When you think about the Gunk Haus in Highland, NY, certain images immediately come to mind: the warm, rustic wooden interiors, the stunning panoramic views of the Shawangunk Ridge (lovingly referred to as “The Gunks”), and the smells of German cuisine wafting from the kitchen—goulash, spaetzle, schnitzel, you name it. It wasn’t just a restaurant, though. Gunk Haus was a fixture for both locals and visitors alike, especially for the rock-climbing community that used it as a post-climb hangout spot. This place had heart, soul, and the kind of charm that makes you feel at home, even if you're just passing through.
But as with all good things, change was inevitable. After years of serving up cozy Bavarian fare and giving people a reason to venture out into the "middle of nowhere," Gunk Haus closed its doors for good in 2023, leaving a gap in the Hudson Valley's restaurant scene. For many, it felt like losing a piece of the region's culinary and cultural fabric. And just to twist the knife a little deeper, the closure happened right before Oktoberfest season—a time when places like Gunk Haus really came alive with oompah music, steins of beer, and the comforting coziness of German comfort food.
Gunk Haus wasn’t just popular with foodies—it was a beloved destination for the climbing community. Nestled near the Shawangunk Ridge, a world-renowned climbing destination, it became the go-to place for climbers to refuel and relax after scaling the cliffs. Picture this: you’ve spent hours tackling some of the most beautiful and challenging climbs on the East Coast, and after packing up your gear, you head to Gunk Haus, where the food is hearty, the beers are cold, and the views are as breathtaking as the climbs themselves. It was the kind of place where the day's adventures were shared over a pint, and plans for the next climb were made while digging into a massive plate of bratwurst.
The restaurant had built a loyal following since it opened in 2012, run by chef Elizabeth Steckel and her husband Dirk Schalle. Together, they transformed an 1830s building into a vibrant German-inspired gastropub, filled with warmth and a family-friendly atmosphere. They weren’t just restaurateurs—they were passionate about German food and culture, bringing a little slice of Bavaria to the Hudson Valley. Over the years, Gunk Haus earned numerous accolades, including awards for the best burger, best German restaurant, and best view in the area.
Yet despite the love and loyalty from the community, Gunk Haus faced challenges that no amount of sauerkraut or schnitzel could fix. In 2020, disaster struck when a car crashed into the restaurant, setting it on fire. At a time when many restaurants were already struggling due to pandemic-related shutdowns, this was a devastating blow. The community rallied around the owners, raising over $30,000 to help with the repairs, but after reopening in 2021, it became clear that the road to recovery was long and difficult. By 2023, the owners made the difficult decision to sell the business, officially closing the doors Sept 1st 2024 to one of the Hudson Valley’s most beloved German restaurants.
Now, the space is set for a new chapter. Enter Mill House Brewing Company, a name that’s well-known in the Hudson Valley for their craft beers and excellent food. They’ve taken over the Gunk Haus property and are planning to reopen it as *The Ridge by Mill House*. The new restaurant will still boast those incredible Shawangunk Ridge views, but the menu will shift away from German classics in favor of modern American fare, showcasing local ingredients from the Hudson Valley. While it’s hard to say goodbye to the goulash and schnitzel, there’s excitement in the air about what’s to come.
But let's be real: not everyone is thrilled. Any time a beloved institution undergoes such a significant change, there are bound to be mixed feelings. The loss of the Gunk Haus hits especially hard for those who held it dear, whether because it was their favorite local restaurant or because it was an integral part of the climbing community's post-adventure ritual. That’s a tough legacy to live up to, but Mill House Brewing seems to be approaching this new venture with a sense of respect for the space’s history while injecting their own twist.
From what we know, *The Ridge* will feature a rotating menu of creative dishes with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients, and of course, plenty of craft beers. They’re updating the interiors to match their aesthetic while keeping the rustic, welcoming vibe that made Gunk Haus so special. The goal is to create a place that’s as much about the views and the atmosphere as it is about the food.
While the Mill House team is certainly known for their culinary chops, this transformation is about more than just what’s on the plate. It’s about creating a new community hub where people can come together, whether they’re climbers fresh off the ridge or locals looking for a new go-to spot. Will *The Ridge by Mill House* become the new favorite for both longtime fans of the space and new visitors alike? Only time will tell.
For me, the Gunk Haus was a place that felt like home, even if I was just there for an afternoon. I’ll never forget sitting on the deck with a cold beer, watching the sunset over the ridge after a long day of exploring. It’s the kind of memory that sticks with you—warm, golden light filtering through the trees, laughter in the background, and the feeling that you’ve found a hidden gem in the middle of the Hudson Valley. Sure, *The Ridge* will be different, but sometimes change brings new opportunities to create memories that are just as special.
As *The Ridge by Mill House* prepares to open, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. Yes, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the Gunk Haus we all knew and loved, but there’s also excitement for what this new chapter will bring. Mill House Brewing has a reputation for quality, and with those views of the Gunks still front and center, there’s no doubt that this new venture will become a destination in its own right.
So, here’s to new beginnings. Whether you’re a climber, a foodie, or just someone looking for a great spot to unwind, *The Ridge by Mill House* promises to deliver an experience that’s every bit as memorable as the Gunk Haus. Will it live up to the legacy? We’ll have to wait and see, but one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be one hell of a view.
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