Killer Nachos, Wings + Beer at the Crossroads Athens Brewpub
Everything I want from a weekend in the Catskills is right here at Crossroads Brewing Company’s Athens Brewpub. I want to walk around a quaint little Hudson Valley town (like Athens, NY) with a steamy cappuccino (ideally from Bonfiglio and Bread), and then I want someone else to make lunch for my family. Ideally, this will involve a stout for me, an IPA for my husband, a giant pile of nachos, some hot wings, and a kids menu. Crossroads has us covered.
Nachos and wings at Crossroads Brewing in Athens, NY
The Crossroads Brewpub takes their bar snacks as seriously as their beers. Their tri-colored chips are piled with your choice of chicken, pulled pork or brisket, melted cheddar, a red ale cheese sauce, fresh pico de gallo, and zesty lime crema. There wings come in 4 varieties—buffalo, brick row red ale bbq, honey sriracha, and teriyaki.
And you know what makes the perfect complement to a bunch of bar food? A peppery arugula salad with roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy local goat cheese, and crunchy pepitas.
Brussels sprout and pepita salad at Crossroads Brewing in Athens, NY
For hungry kids, they serve a big ol’ bowl of macaroni and cheese. My son, who is a bit of a mac ‘n’ cheese connoisseur, appreciated the creamy, mild blend of cheddar and Harpersfield tilsit (an Emmenthaler-style cheese crafted in Delaware county) and felt that cavatappi was a fine choice of macaroni.
Mac and cheese at Crossroads Brewing in Athens, NY
And my 4-year-old daughter was happy to get her grubby little fingers on a grilled cheese with a side of crispy fries and extra ketchup. Bonus points for the kid’s cup with a spill-proof top. (Note to parents: The kids menu is not listed on their website, but they do have one!)
Grilled cheese and fries from the kids menu at Crossroads Brewing in Athens, NY
As for the beers on tap, we’d point IPA fans to the hazy, unfiltered New Normal, made with Mosaic, El Dorado, and Amarillo hops. My wintertime pick is the toasty, malty Black Rock Stout with notes of chocolate and coffee.
Beer menu at Crossroads Brewing in Athens, NY
The Crossroads Athens Brewpub has a cozier, homier feel than their second location, the more industrial Crossroads Catskill Taproom. The riverfront taproom has food trucks and a kid-friendly outdoor space in the warmer months, but on a chilly day, we’d much rather bring the kids to this airy, light-filled brewpub. With plenty of space for tables and bar seating, too, the brewpub is also a great place to meet up with a large group. Beyond their beer list, it’s just the kind of place you’ll want to have on your radar when you need an easygoing meal in a friendly spot.
Crossroads Brewing Company in Athens, NY
The Crossroads Brewing Company Athens Brewpub is located at 21 Second Street, Athens, NY; (518) 945-BEER (2337). Note that lunch service starts at 1pm on winter weekends. Please check their website for updated hours.
