ENTERTAINMENT

Grand Cru owners to open Rhinebeck restaurant

Geoffrey Wilson
Poughkeepsie Journal

RHINEBECK - A new restaurant and beer garden is coming to northern Dutchess County.

The Haymaker, a Rhinebeck eatery from the owners Grand Cru Beer and Cheese Market, aims to bring comfort food and craft beverages to diners in late June.

Grand Cru Beer and Cheese Market in Rhinebeck.

The idea for the restaurant came from customers at Grand Cru, who told co-owners Alicia Lenhart and Rod Johnson that there was an interest in a relaxed, family-friendly option.

"We had lots of local regulars saying they wanted a casual eatery in the area, and that's what we're trying to do," Lenhart said.

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The menu will focus on comfort food, including macaroni and cheese, Philly cheesesteaks, sliders and wings. In addition to local ingredients, The Haymaker will also feature Hudson Valley beer, wine and spirits, Lenhart said.

"With Grand Cru, we wanted people to try beer from all over the place," she said. "With Haymaker, we want people to have a local experience."

What makes the idea stand out is a planned beer garden, featuring an outdoor bar, a fire pit and games like horseshoes and cornhole.

The Haymaker will be located at 1094 Route 308, the former location of Greek restaurant Diaspora. The location is part of what makes the concept stand out, Johnson said.

"People are looking for something different, and the village can be congested at times," Johnson said.

Regulars at Grand Cru have no need to worry — the beer and cheese market will operate as it always has following the restaurant's opening.

"Grand Cru will stay the same," Lenhart said.

For more information on The Haymaker, visit facebook.com/thehaymakerrhinebeck.

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW