Park Restaurant

"Elders an I were visiting from New York City to attend the 66th Presentation of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" at the Cadet Chapel of the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York (see separate review). While it had been my first time taking the trip, the rest of the guys who invited me had been coming for years. I'm talking about 20, 30, and 40 year ritual of memories being shared over lunch is what the program called for. Unfortunately, our visit to Park Restaurant (located at 451 Main Street, Highland Falls, New York) was a reminder that nothing lasts forever. It appears that the restaurants menu has changed over the years. Older reviews suggest the restaurants menu has gone from hearty meals that welcome celebrating those who serve our great country to dive bar food. I was warned by an elder about using the term "dive bar", claiming it was suggestive of a brothel setting. I've watched enough episodes of Bar Rescue to relate the service to such a term used when most of what's offered is freezer-burn proned foods that are fast-fried and microwaved. To be fair, the establishment appeared to be primarily functioning as a bar that offered foods that you wouldn't have a problem eating if you had a hangover. Like the Philly Crunch Rolls I burned my gums with. The waffle fries shared from the plates of others at the table didn't help the pizza mouth I was left with. I ordered a Brownie ala Mode desert, hoping to ease the swelling. I was told that the ice cream served was homemade, as if I don't know the difference between homemade and freezer burned. I should've followed suite when the guy in front of me ordered the House Salad and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. I almost enjoyed a cup of Orange Spiced tea, but it was served in way too small a cup. The fact that the place was packed with cold air that had been trapped, didn't help. My elders were too cold to enjoy their meals which quickly reached room temperature. I couldn't help but notice we were seated in the back, while newly arriving customers where being seated at the entry, as if to create a separation. Everyone else opted for Gracie's Smash Burger with Waffle Fries or Tatter Tots. Our waitress, Tina was kind enough to share some history, that included how they'd inherited the right to keep there sinature burger on the menu, which had to be the most enjoyable part of the experience. The menu isn't a grand one, and a significant portion of it (Stuffed Sandwhiches) were not being made available. No soup was available either. We've decided we would probably not eat at the Park Restaurant if we revisited the town next year. Sorry, I forgot to take pictures. I guess I was left waiting for something to brag about. Plating warranted no photo opps. While the setting is setup to appear to be suitable to serve all group sizes, I don't think they were ready to meet the demands of 5 guests from New York City, let alone any larger crowd. Maybe it's turned into a divebar... ?!"

"Sounds like the park just reopened - and with this experience - I'm happy about it. They have a limited and small menu right now, but according to the waitress the menu will continue to expand, as will their dining area with the back dining room planned to open in another few weeks. My husband and I shared the wings, I got the cheese and steak stuffed sandwich, and he got the smash burger. Wings: some of the best I've had in awhile, well cooked, good meat, and great buffalo sauce. May try to snag some for takeout once football season starts back up. Steak and cheese: I was thinking this would be more philly style, but when it came with some greens and balsamic dressing, i was surprised.The taste was great! Again tasted like good cuts of meat, tasty, and filling. Got the tots on the side which were also delicious. Smashburger: Exactly what you'd think for a smashburger - maybe could've used some acid/pickles, to help balance, but nothing a little ketchup didn't help. Overall tasty and well seasoned though! Waffle fries on the side were crunchy and tasty (we think seasoned with some ranch powder maybe too). While the place can use some more ambiance, i'm sure it will as business continues to build. Service was kind and attentive. We will be back - and you should stop in too! ****UPDATE**** Back again, and better than ever. The Park Restaurant has reopened its dining room - although we opted for the bar. Now with an official menu, some new adds, and specials - another great visit. The tots continue to be a necessary order. New tries this time was the caesar stuffed sandwich, philly egg rolls, and a crab cake special. All great! Crab cake special came with a saffron aioli, fancy and tasty - but try dipping it in their thai sauce that comes with the egg rolls for a great combo. See you next time!"

"I was a fan of the old park and decided to give it a try on a recent visit. Food was great. Smashburger was very tasty,- tots are a must! Also tried the Philly Eggrolls and boy, were they great! We ate at the bar, and Amanda provided exceptional service (and cocktails!). I'd love to see more decor like the old park had! Overall great experience! Will be back on future visits!"

"Stopped in after visiting West Point. Staff was friendly, atmosphere was comfortable, had good amount of patrons, food was fresh and service was good. I recommend stopping in if your are in the area."

"Came here after hiking at Arden Point. The restaurant looks small from the front but it has a good amount of seating in the back. The server was pleasant. I ordered their garlic Parmesan wings. I didn't taste either flavors but the chicken was good nonetheless. I also ordered a side of fries and they came out nice and hot. Their onion rings were nice and crispy as well. Good prices too for the food we had."

"Our waitress was lovely! She was very attentive and friendly. Food was delicious; the chicken Caesar sandwich was to die for! Only drawback is that we aren't from New York, so we can't come back "

"My family's opinion: "Our lives will never be complete again without this smash burger." Service was astounding. Only drawback is the restaurant looks underwhelming from the outside. It is not."