"Bottled Beer and Beef!"
Chatham Grill
Where? 34 Hudson Ave, Chatham, New York 12037
Hours? Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Sat & Sun 11am-930pm
Notes? Chilled place for lunch. No beer on tap but plenty of bottled options available including American Craft and Chatham Brewery offerings. Gluten free options available though, limited outside of the salad range
Heading along Hudson Avenue away from the main street towards Ghent, there is a charming venue that sits confidently apart from its’ surroundings.
Inside Chatham Bar & Grill the low ceilinged, low lit classic wood décor relying on natural light from the window frontage is comforting, helped along by the predominantly female, friendly staff.
As per usual, we approach the bar with gusto, Big E already had his eye on the menu’s Comfort Food meatloaf listing and a bottle of Von Trapp Vienna Lager from the extensive local beer lisitng. I took a little more time to decide on the Schober’s Grass Fed Burger and the Paradox Brewery Beaver Bite IPA. I'm not usually an IPA drinker but found the Beaver Bite an excellent accompaniment for my order. Maybe this is the IPA that shifts my taste.
We shared the Crab Cakes appetizer which I was almost put off by. It came out a little dark from the deep fry, only two pieces and A LOT of salad. However, the cakes were in fact just right with plenty of flavour.
The Schober has an 8oz hand-packed pattie cooked perfectly to my medium rare liking, with a tart cranberry chutney, creamy brie and an ample helping of arugula served on a brioche bun. Sides included were a cute little pot of coleslaw with a pickle spear and some undercooked oily fries (forgiven, because A: it was a first time offence and B: today I was all about the burger).
My meatloafers’ offering was a generous portion wrapped in bacon with mash, gravy and vegetables and, from the satisfied grunts in between mouthfuls, I understand was very enjoyable.
A second round of beer enticed a return to an old favourite for me – Yeunling Lager, and another Von Trapp for the Big E, his staple at this venue.
We enjoy Chatham Bar & Grill as a simple go-to for lunch but have yet to experience its’ night time offerings AND impressive dessert pie list - one day I will leave enough room to sample … one day. Will update on that as we make our rounds.
Like I said, the staff are always friendly, accommodating and in-the-know with Chatham’s goings on. You can chat with them about other businesses in the area and visitor must-sees of the season. By all means, take their suggestions form the menu if you can't decide!
AT THE END OF THE DAY…
Big E: Meatloaf, 2x Von Trapp Vienna Lager
Little e: Schober’s Grass Fed Burger, Beaver Bite IPA and Yuengling Lager
Shared: Crab Cakes Appetizer
Walk Away Price: US$57 plus tips
Website: https://chathamgrill.com/