Foster's Coach House Tavern

My sister-in-law had her baby nearby in Rhinebeck so my fiance's family and I ducked out for an early dinner while visiting one weekend. At first we were a little skeptical as it was super dark inside and we were bringing a very fussy 4 year old with us. A waitress assured us they had food choices for her so we were sold and asked to sit outside as it was gorgeous out.

Our waitress outside was very pleasant and accommodating. Everyone's food came quickly and was delicious. Our table formed kind of a natural playpen with the stonewall outside and we were able to corral the four year old in to her own little play area. Thus keeping the wait staff, toddler, and ourselves all happy. The inside of the restaurant is neat as well. Definitely worth a stop if you are in town.

Foodies should avoid -- for locals only.

I remember Foster's as being a charming, cozy local pub w/ good service and reasonably priced food.  The last two times we returned -for lunch last October and again last December- something had changed.  The food was more expensive, but the quality had gone downhill and the portions got smaller.  My French Onion soup was watery and greasy, not at all like the soup I used to get there.   My husband got the French Dip, which he said used to be tastier and better prepared.  The service was almost non-existant.  The waitress took forever to take our orders and was  abrupt;  not even a smile.  I had to get up and ask another table for salt and pepper.  After ignoring my waving at her, I also got up and went to the waitress's station to get a pitcher of water for our table.  I had to ask another server to get her to bring us our check.  She left the dirty dishes on our table without removing them.  To my mind, all of this is totally unexcusable in any restaurant with waiter/waitress service.  The ladies' room was badly lit and not clean.  In fact, the whole place looked grimy.  We were extremely disappointed that what used to be one of our favorite places in Rhinebeck has lost it's touch and it's personality.  You can get much better food and service for the same price almost anywhere else in Rhinebeck.  Or Hudson or Saugerties or Woodstock, for that matter.