Hi everyone, your favorite guide to Hudson Valley gay travel, nightlife, and restaurants, Maxwell Alexander, is here with another exciting review! Today, I want to take you on a journey to a small yet vibrant bar located in the heart of Beacon, NY, called Roosevelt Bar at Hudson Valley Food Hall.
Discover Roosevelt Bar in Beacon, NY: A Beacon of Inclusivity and Craft Cocktails – Restaurant Reviews with Photographer Maxwell Alexander – Presented by Alluvion Vacations
What sets Roosevelt Bar apart from other bars in the area is its inclusivity and commitment to providing a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, especially the LGBTQ+ community. The bar hosts drag shows, and gay parties, and is always bustling during Pride Month here in the Hudson Valley. It's quickly becoming known as one of the best gay bars and LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations in the area.
But Roosevelt Bar is not just a bar for the LGBTQ+ community, it welcomes everyone! The interior design and ambiance are simply amazing, with a huge 3-story high mural spanning all the way to the ceiling and with a gigantic abstract painting that looks like a black hole in space. And with recent research questioning the Big Bang Theory and suggesting that our universe might be one of those cosmic black holes and has been humanity's home all this time, Roosevelt Bar's mural is even more relevant now.
The mixologist behind Roosevelt Bar's fantastic drinks is none other than Milos Zica from NYC's Employee's Only. And the bar is famous for its craft cocktails, with a concentration on using Hudson Valley spirits to create unique and memorable drinks. The Sweater Weather cocktail is a personal favorite, made with Plantation Original Dark Rum, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Lemon, Apple Liqueur, Spiced Pera Syrup, and garnished with dried fruit on top. As a professional food critic, I can confidently say that this cocktail is a symphony of flavors that work perfectly together.
But the Sweater Weather cocktail is just the beginning. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet and fruity or spicy and bold, the expert mixologists at Roosevelt Bar have got you covered. Other standout cocktails include the Lavender Fields Forever, which features gin, lemon, lavender honey syrup, and egg white, as well as the Spiced Cider Margarita, which blends tequila, apple cider, lemon, and cinnamon syrup for a deliciously warming and comforting drink.
What really sets Roosevelt Bar apart is its commitment to pairing drinks with food from the other vendors in the Hudson Valley Food Hall. They have a great selection of wines and tap beers that pair perfectly with any of the food options available. For example, they have a white rioja that pairs perfectly with pinchos from El Nica or a beer that goes great with a brisket burger from Mizz Hattie's. And if you're looking for something more specialized, they can create a cocktail to pair perfectly with your food on the spot!
As a lover of classic cocktails, my hubby Dino couldn't resist trying the Dirty Martini at the Roosevelt Bar. He ordered his usual with Grey Goose Vodka and was not disappointed. The bartender expertly mixed the vodka, vermouth, and olive juice, then garnished it with plump, juicy olives. Dino was pleased with the smooth and satisfying cocktail, which was well-balanced with the briny flavor of the olives complementing the crisp, clean taste of the vodka. It's easy to see why the Dirty Martini is a classic cocktail, and the Roosevelt Bar's version was just that - classy all the way.
Well, let me tell you, on top of everything, I always make it a point to check out the restroom facilities at any restaurant I visit. And let me just say, the Roosevelt Bar did not disappoint. Their restroom was not only clean but also had some quirky comic stories artwork that provided some great photo ops, particularly, the attack of the 50ft woman will stay in my memory forever :). Needless to say, I spent a good amount of time in there perfecting my mirror selfies, and must say, they turned out pretty darn good!
Overall, Roosevelt Bar is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and inclusive night out in Beacon, NY. The craft cocktails are some of the best in the area, and the commitment to pairing drinks with food from the other vendors in the Hudson Valley Food Hall is a unique and impressive touch. Don't forget to check out their special events, including drag shows and gay parties, for a truly unforgettable night out.
