Uptown Kingston

     Nestled in the heart of Uptown Kingston—also known as the historic Stockade District—the Excelsior Club stands amid centuries of New York history. Originating as the 17th‑century Dutch settlement of Wiltwyck, this eight‑block enclave features cobbled streets and elevated ground marking the original stockade built under Governor Stuyvesant around 1658. Over the years, reconstruction after 1777’s burning by British troops gave rise to a vibrant mix of 19th‑century Federal and Greek Revival commercial architecture along Wall and North Front streets.

     Most buildings that line Wall and Front streets today trace their roots to the 1800s and early 1900s, with the slender-fronted downtown facades reflecting a bygone era. Many were erected during the first half of the 19th century following the city’s expansion—Ulster County Courthouse (1818) and the Old Dutch Church (1852) mark architectural highlights.

      In the early 1970s, facing competition from suburban malls, Kingston launched the Pike Plan: a wooden canopy system and colonnaded arcade spanning Walls and North Front Streets, designed by artist John Pike and architect Albert Milliken between roughly 1969 and 1976. This “Urban Renewal” effort echoed his bicentennial-era vision—combining streetscape charm and practical shelter for local shops.

     Fast‑forward to today, and Uptown Kingston is in full bloom. What was once a quiet historic district has transformed into a buzzing hub. You’ll find craft cocktail lounges, farm-to-table restaurants, quick‑serve cafés, vintage clothing boutiques, and artisanal gift shops along Wall and Front streets and side alleys. This renaissance stems from a savvy combination of historic preservation efforts, investment in infrastructure and streetscape, and an energized community-led business association.

     Notable anchors like the Old Dutch Church (1852, Renaissance Revival) and the restored Kirkland Hotel (1899) provide architectural gravitas and tourism draw. Meanwhile, Friends of Historic Kingston and local preservation zoning (e.g., height limit of 62 ft matching the church steeple) have maintained the district’s charm . Federal grants in the late 2000s funded critical façade and canopy restoration, giving momentum to Uptown’s revival .

     Uptown Kingston doesn’t just buzz during the day—it seriously turns on the lights after dark. Here's a look at the standout nightlife hotspots lighting up Wall and Front Streets and nearby:

• Stockade Tavern: A cozy cocktail lounge in an old Singer sewing-machine building, known for expertly crafted cocktails and chill vibes.
• Brickmen Kitchen + Bar: Set beneath the Pike Plan colonnade on Front Street, this hip gastropub doubles down with quality cocktails and a retro patio—late-night hangs included.
• Restaurant Kinsley: Located in the former 1860s bank at 301 Wall Street, this New American spot by Hotel Kinsley serves creative comfort cuisine and artisanal bar bites. It’s got cocktail hour Monday–Thursday 4–6 pm and a living-room-at-night feel in the vaulted-bar space.
• Hoffmann House: Housed in a stone building at 94 N. Front Street, this long-standing tavern blends continental fare with seasonal patio seating in summer and cozy fireplaces in winter.
• Front Street Tavern: A gastropub by Frank Guido, known for pub‑style elevated comfort dishes—like shepherd’s pie and schnitzel—and featuring a rooftop deck and happy hour specials.
• Rough Draft Bar & Books: Bookish café by day, relaxed beer‑and‑cider bar by night—perfect for those who want drinks with their literature. 
• Salt Box Bar: The laid-back dive with pop-up dinners, affordable drinks, an unapologetically casual vibe and doors staying open well into the early morning.
• Le Canard Enchaîné: Uptown’s elegant French bistro with Parisian flair—think duck confit and refined cocktails in an intimate setting.
• Santa Fe: The go-to Tex-Mex spot, cranking out margaritas and keeping things lively with festive décor and late service.

     This nightly lineup—covering craft cocktails, fine dining, pub classics, late-night dives, literary lounges, and festive fiesta—encapsulates why Uptown’s revival is more than daytime charm. It’s a full-spectrum scene that’s as dynamic after sundown as the district is historically rich.