The Bear Cafe

Don't even think of this place for Thanksgiving. One of the worst meals ever. The place was cold, no fireplace as usual. Food tasteless and minimalistic. Asked for some gravy (none on food) and was told it was an extra $3. After 1/2 hour of not getting it... I canceled it. It WAS on the check as "chicken sauce" for $5. My server was trying very hard but this place has gone downhill for a few years. It used to be my favorite restaurant in Woodstock, NY. Worst Pecan Pie in the World.
What happened to this restaurant?

This is about as close as you're gonna get to upscale dining in Woodstock. The interior is quite exquisite(to me), wooded high-ceiling beams, an immense fire place and a rock wall facade. Really. Place is beautiful. Noticed Bear Café's pleasant ambience. Sadly, there were so many errors, soon after:

( Strike 1)-wanted a nice juicy cocktail and immediately went for a Chocolate Martini- negative. Lychee Martini- negative. Swedish Fish- negative (my server didn't know what it was). Additionally, my meals did not make any hits. As an appetizer, I went for the endive, pear, Gorgonzola and polenta "crouton" salad with a raspberry vinaigrette. Great. Awesome.

Considering raspberry and mustard usually are prepared together, I made sure to let our server, Karen know that I'm allergic to mustard. And, if she could please check if there was any. Got back to me and gave me the green light. So I went ahead with my endive salad.

(Strike 2)- But when I took a bite of a polenta "crouton"- I immediately tasted mustard. Hold Up. Wait a minute. I just wished that my server was savvy enough to observe that not only am I allergic, but I did not want ANY part of mustard ANYWHERE in my freaking dish-and she failed to let me know that croutons had a mustard coating of some sort.
My Swordfish seemed busy with ingredients I felt didn't complement the star of the show: Black Olive tapenade and peppercorn jus.

(Strike 3) Black olive tapenade- for me, it overpowered the delicate taste of the fish. Peppercorn jus, was extremely strong for the fish and lost all interest in my swordfish. But, presentation was amazing.........


I almost felt Bear Café had a chance to redeem themselves with a real good dessert menu- which they kind of did. But the only chocolate dessert, was a gluten and dairy free chocolate nut torte-which I kind of hesitated. In the end, my chocolate torte wasn't totally horrible. In fact, it was good.

Our meals were definitely planned and spaced out accordingly. To their defense .....Bear Café did make a few hits: décor, ambience and service (to a certain degree). I'll return, but sadly, towards the end, I threw in the towel because they did not make a home run.

December 2018, came here again and like my last review in 2013 the food is still delicious and the service outstanding. The only difference is that we had dinner instead of lunch and sat by the fireplace.
We started the Brussels Sprouts and the Mussels that were delicious.
I ordered the Pan Roasted Salmon with wild rice and book chop for $28. Salmon was fresh with a nice crispy crust on top. My friend order the Maple-Beacon Pork Chop for $30. The chop was thick and delicious but just a little dry in the center and I think that is because the thickness. All and all, great place for gathering with family and friends.

Such an amazing find! I was on a retreat with members of the nonprofit board I'm on and we were looking for a place to dine. We didn't realize that options were so limited on a Saturday evening in January. After stopping in a small gift shop, the owner gave us this suggestion which was two miles away. What a gift!
I called the make a reservation and the manager was super pleasant and had a spot for our party immediately. Our waiter Chris was really sweet, helpful and quick.
The owner John was an absolute pleasure. It was so nice to see him "work the room" and be available to all tables for a quick chat.

The food came out in a timely manner. Wonderful to know their menu changes and is never the same old boring thing. I had homemade spaghetti with shrimp and in a ragu sauce which was out of this world. I could have eaten two plates! The Brussels sprouts were perfect(thanks for removing the lardons!) and the spinach salad was tasty.
Everyone in the party enjoyed their food from beginning to end.

I can't wait for my next trip up to say "Hi" to John and enjoy some delicious food.

We had a really good experience at The Bear Cafe. Great service and delicious food - what more could you ask for? The restaurant has a fresh upscale vibe.

I had the Filet Mignon and it was awesome. The mashed potatoes and vegetables were on-point too. No complaints whatsoever.

I would highly recommend The Bear for anyone looking for a nice place to celebrate a special occasion. Ask to sit by the windows that overlook the stream and you'll have a peaceful setting.

5 stars - no question!

Best in summer overlooking creek but we were there as a party of 6 xmas eve and it was crowded. Nonetheless our request for a view of the creek (made several weeks in advance) was honored. It was very crowded with a line of at least 20 waiting to be seated. This went quickly and we were soon browsing the extensive menu. Drinks and dinner were all great and having had 3 cosmos I picked up the tab which to my delight was under $300 even with a 25% tip. I would definitely recommend this place particularly due to its ties to so many recording artists who have used the on property studio (not sure if still operational)

Used to be great. Been closed twice in last 12 months by New York State and most recently by my heath department. Two stars for the location.
It's a shame. Like having a rolls Royce and not servicing it. Peter and Eric(former owners) must be really sad. Hopefully someone with money, taste and a brain will take it over before summer.

Wednesday dinner for four was a lovely experience. We were seated in the back corner, next to the fireplace, overlooking the stream. The servers were attentive to our special requests. Two in our group had the dinner pre fixe and were pleased with the soup, entrees, and desserts they chose: pork chops, orecchiette entrees. I ordered a burger medium, and it was cooked perfectly. Our final order was salmon, which also tasted juicy, with skin well crisped. The place was busy and lively, with a guitarist singing throughout dinner. Everyone expressed delight at the experience.

I'm absolutely convinced that this is the best restaurant in the Hudson Valley.

First of all, there's a huge wooden bear outside. That right there is an excellent start. In fact, the entire restaurant seems to be constructed of wood; it is cozy, yet refined.** Best of all, it smells like camping. But woodsy, marshmallowy, campfire camping; not mildewy, sweaty, outhouse camping.

There are no bad tables, but you should try and snag a table overlooking the nearby creek, either inside or out. Because creeks are nice. Much nicer than brooks. I hate brooks. Either way, the winelist is completely respectable, and the bartender will mix you a fine drink if you so desire. Really, all the service is beyond reproach. But most importantly, the food is fantastic.

The menu changes seasonally, and you really can't go wrong. Well, I actually wouldn't bother with the salads. The ones I've tried have been nice, but when there are things like lobster quesadillas, soft shell crabs, and mussels on the appetizer menu, you can do better. Entree-wise, just go with your gut. Or don't, I don't really care.

But let me say this: I don't often order filet mignon, as I just prefer other cuts of beef. However, I order it here. Served with buttery mashed potatoes in a port wine and garlic demi glacé, it is incredible. I could used a bit more Stilton on top, but that's just splitting hairs.

I know I'm absolutely gorgeous, but after I let her have one bite, my girlfriend didn't even look at me once. She only had eyes for this steak.
__________

**Is that the Hooters slogan?

Such an amazing find! I was on a retreat with members of the nonprofit board I'm on and we were looking for a place to dine. We didn't realize that options were so limited on a Saturday evening in January. After stopping in a small gift shop, the owner gave us this suggestion which was two miles away. What a gift!
I called the make a reservation and the manager was super pleasant and had a spot for our party immediately. Our waiter Chris was really sweet, helpful and quick.
The owner John was an absolute pleasure. It was so nice to see him "work the room" and be available to all tables for a quick chat.

The food came out in a timely manner. Wonderful to know their menu changes and is never the same old boring thing. I had homemade spaghetti with shrimp and in a ragu sauce which was out of this world. I could have eaten two plates! The Brussels sprouts were perfect(thanks for removing the lardons!) and the spinach salad was tasty.
Everyone in the party enjoyed their food from beginning to end.

I can't wait for my next trip up to say "Hi" to John and enjoy some delicious food.