View from The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls on the Patio

We late-lunched with our Cold Spring friends yesterday at The Roundhouse patio at Beacon Falls, and yes, the view is that great, and the sound of the waterfall transports you to yet another side of Beacon. Don't let those empty tables in the picture fool you - it was quite packed while we were eating, and our party and those around us have finished and aren't sitting there anymore.

Yesterday was a most ideal Saturday: started at Crumb for an early chicken sandwich lunch on their back garden patio while I did a little mom-preneur work while my husband watched Ruby. Then moseyed on down to Bank Square for a lovely iced vanilla latte to cruise through the rest of my work, then received a text from hubby that we were all meeting at The Roundhouse and that he was already in the parking lot to pick me up, followed by a quick stop at Vintage Cafe for a delicious grilled cheese and fruit cup for young Ruby whose daddy thought she could order off the sophisticated menu at The Roundhouse, followed by a trip back to Vintage for pie because it looked so good when I was picking up the grilled cheese.

But I digress, as you want to read about The Roundhouse! Very Manhattan and minimalist - so far. The views are amazing. No matter what side of the table you're sitting on, you will gaze at something pleasing. Either the Beacon Falls, or the bar which is a dark brown wood (very modern and clean looking), or the sloping side of Main Street since the restaurant is nestled into the river bed, or the rugged construction look of work being done to round out the old building structure for the real future restaurant.

The waitress was apologetic while setting our table with paper and plastic dining tools, explaining that they aren't the real deal yet, with their "makeshift" kitchen in the back, you can see as you walk down the steps descending onto the patio. It might be the best makeshift kitchen around, as it churns out scallops with a touch of bacon in a cream sauce, fried pig (this had a fancier name I cannot remember). I get the feeling from their Facebook page, that the menu changes weekly, or at least from time to time with fresh, seasonal specials. They offer craft beers and artisanal cocktails, yet we went with an easy bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. I didn't get to gaze at the drink menu, as I was arms full with Ruby.

So far, The Roundhouse is kid friendly (although you'd want to go there to relax and enjoy the view) in that Ruby could run up and down the steps, yet wanted desperately into that kitchen. I saw two mom-friends, with kids, meeting friends and family. Menu-wise, it's pretty sophisticated (or, the version at 2:30pm is). Even the fries had an upscale cheese squiggle on them, and were delicious. There is a cheeseburger, but we haven't tried it yet. I had the scallops, and my friend the tuna ceviche and fresh tomatoes.

Our takeaway was that The Roundhouse was definitely going to be an "it" place to be, where you'll need reservations. They don't take reservations yet and are very accommodating. Their Facebook page already has 1200 fans who are very involved with the page. Another good sign. This is absolutely a place you want to come to relax and enjoy a cold drink or bottle of wine with friends in serenity.