Huckleberry

I ate lunch there yesterday with my wife and 2 sons (13 & 11 years old). We are upstairs away from the bar and we’re happy when we found out they do have a kids menu.
My one son had the wings and he really enjoyed them, my other son had chicken tenders and he enjoyed them as well. I had the wagyu burger which was excellent. My wife had the chicken sandwich (don’t remember the name of it) and she enjoyed it as well. We also hot an order of these and cheese which was unbelievable and I highly recommend it.
The place had a great ambiance and was nicely decorated. Our server was very attentive and seemed knowledgable of the menu. They also had a very good beer selection.
We are not from the area but look forward to returning to sit in their outside area.

Stopped by Huckleberry while visiting some family and friends in town. Great bar, they’re doing it right. The beer list is right up my alley. The burger was delicious and the wings were outstanding. The bartender was friendly and answered all my annoying questions about what was on tap. Fire pits were going outside but I chose to sit at the bar. I’m excited to come back by in the summer and sit in the huge courtyard.

Pros: ambiente, ambience, ambiental. Located on a sweet cross street right off Main St NP, this place is set back off the street in a beautiful renovated house. Apparently some girl from gentrified Brooklyn (yuck that Brooklyn is trendy now. Rolls eyes) brought this business up here. OK. I could care less that it’s also in a gentrified part of BK that I don’t frequent, but I do care that someone has good sense to keep a business open pass 9 PM in a college town, and a city with adults that just *may* desire an occasional late night nite past 8:30 PM. Gasps! Rolls eyes again. Wait, this *was* the pros, right? Right… back to being positive.. (New Years Resolution)
Soft lighting, delicious white bean quinoa vegan burger with Pico and some homemade ketchup. Was all delicioso.
Cons:
Lack of service and the concept. You hover around a bar w no clear line order, waiting to order a drink. You go upstairs or away from aforementioned bar to sip drink, then go back to bar for own water, table bussing and all of it. And the up and down of running between upstairs and downstairs was soooooo irritating. The other reviewer was right. What exactly were we tipping for? Patio is nice with fire place off the front. Just beautiful space but not really full service and can get annoying when going up and down. The drink prices are also super super super high. We are NOT IN BROOKLYN

New establishments always have their issues to work out. Huckleberry is no different. From what I understand, this was an empty location for several years and it’s opening was eagerly anticipated by many.
Came here on a Friday night with a group of 7 of us. We began at the bar for a round of drinks before heading upstairs to sit down. The bartender took our drink order (simple 2 beers for me and the wife). Poured the first one and was then derailed for several minutes as he began making mixed drinks for others. I’m not sure if he forgot or if that took priority, but the other bartender came to the rescue. We headed upstairs to the main dining area to join the others.
The menu was small but had a few enticing options. Unfortunately some of their specials for that night were «sold out,» so we opted for burgers. We ordered a dip appetizer but this didn’t come out until the meal did. Always a pet peeve of mine. My wife went with the veggie burger — overall she said she liked it but they forgot the cheese (they said they had a liquid type of cheese to pour on but didn’t do so). I opted for the regular burger and enjoyed it. Wasn’t anything better than others I’ve had locally, but I’m not complaining. Honestly thought the fries and BBQ dipping sauce were better.
Others at the table has a longer wait for their food (to say the least) and that was a bit of a drag. Nothing like feeling bad eating when others are waiting for their food. I hope they work out some of the flaws — as we came to understand, they just started waitress table service upstairs and it was a «test drive.» I’m sure once they fix these issues this will be a great place. I see a lot of potential for sure, and they did attempt to rectify our service issues with some free drinks (that was definitely a nice touch on the customer service end)
I’d come back on a warmer night just to sit outside in front of their fire pits and have some beers for sure — they had Other Half Brewery (Red Hook Brooklyn) on tap! That made me happy

Rounding this up to 3, though would really do 2.5 if Unilocal had half stars.
THE GOOD:
–Adorable décor, nice ambiance upstairs (they even have a game table) and a really cool outdoor patio space with picnic tables and little fireplaces. The fires were burning, even in the cold weather, which made the whole block smell fantastic!
–Creative cocktails, interesting small bites menu and blackboard specials
–Everything except the buns and bacon, are made in-​house.
–Fries were especially tasty.
THE BAD:
–Terrible design. The space is awkward, not enough room at the bar to walk through to the upstairs and between traffic at the bar, people ordering or trying to pass though, waitstaff going behind the bar or through to the kitchen, makes for a clogged-​up fustercluck.
–Walked in, never greeted even though a few different members of the waitstaff walked by us, not even so much as made eye contact
–Cocktail and beer prices are a bit high
–Food is good, not great
–Food took too long to come out of the kitchen and didn’t come out all at once. As others have reported in their reviews, about 45 minutes.
THE UGLY:
–My slider took 90 minutes. 90 MINUTES. Unacceptable. Between 2 different members of the waitstaff and the manager, we asked 5 separate times about my slider. Each time we were met with either shock or surprise that I hadn’t received, followed by an ‘it’s coming’ OR a deer-​in-​the-​headlights stare and a question as if I wanted to order one. Nope, I just wanted to eat the one I ordered.
The manager explained they had been having issues with how food is ordered and delivered. Apparently, the old way — which was not table service, just ordering at the bar and then having the customers pick it up, wasn’t working.
So they decided to try something new — traditional table service, which clearly wasn’t working either. BUT, she stated this was the first night they tried the new process. It was a Friday night. At a busy bar, in a college town. Why on God’s Green Earth would you try a new process on a slamming busy Friday night? It’s beyond me.
To the manager’s credit, she apologized and offered to comp our party a round of drinks. While my compadres took the drinks, I really just wanted out of there, so I instead asked if they would just take the $ 4 slider off the bill, which she did. I’d like to think this would happen in every circumstance and not just for our table (they were aware we were there for an CAYE). But, we’ll never know.
This place has the potential to be better, but they really need to get some shite worked out with service and how they handle food orders.
I’d really like to go back and take advantage of the outdoor space, so hopefully they improve by summer. But I don’t think I’ll go on an empty stomach.

I would describe Huckleberry as «deliciously awkward.» Their strengths are (a) their really interesting cocktails (and a good beer list), (b) the food, and © the ambiance. These things can be partially offset by service. They aren’t really designed for conventional table service, and this sometimes shows. If you are downstairs at or near the bar, this is not really an issue. They don’t have table service per se, though they do have staff who walk around checking on you, and handling food and drink. It’s very attentive, but occasionally a bit disjoint. We had a slightly larger than average group tonight. Our drinks came promptly, our orders were taken promptly, but some of the food did not come promptly. To their credit, we were taken care of when there were problems.
But I need to get back to (a) (b) and © from above, their strong points. The cocktails were interesting, contemporary, and innovative. I particularly liked the fact that they had multiple variations on Old Fashioned’s, and the liqueurs accompanying the your basics (gin, rye, tequila, etc.), were attention-​getting.
The regular menu is smallish but satisfying, but their daily specials were what caught my eye. I was especially interested in their fried chicken entrée, but evidently so was everyone else, and it was sold out. I «settled» for a chorizo burger with truffle fries. The spiciness of the burger registered «whoa!» (a good thing); the fries were ridiculously salty but otherwise addicting. Unfortunately, the high quality of the food was what was partially offset by a bit of inconsistency in the timeliness of its delivery.
The ambiance, especially upstairs, is excellent, especially with the faux-​fireplace in the back. There were enough tables of various sizes for small and large groups alike.
They also have some large areas ready for outdoor service in warm weather. I can’t wait!

Great food and amazing cocktails. Only downside is there’s not enough seating and you have to get your own table. Worth it if you go early, probably. Would go again!

Off the beaten path in New Paltz, Huckleberry has the potential to be great. Unique in its homey and rustic vibe and the ability to play board games. The main problem I had with this place was the service. We had to order our food at the bar and bring our drinks to the table – where we waited about 40 minutes for our food to come. How long does it take to make a burger? The wagyu burger was ok but the fries were really salty and the ketchup was basically tomato paste with sugar. Glad we got to try it but probably won’t be going back.

Service took very long and we waited nearly 40 minutes for our food. Cocktails aren’t terrible and this place has the potential to be great.
It is very disorganized the way you order your drinks at the bar and then carry your drinks over to the table. Also, when tipping, the waitress handed us the machine and asked us how much tip we would like to leave.
If these things are changed, this could be a staple of New Paltz. Certainly has the name and atmosphere. Food is so so.

I love Huckleberry, it is definitely a favorite among me and friends. Honestly one of the reasons I love it so much is the proximity and every time I go in, I see people I know, which is awesome. It’s really too bad that people are bitching so hard on here about the service. The concept is very clear… order at the bar. Thats the deal… also to the girl thats like «why tip?» … you tip because that is how servers make their living and they bus your dirty shit all night. One time though, I will say, this girl came up to me and was like bring your cups down when your done… like no. you can. anyways.
I can overlook hiccups. the place just opened. The owners are amazing and super accommodating, the prices are fine and competitive, in my opinion. I think the food and the cocktails need a revamping but as far as a awesome and relaxing place to chill.
I think it would be would be a wonderful place for a rehearsal dinner if they can get their food situation together, great space. I really hope they utilize it.

I can not stress how excited I was to come here. My friends told me about their drinks and the cutesy atmosphere and I wanted this to be the nice little «hipster gem» of new paltz, but preferably with less beard and food that didnt suck. The menu seemed like standard bar food with a little twist, nothing special. The service was… non existent. That didn’t really bother me. The food took about 45 mins to reach our table, and by the time it did, ALL OF our dishes were cold. The fish tacos were bland, 60% cruddy iceberg lettuce and drenched in watered down mayo — based something. The «house made» ketchup tasted like tomato paste with a pinch of sugar… the only thing that any of us enjoyed were our cocktails. And to be fair, they were amazing! But there are plenty of places to get good and slightly overpriced cocktails in town.
Tldr; concept and drinks were great, food execution was awful. Find a new chef or just serve alcohol. Hipster aesthetic is dead.

If this place were a person I would marry it!
Small bar menu with delicious snacks, salads and burgers. I like when places have a small menu because you know the food is always fresh. Also, don’t forget, it’s a bar with a bar menu, not a restaurant with a bar.
Drinks are delicious, beers are cold. Sweet owners and attentive bartenders. Beautiful interior with an intimate bar downstairs, a cozy room upstairs with GAMES. Outside, a patio with fire pit.
For anyone complaining about leaving their card, leaving your card to start a tab is pretty standard, Brooklyn or otherwise. It’s not like you’re selling your soul and your first born child. You leave your card, then when you’re ready to leave you pay and get your card back. Pretty simple.
Excited to see what summer brings for this place!!! Nice to have a break from the standard college-​age oriented bars around NP.

After leaving this place tonight I had to write a review. I’m from New Paltz and after seeing pictures online and reading about this place, I decided I would try it. I met some friend there and we were all completely disappointed with the results.
First when you walk in, not one person said hi or acknowledged that you are there. The entrance area is way to small for what they are trying to do in that little space! In that small space is the entrance, the stairs to go upstairs, the bar area where you are supposed to order your food & the door to enter & exit the kitchen. WAY too much traffic in that small space.
Second, the policy & way it’s run is ridiculous! Basically there’s no service. You have to order your food at the bar and you have to get your own drinks at bar. It’s self serve. The only thing they do is drop your food to you in a plastic basket. So why tip???
Third, there is hardly anything on the menu & what is on it, is not good. If you don’t like burgers you’re out of luck! Small portions for the price! The College diner has better burgers & larger portions!
Forth, New Paltz is not Brooklyn! When I asked why I had to leave my credit card with the bartender in order to order food I was told because that’s how she does it at her location in Brooklyn & because too many people have left with out paying (not here in NP but in Brooklyn) ! Are you serious!!! Completely ridiculous! They need to change this quickly!
Sixth, don’t plan on relaxing here! You have to get up & down to get what you want & if you don’t get a seat down stairs you will have to run up & down 2 flights of stairs to get what you need! Nonsense !
The only positive thing about this place is it’s décor. It’s decorated cute & has a nice outdoor patio area.
I give this place a very short time to remain open unless things change drastically & quickly!
Oh and it’s not a family place what so ever!
Totally disappointed! Would not recommend it to anyone!

Beautiful and warm spot just off the Main Street, perfect atmosphere, refreshingly different from the classic town bars. Brooklyn meets Bucktown, with the charm of New Paltz mixed together. Good food, music and excellent drink menu. LOVE it!

This place has so much potential.
Excitedly visited here recently and experienced far more good than bad. Overall it’s a great place for good drinks/​beers and great food with ample outdoor and indoor seating, although the space allows for better utilization than is currently being taken advantage of. There were both younger, older and families with kids. Good mixed environment.
The pros:
The food is delicious. Just about everything on the menu is on point.
The drinks are strong and yummy
The craft beer draft list is above average.
Many seating options both up and down.
A spread out, friends and family environment.
Games and cards for guest use.
Cons:
The food took a good 45 minutes to come out, and that was just apps and sliders. Don’t come in a time crunch or if you’re super hungry.
I mentioned above the food is delicious. So delicious you want more. However we asked for a second order of an app and were told it would take too long. Have some things to iron out as far as production.
This is an adult bar. Most adults and even many hipsters now are parents. There are no booster or high chairs here even though there were many families w kids. Plan accordingly. This may be trying to tell you leave your kids at home, but we’ll continue to bring our babe.

Beer
Fire pit
Outdoor seating
Food
All good things. I’ve eaten in places all over the world and I’m happy this place is open. Looking forward to many happy returns.

Great indoor space and outdoor fire pit. Had the best New Years, great beer list, food was key for late night push and met some very nice owners. Good for a night out.

Had the best time here recently! The bar is gorgeous, the drinks are on point and the food was super yummy– totally a pleasant surprise!
I tend to choose a bar more for ambience and service than drinks and food since drinks are pretty much the same everywhere you go and Huckleberry totally nailed it– the bartenders are super nice and with the indoor/​outdoor options and fire pits outside there wasn’t a bad seat in the house–
My friends and I posted up and played some games (yes, they have games there too!) and I actually totally appreciated having to go to the bar to order my drinks– no waiting for a server, no wondering when they’ll be back– you control the experience lol :)
I’ll for sure be back — this spot is a great new addition to the city and was a great find!

Not as expensive as you would think for something started by Brooklynites,
and I love having a hot bar in my neighborhood that’s not a sports bar.
Hope they get live music some time. The coolest thing is the wood fire brazier
on the front patio as you walk in. Makes the block smell terrific!

A relaxed ambiance with great music greets you at this small plate spot. I was thoroughly impressed with the beer list and the white bean quinoa burger was amazing. I think I found my new favorite night spot in New Paltz.