One of the quiet surprises of the Catskills is just how well you can eat here. Woodstock and the surrounding towns have attracted a wave of talented chefs and passionate restaurateurs who draw on the region's extraordinary farmland, artisan producers, and creative energy to build menus that rival anything you would find in Brooklyn or the Hudson Valley proper. From an intimate fine-dining experience with a seasonal tasting menu to a legendary roadside diner that has become a destination in its own right, the dining around The Cedar Stock Cabin is one of the great pleasures of a stay here. Below are the spots we return to again and again.
SILVIA
SILVIA is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel as though you have been let in on something special. Housed in a beautifully restored space with warm lighting and thoughtful design, it offers an elevated Catskills dining experience built around hyper-seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and producers. The menu changes frequently, but expect dishes that are at once refined and grounded — wood-fired meats, handmade pastas, and vegetable preparations that showcase just how good produce can be when it travels ten miles instead of ten thousand. The wine list leans toward natural and biodynamic bottles, and the service strikes that rare balance between polished and genuine. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
Cucina
For a cozy, no-fuss Italian-American dinner that feels like being invited into someone's home, Cucina is the local favorite. Tucked into a warm, intimate space in the heart of Woodstock, it serves generous portions of classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and hearty mains that hit all the right notes. The menu is unpretentious but executed with care — the marinara sings, the meatballs are the real thing, and the wine pours are honest. This is the kind of place where regulars greet each other across tables and the chef might come out to chat. It fills up quickly, so arrive early or call ahead.
The Good Night
When you want a cocktail that someone actually thought about, The Good Night is where Woodstock delivers. This stylish cocktail bar and small plates spot brings a touch of city sophistication to the mountains without losing the relaxed Woodstock vibe. The cocktail menu is creative and seasonal, with well-crafted drinks that use local spirits, house-made syrups, and fresh herbs. The food menu of shareable small plates — think charcuterie boards, oysters, and inventive bites — pairs perfectly with a drink or two. The atmosphere is dimly lit and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a date night or a gathering with friends after a day of exploring.
Mud Club
Mud Club has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in the Catskills, and it deserves every bit of the attention. The focus here is on natural wines and a creative, ever-changing menu of seasonal dishes that reflect the chef's deep connection to local farms and foragers. The space itself is earthy and inviting, with communal energy and a casual elegance that feels perfectly at home in Woodstock. Expect dishes that surprise and delight — fermented vegetables, unusual grain preparations, and proteins treated with respect and imagination. The wine list is one of the best in the region, curated with a focus on small-production, minimal-intervention bottles that complement the food beautifully.
Bread Alone Bakery
Every great food town needs a great bakery, and Bread Alone is Woodstock's. This beloved institution has been turning out exceptional artisan breads from its wood-fired ovens for decades, and the Woodstock location is the perfect morning stop before a hike or a day of exploring. The sourdough and peasant bread are legendary, but do not overlook the pastries — flaky croissants, tender scones, and seasonal fruit tarts that pair perfectly with their excellent coffee. Grab a loaf to bring back to the cabin for the week. Bread Alone also serves simple, well-made breakfast and lunch items — sandwiches on their own bread, soups, and salads — that make it a reliable stop any time of day.
Shindig
If brunch is your religion, Shindig is your temple. This bright, cheerful spot in the center of Woodstock serves some of the best breakfast and brunch in the Catskills, with a menu that balances comfort-food classics with creative touches. The pancakes are fluffy and generous, the egg dishes are thoughtfully composed, and the coffee program — featuring carefully sourced beans and skilled preparation — is reason enough to visit. Weekend brunch draws a crowd, so plan accordingly, but the weekday morning scene is relaxed and lovely. It is exactly the kind of place you want within reach of your vacation rental.
Phoenicia Diner
About twenty minutes from the cabin in the hamlet of Phoenicia, the Phoenicia Diner has achieved something remarkable — it is simultaneously a perfectly functioning diner and a culinary destination. The classic chrome-and-neon exterior is Instagram-famous, but the real draw is what comes out of the kitchen. Locally sourced ingredients elevate diner staples into something memorable — grass-fed burgers, handmade biscuits, fresh-baked pies, and breakfast plates that are as beautiful as they are satisfying. The outdoor patio overlooking the Catskills is one of the finest settings for a meal in the region. Lines can be long on weekend mornings, so arrive early or try a weekday visit when you can slide right into a booth and order a cup of coffee in peace.
Tips for Dining Around Woodstock
Reservations
The better restaurants in Woodstock — SILVIA, Cucina, and Mud Club in particular — are small spaces that fill up fast, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings and during peak seasons. Book ahead whenever possible. Many accept reservations through Resy or by phone.
Seasonal Hours
Woodstock runs on a seasonal rhythm. Some restaurants adjust their hours or close certain days during the quieter winter months, and summer weekends bring extended hours and special menus. Always check hours before heading out, especially midweek in the off-season.
Farm Stands and Local Provisions
If you plan to cook at the cabin — and the full kitchen makes it a joy — take advantage of the incredible local food ecosystem. Farm stands along Route 212 and Route 28 sell fresh produce, eggs, and seasonal fruits. The Woodstock Farm Festival runs through the warmer months and is a treasure trove of local meats, cheeses, bread, and vegetables. Stock up, bring it all back to the cabin, and cook dinner with the mountain views as your backdrop. Some of the best meals you will have on your trip might be the ones you make yourself.