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It's a Utica Thing! Kitchen & Bar is an italian restaurant in Utica, NY.

It's a Utica Thing! Kitchen & Bar Review Summary

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4.2
(79 Reviews)
5
4
3
2
1
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saggy dan
saggy dan -Google user
2 months ago
U-tica? U-BETCHA!! Do NOT let the bland exterior fool you or deter you from eating here. Inside of its nondescript exterior lies this hidden Italian gem that evokes the famous Italian eateries of Little Italy and Brooklyn - but at a fraction of the...Read More
Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5
Joe L
Joe L -Google user
8 months ago
Very surprised. Expected another overrated Italian restaurant. Server/bartender awesome. Ambience was just perfect with lighting and music. Wings cooked perfect. Pizza, great sauce but undercooked. Layer of uncooked dough on top. Wine is reasonable
Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5Plenty of parkingFree parking lot
Misty Garafalo
Misty Garafalo -Google user
11 months ago
Came for our daughter's 27th birthday last night, food was delicious especially the smash burger special with truffle and Swiss!! Waitstaff were very attentive and sweet even bringing her a birthday cannolli with a candle. The place is tastefully decorated and modern, drinks were delicious...Read More
Dine inDinnerAtmosphere: 5
Carol Emmons
Carol Emmons -Google user
a year ago
It’s a Utica thing kitchen and bar is definitely worth it.. now the location is deceiving don’t look like much but walk in the door you will be surprised.. I was dying for chicken riggies and it’s hard to find good ones a lot...Read More
Dine inDinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5Chicken Parm
Richard Keeney
Richard Keeney -Google user
a year ago
An innocent little strip mall Italian restaurant and bar, the outside is deceiving. Great atmosphere and incredible food can be found inside… a great start to our anniversary trip to Niagara Falls.
Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5
David S
David S -Google user
a year ago
Check all the boxes here... Nicely decorated, all new decor, friendly servers, and best of all the food is delish! Oh and don't forget the happy hour specials are the best of all. I had a couple of drafts, Saranac and Prison City, both excellent! The sausage...Read More
Atmosphere: 5
PJB
PJB -Google user
Edited 5 months ago
Their food and drinks are always great.
Food: 5…
Brian
Brian -Google user
Edited a year ago
Great Vibez, good music, excellent customer service. I really enjoyed the way the meal rolled out. The "order". Shrimp Scampi and Brutini was excellent Highly recommend! Get you some! ***UPDATE*** VALENTINES DAY!...TOOK THE WIFE, ORDERED CHICKEN PARM, WIFE GOT THE HADDOCK WITH BUCATINI...EXCELLENT, PERFECT! EVERYTHING EVEN THE CLAMS AND...Read More
Dine inDinner$50–100Atmosphere: 5Side Caesar SaladHighly recommendClearly labeled vegetarian dishesPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Justin Wadsworth
Justin Wadsworth -Google user
2 years ago
The food was out of this world good! The homemade pasta made the meal so much more hearty. The owner came over to all the tables to thank them and talked with everyone! Love the new remodel! I would highly recommend...Read More
Dine inDinner$20–30
Kristin Knapp
Kristin Knapp -Google user
a year ago
Amazing atmosphere for the price. Excellent service and ambiance, and still felt like a hometown Utica family place at the same time. We had a wonderful time!
jeff mullins
jeff mullins -Google user
a month ago
The wife and I were driving to upper New York for my work. Decided we needed some lunch. Found this place and when we started turning down roads to it we wondered what we got ourselves into. Don’t let all that stuff worry you. It’s...Read More
Dine inLunch$50–100Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talk
Stacey Mahoney
Stacey Mahoney -Google user
2 weeks ago
Visited on Sept 27th and I had the filet steak sandwich with peppers and onions which was absolutely delicious! One of the best I’ve ever had! My husband had the meatball sandwich and he said that was also great! Our waiter was polite and respectful.
DinnerService: 5
Caitlin Cahill
Caitlin Cahill -Google user
2 months ago
Had a fabulous lunch here with my Mom while visiting Utica (we're new part-timers discovering the area). What a great intro to the Utica dining scene! Great upscale casual vibe, lovely service, and excellent food. We shared the meatballs (divine) and Utica Sunday Sandwich (sublime)...Read More
Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Capper Hockey Services
Capper Hockey Services -Google user
a week ago
Place is a hidden gem! It was electric in there- live music, food was delicious, bar tender and Danielle were amazing hosts. They were friendly and provided great service. The cannolis were to die for. Leave the gun take the cannoli
Dine inAtmosphere: 5
Dorothée Caulfield
Dorothée Caulfield -Google user
3 months ago
A classic example of don't judge a book by its cover! The unassuming exterior in a strip mall would lead you to expect a smallish pizza joint. This is anything but! We had a delicious lunch with extremely good 'home made' food. The service was...Read More
$20–30Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkSuitable for all group sizesIndoor dining area, Booth seating, Counter seating
Jennifer Matias
Jennifer Matias -Google user
2 months ago
Amazing restaurant!! My husband and I were heading home to Massachusetts from Canada. We stopped in to grab dinner and was pleasantly surprised. We didn’t think much of it when we pulled up to the restaurant but it was super cute inside and much larger...Read More
Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5No wait
Joseph Taverna
Joseph Taverna -Google user
6 months ago
This was our first time dining here. We were pleasantly surprised when we walked in. The place was nicely decorated and you have your choice of tables or booths. We were greeted immediately and were seated right away. We asked about calamari (it was not...Read More
Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Chicken Parm, CalamariPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Tom Meehan
Tom Meehan -Google user
2 months ago
Just met some friends from Vermont at It’s a Utica Thing for dinner. Server Hana was great, friendly, attentive and did a phenomenal job. Food was top shelf. Chicken Riggi’s, Chicken Parm, Fried Chicken sandwich, giant calzone and cannoli’s were outstanding. Co-Owner/Chef Charlie made it...Read More
Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 1Indoor dining areaPlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Tess LeAnne
Tess LeAnne -Google user
a month ago
I can’t speak highly enough of the food and service we received here! I’m allergic to wheat, the server was really knowledgeable when it came to food allergies. The gluten free riggies were incredible, it’s been weeks and I’m still thinking about this meal.
Dinner$30–50Atmosphere: 42 peopleHighly recommendAmazing options for gluten free folksPlenty of parking
James Farina
James Farina -Google user
3 months ago
Don't let the location fool you. The second you walk in, its very nice inside and has a nice atmosphere. The service is exceptional, as is the food. The drinks, I had one of the best old fashioneds I've ever had. I had the chicken...Read More
Atmosphere: 5
Cathleen Childs
Cathleen Childs -Google user
3 weeks ago
Drove an hour because my son said I would like the place well I do was greeted by a young man who was so pleasant and friendly we had the garlic pizza as an appetizer loved it was not greasy at all then...Read More
Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 4Moderate noisePlenty of parkingFree parking lot
Johnathan Lombardi
Johnathan Lombardi -Google user
4 days ago
This place is wonderful! Amazing staff, great food and really good prices! It reminds me of home! 😋
Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 5No wait
Cindy Haschytz
Cindy Haschytz -Google user
2 weeks ago
Great food, great ambiance and service. We loved everything we tried.
David Barron
David Barron -Google user
3 months ago
Our fav spot in Utica. Chicken cutlet sandwich, chicken riggies and margarita pizza are our go-to's. Always tastes fresh and service is great
Jeshua D
Jeshua D -Google user
10 months ago
The cocktails were superb. Both drinks we got were the bartender’s brain child. The atmosphere was hoppin but you still have your privacy. The food was good and filling. Overall it lived up to its name.
Tina Bayer
Tina Bayer -Google user
5 months ago
Delicious homemade pasta, the chicken riggi and Utica greens were also terrific. Definitely recommend!
Cindi Mancino
Cindi Mancino -Google user
11 months ago
Had a surprise birthday party for my husband here! Staff was friendly, accommodating, professional and very organized! Everyone commented how good the food was! If you haven't been here yet you will be pleasantly surprised by how nice the atmosphere/decor inside is compared to the...Read More
Brandy Nieves
Brandy Nieves -Google user
9 months ago
Took my boyfriend to dinner for his birthday… top notch start to finish. Very sweet and attentive server. Food was great! I even brought dessert home for my daughter and she loved it.
Jenni Joy Nicolella
Jenni Joy Nicolella -Google user
a year ago
My husband and I went to It's a Utica Thing! for the first time last night and we were not disappointed! At first glance it just looked like another strip mall dive, but that was not the case. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with a...Read More
Jenn Weinschreider
Jenn Weinschreider -Google user
2 weeks ago
Super cute restaurant with great staff and food. It's our go to when traveling through Utica from now on..

Features

Service options

check icon Delivery
check icon Takeout
check icon Dine-in

Highlights

check icon Fast service
check icon Live music
check icon Sports

Popular for

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Solo dining

Accessibility

check icon Wheelchair accessible entrance
check icon Wheelchair accessible parking lot
check icon Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings

check icon Alcohol
check icon Beer
check icon Cocktails
check icon Coffee
check icon Comfort food
check icon Happy hour drinks
check icon Hard liquor
check icon Quick bite
check icon Small plates
check icon Wine

Dining options

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Catering
check icon Dessert

Amenities

check icon Bar onsite
check icon Restroom

Atmosphere

check icon Casual
check icon Trendy

Crowd

check icon Groups
check icon Tourists

Planning

check icon Accepts reservations

Payments

check icon Credit cards
check icon Debit cards
check icon NFC mobile payments

Children

check icon Good for kids

Parking

check icon Free parking lot
check icon Parking

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