Drawn by the Great Western Catskills’ scenic quietude and rich agricultural history, culinary creatives have long taken to the mountains of Delaware County to hone their craft. In recent years, the region has welcomed everyone from ambitious restaurateurs to bestselling cookbook authors and expert winemakers, giving rise to a new generation of seasonally-driven and family-owned restaurants that are redefining what rural dining means.
Ready to dig in? Here are six of the latest openings in Delaware County that are sure to whet anyone’s appetite.
San Mul, Fleischmanns
San Mul is the new home base of Kimchee Harvest by East Branch Farms, a brand of Korean-style ferments beloved at farmers’ markets near and far. Chef Madalyn Warren and her family have transformed the space into their kitchen studio and Korean lunch counter open Friday through Monday. Recent offerings include bibimbap, chive pancakes, a rotating selection of small-batch banchan, as well as seasonal produce from their farm.
Rae’s, Margaretville
On Margaretville’s Main Street, Rae’s has quickly become a culinary anchor since its opening this summer. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team James Bailey and Alexandra Rosenberg, the restaurant’s rotating, seasonal menu pairs nostalgia with inventive techniques. Recent highlights include roasted pork butt with a maple and Korean chili glaze, a whitefish melt with kimchi and purple basil aioli, and a celeriac steak with beer-braised cabbage and black eyed peas. A thoughtful drinks list features natural wines, local beers, and playful twists on classic cocktails.
Catskills Taco Shack, Fleischmanns
Just down Main Street, Catskills Taco Shack brings a burst of color and spice to Fleischmanns’ increasingly culinarily-blessed downtown, which also includes cafe-grocery Dolittle’s and vinyl record bar The Print House. Ivan Herrera’s family-run eatery serves classic Mexican street fare made with care. The compact menu centers on tacos (think classics like steak and chorizo, alongside a robust black bean, chickpea, and red pepper vegan filling), each served on corn tortillas with housemade salsa verde.
Book Village Inn & Bar, Hobart
In Hobart, the Book Village Inn & Bar pairs literary charm with comforting cuisine inspired by Argentine home cooking. Thursday through Monday, guests can stop in for cozy fare such as skirt steak with chimichurri and choripan (a classic sausage street food sandwich), alongside a bar program that highlights local beers, low-intervention wines, and canned cocktails. It’s a fitting complement to the town’s cluster of bookstores and galleries, and a convivial stop for locals and literary pilgrims alike.
Dear Native Grapes Tasting Room, Walton
Founded by Deanna Urciuoli and Alfie Alcantara, Dear Native Grapes is redefining Catskills wine culture with a mission to celebrate forgotten American grape varieties. At its new tasting room in Walton, currently open on Saturdays, guests can sip natural wines while enjoying the scenery and selections from rotating pop-up food vendors.
Casita Mexicana, Hancock
In Hancock, Casita Mexicana is the Huerta family’s celebration of Mexican cooking. Since opening, the family has drawn loyal diners with sizzling fajitas, tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and more, made from scratch. Open seven days a week, the restaurant’s warm hospitality has quickly made it a cornerstone of the town’s dining scene.
In search of something fun to pair with lunch or dinner? Take a hike up to one of Delaware County’s firetowers, stop into one of its acclaimed distilleries, cideries, and breweries, or peruse its many independent shops and galleries. Whether popping into one of the Great Western Catskills’ charming towns or hamlets for a few hours or a weekend getaway, there’s always a feast of culinary and cultural delights to enjoy.
This article appears in November 2025.
