Just in time for the chilliest months, not one, but four new locales offer up comforting sips in the Hudson Valley. Want a classic cup of joe? Head to Rockland County, where you’ll find a quaint new cafe that supplies streams of coffee to pair with light snacks and cozy digs. Nearby, a reborn wine bar pairs a curated wine list with tasty charcuterie and homemade sangria. Meanwhile up the river, two swanky bars with New York-style speakeasy vibes deliver classy cocktails and a moody happy hour ambiance to boot.
Once you’re equipped with coffee, or cocktail, in hand, scroll below to see the three Hudson Valley eateries that have taken their final bow.
Crown
10 Crown St, Kingston
Wed-Thurs, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Fri-Sat 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Sun 2-6 p.m.
Open since the end of July, the passion project of John Krenek and Jamie Niblock, the owners of Exit Nineteen, channels the mysterious, sensual ambiance of Parisian bars and speakeasy clubs in the heart of Kingston. The cocktail menu features a number of signature specials, the majority of which lean on the fresh, citrusy side. Sip the Mimi, a mix of mezcal, Averna, Campari, grapefruit, and grapefruit bitters, when you want light flavor with a kick. On chilly evenings, however, make a beeline for the Cordelia, a spicy blend of bourbon, local apple cider, lemon, ginger, and cinnamon. Although it works over ice, it turns into a zippy twist on cider when served hot. Bonus points to Crown for serving Krause’s chocolate truffles on its bar bites menu, because sometimes a charcuterie board just won’t cut it.
Lis Bar
240 Foxhall Ave, Kingston
Thurs-Mon, 5 p.m.
What happens when you cross a moody bar with European cocktails and tapas-style dishes? You’ll find out at Lis Bar, the cozy new lounge that adds Polish flair to Kingston. Open since early October, Lis excels at European twists on classic food and drink. Whether you stop by for Monday Industry Nights or Sketchy Sunday drawing sessions, you can’t go wrong with a plate of kielbasa alongside a glass of Garnacha or, if you’re really feeling it, a shot of Monopolowa vodka.
River Lounge
41 E Central Ave, Pearl River
Tues-Sat, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Formerly Bin41, River Lounge opened under a new name in November. Of course, the name is not the only thing that’s new about the Pearl River destination. Visitors can look forward to revamped tapas platters, a curated wine list that features a pleasant blend of American and European vintages, and an exciting new lineup of music and events. Whether you opt to stop by after work for happy hour or visit with friends on the weekend for a post-dinner drink, you’ll find all the reds, whites, and dessert wines to satisfy. If you’re so inclined, order the homemade sangria, which comes either white or red depending on availability.
The Village Blend
86 Orange Tpke, Sloatsburg​
Mon-Thurs 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fri 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
It’s only been open since early October, but The Village Blend is fast becoming the go-to coffee and lunch spot for locals in Rockland County. One look inside the cozy café and it’s easy to see why. The eatery charms with cozy, seasonal soups, sandwiches, and pastries aplenty. Savor a warm mug of chicken noodle soup alongside freshly roasted coffee throughout the week. When you need a sweet treat, pick up one (or more) or the highly addictive cookies, cinnamon buns, or croissants. P.S. The ice cream offerings are pretty sweet too.
Closings:
BC Kitchen + Bar
After 14 years in business, BC Kitchen in Poughkeepsie closed its doors at the beginning of November. The Arlington staple, formerly known as Babycakes, had a long history in the Hudson Valley, first as a small café and later as a go-to eatery for weekend brunches and bistro-style dinners. Its owner, Susan Wysocki, relocated to Colorado, where she is now Executive Chef at PreFare, a meal kit service.
Char 1788
After a rebirth earlier in 2018, the restaurant at Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner closed its doors in October to focus on its distillery component. In a statement on Facebook, the brand explained that “the difficult decision was made so the focus of our efforts could return solely to our world-class distilling and to continuing to build the award-winning Hudson Whiskey brand.”
Fresh Cornwall
In mid-November, Cornwall’s beloved Fresh closed its doors for good. The quaint eatery said goodbye after five years in business in the Hudson Valley. In a statement on Facebook, the owners explained that the decision to shut down stemmed largely from the desire to spend more time with family. “Our main reason is because we often say we are a family business and family comes first, but our truth is we have literally put our own family life on the back burner for five years,” note the Wojehowksis. On a happier note, the owners will continue to offer catering services throughout the Hudson Valley.
