Post-hike chow after the Gunks in New Paltz

[Jel212]

Going to be hiking in the Gunks for the first time on Sunday, will need somewhere to unwind and chow down afterwards - any recommends? (We'll be in hiking clothes, so something okay for that, and on the cheaper side)

Thanks!

[barleywino]

I always used to go straight from the cliffs to Beso on Main st for the best food in town in a relaxing atmosphere after a day of hot sweaty climbing (seats at the bar are also good)

[ChefBoyAreMe]

While from a pure gourmet dining experience, I'd say it is good, but not exceptional, you'd be hard press to unwind in hiking clothes in a better spot in town than the Gilded Otter brewpub, outside, with a view of the river...

[barleywino]

the Gilded Otter does do a decent burger and strawberry daq iirc

[Leslie]

I think the best way to end a day on the mountain ( locals do not refer to it as the Gunks) would have to be at the Mountain Brauhaus at the intersection of Rtes. 299 and 44-55. They have more than delicious traditonal German food. They use lots of local produce and other ingredients. Some recent specials that I've have had include a curried rabbit soup, a reuben strudel and a wonderful salad with raspberries, goat cheese and toasted hazelnuts. Great spatzel and selection of beer, too. The decor is knotty pine, straight from the 1940"s ( I think) , but it works. We have lived in the area for many years and have recently rediscovered this place. Sweaty clothes would be fine and prices are very reasonable.

[timmarist]

There are many options in New Paltz. Beso is OK, but expensive and I don't know how they'd feel about the hiking clothes. Personally, my friends and I called another suggestion The Bloated Otter. Good beer, horrible food. I haven't been to Mountain Brauhaus in awhile, but what I remember of it was excellent.

Some other choices to consider...I've had breakfast and lunch at Main Street Bisto, a very popular hangout. It closes at 6 p.m. on Sundays. There is also Bacchus on South Chestnut, just past the traffic light intersection where the Mobil station is. Barnaby's is at 16 North Chestnut. Both are laid back and wouldn't have a problem with people coming down from the cliffs. If you like Indian, I highly recommend New Paltz Indian Restaurant on North Manheim, which is a little further east on Main Street, then a left at the other traffic light in the village. Main Course, in the Eckard's Plaza, is also very good, but would be more expensive than some of the other previously mentioned. That's probably more than enough. I didn't even get into the Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, or other places like Harvest Cafe in the Water Street Market (which is near the railroad tracks and is very good), or other choices. You won't have trouble finding a place to nosh before heading out of town.

[barleywino]

i've been in Beso numerous times in sweaty climbing clothes, no problem (it's not a white tablecloth kind of place, and you can always sit at the bar if you feel self-conscious) i remember the rack of lamb and some of the pastas being especially good (and good value.)