Just when winter in Western New York is at its bleakest, an iconic restaurant in Allegany County makes the chill a little more bearable.
Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn at 4321 county Road 15A, near Angelica, has earned acclaim far beyond its modest setting, with all-you-can-eat buckwheat pancakes and pure maple syrup proving to be the perfect antidote to the cold weather blues.
Ronald and Virginia Cartwright founded the restaurant in 1963 and multiple generations of the family have kept it going for more than 60 years.
Although Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn acknowledges the restaurant’s location is “off the beaten path,” that has not prevented it from bringing in huge crowds every year and winning fans from all over the world.
There is a relatively brief window of opportunity to enjoy the seasonal restaurant, as it is only in business from early February to the beginning of April.
Here are six things to know before making a trip to this winter oasis in Allegany County.
When does Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn open in 2026?
Get ready because the 2026 opening is right around the corner.
The season will run from Tuesday, Feb. 3 through Sunday, April 4. During the season, Cartwright’s is open six days a week, and closed on Mondays. Here are the hours:
Keep in mind: The restaurant accepts cash and checks. Cartwright’s does not accept credit cards, but there is an ATM in the lobby.
Why doesn’t Cartwright’s remain open year round?
The family continues to own and operate a full-time dairy operation and many of its employees maintain full-time jobs throughout the year.
Keep in mind: The restaurant is timed to be open during the maple production season – roughly mid-February through mid-April.
Are pancakes the only item on the menu at Cartwright’s?
Heavens no. While the buckwheat pancakes are the main attraction for many customers, there are plenty of other options. The menu includes sausage and eggs, hamburgers, sausage burgers, hot dogs and ham sandwiches.
Keep in mind: The pancakes are all you can eat!
Are Cartwright’s pancakes gluten free?
No. Cartwright’s pancakes are 80% buckwheat and do contain a mixture of other flours including whole wheat flour.
Keep in mind: See above for other food options available at the restaurant.
Does Cartwright’s take reservations?
The restaurant does not accept reservations.
Keep in mind: Tour buses and organizations with 25 or more guests should call 585-567-8181 for more information.
Are Cartwright’s products available for shipping?
The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” The Maple Tree Inn has been shipping out its products since the early 1990s.
To place an order, call 585-567-8181. Cartwright family member Joan will be happy to take your order. She knows what’s in stock, the best shipping prices (syrup is heavy) and she will even share some storage and cooking tips.
Keep in mind: Orders cannot be placed online.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: 6 things to know as Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn readies for 2026 season
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
