We spent a very pleasant lunchtime here last Saterday. Hot from picking apples down the road, we opted to eat inside instead of the very nice roofed patio. We shared a Haus Salad and a Mixed Grill. The salad was quite delicious and certainly enough for two. I especially enjoyed the pickled grapes in it that seemed to have been pickled in Schnapps. The greens and the cheese were all very fresh and satisfying. The Mixed Grill had 3 large grilled sausages, potato salad and sauerkraut all of which were perfectly cooked and tasty. An Octoberfest and a Pilsner rounded out the meal. We like to stop here because it is calm and so completely different than the places in New Paltz. You can sit back and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains and not feel rushed or crowded at all. The outdoor patio is quite nice now since the owners have built a roof over it with big timbers echoing the look of the indoor dining room. You really feel like you are in a mountain chalet sitting outdoors. The ladies who waited on us were very nice and attentitive despite the fact that they were very busy. We're very happy to have them back and will be visiting again in the future. read more

I'd review the food, had I gotten the chance to eat it. Two friends and I visited New Paltz to do some apple picking. We were in the mood for some stick-to-your-ribs food and we figured German was just the ticket At around 5:30 p.m., we walked in to a fairly busy restaurant. We asked for a table for three and the gentleman at the host stand told us the wait would be about 45 minutes. We asked if we could eat at the bar and he said there was no food service there. After maybe three minutes of deliberation, we asked if we could put our name down. He replied, "Sure, but the wait is actually going to be an hour now." Which seemed weird. But we decided to put our names down and spend about half an hour driving through New Paltz to see what the town was about. We promised we'd be back in 40 minutes tops to have a drink before our table was ready. We kept our word and at 6:15 we came back to Gunk Haus. The man saw us and immediately shuffled off to find a woman. We saw the list, where our name had not yet been crossed off, and asked about our reservation. "Yeah... no," the woman responded. Off-put (to say the least), we asked what she meant. "You weren't here, so we gave your table away five minutes ago." Which was strange, because we were quoted an hour and we were there a full twenty minutes before that hour would be up. We mentioned this and the attitude we received was abhorrent. The woman belittled us, told us we knew we should not have left (that was the first time hearing of this), and made us feel like total crap. When we asked if there was any chance of us getting a table tonight, she informed us that she was the owner and gave us a very stern "No." We left angry and insulted. I understand when a restaurant is busy, stress can ensue. I understand that the owner may have felt there was a miscommunication - that we should have stayed, although we were never told as much. But for a small business owner to be outright rude to a customer? That is not a great way to run a business. read more

First off, it's in the middle of no where which could be a beneficial draw, IF the food was that good and attracted people. BUT, it's not...at all. The wursts were not very authentic and tasted like any store bought ones I've had in recent times. The curry was not at all good, and the brat was even less desirable. The "warm" potato salad came out cold and was literally just some sliced red potato's with a touch of spice. More like uncooked breakfast potato's than anything German I've ever had. The pork chop was a decent cut but very dry. I didn't try the bread pudding or the kraut, but it was reported as being mediocre. We each had a beer, no appetizer or dessert and the bill came to $55 which seemed ridiculous for the area and for what we received. Overall, the beer was OK, service was friendly and quick, but the food was not at all something I would go back for, unless possibly for a quick lunch if I was in the area. The menu was sparse at best and consisted of mainly sandwiches. I wish people would understand that during the off-season, they need to adjust their prices to reflect the locals that will not pay Manhattan or Westchester prices for mediocre food at best. Mountain Brauhaus in Gardiner has NOTHING to worry about for competition. Go there for real authenticity and ambiance. Make sure you have a reservation though... read more

I've been back about 3-4 times since I wrote my first review and things just keep getting better and better at this relatively new establishment.. The Gunk Haus now has some great beer on tap, which they rotate every so often, and the staff has been consistently warm, amiable, knowledgeable and prompt with their service. The chef creates some really wonderful gourmet creations that are really pleasing to the palate! This place is a keeper in my book! My husband and I really enjoy going there. read more

I was excited for another German restaurant, but this place is not even an option for me now. Location is great, with an awesome view of the mountains and the option to eat on the deck is great. The options for their drinks is good with typical bar drinks as well as some German beers, but that's about where it stops. The food is not good. I've eaten here a couple times to give it the benefit of the doubt. I have never once left this place happy with what I ate. The food is always dry, overly salted or just plan gross. Service is so so. If you want good German food, go to The Mountain Brauhaus at the corner of Rt. 299 and 44/55. Their menu is far bigger, 100% better and the place has even better views. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. read more

We have been coming here for a while now, and have visited at least six or seven times. This says a lot, because I teach at the CIA and cook at home--we rarely dine out. The atmosphere is relaxed, food very tasty and a good value. The beer selection is not huge, but is well-selected, with a lot of small American breweries represented on tap. The beers change regularly, and there's always a good range of styles to choose from. The staff is helpful and fun...sometimes downright hilarious. We have never had a bad meal here, and will continue to come back on a regular basis. Oh, and as for the comments that the wursts are not authentic? They are made by one of the CIA's butcher-instructors at his side business. Mark Elia even teaches sausage-making classes, so the Bratwurst is *real* Bratwurst, not the grocery store variety. read more

This was my first time at Gunk Haus. The food was delicious - I ordered Jäger Schnitzel ~ sautéed boneless pork loin topped with wild mushroom ragu, served over herb spätzle. Our server was pleasant but extremely busy and couldn't tend to us very often. When we arrived, we were seated near a window at 6 pm when the sun was beating into the restaurant; there were no shades/no blinds available, so we asked to move to another table. There is a door which leads to the outdoor patio from the interior dining room. It was open and shut constantly by the staff and customers and since it was very loud, it became extremely annoying during our meal. Bam! Bam! Bam! Okay, perhaps the venue can purchase a door stopper or a mechanism to soften the banging. The food was delicious and the service was good, when the server had the opportunity to stop by and ask us how we were doing. If you go, be prepared to hear incessant bangs from that patio door! read more

Came with my husband and daughter and her GF. Ate the chicken salad plate but it was a bit skimpy. Sam had the black bean burger that was tasty but didn't fit in the bun. EF had the burger with Gorgonzola. Her sides were lacking. The burger was supposed to be served on salad and it only came wrapped in lettuce. Husband had the short ribs and cabbage and he was not overly impressed. The asparagus side was fresh and delicious. The mustard greens were good also. The view was nice and the overall ambiance was cool. Service was decent. read more

I just had a house hamburger and it was excellent, however the rest of friends had a variety of different entres from menu and everyone was complementary. The butternut soup, my friend kept raving about it. There were no complaints and usually there is always one. Highly recommend. read more

Food and beers were great. Beautiful view of Mohonk Preserve and tower. Outdoor seating was very nice and our server was friendly. Only complaint was the host was a bit on the rude side and refused to seat us at the table we requested because he said a large party was just seated in that servers section. Frustrating because five minutes later another party of two was seated at the table we requested. Definitely didn't make us feel too welcome off the bat. read more

Gunk Haus - Super fantastic chocolate cake for desert. - German Near Me - Highland, New York

Excellent dining experience. Great decor and ambiance feels very much like you are at home here. Service was wonderful, started with pea and asparagus soup which was done perfectly. Chicken schnitzel, mushroom strudel, and chicken sausage for dinner all very delicious. The flourless chocolate cake is a must for dessert. read more

This is the best little place, if you don't need fancy this place has great soup, salads, burgers and sandwiches'. you can have it your way and a beer and just be happy. The service was friendly, fast and just about the neatest host we have had in a long time making sur we were taken care of, but not hovering for a bigger tip. LOVED IT read more

They close at 9:30, we strolled in at 9:15 desperate for a meal, and they took us in happily and without an ounce of angst. The service was just amazing (not at all rushed), and the goat cheese croquettes, schnitzel and braised red cabbage were incredible (and yummy the next morning too). Best spaetzle I've had in forever, I'll definitely be back. read more

Love it! In the middle of nowhere but worth the drive from the highway. Food was great. Beer selection was great. Service was great. Waitstaff was knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. Definitely be stopping by on our next trip north. read more

I had a fantastic experience here. I highly recommend the outdoor seating on a nice day. I saw a breathtaking view of the sunset over a nice meal and a glass of wine. This was my first time trying German food. I ordered the Jaeger Schnitzel was pretty tasty. For dessert, I tried the blueberry strudel which was also amazing. The blueberries were very fresh and the strudel itself wasn't overly sweet which I liked. The pretzel and obatzda was good for what it was but I don't think it's for me. Beware of mosquitoes after the sunsets as I got eaten alive by them. read more

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Met friends here while on vacation, very pleased with our meals. Had a smoked salmon crepe that was just wonderful. Someone had the mixed grill which they said was very good. Service was excellent and you certainly can't beat the view if you sit outside. read more

Go to the Hunk Haus on a beautiful day and eat outside. This restaurant has amazing views of the mountains of the Shawangunk Ridge. You can even see Skytop Tower, by the Monhonk Mountain House. We came for lunch, and ordered from the lunch menu. For an appetizer, you must have the Pretzel and Obatzda! This is a homemade pretzel with traditional Bavarian cheese spread made with Camembert, Gorgonzola, beer, and spices. One order is enough for 2 or 3 people to share. For our meals, we had the Sauerbraten Sandwich (Brisket slow-braised in a sweet and sour gravy on a Haus-made pretzel bun, served with Haus-made cole slaw or fresh cut French fries) and the Bratwurst Platter (A pair of fresh brats served with our version of a warm German potato salad made with bacon and caraway). We also got a side of coleslaw. The meats were tender and flavorful and the sides were delicious. The portion sizes are enough to (really) fill you up. We can't wait to go back for dinner on a warm summer night! read more

What a great place. The food is amazing, we sat outside overlooking the mountains. What a great view! We had the mixed grilled and the chicken schnitzel. Both were out of this world. Nothing left. We also sampled the beers. I had the watermelon. Really good as well. They have a nice selection of choices. Also don't forget to save room for dessert. read more

Options for food look very appealing on the menu. Stopped by with some friends for lunch. The restaurant decor is great, exposed beams, fireplace, great views. The German food was delicious. I had a pork rib sandwich, with an onion and pickle slaw on a homemade cibatta type roll. It was very tasty. The French fries were freshly cut and seasoned just right, not too much salt. They also have a pretty good selection of craft beers. We were there on a cloudy overcast day, I can only imagine what it would be like on a sunny day. They have an outdoor deck that overlooks an apple orchard. I will definitely go back. read more

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It is really refreshing to have a place like this in this area. There is not a lot of places to eat in the Highland area without going across the river or to New Paltz. I really have really enjoyed all of the times that I have gone there and tell people to go all the time. Great food and great craft beer. They have a cool room in the back behind the bar that looks fun for private parts. the views of the mountain are great and can't wait for a deck to be built, which they are working on now. I like pretty much everything there. I am not a vegetarian anymore but it's nice to see places that have multiple options on the menu. especially in this area. read more

We love this neighborhood gem, and go as much as our budget allows! We always take friends and visitors there when we can. Atmosphere is casual, family-friendly, room-to-breathe, with Hudson Valley views from the terrace. Dirk and his wife are always there making sure things run as they should, and it is very much a family business. So long as you get a reservation on the busier days (they prefer it), there is always room. You can take large parties, which are easily accommodated in the large dining area. They source local ingredients, the meat is raised sustainably, the food is tasty, the beer is delicious, the flourless chocolate cake is just the best. The prices are very moderate considering the emphasis on high-quality, local food sourcing. Recommended: whitefish crostini, spaetzle, Jäger Schnitzel, German short ribs read more

Excellent food. Awesome waitress The views are breathtaking. The bread is made in house fresh The beer is outstanding read more

Stopped there for lunch today and was excited to see it open. The help was friendly. The food however was not up to its potential and was disappointing. The iced tea didn't taste any different from a glass of water. The soup needed to be hotter. The speatzelwas too salty and the dessert although it looked good tasted memorable for its lack of taste. I hope they work with the chef to improve their items read more

Gunk Haus was a major, positive surprise. We came through the area not knowing about the place beforehand, but had simply found the Google description of a German eatery. Already when we arrived there, the place sent really great vibes: its main dining hall has beautiful, exposed beams supporting the roof and the atmosphere is subtly supported by classical music which never threatens to drown out conversation. Only improvement would be to expand the playlist a little from the select highlights of the classical repetoire, but that's a minor point. In general, the owners clearly put a lot more thought into the creating a relaxed, cozy ambience than 95 % of other restaurants. The menu offered a good selection of German and Central European classics including at least three different wursts (sausages), schnitzel and a goulash. We went with the mixed grill to try out the different wursts and cabbage, and we were pleasantly surprised: As a European, you're often disappointed with American bangers, but this was the real deal. Slightly more stewed dishes would fill up the menu nicely within the style, but again, this is a relatively minor point. A decent selection of draught beer, including both American and European craft brands, accompanied the food well. Finally, the service was among the most friendly and efficient we have had in a long while: Everyone we encountered was both helpful and chatty, and our assigned waitress was really easy-going and polite; she was patient with our orders (lots of good options to choose from!), but also gave us some space when we couldn't initially decide. Efficiency and privacy can be a hard balance to strike, but Gunk Haus's staff are good at it. All in all, Gunk Haus is worth a detour and shouldn't be missed if you're in the area. read more

Came here for a Saturday lunch based on the recommendation from a bartender at Bad Seed. We weren't disappointed. We started with a pretzel. It was pretty good but nothing special. It came cut up into pieces, not as a whole pretzel. I had the goulash sandwich - it was super yummy. My husband had the sauerbraten sandwich and really loved it. He especially loved the pretzel bun. The portions were really good sized and it was a filling lunch. We sat outside which was really nice. The view is great and the outdoor seating area is really nice. What a great find for the area! read more

Absolutely beautiful spot, view of the mountains is incredible. The building itself and decor is lovely definitely gives you that German food. The food was very good but not your typical German fare. Was surprised to not have gravy on the spatzle. But I am used to German food in wisconsin! read more

Wunderbar und lecker! Concur with all positive reviews. Missing German food since after our move - No longer! Great Tudor ambiance, wooden tables, fresh well priced German food with a couple of American touches ( I.e. Haus burger ), Real German beer and one of the best views around. Food: Pretzel app must Eggplant and lentil soups are well done Warm potato salad superb Cheese spaetzle Wonderful (stole my 2 yo's) Pfannekuchen on point! Pleased to see currywurst on menu but missed having it swim in the ketchup as well as be presliced- my only knock... The knock wurst...could have been better You need to go here! read more

Best burger in Ulster County. However the food is only out done by the service. Every staff member oozes positive energy. Every time i leave the place, i am happier than i was entering. I never could have asked for a more perfect restaurant. I love this place and would eat there every day of the week if i could. Love this place! read more

Great find close to New Paltz, 4 stars for food, beers, and service! We were recently on a trip from NYC to Kingston and stopped by here for lunch. It's about 5 minutes off thruway exit 17, in the direction opposite from New Paltz. It's a German chalet in the midst of applebgroves. The atmosphere inside is authentic with great views of the gunks. Service was good and they had a nice selection of German and regional beers. Now the food was good overall. We ordered the brisket which was delicious. We had the pretzel and cheese spread appetizer. The pretzel was yummy but the cheese spread not, it tasted like pate (if you like that sort of thing). I would definitely come back and recommend it to fans of German fare! read more

This place is great! Gorgeous property, experienced and professional staff, great food, amazing beer and the view is fantastic. The mussel starter was good but oddly only contained about 9 mussels. This is my only complaint, but they were tasty. I had the schnitzel which was super yummy, my husband had the currywurst which was insanely juicy. We tried 3 different types of beer between us. Interesting choices there. We had the peach pie for dessert. Delicious. You will not be disappointed with this place. I was very impressed and cannot wait to go back. I wish it were closer to where I live! read more

We went for the views of the gunks and the owner was very rude. She was not dressed appropriately and as the main deck was open with no other diners we were told we had to sit at the furthest table where half of us would have been facing the bushes. ( mind you they do not take reservations so the good tables were not taken) The wait staff was pleasant the food ok. All in all not worth it. The menu is limited. The desserts look good. If only the owner was pleasant it may have been a better experience. Customers are not appreciated! read more

Cute place. My wife is from Austria and was looking for some German food. She thought everything reminded her of Europe. read more

Gunk Haus - German Near Me - Highland, New York

I went to Gunx Haus after going to another local German restaurant for the second time only to be turned away with over an hour wait . We waited for 15 min ; played cards by the bar ( they have a nice selection of games) . Painless wait . We all ordered the amazing cheeseburgers which have no hormones served on a pretzel roll . Nice helping of the most delicious fries . Dessert was also amazing . My son had the apple strudel , I shared the banana cake with peanut butter icing with my other son and my girls shared a chocolate cake with mint ice cream layered inside . We were all very very pleased . This is a beautiful location . Homey atmosphere. I brought my four children but didn't feel out of place .. Huge thumbs up to the staff and owners of Gunx Haus read more

Gunk Haus - Chocolate cake !! - German Near Me - Highland, New York

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I have a thing for Currywurst. Maybe it reminds me of my more carefree backpacking through Europe days. Who knows? Point is, if I see it on a menu, I have to have it. So it was at Gunk Haus. Alas, while the wurst itself was good, the pretzel bun it was served on was too salty. And though the curry sauce *seemed* housemade, I couldn't detect even a hint of spice. Hubby's Chicken Schnitzel served over Spaetzle had a certain comfort food appeal, but would have been even better if the spaetzle had been included on the side to preserve the chicken's crispy breading. Kid liked his Gruyere & Ham Pizza special, but conceded our local pizza joint was better. And then we tried the Apple Strudel. Loved the addition of "espresso caramel," which hit the smoky, buttery notes of classic caramel without being too sweet. Delicious. We also took home a piece of Bienenstich aka honey-almond topped yeast cake filled with custard. This reminded me of my favorite German bakery growing up in the Midwest. Dessert was definitely the highlight for us. Based on the food alone, this place is probably three stars, but the lovely Mountain view and rustic ambiance kick it up to four--as do the reasonably priced drinks and pleasant service. read more

It's a bit off the beaten path, but the view is quite fine. We came for a Saturday lunch. The missus started with curry lentil soup curry, a pretty typical Alsatian style lentil potage, enlivened by a touch of masala. I ordered the pretzel and obatzda, a German cheese spread. The spread was excellent, but I was a little disappointed that the pretzel was a sliced pretzel roll and not a twist. For main courses we plumped for the wurst. My wife's bratwurst sandwich was quite good, but the stars are for the buttery, toasty, cheesy spaetzle that accompanied it. At $18, I thought the weisswust plate was a bit spendy until I saw the two oversize sausages that made me cancel dinner plans. The dill potato salad side was also quite good, the potatoes were a bit crisp, but I think it was intentional. I washed the food down with a dark German beer, a nice pour with a creamy head, think 'twas a Warsteiner. On the way out, had to take some baked goods to go. The pretzel croissants were on the small side, but light, and inexpensive unlike the $4 gut bombs you get in NYC. The asiago monkey bread was quite savory. The loser was the pretzel, small, not very salty, a bit chewy. Guess I was better off with the pretzel roll. As others have remarked, the dining room, of great age, has rustic charm. More colonial US than the Black Forest, but nice all the same. read more

My first visit to Gunk Haus was this week and already I can't wait to go back. The dining room is open and spacious, we were greeted immediately (a pet peeve of mine!) and even though we had to wait a few minutes to be seated we felt welcomed and valued from the first moment we walked through the door. On this visit I dined with three friends and two teens, the teens opted to be seated by themselves and experienced no less stellar service than the group of four adults. The starters of PEI mussles and prezel roll with cheese (Obatzda-a mix of gorgonzola, camembert and beer) arrived without a long delay. Long enough to know that our opening choices, like our entrees, would be prepared after we oprdered them and not something sitting in a steam table or ready-to-nuke from the freezer. Outside dining is a seasonal option and the view would make for a nice luncheon spot of brats and beer with friends. The place in unpretentious, not masqeurading to be something other than what it is. Good, simple clean food with German flavor profiles combined with a strong grasp on Hudson Valley seasonal produce. The prices reflect the owners use of regionally produced product and our server was able to tell us where most of the items I inquired about were sourced. I strongly support the sourcing of products from small family owned businesses and I am delighted that the Gunk Haus does just that. If you want SYSCO or MAINES German inspired food this is not the place to get it and certainly you should expect to pay slightly more for real food. For the budget over quality concious out there, McDonalds is just a few miles away. For beer drinkers (sadly I am not) they will enjoy a large and ever growing selction of craft beer on tap. My dinner companions who did drink beer liked the selections they chose. We ended our dinner with one order of "Schatzies" for the table. Translates to "Sweetheart" from German and these tiny little warm chocolate filled soft pretzel bites were adorable and delicious. I only indulged in one but would have gladly consumed them all. I would, and will, suggest to the chef that perhaps an up-sell of dipping sauces might be a nice idea. I think a butterscotch caramel would have been great with these sweet-salty little gems. In addition I want to note that this restaurant is a second harvest donor...that means when they close for vacation or when they have an event that has leftover food, any wholesome food that is extra is donated to the Queens Galley Soup Kitchen in Kingston. The Gunk Haus became a second harvest donor in their first year of operation...I'm almost ashamed it took me so long to get there, but glad that I did and looking forward to returning. read more

Beautiful location and good food and beer make Gunk Haus worth the trip. I ate outside on the deck and was really taken by the grand Catskills view (unfortunately can't see the Gunks from here). The hops plants climbing up the railing added to the feeling that you were in a beer garden far away. The spätzle was outstanding and the hefe-weisse beer a refreshing and perfect compliment. The portabella burger was less stellar but I never liked those much anyway. That said, Gunk Haus' offering was the best I've had. It was also nice to see several local spirits on the menu. Service was friendly and attentive. I'm looking forward to going back again. read more

Fun little place out in the middle of nowhere. Large deck for outdoor seating and a nice yard with more chairs for lounging with a beer. If you go during lunch hours order the Goulash Sandwich.....YUM!! And don't forget to visit the Bake Shoppe before you leave, take some goodness home with you to remind yourself this spot is worth the trip. read more

Had a very good lunch here (appetizer of sliced pretzel with amazing mustard dip). Get hot apple cider and Germany sausage sandwich. Great view of Mohonk Mtn in distance. Would love to try their dinner menu. read more

Great atmosphere, excellent food, awesome beer. What more is there to ask for? Went here on Sat. for a late lunch with my DD. We were seated immediately and I was surprised at ho.w busy they were for 3pm. We started out with the Obatzda which was tasty. DD had a hotdog for her meal and I went with the Currywurst. It's hard to find a German resto that serves a good currywurst since it's essentially considered street food in Deutchland. The fries were handcut and super tasty as well. All in all I was pretty pleased with all of the food. The beer menu was a bonus. They probably have about 10 decent brews on tap. Started with a Pilsner to wet my whistle and then moved on to the DunkelWeissen. Both were super tasty. Prosit! Will definitely be going back here! read more