Bartlett House
This inviting kitchen, bakery, and cafe focuses on Valley fare prepared simply and presented with a high standard of excellence. With the recent addition of a dinner menu, this restaurant consistently earns rave reviews from visitors throughout the day. Try an inventive pastry — like a pear rosewater muffin — at breakfast, or end the day with pressed half chicken. Open Wed-Sun; breakfast and lunch on weekdays, brunch and dinner on weekends.
Ghent: 2258 Rt 66 • 518.392.7787 • $-$$$
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Babette’s Kitchen
Simply good food is the mantra at this sweet little locally sourced market-coffee shop in the heart of Millbrook. Stop here for fresh-baked biscuits, cinnamon buns, and exquisite quiche that’ll improve your morning instantly, or visit later in the day for a smoked salmon BLT on the house- baked focaccia. A pioneer of the slow food movement in our area, this year marks their 10th anniversary! Closed on Tuesdays.
Millbrook: 3293 Franklin Avenue • 845.677.8602 • $
Main Course
Locally recognized for his catering, Chef/owner Bruce Kazan’s inventive ways with local ingredients can also be sampled at this casual eat-in or takeout spot. Offerings on the New American menu include a cedar-planked salmon salad with crumbled bleu cheese, candied walnuts, and a roasted grape vinaigrette, open-faced tartine sandwiches, house-made soups, and assorted paninis. Closed Monday.
New Paltz: 175 Main St • 845.255.2600 • $$$
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Duo Bistro
Take a seat in the comfortable-but-hip dining room (think Williamsburg, Brooklyn) for a creative New American menu made with Valley ingredients, precise hands, and fresh perspective. Offerings change frequently, but recent standouts include the chanterelle toast of locally foraged chanterelles, butter, and tarragon on baguette, and pan-roasted chicken breast, sourced from Northwind Farms and served alongside thyme-smashed potatoes, sauteed greens, and a delightful herb jus. The cocktails — like the Valley Girl, composed of Curious gin, Hudson Standard lemon verbena shrub, and tonic — are equally as delicious and creative as the food options. Open for brunch and dinner; closed all day on Wednesday and Sunday nights.
Kingston: 50 John St • 845.383.1198 • $$-$$$
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Caffé Macchiato
Located in the heart of Newburgh’s historic district, this contemporary spot features American regional items with a Mediterranean flair in a comfortable, yet contemporary, environment. Though fan-favorites include the Liberty Steak Sandwich and the prosciutto and Brie baguette, the seasonally inspired menu is also proof positive that adding an egg to any meal not only works, but is a good idea. Serving breakfast, lunch, and fresh-made pastries every day; brunch on weekends.
Newburgh: 99 Liberty St • 845.565.4616 • $$
Freelance Café and Wine Bar
Under new ownership as of 2017, this Piermont favorite has been updated with new decor, banquet seating, and an all-over cohesive, modern atmosphere. Don’t fret too much about the change: You will still discover dishes that reflect modern American flair, but they’re now presented alongside more global flavors. Patrons laud new additions such as the Asian BBQ pork lettuce wraps with peanuts, pickled cucumber, and cilantro, and the French-inspired sautéed calf’s liver with mashed potatoes, crisped Brussels sprouts, bacon, and onions, as well as classics like red wine-braised short rib of beef with sweet onion marmalade, parsnip puree, and baby carrots. Open for lunch and dinner six days; closed on Mondays.
Piermont: 506 Piermont Ave • 845.365.325. • $$$
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Clock Tower Grill
This community-oriented, Putnam County find features farm-to-table dishes and decor evoking the estates that supply the menu. Enjoy their diverse offerings — everything from simple crostini with white beans, roasted garlic, arugula, and truffle oil, to gnocchi Romana with local vegetables, to coconut curry of quinoa and lentils with grilled cauliflower and lime yogurt — in a wood-adorned dining room that often hosts live, local music and shows off the work of Valley artists. Serving dinner on Saturday and Sunday; open for lunch and dinner weekdays; they also cater. Closed on Mondays.
Brewster: 512 Clock Tower Dr • 845.582.0574 • $-$$
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Hudson Hil’s
Centrally located in the cozy village of Cold Spring, this eatery serves creative breakfast and lunch concoctions with New American flair and Hudson Valley products. Patrons rave about the biscuits and gravy, babka French toast, and the grilled cheese sandwich with fig paste, but it’s hard to pass up anything offered as a daily special. Diner beware: weekend brunch often generates lines that sprawl out the front door and down the porch. Open six days 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed on Tuesdays.
Cold Spring: 129-131 Main St • 845.265.9471 • $–$$
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Grazin’
The first completely Animal Welfare Approved restaurant in the world, this diner-inspired spot serves up classic greasy-spoon grub, reimagined using local, sustainable products and grass-fed and -finished meats. The main menu is simple and burger-centric, allowing the quality of the ingredients to really shine. Try the original Grazin’, a lightly seasoned 6 oz. patty with fresh greens and tomato (when seasonally available); get weird and order The Uncle Dude, topped with chipotle mayo, organic cheese, bacon, jalapeno relish, and fresh greens; or veg-out with the veggie, a blend of white beans, beets, carrots, onions, and cashew topped with buttermilk aioli. Pro tip: don’t skip the side of fries (they’re perfect). Serving lunch and dinner daily, brunch on weekends only.
Hudson: 717 Warren St • 518.822.9323 • $$
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Cosimo’s Trattoria & Bar
This casual eatery has five big rooms, soaring ceilings, and Tuscan-style décor. The New World Italian menu features favorites such as arancini filled with prosciutto, Manchego, peas, and pomodoro; and seafood fra diavolo with sauteed shrimp, calamari, clams, pappardelle pasta, and a plum tomato sauce; and wood-fired pizzas, soups, and salads. A local favorite, this place consistently wins Readers’ Pick awards in the annual Best of the Hudson Valley contest. Open for lunch and dinner daily.
Poughkeepsie: 120 Delafield St • 845.485.7172 • $–$$
