Universal Cafe & Bar

Lovely restaurant, cozy with enough people to feel like it's lively but quiet enough to have a conversation with five people around the table. The food was well prepared, garden fresh, and locally sourced. For me the standouts were the organic chicken liver parfait, with grilled bread, and plum & shallot jam. Every bit of it was fabulous. I have never had liver that consistency and I truly enjoyed it both in texture and flavor. Even my suspicious tablemates enjoyed it. Also really well crafted and exceptionally tasty was the apple-fennel salad, with butter lettuce, almonds and, blue cheese. For me the only misstep was the honey nut squash puree that came with my pork roast (fine but never is a slab of meat my favorite thing to eat, though everyone else enjoyed their meat courses). The puree was way too sweet for me but everybody else at my table competed to eat mine as it was adored by the rest of the group. The shared apple crisp with french vanilla ice cream was also enjoyed by everyone and had enough tartness in the apples to satisfy me as well. Attached a photos of what the place looked like. As I said interesting (even the bathroom), and comfortable.

The four of us had a wonderful evening at the Universal Cafe last night. Dinner was absolutely delicious, creatively composed, and I can’t wait to return. Located in Germantown, NY only 30 minutes away from Rhinebeck, it’s a hidden gem that was the perfect spot on a cold Winter’s night. I started my meal with thinly sliced sweet Cara Cara oranges on a pool of peppery olive oil with crushed pistachios served ice cold… so refreshing after the decadent pâté appetizer. My cod entree was beautifully cooked and served with a silky root vegetable purée. The chocolate pot de crème finished the meal and was so good. The portions were generous, the prices very reasonable, and our server was super charming. Thank you for a wonderful night!

First time diners and we loved it! The bar and the dining area are beautifully put together. The space is comfortable and elegant. The service was attentive and friendly. The food was simply amazing! It is down to earth food but with a unique twist that totally works. Everything we had was delicious and beautifully presented. Starting with the chicken liver parfait appetizer, the moussaka and spicy chicken main courses and finishing with the steamed fresh pumpkin cake dessert. The portions were just right. We thought that it was very reasonably priced for the quality of the food and the overall experience. I would have given it six stars if I could.

When I first heard that Universal Cafe was relocating to Germantown NY from San Francisco, CA, I was thrilled. Then I was worried. Would it be as good as I remember from my SF days? I’m happy to report that it is BETTER than I remember. Every aspect is on point. The cocktails are among the best I’ve ever had. The food is extraordinary- local ingredients elevated with influences from all over the world, perfectly prepared and beautifully plated. And the service and atmosphere was warm and inviting. How lucky I am to experience this restaurant again, years later and miles apart.

I loved this restaurant. My son is a cook in a fabulous top rated restaurant in Manhattan and the food here was on par. I especially loved the apple fennel salad with blue-cheese, the chicken liver parfait the breads - grilled sourdough and focaccia, the honey nut squash puree, the pork roast and the warm apple crisp with vanilla bean ice-cream. The decor is elegant yet comfortable, attractive and funny. This is a must go-to restaurant for anyone living around Germantown, Rhinebeck, Redhook, Hudson and beyond. I am lucky I have friends in Germantown so I know I will be back!

… what an amazing place this is: a tastefully designed tavern where you can enjoy a fine selection of delicious, non pretentious dishes, made largely with local ingredients of sustainable origin. Combine that with a mouthwatering selection of cocktails, some of the best local brews, good wines and friendly, attentive service … and you have a new Hudson Valley gem. In essence: a new star is born! Only regret is that we waited so long after opening to set foot in it ;-)

This is such a clutch new restaurant that offers something new and delightful to folks in nearby towns. We love coming here for a cocktail (amazing bartending service) and appetizer, or having a delicious un-rushed dinner with friends. I particularly love it when I see them introducing vegan-friendly items to the menu, as there are not enough restaurants in the area where me and my vegan pals can depend on a real meal.

Love what they've done with the decor and atmosphere, too!

HOLY COW! what a gem! Wonderful in every way