Rhodes North Tavern

After hiking in Harriman State Park, our go-to spot for dinner is always Rhodes North Tavern, where we almost always indulge in their cheeseburgers. During our visit about a month ago, we stuck to our routine and ordered our cheeseburgers medium rare, accompanied by a side of French fries. To our satisfaction, our order was spot-on! The cheeseburgers were cooked impeccably, boasting a delightful pink and juicy interior. Admittedly, they leaned a tad towards medium, but hey, that's why we opt for medium rare, right? ;) However, the French fries didn't quite hit the mark. They had an odd taste, almost like they were sprinkled with something resembling sand. It was a bit disappointing considering how well the burgers were prepared. On a previous occasion, my husband decided to deviate from our cheeseburger tradition and opted for the ribeye steak, while I settled for the half-roasted chicken, as I wasn't feeling like having red meat that day. Unfortunately, neither of our dishes lived up to expectations. My husband's steak, despite being cooked to his liking, was disappointingly tough and sinewy. It was quite a challenge to eat. My chicken, ordered plain without any sauces, had an unusual yellow color and an off-putting taste. Initially, I suspected it might not have been fresh, but it's possible that it was due to some spices or seasoning that didn't agree with my palate. I managed to eat some of it, but it wasn't an enjoyable experience, so I ended up mainly sticking to the mashed potatoes. Despite the less-than-stellar experience with non-burger dishes, Rhodes North Tavern remains a top choice for burger enthusiasts. The service is consistently excellent, and the ambiance of the restaurant is quite pleasant. Overall, I still recommend giving this place a try, especially if you're in the mood for a delicious burger!

I stopped in late afternoon for lunch. A delicious Reuben sandwich with a side of onion rings was quickly served, along with a fresh pint of beer, and with a tip it was $20 which I consider extremely fair. I'll be back.

(editing my former 5 star review) After the passing of Tyler Rhodes the tight ship he ran has taken on some water. The quality of the food has slipped and the selection has been trimmed. Newly hired staff are not trained as well as they once were. Lastly, as a long time diner, it doesn't have the same feel without Mr Rhodes. He made you feel welcome and important. Your opinion mattered to him. I've stopped going there after 18 years. It was a nice place to eat and I might try it again in the future, but it will be as a last resort. Sorry to say that.

I reluctantly compose this review, saddened by the decline I've witnessed at Rhodes under its new ownership. What was once a beloved mainstay has now become disappointingly lackluster. During my recent visit, I encountered a disheartening array of issues: a dish served completely frozen, entrees poorly prepared, and a substantial hike in prices. The parking lot is also a complete mess filled with mud and potholes. Regrettably, this visit will mark my last. To the new owners: I implore you to reconsider your approach and return to the fundamentals. Rhodes thrived on a simple yet effective formula: offering high-quality cuisine at reasonable prices. Revisiting this tried-and-true strategy could pave the way for a resurgence in the restaurant's appeal. Parking: Muddy and pothole filled lot, beware.