I hadn't been going often but rarely since their dynamo chef left, but it was dinner time and the cupboard was bare and the cook didn't feel like cooking so . . . off to Aviary on a Thursday eve. And .. it was great! Delicious! Fresh! Inspired! And excellent hospitality from the bartender. Restaurants are slow now so the room felt kinda empty-ish, but it's lovely. The menu changes from what is on the website, and the menu is confidently diverse and plentiful, yet still focused. I had an excellent cabbage/grilled squid salad -- cold with the warm squid, mango and the most delicious lime dressing; also edamame dumplings, fried and yummy. Oh and those doughnut holes for dessert. A++ read more

One of the best meals we had while spending time in upstate NY. Southeast Asian inspired fare with a lovely cocktail menu. We felt a gentle warmth from the staff who truly made an effort to ensure we had a great dining experience. We tried the cauliflower bites, steak and fish. Flavor bombs in each bite and we really enjoyed the nuoc nam sauce on the steak. Must dine here for date night when in Kinderhook. read more

The Aviary - Bars Near Me - Kinderhook, New York

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We love this place, the dishes are unique, the drinks are amazing, and overall everything was delicious. read more

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We had a rare date night and decided to check out this spot -- and I'm so glad we did. Right when we walked in, I loved the aesthetic. The staff was friendly and seated us right away with our reservation. I ordered a mocktail (which was refreshing), and my husband went for a bourbon listed on the menu that unfortunately wasn't available. Luckily, he enjoyed his second choice. We ordered two appetizers and two entrees. The apps actually came out before our drinks -- likely due to the bar being backed up from a private party -- but the food arrived hot and well-timed otherwise. The wings were delicious, though a little tricky to eat, and the wedge salad was also great. For entrees, we had the shrimp burger and the noodle bowl. Both were fresh and nicely presented, but a little underwhelming on flavor. Not bad at all -- just not dishes we'd return specifically for. Our server was wonderful: attentive, upbeat, and really added to the experience. We were happy to add extra to the automatic 20% gratuity. Final thoughts? Definitely worth a try if you enjoy Asian fusion, fun and fresh local dishes, and a cute, trendy vibe. We might not rush back for a full meal, but we'd absolutely stop in again for a drink and appetizer at the bar. read more

We went to The Aviary on a whim after we couldn't get into any places in Hudson. We're so glad we did! It's such an unusual space to have a restaurant like The Aviary, but it was a great atmosphere. The staff were lovely, the food was delicious and the interiors were awesome. Such a nice place for a cosy winter dinner. The prices seemed pretty good too, especially compared to the city! read more

Okay, let's get the not-so-fantastic bits out of the way. Our reservation was at 7pm, yet we weren't seated until around 7:45pm. I fully understand and appreciate a bit of a wait, but that's a solid half-turn. I was already feeling peckish when we arrived, and I was borderline hangry by the time we even got around to ordering. Also, we were so excited about trying the Manhattan at the recommendation of the proprietresses at 2 Note. It's a lovely, beautiful beverage, but it didn't evoke Manhattan vibes for me. The turmeric ginger shrub (also, delightful!) lent a tropical flair to the drink. If this had been called a "Bird of Paradise" and served to me in a tiki mug adorned with a paper umbrella, I wouldn't have batted an eye. Once our food started arriving, it became clear why The Aviary's the "it" game in Kinderhook. Every single item we ordered was stunning in both aesthetic and flavor. Don't sleep on the clam chowder; it may very well have been my favorite dish. I almost couldn't resist licking my bowl to get every last drop of soup--it was so delightful. The drizzle of chili oil on top took a good adaptation of clam chowder to great. A little unexpected subtle heat had me moaning with pleasure. We also shared the skate wing (beautiful, buttery, flaky, and shockingly satisfying) and duck fat rendang (because... duck fat) before rounding out our meal with a decadent sticky pineapple cake. Dessert deserved the highest praise I can offer as a child of Asian immigrants: not too sweet. If you're anywhere within reasonable driving distance to The Aviary, go. Make reservations now, because I predict that this is going to absolutely blow up (although, it appears the secret's already out)! read more

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Had a fantastic dinner here the other evening! Started with the Gem salad. The lettuce was meaty and tender and the dressing was fantastic. Our party also enjoyed the hamburger, cooked to perfection with gorgeous beef and a light,yet substantive bun,and a pleasant smokey flavor. The shrimp burger was incredibly good and again, well prepared with an incredible flavor profile that included lemon grass and a perfectly balanced sambal mayo. We also sampled the pork belly which was equally impressive with a complex flavor profile, incredible tenderness and cooked to perfection. Prawn chips were a wonderful accompaniment and also highly recommended. We finished the meal with mochi donuts which featured a lemon sauce that was so good it should be illegal. The Aviary is a unique and welcome addition to the Hudson Valley fine dining scene. The cuisine is both inventive and shockingly delicious, ingredients are of the finest quality and the setting is magnificent. It is rare, especially in the Hudson Valley where trendiness and pretentiousness sometimes rule, at the expense of the food, to find a spot that actually delivers on all fronts. read more

Unsure how to feel about this place. The food here is great, not "I must come back" great, but solid for sure. But the vibe is as though you stuck all the people going to the MOMA on a bus and dropped them off in Kinderhook. Think thick-rimmed glasses, guys in suspenders, people dressed to the nines just to go to a restaurant in Kinderhook. Upstate NY! What happened?! I used to walk around here in my pajamas! You come to Kinderhook to escape this kind of crowd, not eat with them. The Aviary definitely ushers in this new vibe and I've got mixed feelings. However, the food is good! The meatballs are juicy, the shrimp burger is so juicy and flavorful, and the mushroom sticky rice risotto was my fave, so unique and savory and sweet. I wouldn't rush back but glad to try it. read more

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We had a rare date night and decided to check out this spot -- and I'm so glad we did. Right when we walked in, I loved the aesthetic. The staff was friendly and seated us right away with our reservation. I ordered a mocktail (which was refreshing), and my husband went for a bourbon listed on the menu that unfortunately wasn't available. Luckily, he enjoyed his second choice. We ordered two appetizers and two entrees. The apps actually came out before our drinks -- likely due to the bar being backed up from a private party -- but the food arrived hot and well-timed otherwise. The wings were delicious, though a little tricky to eat, and the wedge salad was also great. For entrees, we had the shrimp burger and the noodle bowl. Both were fresh and nicely presented, but a little underwhelming on flavor. Not bad at all -- just not dishes we'd return specifically for. Our server was wonderful: attentive, upbeat, and really added to the experience. We were happy to add extra to the automatic 20% gratuity. Final thoughts? Definitely worth a try if you enjoy Asian fusion, fun and fresh local dishes, and a cute, trendy vibe. We might not rush back for a full meal, but we'd absolutely stop in again for a drink and appetizer at the bar. read more

Delicious food with flavors that pop! I had the potato croquettes for my appetizer and the steelhead trout with tomatillo sauce for the entree. My companions really enjoyed the pork chops. Yummy tequila cocktail! Fantastic, attentive and very professional service in a beautiful space. read more

Outstanding! Unique! Creative! Delightful! Attentive! Pleasant! A must try! Everything from the creative cocktail menue to the the uniquely prepared food, to the attentive and pleasant staff makes this a must try restaurant if you are in that neck of the woods! read more

TOP NOTCH! Came in with some girlfriends and we just loved it start to finish. Great cocktail selection with top shelf ingredients that may each and every drink hold its own on the menu and isn't just a cast of repeats where your bartender is a one trick pony. The food menu is killer. Fresh and booming flavors. We had some crab noodles that were sensory changing. The pee wee potatoes are bomb. Honestly don't sleep on anything. It's all incredible. You gotta just get a handful of items and go to town with your table so you can try all the different flavor combos. read more

My partner and I had such a lovely meal here. The aesthetic and the vibe is outstanding from the minute you see the front door. Coming at night provides a beautiful dark moody setting that I love. I'm thankful for the numerous vegetarian options in the menu, and every dish we had was a flavor and textural delight. The gouda straws looked nothing like I was expecting, but I loved the oversizeness and flakiness. Our waitress told us the duck egg is a sleeper hit on the menu and I enthusiastically agree -- it was probably my favorite bite of the night. For larger plates, we tried the beet carpaccio and the mushroom and sticky rice risotto, which made this non-mushroom fan a mushroom appreciator for the night. Dessert was the calamansi pie, I had never heard of the calamansi fruit before, but it's a Philippine lemon that makes a beautiful lemon-esque pie. Based on what The Aviary is doing with food it was no surprise that their cocktail menu is also inventive, fun, and delicious. Kinderhook has really stepped up it's food offerings in the last few years, and The Aviary is a great addition. read more

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lovely venue and ambience and attentive service - but food portions were very small and several dishes lacked flavour and originality ( eg one course was a bowl of tomatoes with tough skins and the pork was just tasteless ....) Just not for me as came away feeling disappointed and hungry! read more

Superb original dishes and excellent service. The restaurant provides plenty of room so you will not feel cramped nor concerned in this Covid era. Plan ahead as Reservations can be hard to come by. read more

Tonight's menu was not the menu shown on The Aviary's website. The potato croquette appetizer was charming. The shrimp burger was sublime. Inventive, colorful, delectable. But the beef burger was a bland, soggy mess, topped (oddly) with Munster cheese. We like this place and hope it delivers more predictable results on our next visit. read more

Our favorite restaurant find in the Hudson Valley! The creativity in the food is always surprising and tasty. And the service is top notch as well. The converted knitting mill is an inviting modern space as well. It's our go to place when friends come to visit. read more

What an extraordinary meal and great service! We loved the perfectly balanced green papaya salad, local trout and calamansi pie. Everything was perfect and the bartender Nick gave us the most excellent service. We will be back again and again! read more

What a rare gem. We, a group of four, had a uniquely exceptional experience at the Aviary. The food is outstandingly good, with creative nuances of a very talented chef and with perfect execution by the kitchen team. All dishes were excellent. The roasted potatoes were so good that we ordered extra. The green gazpacho was excellent. The prawns chips, the trout and the shrimps burger were excellent. The Calamansi Cream Tart was the best lime tart ever, not too sweet. The chocolate cake was superb as well. Located in a beautifully renovated red brick factory. The restaurant dining area is beautiful, decorated with wonderful wall paintings of vegetation and birds. The servers were nice and attentive. Worth a trip from the Berkshires. Will definitely return while in the area. read more

Lovely space, excellent service, and every bite of every course was perfection! Must order pineapple cake.

Pre fixe menu was delightful and satisfying. Easy parking and nice ambiance. Would definitely visit again!

We had the great pleasure of eating here last week. From the tea lites adorning the walkway to the entrance, to the intimate table for two in the dining area surrounding a large burning fireplace, the experience was amazing, for lack of a better word. We had drinks at the bar while we waited for our table, and the manhattans were out of this world! The menu was magical, the food equally so. How refreshing to have a professional and knowledgeable person to take care of everything for you at the table. She was totally amazing!!!! We loved this place and i can't wait to go back! And by the way, we spent no more on our evening out here than at our regular go-to's read more

Wondered if I should post thinking we might not be able to get a reservation but I decided to share with you. OMG! One of the best dinners I've had. What a great addition to Kinderhook, NY. A short drive south from Albany but well worth it. We have enjoyed many restaurants in Hudson but this is worth the short drive north. A couple on the way out suggested we get the fritter appetizer and the pineapple cake for dessert - too late! They were out of both! We substituted the Grilled Vale Farm Dragon Tongue & Pole Beans radish green salsa, umami drizzle, pickled onions for the appetizer (an excellent choice) and the Slagroompudding for dessert (OMG!!!) Three of us ordered the Grilled Mediterranean Octopus - tamarind kecap manis glaze, charred green chili sambal Gentle Time sword lettuce, ginger sweet potato puree. The octopus was perfect but the potato puree was just delicious. My vegan buddy ordered the Tivoli Oyster Mushroom Rendang - Gentle Time bok choy, scallion chimichurri duck fat nasi goreng* (They made it vegan for her and I tasted it. I'm not vegan but I might order this next time). For dessert we shared the Samascott Damsel Plum Sorbet and the Slagroompudding macerated strawberries almond lace cookie (kletskoppen). The sorbet was nice but the pudding was amazing! Here's how they describe the cuisine: "featuring Dutch and Indonesian-influenced dishes that highlight produce from our Hudson Valley farm partners." Hours: "Open for dinner Friday-Saturday 5:30-10pm, Sunday brunch 11-3" read more

The Manhattanization of Columbia County dining continues. Old time favorites like Kozel's and Carolina House close (the first due to retirement, the second due to the pandemic,) only to be replaced by "fine dining" establishments like The Aviary. We ate in the vast austere main dining room, which was cold in both senses of the word (I never took off my heavy wool hat.) The food (served in expensive child-size portions) was admittedly interesting and creative, but you don't expect to go home hungry after dropping $136 for 2 people (no drinks). read more

Great space, service, ambience and food. Will definitely be back. Alot more to explore there.

We have been to the Aviary several times since last August, sometimes with friends or family, and it never disappoints. Excellent cocktails and the food is creative and delicious. We were last there for New Year's Eve and had a wonderful time. Go! read more

Outstanding food - can't remember the last time I had such a fabulous meal. The attention to detail was exceptional. Amazing flavors elevated every dish. Can't recommend this restaurant highly enough. read more

First time eating in this restaurant and it was truly amazing! What a gem! The food was innovative and the service was great. We will definitely go back! read more

Excellent Food and Service. I certainly recommend the Pork Shoulder and Coconut Cake. The Coffee was excellent as well. Open, airy Dining Room. Not perfect, but close. read more

Although the food is tasty and unique, the service and atmosphere left much to be desired. Firstly, it was freezing cold in the restaurant. Most of the patrons were still wearing their winter coats. We came for the Christmas Eve Prix Fixe three course and waited at least 15 minutes for a hot tea, which was desperately needed given the temperature of the restaurant. Our server was inattentive, yet there were few other occupied tables. The appetizers were fine, but nothing special. We were there for over an hour and a half before we were served our second course and we were ravenous. We ordered every entree option and 2/3 were under seasoned. We waited at least 45 more minutes for our desert to arrive. Both dessert options were underwhelming. There was too much gelatin in the coconut cream tart, and the persimmon sticky cake was average. 20% gratuity was included, however, we wouldn't have tipped more than 18% given we were neglected for over 2.5 hrs. Overall, this was not worth the money and we will not be returning. read more