Unclebrother

Unclebrother in Hancock in a vintage car dealership building is part art gallery and part restaurant.

“To get to Unclebrother from Livingston Manor, you’ll drive 30 minutes to Hancock, NY, where many of the houses on the outskirts seemed to be for sale or at risk of falling into the river. It seems unusual that you’ll be stopping in front of a converted motor vehicle repair shop, but that’s the fun of Unclebrother, an unassuming restaurant and gallery that served me one of the best meals I’ve had in my life. Opened by artist Rirkrit Tiravanija, who is known for incorporating cooking into his conceptual art, along with his art dealer, Gavin Brown, who both have had summer houses in the area for years, the restaurant is more of a community space. First, you pay $25 per person at the cashier and then you take a seat and wait for the food to come out.

There’s a set menu that changes every night, and if you’d like a cocktail (Negroni, on the night we went) or wine or beer, you can order that at the bar. You can sit at long tables outside where kids are playing tag, and big dogs are giving sloppy licks, or inside where the garage doors have been flung open. The communal tables add to the atmosphere where a multi-generational, diverse group of artists, grandmothers, cool kids, locals, and friends come together to eat. We were there on Fried Chicken Sunday, and started with a Wild Chickweed Thai Salad with Peanut Dressing, followed by a bowl of curry (a staple of the changing menu), then, 45 minutes later, out came two enormous pieces of Fried Chicken with curry sauce, panang potatoes, and a Thai Corn Salad. I’m not normally crazy for fried chicken, but this was sensational—and completely worth the wait.

Remember, you’re upstate to relax, get another drink and sink into the chill vibes. Dessert was a Tres Leches cake which wasn’t too sweet or heavy after such a dense meal. Afterward, we walked it off with a tour of the small gallery. Unclebrother is only open in the summer, only on Friday through Sunday, and only from 6pm-9pm, through Labor Day.”– Brooklyn Based

They’re open all summer and serve Pad Thai, curries, and drinks. The menu is 5 course fixed price. Set menu, set price. You might show up on an Italian night, or a Nachos and grilled shrimp night. At Unclebrother, you never know.

Be sure to order one of their fabulous gelatos, or get there in time (early!) for a piece of fresh fruit pie.

Outdoor dining is super Fido friendly!

“Google it and you will find a write up in the New York Times. And yes, it is in Hancock, I know surprising. The place is unique and worth the trip. We have done brunch twice and the food was amazing both times. Fresh, filling, local when possible. The menu is set, with a few choices, so you have to be brave and try new things. But amazing things! The staff is super friendly. Worth the drive!”