In 1936, Frank and Eva Kozel founded the Old Post Road Tavern on the newly constructed State Route 9H. They lived in the house next door and operated a gas station as part of their new enterprise. Over time, their children would work in the ever-expanding tavern and restaurant.
Between 1960 and 1985 the restaurant continued its growth, known as a popular destination for breakfast meetings, wedding receptions, family dinners, and late-night cocktails.During this period the next generation of the Kozel family started taking the reins of operating the family business. Gus Kozel became the third-generation owner, who along with his wife, Helen, operate Kozel's Restaurant to this day.
Between 1960 and 1985 the restaurant continued its growth, known as a popular destination for breakfast meetings, wedding receptions, family dinners, and late-night cocktails.During this period the next generation of the Kozel family started taking the reins of operating the family business. Gus Kozel became the third-generation owner, who along with his wife, Helen, operate Kozel's Restaurant to this day.
Services
The name has been a highly recognizable in the beer industry since the founding of Velkopopvicky Kozel in 1874 -- the best-selling brand of beer in the Czech Republic. While we have no family relation, we are actively trying to regain access to the beer, though sales in the U.S. do not exist at the moment.
Reviews (27)
Vince Tersegno
Jan 13, 2022
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TheZoo
Dec 20, 2021
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Michael Schudlick
Nov 18, 2021
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I'd give zero stars if that was an option. What a sorry place this is. I sat at the bar in a restaurant where was less than a dozen people in the place for nearly fifteen minutes without being able to even place a lunch order before I decided to try my luck somewhere else. I hope they don't come up with the excuse they can't get help. If any business has a hard time keeping a full staff it's because they need to raise the wages they pay...
Beth Mosher
Nov 04, 2021
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Adventures Of A. Traveling Don The Traveling Don
Oct 24, 2021
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Nice pub, good portions (seriously my spaghetti dish was massive), fair prices and excellent choice of beers. Apparently a regular was celebrating something and they made a big cake for the celebration. Owner asked me (a non-attend to the party) if I wanted one of the extra pieces of cake. Was very good.
Dean Beach
Oct 04, 2021
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Todd Idonthaveone
Aug 12, 2021
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Lori Bryant
Jul 31, 2021
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Kristy S.
Jun 12, 2021
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Tonya P.
Dec 03, 2020
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We decided to support our community during Covid by ordering Thanksgiving Dinner from them by takeout. We got the dinner home, one slice of turkey in my $23.00 dinner... REALLY! I could of picked up my son's fried shrimp from the freezer section at the local grocery store instead of paying $24.00 and last but not least, the appetizers were delicious but they only gave 3 stuffed mushrooms for $6.95 and we ordered 2 clams casino for $9.95 each and received 6 small clams (so 3 small clams for each order). Very disappointed to be ripped off on a much needed holiday during this horrible year.
Ed F.
Aug 10, 2020
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Sarah L.
Mar 11, 2020
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So the decor is stuck somewhere way back in time. The design is very outdated. However, the food has always been excellent and the staff beyond friendly. Honestly, it's quite refreshing to go here as it's nice to be treated as if you matter still in a world that seems to have forgotten about basic humanity!
Bill R.
Jan 30, 2020
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Daniel Donnelly
Aug 18, 2019
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Food decent overall, fairly priced. The restaurant specializes in steak, so customers will be more impressed if they order beefsteak and variations thereof. Service competent though unknown for friendliness. Clean bathrooms and ample parking in front. No wi-fi! After his historic run for NY Governor in 2018, the Columbia County Libertarian Committee organized here and hosted Larry Sharpe on June 15th, 2019.
Rosy Y.
Nov 12, 2018
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What a horrendous dining experience we had here!
We got there at 5pm, early dinnertime for many, yet the place was deserted! (see pics) That should have tipped us off, but we wanted to stay open-minded.
Although the restaurant was completely empty, we were made to stand around for quite a while until being seated. Our server was very curt and unfriendly.
In addition to an order of wings, hubby ordered the fish and chips, while I opted for a bowl of "German sausage soup":
The wings came first, all shriveled-up and dry, like jerky, with a tiny cup of imitation, food-service "blue
We got there at 5pm, early dinnertime for many, yet the place was deserted! (see pics) That should have tipped us off, but we wanted to stay open-minded.
Although the restaurant was completely empty, we were made to stand around for quite a while until being seated. Our server was very curt and unfriendly.
In addition to an order of wings, hubby ordered the fish and chips, while I opted for a bowl of "German sausage soup":
The wings came first, all shriveled-up and dry, like jerky, with a tiny cup of imitation, food-service "blue
Theresa V.
Apr 15, 2018
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Ken P.
Apr 03, 2018
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Truly sorry to report that we were disappointed. We live in nearby Dutchess County and have noticed Kozel's in the past on our travels along that route. We made a note to make a point of going there sometime, especially since the outdoor sign says they have been in business since 1936. It looked vintage enough to pull us in. Today being my birthday we decided to go out to eat and I chose Kozel's. I really wanted to like this experience a lot, so I went in much more than open minded. The disappointment started immediately with our waitress. Our guess is she has worked there for
Michele M.
Jan 26, 2018
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Erik T.
Jul 22, 2017
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Patricia W.
Jun 26, 2017
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Jack T.
May 17, 2017
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My business associate and myself met "halfway " at Kozels for lunch and were very pleased with our meals. He had the turkey club and I had hot corned beef on rye. My corned beef was home cooked, warm, and tender- an excellent sandwich with freshly made potato salad. He stated that the club was likewise excellent, with a side of macaroni salad. Service was likewise excellent. This was the first time in25 years that either of us visited here and not much has changed. We hopefully will meet again at this convenient location!
Doreen C.
Jan 01, 2016
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I have been curious for years and finally went to kozels last night. the main dining room is a drab circus peanut orange which actually made me queasy.
they offered a "deluxe" salad bar because they were so busy and didnt have enough plates to provide composed salads. the bar was a table in the back room with wet wooden salad bowls, a bin of romaine lettuce, bowl of cherry tomatoes, some thickly slices cucumbers & croutons. i ordered broiled mixed seafood, it was horrendous, rubbery and tasted like erasers. my dinner companions were equally offended with: a T bone steak - so thin
they offered a "deluxe" salad bar because they were so busy and didnt have enough plates to provide composed salads. the bar was a table in the back room with wet wooden salad bowls, a bin of romaine lettuce, bowl of cherry tomatoes, some thickly slices cucumbers & croutons. i ordered broiled mixed seafood, it was horrendous, rubbery and tasted like erasers. my dinner companions were equally offended with: a T bone steak - so thin
Steven K.
Aug 21, 2014
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I this evening I returned to Kozel's for the first time in 15 years and am thrilled to report that it was even better than I remembered it. I ate at the bar, had a wonderful Martini made by Clayton, who has been there, he told me, for decades [now only on Wednesday]. Six clams on the half shell were fresh and briny. The calves liver was precisely medium rare and all the side dishes were perfectly prepared.
I will be back again soon.
I will be back again soon.
Hudson V.
Oct 16, 2012
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Kozel's is an old-school restaurant, the way almost all U.S. restaurants used to be before Americans discovered that there are foreign cuisines besides Italian and Chinese. That is its charm: taking a trip back in time.
The service is respectful and straightforward, like the menu. Apart from the terrific homemade pizzas served on Mondays and Thursdays, don't expect more than you would from the restaurant in an airport Marriott or Sheraton hotel. It's the kind of place where a Kiwanis Club or County Republican Committee likes to hold its regular dinner meetings or annual awards banquet
The service is respectful and straightforward, like the menu. Apart from the terrific homemade pizzas served on Mondays and Thursdays, don't expect more than you would from the restaurant in an airport Marriott or Sheraton hotel. It's the kind of place where a Kiwanis Club or County Republican Committee likes to hold its regular dinner meetings or annual awards banquet
Caesar G.
Sep 06, 2012
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Richard P.
Mar 25, 2012
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Was out driving with my wife (just moved into Columbia County) learning our way around when we came across Kozel's Restaurant on Route 9H. Having missed lunch we stopped in.
Four tables occupied, approx 5 people at the bar. Once waitress and one bartender in sight. Waited nearly 5mins to be acknowledged. Were seated and waitress took out drink order promptly (water and a seltzer with lemon). I received a 6oz glass of seltzer (charged $1.95 for 'diet Pepsi').
I ordered the 'Dave's Cheese Burger (sauteed onion/mushroom), wife ordered the hot pastrami sandwich.
Cheese
Four tables occupied, approx 5 people at the bar. Once waitress and one bartender in sight. Waited nearly 5mins to be acknowledged. Were seated and waitress took out drink order promptly (water and a seltzer with lemon). I received a 6oz glass of seltzer (charged $1.95 for 'diet Pepsi').
I ordered the 'Dave's Cheese Burger (sauteed onion/mushroom), wife ordered the hot pastrami sandwich.
Cheese
Katie V.
Jun 14, 2010
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My family and I went for an early dinner after my graduation ceremony on a Friday night last May. We had heard from the local grapevine that it was excellent, so we were happy to give it a shot.
It really just wasn't good at all. Service was fine, place was clean, but maybe there was a new chef on that night because the food was bland and either over or under done.
One relative ordered the soft shell crabs and they came drenched in oil, as if they had been put in the frying pan with cold oil. Totally gross.
I might give it another shot but we were so put off the first time we would probably
It really just wasn't good at all. Service was fine, place was clean, but maybe there was a new chef on that night because the food was bland and either over or under done.
One relative ordered the soft shell crabs and they came drenched in oil, as if they had been put in the frying pan with cold oil. Totally gross.
I might give it another shot but we were so put off the first time we would probably
