Cave Mountain Brewing Company

Brewery, Bar, Eatery

5359 Rt. 23 (Main Street)
Windham, New York, 12496
United States

// CLOSED //
BEER STATS
Average:
3.83
Beers:
15
Ratings:
29
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.49
Reviews:
9
Ratings:
17
pDev:
20.63%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by shaff01:
Photo of shaff01
Reviewed by shaff01 from New York

1.95/5  rDev -44.1%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2 | service: 1.5 | selection: 1.5 | food: 3
Both the beer and food were decent and I'm sure at any given time this would be a nice place to stop. Sadly when I went was not that time.

Our waitress was in a grumpy mood or so it seemed and took it out on us with barely a word as she plunked down our first round. (this continued with each round and our food) Although this is a brew pub we were refused a sampler flight because this was a busy weekend and it was going to get busy later (we were there about 5pm and they were not even full yet) .

Also because it was a busy weekend all our craft beer came in plastic cups and our food was served on paper plates.

We were in town for the Warrior Dash as were lots of people I assume, so the management took this opportunity to showcase their place to a lot of out of town visitors by limiting choices and serving food and drinks like we were at a frat picnic.

In spit of all this my wife and I ordered a total of 5 beers and split them to try all the house beers. There was one we did not order but wanted to try a taste of and we were flat out refused-this after ordering 5 full price beers!

I did not ask the cost of a beer when we started, I know what a draft should cost in an upstate NY town, especially when served in a plastic cup. I was shock to see this place charges $6 for a draft beer that I doubt was even a full pint. I do not know if this is the regular price or the Out of town gouge and screw price.

Our total bill was over $65 for 2 sammies, an order of fries and 5 beers. I thought about it after we left. I should have questioned it then but we just wanted to leave. We never once felt welcome there.

We'll be in town for the Warrior Dash again next year, but will be passing up Cave Mountain.
Aug 13, 2012
More User Ratings:
Photo of shoretaxi
Reviewed by shoretaxi from New Jersey

3.28/5  rDev -6%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 2.5
Wow didn't even know they had their own beers all we saw on the menu was other brewery's beers .Think I ordered wrong for food to had the pulled pork was pretty tasteless .Was a cool old building and atmosphere was great and quick and friendly service . Will have to try again I think .
Jul 26, 2017
 
Rated: 5 by JMili from New York

Mar 08, 2016
 
Rated: 3.96 by SonictheBeerhog from New York

Feb 01, 2016
 
Rated: 2.23 by smi69 from New York

Jan 24, 2016
Photo of dangelop
Reviewed by dangelop from New York

3.86/5  rDev +10.6%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75 | food: 4.25
Solid stop in an area with VERY few other options.
The food is actually surprisingly good - solid burgers, good cuban sandwich etc.
beers arent going to change your life but its a decent selection with some of their darker beers - english mild, oatmeal stout etc having a bit of an edge over the others - makes sense as they seem to cater more towards the cold weather crowds.
Aug 26, 2015
 
Rated: 3.48 by gwiedman1 from New York

Aug 11, 2015
 
Rated: 3.69 by JBix from New York

Jan 25, 2015
 
Rated: 3 by traxstar7 from Texas

Jul 17, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Ardeer from New York

Jul 16, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by mrskunk from Connecticut

Jan 17, 2014
Photo of madmanjf
Reviewed by madmanjf from New York

3.03/5  rDev -13.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 2 | service: 4 | selection: 2.5 | food: 4
==== Update October 2010

Returned with disappointment. The special/seasonal beer has been replaced with guest taps from across the country. The in-house brew choices were a little lacking, and could not really understand why they'd have a Fruit Wit at this time of year.

I went with the IPA. It was clearly coming from the bottom of the tank with a tremendous amount of debris suspended in it. There were even small pieces of hop leaves sticking to the edge of the glass, and I do not believe it was because the beer was Dry-Hopped. Bartender did offer to try pouring me a new IPA, but I declined knowing that it would just get worse instead of better, and I was correct ... witnessed the next pour that was ordered by the guy next to me.

I've read recently that the original brewer is no longer there and that the owner has taken over. See Yankee Brewnews for exact details.

Food was still decent as described below.

==== Original Review Jan 2010 Rated: A-

Stopped off here on a Sunday for lunch; and let me say, it was freakin' cold!!!

All their beer on tap is their own; they had about six all-year beers plus six seasonal selections. Since this was my first visit, I started with a flight ... $6 for six 5-oz pours which is extremely reasonable.

The board suggested that the flight had to be all from the Year-Round or Seasonal list; however, before I had a chance to say anything he offered that I could pick-and-choose, which, is exactly what I did.

My custom flight consisted of an ESB, Pale Ale, Irish Red, English Brown, Double-IPA and Oatmeal Stout. Oddly, the Pale and ESB were Seasonal while a German Hefe (which I did not have) was a Year-Round offering. I think this should be swapped with the pale. They had an IPA on, but it was not pouring properly so I'll have to try that on a return trip.

I won't review each beer... not fair since I was doing a flight. I will say that they were all well done except for the ESB which was way off IMO. The Pale Ale and Double IPA were very well done, and the others I had were worthy as well.

After my flight, I had a full pint of the Pale Ale. Again, I certainly hope they consider transferring this to the Year-Round offering. It was fresh and floral in aroma and made for an excellent session beer.

They have a nice menu; simple yet diversified with quite a few selections. Everything is made in a small open kitchen adjacent to the bar. I had an excellent half-pound burger with fries.

I only had one constructive criticism. Remember I said how COLD it was? Well, they have a trap door in the floor behind the bar which is how they gain access to the basement. While down there, they leave that door up and one hell of a cold draft (no pun intended) comes up. I didn't say anything because I can see why they leave it open and I'm guessing it was only a big issue that day because of the extreme temps outside.

So with Brewpubs, the trick is both Beer and Food done well. They do this here and do it well. If you're traveling on the NYS Thruway and are up for a diversion, it's worth the scenic drive up the mountain.

I look forward to going back again soon.... perhaps when it's a bit warmer outside :)
Oct 29, 2010
Photo of rikatine
Reviewed by rikatine from New York

3.3/5  rDev -5.4%
vibe: 2 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 3 | food: 4
Decided to take a road trip on a Sunday afternoon. Wanted to try the Black IPA, but it had run out the day before. The bar maid suggested the oatmeal stout if we like dark beers, which, as we know, is nothing like a black IPA. Instead we had the Centennial IPA . We both thought it was good. When we asked about the beer flight, we were told we could not make any substitutions, even though we offered to pay extra. Not customer friendly in our opinion. If they have a blonde we know we don't want, why not sub out another of the house brews. Also tried the Double IPA. Thought it was good, but not enough hops in the nose. Also managed to get a taste of the Hop Wheat and the Oatmeal Stout. Both were good. So make no mistake the beers we tasted were good.

We had an order of wings, and a steak caesar salad, both were good. Thought the $15 salad should qualify for a real plate, not a paper plate. Just thought it was a bit odd.

Took home a growler of the Centennial for $10.

Overall, the server was attentive and nice, but not overly knowledgeable about the beer. Also, they say that they have $2 pints on Sundays, not so. Only after 4:00, which it does not mention on their website. Not a road trip worthy destination in our opinion.
Aug 16, 2010
Photo of TeddyBrew
Reviewed by TeddyBrew from California

4.44/5  rDev +27.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
I was in Windham for the second weekend in a row, and finally stopped in this place just as they were opening on a Sunday.

I was VERY pleased and here's why:

-Greeted by a friendly and pretty barmaid who was all to glad to make some substitutions on my six beer flight (I swapped out a lager and something else for two specials, the DIPA and Black IPA).

-The flight was a very good bargain at $8 and served in glasses that were very ample. They were large enough to give you feel for each beer. I almost never go for flights...I just say why bother. But here it was an efficient way to try the brewery's offerings.

-All beers were at least "good". A few were "excellent". The Oatmeal Stout was very solid. The DIPA and the Centenial IPA were delicious. The Black IPA hit its mark...tasted like a hoppy swartz beer...very nice. The Brown Ale was just so, so...but I never like brown ales that much. And the wheat beer was delicious, even though I generally don't go for wheats.

-I got a growler of the Centenial IPA to go from our lovely server. Priced right at $10! This IPA is nicely balanced and reminds me of a 60 Minute (better yet, a 75 Minute) or a Racer 5.

I have never heard of this brewery and I would guess they put out a modest volume of beer. They certainly don't distribute down to New York City. The beer is fresh and top-notch. Check this place out if you are in the Catskills!

Oh, one nit. I was skeptical that this was a "real" brewpub given that they had at least one piece of macro-signage out front. Ignore that, they make great beer of their own and have a bigger selection than I have mentioned.

Another plus is the pleasant, clean atmosphere with just enough memorbilia...not cluttered at all. Very cool can collection in the "can".
Aug 10, 2010
Photo of Billolick
Reviewed by Billolick from New York

4.05/5  rDev +16%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Cave Mountain Windham, NY

On the main drag of downtown Windham, just a few minutes from Windham ski area, this place was a very pleasant surprise. Two rectangular rooms, one with the bar and one the main dining room with a comfy couch area. Flat screens in both to watch the game. They had about 6 of their own brews on tap and for growler pours. They also have a bunch of space waster bottles. Typical pub grub, including large tasty looking burgers that are grilled on an open grill next to the bar. Got to love $2 pints on Saturday afternoon, as the sun is going down and the Jet game is on. A lot of specials, micro brewed beer, live music several nights of the week, friendly staff, mellow and comfortable atmosphere, add it all up and I would be in this place many times a week if I was local
Feb 14, 2010
Photo of ellflle
Reviewed by ellflle from Rhode Island

3.33/5  rDev -4.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5 | food: 2
I did want to like this establishment. It's in a great town, and in a great location. The beers are middling in quality for a reasonable price. The Irish red ale style was respectable, the English Nut Brown ale had a strange but good mineral tang. The pub food was pricey, the dining room was painfully noisy and unwelcoming. The seating is uncomfortable and there are too many big TVs, with 2 different radio stations overlapping. Serving chicken wraps and potato sticks without silverware is rude. The staff are good looking and cheerful, (but at least at lunch time, a bit spaced out). I think they can do better, and may, given more development time. If you are near (or passing through) give it a try.
Aug 15, 2009
Photo of slander
Reviewed by slander from New York

3.93/5  rDev +12.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
And a happy new year to you too. Simple Saturday 'scursion, Philly (drop off Randy), Syracuse, and then the Albany area with some this and that back along the way, mostly not even so. It'll be a 5 brewpub day, and we had to work for this one, but that's what we get paid for, right? Oh, wait...

Sweet street spot got and we dodged some parties to get in quickly. Well timed at that, as a flood of people came in behind us and found themselves standing, while we snagged us one of 3 raised roundy table just inside the door below the big front windows over Main Street. It's a tight & tiny little 500 square feet of a storefront and the place next door real soon, on a strip of more of the same, at the foot of a mountain Windham.

"L" shaped wood bar seating nearly a dozen, it's barback counter holding tiered booze, what else would it do? Blackboards above to both sides of a large center flatscreen; one listing tap selections, bottles, wines, martinis, margaritas; the other listing specials, brewery shwag & growler pricing. Stuccoey walls & ceiling done red, and creaky slat floorboards below your toes. The walls and boards trimmed in spruce garland, dangling Xmas balls abound. Strung holiday lighting, wreathes, ribbons, dangle balls of all sizes, the periodic snowflake, and bunches of them silver ball things (what do they call that?) A small bar counter sits forward the bar below a brewery logo placard and a single table to the rear with views of the "wee equipment" single barrel brew room. 5 booths on the wall adjacent to the bar with windows above to the soon to be opened other side (the next door will hold seating and an area for band set up).

Slight menu holds snacks and apps, wraps and sandwiches. I'm thinking I will defeat the giant salted pretzel (I ain't going to be laughed at by no giant pretzel, no). Foodings are dealt in a small kitcheny area just past the bar; I can see the goings on there. What the, holy fuck, that's a big pretzel, and the bitch was laughing at me, and I just sat there and took it. Steady. Steady. Show no fear. Easy for you to say, Dave, you're having the fish fry.

12 tap tower on the bar and a little barrel of the house root beer. 6 full timers (American Blonde, 5.5%, with a grainy nose; Irish Red, 5.5%, fair to meddling; English Nut Brown Ale, 6%, pleasant, with a decent maltiness there; German Hefe, 6.7%, more citrus than banana bomb; Centennial IPA, 8.5%, tasty, and yes!; Oatmeal Stout, 5.6%, not really stouty but has bitter niceties as it warmed), and 6 seasonals (Hemp Seed Ale, very buckwheatesque; Roggenbier, really tasty as it warmed; Rye IPA, spicy, good nose, quite nice; Oaked Hard Cider, um, surprisingly surprising; Bock, strange appleness, and no, it was not on the heels of the cider; Raspberry wheat, non cloying, non bad). Centennial IPA is hands down, the goddamn winner. "Landslide", agrees Dave, although you should never say that word aloud on a ski mountain. Also liked the English Nut Brown Ale, Roggenbier & Rye IPA.

Music is piped in from I don't know where they play Pink Floyd and Country intermingled but, from there. It was half good and half not, the Country being that which was not. And servicewise, although having much room to cover, she was attentive, pleasant, and smelled nicely of shampoo. I like a girl who washes her hair.

People to the left of us were entertained by all my little glasses (it's called "a sampler"), guy to the right of me sitting by himself with a glass of wine on the table across from him, like there was someone there to drink it, which there wasn't. Got creepy fast, we wondered about his deal. Well well well into my sampler, his lady friend showed up, we were relieved and told him so. Got talking some, they're retired and living on a ski mountain, good old beer people, travelers like ourselves but not as cool as we.

Off to a good start, me thinks, we thinks. A place to see if you ski here, TAP in the Spring, or are up in Tville to get your licorice on.
Jan 31, 2009
Cave Mountain Brewing Company in Windham, NY
Brewery rating: 3.83 out of 5 with 29 ratings