A neighborhood favorite for years

Few businesses in this area can make the same claim of longevity as The Crystal Inn restaurant at 10 Amity Road in Warwick.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Justice Peter Barlet, Orange County Legislator Paul Ruszkiewicz and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce joined second-generation owner Gus Zygmunt, his son Ryan and his fiancée Lauren Conte to formally celebrate the historic restaurant’s 55th anniversary.

The building that is now home to the Crystal Inn was originally a private residence, built in 1925 and situated on what was then Pine Island Turnpike.

In 1945 the home's residents sold the property to the operators of a farmland canteen known as Schwabes Bar.

Then in 1964, the building was in foreclosure when Benjamin Zygmunt, father of current owner, Gus Zygmunt, and grandfather of general manager, Ryan Zygmunt, purchased it over the phone during a bank auction.

Ryan Zygmunt, now general manager of the Crystal Inn, says that he is very supportive of his chefs who have helped redefine and re-energize the Crystal Inn as a landmark culinary destination.

Crystal inn has been a neighborhood favorite for years, providing people with a quality meal in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

The menu has evolved over the past 50 years and now includes market fresh seafood, hand cut steaks, great sandwiches and a local favorite, its pizza.

Located just outside of the Village of Warwick, not a mile away from Pine Island’s Black Dirt region, the restaurant uses local produce, when in season, from farms not more than a stone’s throw away.

Crystal Inn features its signature recipe Prime Rib each and every Wednesday evening, and also does catering for all occasions.

The restaurant is open from 5 p.m. daily Wednesday through Sunday.

For more information, directions and current menu, visit www.crystalinn.biz or call 845-258-4232.

- Roger Gavan