Favorite Eats from My Catskills

As I eat my way through the Catskills, I've has some very tasty grub. It seems that comfort is key! That means leave your diet at home and simply dive in.

BAKERS TAP ROOM

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Some might pull up to this country pub and think it's just another local tavern, but once inside you immediately feel happy to be there. Shane and Melissa are serving up great pizza, burgers and lobster rolls, to name a few key items on the menu.

HENNING'S LOCAL

Recently Henning's relocated about 20 miles from their original post and we think it was a great decision. There's lots of good comfort food here, but they especially do trout well. The menu changes daily and seasonally, and you will never go wrong.

The Heron

A favorite among visitors and locals alike, they serve up a mean brunch and some of the best comfort food this side of the Hudson. Definitely order up the crispy eggs with cheesy jalapeño grits, a specialty from Chef Paul Nanni.

Benji & Jake

Two brothers from the area who left to pursue life's adventures only to return to open up one of the finest wood-fired pizza joints north of NYC. Live music, craft beers, an outdoor fire pit and a line out the door.

The Dancing Cat Saloon and Catskill Distillery is so much in one!  They serve up good food, fun drinks and have a distillery right on premise. They make some darn good Fearless Wheat Whiskey and Peace Vodka in the barn next door and host live music regularly. You'll often find a group outside around the biggest fire pit you've ever seen, kicking back and enjoying the sounds.

These are just a handful of fun, delicious restaurants offering good grub.  I'll include more in upcoming posts, especially as I uncover new food establishments.

The Best Burg: Narrowsburg

One of my favorite towns in the Catskills is Narrowsburg. It is situated on the western edge of Sullivan County along the Delaware River. As with many of the nearby towns, Narrowsburg has approximately 600 year-round residents with almost half as many second home owners and visitors arriving on weekends, particularly during summer months.

The sweet little downtown Main Street has a great mix of shops and restaurants, as well as the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance and Tusten Theater Many of the shop owners are transplants from NYC who were once weekenders and are now permanent residents.  Each brings an eclectic mix to their businesses and together make Narrowsburg a wonderful place to be.

• Narrowsburg Fine Wines and Spirits, offering small batch and locally made spirits among traditional labels

• MayerWasner, original designer-wear for women, including apparel and accessories

• Dyberry Weaver, handmade woven tapestries, accessories and fashion, including custom orders

• River Gallery an extensive collection of art and home furnishings, including antiques from various periods

There are also several great restaurants including Gerard's River Grill, The Heron and Maggie's Coffee Creations. Whether you are looking for a wonderful brunch spot, coffee and a muffin to go or an outdoor seat with river views, there is something here for everyones taste palate.

Coming up next: the calendar of events that make Narrowsburg a must-stop for all!