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The Prescription for Perfection: Why Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar Serves Goshen & Orange County's Best Lunch & Brunch

  • Writer: Franz Brendle
    Franz Brendle
  • Aug 14
  • 9 min read

Updated: Aug 15

Heuvos Rancheros for Brunch
Huevos Rancheros

Looking for an extraordinary midday escape or a leisurely weekend indulgence? Look no further than Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar in Goshen, NY. This isn't just another restaurant; it's a unique blend of historical reverence, captivating ambiance, and culinary mastery that truly sets it apart. Recognized as a "Top-Rated Restaurant in Orange County" , Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar offers a distinctive journey for all your senses.

Our story is deeply rooted in the past, proudly named as a tribute to the 1861 pharmacy building we now occupy. This historical connection isn't just a charming detail; it's fundamental to our identity. In Orange County's vibrant culinary scene, this authenticity and compelling backstory create a profound connection with our diners. We're not just a temporary business; we're an intrinsic part of the community's fabric, a cherished "neighborhood institution". Every visit to Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar is designed to be a holistic experience, extending far beyond the plate. Our consistent emphasis on a "unique dining experience," a "pharmacy-inspired atmosphere," "captivating visual appeal," and "creative cocktails" means you're not just getting a meal—you're getting an immersive event. This broad appeal attracts not only dedicated food enthusiasts but also those seeking memorable social gatherings, making every visit truly special.

A Dose of History & Distinctive Ambiance

Stepping into Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar is like entering a meticulously crafted narrative, where the past seamlessly blends with contemporary culinary artistry. Housed within a circa 1861 pharmacy building, our historic structure provides the perfect backdrop for our distinctive identity. The interior design is a testament to thoughtful curation, creating an "edgy, moody atmosphere" that is instantly captivating. You'll find whitewashed, punched-tin ceilings soaring overhead, while frosted pendant lights, original to the former drugstore, continue to illuminate the space with a warm, inviting glow. Floor-to-ceiling shelves, artfully painted black, ascend the wall behind our elegant quartz bar, displaying a fascinating collection of old medicine bottles and drugstore ephemera. This playful yet sophisticated integration of our theme even extends to your bill, which arrives in an actual prescription bottle – a charming and memorable touch.

The immersive pharmacy theme isn't confined to the decor; it's ingeniously woven into our very beverage program. Our skilled "Barmacists" are dedicated to crafting "exquisite elixirs" , transforming cocktail creation into a serious art form. They utilize fresh-squeezed juices, house-made bitters, and tinctures to concoct inventive "prescription" themed cocktails. You can order playfully named concoctions like "Afrin" (mezcal, peach, jalapeno, lime) or "Vitamin C" (Irish whiskey, orange, ginger, and lemon). During a period of global health consciousness, the addition of "Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J 'shots'" served in plastic syringes on gold trays with small brown paper bags, provided a clever and timely touch of humor. This deep integration of the pharmacy theme, from visual aesthetics to the nomenclature and presentation of drinks, creates a remarkably distinctive and cohesive atmosphere, setting us apart in the region.

This meticulous attention to detail is a significant factor in our reputation for excellence. When guests recount their visit, they speak not just of the delicious food, but of the entire captivating experience, which is a powerful driver of word-of-mouth recommendations and a key component in our perception as the premier choice. The inclusion of playful and timely elements, such as the "COVID humor" shots and the dramatic retrieval of top-shelf liquor via a library ladder , demonstrates our commitment to continuously enhancing the customer experience and maintaining relevance in the competitive culinary scene.

Lunch: Igniting Your Midday with Wood-Fired Wonders

The culinary heart of Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar beats with the warmth and intensity of our wood-fired grill, a cornerstone of our exceptional quality. Our Argentinian parilla grill, custom-fabricated on Long Island, is central to the kitchen, allowing our classically trained chefs to prepare something truly special. The open kitchen concept invites you to witness the artistry of your meal preparation, adding an element of engagement and transparency to your dining experience. This commitment to "live fire cooking" is more than a mere feature; it represents a core culinary philosophy. This specialized method imparts distinct, smoky flavors and exquisite textures, making dishes like our prime steaks and grilled seafood uniquely superior. This dedication to a specific, high-quality cooking technique elevates the flavor profile beyond what standard kitchens can achieve.

Our culinary team comprises "classically trained chefs" who are deeply committed to using "locally sourced ingredients and the finest meats, fish, and poultry". This dedication to quality, from the origin of ingredients to the expert execution in the kitchen, ensures freshness and supports local economies, appealing to a modern, conscious diner. This combination of skilled culinary professionals and high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients directly underpins our reputation for excellence.

Our lunch menu is both extensive and elevated, showcasing remarkable versatility and catering to a wide array of tastes. It offers a sophisticated take on midday dining, far exceeding typical lunch fare:

* Snacks & Starters: Begin your meal with enticing options like the delicate Truffled Deviled Eggs , savory Fire Grilled Clams , succulent Bacon Wrapped Fire Grilled Shrimp , or the flavorful Kung Pao Dumplings.

* Salads: For lighter fare, choose from fresh and vibrant selections such as the classic Cobb Salad, crisp Arugula Salad, or the elegant Nicóse Salad.

* Between Bread (Sandwiches): Our "Between Bread" section features elevated sandwiches, including the highly recommended Portobello Ban Mi, a "must-try" dish with fire-grilled portobello, pickled vegetables, and cilantro-garlic aioli. Other options include the robust Fire Roasted Steak Sandwich and the classic Cubano.

* Fire Grilled Burgers: Our wood-fired burgers are a highlight, with options like the signature Pharmacy Burger, the indulgent Gourmet Burger, the unique Surf and Turf Burger, and the acclaimed GOAT Burger.

* In the Bowl: For a wholesome and flavorful meal, explore our expansive "In the Bowl" selections, ranging from the vibrant Tuna Poke Bowl to the hearty Short Rib Goulash, Korean Rice Bowl, and Pulled Pork Ramen.

* Over the Flames (Steak & Seafood): The true stars of our menu are the "Over the Flames" selections. Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar boasts a "mouth-watering" array of USDA Prime Steaks, including an 18oz aged New York Strip, Filet Mignon, Ribeye, T-Bone, and an indulgent 32oz aged Porterhouse. Each steak comes with a choice of exquisite sauces or butters and a variety of potatoes or French fries. Beyond steaks, the menu features perfectly grilled options like the Grilled Rack of Lamb, Faroe Island Salmon, and Torgagashi Tuna.

* Kids Menu: Catering to all ages, a dedicated Kids Menu offers familiar favorites like Chicken Fingers and Fries, and various Penne options.

* Sides & Desserts: Complement your meal with gourmet sides such as Parmesan, Garlic, Rosemary, Lemon Fries, decadent Truffle Fries, creamy Creamed Spinach, or rich Parmesan Risotto. Conclude your experience with delightful desserts like Creme Brûlée, Chocolate Pot De Creme, or a classic NY Cheese Cake.

This impressive menu breadth allows Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar to cater to a vast range of lunch occasions, from a quick yet delicious bite to a more indulgent business lunch or a celebratory gathering. This versatility ensures that we can appeal to a larger market segment, satisfying both everyday diners and those seeking a high-end experience, which is a hallmark of a truly exceptional restaurant. The inclusion of a dedicated children's menu further broadens our appeal for family outings, making us a welcoming choice for all.

Brunch: A Weekend Elixir for the Senses

Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar transforms weekend mornings into a luxurious and celebratory affair with its elevated brunch specials, served from 12 PM to 3 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This is not merely a breakfast extension; it is a curated culinary event designed to delight and indulge.

Our brunch menu features gourmet and creative offerings that transcend typical breakfast fare:

* Huevos Rancheros: A flavorful start with sunny-side-up fried eggs, tortillas, refried black beans, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños and red onion, and a Mexican cheese blend.

* Lobster Omelette: An opulent choice, generously filled with chunks of lobster, tomatoes, and scallions, finished with a rich hollandaise sauce and served with herb-roasted fingerling potatoes.

* Steak & Eggs: A hearty and sophisticated option featuring two eggs, sliced steak, bearnaise sauce, and herbed fingerling potatoes.

* Pharmacy Omelette: A classic done right, with a three-egg omelette, chives, thyme, hardwood-smoked ham, tomatoes, and Gruyère cheese, accompanied by herbed fingerling potatoes.

* Corn Flake Crusted Challah Bread French Toast: A sweet and indulgent treat, drizzled with Nutella and served with sautéed banana.

* Eggs Napoleon: An elegant dish featuring poached eggs, sliced smoked ham, and truffle hollandaise on toasted croissant bread, served with herbed fingerling potatoes.

Beyond the exquisite dishes, Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar adds thoughtful touches that enhance the overall brunch experience. For those looking to elevate their weekend celebration, the option for bottomless mimosas is available. Or try a fantastic Bloody Mary.

A dedication to ongoing excellence guarantees a consistently exciting and high-quality brunch experience, making us a premier destination for weekend celebrations.

Beyond the Plate: Craft Cocktails & Curated Wines

The exceptional dining experience at Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar extends far beyond its culinary offerings, reaching new heights with its sophisticated beverage program. Our "Barmacists" are true artisans, dedicating themselves to the craft of mixology. They meticulously create "exquisite elixirs" using fresh-squeezed juices, house-made bitters, and tinctures, ensuring every cocktail is a masterpiece. The inventive "prescription" themed cocktails, served in unique presentations like plastic syringes or actual prescription bottles, add a playful and memorable dimension to the drinking experience. This level of dedication to mixology mirrors the kitchen's culinary philosophy, providing a complete, high-end dining and drinking experience that is rarely matched.

Complementing our inventive cocktails is a "killer wine list" featuring notable vintages from acclaimed regions, such as a 2016 Faust Cabernet from Napa, a 2017 Duckhorn Merlot, and a 2016 Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay. This curated selection is not merely extensive but represents a thoughtful commitment to quality, a fact underscored by Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar earning a prestigious 2024 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This accolade provides external validation of our superior wine program, appealing to connoisseurs and further elevating our prestige.

Our commitment to a high-end experience is further exemplified by our selection of top-shelf spirits, including rare finds like Pappy Van Winkle. The theatrical element of retrieving these bottles via a library ladder, accompanied by the ringing of a bell, adds a unique touch of luxury and exclusivity to the bar experience. To make these exceptional spirits more accessible, Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar offers "Whiskey Wednesdays," featuring a $5 ounce of special whiskeys and bourbons. This initiative introduces high-end products to a broader audience at an approachable price point, encouraging exploration and repeat visits. This demonstrates a proactive approach to customer engagement and brand building, fostering a sense of community and making the "high-end" experience more approachable, which ultimately contributes to our reputation as a top choice for both food and drink. The comprehensive and sophisticated beverage program, from handcrafted cocktails to an award-winning wine list and rare spirits, is a significant differentiator. It solidifies our identity as a destination where every detail, including the drinks, contributes to an elevated and memorable occasion.

The Verdict: Why Pharmacy is Orange County's Top Prescription

Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and a truly unique dining destination in Goshen and Orange County, NY. Our claim to offering the "best" lunch and brunch is substantiated by a convergence of innovative wood-fired cuisine, an exceptional and creatively themed cocktail program, a meticulously curated wine list, a captivating atmosphere, and attentive, knowledgeable service. Each element synergizes to create an unparalleled dining experience.

Our distinct positioning as a "casual, eclectic place with high-end food and drinks" is a deliberate and successful market strategy. We offer the quality and sophistication typically associated with fine dining, yet without the pretension, appealing to a broader demographic who appreciate culinary excellence in a relaxed setting. This unique niche differentiates us from purely formal establishments and more casual comfort-food spots, establishing us as a versatile and superior choice for various occasions.

While some patrons may note that pricing is on the higher side, the overwhelming consensus is that our "generous portions combined with outstanding flavors justify any splurge". This reframes the cost not as a drawback, but as an investment in a truly exceptional experience, appealing to a discerning clientele who prioritize value and quality over mere expense. This consistent feedback is a strong indicator of high customer satisfaction and a key argument for our premier status. We successfully communicate our value proposition, ensuring that guests perceive the experience as well worth the price.

Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar is officially recognized as a "Top-Rated Restaurant in Orange County" , a testament to our consistent delivery of excellence. Our unique attributes, such as the immersive pharmacy theme, the signature wood-fired cooking method, and the award-winning beverage program, implicitly position us above other local establishments that may offer more traditional or comfort-food focused menus. Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar distinguishes itself through its elevated approach to every aspect of the dining experience.

For anyone seeking the ultimate midday or weekend culinary indulgence in Goshen and Orange County, Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar is undoubtedly the top prescription. Come visit us and experience the difference!

 
 
 

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Pharmacy Kitchen and Bar62 West Main Street Goshen NY 10924 USA

845-606-3982

info@pharmacybarandkitchencom

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