Photo by Trumzz.
Photo by Kajornsiri Auimanachai
There’s nothing quite as heartening in winter as a truly great meal, especially a truly great meal cooked with expertise and served with care. At restaurants here in our Realm, you’ll find this and more: crackling fireplaces casting warm light over beautifully appointed rooms, the glow of candlelight setting a mellow mood, splendid soups that will warm you down to your toes, decadent desserts that stroke your senses just right. (Remember, calories are heat energy, and you need some heat energy this time of year. It’s a basic human right.)
Food culture is, as you probably know, passionately practiced here. Farmers grow in high tunnels to produce freshness 365 days a year. Chefs know where to find the best of the best, and how to season it to perfection. Got a case of cabin fever? Want to make your visit here exquisitely memorable? Dine out.<
WHERE TO GO?
We’re giving you a list of our favorites, complete with a highlight from each menu. In the Hudson Valley and Catskills, you’re never far from a culinary experience that will absolutely hit the spot. Fresh ingredients, veggie choices, and sweet service are par for the course; aside from these options, don’t forget to ask about daily specials. Understand that menus can change frequently, but should any of these specific dishes be unavailable, you can count on these places to be cooking up something just as tasty.
our favorite winter dishes from local restaurants
ABA’S FALAFEL in Rhinebeck is a neighborhood lunch spot making magic with organic chickpeas. Try the Sabich: oven roasted eggplant, potato, falafel balls, salad, tahini, and amba (mango curry sauce). abasfalafel.com
ANGELA’S PIZZA in Lake Katrine makes gorgeous specialty pies and offers a build-your-own option. Try the Rustica Panini: grilled chicken, pesto spread, artichokes, roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella. angelaspizzarestaurant.com
SIA RESTAURANT in Stone Ridge offers a wide variety of fine Chinese and Thai dishes, plus outstanding sushi. Try the Szechuan Spicy Soft Tofu or the Wild Curry Special, with your choice of green, red, or yellow curry. asiastoneridge.com
BACCHUS in New Paltz retains the best of its classic pub character, with an adjacent billiard room and brewery and live music; on Saturday nights, stay for the drag show. Try the Bacchus Pasta: shrimp, scallops, mushroom, onion, tomato, Parmesan, cream, and penne. bacchusnewpaltz.com
BENTON in Gardiner will chase the winter blues from even the darkest day: you can feast in a greenhouse beside a crackling fire, watching the weather do its worst while you stay snug. Have a Smash Burger, five ounces of local grass-fed beef with griddled onions, cheese, pickle, and house sauce, along with a side of hand-cut fries smothered in poutine. bentonbeergarden.com
in a Pita by Aba’s.
Rustica Panini.
Szechuan Spicy Soft Tofu by Asia.
Smash Burger by Benton.
BLUE MOUNTAIN BISTRO-TO-GO in Kingston serves up feel-good takeout that will satisfy and delight you every time. Try their famous daily-made Chicken Pot Pie, a comforting classic filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and rich, savory gravy wrapped in a perfectly flaky crust. bluemountainbistro.com
BRICKMEN KITCHEN + BAR in Kingston pairs vintage charm with sweeping Catskills views, creating a cozy-yet-refined spot to linger over good food. Try the Mini Mac Kobe Sliders—juicy, flavorful, and stacked with special sauce and classic toppings. brickmenkingston.com
BRIO’S PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT in Phoenicia is a casual, wonderful feature of the village’s Main Street that’s been perfecting their pies since 1973. If you don’t crave Pizza, try the Short Rib Grilled Cheese served with seasoned curly fries. brios.net
BROOKLYN CIDER HOUSE AT TWIN STAR ORCHARDS in New Paltz is a cozy reinvented barn serving and selling natural ciders. Try the wood-fired Dragon’s Breath Pizza: made with chorizo, jalapenos, and hot honey. brooklynciderhouse.com
CAFÉ MIO in Gardiner serves local fare with flair from an open kitchen where you can watch the magic being made. Try specials like their Stacked Focaccia layered with silky prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, peppery arugula, and vibrant pesto. miogardiner.com
CHEESE LOUISE in Kingston showcases the very best local and international offerings alongside perfectly crafted espresso. This is the perfect place to grab an Egg-and-Cheese Sandwich: local eggs, organic American cheese on griddled Kingston Bread—and you can add bacon, sausage, avocado, or any cured meat you like. cheeselouiseny.com
Kobe Sliders from Brickmen.
Chicken Pot Pies at Bistro-To-Go.
Wood-Fired Pizzas at Brooklyn Cider House.
Stacked Focaccia from Café Mio.
CHERRIES ROADSIDE in Stone Ridge offers handmade ice cream and gourmet candy in a curated general store. Try the Stone Ridge Melt: a hormone-free oven-roasted turkey Reuben with coleslaw, creamy Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese on toasted peasant bread. cherriesnewyork.com
COLONY in Woodstock is iconic, a great place to catch an eclectic variety of live music and rub elbows with locals. Try a Shrimp Po’ Boy: gluten-free tempura-fried shrimp with iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and tartar sauce on a hoagie roll. colonywoodstock.com
THE COMMON GOOD in Ellenville takes pride in offering a community space to share good books, art, and ideas over tasty refreshments. Try the Uncommonly Good Grilled Cheese, made with farmhouse cheddar and slathered with onion jam. thecommongoodny.com
THE CORNELL RESTAURANT + BAR in Kingston, situated right on the Rondout, pays homage to the city’s history of steamboats and honest work. Try the Lobster Pasta, made with whole lobster and tomato saffron pasta for a decadent winter indulgence. cornellkingston.com
CREEKSIDE BAR & BISTRO in Rosendale is a cozy creekside eatery serving comforting bistro fare in a rustic-meets-modern space. Try their Clam Po’ Boy—fried clam strips tucked into a hoagie roll.creeksidebistro.com
EMERSON RESORT AND SPA in Mount Tremper is an elegant place full of fun things to do and an homage to the spirit of Ralph Waldo himself. At their Catamount Restaurant, try the Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib, served with mashed potatoes, green beans, baby carrots, and a port wine sauce. emersonresort.com
Lobster Pasta by The Cornell.
Tasty Po’ Boy.
Braised Boneless Beef Short Rib.
Braised Short Ribs by Garvan’s.
Confit De Canard.
Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich.
Mediterranean Plate at Jar’d.
GARVAN’S GASTROPUB in New Paltz is enchanting and historic, tucked away off the main drag. Try their amazing Braised Short Ribs: bone-in, fork-tender beef served with mashed potatoes and asparagus, topped with a rich veal demi-glace, a true testament to hearty Irish comfort food. garvans.com
HICKORY BBQ SMOKEHOUSE in Kingston began as a backyard BBQ tradition before growing into a beloved family restaurant. Try the Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with your choice of BBQ onions and pepperjack, or slaw and Swiss, served with fresh-cut fries. hickoryrestaurant.com
HIGH FALLS CAFE in Kingston is a classic community pub accented with great vibes, 10 beers on tap, and a sumptuous wine list. Try the House-made Pulled Pork with BBQ topped with coleslaw on a Kaiser roll. highfallscafe.com
HOFFMAN HOUSE TAVERN in Kingston is wildly historic, situated in a mostly-intact 1679 stone building with wide-plank floors and exposed beams framing a chandelier. Try the New York Strip Steak, grilled to your liking and topped with your choice of sauteed mushrooms and onions or bleu cheese and roasted shallots. facebook.com/th ehoffmanhousetavern
HUTTON BRICKYARDS, EDGEWOOD RESTAURANT in Kingston is a riverside treat, a reimagined industrial site that’s now peacefully elegant. Try the Confit de Canard: duck confit braised in red wine with cabbage and celery root purée. huttonbrickyards.com
JAR’D WINE PUB in New Paltz is a cozy, glowing jewel box of a spot, with an intimate vibe that pairs beautifully with spectacular Shawangunk sunsets. Snack on Assorted Pizzettes or enjoy the Mediterranean Plate—the perfect complement to a glass of organic natural rosé or chardonnay. jardwinepub.com
Maritozzi and Cappuccino at Kingston Social.
Cannoli.
London Broil Lamb by Main Course.
PolloAsado by Mill and Main.
KINGSTON SOCIAL NY is fun, friendly, and full of charm—a vibrant spot where art, community, and good taste meet. Sip a perfectly pulled espresso or a velvety cappuccino, and pair it with classic Italian Sweets like a filled cornetto, pillowy bombolone, or decadent maritozzo. kingstonsocialny.com
THE KITCHEN CHEETAH in Margaretville is a sweet, quirky community fixture where you can find specialty groceries and nifty kitchen things, along with fresh-made deliciousness. Try any of their stupendous Soups. facebook.com/thekitchencheetah
LA DELIZIOSA in Poughkeepsie is an old-world-style Italian pastry shop serving a variety of decadent dessert treats handcrafted from the freshest local ingredients. Try their Cannoli; it’s as good as any you’ll find in New York City or maybe even Sicily. ladeliziosany.com
LASTING JOY BREWERY in Tivoli is a beautiful spot, with a family-friendly taproom infused with exuberant warmth. Try the Popcorn Chicken made from La Belle Farms chicken, Ronnybrook Farm buttermilk marinade, sorghum, and rice flour with your choice of dip.lastingjoybrewery.com
MAIN COURSE CATERING + MARKETPLACE in New Paltz was one of the birthplaces of our foodie revolution and still stands out. Try the London Broil Lamb, a beautifully prepared, flavor-packed centerpiece that showcases their signature approach to bold, local cuisine. maincoursecatering.com
MILL AND MAIN in Kerhonkson blends Colombian, Italian, and Caribbean influences with the freshest local ingredients in its New American menu. Try the Pollo Asado—tender, marinated grilled chicken served with vibrant, seasonal sides. millandmainstreet.com
Skizzas by Gigi.
Jambalaya by The Parish.
Arctic Char by Peekamoose.
Five-Spice Rib-Eye.
MONTGOMERY ROW in Rhinebeck is home to two exceptional restaurants, Gigi Trattoria and Gaby’s. Get some shopping done and then feast on specialty flatbread pizzas (“Skizzas”) at Gigi or a platter of Flautas (rolled fried tortillas with shredded chicken topped with tomatillo sauce, shredded lettuce, avocado, queso fresco, and sour cream) at Gaby’s. gigihudsonvalley.com, gabysrhinebeck.com
OLSEN & COMPANY in Saugerties is an eclectic café and restaurant famed for top-notch coffee and splendid salads. Try the Charcuterie: three fine cheeses and two gourmet meats served with herbed crostinis, olives, and grainy mustard. olsenandcompany.com
THE PARISH RESTAURANT AND BAR in New Paltz has a New Orleans flair, from the cuisine to the welcoming, upbeat vibes; the view is pure Shawangunk Mountains. Try the Jambalaya, seasoned Creole rice, chicken, and Mountain Smokehouse andouille sausage; you can add shrimp and/or crawfish. theparishrestaurant.com
PEEKAMOOSE RESTAURANT & TAPROOM in Big Indian is a Catskills classic, with wildly quirky décor and a passionate commitment to fun and food in a splendid setting with a heated outdoor deck. Try the Pan-Roasted Arctic Char served with French green lentils with slow-roasted tomato and fennel confit. peekamooserestaurant.com
THE PHOENICIAN STEAKHOUSE in Phoenicia (where else?) is a classic, unpretentious countryside steakhouse bringing fine dining to this sweet hamlet; if you’re headed there on a weekend, they recommend reservations. Try the Five-Spice Rib-Eye, made with grass-fed Niman Farm beef, topped with ginger soy sauce and served with asparagus and mashed potatoes. thephoeniciansteakhouse.com
Meatballs by The Print House.
.Elk Stew from RDI.
Fig Paccheri by Savona’s.
Rack of Lamb
THE PRINT HOUSE in Fleisch-manns is the only vinyl music bar in the Catskills, with frequent live music and heaping helpings of good vibes. Try the Meatballs with crusty bread, served sizzling in a cast iron skillet—a cozy classic perfect for pairing with a great record. @printhouseny
THE RDI BAR & ROAD KILL GRILL in Napanoch is a favorite haunt for locals and in-the-know visitors, with fascinating, quirky décor and a menu rich in wild game. Try the Elk Stew, a hearty, flavorful classic with a twist—or go bold with a burger made from any of seven game choices. therunningdeerinn.com
THE ROOST in Stone Ridge is a cozy, friendly spot serving fresh house-made American cuisine with touches of southern, Asian, French, and Hispanic influence. Try the Chicken Enchilada Skillet, made with cheddar, jalapenos, and sour cream on a corn tortilla. theroostinstoneridge.com
RŪNA BISTRO in New Paltz is “French-ish” and fresh, with unique small plates and a masterfully crafted wine list. Try the Pork Tenderloin in stewed spicy apple sauce, served with green bean almondine and citrus, apricot, and pecan rice stuffing. runanewpaltz.com
SAVONA’S TRATTORIA & BAR in Kingston, Red Hook, Poughkeepsie, and Hudson serves “Italian cuisine the way Nonna used to make it,” and over 35 years of success means they know what they’re talking about. Try their Caramelized Fig Paccheri — a seasonal special combining sweet figs, savory elements, and hand-cut paccheri pasta in rich, balanced flavor. savonas.com
SECONDS RESTAURANT in Athens is home to casual fine dining with a creative Continental and Mediterranean flair, as well as a full bar. Try the pan-seared Rack of Lamb with garlic and herbs, served with potatoes and veggie of the day. secondsrestaurant.com
Juicy Tacos.
Braised Lamb Shank by Terrapin.
Wood-Fired Pizza.
Asian Noodle Bowl by Yum Yum.
A SLICE OF ITALY in Kingston is a welcoming place where you’ll find splendid pizza and fine Italian cuisine. Try the Italian Casserole: sausage, meatballs, mushrooms sauteed with mozzarella, and marinara sauce with your choice of pasta. asliceofitaly7115.com
SPORTSMAN’S ALAMO CANTINA in Phoenicia is a time-honored and locally loved watering hole with a diverse menu that leans into authentic Mexican fare; Babe Ruth used to stop here when he came up to do some fly fishing. Try the juicy, tasty Tacos made with slow-cooked meats. alamo-cantina.com
TERRAPIN RESTAURANT in Rhinebeck has been serving creative, dynamic farm-to-table feasts throughout the 21st century and vows to delight both your body
and soul. Try the Guinness Braised Lamb Shank topped with garlic chips, served with sweet and sour red cabbage and mashed potatoes. terrapinrestaurant.com
UNION GROVE DISTILLERY in Arkville, co-located with Calico Outlaw Brewing, has a fine Catskills rebel flair served free with the fine spirits and great beer. Wash down some Wood-Fired Pizza with maple ginseng moonshine, a.k.a. “liquid gold liquor.” uniongrovedistillery.com
YUM YUM NOODLE BAR, with locations in Kingston, Red Hook, and Woodstock, serves up classic, creative Asian fusion. Try their Asian Noodle Bowl: boiled egg, veggies, mushrooms, and scallions with your choice of five noodle types, four broths, and eight proteins. yumyumnoodlebar.com
Consider this your checklist of must-try dishes to carry you through the winter. From cozy fireside feasts to seasonal specialties and hidden gems, these restaurants offer the kind of comfort, craft, and flavor that make the cold months something to savor.
