CATSKILLS REGION
A diverse region that includes portions of the Appalachian Mountains, the collection of communities, forests, mountains and valleys are roughly contained within the borders of Catskill Park, a 700,000 acre preserve. The restaurants here are renowned for reasonably priced, farm-to-table, classic fare.
Bon appetit!
Yelp’s Price Range Key:
$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Pricey
$$$$ Ultra High-End
5327 Route 212, Mount Tremper
We know choosing favorites is frowned upon, but The Pines is just so darn good. Pines Curry as a main dish is our personal go-to, as is the cheese and charcuterie board to start. Here, it’s equally about the food as it is the ambiance. After dusk, The Pines on the outside provides a mysterious welcoming, sort of like Catskill Park itself. No reservations required. $$
Photo: The Pines
261 Tinker Street, Woodstock
Dixon Roadside, a few miles outside of Woodstock, is in the hamlet of Bearsville (down the road from the large, reno-in-progress, Bearsville Arts Center). The restaurant has a cool, throwback look (feels a bit like a mid-century California gas station), but the inside is surprisingly warm and modern. After placing your dinner order at the front counter, items start arriving at your table within a few minutes. The comfort food is tasty, local, and reasonably priced. Try the meatloaf, mac & cheese, and fish fry. The focused menu has a good selection of regular items, plus a daily entree special, and the attractive bar features New York beers. Due in part to its association with the wildly-popular Phoenicia Diner, Dixon Roadside has already gained traction after only opening this past December. We can’t wait for warm weather, when the garage door walls all open up to the outdoors. $$
746 Main Street, Margaretville
Binnekill Tavern not only has a beautiful, scenic location overlooking a Catskill creek, the food is just as memorable as the surroundings. The dinner menu offers elevated comfort food and the drinks are clearly prepared by an expert (order a cocktail and you will know what we’re talking about). It’s a perfect choice when in the area, especially as the weather gets colder and the nearby slopes like Belleayre Mountain are open (fingers crossed!). $$
Photo: Binnekill Tavern