July 22nd, 2008 By Jenna Walker
Newburgh Review: Cafe Newburgh
Having been at Tin Fish just down the street many times, and we decided to travel a bit further down the street to Cafe Newburgh. We first tried to go on Monday, only to find out that they were closed on Mondays, so we returned on Wednesday.
The building initially appeared small, but going in, it opened up into 3 small rooms, as well as a back porch. There is definitely old charm to Cafe Newburgh with its original brick walls, dark wood floors, and high ceilings (that seemed to be covered in wallpaper). I definitely was enjoying that charm, but wish the tables had fit in more. They seemed to be just the standard “cheap eats” table covered with a white plastic tablecloth.
We were told to choose our seat, and were quickly presented with a menu. It wasn’t entirely what I expected: the 3 main categories that took up the vast majority of the menu were grinders, sandwiches, and hot dogs. Sandwiches & grinders all seemed to be the basic variety, choices of turkey, ham, roast beef, salami, etc. The hot dogs were slightly more different, ranging from the traditional to German/Austria style. There seemed to be very few other choices in terms of salad, burgers, and more.
I ordered a chicken salad sandwich on wheat, and it came served with chips and a pickle. I couldn’t figure out what an unpleasant sweet taste was. I thought at first that it was juice in the chicken salad, but later settled that it was a strong tasting honey-wheat bread. Once I focused on the flavor of the chicken salad, it was entirely bland without a hint of flavor. He tried one of the hot dogs, the Gourmet Dog, that was topped with fried onions, lettuce, and sour cream and substituted the potato fries instead of chips. He said his was alright, but we both had one complaint. The hot dog, while huge and thick, had a very thick bright red natural casing that snapped loudly with each bite. I guess some people like this, but we thought it should have been removed. Had I ordered a hot dog and it came out like this, I wouldn’t have eaten it for the life of me. We ordered a chocolate-chocolate chip cookie, which came out large, thick, and hot. It was the saving grace of our lunch.
Overall, it was completely different from what I had expected, but not a pleasant surprise. The food was nothing I couldn’t make at home, and mine had no flavor. Although the cookie and old charm was nice, I won’t be going back there just for that.
Cafe Newburgh is located at 17 W Jenning Street. (812) 842-2991. Tues-Sun, lunch & dinner.
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Cafe Newburgh was a fantastic gourmet-but-affordable restaurant until a change in ownership this year. Now, it’s just grilled cheese and beer.
I’ve read stuff like that. I was looking some stuff up online about it and kept reading about stuff like “tenderloin with orange sauce” … “blackened salmon”…..”sirloin salad…” and I thought certainly it couldn’t have turned from that to this. What a shame. Absolute shame.
I was at Cafe Newburgh this weekend and the menu surprised me too; a very kid friendly menu. And there were many kids there. It’s a good lunch place if you want a sandwich, but definately not a place for a nice dinner.
My big thing there or anywhere for that matter is good Food & Atmosphere and good Accessability because I am partially Disabled. When I say partially, I mean I use a walker most of the time.
Anyway, the food there is ok, but my hubby & I like to eat there either in the Spring or Fall, so we can eat outside on the Balcony overlooking the Ohio.
First my hubby has to let me out on Main Street, by pulling the Car over as far as he can by/or in front of the Restruant. Then get out, to get my walker out. Then I wait for him to find a place too park & join me. Finally we go in, I find it is way to small for me to manuvever around with my walker. And it has one step to go into another room. But, I finally get out on the Balcony & sit.
By this time, I am so embarrassed by my Disability. (I see for People that walk good), they have a Beautiful walk up quite a few steps, under a Lovely tree, to enter the Restruant thru the back entrance.
I cannot comment on the bathroom. There was no way I would fight my way to that area, I would just hope I wouldn’t have to go.
As I said, Food, Atmosphere & Accessibility, are the three main aspects of going to a Restruant to me.
The Food was ok, the Atmosphere was ok, the accessibilty was bad. Im afraid, we’ll never go there again.
I don’t know about any of you but me and my wife went to Cafe Newburgh and it was fabulous. It was relaxing with a beautiful floral garden , music and the staff was so friendly. I had pork tenderloin that night along with new england style chowder that was out of this world. The new owners have put many more items on the menu not to mention they know a thing or two about more upscale dining.
As far as the hot dog goes. My wife was given a choice of casing of non casing. One has the casing and one is skinless. They also have a full bar and we will be going back really soon.
Thomas, when did you go? I went for lunch several times last Fall and this Spring. I went back in June and it was grinders and beer, no joke.
It seemed like the tenderloin, etc., was no longer on the dinner menu. Am I wrong?
Thomas, i dunno when you went, but the tenderloin was not anywhere on the menu that i saw. The owners have just changed in the last couple months and everything went from nice to sandwiches and hot dogs. Sorta sucks
I’d go back if they improved their salad offerings. The hot dog was OK, but that’s not exactly what I want to eat for lunch. If I could get some creative salads, I’d be all about going back.
From what I was told. They are changing the name and so they are in the middle of creating their new menus. They have several boards that tell you what they have though. My server told us what they had that night which was pork tenderloin , shepards pie, fish and chips and chowders. It wont make everyone happy though but it sure hits the spot for us.
The name change is official. Goodbye Cafe Newburgh. Hello Abshier Ice House
Justin,
If you like downtown Newburgh and creative salad offerings, then you should try Tootie’s at 3 Market St. (across from the Country Store). They have six or seven salads every day, along with hot sandwiches, soups and cakes/pies.
Jim–that’s actually on the list to try sometime soon! :) :)
I personally know the new owners and the staff, and so I have been able to witness firsthnad the transition from Cafe Newburgh to the Abshier Ice House. This past summer many changes were made to the restaurant and to the menu–that may have contributed to a lot of your lukewarm experiences. It has a lot of New England flair to it now, as the owners are from that area, and though it may not appeal to every taste the majority of diners love it and are regulars. And specials (tenderloins, lobster, shepards pie, etc) are not on the regular menu; because a lot of the meat is shipped in from the coast or bought from the butcher and the ingredients are fresh not frozen, the specials really depend on the season/day/price/etc.The menu has been expanded to appeal to a broader range of people, the doors are open longer, and there is live music now. If any of you were to go again I would suggest you go on a Friday or Saturday evening—and try the chowder, ask about the ghosts, and chat with the new owners! Who knows, maybe you will change your minds.