Where to Eat Brunch in Woodstock: Oriole 9
Curried Coconut Tofu Hash at Oriole 9
New York City has almost everything. But it doesn’t have Oriole 9. Brooklyn really doesn’t have anything like this big, bustling, orange-walled brunch and lunch spot, where the extensive list of specials is written in rainbow chalk, in colorful, rounded handwriting that expresses the happiness in every dish—broccoli rabe shakshuka! pork quesadilla with poblanos and red cabbage! French toast with peaches + blueberries and whipped cream!
If you want a big old hippie breakfast of curried coconut tofu hash (and I do, I always do), you’ve just got to drive up to Woodstock. It’s the ultimate vegan comfort food — hearty tofu, umami-rich oyster mushrooms, sweet sauteed tomatoes, and bursts of bright green spinach, with a thick slice of garlic toast and a little salad on the side. There are plenty of delicious (and meaty) options on the menu, but this is my forever go-to.
My daughter, Ramona, ordered and omelette, which came with a little cup of fruit, that thick-sliced, crusty toast, and a pat of butter displayed in a decorative spoon. Ramona has spent all 4 years of her life dreaming of the day when someone would feed her an entire spoonful of butter, and she would’ve eaten it straight-up if we hadn’t stopped her to spread some on her bread.
Oriole 9 is good for groups, comfy for couples, totally kid-friendly, and really encapsulates the rainbow-bright spirit of Woodstock. It’s only been open since 2006, but to me, this restaurant captures the artsy old soul of Woodstock almost as deeply as as that crew of elder, wizard-bearded hippies strumming guitars in the center of town, flashing peace signs at my tie-dye-clad kids. This place just feels right.
Pro Tip: When you’re done, walk down Tinker Street to grab some Peace, Love & Cupcakes for dessert. We especially love their Pretzel Hippie Chipper Cookie Sandwich.
Oriole 9 is located at 17 Tinker Street in Woodstock, NY. They’re closed on Thursdays, but open on the remaining weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; open Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m; (845)OR9-5763. Be warned: their Facebook page will make you hungry.
