I had a delicious dinner at O'Leary's Restaurant in Red Hook a few weeks ago. The restaurant will soon be changing its name to Painted Bistro. My foodie friend Lorrie recommended it to me long time ago. I think the new name is fitting as the beautiful paintings by Mark O'Leary give it a very artist ambiance, and doesn't feel like a dark pub. The small room next to the restrooms is a make-shift art studio. It looks like the artist got up and left in the middle of a painting. (Sorry I didn't take a photo of this).
I started with the steamed artichoke, and Tom had the fried calamari. Both appetizers were very good. I would have preferred an overstuffed artichoke with a lot breadcrumbs and gooey cheese, but I suppose a steamed artichoke is healthier. We also shared a delicious caesar salad.
For my main course I ordered the mushroom burger and Tom had the real thing, the bistro burger. Our server mentioned three different desserts, and then insisted we get the apple tart. He winked at us, which I took as a signal that the other desserts were so-so. Anyway, I'm not one to argue with an opinionated server. The restaurant doesn't have a real website at the moment. O'Leary's Restaurant, 7100 Albany Post Road, Rhinebeck, NY (845) 758-2267
