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Foodie Guide to the Best Restaurants in Upstate NY Featured Image

Foodie Guide to the Best Restaurants in Upstate NY

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The Catskills and Hudson Valley regions of New York State are a foodie’s paradise, offering a range of dining options from upscale international eateries to cozy American diners and everything in between. From locally sourced ingredients to unique fusion flavors, there’s something for every taste and occasion.

Whether you’re a New Yorker looking for a break from NYC or are planning a getaway from further away, here are Red Cottage’s must-hit spots during your time in Upstate New York!

The Debruce

  • Website: https://www.thedebruce.com/
  • Address: 982 Debruce Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758
  • Opening hours: A la carte is available Thursday to Monday / breakfast is available Saturday & Sunday

This upscale bistro is located in the charming town of Livingston Manor in a renovated 19th-century hotel, giving it a cozy and elegant atmosphere. This restaurant is known for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and its focus on the rich culinary heritage of the Catskills region.

The menu at The Debruce changes seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients available. For a special treat, opt for the tasting menu where the chef tells the story of the area’s produce through a series of perfectly presented small plates.

The Laundrette

  • Website: https://www.thelaundrette.xyz/
  • Address: 20 5th St, Narrowsburg, NY 12764
  • Opening hours: 1 pm – 3 pm & 4 pm – 8 pm Thursday / 1 pm – 3 pm & 4 pm – 9 pm Friday / 12 pm – 3 pm & 4 pm – 9 pm Saturday / 12 pm – 3 pm & 4 pm – 8 pm Sunday

This unique pizzeria brings an authentic taste of Italy to the riverside town of Narrowsburg. This quirky restaurant is housed in an old auto body shop and offers stunning views of the Delaware River. Accompanying its unique setting, Laundrette serves some of the best Italian-style pizza in the region.

The European-style vibe is laid-back and casual, making it a great spot for a meal with friends or family. Don’t miss the cocktail list — it’s as delicious and varied as the food menu.

Good Night

  • Website: https://www.goodnightwoodstock.com/
  • Address: 15 Rock City Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498
  • Opening hours: 5 pm – 9 pm Monday to Thursday / 5 pm – 10 pm Friday / 4.30 pm – 10 pm Saturday / 4.30 pm – 9 pm Sunday

Good Night is an Asian fusion restaurant in the buzzing town of Woodstock. This restaurant is quickly making a name for itself thanks to its stylish interiors and delicious food. The menu items at Good Night include a mix of traditional Japanese dishes and more modern, fusion-style offerings. 

Think Thai-style green papaya salad with fish sauce vinaigrette and Chinese-inspired five-spice duck breast with marinade made in-house.

Phoenicia Diner

This small-town diner packs a big punch with its eclectic range of international specialties. Visit this cozy diner surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Catskills for Mexican tortilla soup, fresh Greek salad, and a long list of fresh and juicy sandwiches. There’s a wide range of vegan options, too. 

The ambiance at Phoenicia Diner is casual and welcoming, making it a great spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Phoenicia Diner is a must.

Butterfield

Butterfield is an upscale restaurant in the picturesque town of Stone Ridge. This restaurant is known for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and its focus on high-quality, flavorful dishes.

The menu at Butterfield features a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, but it’s worth coming for just drinks, also. The comprehensive wine list offers French and German bottles, as well as a selection of local wines. Beer lovers will appreciate the many options from local breweries, including a fantastic dark lager from nearby Kingston.Insider tip: Head to the front bar only for their renowned burger.

Cinnamon

  • Website: https://www.cinnamoncuisine.com/
  • Address: 51 E Market St, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
  • Opening hours: 11.30 am – 2.30 pm & 4.30 pm – 10 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday / 11.30 am – 3 pm & 4.30 pm – 10 pm Saturday & Sunday

Cinnamon is an Indian restaurant located in the storybook town of Rhinebeck. The lively dining room has a large, communal table and the atmosphere is energetic and vibrant, making it a great spot for a fun meal with friends.

This restaurant is known for its flavorful menu featuring a variety of traditional Indian dishes. Expect to see classics such as chicken tikka masala and saag paneer, plus lesser-known dishes such as bagara baigan from the Hyderabad region. Be sure to leave room for dessert because the cinnamon ice cream is out of this world.

Gaskins

Gaskins is a corner restaurant in the tiny town of Germantown and is the soul of the town, known for its commitment to using the freshest ingredients in all of its dishes. The ultra-hip menu wouldn’t be out of place in Brooklyn’s coolest neighborhoods and there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options on offer.

The atmosphere at Gaskins is cozy and welcoming, in warmer weather be sure to grab an outside seat for great sunsets! Reservations aren’t possible, so be sure to get there early to guarantee a seat.

Gracie’s Luncheonette

  • Website: https://www.graciesny.com/
  • Address: 969 Main Street, Leeds, NY 12451
  • Opening hours: 10 am – 3 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday / 10 am – 7 pm Friday / 9 am – 7 pm Saturday / 9 am – 3 pm Sunday

Gracie’s Luncheonette is a casual breakfast and lunch spot on the banks of the Catskill Creek in the town of Leeds. This restaurant is the perfect spot for a weekend brunch, offering a variety of breakfast dishes and sandwiches. The house-made hot dog is particularly popular, and you’ll never regret ordering a side of their luxurious mac & cheese.

If you can, try to grab a seat by the windows for stunning views of the creek. Oh, and be sure to save room for their delectable donuts and thick milkshakes!

Cafe Mutton

  • Website: https://www.cafemutton.com/
  • Address: 757 Columbia St, Hudson, NY 12534
  • Opening hours: 10 am – 3 pm Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday / 5 pm – 9 pm Friday

Cafe Mutton is a new cafe in the city of Hudson that has been making huge waves. In fact, it was even featured in the New York Times as one of the best new restaurants in the United States. This non-traditional cafe serves up one-of-a-kind dishes that you won’t find elsewhere. Expect steak tartare that rivals the state’s best steakhouses, and the silkiest crepes around.

During your weekend getaway to Hudson, you won’t want to miss having at least one meal at Cafe Mutton. 

Pro tip: Come early because the lines get long.

Brushland Eating House

Brushland Eating House is a restaurant with a firm emphasis on community and neighbors and a focus on family-style dining and delicious food. The menu at Brushland Eating House features a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

A rotating three-course menu is served ‘family style’ in one sitting — be sure to reserve seating well in advance at this destination restaurant! And if you happen to be in town on the eve of a full moon, don’t miss their special Persian feast.

Explore the Best Restaurants in Upstate NY

New York City may have a reputation as having one of the best dining scenes in America — if not the world. But when you look further afield than central New York you’ll be rewarded with some of the most exciting dining experiences imaginable. Whether you’re looking for casual comfort food or farm-to-table fine dining for date night, you’ll find something for every appetite on this list.

Why not make a weekend of it and book a vacation rental so you can try several spots on this list? With everything on offer from secluded cabins to properties on the water, you may just find yourself opting for takeout instead.

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