For the fourth year in a row, readers of the River Reporter have voted The Homestead Restaurant + Lounge at The Eldred Preserve Best Fine Dining, recognizing the restaurant once again in the publication’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.
This latest win reinforces what guests have come to expect from The Homestead: seasonal menus, farm-to-table influences, and service built around an elevated guest experience—a combination that continues to draw both locals and visitors to The Eldred Preserve.
“Consistency is the hardest thing to achieve in the hospitality industry,” said Scott Samuelson, Chief Operating Officer of The Eldred Preserve. “To be recognized by the River Reporter’s Readers’ Choice Awards for four straight years tells us our commitment to an elevated guest experience is resonating.”
Over the past year, that commitment has shown up not only on the plate, but in the guest experience. In 2025, The Homestead introduced Smokehouse Supper + Song, a Thursday-night summer series featuring BBQ favorites and live acoustic music. Heading into winter, the restaurant expanded its lineup of weekly offerings, including Prime Rib Sundays, a chef-curated three-course Friday prix fixe, and a popular Thursday Burger BOGO.
The River Reporter’s “Best Of” awards are driven entirely by community votes—making this fourth consecutive win especially meaningful. With another Best Fine Dining title, The Homestead continues to stand out as a go-to destination for celebrations, milestones, and memorable nights out in the Sullivan Catskills.
Beyond the dining room, The Eldred Preserve offers a complete escape—pairing elevated hospitality with the natural beauty of its grounds and accommodations—further cementing its place among the region’s standout destinations.