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Hudson Valley Bars With Character (and Really Good Food)

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Dogwood

In some ways, Dogwood is a timestamp of Beacon culture circa 2013, when the bar opened: buzzing, punky, but still homey somehow. On the bathroom walls, you’ll find hundreds of autographs scribbled over vintage black-and-white portraits. Live music is also a fixture. At the bar choose from tons of craft beer, a modest selection of wine, and seasonal specialty cocktails. Food gets funky too, with deviled eggs and Bavarian pretzel for starters, and meatloaf, falafel salad, and barbecue pulled pork for the hungrier customers. 
Beacon — 47 East Main St. 845.202.7500

 

Fetch

 A dog-themed bar, a chef who competed on Food Network’s Chopped, and a cheesesteak made with bread bused in daily from Philly? It’s no wonder Fetch recently opened a second location in Goshen. The moderately priced dinner menu features dishes so savory, you’ll be hearing Pavlov’s bell: sesame soy ginger glazed half-chicken, citrus and jalapeño glazed barbecue spareribs, and a spicy Italian sausage and roasted red pepper flatbread. 
Warwick — 48 Main St. 845.987.8200

 

The Cask and Rasher / Photo by Elizabeth Bauer

 

The Cask and Rasher

This Coxsackie spot is a favorite of locals — and by local we mean anyone from Albany to Saugerties. Folks flock to this brewpub from all around thanks to its convivial spirit, rotating tap list, and unabashed dishes like The Rasher: a full pound of bacon with cheese sauce and pickles in between two Texas toast grilled cheese sandwiches. Had bacon for breakfast? Don’t worry; salads, quesadillas, and grilled chicken sandwiches comprise the lighter options
Coxsackie — 245 Mansion St. 518.731.7468

 

Huckleberry

Tucked away behind Café 17 sits this charming pub and cocktail bar. While Huckleberry warms guests during the winter months with its intimate atmosphere, there’s nothing like sipping a summer cocktail on the outdoor patio. Circle around one of the many fire pits with friends and a stack of board games from Huckleberry’s collection for a memorable night. But let’s not ignore the food: hand-cut fries with rosemary, Parmesan, and roasted garlic mayo is a can’t-go-wrong appetizer, while wagyu beef burgers, banh mi, and seared salmon kick the big plates up a notch. 
New Paltz — 21 Church St. 845.633.8443

 

Huckleberry / Photo courtesy of venue

 

Crawford Craft​

Newly renovated, this Pine Bush gastropub notches top marks for its food, alcohol, and atmosphere. Take in the modern decor or try their new outdoor patio under the soft glow of Edison light bulbs. Just looking to nibble? Opt for the meat and cheese board. For a full meal, try a grass-fed burger made with beef from Clagg Cattle Company, also located in Pine Bush. At dinnertime, braised short ribs over risotto is a rich treat, as are the sweet potato gnocchi. 
Pine Bush — 82 Main St. 845.524.4926

 

Backbar

Backbar is James Beard Award winner Zakary Pelaccio’s project down the street from his lauded Fish and Game. Where to start with this one? A speakeasy-style bar situated behind an antique shop, the menu here is a combination of Malaysian and Thai cuisine, with a limited but intriguing selection: crispy shrimp pancake, smoked fish ramen, and triple pepper fried chicken. Even the cocktails flip convention on its head with Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire: a slushy with Mezcal, Thai chili-infused Aperol, lime, smoked agave, and sumac.  Hudson — 347 Warren St; 518.828.0567

 

Crawford Craft / Photo by Angela Cortese

Related: Discover the Secret to Great Local Craft Beer

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