Stissing House
American restaurant · Pine Plains ·
Hearth cooking in cozy rooms, wood-fired oven, seasonal meals
Hearth cooking in cozy rooms, wood-fired oven, seasonal meals
"It’s worth the journey north this time of year: roaring fires warm nearly every room in this watering hole built in 1792. Even in the dead of winter, the salads were terrific—spelt with apples, walnuts, and cheddar ($26), and a chicory Caesar with sunchokes ($25)—but the simple, juicy wood-roasted Snowdance chicken with creamy potatoes and bright watercress ($37) was particularly good, a homey dish that isn’t too rich and feels just right for the season. Don’t skip dessert, and consider an after-dinner pour at the bar." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Dating back to 1782, I note that Stissing House is one of America’s oldest taverns and its annual Craft Feast pairs cooks and craftspeople—featuring heirloom baskets, pottery, and sausages spit-roasting on open fires—with makers such as Quittner home goods, Arc Ceramics, and Studio Ford textiles; this year’s event is a collaboration between chef-owner Clare de Boer and basket weaver Deborah Needleman, and tickets go on sale November 3." - Jessica Sulima
"Upstate, this destination pushes the sweet splurge with a $39 strawberry cobbler paired with chamomile ice cream." - Dalya Benor
"Pine Plains isn’t the most magical hamlet in the Hudson Valley, but Stissing House might be the region’s most magical restaurant. There are multiple fireplaces and countless candlesticks scattered throughout this building, which was once an 18th-century tavern complete with beds for travelers. You’ll likely walk by a mountain of butter on your way to your Little House On The Prairie-chic farm table, and it’s hard to avoid feelings of romance when you’re splitting a rabbit and tarragon pie with someone in the candlelight. The menu is slightly similar to its NYC sibling King (see: their simple, plump roasted chicken), but it’s still worth driving out of your way to eat dinner here. If only to spend a few hours watching the lights slowly dim with the sunset and pretend you’re a main character in a novel where cell phones don’t exist." - anne cruz, clare lagomarsino, keith hernandez, chanize thorpe
"Stissing House comes from Clare de Boer of King the West Village. The food here may seem simple, but it’s nothing short of excellent. It is truly one of our most stood behind recommendations, and we try and go anytime we’re in the area. Always start with a mug of broth (yes, really) and snacks like the gouda, ham, and pickles. On a recent visit, appetizers also included chicories with sunchokes; mains like wood-roasted chicken or lamb sausage. A rye brown sundae for dessert. It has candlelit warmth on all levels — so much so that it makes you wish the 18th-century building was still an inn so you could stay a while longer." - Emma Orlow