How can I purchase tickets?
The most convenient and economical way to buy tickets is online. It's simple, secure and allows you to print out your reservation.
How can I reserve a table?
Once you purchase your tickets, you will be guaranteed to be seated at a table. We do not sell "standing room."
Can I reserve a specific table?
The prime tables closest to the stage are reserved for parties coming for dinner and the show. We cannot reserve a specific table for you. The earlier you arrive, the greater the selection. Specific tables are reserved for members only whenever possible. It is an intimate room, and there are no bad seats. "Show Only" tables are assigned as space permits after those reserved for "Dinner and Show" parties.
What is the difference between "Show Only" and "Dinner and Show" tickets?
All tickets are the same price. We serve dinner before the shows for those who wish. If you would like to join us for dinner, purchase Dinner and Show tickets. As part of this process, you will need to commit and reserve to a specific time for your dinner reservation.
I don't plan to have dinner. Will food and drink be available?
Cafe food & drink menu is available to show only guests. This includes our famous desserts. The kitchen remains open until 10:30 PM on Friday & Saturday, and 9:30 PM on Sunday.
What time should I come to dinner?
We recommend that you plan to allow at least the following amounts of time so that you will have an enjoyable and relaxed dining experience:
Party of 2: one and a half hours before showtime
Party of 3 or 4: two hours before showtime
Party of 5 or more: two and one half hours (or more) before showtime
Why might the time I want to reserve not be available?
All of our food is fresh, and is carefully prepared to order by our acclaimed chef, Erich Panhofer. Our famous desserts and pastries are prepared by our renowned pastry chef, Mary Ciganer. In order to ensure the highest level of quality and service, we must limit the number of dinner reservations that we take for each half-hour period. If the time that you wanted to come is no longer available, it simply means that other parties have already reserved, and have filled up that time slot. Alternate dinner times will be displayed.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect?
The Towne Crier Cafe is, and has always been a respectful listening club, and we request quiet during performances. Because the Cafe is an intimate experience that you are sharing with others, during the performances please take all conversation to our lounge bar area. Cell phones must be turned off or silenced. No flash photography and audio/video recording during performances.
Do you offer any discounts?
All tickets (Dinner and Show or Show Only) are the same price. There are NO discounted rates for groups, children or seniors unless specified on special shows.
Are there any age restrictions?
The Towne Crier welcomes all ages, and every seat requires a ticket.
When are show times?
Generally, shows are at 8:30 PM on Friday & Saturday, and 7:30 PM on Sunday. Open Mic Nights are every Wednesday and start at 7 PM. Performers sign-up between 5-7 pm.
Can I stop in at the Towne Crier for just dinner or a drink?
We welcome diners five nights a week with accommodations for those wishing to stop in for dinner only or to have a drink at our mahogany bar. Dinner reservations are especially recommended on show nights. The kitchen remains open until 10:30 PM on Friday & Saturday, and 9:30 PM on Sunday.
Is BYOB-outside food permitted?
The Towne Crier is one of the best dining experiences in the Mid-Hudson area. We are a licensed premise and have a very good selection of wines, beers in bottles and on tap, and offers full bar service. THERE IS NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED. This includes birthday cakes and, since you will have trouble finding any better selection of cakes and pastries, prepared by our renowned pastry chef, your celebrant will thank you for it!
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code. Dress comfortably. No bare feet, please.
Is the Cafe handicap accessible?
Yes. Please let us know if you or a member of your party is in a wheelchair when you make your reservation so that we can reserve an appropriate table where we can best serve you.
Where are some area acommodations?
Please visit our area guide page for area acommodations.
Sold out show?
When a show is sold out, we stop selling tickets/reservations. On the day of the show, limited visibility, reduced price tickets are sold in our adjacent bar area on a first-come basis. We will upgrade you to the main performance room if and when openings become available.
What happens if a show is cancelled?
You will be notified via the contact information you provided us with and a refund will be arranged.
How long has the Towne Crier been around?
Founded by Phil Ciganer in 1972, the Towne Crier Cafe was originally located in an early American general store and stagecoach stop in the historic hamlet of Beekmanville, just east of Hopewell Junction in Dutchess County, New York. We also operated for several months in 1987 at an interim location on Route 44, just outside of Millbrook, while the Pawling location was being made ready for the public. At this point the Towne Crier Cafe is one of the oldest ongoing venues of its type in the country, and has for over three decades, remained true to its original vision: To present a prestigious roster of performers in an intimate setting that respects their performance above all. The Cafe has become a Hudson Valley cultural institution -- a fine dining restaurant, a Mecca for musicians and a magnet for listeners and diners alike. Our goal remains to offer a unique experience of comfort, dining and entertainment.
Towne Crier Cafe
Open evenings Wed thru Sun; Closed Mon & Tues
130 Route 22, Pawling, NY · (845) 855-1300






