Directly next to the Empire State Trail in New Paltz, New York lies the Rail Trail Cafe. For hungry hikers, it’s the perfect way to fill up and get enough fuel for a long day on the trail. Hikers might initially dine based on convenience, but, trust us, the pizza is good enough that many will want to come back a second time. It’s maybe the best Empire State Trail restaurant. To learn more about this special spot, keep reading below.

The Rail Trail Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, snacks and evening meals. Their menu changes seasonally, with a focus on local produce from gardens, friends and farms in the area—among them, Solid Ground Farm, Seed Song Farm, Farmer’s Table Farm and the Wild Hive Grain project.
Gloria Parks/Google Reviews
The menu features delicious salads and a great burrito made with black beans and cumin roasted sweet potato. There is also a selection of small bites, like the organic “climber cookies,” which are perfect for eating on the trail.
Alex D/Google Reviews
Then there’s the pizza oven, which runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The wood fired oven cranks out great, creative pies, things like a curry pizza with a mild sweet potato curry sauce and a seasonal pesto pie with plenty of fresh greens. There are also weekly specials.
Boris Mizhen/Google Reviews

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Looking to grab a drink? We recommend their house made natural sodas, made with lemon balm or mint.
Facebook Rail Trail Cafe
The wooded setting of the Rail Trail Cafe makes for an idyllic meal.
Kalina Nikolova/Google Reviews
Rail Trail Cafe even has a great program of local music. From May until October, they bring in local folk, jazz and world music artists for concerts.
Facebook Rail Trail Cafe

For great food in an amazing woodland location, check out The Rail Trail Cafe. This Empire State Trail restaurant is open from 9 to 7 on Fridays through Sundays. On Thursdays, only the food cart menu is available from 9 to 7. The cafe is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For hikers trying to cool off in the New Paltz area, it’s worth checking out the Split Rock Swimming Hole. And, for accommodation in the area, we recommend staying at the Hampton Inn by Hilton.

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Rail Trail Cafe, 310 River Rd Ext, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA