German soft pretzels and charcuterie pair perfectly with Hudson Valley beer in Dutchess County.
Though Rhinebeck may seem chock full of great restaurants and bars already, there’s always room for one more. Enter The Kroeg (pronounced like “vogue”), one of the newest additions to the downtown bar scene. The name is Dutch for “the pub,” and the space is designed to be an “extension of your own living room,” as the venue puts it.
The pub menu features a selection of eight craft beers and cider on tap, plus wine offerings, all of which rotates each week. Bar bites like traditional German soft pretzels (made fresh from Deising’s Bakery in Kingston), charcuterie plates, or a cheesy, chili-topped Frito pie that “goes really well with beer,” says bar manager Lorrie Kruger.
Unlike other bars and eateries, The Kroeg was born from its investors’ — a group of 11 residents from the Rhinebeck area — desire to have a spot they could swing by after work and have a “quick beer, wine, or a snack” without a long delay or time commitment. They craved a simple space doesn’t sacrifice comfort, one with a few great bites, drinkable beers, and an easy atmosphere.
“We want this to be a place people can come in and not have to wait for reservations or to be served at the bar,” Kruger explains.
While The Kroeg may be a dream for quick post-work drinks, it’s also a space that invites visitors to sit and stay awhile. The watering hole sits in the heart of Rhinebeck’s bustling center, right around the corner from Upstate Films, and calls to local customers and visitors alike. Inside, the venue features a stand-up bar and comfortable table seating with a casual ambiance, thus allowing it to absorb overspill from nearby restaurants with extensive wait times. It even features self-serve coolers, where patrons can mix and match local beer and wine to drink onsite or take and home and enjoy, though the warm atmosphere makes it easy to stay.
The venue has welcomed a diverse mix of younger and older crowds alike since its opening at the end of April. Kruger anticipates continued success as The Kroeg expands its menu and offers activities like trivia night. Currently, the bar reserves Wednesdays for game nights during which time patrons can come in, grab a drink, and play board or card games together. Throughout the week, locals are always welcome to stop by for a quick drink after work or a fun night out with friends as well.
The Kroeg
41 E Market St, Ste 4
Mon–Wed 3-9 p.m., Thurs–Sat 12-10 p.m., and Sun 12-8 p.m.
