The Best Food & Drink You’ll Find in the Hudson Valley in 2019
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Looking for the best food and restaurants in the Hudson Valley in 2020? Check out our list of winners here.
Antipasti
Nanuet Restaurant
When word came of the sale of the iconic Nanuet Restaurant last year, many wondered what would happen to the popular purveyor of pizza and Italian delicacies. New owner Paul Bailey left the pizza recipe unchanged, but decided to up the anti…pasti. The cold antipasto platter, developed by Chef Kerri Horgan, is a visually stunning display of salami, ham, prosciutto, a multitude of cheeses, red peppers (roasted in house!), pepperoncini, and a variety of olives, drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
Nanuet, www.nanuetrestaurantny.com
Photo by Al Nowak
Bar Atmosphere (East of the Hudson)
Brasserie 292
Enjoy a Parisian bar and restaurant experience in Poughkeepsie’s historic Main Street district. The Art Deco design comes to life through the retro black-and-white tiled floor, the tin ceiling, and the marble bar. Libations include a robust selection of
hand-crafted cocktails, along with a diverse wine and beer list.
Poughkeepsie, www.brasserie292.com
Bar Atmosphere (West of the Hudson)
Lis Bar
“Lis” glows soft and scarlet from a neon sign in Midtown Kingston, transforming passersby into barflies. In the entryway, an alert taxidermy fox introduces visitors to the offbeat vibe of this hangout, home to small plates of modern Polish fare, a modern ski-lodge-meets-Victorian-pub style of décor, and beguiling bartenders who’d just as soon forgo lofty cocktails in favor of a straightforward “What do you like?”
Kingston, www.lisbar.com
Biscotti
Bella’s Home-Baked Goods
Bella bakes biscotti from her grandmother’s original anise biscotti recipe, rolling and cutting each Italian cookie by hand for the last 18 years. Her classic anise recipe, as well as varieties like almond and chocolate, can be found at more than 300 retailers in the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Highland, www.bellashbg.com
Burger and Fries Combo
Meyer’s Olde Dutch Food & Such
Chef Brian Arnoff’s Beacon haunt hits that golden trifecta of dining: tasty food, local ingredients, and affordable prices. Get a juicy burger and an order of delectable, sea salt-topped French fries for as little as $9.50 (without tax), or splurge a little on a double-decker burger.
Beacon, www.meyersoldedutch.com
Burrata
Scalia & Co. Craft Kitchen + Bar
A bad burrata will make you shudder; a good burrata hits the spot; a great burrata is hard to forget. And Scalia & Co. makes some great burrata. Their homemade mozzarella is stuffed with creamy stracciatella that practically melts in your mouth. Served with some EVOO and prosciutto, it leaves nothing to be desired.
Monroe, www.scaliaandco.com
Chicken Pot Pie
Feeling Kinda Kozy
It’s very important, when measuring the quality of this dish, to consider both the chicken and the “pie.” The former gets high marks: big chunks of breast meat and plenty of it. The “pie” consists of a fluffy, golden-brown puff-pastry top (flaky and chewy) covering the slow-cooked chicken and potatoes; homemade gravy (that’s salty and creamy, but not gooey); and fresh peas and carrots. It’s nothing too complicated, but the result is comfort food at its finest.
Fishkill, www.kindakozy.squarespace.com
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Cardoso Cookies
Nothing can beat the taste of Mom’s homemade chocolate chip cookies just out of the oven. But Anthony Cardoso comes really close. After months of recipe-testing, Cardoso, a 2002 graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, perfected a tender and chewy cookie made with 100% butter, pure vanilla extract, and high-quality chocolate. Don’t stop at the chocolate chip: we also recommend the peanut butter milk chocolate chip and apple pie thumbprint cookies.
Online only, www.cardosocookies.com
Community-Minded Baker
Sweetbakes Cafe
This petite bakery puts TLC into everything they make — custom cakes, scones, cupcakes, lemon bars, and so much more! In fact, their sweet and savory waffles are the best around. The owners are committed to giving back to their community and support fundraisers throughout the year, like last year’s cake sale benefiting the Children’s Home in Poughkeepsie.
Wappingers Falls, www.sweetbakescafe.com
Crepes
Royal Crepes
The menu by Chef Kris Jani and owner Drilon Jakupaj has all manner of sweet and savory crepes, roll-ups, and fold-overs, but the ones from Jakupaj’s native Balkan region stand out. Supplement your brunch with a Turkish coffee or a tear of doughy and cheesy Balkan burek from your partner’s plate while you’re at it.
Beacon, www.royalcrepesbeacon.com
Decadent Pancake
Countryside Kitchen
You’ve never seen a pancake quite like the “Holy Cannoli Pancake,” a footlong creation rolled burrito-style with a chocolate chip cannoli interior. Enormous pancakes are a specialty at this Putnam County breakfast spot, with choices ranging from coconut, fruit (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry), M&M, even a birthday pancake with buttercream frosting and a candle.
Mahopac, www.thecountrysidekitchen.com
Dry Rub Rib
Smoky Rock BBQ
All of Smoky Rock’s meats are farm-raised and grass fed, but the real secret here is their 16-ingredient spice rub that flavors their St. Louis-style ribs. Add another six to seven hours in the wood smoker, some apple juice baths, and you’ve got a tender, succulent rib ready to be devoured — without a tower of napkins.
Rhinebeck, www.smokyrockbbq.com
English Pub
The Olde English Pub
Ah, who doesn’t love ye olde English pub? This Albany fixture brings a bit of Great Britain to this side of the Atlantic with British beers, single-malt scotches as well as wine and cocktails. Their gorgeous outdoor garden can’t be beat in summer, and in winter, their multi-story brick interior might as well be set in good ol’ Londontown.
Albany, www.theoldeenglish.com
Expansion
Liberty Street Bistro
This award-winning, relatively new fine dining restaurant expanded its presence on Liberty Street to include a new bar and lounge in the adjacent space that formerly housed Caffe Macchiato. At the new lounge, open 7 days a week, patrons can enjoy signature cocktails, a robust wine selection, and a new menu of bar snacks like oysters, a “No Modifications Burger,” and steamed mussels. (Owner/Chef Michael Kelly also expanded his presence down the block last year with the opening of the Newburgh Flour Shop.)
Newburgh, www.libertystreetbistro.com
Fried Calamari
Cosimo’s brick oven
The secret to great Italian cooking? Don’t overcomplicate it. The folks at Cosimo’s know this, and that’s why their fried calamari — caught fresh off the coast of Rhode Island — gets a simple dredge in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, a healthy fry, and a quick toss in their family’s secret seasoning. Served with a spicy pomodoro sauce, it’s a classic dish done right.
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury, www.cosimos.com
photo by Laura Murray
Fast & Fresh Restaurant
Dill Fresh Mediterranean Grill
This fast-casual restaurant serves favorites like falafel, gyro, and shawarma at an affordable price using fresh ingredients. With a Chipotle-style, build-your-own menu format, Dill lets diners create their own version of the Mediterranean diet. New City residents get the best deal though: free delivery.
New City, www.dillmedgrill.com
Hibachi
Iron Chef
Every day Iron Chef is packed with people celebrating special occasions and enjoying hibachi. A favorite for birthday groups (you get a sparkler in your dessert and a song played over the loudspeakers), the talented chefs entertain guests of all ages with showmanship and humor, all while cooking up a delicious meal.
Newburgh, www.ironchefonline.com
Hidden Gem Chinese
Super Bowl Cuisine
Set below Uptown in the somewhat-less-scenic Kingston Plaza, Super Bowl Cuisine’s cavernous space disguises the city’s best Chinese food. Whether you’ve come for all-you-can-eat Hot Pot or standard dishes, Super Bowl scores repeatedly when it comes to flavor and texture. The eggplant in garlic sauce is a special highlight.
Kingston, www.superbowlcuisine.com
Indian Lunch Buffet
Citrus Restaurant
Whether it’s a regular day of the week or a special occasion like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, Citrus Restaurant pulls out all the stops with its daily buffet. The perfect mix of traditional and regionally-inspired homemade Indian cuisine — and some Thai, too — the delicious array of choices, including appetizers, mains, and desserts, taste like they were made just for you.
New Windsor, www.citrusny.com
Photo courtesy of fort orange brewing
New Brewery
Fort Orange Brewing
In October 2017, three friends with a passion for beer moved their home brewing business into a space in downtown Albany’s booming warehouse district, and named it after a 19th-century brewery that once had been housed nearby. They added a seven-barrel brewing system, began brewing a variety of IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews (try the Blueberry Blonde Ale with fresh blueberries), and brought a fresh, family-friendly establishment to the Capital Craft Beverage Trail.
Albany, www.fortorangebrewing.com
Photo by Melissa Harjes
New Taco Joint
Hudson Taco
Maybe we’re causing a scandal by giving this award to a restaurant where a staple like tacos al pastor doesn’t even appear on the menu; maybe we don’t care. Because this new restaurant’s eclectic tacos — Korean BBQ short rib, shaved ribeye, pork belly — fold trends into a tortilla in the tastiest way.
Newburgh, www.hudsontaco.com
Photo by ICESCREAMS
Over-the-Top Ice Cream Concoctions
ICESCREAMS
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICESCREAMS. Driving through Elizaville, you can’t miss the vibrant pink building serving innovative frozen treats. Our favorites include the piña colada sundae, frydaes (fries with all the sundae fixings), and the soft-serve nachos — with waffle cone chips and ice cream as a stand-in for guacamole.
Elizaville, www.icescreams.co
Parisian Restaurant
Le Canard Enchaine
This slice of Paris in Kingston’s Stockade District boasts a romantic ambiance and continental flair. But it’s the food at this Zagat-rated bistro that customers call “magnifique.” Owners Jennifer Madden and chef/husband Jean-Jacques Carquillat offer a menu that includes award-winning French onion soup. Another favorite: duck with mixed berry sauce. Savor a French wine and wrap up your meal with crème brulée or another mouth-watering French dessert.
Kingston, www.le-canardenchaine.com
Place for a Beer to Stay or Go
Growler & Gill
With 26 rotating taps of fresh, craft beer and more than 500 bottles of beers from around the world, Growler & Gill is a beer-lover’s paradise. Sample a gill (a 4-ounce glass) on-site or fill up a growler to go with your pick of IPAs to Belgians, to wheat beers and toasty stouts and porters.
Nanuet, www.growlerandgill.com
Place for Midnight Milkshakes
Red Line Diner
These sweet temptations are beloved at any hour of the day, but when we need a midnight pick-me-up, this is our go-to place. Stay traditional with vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, or mix it up with a caramel apple pie shake with layers of cinnamon apple slices, caramel syrup, and whipped cream, topped off with a slice of apple pie.
Fishkill, www.dineatredline.com
photo by ken goodman
Place for Steaks, Street Food, and Slots
Resorts World Catskills (Cellaio and Dos Gatos)
This isn’t just a casino with restaurants; the dining options here are a destination unto themselves, from Cellaio — one of the Valley’s best steakhouses, with a menu curated by Scott Conant — to Dos Gatos, a cantina-style eatery, serving delicious and affordable Mexican street food. The latter is located in RWC’s new boutique hotel, The Alder, and has margaritas on tap, more than 120 types of tequila, and garage-style doors that open out to an outdoor space with firepits, couches, games, and an incredible Catskill Mountain view. Come for the food and drink, and stay and play in the casino.
Monticello, www.rwcatskills.com
Place to Wine Down After Kayaking
Bashakill Vineyards
Most people know the Bashakill wetlands as a lovely place to spy bald eagles and herons as you paddle your kayak through the natural channels. But what’s not as well-known is the gem of an après-kayak venue across the road. Bashakill Vineyards, with its 13 varieties of organic wine (with names like Red Fox and Wood Duck), delicious farm-to-table Mexican and South American food, and live music every weekend, is a secret that’s too good to keep.
Wurtsboro, www.bashakillvineyards.com
Place to Celebrate a Weeknight
Pamela’s on the Hudson
With its views of the river, Pamela’s is a great spot for a meal any day of the week; but on Wednesdays you can get two appetizers, two entrees, and a bottle of wine (from a select menu) for just $59.95. Grab your partner and make it a date — heck, grab three people and make it a double date.
Newburgh, www.pamelasonthehudson.com
Play on Pastrami
The Dutch Ale House
Since Chef Jonathan Botta revamped The Dutch Ale House’s menu under new ownership in mid-2018, he’s been turning out plate after mouthwatering plate. Take his pastrami beef rib: a mammoth rib brined for three days, rubbed down with that perfect blend of toasted coriander and black pepper, smoked for eight to ten hours, and seared until it flakes apart.
Saugerties, www.dutchalehouse.com
Riesling
Brotherhood Winery
Brotherhood Winery’s Riesling is its best-selling and most awarded wine. Housed in an unmistakable blue bottle, it has delicate floral aromas of pear and apple. Its off-dry character is perfectly balanced by the crisp finish. Fair warning: the Riesling consistently sells out, so buy more than one if you’re a fan.
Washingtonville, www.brotherhood-winery.com
Rotating Menu
Wilde Beest
This modern restaurant offers guests a rotating menu of dishes crafted around ingredients that are hand-selected by Chef Chris Turgeon at the peak of seasonality from partner farms in the area. Wilde Beest emphasizes powerful, single-ingredient dishes that utilize technique to maximize flavor.
Kingston, www.wilde-beest.com
photo courtesy of Baja 328
Tacos for Carnivores
Baja 328
With so many restaurants touting their vegetarian and vegan fare, meat lovers have started to feel left out. Thank goodness for Baja 328, which has nine meat-based tacos, like the mouthwatering barbacoa taco stuffed with brisket, caramelized onions, and avocado. For a little heat, try the short-rib tacos with pickled Fresno peppers and jalapeños.
Beacon, www.baja328.com
Tasting Menu
The DeBruce
This 14-guestroom lodge in Sullivan County offers a high-concept culinary experience not for the faint of heart. With nine courses designed around the seasons, chefs guide diners through flavors and ingredients native to the Northeast. Nothing here is predictable, but past menus have showcased razor clams, venison, and foraged mushrooms.
Livingston Manor, www.thedebruce.com
Tasting Selection at a Distillery
Hudson Valley Distillers
At the newly renovated tasting room of this Columbia County distillery, you can try flights of New York State beer, wine, ciders, or spirits all under one roof. With 12 beers and ciders and 12 wines to choose from, your whiskey-hating friend no longer has an excuse to skip the field trip.
Clermont, www.hudsonvalleydistillers.com
Vegetarian Empanada
Twisted Soul Food Concepts
Sure, you could order a pulled pork empanada here. You could also try the corn and goat cheese version, which sandwiches the tangy cheese and sweet corn inside a thick, chewy dough, baked according to Argentinian tradition. Dip it in the chimichurri sauce for the lunch of your dreams.
Poughkeepsie, www.twistedsoulconcepts.com
Village Bakery
Annabelle’s Village Bake Shop
This recent addition to Red Hook operates out of the former Neko’s Pharmacy storefront, focusing on small pastries, cookies, breakfast sandwiches, as well as pies and quiche. Specialty cakes and seasonal treats are also available for order.
Red Hook, www.annabellesvillagebakeshop.com
Winery Food
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery
Open year-round seven days a week, this winery serves up locally sourced farm-to-table-style cuisine. Take your pick from a menu of delicious items like a fruit and cheese plate, gourmet artisan pizzas, truffle fries, robust salads, and so much more — all made to perfectly pair with the wine or cider of your choice.
Warwick, www.wvwinery.com
Readers’ Picks
Appetizers
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury
www.cosimos.com
Bagel
Hopewell Hot Bagels
Hopewell Junction
Find them on Facebook
Bakery
Deising’s Bakery
Kingston, www.deisings.com
Bar Food
Mill House Brewing Company
Poughkeepsie
www.millhousebrewing.com
Barbecue
Billy Joe’s Ribworks
Newburgh
www.ribworks.com
Bistro
Terrapin Restaurant
Rhinebeck
www.terrapinrestaurant.com
Breakfast
Main Street Bistro
New Paltz
Brunch
Shadows on the Hudson
Poughkeepsie
Buffalo Wings
The Dutch Ale House
Saugerties
Burger
Heritage Food + Drink
Wappingers Falls
Butcher Shop
Adams Fairacre Farms
Kingston, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Wappingers Falls
Café
Lola’s Café and Gourmet Catering
New Paltz, Poughkeepsie
Candy Store
Krause’s Chocolates
New Paltz, Rhinebeck, Saugerties
Caterer
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury
Cheap Eats
Dallas Hot Wieners
Albany, Kingston, Lake Katrine, Saugerties
Chef
Frank Camey
Heritage Food + Drink
Wappingers Falls
Chili
Max’s on Main
Beacon
Chocolate Shop
Krause’s Chocolates
New Paltz, Rhinebeck, Saugerties
Coffeehouse
Monkey Joe Roasting Company
Kingston
Comfort Food
Mill House Brewing Company
Poughkeepsie
Cookies
Sweet Obsessions Café
Poughkeepsie
Deli
Rosticceria Rossi & Sons
Poughkeepsie
Dessert
(TIE)
Sweetbakes Café
Wappingers Falls
The Meltaway Bakery
Saugerties
Find them on Facebook
Diner
Eveready Diner
Hyde Park
Donuts
Glazed Over Donuts
Beacon
Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Heritage Food + Drink
Wappingers Falls
Food Truck
Farmers & Chefs
Poughkeepsie
French Fries
Mill House Brewing Company
Poughkeepsie
Gluten-Free Menu
Hudson Taco
Newburgh
Grilled Cheese
Amazin’ Melts
New Paltz
Ice Cream
Joe’s Dairy Bar and Grill
Hopewell Junction
Juice Bar
Turn Up the Beet
Kingston
Late-Night Dining
Mill House Brewing Company
Poughkeepsie
Lunch
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury
Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Jay’s Deli
Highland Mills
Milkshakes
Joe’s Dairy Bar and Grill
Hopewell Junction
New Restaurant (East of Hudson River)
Melzingah Tap House
Beacon
New Restaurant (West of Hudson River)
Hudson Taco
Newburgh
Outdoor Dining (non-waterside)
Gunk Haus
Highland
Outdoor Dining (waterside)
Mariner’s Harbor Restaurant
Kingston
Pasta
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury
Pizza
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury
Place to Eat with Kids
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury
Place to Eat with Pets
Armadillo
Kingston
Restaurant with a View
Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz
Romantic Restaurant
Heritage Food + Drink
Wappingers Falls
Sandwiches
Rosticceria Rossi & Sons
Poughkeepsie
Seafood Restaurant
Blu Pointe
Newburgh
Soup
Yum Yum Noodle Bar
Kingston. Red Hook, Woodstock
Special Occasion Restaurant
Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz
Steakhouse
Flatiron
Red Hook
Sushi
Bonsai
Poughkeepsie
Tacos
Mexicali Blue
New Paltz, Wappingers Falls
Tapas
Terrapin Restaurant
Rhinebeck
Tearoom
Tea Talk
Poughkeepsie
Vegan Menu
Moonlight Café & Caterers
Brewster
Readers’ Picks Restaurants by Cuisines
American
Heritage Food + Drink
Wappingers Falls
Asian (Not Chinese)
Yum Yum Noodle Bar
Kingston, Red Hook, Woodstock
Chinese
(TIE)
Jade Palace
Rhinebeck
845.876.3499
Jade Palace Chinese Restaurant
Wappingers Falls
www.jadepalacewappingersfalls.com
French
Brasserie 292
Poughkeepsie
German
Mountain Brauhaus Restaurant
Gardiner
Greek
Athena Gyro
Lagrangeville
Indian
Cinnamon
Rhinebeck
Italian (Not a pizzeria)
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury
Japanese
Kobe Hibachi
Poughkeepsie
Latin
Los Hornitos Bakery
Wappingers Falls
Mediterranean
Aba’s Falafel
Rhinebeck
Mexican
Café Maya/Maya Café
Wappingers Falls, Fishkill
Thai
Aroi Thai Restaurant
Rhinebeck
Readers’ Picks Drinks
Bartender
Joshua Cederlund, County Fare
Wappingers Falls
Beer Selection
Mill House Brewing Company
Poughkeepsie
Brewery
Cousins Ale Works
Wappingers Falls
Cidery
Angry Orchard
Walden
Distillery
Tuthilltown Spirits
Gardiner
Happy Hour
Heritage Food + Drink
Wappingers Falls
Irish Pub
Mahoney’s Irish Pub & Steakhouse
Poughkeepsie
Margarita
Café Maya
Wappingers Falls
Martini
Heritage Food + Drink
Wappingers Falls
Rooftop Bar
di’Vine Wine Bar
Wappingers Falls
www.divinewinebarwappingers.com
Sports Bar
Max’s on Main
Beacon, www.maxsonmain.com
Tasting Room
Cousins Ale Works
Wappingers Falls
Wine Bar
di’Vine Wine Bar
Wappingers Falls
www.divinewinebarwappingers.com
Winery
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
Millbrook
Readers’ Picks Restaurants by county
Albany
Druthers Brewing Company
Albany
Columbia
Mexican Radio
Hudson (now closed), Schenectady
American Glory
Hudson
Dutchess
Mill House Brewing Company
Poughkeepsie
Greene
Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company
Catskill
Orange
Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Poughkeepsie, Middletown, Newburgh, Woodbury
Putnam
Riverview Restaurant
Cold Spring
Rensselaer
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Troy
Rockland
Restaurant X & Bully Boy Bar
Congers
Ulster
Ship Lantern Inn
Milton
Westchester
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Pocantico Hills
www.bluehillfarm.com/dine/stone-barns
