Classic drive-thru coming to Kingston; more new or coming soon Ulster dining options

Kristen Warfield
Times Herald-Record
Grainne Tavern in Kingston, NY

Fall is traditionally a time when new restaurants open, and this year — despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic — is no different. Restaurants continue to open in Ulster County. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick burger or prefer a fine dining experience, the county offers a variety of different and new food options to try. Some have opened within the year, while others are just about to open their doors.

Grainne Tavern in Kingston, NY

Grainne Tavern, Kingston

This eatery is open for brunch, lunch and dinner and features an array of locally sourced ingredients, from Northwind Farm meat to Chaseholm Farm dairy. For brunch, choose from a variety of fresh-baked goods like beignets and donuts to steak and eggs. Dinner options include a mix of seasonal salads, mushroom pho (with add-ins like chicken, steak or seitan), grilled salmon and bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken. Go: 299 Wall St., Kingston. 338-1388. Grainnekingston.com.

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Moonburger, Kingston

This classic drive-thru burger stop is soon to open in Kingston. Offering burgers, fries and hand-made milkshakes, the restaurant is set to host its grand opening sometime in October. Go: 5 Powells Lane, Kingston. 663-2933. Moonburger.com.

The Conca D’oro at the Burger Box in New Paltz, NY

Burger Box, New Paltz

Choose from a variety of local Kilcoyne Farms grass-fed beef burgers and toppings to satisfy your latest burger craving. Not into beef? This Main Street spot also offers the vegan Impossible patty, a chipotle black bean veggie burger and fried or grilled chicken. Round out your meal with an order of triple-cooked French fries (classic, parmesan herb, spicy parmesan, salt and vinegar or garlic) or an order of “frachos” – fry nachos – with toppings like beer cheese, hot sauce or lemon dill sauce. Go: 125 Main St., New Paltz. 633-8637. Burgerboxrox.com.

Burger Box in New Paltz, NY

Millstream Tavern, Woodstock

Set in a historic 1700s millhouse, Michelin starred chef Ryan Tate offers a mix of classic tavern fare with elevated dinner options like buckwheat lasagna, hanger steak au poivre or shrimp and clam scampi with squid ink linguine. On the brunch menu, look for reimagined classics like lobster benedict, baked walnut French toast or the shrimp BLT. From the bar comes a variety of craft cocktails, beer and wine including some local offerings like an IPA from Newburgh Brewing Company. Go: 114 Mill Hill Rd., Woodstock. 217-2484. Millstreamtavern.com.  

Guac Taco & Tequila Bar, New Paltz

Sample traditional Mexican fare at this new Main Street eatery in New Paltz. Classic fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and burritos grace the menu along with appetizers like mango salsa, guacamole and elote (Mexican street corn). At the bar, choose from 10 different types of tequila, as well as mixed drinks like the mojito, tequila sunrise or margarita. End your meal with churros, fried ice cream or tres leches cake for dessert. Go: 45 Main St., New Paltz. 419-2789. Guactacoandtequilabar.com

The River Pavilion, Kingston

Grills, wood-fired ovens and river views are the centerpieces of this new open-air restaurant in Kingston that is part of Hutton Brickyards. Led by executive chef Dan Silverman, previously of Manhattan’s Balthazar and Minetta Tavern, offerings include dishes like wood roasted Snowdance farm chicken with salsa verde and red cress. Sample a huge array of international wines on the wine list, or select a craft cocktail like the G + tea, made with Catskill Provisions beespoke gin and elderflower liquor. Go: 200 North St., Kingston. 213-4742. Huttonbrickyards.com/pavilion.

Santa Fe Burger Bar, Rosendale

Housed in the former Red Brick Tavern in Rosendale, Santa Fe Burger Bar offers Schweid Farm black angus burgers with toppings like caramelized onions, fried egg, smoked bacon and mushrooms. For a vegetarian option, try the house-made black bean burger with brown rice and fresh herbs. Sit at the outdoor patio and sip on a piled-high "crazy milkshake" in flavors like s'mores, fruity pebbles or funfetti. Go: 388 Main St., Rosendale. 658-8500. Facebook.

The Bear Cantina, Woodstock

Situated along the Saw Kill, diners can opt to eat outside for picturesque creek views. Choose from an array of contemporary Mexican fare like paella, chimichangas and fajitas – with vegan options available as well, like the tofu burrito with vegan mozzarella.  For dessert, sample homemade flan, buñuelo (fried dough) and churros. Go: 295A Tinker St., Woodstock. 684-7223. Thebearcantina.com

APizza!, New Paltz

Create the pizza of your dreams with a choice of over 35 different toppings from spinach and mushrooms to pineapple and white truffle oil. Cooked in a hot coal oven, each pie can also be made with vegan cheese at no extra charge. Keep an eye out for daily pasta specials, like bucatini cacio e pepe, posted on the website. For dessert, pick from house-made tiramisu, cannolis or gelato. Go: 121 Main St., New Paltz. 419-2744. Coalovenpizza.org.

Kristen Warfield is the food and business reporter for the Times Herald-Record. Find my stories here. Reach me at kwarfield@gannett.com.