I am ashamed to admit that as a lifelong native of Western New York, I had never had a beef on weck sandwich until we visited this iconic restaurant in Batavia. We can’t resist visiting a restaurant with a well-established repertoire of serving a community for decades, and the Pok-A-Dot Restaurant fits the bill to a tee.
(Full Disclosure-We make it a point to never tell anyone at any restaurant that we are Adventures in New York because we want to have the same experience that you would have when you visit.)
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History of “the Dot”
Opened in 1953, the Pok-A-Dot started out as a humble wooden building painted black with its distinct pok-a-dot design with folding sides that would serve a limited menu of hot dogs and hamburgers. Over the years, the building was renovated to accommodate the demands of its growing clientele, who turned this budding business into a thriving family restaurant. Throughout the decades, the restaurant and its quintessential 50s decor have become a meeting place for friends and family to enjoy a great meal.
FUN FACT: The Pok-A-Dot was mentioned in John Gardner’s Book Sunlight Dialogues and captured in the artwork of local artist John Hodgins.
Great Food, Great Prices, and Beef on Weck
The Pok-A-Dot has a diner design where the patrons can watch as their food is made. We visited on an early Sunday, just before the lunchtime rush, and had the place almost completely to ourselves.
I was blown away by the extremely reasonably priced menu items, especially in the post-covid economy of skyrocketing restaurant food prices. It was refreshing to be able to order a nice meal and not break the bank.
We found the staff not only friendly but very efficient. We had a meal in a matter of minutes, cooked to perfection. I was eager to try the beef on weck, and our server ensured that although we had it prepared “the authentic way” with horseradish, it was provided on the side, so we could determine just how much we had wanted to add to our sandwiches.
By the way, my verdict on the beef on weck… I realized I had been missing out on something fabulous all my life! I’m a complete carnivore, so this sandwich was right up my alley. I now understand why this restaurant is famous for serving the best beef on weck in New York State because it was out of this world!
If beef on weck isn’t your thing, this restaurant is also famous for its hot pepper and egg sandwich varieties. The menu is extensive, with various dishes to tempt any pallet, and you are guaranteed to get a delicious meal for a great price at the Pok-A-Dot.
Getting to Pok-A-Dot Restaurant
Visit their Website: https://www.pokadotbatavia.com/
Address: 229 Ellicott St, Batavia, NY 14020