The guest-only spa at Piaule, surrounded by the landscape hotel’s lush greenery and wildflowers. Photo: Sean Davidson

EB’s Top 5 in Catskill:

• Morning Coffee at CitiotSip on an oatmilk latte while browsing shelves filled with local artwork, decor, housewares, and more. On the way out, be sure to grab a homemade pastry for later.

• Cider Flights at Left Bank CidersBecause Left Bank’s draft list is constantly rotating, the best way to sample the taproom’s ciders is to opt for a flight. Plan to sit outside on the patio, which overlooks Catskill Creek.

• Shopping on Main Street: Catskill’s Main Street is ideal for those looking to browse the shelves at local boutiques, bookstores, antique shops, and record stores. Of note: Catskill’s record shop, Spike’s Record Rack, has an ever-changing inventory of used vinyl.

• Korean Food & Live Music at The Avalon Lounge: In addition to being a live music venue and bar, The Avalon is also home to some of the best Korean food in Upstate New York. The scallion pancakes are a must-have, followed by a gochujang-smothered tofu rice bowl. Take a seat in the upstairs lounge, dig in, and finish the night with a game of pool.

• Dinner & Drinks at Casa Susanna: Less than ten minutes from the heart of Catskill, Casa Susanna at Camptown serves elevated Mexican food that is intended to be shared. Be sure to order extra house-made tortillas, and indulge in a Tepache Colada – a tequila and rum-based cocktail with tepache, coconut, fresh lime juice, and angostura bitters (for an N/A option, opt for the Face Plant, a refreshing drink made with coconut water, pineapple, celery, and lime).

Catskill, NY, balances small-town charm with a vibrant, creative pulse. The village invites visitors to start their day with coffee and local art at Citiot, then wander Main Street’s thoughtfully curated shops and galleries, where slow fashion, vinyl records, and experimental art blend effortlessly.

As the afternoon unfolds, Catskill’s taprooms and breweries showcase a commitment to craft, from dry local ciders to inventive small-batch ales, all served in inviting, modern spaces. Evenings here hum with energy at venues like The Avalon Lounge, where live bands and DJs keep the village’s lively spirit well into the night.

Whether exploring the arts scene, savoring a cocktail, or hunting for unique finds, Catskill offers a refreshingly authentic Hudson Valley experience grounded in creativity and community. Read on for our full guide to this thriving arts-focused town.

What to Do in Catskill, NY: Live Music, Craft Beverages, and Boutique Shopping

Begin the day at Citiot, a hybrid café and gift shop where coffee and pastries are paired with shelves of local art, books, and design-forward goods. A walk down Main Street reveals more of the town’s character, starting with Made X Hudson, a boutique focused on slow fashion and regional makers. Just down the road, Kaaterskill Market features thoughtfully curated home goods, while Magpie Bookshop offers a mix of new and secondhand titles in an inviting, well-organized space. Music lovers can browse vintage finds at Spike’s Record Rack, known for its deep vinyl selection spanning genres and decades.

Nearby, Gallery 495 showcases contemporary work from artists across the region and beyond, adding a fresh dimension to Catskill’s arts presence. Those looking to explore more experimental artwork can check out Nonchalant, a space that supports artist-run programming from performance art pieces to independent film screenings.

The town’s bar and taproom scene reflects the same focus on craftsmanship. Left Bank Ciders presses local apples into dry, complex ciders served in a relaxed tasting room. A few blocks away, Return Brewing’s Outpost serves inventive beers in a bright, modern space. Alternatively, Catskill is also home to Subversive Malting and Brewing, which specializes in small-batch ales made from locally malted grains. Cap the evening at The Avalon Lounge, where a rotating lineup of DJs, live bands, and parties fills the calendar.

Where to Eat + Drink: The Best Bars and Restaurants in Catskill, NY

Casa Susanna’s lodge-inspired dining room blends rustic warmth with refined details, creating a relaxed setting just outside of Catskill. Photo: Lawrence Braun

Catskill’s dining scene reflects the town’s creative spirit, offering everything from laid-back cafes and neighborhood staples to elevated spots just outside the village. At Willa’s, a breakfast menu of burritos, sandwiches, and weekend brunch draws a steady crowd. For lunch, Angel’s Latin Restaurant is a neighborhood staple that serves traditional Latin American comfort food in an unfussy setting.

By night, The Avalon Lounge transforms into both a venue and a kitchen, with Korean dishes like dense scallion pancakes and bibimbap served until late. A short walk away, Hemlock offers cocktails in a cozy, dimly lit bar known for its relaxed every and impressive drink menu.

A few minutes outside the village, Casa Susanna in Leeds delivers elegant plates in a renovated farmhouse that nods to the region’s past while feeling modern. For panoramic views and a refined menu, the restaurant at Piaule Catskill emphasizes locally sourced ingredients in dishes that feel both rustic and elevated.