Best of Denver
Best Restaurants in the Catskills
Monticello’s table is always set with variety. Here, you’ll find thin-crust pizza that arrives hot enough to singe your fingers, platters of bulgogi and kimchi served with a smile, and barbecue soul food that lingers in memory well past dinner. Families gather for Italian feasts, couples stumble upon tucked-away sushi counters, and regulars return for that perfect burger or slice of lemon cake.
Top Italian Table: Ciao Bella — Cozy for date night or group dinners, classic pasta and patio seating.
Best Family Feast: Colosseo — Thin-crust pizza, hearty portions, quick service, and always lively.
Flavorful Lunch Fix: Salt & Pepper the Kitchen — Korean bulgogi, noodle bowls, and vegetarian favorites draw loyal locals.
Soft light on polished wood frames the flow of classic Italian seafood and pasta to the table. A focused wine list and careful accommodation of requests set the standard for dinner service.
🍋 Lemon Cake Surprise: Ask about off-menu desserts, especially in summer months—lemon cakes and seasonal specials sometimes make a brief appearance.
👋 Owner at the Door: Gunny, the owner, is nearly always greeting guests or checking in—don’t be shy if you want a recommendation or a local story.
🍷 Try the House Red: The house Chianti is reliably good and pairs well even if you’re splitting different mains at the table.
🪴 Patio Dinners: On warm nights, the back patio is about as close as Monticello gets to a Tuscan courtyard. It books up fast—request it if you prefer dining outdoors.
The counter buzzes as pressed sushi and warm muffins spin out onto trays. Made-to-order rolls, a loaded salad bar, and late-night pacing distinguish this steady stop.
🍟 Best Side Bet: The fries are a big local hit, especially if you want a break from sushi.
🥒 Salad Bar Tip: The salad bar moves fast at lunch—grab your pick early before big camp groups roll in.
🧁 Muffin Secret: Muffins come out warm in the morning and disappear quickly, so ask if you don’t see them.
🥡 Late-Night Grab: Unlike most in town, the counter keeps turning well into the night during summer.
Cilantro and char drift through a bright room ringing with mariachi from a corner speaker. House birria, fast tacos, and cold margaritas appear beside chips and fresh salsas.
🧔 Names to Know: Joe and Oscar greet regulars and newcomers like old friends—ask about specials.
🥤 Not Just Margaritas: The mango smoothie and horchata get shout-outs from adults and kids alike.
🌮 Taco Strategy: Weekends mean birria and carnitas sell quick—order those early if it’s busy.
🚗 Parking Note: Lot usually has space, but street parking is reliable when things fill up at dinner.
Fried chicken crackles and yams steam behind a narrow counter where plates pile high. Cornbread with cinnamon, banana pudding, and cooked-to-order mains show the family’s touch.
🌽 Cornbread Surprise: The cornbread isn’t just a side—the cinnamon in it makes a meal feel like Sunday supper.
🍗 Chicken Cooked to Order: Fried chicken and wings are often cooked fresh, so expect a short wait if they're busy.
🥧 Banana Pudding: Always ask if there's banana pudding left—locals know it disappears fast at dinner.
💬 Owner in the Kitchen: Annie herself can be found behind the counter most days—expect a quick greeting and even quicker refills.
Flattop sizzle and the soft roll of buns fill a casual room built for unhurried meals. Hand-formed burgers, kosher cocktails, and a patio with space for groups mark its specialty.
🍿 Free Popcorn: Every order comes with a basket of popcorn—locals grab this as a pre-meal ritual.
🥤 Seasonal Shakes: Ask about rotating milkshake flavors, especially around holidays and summer weekends.
🍹 Kosher Cocktails: The cocktail menu is fully kosher, which is rare in Sullivan County.
🌳 Patio Window: The outdoor seating fills up quick on Friday afternoons—come early for a shady table.
Coffee flights linger over mismatched tables while cakes bake to order and burgers grill in view. Stuffed burgers, all-vegan options, and globally sourced beans highlight a nimble solo chef.
🍔 Burger Specials: The chef rotates off-menu burger styles—ask what's new or get the signature stuffed burger with whatever she has on hand.
☕ Coffee Flights: Try a flight of international brews—Jamaican or Hawaiian beans are regular standouts when available.
🌱 Dietary Flexibility: Nearly any dish can go vegan or gluten-free if you ask up front—the owner always improvises for allergies.
🍰 Fresh-To-Order Cakes: Cookies and cakes are baked while you wait; order dessert first if you want it warm and just out of the oven.
🍝 Menu Stretch: The specials board is worth a look—sometimes you’ll find off-menu pastas or seasonal pizza toppings.
🍨 Sweet Finish: Don’t miss the tiramisu and cakes in the dessert case. They go quickly by late dinner.
🎵 Not Just Dinner: Locals swing by for a quick lunch slice as much as for drawn-out family dinners—all ages fit in here.
🥗 Veg-Friendly: The kitchen is flexible with dietary tweaks—just ask for extra veggies or no cheese and they’ll usually oblige.
Grill smoke and the cut of lamb mingle with soda fizz in busy booths. Flattop-seared gyros, crisp fries, and bright feta salads keep the pace for lunch and late plates.
🕰️ Morning Moves: Early weekday visits are extra quiet, and regulars say the first gyro off the spit is the most tender of the day.
🥗 Not Just Gyros: Ask for the daily special—sometimes includes off-menu soups and baked dishes found only if you ask.
🍦 Ice Cream Window: Warmer months bring soft serve and extra desserts from the window on the side—great for kids.
💸 Cash Stretch: You’ll save on your bill if you pay with cash instead of a card—locals know the drill.
Bulgogi hits the grill while dumplings steam behind the counter’s quick turnover. Korean platters, daily soups, and vegan tweaks show off a flexible menu and deft execution.
🥢 Bulgogi Fix: The bulgogi platter draws a steady stream of regulars—don’t miss it if you’re new here.
🥗 Vegan Friendly: Their vegetarian section is legit; ask for off-menu bowl tweaks.
☕ Coffee Surprise: Locals know you can grab a strong cup of coffee here between lunch and dinner rushes.
🐾 Pups Welcome: Dogs get water bowls at the outside tables, especially in summer.
Candlelight moves across tables as the aroma of fresh bread mingles with slow pours of Italian reds. Plates land with daily pasta, seafood, and veal, each set by owner-driven service.
🍋 Off-menu perks: If you ask, the kitchen sometimes has a second round of appetizers or an unlisted dessert—just check with your server.
🥩 Specials board: Seafood, steak, and veal options usually rotate each night—watch the board for what's just come off the line.
🍸 Martini hour: Bartender pours are notoriously generous—grab a seat early at the bar if you want the first shake from a batch drink before dinner.
🥗 Seasonal salads: Summer brings lighter, fruit-forward apps and salads; fall means earthy roots and plenty of mushrooms.
From bustling counter spots to hidden gems, Monticello’s restaurants offer more than a meal — they serve as gathering places for neighbors and newcomers. Save this guide for your next visit, share with friends who crave comfort food, and revisit our listings for updates on new favorites.
Login or sign up to save places and get the Catskill Crew Newsletter.
