Matthew F.
Yelp
More than three years ago, my family accidentally stumbled across Hash while on a country drive, and decided to drop in for lunch... with no expectations, we were blown away at how awesome the food was, and hoped to have an occasion to return.
Fast forward to the present- my kids being on winter break from school, we all needed something to do on this Presidents' Day. We had both an opportunity and an excuse, so we hopped in the car and hightailed it up to Stone Ridge for Hash: Redux.
Now, I did try to temper my kids' expectations- oftentimes, memory can play tricks on you, and things you thought were great may not actually have been as wonderful as you recall. Also, just being realistic, sometimes quality can vary or falter over time, particularly when it comes to restaurants.
Let there be no doubt- the second time around, Hash was even better than we remembered.
The restaurant (open from 8 AM-2 PM) is on the small side, but perfectly neat and tidy, appointed in a minimalist but brightly attractive way, and has a seating area that easily accommodates their customers. There were plenty of people ordering take-out at the counter as well, and the line moved briskly.
Their menu equally straddles the border between breakfast and lunch- arriving at noon, we walked both sides. Each of us ordered something completely different from our first go-around, to have a unique experience. Our order was ready in less than 10 minutes.
My daughter ordered their bacon, egg and cheddar cheese sandwich- it arrived bigger than her head, and every ingredient was fresh and perfectly prepared. It was served with a sizable salad as well. Typically she eats like a bird, but she licked the plate completely clean... and ate half of the side order of roasted potatoes that we ordered for the table, LOL.
My son ordered their daily special burger (beef today, lamb on our last visit), which was also topped with bacon (sizzling and crispy) and sharp cheddar, and accompanied by more roasted potatoes and salad. The contents of his plate were annihilated from existence in a matter of minutes. He could not speak while eating it- such was his joy.
I ordered their special beef stew- ideal for a cold February day. It was rich and hearty, thicker than a soup, with plentiful chunks of tender meat mixed with root vegetables, and intricately spiced. I added some of those roasted potatoes into it, and that was a genius move. The stew came with garlic toast, which was delicious, and perfect for dipping.
Oh, and I also had the greatest glass of root beer (house made) that I have ever tasted.
The kids each got a freshly baked cookie for the road- oatmeal raisin for the boy, peanut butter for the girl... I sneaked a crumb of the latter, and it was fantastic. And then, marking the most inspired decision I made all day, we ordered a brisket sandwich to take home for dinner and split between the three of us. THIS was the best bite of all. The brisket at Hash (served on a soft bun and heaping to overflow) beats Terry Jack's in Texas by a WIDE margin. Magically moist, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and spiced to perfection... nothing can match it.
All of this for about $65. Honestly... a steal.
I spoke to the owner and chef on the way out (Page Moll). He is a walking whirlwind- cooking and running the counter and even moving tables and chairs in the dining room when necessary, and keeping things running like a well-oiled machine. I told him that our only purpose for making a two hour drive from NYC today was to come to his restaurant... and that if 20 hours of driving had been necessary, it would have been worth it.
It will not be another three years before we go back to Hash... I've been to 48 states and 16 countries, and I rank my experience in Stone Ridge... both of them, in truth... to be among the best meals I have ever had. GO THERE. Don't miss out.