Since 1950, Bob & Ruth’s Vineyard Restaurant on Main Street in Naples, has been a classic retro diner that has remained a popular eatery by both locals and tourists alike. Bob and Ruth Emory ran their diner with a strict code for staff and if you wanted to eat in the back ballroom, a sports coat and tie were required. Their 
sophisticated menu items included Prime Rib, Trout and Chicken Oscar and was finished with a Creme de Menthe Sundae. Kate Davis (pictured above) has worked here for 42 years and recalls how hard Ruth worked but during the winter months, with the restaurant closed, they traveled and discovered menu ideas, discussed below, to serve.
Since 2000, Tammy and Danny Harisis have been the on-location proprietors. They owned the very popular diner, The Rail Diner, which sat across the street from Kodak park. They were approached to sell the property to a car dealership and serendipitously, Bob and Ruth’s came on the market. So they packed up the family and moved to Naples. To this day, many items from the old menu are still prepared including the renown sandwic
h, The Piccadilly Brown, which is still a best seller. It’s served open-faced on toasted bread, with sliced ham or roasted turkey topped with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, bacon and tomatoes slid under the broiler just before serving. Tammy gifted the sandwich to me and let me tell you, it’s heavenly and hearty.
This sandwich is perfect if you’re starved or after wine tasting at one of the several wineries in the area to offset your alcohol consumption. It could be a classic hangover remedy.
Another holdover from the 1960’s menu is Mile-High Coconut Cream Pie. Tammy bakes Ruth’s classic recipe with a creamy coconut filling piled high with meringue and toasted coconut.
To enjoy their full menu and bar, a coat and tie are no longer required in the ballroom which is open from April through October. You can reach them at: 585-374-5122.
Naples is a charming village at the end of Canandaigua Lake and an easy drive from Rochester. Go enjoy some wine and then experience an authentic diner’s old-fashioned food. You’ll feel nostalgic while eating delicious classics in a genuine 60’s diner.
Opinions of the author are her own and products were purchased or otherwise noted for discussion. I welcome your comments and suggestions for food and specialty items from upstate New York and can be reached at: linda@anexpatreturns.com
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