Depends on what you mean by upstate, anything between NYC and Albany tends to still be good but go north or west of Albany and it’s gonna get as bad as you said
I don’t spend much time in the Hudson valley, but I can assume proximity to the coast would improve the quality. I think it’s overall an issue with restaurants not using much butter or salt due to folks being more health conscious. Food like chicken riggies and spiedies are generally something I enjoy but only if I make it myself and add those rich ingredients.
