When people hear of Woodstock, NY, they automatically picture hippies, tie dye, peace & love… But the iconic 1960s music festival did not actually take place in Woodstock, but in the town of Bethel, about 50 miles south-west of Woodstock. That was for the complimentary general knowledge.

Woodstock still became a popular bohemian destination and an arsty New York State hub. Just two hours outside of Manhattan, Woodstock is one of “coolest” and most visited towns in the Catskills, and a perfect weekend destination upstate. Hiking, great lodging, cute stores, renown antique shops, aaaand a growing food scene! Woodstock is home to what is probably my favorite restaurant in the Catskills area: Cucina.

The Barn at Cucina is also great for private/special events!

The charming restaurant is a restored farmhouse

The charming restaurant is a restored farmhouse

Cucina is a modern Italian restaurant that has been a culinary staple in upstate NY since its opening in 2006. The restaurant is located on Woodstock’s main street in a restored farmhouse. The beautiful country-chic setting is incredibly welcoming, with a cozy bar area, romantic table seating, and large wooden communal tables, great for a convivial group gathering. Not to mention its beautiful outdoor patio surrounded by greenery. Make sure you sit there for warm weather al fresco dining, or by the indoor fire place for a romantic winter meal. The decor is simple and casually elegant, in an intimate atmosphere.

Weekend brunch!

Rustic/country-chic wooden interior dining rooms with large communal tables

Rustic/country-chic wooden interior dining rooms with large communal tables

Rustic/country-chic wooden interior dining rooms with large communal tables

Rustic/country-chic wooden interior dining rooms with large communal tables

Romantic and convivial communal tables for dinner

Romantic and convivial communal tables for dinner

Beautiful patio for al fresco dining

Beautiful patio for al fresco dining

Spinach ravioli, wild mushrooms, parmesan cheese, brown butter ($20)

Spinach ravioli ($20)

Cucina is a must-visit when in Woodstock for its charming, relaxing vibe, but most of all for its consistently delicious food. The menu offers a straightforward contemporary Italian fare, based on seasonal and local ingredients. Everything is delicious, but you can’t go to Cucina without ordering their pasta (and the pizzas are great too). I keep coming back for their signature rigatoni with sausage & peas. But you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. The wine list doesn’t disappoint either, with a great selection of mostly Italian appellations.

Gluten-free available!

Cucina woodstock Signature pasta dish: rigatoni, sausage, peas, cream, spicy tomato ($20)

Cucina woodstock Signature pasta dish: rigatoni, sausage, peas, cream, spicy tomato ($20)

Cucina woodstock Signature pasta dish: rigatoni, sausage, peas, cream, spicy tomato ($20)

Signature rigatoni even better with a fall foliage view

Slowly baked salmon, potato puree, black truffle vinaigrette ($27)

Slowly baked salmon, potato puree, black truffle vinaigrette ($27)

Organic lacinato kale salad, Tuscan pecorino, currants, pine nuts ($13)

Even the Kale salad is incredible:: Organic lacinato kale, Tuscan pecorino, currants, pine nuts ($13)

Cucina is always the highlight of my Woodstock stays, and I’ve built the most special memories in that historic farmhouse.  Cucina is perfect for a romantic dinner or a meal with a group of friends alike.

Reservations are strongly recommended

Butterscotch Budino, toasted coconut, sea salt ($9)

Butterscotch Budino, toasted coconut, sea salt ($9)

Salted caramel sundae, peanuts, caramel corn, hot fudge ($9)

Salted caramel sundae, peanuts, caramel corn, hot fudge ($9)

Beautiful patio for al fresco dining

Open year-round for:
Dinner:
Monday – Thursday 5pm – 10:00pm
Friday – Saturday 5pm – 11:00pm
Sunday 5pm – 10:00pm
Brunch:
Saturday – Sunday 11am – 3pm