The Elf in the Oak is a charming café in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Visit for delicious sandwiches and relaxing lake views!
Seneca Lake is rolling in wonderful foodie destinations. On our recent trip to the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York, we tried to pack in as much as possible in just a few days, but you could spend much, much longer!
Besides the wineries, there are some great little cafes and restaurants. The Elf in the Oak was a lunch spot we found in Burdett, on the southeast side of Seneca Lake. Here's what to expect if you go!
Timing Your Visit
Hours vary by season, so check the Facebook page before you head out (where they also post daily specials).
When we visited in fall 2023, it was open for weekend breakfast and lunch, but in their busier season you may find them open more days and some evenings.
A Scenic Lunch at The Elf in the Oak
When we visited, there was plenty of outdoor seating, some of which was a covered deck.
Just order your food at the window, and then settle in for a nice view of Seneca Lake. It was a little dreary the day we visited, so we opted for the covered deck seating.
There are also some picnic tables with umbrellas on the lawn if you're so inclined.
Food Options at The Elf in the Oak
The menu mostly consists of grilled sandwiches, subs, and salads.
Our group had:
- Fried Clam Po Boy (with garlic mayo!)
- Duck Wontons (one of the daily specials, featuring bacon, sweet corn, and cream cheese)
- Roasted Pork Loin Sammy (with caramelized onions, provolone, pickles, and barbeque sauce)
- Jerk Chicken Panini (with a sweet onion relish and house-made hot sauce!)
- Sweet Potato Fries with Honey
Everyone enjoyed their meals: the clam po boy was especially amazing!
The duck wontons reminded us of crab ragoons and were enjoyable.
The portion sizes were large, and we probably didn’t need the sweet potato fries after all, but our group shared them and enjoyed them! I liked that they were served with honey.
Other Area Attractions to Visit
Finger Lakes Distilling, which makes bourbon, gin, rye, and several liqueurs, is super close by!
JR Dill is the closest winery, but if you extend your sightseeing down around the southern end of the lake (and you really should!) then you can also check out Lakewood Vineyards and Barnstormer Winery.
Watkins Glen is a can't-miss destination about 10 minutes from Burdett. The state park features an unforgettable gorge, and it has a great campground too.
Let us know if you get a chance to check out these spots around Seneca Lake! Happy travels.
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