Our Story
In 2005, Brian and I began a journey that would change our lives, the lives of our children, and our local community. At the time, Brian was the head chef at The Main Street Bistro in New Paltz, New York, and drove past a closed cafe in High Falls daily. Brian’s commute and our ongoing conversations about creating something better for our family presented us with an opportunity that could make our dream a reality.
While the discovery of the building was impactful, our dream did not start there. It began years ago in a family-run local restaurant where my mother worked as a server for 40 years. My early experiences, rich with the grit and grind of the restaurant world, shaped our shared vision. Brian’s culinary expertise and my experience in restaurant operations combined to create a place where these passions could flourish.
My Vision For Our Family
Our vision was simple yet profound: to create a place that felt like home, where community and family were not just words but the beating heart of everything. Inspired by an old, closed cafe, we decided to take a leap of faith.
The Beginning of Our Dream
The old Clove Cafe, in the heart of High Falls, was the first of our three locations. We learned resilience and adaptability here. We poured our hearts and souls into building a name for ourselves, working from the crack of dawn until the dead of night. The result was worth it: Great Food, Great Music, and Good Times were being had by all, and that was our goal.
Our second location, Stone Dock Golf Course, presented a new set of challenges. It had a reputation for unsuccessful restaurants, and we had to fight hard to turn it around. We lost some patrons who didn’t care for the golf course vibe but gained new ones who appreciated the outdoor space, food, and entertainment. Our following grew. Despite setbacks like the owner deciding not to sell the building after we’d invested significantly, we persevered. We learned to navigate the rough terrain, adapting and thriving in adversity.
Finding Our “Forever Home” in Marbletown
After years of hard work, we finally found our “Forever Home” on State Route 209 in Marbletown. This location, which we own, allows us to shape The High Falls Cafe’s future. It’s a space representing us where we can continue our legacy and build something lasting for our children and community.
A Real Family Business
Our children, Patrick, Jaime, and Casey, have grown up in the cafe, starting as bussers and evolving into their current roles. They are not just bartenders and servers but stewards of the vision and standards Brian and I have worked hard to establish. They understand our mission deeply and work tirelessly to maintain the welcoming atmosphere and high-quality service that define The High Falls Cafe.
Balancing work and family life wasn’t easy. I remember Jaime spending many Sunday mornings in the back room of the cafe in her pajamas, surrounded by the hum of the restaurant. Our children have contributed significantly, offering advice, helping with ordering, and ensuring our values are upheld. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Family meetings are still a routine, keeping us connected and aligned.
Our Extended Family
Over the years, other special staff members have become part of our family and contributed significantly to The High Falls Cafe’s success. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that our customers love. They know who they are; we couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Our Commitment to Our People
At The High Falls Cafe, our commitment is simple: treat everyone like family and serve fresh, house-made food at reasonable prices. Our menu is a labor of love, featuring everything from hearty lunches to comforting dinners and our cherished Sunday Brunch.
The High Falls Cafe’s menu is a testament to our commitment to fresh, house-made food. Led by chef Brian, who is Culinary trained, our scratch kitchen is where the magic happens. Lunch offers a variety of options, from crisp salads to savory sandwiches and daily specials. Our signature sandwiches, featuring family favorites like Casey’s Choice and Patrick’s Pick, are a must-try. Brunch is a beloved tradition, featuring Jaime Cakes and Buffy’s Choice, a delectable Eggs Benedict, both of which are favorites among our patrons.
Dinner is always popular with favorites like our famous Burger and Wing Nights. Sunday Brunch is a beloved tradition, perfect for gathering with family and friends.
The Heartbeat of Great Music
Live music has always been a part of The High Falls Cafe. Acoustic Thursdays, inspired by Tim Whalen and Kurt Henry, paved the way for our vibrant music scene. Despite some tough nights, we persisted, and the cafe has become a beloved community hub.
We now host three live music nights, including an open mic night and full Saturday bands. Dancing has always been an escape for me, and seeing our patrons enjoy the music and dance is incredibly rewarding. These events create a sense of community and make The High Falls Cafe a gathering place for everyone.
Deep Roots in Our Community
The High Falls Cafe has always been deeply connected to the local community. We don’t just serve food; we host numerous community meetings and events, contribute to local fundraisers, and sponsor local festivals. Our patrons appreciate our family atmosphere, house-made food, and affordable prices, which have helped us build a loyal following.
We’ve naturally supported the community in many ways, such as hosting WISE events, school sports banquets, and providing meals during COVID-19. Our involvement with local events like the Rosendale Street Festival and UlsterCorp’s Zombie Run has strengthened our bond with the community. Giving back and supporting those who have supported us is in our DNA.
Looking Ahead to Our Future
As we approach our 20th anniversary, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about the future. We hope to pass the cafe on to our children and see it thrive as a local favorite. Upcoming collaborations, like the one with Danny Louis, and new menu innovations, such as expanding our pizza offerings, keep us motivated and inspired.
A Final Thank You From Our Family to Yours
We want to convey our dedication to providing reasonably priced, fresh, house-cooked food and entertainment for those who don’t know us already. We love our community and are committed to giving back as much as possible. We warmly invite you to come in and enjoy a house-made meal, some great entertainment, or a cocktail or two. Thank you for participating in our journey and making The High Falls Cafe a place of Great Food, Great Music, and Good Times.