Rabbit and Turtle Pub Returns to Poughkeepsie
Since closing eight months after its original opening in 2015, the pub has re-opened with new management, the same unique dining experience and an updated menu.
At the grand re-opening of Rabbit and Turtle Pub on Friday, March 3, manager Jean-Luc says, “It was packed, packed, packed. You couldn’t even walk through the place.” The pub welcomed back locals and newcomers alike with Mayor Rolison in attendance and a live band entertaining the crowd.
After leaving a previous partnership, owner Pascal Graff has revitalized the pub in the same prime location of Main Street, Poughkeepsie. The concept of the establishment remains: half of the building is dedicated to a casual bar scene while the other half serves as a sit-down dining area.
The “rabbit” area of the pub features a bar with 10 draft beers, high top tables with ice buckets and bottle openers built in, and speakers on the ceiling for upbeat music to play. The “turtle” space provides formal dining with low tables, intricately folded napkins and dimmed music and lighting.
“There are two atmospheres in the same place,” explains Jean-Luc. “You can come if you’re in a rush and just want to grab a drink with friends, or have a nice, quiet meal and relax.”
Previously, the pub featured two different menus for the individual rabbit and turtle spaces. Now they return with one menu, which Jean-Luc explains as “simple and straightforward, what you would expect for a pub, and cheaper than before.”
During its first week of business, the most popular dish was a pot belly pork served with greens and chipotle honey. Other starters include crispy calamari, truffle fries, wings, crab cakes and fish tacos. Guests can order a series of upscale entrees including Moroccan lamb with cavatelli, steak tartare and mussels. The menu also features soups, salads, burgers and comfort foods like mac & cheese and shepherd’s pie.
Their extensive drink menu features signature cocktails, imported and local bottled beers and a wine list of both red and white selections. Jean-Luc recommends the “Berry Me” cocktail, prepared with citrus vodka, limoncello, raspberries and pomegranate juice, served in a martini glass.
“It’s a pub but not a dive,” says Jean-Luc of the ambiance. He points to the wooden panels, customized wall hangings and oversized light fixtures. He explains that the restaurant is not expensive considering the aesthetically pleasing decor that fills the space.
In the future, the pub plans to have live music every weekend. They tentatively expect a band to entertain the rabbit area, while a single musician plays for the turtle guests.
The Rabbit and Turtle Pub celebrates happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. every Monday through Friday. Their menu offers $3 draft beers, $5 well drinks, discounted wine and hor d’oeuvres on the house.
Their hours of operation are 4–11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight on Friday and Saturday, and closed on Sundays. They are located at 302 Main Street, Poughkeepsie.
