Woodstock Brewing — Restaurant in Town of Shandaken

I hate writing bad reviews, but the number one thing about running a good restaurant is good service. Unfortunately, we didn’t receive any of that.

We actually were intending to eat at the pizzeria next door when we stumbled on the brewery. Even though we already ordered the pizza, the brewery’s outdoor area looked like a good atmosphere, so we decided to go there. My wife grabbed a spot, we ordered some drinks, and I went to grab the pizza that we already ordered from the other place.

We were planning on getting food from the brewery anyway, so having the pizza in the box we thought was no big deal. Both of us were looking at the menu, about to order, when the server/runner/host said loudly, “Sorry, no outside food is allowed!” It was in the tone of zero hospitality, zero tact, and borderline embarrassing. We planned to order food there, and I was also planning on buying a few beers to take home. But instead, I wasn’t even able to enjoy the beer I had previously ordered and left.

I called the brewery once we got back to the hotel to discuss the situation, asked for the manager on staff, and was met with “if you want to discuss something with the manager, please send us an email”. When I questioned the person on the phone why there’s no time to speak to a manager, she replied that the manager is busy.

They are super lucky that the space is in a beautiful place in the Catskills, and the brewery looks inviting. However, if I were the owner or the person in charge of front of house, I would take a really hard look at whether they are running their business...

The beer is good, the food is good. But the management is extremely unprofessional. Today there was an incident involving the manager and a customer with two service dogs. The manager was very loudly talking trash about a woman and her husband having two dogs that maybe weren't actually service dogs (her assumption, not mine). The woman with the dogs went over, clearly upset for overhearing the staff badmouth her and her husband. She explained that they are in fact service dogs (not that it really matters) and wanted to speak to the manager not knowing the woman she overheard WAS the manager. She also asked to speak to the manager in private so as to not affect the other customers. The manager escalated the situation into a screaming match in front of everyone. It was making everyone visibly uncomfortable. As someone who has had customer service jobs, I understand that dealing with public can be aggravating and I don't believe the customer is always right; but you are at your place of work and you need to desescalate situations and choose the less confrontational options. The dogs were not destroying property or even bothering other customers, why would you go out of your way to create a problem where there is none. I will not be returning or recommending this brewery to my buddies any time soon. I wanted to enjoy a nice cold beer after my hike in peace; not watch a staff member berate a customer seemingly for her own enjoyment (even yelling at the customer to take her bipolar meds...

Clearly targeting the out of towners and vacationing folks. Let’s face it, when you’re away you tend to throw around money more freely. Well I’m a local, and tried this establishment for the first time tonight. I’m also of the belief that laying good money for good service and good food is fine, but that’s not what happened tonight at Woodstock Brewing Co. Service was NONEXISTENT… none… nil… nada! You pick a table, sit down, read the menu, then waltz up to the bar to place your order (while hoping no one else is taking your seat), pay at the bar (with 18% and up tips all laid out for you), and then are given your drinks to bring back to your table on your own. What the he’ll did I just tip 20% for??? I opted for their burger, I figured I would keep it basic and simple. $19 for a cheeseburger and fries isn’t too outrageous these days, but the burger was tasteless. Obviously lots of filler in the Pattie’s. My 14yr old son got their chicken thigh sandwich which he said was flavorful and enjoyable. No one came to ask how the food was, or if we wanted anything else… like maybe another drink or desert. My son actually decided that he wanted desert but good luck with that what with the lack of service and all. Tax and tip out the door was about $70. For that money I have better options in the area. Next time I’ll hit Keegan Ales in Kingston. Better beer, better food,...