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Welcome to Pretty to Think So

Pretty to Think So in Rhinebeck, NY offers a sophisticated dining experience with a countrified, romantic ambience. Known for their intricate service and excellent ingredients, the menu features standout dishes like Kumamoto oysters, scallop crudo, and twice-baked potato with truffle. The seafood paella and pumpkin cheesecake also impress. While some dishes like bone marrow with beef tartare fell short, the overall experience shines. The dim lighting may pose a challenge, but the exceptional cocktails, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere make Pretty to Think So a must-visit spot for foodies in the Hudson Valley.

Pretty to Think So: Reviews & Ratings

Ann B.
Ann B.

Overall, Pretty...offers interesting, even fascinating food, intricate and adept service, excellent basic ingredients, and just the kind of ambience you'd want for a sophisticated restaurant in the Hudson Valley: countrified, a little moody, romantic. (This was on the coldest night of December thus far, so it's probably quite different and just as nice at other seasons and times of day). The Kumamoto oysters were like a mouthful of ocean air and the accompanying sauces, particular the tomato, were excellent. My partner had the delicate flavorful scallop crudo in a green sauce redolent of fresh peas and mint. I had the twice-baked potato with, for a miracle, truffle you could actually taste. The potato was so creamy and flavorful, and the shell so crispy and light, you could finish the whole thing--and might, for a light meal! My partner's seafood paella was great too, with a crispy rice layer ("socca") on the bottom, as all great paella must have. The pumpkin cheesecake with a topping of whipped crème fraiche was rich, sweet, and light. There's a phenomenal baker in the kitchen, as well as some very talented chefs. I also have to applaud Pretty's supply chain. How do they get so many great ingredients, not just things like caviar and truffles but quotidian items like potatoes and pumpkin and rice? I was looking forward to the bone marrow and beef tartare, but the dish was a mis-step. An honorable one! The cubed raw beef and its dressings were everything they should be, tart enough to cut through the rich meat and also savory,but it was served inside a hollowed-out bone with a layer of marrow still in it. Beef tartare should be served at room temperature or a little cooler; bone marrow must be served warm or, ideally, hot. In this case, parts of the tartare were uncomfortably warm, and, especially for the last few bites, me marrow was unpleasantly cool and greasy. Also, the fries served alongside were too cool, My other complaint is that the lights in the restaurant were so dim, I don't think it could have been much worse if all of Rhinebeck was having a black-out! Part of the joy of a fine meal is to be able to see what you're eating. In this case, I can't identify many of the ingredients because I couldn't see the plate--or even read the very detailed menu! We'll come back again, very soon---during daylight hours!

Craig A.
Craig A.

Gosh, what a pleasure to dine here. I chose it after reviewing a number of comments and I (and my guest) were extremely pleased with the meal. Fairly priced and excellent service. Indoor and outdoor seating. Excellent drinks as well.

Scott G.
Scott G.

Wonderful. The room is small. Not great acoustics but... Service was great. Nice menu, cocktails and wine list. We started with cocktails and starters. Although we passed on the raw bar, we were happy with the bone marrow with beef tartare and fried potatoes with caviar. Entrees of braised short rib and duck confit were perfectly cooked with delicious sides. We split a fig tart dessert with ice cream and a French press coffee. The bill included an 18% gratuity and we left a bit more...service was that good. We'll definitely be back.

Ajax O.
Ajax O.

What a fabulous restaurant! We were greeted by the bartender who was very accommodating and friendly. Our server was new but she did a great job taking care of us and had no shame asking a coworker if she didn't know the answer to our question! The oysters here were fantastic, the skookums might have been the best oysters I've ever had. Super fresh and absolutely divine. The drinks were extremely balanced and nuanced with a lovely presentation. The tartare was absolutely stellar and the popcorn was a nice touch(seems juvenile but it works). The scallops were great but I'd pass on the caviar addition as the other flavors seemed to overpower it. The potatoes were also insanely good, loved the sexy ketchup. Only area lacking was desserts, but the rest of the experience was so great I can't even take off a star for that. The mango sorbet had basically no mango flavor, and the key lime pie was a miss(the watermelon rind was inedible) Don't let the desserts stop you from trying it though!

R.J. P.
R.J. P.

From the moment I walked in I was smitten. The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful with dark walls, and soaring ceilings. The perimeter is punctuated with large windows each with a few decorative items including jars and books set on the deep sills. The seating runs the perimeter of the small space with an l shaped bar immediately to your left. The attention to detail in the design was top tier. After being seated we began with cocktails which were perfectly crafted, followed by appetizers, entrees, and dessert. All of the food was absolutely delicious. A definite must stop for foodies. The service too, was also wonderful, making for a lovely evening out. Highly recommend.

Lauren D.
Lauren D.

I came with family after the Sinkerklaas Parade, and let me til you what a wonderful, welcoming, and cozy atmosphere on such a cold day. We sat at the bar. The "Well Duck You then" cocktail was unique and delightful. The cheesey popcorn was great, as was the truffle twice-baked potato. The pumpkin dish was absolutely delicious as well. All the food and drinks were wonderful, as was our bartender-waiter. Will definitely return when I'm back in town!

Rachel M.
Rachel M.

A review I'm scared to write, as I'd love to keep this restaurant to myself and go every weekend / every week / maybe even every day?! An amazing addition to the area with a full gluten free menu (which you'd never even know!) Each dish is super creative, the staff is incredibly kind and responsive, and the atmosphere is simply stunnin. Here's a list of everything that is delicious (and all five stars): THE SWEET POTATO BREAD: I could eat 20 loaves of this. It's sweet but paired with tart cranberry sauce on the side, which balances it nicely THE OYSTERS: super fresh and a great selection-- even in the winter months THE KALE CAULIFLOWER SALAD: I could also eat 20 of these. The sweet potato purée is such a nice touch and the kale is lovely paired with the cauliflower THE BEET PEAR SALAD: I did look like a vampire licking the plate clean of the most amazing beet dressing + juices THE BEAN SOUP: perfect for a cold night, and hearty for a meal THE SHORT RIB: perfectly cooked, super moist, and the potatoes that are served with it are excellent Oh, and the caviar frites are an experience to not miss! You will not be disappointed here!

Location

Introducing Pretty to Think So, a gem nestled in Rhinebeck, NY, offering a unique fusion of New American cuisine, delectable desserts, and expertly crafted cocktails. The restaurant exudes a sophisticated yet cozy vibe, perfect for a memorable dining experience.

Customer reviews rave about the intricate and adept service, top-notch ingredients, and the charming ambience that sets the stage for a delightful meal. From the mouthwatering Kumamoto oysters to the creamy twice-baked potato with truffle, each dish showcases a mastery of flavors and presentation.

For those seeking a light and flavorful meal, the seafood paella with a crispy rice layer (socca) is a must-try. And don't miss out on the decadent pumpkin cheesecake with whipped crème fraiche for a sweet finish.

While the bone marrow and beef tartare may have been a slight misstep for some customers, the overall dining experience at Pretty to Think So is one to remember. With a stellar supply chain ensuring the freshest ingredients, the culinary talent shines through in every dish.

Despite some minor complaints about dim lighting, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with customers praising the excellent service, diverse menu options, and the cozy atmosphere. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable dining experience in the Hudson Valley, Pretty to Think So is a definite must-visit.