When it comes to tequila and mezcal bars, there are some true gems in New York’s Hudson Valley. Many of the region’s best tequila and mezcal bars marry true farm-to-table values and the local produce of the fertile river valley with worldly beverage concepts.
Since the landscape is more spread out than urban environments, it’s common to find the stand-out agave programs existing alongside some other specialty, be it fine dining that celebrates the region’s bounty, a rotating line-up of great live music, or a top-notch cocktail program. It’s no accident that these solid agave programs have developed throughout the region, which is home to many food and hospitality people who left the city for more rural lifestyles or who have benefited and learned from NYC stints. The combination of being so close to the city and having deep connections with local purveyors of world class ingredients create next level hospitality with top-notch integrative agave programs. The theme of this round-up is quality over quantity. These five establishments are destination spots with some of the best agave programs on the East Coast.
Pueblo Viejo (Carmel)
Arguably the most extensive collection of mezcal and tequila available behind one East Coast bar, Pueblo Viejo is a must-visit for any true agave spirits aficionado. If you’re lucky, you’ll find Omar behind the bar. He is the mastermind behind this family-owned restaurant and bar, and is genuinely excited to geek out about his collection with fellow agave nerds. No matter how many exclusive bottles you have or have tasted, you are guaranteed to find something new here. Even I found new and exciting bottles to taste from some of my favorite brands like Almamezcalera and exclusive batches from Macurichos. It’s like being a kid in a candy store, with endless rows of tequilas and mezcals. The classic Mexican restaurant food menu is fresh and tasty, and fuels the body for sampling through the impressive selection of mezcal. Keep your eyes peeled for rotating events that feature special releases and guests visiting from Mexico. Pueblo Viejo is just about an hour north of New York City, and well worth the short trek to check out this iconic spot. You can even take the train using the Harlem line on the Metro North to the stop at route 6 @ Route 52, which is a mile from the bar.
Pretty To Think So (Rhinebeck)
This intimate and luxurious space is likely the best cocktail bar in the Hudson Valley. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, with a high end menu that features regional ingredients and staples like caviar potatoes, oysters, and a local cheese plate. The cocktail menu is seasonal and rotating, and reflects the tenacious passion of beverage director Shonn Hatcher. His current favorite is a drink he calls Ruse, which combines mezcal, Mexican rum, amontillado sherry, beet, cara cara orange, and cashew orgeat, and it is as delicious as it sounds! Hatcher is an agave lover and always has a carefully selected line-up of tequilas and mezcals on the back bar– last time I was in, I got a sampling of some of the new releases from the Palenqueros lineup. Agave also has steady representation on the cocktail list, which shows off the craft of mixing drinks to the highest possible degree. We’re not talking overly fussy drinks with unnecessary ingredients–the cocktails are inspired and refined, and as delightful to look at as they are to sip. This is one of very few places that I trust to take a quality mezcal and turn it into something even more special. For those who want a masterclass in agave spirits mixology, this is the spot.
Tubby’s (Kingston)
A casual bar and music venue, Tubby’s is a local favorite. The intimate space regularly hosts great live music, including coveted acts like Chicha Libre and La Lom playing psychedelic cumbia and Latin surf rock, respectively. The crowd is hip, with a mix of people from their 20s to 50s, and serves as a space that integrates the younger first and second generation latine community. The vibes are good, the beer is cheap, and if you know your way around agave spirits, there is always something great available at a reasonable price. The selection is not huge, but it is thoughtful. The last time I was there to catch some live cumbia, I sipped on $10 pours of Derrumbes all night. The relatively small size as far as music venues go makes each concert feel like a special private event where you are up close and personal with the musicians. A good night here with mezcalito in hand is an antidote to the overly crowded and impersonal spaces that so many urban venues have become. If you came up going to dives or love the relaxed atmosphere of neighborhood bars, you’ll feel right at home. Check out their calendar for a line up of live music, and grab your tickets in advance.
Casa Susanna (Leeds)
One of the most celebrated restaurants in the region, Casa Susanna has become something of an industry darling. Mexican American chef Efren Hernandez cut his teeth in Brooklyn and Manhattan as part of Michelin winning teams, and has been a James Beard Foundation Finalist for the last three consecutive years. The food is great, and a welcomed stand-out for the region, offering a fresh perspective that stands up against any of the best contemporary Mexican restaurants across the East Coast. The bar program is up to par with his Mexican-inspired upstate cuisine. It features a solid spirits list (anywhere that carries Siete Leguas has major green flag energy), and rotating cocktail specials like the must-try coconut spin on a batanga. The mezcal negroni on tap is a delicious staple, and hopefully a trend setter for others.
Aroma Thyme (Ellenville)
A true farm-to-table restaurant with an impressive beverage program, this is a destination for any food and beverage lover. Their agave menu is beyond comprehensive, featuring tons of general information about tequila and mezcal, tasting guides, breakdowns of different categories, and more. They also offer tequila and mezcal tasting classes and experiences on an ongoing basis, always pouring top notch bottles. The combination of quality hyper local ingredients and agave spirits (think super nerdy and small batch picks from Lalocura, Gusto Historico, Tosba, Mezonte, and Chacolo) picked and poured by passionate people creates a unique experience. It’s the kind of thing that can only exist outside of an urban environment for an accessible price, and well worth the trip.
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