Outdoor Dining in the Sullivan Catskills
The Sullivan Catskills might as well be a case study in how to do outdoor dining, naturally. This is a place where patios, decks, picnic tables and pavilions showcase the wonder of the Catskill Mountains in unfiltered, earthen HD. Here, screens are for porches.
Grab a table, a vibe and a view. In these Sullivan County communities, you’ll find all three.
Narrowsburg: Rustic Polish & River Views
When a town exists because of the river it sits on, you’d expect riverfront dining. In Narrowsburg, the scene delivers more than expected: rustic polish, paired with everything the Delaware River does best.
The Heron: Those coming from the city know some places are worth the extra effort for a reservation. The Heron is one of those places, only it isn’t in the city. Settle into a riverside table where the locally sourced menu reads like you already know the chef, who may very well say hello.
Tip: Happy Hour means truffle fries and $5 off jars. Yes, you need to get a jar.
“Doing a ‘staycation’ and this was one of the highlights of our trip, so much that we went on two separate days! The nice host at the front recognized us on our second trip. Will remember this place as one of the best parts of our trip. A must try if you are in the area!”
theheronrestaurant.com | 845-252-3333
La Cigogne: When locals gather for brunch, they do it on the patio at La Cigogne. This French bistro brings old-world warmth to a comfortable Catskill setting that invites you to sit, savor, laugh and relax. And yes, there are bicycles inside for decoration. Viva la France.
Tip: La Cigogne (pronounced “cig-own”) is French for stork, a bird popularly believed to represent new birth and prosperity.
“A visit to the beautiful town of Narrowsburg is not complete without a Tusten mountain hike and, of course, a visit (or two!) for drinks, dinner, or brunch at the beautiful Cigogne. Between dim, romantic lighting, smooth jazz trailing in the background, stylish staff, and fantastic food and drinks, you may feel like you have been transported to a trendy Parisian restaurant as soon as you walk through the doors.”
lacigogneny.com | 845-252-5003
Big Eddy Brewing Co.: Somebody has to be first, and in Narrowsburg, Big Eddy was the first craft brewery. Locals will tell you it’s more like a hub for community creativity, fully reflected in the beers they brew.
Tip: Big Eddy, housed in a renovated bank, serves up a darn good menu alongside its craft brews. Give the banh mi a go, or an amaze-bowl.
“An excellent laid-back spot to hang on Main St in Narrowsburg. Great staff, dog friendly outdoor seating, tasty drink options for us non beer drinkers and just a block to jump in the Delaware River & a quick walk to Landers River Trips. A must visit before or after getting on the river!”
bigeddybrewingco.com | 845-252-5276
Kauneonga Lake & Bethel: Sunset Sips & Boat Drinks
The music doesn’t have to stop in Kauneonga Lake and Bethel. Whether you’re catching a bite before a show at Bethel Woods or pulling up in your boat for a sunset snack, outdoor dining here is everything boat drinks promise.
Benji & Jake’s: Picture the easy-going vibe of New Orleans paired with a sunset view unmatched anywhere in the Sullivan Catskills, and you’ve found Benji & Jake’s, where a multi-level deck and outdoor beer garden open onto a breathtaking panorama of White Lake.
Tip: Make friends with someone who has a boat on White Lake. Life hasn’t been fully experienced until you’ve motored up to Benji & Jake’s dock for sunset drinks and a woodfired pizza.
“10/10 recommend. The pizza, staff, cocktails and lake views (oh and the gelato!!!!) round up as the best spot in the Sullivan Catskills. There’s no better pizza around and believe me, I’ve tried them all.”
benjiandjakes.com | 845-583-4031
Livingston Manor: Craft Beer & Kicking Back
Beyond an incredible brewery scene that makes you want to linger, Livingston Manor is the kind of place built for kicking back, chatting a little longer, going for dessert. Whatever that means for you.
Upward Brewing Company: There’s no such thing as craft brewing without an environment that inspires it, and nothing personifies that more than Upward Brewing. Its own hiking trails, mountaintop views, a pond and fire pits create a natural vibe that makes every seat feel like the forest, indoors or out. The water used to brew even comes from a natural spring on the property.
Tip: Parents, the pond is full of frogs. Bring nets and your kids will be entertained for hours.
“This place is more than just a brewery. It is a destination. I recommend coming an hour before they open and then hiking up Beer Mountain, which is part of their property. It is an easy hike and you’ll reach the summit within 20 to 30 minutes. By the time you climb down, you’ll develop an appetite and will be able to enjoy the beer and the food to the fullest.”
upwardbrewing.com | 845-439-1382
Arnold House Tavern: For a tavern that’s been around for over 50 years, Arnold House brings just the right touch of rustic chic to your outdoor table, whether it’s a summer evening or peak fall color. Stay at the dog-friendly property for a bonus: 16 guest rooms, a barn and greenhouse, a pool and s’mores every night.
Tip: The Tavern offers “takeout” seating in its barn and greenhouse, always kept at a cozy 70-plus degrees.
“Our favorite place to visit in the Catskills! My husband and I have visited here multiple times over the last few years, and we always have such an amazing experience.”
thearnoldhouse.com | 845-439-5070
Callicoon: Farmers Market Roots & Riverside Charm
There’s something special happening along the banks of the Delaware River in Callicoon. From the county’s most vibrant farmers market to the eclectic shops lining Main Street, this is a place to pull up a patio chair and stay awhile.
Callicoon Wine Merchant: Two words: Sunny. Garden. Ok, three: Tapas. Tucked away on Audley Dorrer Drive, the Wine Merchant specializes in tapas-style dishes and small plates, with a Mediterranean flair.
Tip: Three more words: Home. Made. Ice Cream. Yes, the flavor is called Hay and yes, you absolutely have to try it.
“One of the best restaurants in America, no hyperbole at all. The attention to detail, the thoughtfulness and intentionality, every single aspect of the meal is curated to your taste, and all in the least pretentious environment imaginable. This is an important restaurant, be sure to put it at the top of your bucket list.”
callicoonwinemerchant.com | 845-887-3016
Eldred: Refined Luxury in an Unlikely Place
When you picture a rural hamlet of around 200 people, refined luxury, fine dining and the best steakhouse in Sullivan County don’t usually come to mind. Here, they should.
The Eldred Preserve: At over 3,000 acres, The Eldred Preserve is a getaway on its own. If dinner is your only destination, you’ve still found the right place. The on-property Homestead Restaurant and Lounge pairs exceptional farm-to-table dining with breathtaking views, especially from the open-air patio, enclosed pergola or sunroom.
Tip: This is a place to celebrate something. Anything. When you do, go for a custom cake.
“A true hidden gem! The grounds were stunning, the atmosphere warm and inviting, and the food absolutely delicious. It’s officially a new favorite spot as this place is a must-visit! It’s rare to find a spot that checks all the boxes: atmosphere, service, scenery, and cuisine, but The Homestead delivers on all fronts.”
theeldredpreserve.com/dine | 845-402-6699
Wurtsboro: Wine & Wildlife
Most visitors come to Wurtsboro for the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area or the rail trail that runs alongside it, both very good reasons. But no visit is complete without a stop at Sullivan County’s first farm winery.
Bashakill Vineyards: What started as a hobby for owner Paul Deninno grew into a passion worth sharing. An old boat rental building became an organic vineyard, complete with two pavilions, a deck and a cave for aging barrels of Bashakill wine.
Tip: Take your time strolling the property. It’s full of hidden surprises, especially art you’d never notice unless you went looking for it.
“We made a last-minute decision to try Bashakill Vineyards as the winery we planned on visiting in Milford was closed. It was well worth the extra drive. The setting is perfect, the owner and staff were all friendly and the wine was excellent. In our world of wine touring that meant a perfect trifecta!”
Find Your Table
Every one of these patios sits in a different corner of the Sullivan Catskills, but they share the same idea: good food tastes better outside, especially when the view is doing half the work. Pick a river, a lake, a mountaintop or a farmhouse porch, pull up a chair and let the afternoon or evening take its time.
What more awaits? Come see for yourself.