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Situated within easy reach for New Yorkers craving a break from the city’s bustle, The Catskills and the Hudson Valley have become a magnet for exceptional food.
Increasingly, these areas are attracting NYC expats who bring a slice of the city’s culinary innovation to quaint main streets, set against the backdrop of the region’s rolling hills and serene country roads. This migration has given rise to a vibrant mix of restaurants, from nostalgic establishments serving classic Americana to modern eateries offering inventive dishes that highlight the bounty of local ingredients.
Long celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and as a haven for nature enthusiasts, The Catskills region has evolved far beyond its storied past of all-inclusive resorts reminiscent of Dirty Dancing.
Today, this region beckons adventurers to explore beyond their cozy inns and Airbnbs, offering not just pristine mountain trails and fresh air but also a burgeoning culinary scene that rivals the best. From hot dinner spots that will have you browsing Zillow out of sheer aspiration to breweries with stunning mountainside views and upscale general stores with gourmet finds, The Catskills contain a treasure trove of dining experiences waiting to be discovered.
As you delve into the culinary heart of The Catskills, this guide promises to be your compass, leading you to the best restaurants worth pulling into after a long hike. Whether you’re escaping the city for a weekend getaway, on the hunt for the perfect antique, or simply exploring the scenic beauty of New York State, I’ve got you covered.
From seasonal delights to the warmth of fireside dining, discover why The Catskills is fast becoming a culinary destination not just for locals but for food lovers everywhere.
Okay, hope you enjoy this list…
Route 28: Boiceville, Mt Tremper, Phoenicia, Big Indian, Arkville
Great if you’re heading to Balsam Lake, Slide, Panther, Wittenberg, Peekamoose, Table, etc.
This storied route, framed by the lush landscapes of the Catskills, is not just a path through nature’s splendor but a journey through a burgeoning food scene that marries the rustic charm of the mountains with the sophistication of contemporary cuisine.
From the catch of the day to the brews with a view, the culinary offerings along Route 28 are as diverse as the landscape itself, featuring hot dinner spots, innovative breweries, and general stores that redefine rustic luxury.
These locations are listed as they appear on Route 28 as you drive east to west.
- Hickory BBQ Smokehouse close to KingstonI’m keen to try these meats
- Bread Alone in Boiceville “solid”
- Boiceville Market IGA in Boiceville “good for sandwiches”
- The Pines in Mt Tremper “the greatest place on earth”
- Woodstock Brewing in Phoenicia “lots of outdoor seating”
- Phoenicia Diner just outside Phoenicia beloved by everyone
- Brio’s Pizzeria in Phoenicia solid pizza, solid diner
- Peekamoose Restaurant in Big Indian for upscale farm-to-table nosh
- Urban Cowboy in Big Indian fantastic post-hike spot
- Oakley’s just east of Arkville “really good pizza”
Whether you’re fueling up for a hike or toasting to a day well-spent in the great outdoors, let this guide to Route 28’s best restaurants, bars, and breweries be your compass to the culinary treasures nestled in the heart of the Catskills
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East Catskills: Kingston, Woodstock, Saugerties, Cairo
Great if you’re heading to Overlook or the Eastern Devil’s Path: Indian Head, Twin, Plateau, Sugarloaf, etc.
Welcome to the eastern gateway of the Catskills, where the vibrant towns of Kingston, Woodstock, Saugerties, and Cairo serve not just as starting points for your hiking expeditions but as destinations for some of the most compelling dining experiences in the Hudson Valley.
This region, easily accessible to nature-starved New Yorkers and visitors alike, offers a taste of the extraordinary, blending the natural beauty of the Catskills with an evolving culinary scene that’s as diverse as the trails themselves.
- Camp Kingston at 36 St. James Street wonderful new spot / queer owned
- Kingston Bread + Bar on North Front St super delicious
- Dixon Roadside in Woodstock run by folks who run the Phoenicia Diner
- Smokehouse of the Catskills just off Rte 212 in Saugerties
- Red Star Cafe & Bakery in Cairo
Here, every meal is an opportunity to celebrate the local flavors, the community of chefs and restaurateurs, and the unforgettable charm of the Catskills.
Tannersville: Devil’s Path
Great if you’re heading to Indian Head, Twin, Plateau, Sugarloaf, Hunter, West Kill. (Also good if you’re hitting the Eastern Devil’s Path when Platte Clove Rd is closed in Winter.)
Tannersville, a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of the Catskills, serves as the perfect basecamp for adventurers tackling the rugged terrains of The Devil’s Path. This trail, known for its challenging hikes and breathtaking vistas, is equally matched by the culinary oasis found in Tannersville and along its pathways.
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The Devil’s Path, with its steep ascents and descents, demands stamina and resilience, making the post-hike rewards all the more satisfying. Imagine descending from the heights of Indian Head or Twin Mountain to be greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere of Tannersville’s eateries.
Here, every meal is a celebration of the day’s achievements, whether you crave a hearty burger, a refreshing ice cream, or a gourmet dish that tells a story of local flavors and traditions.
- Shandaken Bake in Tannersville open Fri, Sat, Sun 8:30am til gone (and they sell out early!)
- Mamma’s Boys Burgers in Tannersville Great burger options (and Jane’s ice-cream)
- Pancho Villa’s in Tannersville
- Last Chance Antiques & Cheese Café in Tannersville “awesome food and drink”
Tannersville is more than just a stop; it’s a part of the experience. Its proximity to The Devil’s Path makes it an integral chapter in your hiking narrative, offering not only sustenance but a glimpse into the community that thrives in the shadow of the mountains. From casual bites to sophisticated dining, the culinary landscape here mirrors the diversity and beauty of the Catskills.
Northern Catskills: Palenville, Hunter, West Kill, Windham
Great if you’re heading to West Kill, Windham, Blackhead, Black Dome, etc. (Also good if you’re hitting the Eastern Devil’s Path when Platte Clove Rd is closed in Winter.)
As the gateway to some of the most majestic hikes in the Catskills, including West Kill, Windham, Blackhead, and Black Dome, the communities of Palenville, Hunter, West Kill, and Windham offer more than just stunning natural beauty. They serve as the perfect backdrop for a culinary journey that complements the rugged charm of the mountains with flavors that are as vibrant and diverse as the landscapes themselves.
Each location boasts its unique culinary gems that promise to satisfy your post-hike cravings.
- West Kill Kitchen in Spruceton new! can’t wait to check it out!
- West Kill Brewery in West Kill regular awesome food trucks
- Circle W Market in Palenville many, many raves for this stop
- Jagerberg Hall in Hunter “awesome German food”
- The Windham Local in Windham “cozy place, great food, friendly service as well”
From the simplicity of a morning coffee to the indulgence of a post-hike feast, these towns are your companions on the journey, ensuring that your adventures in and around West Kill, Windham, Blackhead, and Black Dome are as delicious as they are memorable.
Western Catskills: Livingston Manor, Roscoe
Great if you’re heading to Balsam Lake Mountain, Willowemoc Wild Forest, Finger Lakes Trail, Trout Pond, etc.
These quaint towns, nestled amidst rolling hills and lush forests, are not just waypoints for hikers and nature lovers but thriving epicenters of culinary innovation and traditional delights that mirror the rich biodiversity of the region.
I don’t get out to this part of the Catskills much so thank you to Ralph Bressler of CatskillHiker.net for these solid recommendations.
- The Smoke Joint in Livingston Manor Great brisket and ribs. Take out or dine outside. Quick service.
- Upward Brewing Company in Livingston Manor A brewery with outstanding burgers. The beers are all brewed on site.
- The Arnold House in Livingston Manor Pub downstairs is for casual dining and a brew. Upstairs dining room offers a great skirt steak.
- The Kaatskeller in Livingston Manor
- Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor
- Neon Croissant in Livingston Manor “The best croissants I’ve ever had” / Always busy on weekends.
- The Walk In / Stumble Out in Livingston Manor Day: “Amazing southern biscuit sandwiches” / Evening: “Craft cocktails and beer, nice wines, and great post-hike fare.”
- The Junction in Roscoe People rave about this place
- Roscoe Diner in Roscoe A Sullivan County tradition with an enormous menu. Fabulous deserts.
- Rockland House in Roscoe Sit down dining outside or get take out. Prime Rib is the star.
- The Courtyard in Roscoe
Both Livingston Manor and Roscoe celebrate the local, from farm-to-table cuisine that honors the land to traditional dishes that have stood the test of time. Here, every meal is an opportunity to gather, reflect, and celebrate the adventures of the day.
While you’re here, you might enjoy this list of Amazing Western Catskills Hikes.
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Grab this list of the best hiking apps for the Catskills and beyond.
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J&J Smokehouse BBQ on Main St. in town of Catskill is really good too! The Piggy Pie was delicious.
Good to know. Thank you, Elke!
Brandenburg Bakery in Livingston Manor 🤤🤤🤤 everything I’ve tried there was soooo good.
Will check it out. Thanks, Stefanie!
Unfortunately, Brandenburg is now closed. It was reopened as the Neon Croissant. I have not been in but have heard it is expensive. It is always busy on weekends.
The Smoke Joint – Livingston Manor
Great brisket and ribs. Take out or dine outside. Quick service. Great for after a long hike in the Willowemoc Wild Forest.
Rockland House – Roscoe
Sit down dining outside or get take out. All the food is good but the Prime Rib is the star along with the salad bar. Great place to relax after putting in some miles on the FLT.
Roscoe Diner – Roscoe
A Sullivan County tradition with an enormous menu including Greek items. Fabulous deserts. Great for after your hike at Trout and Mud Ponds.
Spiro’s Countryside – Roscoe
Bring your own alcohol but the food is great and inexpensive. Greek specialties mixed with American cuisine. Vist here after a trip to Huggins Lake or Split Rock.
Upward Brewery – Livingston Manor
A brewery with outstanding burgers. The beers are all brewed on site and are sure to please. Stop by after hiking to the fire tower on Balsam Lake Mountain
The Arnold House – Livingston Manor
The Pub is downstairs for casual dining and a brew. The upstairs dining room offers a great skirt steak. Realx after hiking at Big Pond and Little Pond.
Ralph, you rock! I’ll update the page a.s.a.p.
In Livingston Manor 3 new places opened within the last year or so: The Walk In has amazing southern biscuit sandwiches and the Neon Croissant bakery has the best croissants I’ve ever had! The Walk In turns into the Stumble Out bar at night and offers craft cocktails and beer, nice wines, and great post-hike fare.
Fantastic update, thank you. I need to get out that way…
The Smoke Joint – Livingston Manor
Rockland House – Roscoe
Roscoe Diner – Roscoe
Spiro’s Countryside – Roscoe
Courtyard – Roscoe
Upward Brewary – Livingston Manor
The Arnold House – Livingston Manor
The DeBruce – Livingston Manor
Just to name a few
This is so helpful. What do you like about each of these locations, for hikers especially? (The list is focused on hiker eats, and is not meant to be a comprehensive directory of every eatery in the Catskills, so a note about a few of those places would help me decide what should get included…)
What happened to the Western Catskills? WY did you skip us?
I have Oakley’s in there! I don’t know too many places over that way. Happy to take solid recommendations…