My experience with the Gilded Otter was just the opposite, I must say (not to cast doubt on you, Seafarer John); I loved the food (I had a N African-style free-range chicken with raisins and figs) but wasn’t crazy about the beer, except for the Imperial Stout which won’t be in season now. Oh, now that I think about it the dessert wasn’t very good; but anyway New Paltz is a cute funky-alternative small college town and there are lots of restaurants, a really cool used bookstore, etc.

I don’t have much more to add, look forward to reading more comments on this thread as I’m looking for places in the area to eat myself!