The Big Cheese

We were visiting New Paltz and rode the Rail Trail bike path to Rosendale and had a beautiful, home-cooked, quality lunch at the Big Cheese. Everything looked so good so we ordered many items that were all delicious and above what we expected. Everything was authentic - the rice Dolmades, the spanakopita, mung beans patties, hearty chicken noodle soup, chana aloo w Mujaddara, salad, and a little lamb. The focaccia bread was fresh and airy. There are many different cultures represented here. Indian, Greek, etc. It is also a grocery store to purchase fine international (and better/clean US brands) products and even Tates chocolate chip cookies! Many homemade desserts from baklava to blondies. Cute thrift shop in the back. We chatted with the owner, Trevor, who was more than happy to discuss

We have loved going to the big cheese for years! Getting platters after a nice hike in the parking lot behind the shop. Tasty food including lots of options for vegans. Local cheeses and provisions. Recently we got catering for 16 people for Passover and it was DELICIOUS! Good price and wonderful variety of salads and lots of Israeli dishes. Our favorite was the eggplant. Will always recommend this place!

This place is great. We stayed in town for 4 days and came here 4 times if that says anything. It was a delightful breakfast each time. The food was great and you couldn’t beat the price. They sell a lot of produce and other food items as well, which some can be quite pricey, but they are high quality. We bought some cheese and it was absolutely amazing. There is a really cute thrift store in the back. Just a few clothing items but fun to look at while you’re waiting on your food. Very dog friendly. They let us bring them inside and we loved that. I get it’s not some peoples vibe but eh, you’ll get over it. It’s great - keep loving dogs. Highly recommend and don’t neglect all of their cheeses!!

Quaint place. Food was good but took a half hour for an egg sandwich. Cook was new and not good. Bad food safety habits. She was eating while cooking our food. Witnessed her drop food on the floor and use. Grabbed salad with bare hands that she was eating with. Woman taking our orders with pony tail was very friendly and if it wasn't for her we would have left. She was pleasant and accommodating. The other woman kept arguing with her in front of customers. Very rude. Shop had produce, processed foods, coffee, cheeses. Also sold clothes in the back. Very disorganized place. No focus. It has tables inside and outside. They allowed pets inside, again unsanitary for food establishment.

Lovely café! Friendly and polite staff, tasty food and desserts, and great coffee. Cozy atmosphere and things for kids to do. Perfect spot for families!