When you go to Garvan’s in New Paltz, — and you must go — take the scenic route. Drive along the historic stone houses that make up Huguenot Street and take in the views of the Shawangunk Ridge as you make your way towards the New Paltz Golf Course. If you arrive around dinnertime, look for a brilliant sunset as your nose is greeted by the scent of charred meats.

Courtesy of Garvan's
Courtesy of Garvan's
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It’s no secret that New Paltz loves its Irish bar-and-grill scene, but Garvan’s, the town’s newest gastropub, owned by restaurateur and Irishman Garvan McCloskey, stands out among the others — it’s certainly not a college bar, and the food is top-notch. Inside, two bright and airy dining rooms towards the back of the historic building (built in 1759) offer a formal meal setting, while the rustic-yet-elegant tavern up front is much more intimate.

Cherry wood tables surround a timeworn stone fireplace, and hand-hewn beams run along the ceiling. Warm sconces and framed photos of idyllic Irish countryside adorn painted stone and wood-paneled walls. From the corners of the room, Celtic music — epic, at times — provides a fitting soundtrack for the succinct, Irish-infused menu.

You’ll start with a thick slice of Guinness-infused Irish brown bread, fresh-baked by Garvan’s wife, Leonie. (We’re told is a secret family recipe.) Pair it with a craft beer on tap (Breckinridge Vanilla Porter, Adirondack Dirty blonde ale, or Lagunitas IPA, to name a few) or choose from a selection of wines that hail from various regions, as close as the next town over (Gardiner) or as far away as Italy.

Courtesy of Garvan's
Courtesy of Garvan's
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Preface your main course with hearty Leek and Potato soup, seasoned with celery, onion, and vegetable broth, topped with wispy onion crisps. Lighter appetites might prefer the beet salad: oven-roasted beets, crisp jicama, and greens tossed with apple vinaigrette. Appetizers include Gorgonzola sliders with caramelized onions, jumbo lump crab cake with roasted red pepper sauce, and shrimp scampi, among others. The shrimp and burger dishes return in larger portions on the entrée menu, alongside wild salmon with Parmesan risotto and lemon beurre blanc, and bone-in braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and Guinness demi-glace. Vegetarians will relish the rich vegetable Napolean, a grilled squash-and-eggplant stack stuffed with smooth cauliflower, parsnip, and sweet potato puree, topped with red pepper sauce.

The plates are filling, but save room for dessert. The vanilla bean crème brûlée is thick, buttery in texture, and not overly sweet (plus, it’s gluten free), but the upside down candied apple pie will be the highlight of your evening. This pie is twice baked with a buttered brown sugar crust atop layers of thinly sliced, locally sourced crispin apples. One slice is enough for two forks, but it is so rich, sweet, and delicious that you and your companion will most likely fight for the last bite.

Courtesy of Garvan's
Courtesy of Garvan's
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Garvan’s is open from Tuesday-Sunday, noon to 10PM.

Happy Hour specials take place 3-6 pm Tuesday-Friday, and Wednesdays are beer and burger night — pair one with the other for just $20.

215 Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY 12561 | 845-255-7888 | garvans.com

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