Business Details
32 Years
experience
Dine in Historic Elegance at Beardslee Castle
Beardslee Castle has been a cornerstone of Central New York's dining and event scene for 31 years, offering an unparalleled experience within a meticulously restored 1860 limestone castle. Our culinary team, led by Chef/Owner Randall Brown, crafts seasonal menus featuring wood-grilled meats, fresh seafood, and creative vegetarian dishes inspired by regional American, Mediterranean, and Asian influences. Sourced from local farms like Stubborn Girl Farm and BowTerra Farm, our ingredients reflect a commitment to quality and sustainability. The castle's five intimate dining rooms, 3-foot-thick limestone walls, and oak-paneled ceilings create a historic ambiance unmatched by modern venues. Our extensive wine cellar, recognized by Wine Spectator for eight years, showcases over 300 boutique American wines, including the largest selection of New York State wines in the region.For events, the castle's banquet room accommodates up to 175 guests, complemented by eight acres of landscaped grounds and gardens. The Dungeon Bar & Grill provides a casual setting with 125 craft beverage options, while our Murder Mystery Dinner Theater adds entertainment to the experience. With a dedicated wedding coordinator and customizable menus, we specialize in creating memorable celebrations year-round. Our gardens supply herbs and produce for dishes, reinforcing our farm-to-table philosophy. The castle's history, from its 19th-century construction to post-fire restorations, adds a layer of authenticity to every visit.
Services
Fine Dining
Dungeon Bar & Grill
Wedding Venue
Murder Mystery Theater
Wine Cellar Tours
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer 31 years of expertise in historic venue hospitality.
- Our menus feature ingredients from 6+ local farms and gardens.
- We host events in a fully restored 1860 Irish-style limestone castle.
- Our wine list holds Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence.
- We provide immersive dining experiences with murder mystery theater.
Associations and certifications
- Wine Spectator
What people say
Breathtaking venue
Exceptional service
Creative seasonal menus
Immersive mystery theater
Award-winning wine selection
Services
Fine Dining
Our main floor offers seasonal menus with wood-grilled meats, fresh seafood, and creative vegetarian dishes. Ingredients come from local farms and gardens, prepared in a historic setting with limestone walls and oak ceilings. The experience combines regional American, Mediterranean, and Asian influences.
Dungeon Bar & Grill
The Dungeon provides a relaxed atmosphere with a menu of lighter fare and 125+ craft beverages. Features a 20-foot copper-top bar and 'wine room' for intimate dinners. Open during evening hours for drinks, pool, or casual meals.
Wedding Venue
Host weddings for up to 175 guests in our banquet room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Includes eight acres of grounds, customizable menus by Chef Randall Brown, and coordination by Wedding Director Lynn Brown. Available year-round with seasonal decor options.
Murder Mystery Theater
Monthly interactive dinner shows featuring themed mysteries and costumed performers. Combines three-course meals with entertainment in the banquet room. Reservations required for scheduled events like the Sunday Matinee series.
Wine Cellar
Award-winning wine list with 300+ boutique American wines, including the largest New York State selection in Central NY. Recognized by Wine Spectator for eight years, featuring red, white, and specialty varietals stored in a historic limestone cellar environment.
People
Randall Brown
Chef/Owner
Chef Randall Brown has led Beardslee Castle's culinary program since 1994, creating seasonal menus that blend regional American, Mediterranean, and Asian influences using local ingredients.
Lynn Brown
Wedding Coordinator
Lynn Brown specializes in coordinating weddings at Beardslee Castle, working with couples to personalize menus and event details across the venue's historic spaces.
Questions
What makes Beardslee Castle's dining experience unique?
Dine in a fully restored 1860 limestone castle with original oak paneling, a 20-foot wood-burning fireplace, and five intimate dining rooms featuring 3-foot-thick stone walls.
Do you offer vegetarian or dietary-restricted menu options?
Our seasonal menus include creative vegetarian dishes and accommodate dietary restrictions through customizable options using fresh local ingredients.
Can I book the entire castle for a private event?
Yes, the entire castle including banquet room, dining areas, and eight-acre grounds can be reserved for exclusive events and weddings.
Are murder mystery dinners included with regular dinner reservations?
Murder mystery theater requires separate reservations as it's a scheduled entertainment event with themed dinner service in the banquet room.
What wine awards has Beardslee Castle won?
We've received Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence for two consecutive years and maintained their recognition for eight years total.