On Saugerties's quaint main drag, the window of one storefront is hung with vintage aprons. The memorable display is a familiar landmark for locals and visitors alike: Miss Lucy’s Kitchen.
For Sarah Rodland, Miss Lucy's is more than just a restaurant. Its four walls have seen her through her college years; its tables hosted her 21st birthday and the last meal she would share with a friend gone too soon; and its staff have been her friends and mentors. Now, after 20 years in the restaurant business and 12 at Miss Lucy’s, Rodland is the eatery’s proud new owner.
“If you ask my father, it was a natural progression,” says Rodland. “I kind of ran from the restaurant business, but it always kept finding me. There was a point a couple years ago where he was like, ‘You just need to realize that this is what you're supposed to be doing.’”
The previous owners of Miss Lucy’s handed the business over to Rodland in July and are supportive of their former employee’s endeavor to make the classic Saugerties eatery her own. “It was just great timing—they were ready to retire, and I was ready to jump in,” says Rodland.
While holding fast to the homestyle cooking and cozy country ambiance that Miss Lucy’s is known for, Rodland and her team have crafted a new menu with locally sourced ingredients and spruced up the decor, giving a revitalizing breath of fresh air to the seasoned establishment.
Their most popular items off of the new menu, according to Rodland, are the classic American comfort foods (read: anything fried). Their fried chicken sandwich is slathered in a creamy herb aioli and topped off with tangy sharp cheddar cheese and hot cherry peppers. Fish and chips, served with tartar sauce and coleslaw, as well as their classic fried chicken dish, made with hot honey and a locally sourced vegetable and cheddar biscuit, are also in high demand.
Miss Lucy’s locally sourced menu can serve up more than just classic and crispy delights. Their assortment of delectable meat dishes are all natural and antibiotic-free whenever possible, their bread is made in-house, and their kitchen garden supplies fresh herbs, flowers, and vegetables for sides and garnishes.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, Miss Lucy’s offers socially distanced indoor dining, as well as outdoor dining on their patio.
Miss Lucy’s Kitchen
90 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY 12477
(845) 246-9240
Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 12-9pm; Friday & Saturday 12-10pm
