a Western New York favorite. Wrapped in an egg roll and deep fried, the tender beef, cheese sauce will practically melt in your mouth, while the horseradish cream sauce adds the perfect little punch of flavor. Cool off with their Starbucks Pineapple Refresher drink, a summer lemonade with freeze-dried pineapple bits. After your meal, save room for the Grilled Berry Short Cake, a pound cake that has been grilled to perfection and topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. John Harvard’s has become a year-round favorite for casual pizza and wings after skiing, date-night steak and wine dinner, or a casual fish fry and drinks outdoors at the Cabana Bar in the summer months. And with the best dining views in Ellicottville, the food won’t be the only memorable thing about your experience.
9. Gin Mill: An Ellicottville staple is serving up the local’s favorites: Mini Beef on Weck, fresh cut potato chips (which is always a must for any visit to the restaurant); their flavorful chicken wing soup, fried bologna sliders and old fashioned bottled soda.
10. Madigan’s: Those who know Madigan’s understand the nostalgia along with their affordable lunch specials that make it so special. A staple in the village for over 41 years, Madigan’s will be serving up samples of their loaded mac ‘n cheese, Dawns specialty soup and quality beef sticks from Dom’s Butcher Block. Dawn’s soup is always heralded as superb and delicious. The Mac’n Cheese is a delicious and straightforward dish topped with bacon to make it loaded.
11. Hildago Mexican Grill: Just opening in the village last month, family owned and operated Hildago Mexican Grill is debuting their family recipes at the Taste. The restaurant offers traditional Mexican fare with a twist and will soon offer refreshing margaritas and other signature cocktails. The family has been working tirelessly to open the restaurant, but has put together a sample menu of some of their favorite creations including their hard shell taco, flautas, and chicken quesadilla. Cool off with a Mexican soda or their fried ice cream.
12. Balloons Restaurant and Nightclub: A hotspot for Monday night wings and Thursday burger specials, Balloons is popular for their live music at least four nights a week showcasing local artists. At the taste this year, sample their fan favorite medium & honey BBQ wings, a staple on their main menu. Also try their house BBQ brisket cup, a customer favorite in a hand-held version. The Jamaican Jerk Pork Rice Bowl is a new and unique recipe on their menu stirring up flavors both sweet and spicy. Save room for the creamsicle float, a sweet treat to wash down all the delicious eats. A favorite for the kids, and the kids at heart!
13. Cupcaked: This local bakery favorite is every sweet tooths dream. Owner and baker Annie Coe had fun creating a sampler menu of delectable treats that she feels represent her as a baker. The first is a cannoli cheesecake comprised of cannoli shell crust, vanilla cheesecake, whipped ricotta cannoli filling topped with ganache and whipped cream. “The pairing of the baked cheesecake and whipped cannoli filling with the crunchy crust and creamy chocolate ganache make for an explosion of texture in your mouth,” says Annie. The award winning (2022) Apple Crisp is simply divine with creamy warm apple crisp topped with fresh brown cinnamon sugar whipped cream. The ‘healthy option’ Mini Mac cup features an assortment of mini macarons flavors. Annie’s favorite homemade strawberry shortcake is a beautiful pairing of fresh baked cinnamon sugar biscuit topped with macerated strawberries and fresh vanilla bean whipped cream. Last but not least, the fan favorite fruit pizza is a base of chewy sugar cookie topped with whipped cream cheesecake and fresh fruit. “These items are not typically available at the bakery, and I really love showcasing these specific desserts!”
14. Ellicottville Brewing Company: The flagship EBC in the heart of the village is known not only for their creative, fine crafted brews, but also for their expansive menu. With something for everyone, EBC welcomes families, couples, friends and neighbors to their main dining rooms and outdoor patio, frequently featuring live music. This year they’ll be featuring a few crowd pleasers, as well as dishes unique to EBC including their shepherd’s pie: a creamy stew of roasted chicken, aromatic veggies and herbs topped with tender and flakey puff pastry. Their chicken flautas are a mesquite marinated chicken served over spring mix and topped with pico de gallo, pickled fresnos, cojita cheese and cilantro/lime crema. Last, New England Style Shrimp Roll offers something different, a mixture of tender golf shrimp, aromatic veggies, fresh herbs, and lemon, finished with pickled carrot/celery slaw served in a toasted New England style roll with fresh chopped cilantro.
15. Monroe Street Brick and Brew: Monroe Street B&B will have their award-winning brick oven pizza available by the slice in several variations including cheese and pepperoni, Buffalo Chicken pizza, Garlic White and Hawaiian. They’re keeping in simple, focusing on what they do best, the pizza! Come discover the difference of brick oven pizza. You just gotta try the pie!
16. Watson’s Chocolates: This confectionary is a Western New York favorite for over 74 years and 4 generations, specializing in all things chocolate and sponge candy. Every year, they feature their award-winning Rice Pudding at the Taste, and this year is no exception. Savor the rich, creamy family recipe and discover why it’s award-winning year after year. They’ll also have a variety of their chocolates of distinction: Sea Salt Caramels, Baklava and their ever-popular “Everything” Patty, for tasting as well as their signature Sponge Candy.
17. West Rose: Chef Anthony Petrilli decided to have some fun with Mexican/Latin inspired flavors to enjoy on a hot summer day. The restaurant typically rotates seasonally in order to reflect the freshest ingredients from local producers and farms. Their taste menu includes an adobo citrus braised pork sandwich with cilantro lime black bean, jalapeño corn salsa and pickled reds. Next is a refreshing chilled spicy watermelon & pepper gazpacho. And finally, a unique corn coconut brown butter ice cream bar. Cool off and sip on their pineapple cinnamon mocktail that reflects their unique crafty creations behind the bar.
18. Dina’s: Well-known and loved by locals and visitors alike, Dinas offers a wide variety of beautifully crafted unique dishes. The BBQ ribs and short rib melt are popular favorites from their ever day menu. The spicy tuna roll is a unique sushi and a rare opportunity to taste this type of cuisine in EVL. The seafood continues with delicious seared scallops with a citrus beurre blanc. They’re offering a vegan option of stuffed poblano pepper with Impossible beef, black beans, corn, rice, and vegan cheese. General Manager Jessica Young feels the chosen items offer insight on their diverse menu and showcases the talent in their kitchen.

19. Dina’s at the Mont: Appropriately named, Dina’s at the Mont brings their signature cuisine to guests on the slopes of HoliMont. This year at the taste, the team created a tasting that highlights their culinary talents and passion for what they do everyday. They’ll be featuring homemade mac and cheese, tenderloin tips with garlic mashed potatoes, and demi glacé. Their in-house baker will be making a bourbon peach tart with local honey, perfectly in season. Last but not least, their lobster quesadilla served with a cilantro aioli along with lobster ravioli in a pink vodka sauce.
20. The Banq: Located at 9 E Washington Street, The Banq is popular for their craft cocktails and appetizers. Their taste menu highlights specialties including a cold smoked tenderloin slider, ricotta stuffed gnocchi with Buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing and a refreshing tuna poke bowl. The Banq will also feature two signature beverages including blueberry lemonade and watermelon mojito mocktail.

      Discover the many favors of Ellicottville this upcoming weekend, August 12-13 from Noon-4pm. Enjoy live entertainment, and soak in these beautiful summer days in the village. Check out this weekend’s live entertainment “Whats Shakin” column, on page 13 and view calendar online www.thevillagerny.com.