Business Details
7 Years
experience
Enjoy Fresh, Local Eats at Rail Trail Cafe
Rail Trail Cafe is a seasonal outdoor dining destination located on Stone Mountain Farm in New Paltz, NY, adjacent to the Empire State Trail. Established in 2019, our cafe offers a dynamic menu featuring wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients, fresh produce from Hudson Valley farms, and handcrafted baked goods. We prioritize sustainability by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms like Solid Ground Farm and Seed Song Farm, ensuring a short farm-to-table journey. Our menu evolves weekly with seasonal availability, emphasizing fresh greens, organic produce, and inventive flavor combinations. In addition to food, we provide a unique experience through live music programming in our outdoor 'Green Cathedral' space, showcasing local jazz, folk, and world musicians.We operate seasonally from May through October, offering flexible hours to accommodate trail visitors and local patrons. Our commitment to community extends to inclusive policies, welcoming all individuals regardless of background or identity. We also partner with local bike rental services and encourage eco-conscious transportation. Our outdoor setting combines natural beauty with culinary excellence, creating memorable experiences for breakfast, lunch, or evening meals.
Services
Wood-Fired Pizza
Local Greens
Baked Goods
Drinks
Art & Music Events
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- We source 90% of our ingredients from Hudson Valley farms weekly
- Our wood-fired pizzas use custom recipes with seasonal toppings
- Live music events feature top Hudson Valley jazz and folk artists
- We operate sustainably with composting and eco-friendly practices
- Adjacent to Empire State Trail with bike rental partnerships
Services
Wood-Fired Pizza
Custom wood-fired pizzas with seasonal toppings. Features organic local ingredients and gluten-free options. Available Friday-Sunday during full service hours. Takes 15-20 minutes preparation time for fresh, hot pizzas from our hand-built oven.
Local Greens
Weekly rotating menu featuring Hudson Valley farm produce. Includes salads, seasonal vegetables, and microgreens. Partnerships with 6+ local farms ensure fresh daily availability. Highlights edible flowers and unique herb combinations in dishes.
Baked Goods
Handmade organic baked items including Climber Cookies and Cosmic Nectar Balls. Available weekends with seasonal scones, muffins, and biscuits. Uses Wild Hive flour and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and raw sugar.
Drinks
Specialty drinks including Rail Trail Green Drink and Kalemanade. Offers organic Democracy Coffee and homemade popsicles. Features seasonal smoothies, natural sodas, and Calmbucha on tap with local ingredients.
Art & Music Events
Outdoor music programming in woodland setting. Hosts jazz, folk, and world musicians weekly. Features natural acoustics and eco-friendly lighting. Events influence pizza oven operation hours and full menu availability.
Questions
What are Rail Trail Cafe's operating hours?
We're open Thursdays 9-6 (no pizza) and Fridays-Sundays 9-7:30 PM from May through October. Check Facebook for weather-related closures.
Do you offer gluten-free options?
Yes! All our pizzas have gluten-free lavash crust options, and we offer vegan cashew cheese substitutions for most dishes.
Can I order food in advance?
Yes, call or text 845-389-7714 or 845-399-5450 for takeout orders. Allow time for custom preparation of your meal.
Is parking available at the cafe?
Yes, we have a gravel parking lot with donation-based parking. Look for signs at Stone Mountain Farm driveway.
Reviews (7)
Stephen Coleman
Oct 07, 2021
Report
The pizza here is great! Real Wood-Fire pizza oven, crispy thin crust, great toppings. Prices are good too. They also have Fresh scones & coffee in the mornings. Music and/or theater some nights. A great stop off the rail trail it's built on, or if you're camping at the Hipcamp across the way. Bicycle rentals next door.
Matthew Hoffman
Oct 06, 2021
Report
The pizza was awesome, the drinks were great and the all around atmosphere was welcoming. The staff was nothing but polite and even let me store a birthday cake over night. Great little hidden spot that I didn't know was in my town
Micho MarinOff
Oct 03, 2021
Report
Nice place to take a break from the trail. Little pricey on the pizza. $18. They need to organize the seating area little bit better.
Joanne Green
Sep 28, 2021
Report
Amazing place - we heard a free wonderful concert of Balkan folk music! People dancing such a great vibe! And we were biking and just happened upon it! I felt like I was in heaven-so chill - and in the middle of the woods!
James Leo
Aug 17, 2021
Report
There is nothing like it anywhere in the world: The Rail Trail is a rustic music venue that offers healthy generous salads and artisanal pizza. Great place for vegetarians and vegans Dessert scones are good not too sweet Go and experience the best of New Paltz Outdoors and live music. You will not be disappointed
Gingere La
Aug 06, 2021
Report
$3/ ice pop (apple cider, blueberry & lemonade). Flat breads - all veggies, simple, & purple / green - taste garden fresh. Def stop here before heading out.
Chris G.
Aug 01, 2021
Report
Outdoor food stand style with outdoor seating. Great food. Locally sourced ingredients and made fresh on site. There's a stage for a concert etc. Has porta-potty slightly up the hill.
