Diners are a local tradition in the Hudson Valley. Who isn’t captivated by the charm of glowing lights, retro chrome accents, brightly colored leather booths, and never-ending coffee? In addition to their delightfully nostalgic atmosphere, these eateries often focus on regional ingredients and innovative twists on classic comfort food. Without further ado, allow us to present some of the Hudson Valley’s fan-favorite diners.
Albany County
Capital City Diner
Albany, 518.250.4261
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Capital City Diner serves a robust menu of diner staples. This local business originally started in 1984 (with the Columbia Diner in Hudson). Today, its line of fresh salads, ranging from pecan pear to a classic cobb, keeps things light, while all-day breakfast specialties like Monte Cristos, pizza bagels, and a club-inspired egg sandwich with Applewood-smoked bacon tap into comfort food cravings.
Try this: Salmon burger with gouda, raspberry jam, and romaine
Jack’s Diner
Albany, 518.482.9807
If you’re looking to check out a true old-school diner, head to this Albany relic. Jack’s Diner has stood on Central Ave since the 1940s. Today, Florentine omelets, fluffy Belgian waffles (with all the fixings), and tempting breakfast combos draw plenty of hungry visitors. As far as specialties go, opt for timeless diner fare like grilled Reubens piled high with pastrami or the satisfying French dip sandwich. Plus, the diner has some Greek classics like souvlaki and gyros.
Try this: Cajun chicken wrap
Columbia County
The Elizaville Diner
Elizaville, 845.756.3557
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Do you recognize this Columbia County spot from the movies? The Elizaville Diner was featured prominently in the Bill Murray and Adam Driver-led zombie flick The Dead Don’t Die, which filmed extensively in the Hudson Valley. Come for fast-casual classics like three-cheese grilled cheese on sourdough or cheeseburgers on brioche buns. Plus, the cozy stop has vegan options like salads and brown rice and quinoa burgers.
Try this: The Lenny, featuring chicken, hot honey, and crispy fired tomatoes atop a donut
Dutchess County
Daily Planet Diner
Lagrangeville, 845.452.0110
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This local favorite sits conveniently off the Taconic State Parkway and typically draws weekend crowds with delicious comfort food. Daily Planet Diner boasts an expansive menu with creative twists on staples. Pancakes come in mouthwatering varieties like banana pecan, caramelized apple, and blueberry. Tex-Mex, garden, Western, and other topping-loaded omelets are made with three farm-fresh eggs and served with home fries and toast. Try the Canadian bison burger or the chicken pesto ciabatta sandwich for lunch, or dig into down-home dinner specials like pot pie or the full rack of ribs. Of course, Daily Planet’s pies, tarts, cakes, and other baked goods have gained quite a reputation in the Valley.
Try this: Banana pecan pancakes
Eveready Diner
Hyde Park/Brewster, 845.229.8100
Eveready Diner oozes atmosphere with glowing lights and plenty of retro design elements. In addition, the food truly lives up to the décor. Head to this Hyde Park hotspot (or its Brewster location) any time of day for a tasty meal. Multi-grain oat nut cranberry French toast and malted waffles are breakfast highlights for anyone with a sweet tooth. Meanwhile, the Nova Scotia lox omelet, diner Benedict, and breakfast burrito are savory standouts. For lunch and dinner, Eveready serves a slew of pitas, juicy burgers, gourmet salads, street tacos, butcher-cut steaks, and so much more. Always save room for dessert, as Eveready’s bakery churns out delightful pies, cookies, and other treats.
Try this: Santa Barbara club
Historic Village Diner
Red Hook, 845.758.6232
In love with vintage architecture? Historic Village Diner in Red Hook stands intact after many decades in the Hudson Valley, and features a railroad dining car-inspired design. In addition to nostalgia, this Dutchess County destination serves breakfast platters, Belgian waffles, specialty pancakes, and more. Extra-thick milkshakes, house-made pies, elaborate cakes, and “diner dunkers” are so satisfying. The Dutchess County hotspot also makes a mean Philly cheesesteak and tasty open-faced sandwiches called “sizzlers.”
Try this: Extra-thick milkshake
I-84 Diner
Fishkill, 845.896.6537
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Owned by the same local family since the ’70s, the I-84 Diner is truly an iconic sight. Based in Fishkill, this Dutchess destination draws hungry travelers with a giant menu. Feast on wings, fajitas, quesadillas, burgers, and tons of loaded fries. The “Italian fries” feature sautéed peppers and onions, while the “Greek fries” have feta, tzatziki, and lemon. In fact, the kitchen crafts many Greek classics like chicken souvlaki, gyro platters, and moussaka.
Try this: Americana burger
Millbrook Diner
Millbrook, 845.677.5319
Atmosphere goes a long way when it comes to eateries, and the Millbrook Diner has it in spades. It’s the kind of place that begs you to take a seat at the stool while sipping black coffee. Pop in for breakfast, and order a short stack of blueberry pancakes with Crown Maple syrup. As for other morning specials, the portabella Florentine stuffs a grilled mushroom cap with fresh spinach, egg whites, and gruyere cheese. On the other hand, the grilled salmon salad or the avocado BLT are excellent lunch options.
Try this: Portabella Florentine
Palace Diner
Poughkeepsie, 845.473.1576
If you went to college in Poughkeepsie, chances are you’ve spent time at Palace Diner. This community gathering spot curates a welcoming atmosphere dating back to 1981. The bakery crafts unique cakes, cookies, and pies, along with holiday orders for pumpkin pie, rugalach, Irish soda bread, and more. Loaded omelets, specialty Benedicts, waffles, and more round out the breakfast staples. For something a little different, try the sweet potato pancakes. For lunch, wraps range from steak teriyaki to Cajun chicken while salads include chicken Waldorf, grilled salmon, and endive pecan. Then, for dinner, check out the baked meatloaf, veal parm, or NY sirloin.
Try this: Red Fox wrap
Red Line Diner
Fishkill, 845.765.8401
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A part of the Vanikiotis family’s assortment of local eateries (like the Daily Planet in Lagrangeville), Red Line has built a devoted fanbase in Dutchess County. In addition to having the perfect atmosphere for Sunday breakfasts and late-night snacks alike, Red Line also serves customers through a convenient takeout and delivery program. Order black coffee and a dessert from the bakery, which pumps out cheesecakes, pies, and pastries every day. Highlights include tiramisu cheesecake, lemon meringue pie, strawberry shortcake, peach bread pudding, and more. For breakfast, the eggs Copenhagen and chicken and waffles are clear standouts.
Try this: Tiramisu cheesecake
Yankee Clipper Diner
Beacon, 845.440.0021
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Even amid Beacon’s booming culinary scene, the Yankee Clipper Diner continues to emerge as a community favorite. The original diner was built in 1946 and served as a setting for the 1994 Paul Newman film Nobody’s Fool. Since the 2000s, two sisters have run the place. After hiking Mount Beacon or shopping Main Street endlessly, head inside for club sandwiches, gourmet burgers, quesadillas, and more. For morning meals, check out the Yankee French toast topped with whipped strawberry cream cheese or the breakfast burrito, which is filled with scrambled eggs, sausage, peppers, onions, and home fries.
Try this: Happy Waitress
Greene County
Ambrosia Diner
Catskill, 518.943.1047
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No matter what meal of the day, Ambrosia Diner solidifies itself as a dependable dining option in the Catskills. This hometown staple serves up veggie-filled omelets, Western egg sandwiches, and homemade golden brown pancakes. Salads, sandwiches (like Cubans and eggplant paninis), and cold platters are to-go favorites.
Try this: Golden brown pancakes
Gracie’s Luncheonette
Leeds, 518.943.9363
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Following on its success as a from-scratch food truck, Gracie’s Luncheonette crafts diner classics in Leeds. Locally sourced ingredients sing in familiar dishes. The Hudson Valley beef burgers are served with Gracie’s famous Truck Sauce. The house-smoked brisket melt, fried chicken sandwich on a sesame bun, and baked mac and cheese draw inspiration from Southern fare. Plus, the creamy milkshakes come in varieties like coffee, peanut butter, or banana—and you can add bourbon for an extra $3. In addition, don’t miss the delicious house donuts.
Try this: Brisket melt
Selena’s Diner & Pizzeria
Tannersville, 518.589.0438
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This old-school atmosphere is perfect for breakfast feasts and evening suppers alike. (And, it’s yet another location featured in The Dead Don’t Die.) Breakfast options range from crispy golden waffles to vegetarian omelets, while wraps, Benedicts, and bagels round out early morning options. Of course, Selena’s Diner & Pizzeria also slings fresh pies loaded with tasty toppings.
Try this: Chicken torino panini
Orange County
The Alexis Diner
Newburgh, 845.565.1400
Anytime Hudson Valleyites cross the Newburgh-Beacon bridge into Orange County, there’s a chance they’ll pass by this local landmark. The Alexis Diner kicks off the day with a coffee program more elaborate than the typical fast-casual family restaurant. Then, dig into staples like lox omelets, steak and eggs, and griddle combos. In the afternoon, snack on fried calamari, chicken parm paninis, and Reuben paninis.
Try this: French dip panini
Maddy’s Diner
Middletown, 845.344.1700
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Maddy’s Diner continues to serve the Middletown community after being in business since the 1950s. The bakery pumps out mouthwatering sweets like carrot cake, lemon meringue pie, and buttery blueberry muffins. As a bonafide breakfast destination, Maddy’s is the place to go for stacks of pancakes, Western omelet sandwiches, and deluxe French toast. Munch on the Jersey Boardwalk burger (grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms, mozzarella) and the smokehouse burger (cheddar jack, smoked bacon, smoky mountain barbecue sauce) for a quick and satisfying lunch. In addition, triple decker club sandwiches satisfy serious cravings.
Try this: Veggie lovers skillet
Putnam County
Carmel Diner
Carmel, 845.225.5000
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In the heart of the hamlet of Carmel, the Carmel Diner has serviced Putnam County for over 25 years. Perfect for post-game pigging out, the eatery is located just up the street from Carmel High School. Aside from golden pancakes the size of your plate, this diner also chefs up stuffed crepes, cinnamon raisin French toast, and Southern fried chicken steaks for breakfast. Stick around to enjoy the balboa sandwich for lunch, which includes grilled roast beef and melted swiss cheese on garlic bread, or the vegetarian panini with mozzarella cheese and grilled veggies.
Try this: Carmel wrap
Olympic Diner
Mahopac, 845.628.0876
On the border of Putnam and Westchester Counties, the Olympic Diner is a gem bursting with classic and creative options. The Greek-inspired menu has everything from lox omelets to pecan banana pancakes to numerous fresh burgers. Try the Happy Cowboy sandwich for the perfect combination of sirloin, onions, cheddar cheese, and barbecue, or opt for the Athena panini, which includes fresh spinach, grilled chicken, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, and tzatziki. Don’t leave without grabbing some homemade baklava or complimentary cookies on your way out.
Try this: Spinach pie
Ulster County
Kings Valley Diner
Kingston, 845.331.3254
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This Ulster County spot opened in 2002 and serves a host of griddle goodies, breakfast platters, and Tex-Mex staples. For instance, the carnitas griddle pairs eggs, shredded pork, black beans, corn, peppers, and onions. Kings Valley Diner’s panini press pumps out delicious sandwiches served with curly fries and homemade coleslaw. A few favorites include the brisket and gouda, the Cuban, and the Harvest (roast turkey, bacon, sliced apples, and cranberry sauce). Check out pineapple and coconut pancakes, pecan French toast with graham cracker crumbs, and strawbanella waffles a la mode.
Try this: Carnitas griddle
Phoenicia Diner
Phoenicia, 845.688.9957
The Phoenicia Diner has gained quite the reputation for fresh Hudson Valley ingredients, friendly service, and outdoor seating in the Catskills. The diner itself was built in 1962, and moved to Phoenicia in the 1980s. With a concise menu, its creative culinary skills shine. For example, the avocado toast features a soft-poached egg, ricotta salata, pickled onions, and cilantro lime seasoning on fresh sourdough. Other favorites include the farmers’ skillet, tortilla soup, fried chicken pimento cheese sandwich, and the massive onion rings. (Seriously, even singer Lorde had something to say about their onion rings.)
Try this: Locally smoked trout on a bagel
Looking for diners in Westchester County? Find local favorites here.
Related: Visit These Irish Pubs and Restaurants for St. Patrick’s Day in the Hudson Valley
