Who doesn’t love a good theme? These days, special occasion everything is the name of the game. From highly specific holidays (hello Donut Day) to community festivals (we see you, Ribfest), it’s safe to say that themes have become a trend in and of themselves. In addition to celebrating community fests and national days, Hudson Valleyites have introduced themes to the food industry as well. Nowadays, a number of local restaurants boast thematic dinner nights to spotlight crowd favorite meals and cuisines.
Try out one, or a few, of these eateries to sample something new every night of the workweek.
Monday
Fried Chicken Night
Kitchen Sink Food & Drink, Beacon
Head to Kitchen Sink on a Monday night for what may just be the best fried chicken in the Hudson Valley. The community-centric event promotes conversation, conviviality, and honest-to-goodness eats.
Burger & Brew Mondays
Ship to Shore, Kingston
For $25, diners can choose one “Big Boy Burger” to go with three pints of beer. Whether you opt for the pork belly and three-cheese burger, the vegetarian portabella burger, or anything else on the menu, you can’t go wrong with this deal.
Lobster Night
Aroma Thyme Bistro, Ellenville
Aroma Thyme does its part to make Mondays better by serving up lobster specials. Call head to reserve a lobster at this Green Restaurant Certified eatery.
Pasta Monday
Liberty Street Bistro, Newburgh
Although the Pasta Monday menu changes weekly, expect only the most scrumptious dishes from Liberty Street. Two courses run $28, while three courses come in at $36. Choose from a variety of prix fixe specials for a fun, delicious dinner.
Tuesday
Comfort Food Tuesdays
Essie’s, Poughkeepsie
After a long Tuesday, find solace in the down-to-earth comfort food dinner menu at Essie’s. Enjoy a medley of sweet and savory fare with bites like crispy plantains, fish and chips, and milk and cookies. The three-course prix fixe menu changes regularly and costs $34.95.
Taco Tuesdays
The Wherehouse, Newburgh
Although Taco Tuesday is an unofficial weekly holiday for restaurants throughout the Hudson Valley, The Wherehouse in Newburgh makes an event of it. If you plan your night right, you can catch live music as you chow down on tasty tacos.
Wing Night
Billy Bob’s BBQ, Poughkeepsie
Billy Bob’s is a local favorite for its dirt-cheap wing specials. On Tuesday evenings, diners can snack on 50-cent wings, which range in flavor from mild to hot and sweet BBQ to dry and spicy.
Wednesday
Wild Wing Wednesdays
The Wherehouse, Newburgh
If you love wings, visit The Wherehouse on Wednesdays for the game day favorite that will have you licking your fingers. Wings come in a variety of spice levels, so order wisely. For anyone who can handle the heat, sample the Green Inferno wings, topped in Serrano pepper and avocado butter.
Wine Lovers Wednesday
Ship to Shore, Kingston
Vino aficionados need to visit Ship to Shore during the week to take advantage of the half priced bottle specials. Whether you try a new vintage or opt for an old favorite, you’ll save a pretty penny and enjoy a delectable bite to eat as well.
Thursday
Wine Dinner Series
Glenmere, Chester
For a real treat, reserve your spot at one of Glenmere Mansion’s Thursday Night Wine Dinner Series events. For $65 apiece, diners can enjoy a three-course dinner with wine pairings that tie into the theme of the evening. Visit the website for information about upcoming dates.
Mac Daddy Thursdays
The Wherehouse, Newburgh
Everyone who craves mac and cheese should visit The Wherehouse on Thursday nights for the aptly named Mac Daddy dinner. Hungry visitors can choose from more than 10 savory varieties of the beloved pasta dish. We’ll see you there.