The New York Restaurant: A Polish-American Gem in Catskill
The New York Restaurant in Catskill is the first place everyone recommends when I ask for tips on the best restaurants in Greene County. And now it's the first place I recommend, too. Brick-exposed walls, plenty of bar seating, and pillow-strewn banquettes give the space a cozy, urban-rustic feel. Friendly servers bring out refined versions of stick-to-your-ribs classics, like a rib-eye with horseradish cream, a maple-butter pork chop, and a hefty sirloin burger topped with local brie, arugula, and lemon-shallot mayo. But for us, the real draw is their Polish fare, particularly the house-made, old-world, no-joke pierogi, served with pitch-perfect sauerkraut, a rich bacon-onion chutney, and juicy kielbasa. (Side note: My husband says, "I told 2 people about this sauerkraut, just this week. It's meaty and magical, and just perfect.")
I'm told that the New York Restaurant pours great cocktails, but I can't resist their enhanced Zywiec, a foamy Polish lager (pronounced something like "ZIV-yets"), served with a swirl of raspberry puree. It's crisp and refreshing, with just a hint of tart sweetness.
Though the New York Restaurant's menu and environs are sophisticated enough for a special occasion, it's also very friendly to kids. My 3-year-old and 6-year-old always appreciate a kids menu that comes with crayons, and they're big fans of the chicken tenders and fries here. (Note the chubby little hands reaching into the photo below.)
The vegetarian offerings are worth noting, too. There's a meatless version of the pierogi plate, a densely creamy coconut curry made to satisfy a big appetite, and these amazing spicy, crispy cauliflower "wings" that I'm still daydreaming about.
This bustling spot is a local favorite, so if you're planning a visit, make a reservation in advance. And set aside a little time to grab a coffee or a cocktail at HiLo while you're in the neighborhood.
The New York Restaurant is located at 353 Main Street in Catskill, NY. The kitchen is open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm; Friday + Saturday from 11am to 10pm; and Sunday from 11am to 8:30pm. Check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
