Dining hall fare is great and all — ok, it’s fine — but sometimes a college student needs something more real-deal delicious. If you’re looking for an eatery to enjoy that isn’t just whatever the university cafeteria is dishing up, we’ve got you covered. The Hudson Valley has a vibrant restaurant scene, with many new and classic eateries located around local colleges. So, after settling in for the semester, be sure to check out these locations for a go-to spot to grab a bite.
Where to Eat by SUNY New Paltz
Agave
53 Main Street, New Paltz
This brand-new location brings a fresh take on Mexican cuisine with Asian flair to New Paltz. The eatery offers casual vibes with a bar. Go for familiar favorites such as empanadas and, if you’re over 21, a variety of margaritas, like the Sunset Margarita (with flavors of blood orange) or the Dame Paleta Margarita (with flavors of strawberry and lime). Other tempting bites include the camarones bowl, chorizo and egg burrito, ramen, birria (braised beef, Oaxaca cheese, consome de birria), and coliflor tacos (featuring General Tso’s cauliflower).
Main Street Bistro
59 Main Street, New Paltz
If you are looking for breakfast or a laid-back lunch, Main Street Bistro is the spot to be. Dining options include a plethora of vegan and vegetarian dishes that have SUNY New Paltz students lining up out the door for a table on weekends. Enjoy scrambled egg dishes, omelets, French toast, pancakes, and egg sandwiches for breakfast. For lunch, go for the Minnewaska salad (with toppings like sun-dried tomatoes and sprouts), grilled cheese, a variety of burgers, quesadillas, burritos, or stir-fry.
Underground Coffee & Ales
36 Main Street, New Paltz
Bringing its second location to New Paltz’s Main Street, Underground Coffee & Ales is the place to be for mouthwatering brews and bites. Popular items on the menu include the fried buffalo Brussels, huevos ahogados (Mexican-style drowned eggs in salsa), and Underground fries (featuring cheese, crispy bacon, and seasoning). Pair your meal with a delicious ale on tap or a coffee favorite such as a latte or drip brew.
Where to Eat by Marist and Vassar College
Cosimo’s Trattoria & Bar
120 Delafield Street, Poughkeepsie
Beloved in the Hudson Valley for Italian fare, Cosimo’s Poughkeepsie location is a quick drive from both Marist and Vassar College. For an elevated dining experience, grab a table at Cosimo’s for a lunch or dinner you won’t forget. Italian favorites fill the menu, with notable dishes being the chicken francaise, Caesar salad, wood-fired margherita pizza, and spicy chicken fusilli.
Mill House Brewing Company
289 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie
This restaurant and brewery is a favorite in Poughkeepsie. The all-day menu delights with charming appetizers, such as the charcuterie for two, a variety of salads, and pizzas, like the hot honey Italian pizza (a spicy red pie with a cheese blend, chorizo soppressata, shishito peppers, and Mike’s Hot Honey). For an entrée, you can’t go wrong with the lobster mac and cheese, cauliflower sticky rice bowl, and kielbasa and pierogis.
Twisted Soul Food Concepts
47 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie
There’s something for everyone to love at Twisted Soul, which sits conveniently within Vassar’s Arlington neighborhood. Start strong with refreshing bubble tea, boba tea, or a variety of smoothies. For a unique bite, try the house-prepared dumplings, which come with your choice of filling of pork, chicken, beef, lamb, shrimp, or vegetarian. The mac and cheese is sure to satisfy your tastebuds, with the option to add a protein such as barbecue pulled pork or tofu. Empanadas, noodle bowls, rice bowls, and specialty salads are also on the menu. Plus, foodies with any dietary restrictions will be happy to note that Twisted Soul is a go-to for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.
Where to Eat by the University of Albany
Black & Blue Steak and Crab
1470 Western Avenue, Albany
Award-winning beverages, traceable fish, and an inventive atmosphere can be found at Black & Blue Steak and Crab. Starters include a variety of seafood favorites, from oysters to shrimp cocktail and crab cakes. In the mood for steak? All the cuts are cooked the way you like them and served with house-made sauce. Add seafood to any cut for surf and turf, or enjoy seafood as an entrée, with lobster, scallops, and king crab all on the menu.
City Line Bar & Grill
1200 Western Avenue, Albany
The urban-inspired eatery offers a fusion of classic pub fare and international cuisine. The drink selection also embodies this concept with inventive specialty cocktails, craft beer, and wine. For those over 21, highlights on the drink menu include the Something Fruity cocktail with Tito’s and the Watermelon Margatini, a refreshing sip with Ignite Blanco. For starters, munch on the avocado fries, poke nachos, and baked brie. The menu delights with a selection of tacos, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Notable entrees include the buffalo chicken mac and cheese, burrata ravioli, fish and chips, and more.
Where to Eat by Bard College
Brigitte Bistro
61 East Market Street, Red Hook
This quaint location serves up French cuisine so elegant that faculty, parents, and students alike will want to venture here for special occasions. Brunch offers an indulgent lineup including an omelet with goat cheese and spinach, eggs Benedict, French toast, chicken Caesar salad, and a variety of coffees and cocktails. For dinner, enjoy pan-roasted chicken, seared branzino, and salmon, among other dishes. To finish the meal, don’t skip out on the crème brulee or a chocolate crepe to share.
Taste Budd’s Café
40 W Market Street, Red Hook
Featuring a delicious all-day menu with options for different dietary needs, Taste Budd’s is the perfect location for dining with family and friends. Breakfast sandwiches can be ordered all day with scrumptious add-ons (like vegan cheese or chipotle mayo) in addition to hearty oatmeal. For lunch and dinner, pick from sandwiches, wraps, salads, burritos, and bowls.
