How Local Restaurants Are Weathering Covid-19 This Winter

No one understands the strains Covid-19 has had on the community quite like our local restaurants. For months, restaurants were forced to shut down at the height of the pandemic, as our community tried to battle a virus that has taken our country by storm. Unfortunately, not all small family-owned restaurants made it. For those who have, it’s a day-by-day struggle and now more than ever, they need our community’s support. As the days get colder, we reached out to some local restaurants to ask them what their plans are to accommodate patrons this winter while dealing with the constrictions from COVID_19.

Garvan’s Gastropub  |  215 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY 12561

Tuesday & Wednesday 12 pm – 9 pm
Thursday- Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Monday:  Closed

Garvan’s, located in New Paltz in a cottage estate built-in 1759, is an Irish gastropub with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We recently spoke with Garvan McCloskey, the owner of Garvan’s Gastropub. Garvan informed us that his restaurant has had a strong 5 month run with the mild weather and their amazing outdoor garden they’ve been fortunate enough to be able to use for outdoor seating.  As the winter months begin, it is clear Garvan’s is taking every precaution to keep their customers safe and healthy as well as their staff employed. With seating spread out in 5 different rooms throughout the restaurant, all tables are spaced out at least 6 feet apart with 3-4 per room. For those who don’t feel quite comfortable with eating indoors just yet, the restaurant provides plenty of seating in their two outdoor terraces, fully furnished with heat lamps. Furthermore, for indoor dining customers, the restaurant is heated with radiated heat, allowing Garvan’s to avoid forced heat – minimizing the spread of germs throughout the restaurant. Other precautions taken include temping employees on a daily basis, disinfecting tables and menus after each use, and providing ongoing training to employees on how to best deal with Covid-19.  

In hopes of providing the Garvan’s experience to those who don’t necessarily feel comfortable eating outside of their homes, the restaurant is now also providing delivery every night of the week up to 5 miles away. Garvan has expressed how fortunate they have been to have extremely loyal customers who have supported the beloved restaurant through these difficult times- so let’s continue to support this local favorite!

City Winery  |  23 Factory St, Montgomery, NY 12549

Sunday 11 am–3:30 pm, 4–8 pm
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday Closed
Thursday/Friday  4–9 pm
Saturday 11 am–9 pm

The brainchild of founder Michael Dorf who was also the founder of the Knitting Factory in New York City, City Winery was born of the passion for good wine and music. With a picturesque setting along the Wallkill River, the restaurant is uniquely set to “weather” the constraints of plunging temperatures during COVID-19. Set in an old textile mill, the beautifully renovated property is massive and has multiple areas for seating that allows plenty of space for social distancing. There is a large hall dining room, an intimate outdoor patio with a large stone fireplace and ample heaters, and even several firepits that can be reserved as well. City Winery is serious about your safety and there are a number of things they are doing to ensure it. When you first arrive at the front desk, masks are required and every customer undergoes contactless temperature checks & wellness questions to ensure the safety of all. All tables are 6ft apart and their employees are all  wearing masks and gloves. The tables & chairs are sanitized after each guest with ongoing and frequent sanitization of door handles, tables, chairs, and restrooms.

The Grazery  |  Water Street Market, 10 Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561

Wednesday- Friday: 11 am – 4 pm
Saturday & Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm

Located in the heart of downtown New Paltz, The Grazery is self-proclaimed as “The Cheesiest Plant Shop Around”.  Owned by Melissa and Greg Gagne, the shop is not only a cheese shop but an eatery in its own right. Offering a wide range of locally sourced, small-batch cheeses as well as European delicacies, the Grazery has a full collection of ever-changing types of cheeses as well as imported meats. The eatery also boasts a full menu of seasonally sourced items. Everything from their crafted sandwiches and seasonal chicken ramen, to their locally sourced fresh salads, are delicious. 

Speaking to owner Greg Gagne about how they plan on dealing with the pandemic through the winter months, it was clear that their main concern is for the safety of their customers and staff. While some eateries have opened their doors for indoor dining, The Grazery which is mainly a takeout spot, nestled in the Water Street market, has managed to stay afloat solely with takeout, delivery, and curbside delivery with the support of their loyal customers during this time. The eatery has a seating area in the front and back of the shop and Greg is always ready to run an order out to a car or even drop it off at your house. With infection rates soaring in Ulster County, and many residents growing more fearful of the virus, The Grazery is focusing on catering for dinners and bulk takeout. So, whether it’s dropping by the store to pick up a selection of cheeses or a sandwich or calling to order a cheese plate to cater your next family dinner, let’s continue to support this small family-owned business that is an important part of what makes our community special!

A Tavola Trattoria  |  46 Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561

Thursday – Monday: 5:30 pm – 10 pm

Nestled in a quaint rustic home on Mainstreet in New Paltz, A Tavola Trattoria has been a local favorite since its opening in 2011. The restaurant, owned by partners Rosemay Smith and Nathan Ganio and serving rustic Italian countryside fare, focuses on what sets them apart from many other Italian eateries- sourcing fresh, local produce and ingredients. With a seasonally inspired menu, A Tavola Trattoria provides a true farm to table experience. With their candlelit tables spread around the small restaurant, you truly feel like you are dining in someone’s home. 

Speaking to owner Rosemay Smith about their plans for the winter months, it was obvious the great lengths the restaurateurs are taking to ensure the safety of their customers and staff. The two-story restaurant is currently only serving at half capacity, a maximum of 50 people- both indoors and outdoors with all tables spaced at least 6 feet apart. For those who may not feel comfortable eating indoors as of yet, the restaurant provides 3 tables outside in the front and one in the back, with two heaters to warm the seating area in the front of the building and one for the back of the house. The beloved restaurant has served the Hudson Valley region for over 9 years in its quest to provide homestyle Italian cooking. More than ever, restaurants like A Tavola Trattoria, need our support in these trying times. So, whether it is by enjoying a dinner with your family or friends, a one-on-one romantic date-night, or bringing the taste of Italy home, give A Tavola Trattoria a try!

Lagusta’s Luscious Commissary   |  11 Church Street #1, New Paltz, NY 12561

Friday – Wednesday: 9 am – 8 pm
Wednesday: Closed

 A local cornerstone of vegan fare in New Paltz since its opening in 2003, Lagusta’s Luscious Commissary is known for not only its vegan chocolates and full lunch and dinner menu items, but its commitment to social justice and environmentalism. Fully owned and operated by women, it is obvious that owner and chef turned chocolatier, Lagusta is passionate about all things chocolate and veganism. The Café boasts truly gourmet chocolates, caramels, and toffees that you can enjoy at the Café or take home. Likewise, their vegan fair lunch and snack menu includes options like their popular mac and cheese casserole, creamy ramen, beans and greens, and snacks such as pickled veggies and roasted farm veggies. And of course, Lagusta’s Luscious provides a full menu of ethically sourced coffees, teas, and even chocolate drinks.

Speaking with Ann Tartakoff of Lagusta’s Luscious about how they will be dealing with Covid-19 in the upcoming winter months, it was clear that the eatery is first and foremost committed to doing what is best for their customers and staff with their strict safety protocols at the height of the pandemic. While some restaurants and eateries have allowed indoor dining in the recent months since the restrictions were lifted, Lagusta’s Luscious has remained open for only pick up, outdoor seating and delivery, and don’t plan on reopening for indoor dining until a vaccine is widely distributed. 

Inside, they have an air quality monitor and are allowing a maximum capacity of 10 customers at a time in order to maintain social distancing. The eatery also has two tables outdoors for those who want to enjoy their food at the café. And while at the moment there are no heat lamps available, it is something that is being heavily discussed so customers can enjoy their treats while eating outdoors during the winter months. 

 Blu Pointe  |  120 Front St, Newburgh, NY 12550 

Hours: 12-9 pm

Blu Pointe is a high-end seafood restaurant with beautiful patio seating located on the Newburgh Waterfront. Guests have a view of the Hudson River and the breathtaking surroundings. While they do have a set menu, some of their dishes vary from season to season. If you’re trying to have a relaxing meal with a loved one or enjoying a day/night out, they offer an extensive wine list, with over 3,000 bottles carefully curated by the restaurant. 

When contacting Blu Pointe about their updated seating arrangements they stated that their outdoor seating will only be open if weather permits. They, unfortunately, do see it closing in the near future due to our cold winter months that are right around the corner. Blu Pointe continues to follow recently updated guidelines to be working at 50% capacity including their outdoor and riverside terrace.  Due to the current circumstances, their menu has been adapted in order to ensure that there is nothing going to waste. They will continue to maintain the classic Blu Pointe menu staples, like their raw bar. This past Thanksgiving, they created a wonderful plan to create a specialized take-out so many of their customers could continue to enjoy their savory meals this holiday season. They mentioned that this may also be the plan for this coming Christmas and New Year. 

Frontera Tacos and Tequila  |  340 NY-211 E, Middletown, NY 10940

Hours: 11 am – 10 pm

Frontera Tacos and Tequila is a family-owned restaurant that has origins in the states of Washington and North Carolina. This Middletown based Mexican restaurant provides customers with a menu that has food items that combine other cultures to create a fusion of tastes. Four brothers from Union de Tula, Jalisco, Mexico wanted to provide the Hudson Valley with dishes that both represent their culture while also adding a modern touch to it. They believe in not limiting Mexican cuisine and allowing it to blossom into something everyone wants to enjoy. 

When talking to Frontera Tacos and Tequila, we were informed that due to the Hudson Valley weather coming into its colder days they will no longer be able to allow outdoor seating for customers. They have made a valiant effort to make sure that all indoor dining experiences will meet the standards of New York state while also making all guests feel comfortable. Their tables have all been spaced out to meet the six-foot apart guidelines and have created a sanitized environment while also offering a sanitizing station as soon as customers enter. For those dining in on Sunday nights, they did say that they will still be providing a live experience, hosting Mariachi Mexico Antiguo. 

 Newburgh Brewery Co.  |  88 S Colden St. Newburgh, NY 12550

Hours: 5 – 10 pm

Newburgh Brewery Company is a Craft Brewery in the Hudson Valley. The company is founded by two Hudson Valley natives, Chris Basso and Paul Halayko. They provide specialized craft beers collaborating with many other local HV restaurants, including Hudson Taco’s “aMAIZing,” a corn lager made from NYS grown corn. They created a taproom for guests to enjoy their Newburgh beer and locally sourced NY wine. They also attempt to maintain a locally-sourced menu for their customers who are coming from outside of the HV. Not only do they allow guests to experience all that they and the Hudson Valley have to offer, but they provide a selection of specialty bottles and 16 oz cans to go so you can create your own at home experience.  

The Newburgh Brewery reopened its taproom to the public again in late March. Due to New York state’s guidelines and those placed by the CDC(Center for Disease Control) they have rearranged their taproom to sit their new limited capacity while maintaining all seating arrangements to 6 feet apart. Currently, their outdoor seating area does not have outdoor heaters but can be requested upon arrival. Both indoor and outdoor seating areas are limited. In order to ensure you can get a spot to sit make a reservation or book a table by giving them a call or making an online reservation.

If you feel unsafe to visit the location to get your fix of these wonderfully crafted beers, they created a delivery system where they are able to deliver to your home on Mondays and Thursdays. All you need to do is order through their online store. They also created an easy-to-go system, where customers are able to purchase cans and food in the lobby in order to easily be in and out. 

 Hudson Taco  |  27 Water St, Newburgh, NY 12550

Hours: 11:30 am – 10 pm

Hudson Taco is a local Mexican fusion restaurant located in downtown Newburgh inside of the West Shore Station. The train station was designed in 1909 to host people from New York City to visit upstate NY, bringing them into Newburgh for shopping and sightseeing. Hudson Taco wanted to continue this concept of appealing to people from all over to visit them and to showcase what Newburgh and the Hudson Valley is all about. Like Blu Pointe and the Newburgh Brewery Company, their menu allows customers to get a taste of the Hudson Valley by locally sourcing many of their products to create their take on Mexican cuisine and Mexican street food.

Hudson Taco has decided that due to the decrease in temperature that they will no longer offer outdoor seating for the season. They do reassure customers that they are taking all safety precautions possible to protect customers’ welfare and the welfare of the staff. In order to keep serving the Hudson Valley through the current climate, they will continue to abide by all state regulations and guidelines. They recently decided that it would be best for their staff and all customers to limit dining to 4 people per table. This allows more people to enjoy the cuisine and ambiance while making sure everyone can be six feet away from each other. 

As soon as you step into Hudson Taco, you are met with a sanitizing station. They also make sure to enforce the mask-wearing policy unless you are seated at your table. Although they have not had any situation where a customer does not want to wear a mask, they will try to accommodate all customers to the best of their abilities. If need be due to a medical condition, they are willing to create special seating arrangements to protect you and all staff and customers from risk. For those who feel uncomfortable dining on location, Hudson Taco has also created a new delivery service and curbside takeout option.