The best restaurants in New Paltz include an Italian deli, an Irish-American restaurant on a golf course, and a coffee shop that also makes their own beer. None are fancy or upscale. Afterall, it is a college town.
But the town gets busy with out-of-towners from summer into fall, as its proximity to New York City makes it a popular weekend getaway. New Paltz is nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley and is surrounded by natural beauty, with outdoor activities facilitated by its proximity to the Shawangunk Mountains. The Gunks, as they are often referred to, are a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and bird-watching.
Within the town is the historic Huguenot Street, one of the oldest continuously inhabited streets in the U.S., showcasing stone houses and a glimpse into the 17th-century life. And the village is quite walkable, though most accommodations are on the outskirts.
The town has something for everyone. These are the best New Paltz restaurants, bars, as well as some other great spots to try. I guarantee you’ll find a favorite.
Garvan's Gastropub
Garvan’s Gastropub in New Paltz, NY, is an establishment rich in history and natural beauty. It is situated beside the New Paltz Golf Course in a building that has stood since 1759 on historic Huguenot Street.
The owners, Garvan and Leonie McCloskey, opened Garvan’s Gastropub with the vision of bringing a piece of Ireland to New Paltz. Their efforts have turned Garvan’s into a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, serving meals that emphasize fresh, local ingredients and offering a menu that marries Irish culinary traditions with New American flavors.
Stop for a Gorganzola Burger, a Rueben, and a few beers after playing a round of golf. Or the Guiness Lamb Stew adds a taste of Ireland and is a perfect choice for a chilly day. The dinner menu adds fancier options like a Duck Breast with Port Wine and Cherry reduction, a short Rib Ragout, and a Shrimp & Butternut Squash Ravioli.
Russo's Italian Deli
Russo’s Italian Deli is a family-owned and operated delicatessen since 2012. While it started off as a beloved New Paltz spot, the secret got out and it’s now a go-to for people all over.
Inspired by old- world Italian traditions, aims to provide customers with simple ingredients that reflect the traditional Italian lifestyle. The menu features a variety of sandwiches, with some of the most popular being:
- Il Capo (#1): Mortadella, prosciutto, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers
- My Cousin Luca (#3): Chicken cutlet, prosciutto, provolone, lettuce, red onion, mayonnaise, and olive oil/vinegar
- The Vinchenz (#8): Ham, pepperoni, sopresatta, provolone, lettuce, red onion, oil and vinegar, mayonnaise, Italian seasonings
All cold sandwiches are served on a choice of bread. But I’m saying right now, always order the sandwiches on the home-made focaccia. I consider these sandwiches to be among the best around, alongside some of the best delis in the Hudson Valley, like Rossi & Son’s in Poughkeepsie, Noto’s in Newburgh, and possibly Roma Deli in Wappinger’s.
Additionally, Russo’s offers catering services with dishes such as baked ziti, chicken Marsala, and eggplant Parmigiana, suitable for any event size.
The sandwiches on their focaccia bread are some of the best f&%king sandwiches I have ever had north of NYC, up there with Rossi & Son's in Poughkeepsie.
Huckleberry
Huckleberry is one of the most popular restaurants in New Paltz, due largely to its welcoming vibe and a great outdoor garden area. It’s a casual yet hip place to sit outside and enjoy a drink, especially when they have a fire going.
While there are a few entrees, the menu is mostly small plates, salads, and sandwiches. Favorites include the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Korean BBQ Chicken Wings, the burger, and the rosemary parmesan fries. There is also a great selection of local beers and cocktails.
Huckleberry is pet-friendly, and is open late each night, making it a great spot for lunch, dinner, or as an evening hangout. It’s probably the closet that anything in New Paltz comes to “hipster.”
Main Street Bistro
For over 30 years, Main Street Bistro has been serving up the best breakfast in New Paltz. And the crowds of people, especially on summer weekends will confirm this.
They are open for breakfast and lunch and have been often listed as one of the favorite brunch spots in the Hudson valley. While not fancy, you will absolutely get your money’s worth here, with a great breakfast at a reasonable price. Try the famous corned beef hash, the chicken & waffle, or the popular Huckleberry Frolic (scrambled eggs, spinach, pesto, avocado, sprouts, tomato, and cheddar in a tortilla).
Alternative: Main Street Marketplace also offers up a quick breakfast and lunch. It’s a casual serve-yourself setting, so you order & pick up your food at a counter and can grab any other items from shelves before finding a table.
Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters
While they have the best coffee in town, Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters is more than just a coffee shop. This spot, located at the far end of the Water Street Market also serves breakfast and lunch, baked goods, and their own beer.
Husband and wife team, Michelle and James, weren’t married when they opened Mudd Puddle back in 2002. But they eventually tied the knot, added three kids, and they turned a homebrewing hobby into another venture when they founded yard Owl Brewery in nearby Gardiner, NY.
As the name suggests, they roast their coffee beans in-house. But honestly, what keeps me coming back is the egg panini made with egg, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, and pesto on French peasant bread. It absolutely is one of the best breakfast sandwiches I have had in the Hudson Valley. In case you are wondering, the two others are from The Hog in Wappingers Falls and at Kelly’s bakery in Poughkeepsie.
If you visit New Paltz, you will inevitably end up at the Water Street Market at least once. And Mud Puddle is a necessary stop when you’re there.
- Coffee brewed from beans they roast on-site
- The egg panini is one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the Hudson Valley
- Yard Owl Beer, which they brew themselves in nearby Gardiner
Recommendation: The Grazery, located next door, is a cheese shop that also sells local beer, wine, and many other items… even plants. This is a great place to pick up some things to take back home with you.
The Parish
The Parish offers dining with an emphasis on New Orleans-style cuisine. It has a friendly, upbeat vibe and boasts perhaps the best view in town from the 2nd floor of the Water Street Market. The menu includes features dishes like Gator Bites, Cajun Chicken Wings, and Jambalaya, alongside a diverse selection of drinks. After Mian Street Bistro, it’s probably also the next best weekend brunch option in town.
Jar'd Wine Pub
Jar’d Wine Pub is potentially the cutest wine bar that doesn’t look at all like a wine bar, that I’ve ever seen. The word cozy might be a common way to describe this spot, but the inside is even smaller than that. But a back door opens to a small porch with just a few seats overlooking the rail trail. This porch is the best place in New Paltz to relax and watch the sunset with a glass of wine.
While the emphasis is on organic, biodynamic, and natural wine, there is a surprisingly good cocktail menu. And there are also some beer and cider options plus small snacks.
Krause's Chocolates
Krause’s Chocolates also has locations in Saugerties and Rhinebeck, but you can find the same great chocolate at the shop here in New Paltz.
They are a family-owned business that has been making hand dipped chocolate since 1929, spanning over four generations. The hand-made sweets include truffles, caramels, fudge, peanut brittle, and more. They have been voted as the Hudson Valley’s best chocolate & candy store for over 18-years.
In addition to ordering what is on display, Krause’s provides a personalized chocolate experience with customized boxes and many designs for molded chocolate.
Schatzi's Pub & Bier Garden
While the original Schatzi’s is in Poughkeepsie, the one in New Paltz has the same great homey feel.
Sure you can find better German food at the nearby Gunk Haus or Mountain Brauhaus. In fact, the burger might be their most loved item, and is commonly regarded as one of the best burgers in the area. But the best time to come is for Wednesday Pierogi night, when you can mix and match up to six types of pierogies for $1.50 each.
RŪNA
RŪNA opened as a French bistro in 2019. Not long after opening it shut down during the pandemic and didn’t reopen until 2021.
The menu is small, with a handful of small plates, entrees, and an ever-changing dessert selection. And now, in addition to French classics like escargot, fromage, and duck confit you can sometimes also find dishes influenced by her part Bengali heritage as well as some other regions.
While it has gone through some early pains, and survived a pandemic, you can get some very good meals here. Plus, the ambiance is quite nice for this college town and with both indoor and outdoor areas is able to host private events and even small weddings. So, while it doesn’t have the history or consistency of top restaurants in other areas, I’m looking forward to seeing how it evolves when the busy season comes around.
Other Spots in New Paltz
P&G’s: a longstanding restaurant for casual food. While it has changed hands over the years, Mike Beck is now the 3rd generation of the family to run it.
Bacchus: is a good bar, good beer selection, and a side that has their own attached pool hall. Also, some of the best WiFi in town for some reason (which is hard to come by here)
Lola’s Cafe: Slightly different menu than the location in Poughkeepsie, but it has most of the same great wraps and sandwiches that make it one of the best lunch spots in town.
Bean Cat Cafe: get some coffee or tea and a pastry, and you can pay a nominal fee to enter into a side that has cats. They partner with an adoption agency for this. Also has a location in Beacon.
Snug Harbor: If you really want a beer before noon, this is the place to come. It’s a dive bar. But it’s especially fun at night.
