Home Popular Culture

12 Reasons The Ridge By Mill House Is The Hudson Valley’s Hottest New Culinary Destination

• minute read
Contents

The Ridge by Mill House has rapidly cemented its status as the Hudson Valley’s premier dining destination, opening its doors in Clintondale, New York, and immediately becoming the most sought-after reservation in the region. As of late 2024 and early 2025, this establishment is far from just another restaurant; it represents an elevated American culinary experience paired with one of the most breathtaking natural backdrops in the state.

The concept, brought to life by the powerhouse team behind Mill House Brewing Company, is a deliberate retreat—a comfortable, vintage-inspired space where exceptional food, craft beer, and stunning views of the Shawangunk Ridge converge. It’s a complete reinvention of the former Gunk Haus space, transforming it into a rustic-chic environment that perfectly matches the ambition of its menu.

The Visionaries: Key Profiles and The Mill House Legacy

The success of The Ridge is deeply rooted in the proven track record of its parent company, Mill House Brewing Company, and the culinary expertise of its executive leadership. This section provides a look at the team driving the new Hudson Valley hotspot.

  • Restaurant Name: The Ridge by Mill House
  • Location: 387 South Street, Clintondale, NY 12515 (Ulster County, often referenced as Highland, NY)
  • Building History: Located in the former Gunk Haus building.
  • Parent Company/Ownership: Mill House Hospitality / Mill House Brewing Company
  • Executive Chef & Co-Owner: Daniel Crocco
  • Co-Owner: Jamie Bishop
  • Culinary Style: Elevated American cuisine with a playful twist, focusing on home-smoked meats, dry-aged selections, and a full raw bar.
  • Opening Date: Launched to the general public in March 2024.
  • Sister Establishments: Mill House Brewing Company (Poughkeepsie, NY) and Embers by Mill House.
  • Atmosphere: Rustic-chic, vintage-inspired, comfortable retreat.

Executive Chef Daniel Crocco, also a co-owner, has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s identity. His vision was to create a place that felt familiar and comfortable—a true retreat from the everyday. He and co-owner Jamie Bishop have leveraged the success of Mill House Brewing Company to bring a new, more dining-focused concept to the area, moving beyond the traditional brewpub model.

The Elevated American Menu: Signature Dishes and Culinary Concept

The culinary philosophy at The Ridge is described as "elevated American cuisine," reflecting Mill House's signature style but with a refined focus on dining. Chef Crocco’s menu is packed with robust, flavorful options that cater to a wide range of tastes, from casual comfort food to high-end seafood platters.

Must-Try Signature Dishes

The menu is designed to excite, featuring a blend of classic techniques and contemporary flair. Key entities and signature menu items that have garnered significant attention include:

  • The Ridge Smash Burger: A popular item featuring two 4oz beef patties, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and a special sauce on brioche.
  • Steak Frites: A classic bistro offering, executed with quality cuts of meat.
  • Braised Beef Short Rib: A comforting, slow-cooked dish that highlights the kitchen's mastery of rich flavors.
  • Pistachio Alfredo: A unique pasta dish that offers a creative twist on a traditional favorite.
  • Butter Chicken: A nod to global flavors, demonstrating the menu’s diversity.
  • Pan Seared Salmon: A lighter, expertly prepared seafood option.
  • Royale Platter: The centerpiece of the raw bar, featuring 24 oysters, 12 clams, 12 shrimp cocktail, seafood ceviche, and a half cold Maine lobster.

The emphasis on dry-aged meats and home-smoked specialties ensures a depth of flavor that distinguishes The Ridge from other local establishments. The full raw bar, featuring fresh oysters, clams, and ceviche, is a major highlight, appealing to the sophisticated Hudson Valley palate.

The Unmatched Atmosphere and Shawangunk Ridge Views

While the food is a major draw, what truly sets The Ridge apart is its spectacular location and thoughtfully designed atmosphere. The restaurant sits perfectly to capture the magnificent views of the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge, offering a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

A Rustic-Chic Retreat

The interior design is a successful blend of rustic charm and chic sophistication. The renovation of the former Gunk Haus building involved creating a "rustic-chic environment" that maintains a comfortable, welcoming feel. The space features a sturdy new bar with a bullnosed quartz top and a new auxiliary dining room, all contributing to the vintage-inspired, cozy atmosphere.

The large deck, originally added by the previous owners, has been retained and enhanced, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning vistas year-round. This focus on the natural environment makes The Ridge a perfect spot for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a craft beer while watching the sunset over the mountains.

A Hub for Craft Beer and Cocktails

As an extension of the Mill House Brewing Company, The Ridge naturally boasts an impressive drink program. Patrons can expect a curated selection of Mill House’s award-winning craft beers, ensuring a fresh and local pairing for every dish. In addition to beer, the bar offers a full range of cocktails and spirits, making it a complete "restaurant & bar" experience. The beverage menu supports the elevated dining concept, moving beyond simple pub fare to offer sophisticated pairings.

The Ridge: A New Era for Clintondale Dining

The arrival of The Ridge by Mill House marks a significant moment for the Clintondale and Highland, NY dining scene. It fills a niche for high-quality, elevated American dining in a setting that capitalizes on the region's natural beauty. The immediate success, including being sold out for its initial launch week, speaks volumes about the demand for this concept.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality, from the dry-aged meats to the fresh raw bar offerings, reflects a dedication to excellence that is drawing diners from across the Hudson Valley and beyond. Entities like the Shawangunk Ridge, Mill House Brewing Company, and the culinary vision of Chef Daniel Crocco are all converging to make The Ridge a lasting and influential part of the region's hospitality landscape. Whether you are seeking a casual Smash Burger or a luxurious Royale Platter, The Ridge offers a memorable "retreat" experience that is truly unique.

12 Reasons The Ridge by Mill House is the Hudson Valley’s Hottest New Culinary Destination
the ridge restaurant & bar
the ridge restaurant & bar

Detail Author:

  • Name : Sigrid Skiles
  • Username : myrl70
  • Email : zhansen@oconnell.com
  • Birthdate : 1997-08-15
  • Address : 6021 Imogene Manor South Mohammed, AK 22487
  • Phone : 279-725-1325
  • Company : McClure, Gislason and Nicolas
  • Job : Coaches and Scout
  • Bio : Id veritatis quis velit facilis. Voluptatem id molestiae dignissimos neque. Excepturi magni dignissimos laboriosam eos ea. Aspernatur non quo quod ut veniam asperiores.

Socials

tiktok:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/mcdermotte
  • username : mcdermotte
  • bio : Et minus ad quis iste. Debitis velit blanditiis est. Eos cum sed quo. Eos a et accusantium deleniti consequatur dolorem est.
  • followers : 3530
  • following : 2400

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/emmymcdermott
  • username : emmymcdermott
  • bio : Enim ipsam unde repellat at. Voluptatem qui possimus et ex. Et necessitatibus et est fugiat.
  • followers : 1014
  • following : 910

linkedin:

facebook:

Random Posts