From Fine Dining to Farm Fresh

Ok so, we’ve already covered your options for getting outdoors in the Catskills - from breathtaking hikes to river rafting, but another serious advantage of the proximity to New York City is the overall quality of restaurants in the Catskills. You’ll eat very well if you don’t feel like staying in and cooking. Here’s our guide to the top restaurants and lunch spots in the Catskills. 

Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room

(Image: Peekamoose Restaurant)

My ABSOLUTE favorite is Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room – set in an old, restored farmhouse, their housemade bread is to die for, and if you’re a carnivore the short ribs will melt your face. There is a play area for kids, and they even have a little campfire outside with all the fixings for smores. Not far from Belleayre, this is a great spot to stop after a long day of skiing.

Bread Alone

(Image: Bread Alone Instagram)

Bread Alone is an upstate bakery chain that has started making its way into farmers’ markets and grocery stores in the city for good reason. A great place to stop for sandwiches and coffee, don’t forget to buy a loaf (or 10) of bread to take home with you. You’ll find outposts in Boiceville, Kingston, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock. 

Cucina and Market Street

(Image: Cucina)

There is a lovely little Italian spot in Woodstock, Cucina. It features a wrap-around porch for outside seating in summer, great food, a killer wine list, not to mention a great big barn for private events. Sister restaurant Market Street is across the Hudson in one of my favorite upstate towns - Rhinebeck. I’d highly recommend a visit to both.

Shindig

(Image: Shindig)

On the hunt for a great burger, and even better tater tots? Shindig, a sweet little lunch spot on Main street in Woodstock calls them “tinker tots” and their vibe is pleasant and chill. If you’re spending the afternoon strolling around town and visiting the local shops and artisans, make sure to set aside time for a pitstop here. Note that there can be a reasonable wait for a table for larger groups - but you can generally find room to squeeze in at the bar. 

Phoenicia Diner

(Image: Phoenicia Diner Instagram)

And of course we can’t forget the Phoenicia Diner. This old-school roadside diner on route 28 is highly Instagram-able, you’ll recognize the camper van logo when you see it. Given the level of hype, the wait for a table can be long on weekends, but a few years back they opened up outside seating with a limited menu to manage the overflow in summer. The Bloody Marys and bourbon milkshake come highly recommended, though a DD is mandatory as they both pack a hefty punch.

Marty's Mercantile

(Image: Marty's Mercantile Facebook)

Marty’s Mercantile is our local country store in Olive with simple breakfast and lunch options, and the basics (and let’s just be clear that here the basics include artisan maple syrup and handmade soaps). The owners and staff are lovely and knowledgeable about the area, and you’ll often find a bunch of bicyclists posted up for a quick rest here. Definitely worth a visit.  

Wilde Beest

(Image: Wild Beest)

And if you’re up for a trip to the “city” - Kingston’s Stockade District has been getting a bunch of press for their flourishing restaurant scene in recent years, as new spots like Wilde Beest are popping up from young, talented upstart chefs trying their hand at Upstate upscale.

Catskills Brewery

(Image: Catskills Brewery Facebook)

Last but not least, make sure you make time for some booze. Keegan Ales has long been a mainstay of Kingston, I would caution you to be very careful of the Hurricane Kitty. There are a bunch of newer breweries popping up in the area such as Catskills Brewery in Livingston Manor, as well as a slew of local distilleries that will offer a tour and a taste. Enjoy!