6 Best Restaurants in Woodstock, The Catskills

Travelers, locals, and a mix of local and traveling hippies and aging rockstars cozy up to the fireplace or chill out by the stream at this lively, rustic bar and restaurant perched on the bank of Sawkill Creek, about 3 miles west of Woodstock. Sit on the west side of the restaurant for an unfettered view of the trickling waters of the Saw Kill; the patio is about as close to the water as you can get without falling in. The kitchen prepares American fare, such as its signature filet mignon dressed with port-garlic sauce and Stilton butter. The well-curated wine list has helped this place win awards every year.

In a rambling farmhouse painted a lovely shade of yellow, Cucina serves up some of the region's best Italian fare. There's a huge communal table if you want to meet other foodies, fireside tables for chilly fall dining, and tables on a wraparound porch that are perfect for romantic summer evenings. The menu includes a surprising array of pizzas and pastas, all reasonably priced, as well as heartier dishes like slow-roasted salmon with corn pudding or seared scallops with vegetable succotash. The meats, cheeses, and produce all come from organic farms in the nearby Hudson Valley. Italy is the inspiration for the long wine list, although there are also selections from France and farther afield.

The menu changes daily at the Red Onion, meaning that chef Kevin Katz is always looking for creative ways to use fresh, local ingredients. Recurring favorites include out-of-the-ordinary Faroe Island salmon with a citrus beurre blanc and seafood risotto with Mexican jumbo shrimp. Appetizers may range from traditional guacamole to black truffle pierogies—all made on the premises, of course. The place is known for its generous cocktails, but there's also a smart wine list. The dining room is in an atmospheric old farmhouse, and there's a porch perfect for drinks in summer.

A casual eatery in the heart of Woodstock, this popular local hotspot delivers comfort food "just like mom used to make," if she used organic ingredients sourced from local farms and dairies. The soups and salads are tasty, but the burgers and sandwiches—like the farmhouse burger (with cheddar, bacon, and sriracha aioli) and the veggie-friendly grilled cheese (three types of cheese with date preserves)—are what keep people coming back. Mac and cheese or hush puppies are the perfect sides. Wash it all down with craft beer or cider, or a selection from the surprisingly varied wine list.

Craving hearty Japanese soba noodles, curlicue Chinese ramen, gluten-free rice noodles, or thick wheat udon? Choose your favorite at this popular local hangout, then customize with your choice of broth, veg, and protein—from shrimp to tofu to pork belly. Don't be entirely distracted by the noodles; award-winning chef Erica Mahlkuch also serves up delicious mains like miso and sake-cured salmon with brown rice and asparagus. The interior has a chill vibe and huge chalkboards listing the specials; there's outdoor patio seating for warmer evenings.