You’ve probably driven past Paula’s Public House on New Hackensack Road in Poughkeepsie. If you’re someone like me, you’ve driven by it many times. This time we stopped and had lunch.
The restaurant opened in 2016 after Paula Young Borra bought the property with a vision of creating a friendly gastropub, where people could come in, feel comfortable, relax, and enjoy good conversation. She hit the nail on the head.
We started lunch by splitting the seared sesame crusted Ahi tuna. It was about 6 slices of tuna. Topped with a blackberry soy reduction, the plate also included a few spots of Sriracha, some pickled ginger (possibly house made) and a nice tangle of julienned pickled vegetables. It was beautifully presented and a great beginning—light with lots of different textures and flavors.
I was in the mood for a basic Caesar salad with grilled chicken. The chicken was moist and flavorful, always an impressive feat with chicken breasts. and the salad hit the spot!
Janet went for the “Ocean” sandwich, a nice piece of grilled salmon, cooked medium, wonderfully seasoned, on a golden bun with baby arugula and pickled vegetables topped with dill sour cream. She said that the bread reminded her of a pretzel bun in consistency, taste and it even had a bit of salt on top. It was a towering concoction, which made it hard to eat as a sandwich, but Janet had no problem, and even seem to enjoy deconstructing it and eating all the components with a knife and fork.
As for the rest of the menu, there is plenty to choose from. There are pub classics like fish & chips, burgers and wings, as well as a large selection of small plates with more substantial offerings if you are hungry including short ribs, pasta and roasted chicken.
They offer 21 different wines all by the glass with some interesting choices all priced at $10 a glass or by the bottle at $38. Signature cocktails, beer and ciders are also available.
The day we were there, the weather wasn’t so nice but we took a peek at their outside patio, it’s a large area with a very friendly and inviting vibe. We look forward to checking it out this summer. It looks like the perfect place for dinner or Happy Hour.
2186 New Hackensack Road, Poughkeepsie, New York | 845-454-7821
Follow them on Facebook to find out about special events musical guests and open mic nights.
