Situated on a 40-foot cliff above the river, Shadows provides a beautiful view of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and Walkway Over the Hudson, plus a massive menu with seasonal seafood-centric dishes. Choose to sit in any of the restaurant’s five unique dining areas, each with its own ambiance. Select from a variety of seafood dishes on the menu, including the shrimp cocktail, Maryland crab cakes, and fried calamari.
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Pamela’s on the Hudson, Photo by Rascal Creative
Enjoy an al fresco meal while taking in the Hudson Valley views at these local eateries, which delight with farm-to-table fare and more.
Dreaming of a summery meal at your favorite Hudson Valley restaurant? Consider dining al fresco instead of venturing indoors. With beautiful days ahead of us, there’s no time like the present to lounge outdoors over a meal with friends, perhaps with a cocktail in hand. So what are you waiting for? Scroll through our list to scout out some of the finest outdoor dining in the region, then scoot in the car for what’s bound to be an unforgettable foodie experience.
Amore Italian Kitchen
Armonk
Taking the family out for pizza is always a good bet, but it’s even better when the place has a great atmosphere. That’s what you’ll find at Amore, where you can enjoy your pizza — along with good wine, excellent salads, and lots of other Italian specialties — on a lovely wraparound backyard patio bordered by a stream. Colorful umbrellas, pots of flowers, and a wooden pergola complete the pretty picture.
Photo by Caylena Cahill
BackBar
Hudson
Outdoor dining at Backbar has been the norm long before the pandemic required many establishments to expand their al fresco space. The open-air setting is full of picnic tables, umbrellas, and string lights, giving the atmosphere a casual yet vibrant flair. You’ll find Southeast Asian street food on the menu here, with favorites such as Cumin Spiced Tots and a selection of dumplings, to name a few. The wide list of wines, beers, and specialty cocktails perfectly complements the outdoor atmosphere.
Bedford Post
Bedford
This Relais & Châteaux property is home to two outdoor dining restaurants serving sustainable, locally grown farm-to-table fare: The Barn and The Terrace. Enjoy brunch or dinner on The Barn’s stone patio, surrounded by an abundance of greenery and climbing vines on the large pergola. The menu at this country bistro changes seasonally and features a gorgeous raw bar and new takes on American classics. The Terrace’s entire menu is derived from the property’s outdoor, wood-burning kitchen.
Billy Joe’s Ribworks
Newburgh
Come for barbecue, American classics, live music, and a rollicking good time. With a large deck for outdoor dining, hungry diners can enjoy the sun or pop an umbrella up for some shade. At night, diners can enjoy the string light ambiance and head to the outdoor bar to grab a drink.
Photo by Lubin & Paramo Productions
Blooming Hill Farm
Monroe
When it comes to farm dining, this Orange County farm is at the top of our list. The seasonally inspired menu includes dishes such as wood-fired roasted garlic mushroom pizza, wood-roasted lamb, sauteed spring vegetables, and wood-fired beets. Enjoy the rural view while dining, then visit the farmhouse shop for an eclectic range of organic products.
Blu Pointe
Newburgh
Blue Pointe offers one of the best views on the west side of the Hudson River. The restaurant features farm-to-table and seafood-focused fare in a sophisticated setting. The outdoor patio has intimate table settings, a fire pit, and a bar under the gazebo.
Photo courtesy of Brown’s Brewing Company
Brown’s Brewing Company
Troy
Sip on some award-winning beer alongside the Collar City’s bank of the Hudson River. On a deck adorned with twinkling, vine-strung lights, enjoy summer classics like its Joann IPA with a creamy artichoke dip, or the pulled pork sandwich, which pairs exceptionally well with Cherry Razz fruit beer.
Café Pitti
Newburgh
This wood-burning-oven house offers classic cuisine with eclectic twists. Its intimate, cozy charm is plucked straight from an Italian side-street restaurant. Sit outside and enjoy the views of the Hudson River while sipping on red wine. Find whatever you’re craving on the menu, which tempts with options such as steak, seafood, pasta, and the signature artisan thin-crust pizza.
Charlotte’s
Millbrook
Incredibly cozy outdoor dining is a major draw for this lovely space. Sit at a table surrounded by lush gardens, all the while enjoying fare from Charlotte’s very own Swedish chef. Menus change frequently, making each experience here a little different. Past main courses include Maryland lump crab cakes, General Tso’s cauliflower, and local braised lamb shank.
Photo courtesy of City Winery Hudson Valley
City Winery Hudson Valley
Montgomery
Get cozy on one of this Orange County destination’s two spacious patios. During the day, al fresco diners have access to serene views of the Wallkill River and the sprawling City Winery Hudson Valley property (once home to a historic knitting factory.) Romantic evenings extra special with mood-setting string lights, cozy heat lamps, and outdoor fireplaces. The City Winery burger, homemade truffle fries, steak, and crispy chicken sandwich are just a few of the savory dishes guests pair with award-winning wines.
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Clemson Bros. Brewery
Middletown and New Paltz
Dreaming of lazy summer afternoons filled with cold Hudson Valley beer and tons of sunshine? You can find just that at Clemson’s Middletown and New Paltz locations. The former has its own shaded beer garden, while the latter has a charming umbrella-ed patio. Wherever you go, lean into Clemson’s brewpub vibe with a hearty burger like the Big Bad Wolf, which comes with applewood-smoked bacon, bacon aioli, onion jam, Taylor ham, and smoked gouda.
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Cosimo’s Brick Oven
Middltetown, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Woodbury
As its many loyal customers can attest, any of Cosimo’s four restaurants are a must for Italian staples from arancini to crispy polenta. Your meal can be as casual as a wood-fired pizza and a glass of white sangria made with Brotherhood’s Riesling, or as indulgent as the lobster risotto with a perfectly paired Italian pinot grigio. All locations have patio seating, and the Poughkeepsie restaurant even has a bocce court.
Photo by Nicole Detone Photography
Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern
Saugerties
Expect a menu that is fresh, seasonal, and oh-so-delicious from The Tavern’s CIA-trained executive chef, with selections highlighting the fabulous bounty of the Hudson Valley. Specials may include anything from island salmon or an Impossible burger to grilled cauliflower steak or seared crab cakes. Enjoy the cuisine while taking in the gorgeous view of Cantine Falls on the Esopus Creek, which lights up with festive colors.
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Dolly’s Restaurant
Garrison
You can practically touch the water from the patio deck seating at this Garrison gem, named for the movie musical Hello Dolly!, which was filmed at the location. As you enjoy the West Point and river views, dine on dishes like sourdough focaccia, cauliflower nuggets, and broiled Gulf shrimp — and that’s just for starters. For the mains, Dolly’s grass-fed burger is a local icon, although the vegetarian burger is just as show-stopping. It’s all eclectic, international, bistro-style, and good!
Donna’s Italian
Troy
Outdoor dining options at this Grandma-style Italian restaurant include sidewalk seating on Broadway and a more intimate rooftop patio called The Garden. Have Donna’s sling you some popular pies, like the Drunk Uncle, drowning in vodka sauce, mozzarella cheese, fennel pepperoni and pepperoncini, and red onion; or treat yourself to a tangy and savory shrimp scampi — with a limoncello spritz, of course. Throughout the summer months, catch some live jazz or summer concerts from the nearby Troy Summer Square.
Photo courtesy of Dubrovnik Restaurant
Dubrovnik Restaurant
New Rochelle
The two-tier backyard dining area of this Croatian restaurant is a beautiful surprise: on the top level you’re overlooking the garden, and the lower level puts you right next to towering grapevines, fig trees, and the restaurant’s own vegetable garden. The menu features roasted meats, grilled fish, fresh vegetables, and more, all from the outdoor wood-fired oven. The succulent lamb cooked “under the bell” is a favorite.
Essie’s Restaurant
Poughkeepsie
This restaurant and brunch cafe offers a cozy atmosphere inside and out. Sit at a window seat within the restaurant or head to the sidewalk seating to enjoy the full sunshine. Essie’s offers both brunch and dinner menus with options such as chicken and waffles, frittatas, vegetable stir fry, and a bison burger. The restaurant also has a variety of drinks including cocktails, wine, beer, whiskeys, bourbons, and specialty drinks.
Farmers and Chefs
Poughkeepsie
If you are looking for a fun place to go when the weather gets warm, stop by Farmers and Chefs and choose the outdoor seating venue. With two different decks off of the restaurant, diners get views of the Walkway over the Hudson and can bask in the sunlight while enjoying an extensive menu. Choose from sandwiches, burgers, pasta, seafood, salads, and desserts. Also enjoy the cocktails, house wine, or red and white wine by the bottle.
Frank Guido’s Port of Call
Catskill
Stroll on over to the Catskill waterfront for seafood dining that will please any palate. Keep it American with the New England clam chowder and Maryland crab cakes or make a metaphorical journey to the Mediterranean with Shrimp Fresca, a shrimp scampi linguini pasta in roasted garlic oil, and the pan-seared sea scallops with rosemary-infused olive oil. Feel free to arrive by car or by boat, then keep the outdoor vibes going with a patio seat by the water.
Photo by Matthew Mancuso/@theartofeating.info
The Greens at Copake Country Club
Craryville
You don’t have to be a club member to eat here, but you’ll certainly feel like a VIP as you dine on the spacious outdoor deck and look out at the first tee and fairway of this historic 160-acre golf course. With casual seating and beautifully kept grounds, this spot is the perfect place to kick back and relax on a summer evening. Menu items such as the poached pear salad and the pepper jack turkey burger are prepared by a CIA-trained chef and made with locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy. Check out the event page to see what fun activities or entertainment may be available during your dining experience.
Harvest on Hudson
Hastings
International travel has been in short supply, so if you’re missing the feel of dining on the grounds of an Italian villa — warm breezes rolling off the lake (OK, river in this instance), lush gardens, brick patios, and someone bringing you hand-cut, al dente pasta — you definitely want to take advantage of the vibe at Harvest on Hudson. Don’t forget the perfect river views. (And don’t forget the ricotta gnocchi — pasta with fava beans, chamomile, and parmigiano.)
Henry’s Restaurant
Milton
A major bonus of enjoying a meal on the terrace of Henry’s Restaurant at Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa is the verdant view of the bucolic Hudson Valley below. Choose from savory menu options like the brunch special prosciutto and fig pizza, made with brie spread, fig jam, micro arugula, balsamic, and prosciutto.
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Heritage Food + Drink
Wappingers Falls
This farm-to-table restaurant hits indoor and outdoor dining out of the park with its ambiance and menu. Outside, the patio is just the place for digging into the restaurant’s comfort-food-with-a-twist fare. Get the party started with chili honey pork belly bites and a plate of the highly addictive General Tso’s cauliflower. And the succulent hot chicken sandwich is most definitely worth the hype. If you are in the mood for an outdoor brunch, stop by to try the breakfast flatbread, cereal-crusted French toast, or smoked salmon hash browns.
Hudson House River Inn
Cold Spring
Fortify yourself before or after a day of antiquing in Cold Spring with a visit to this historic site. Built in 1832, the inn features a covered, outdoor porch with views of West Point, Storm King Mountain, and the Hudson River. Start the day with brunch and a walk outside at Dockside Park, or end the day with one of the prime, dry-aged, hand-cut steaks or market-fresh fish.
Photo by HV Food Photography
Hudson Taco
Newburgh
Sit in the enclosed sunroom in the back of the restaurant to get breathtaking views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains while soaking up the sun. Since its opening in 2019, this venture from Cosimo’s Group consistently ranks among the best places for tacos (if not the best) in the Valley by critics and Hudson Valley readers alike. Indulge in a wide array of tacos, like fan favorites General Tso’s chicken and Korean barbecue short rib, or other fun starters.
Photo by Hudson Water Club
Hudson Water Club
West Haverstraw
Set alongside the Haverstraw Marina, the Water Club offers serene views of the river and a comfortable, elegant atmosphere. The kitchen whirls out contemporary American cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood. Indulge with the raw bar or oysters of the day (when in season). There are many other non-seafood options, too, including wood-fired pizza, gluten-free fried chicken wings, and veal short ribs.
Iron Gate Cafe
Albany
Dine indoors or out for breakfast, lunch, or brunch in this family-owned and -operated Albany eatery. The aptly named restaurant has a picturesque garden patio tucked behind — you guessed it — an iron gate. It’s connected to the historic Holroyd Mansion, giving patrons a blend of history and eclectic taste thanks to the rock ’n’ roll-themed interior. The menu includes gluten-free and vegan-friendly café fare, and many of the ingredients are sourced from local farmers and businesses.
Iron & Wine
Patterson
This local favorite serves up a fun mix of Mediterranean tapas — such as piri piri mac ‘n’ cheese, award-winning wings, and roasted Brussels sprouts — along with delicious sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and entrées such as spicy dan dan noodles. It also boasts one of the largest gluten-free menus in the area. You can enjoy your tasty dishes on the restaurant’s casual outdoor patio.
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Jessie’s Harvest House
Tannersville
Jessie’s opens its doors for indoor and outdoor dining, with takeout still running as well. Book a table inside one of Jessie’s unique dining igloos to sample a handful of small plates, or head straight to the main course. With offerings like duck ragout and crispy polenta, no one will go hungry here.
La Fontana
Nyack
An atmospheric stone patio filled with flowers and greenery enhances the casual Italian fare you’ll savor at this family-owned favorite. The sculpted Italian fountain is the centerpiece of the outdoor area where you can relax under colorful striped umbrellas, dining on soups, pastas, chicken, veal, seafood, and steaks from the extensive menu.
Las Mañanitas
Brewster
Looking for a Mexican restaurant that’s a cut above in so many ways? Try Las Mañanitas, with its large outdoor dining areas high above the East Branch Reservoir. Whether you’re seated on the sweeping lawn or the stone patio that overlooks it, you’ll enjoy chicken, pork, beef, fish tortillas, mole, and more. Start with a margarita and drink in the impressive view.
Photo by Mary Kelly Photography
Liberty Street Bistro
Newburgh
If you want to experience the charm and bustle of Liberty Street, come try the fresh seasonal fare in a sidewalk café setting. On the menu, the Bistro Burger with sesame pickled mushrooms is always a favorite, while the mussels fra diavolo is perfect for those craving something a little different. P.S. No matter what you order, it all goes perfectly with LSB’s list of signature cocktails.
Limni Mediterranean Kitchen
Carmel
With an outdoor patio overlooking Lake Carmel, Limni offers a truly special experience. Its ever-popular “Brunch on the Lake” features chicken and waffles (don’t forget the pomegranate maple syrup!), bottomless pitchers of brunch-y cocktails, and that impressive view. For dinner, a wide array of Mediterranean appetizers, fresh fish, and other mains bring you the taste of summer.
Little Peck’s
Troy
Right next door to Donna’s is this all-day café, bursting with caffeinated drinks and Instagrammable breakfast and brunch bites. Morning person or not, celebrate egg and cheese biscuit sandwiches and breakfast burritos until 4 p.m., or explore all-day sandwich and salad options. If you are looking for a quick outdoor lunch, the veggie burger and spicy peanut noodles will hit the spot. Little Peck’s also has an impressive coffee and tea menu, along with Bloody Marys, mimosas, and boozy coffee. Little Peck’s shares Donna’s sidewalk seating and rooftop patio spaces.
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LOLA Pizza
Kingston
Stop by this Kingston eatery for Italian-inspired bites on the patio. Standouts include the short rib pizza with smoked cheddar, pickled jalapenos, and white onions. Another favorite is the Fun Guy, a pie topped with ricotta, provolone, fontina, mozzarella, and mushrooms. The cocktails here are equally delectable.
Lolita’s Pizza
Poughkeepsie
Looking for great Neapolitan pizza and other Italian fare just a stone’s throw from the Walkway Over the Hudson? You’ll love this enticing oasis. The fenced-in patio offers a sweet escape from the outside world. Start with a vibrant cocktail, and then dig into the sourdough pizza (especially the Soppressata), homemade pasta dishes, and creative specials.
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Melzingah Tap House
Beacon
Nothing says summer like a cold beer at Melzingah’s outdoor pavilion. Ask about the brews on tap, then pair them with the three-cheese mac and cheese or the mussels-and-sausage appetizer for starters. When it’s time for the main course, it’s impossible to go wrong with the crispy-skinned chicken and dumplings or the red coconut curry stew. It’s pub fare at its finest!
Nine Pin Cider Works
Albany
This cidery sits in the industrial warehouse district of New York’s capital city and has a modern-industrial feel. Walk around the side of the building and you’ll discover the patio decked out with ambient string lights and patio tents. The cider here is made with 100-percent New York State apples and fruits. Pair a glass of it with a New York cheese plate or one of the gourmet sourdough pizzas, empanadas, or gluten-free hand pies.
Photo by Paul Undersingler
The Old ’76 House
Tappan
The outdoor patio is ready to welcome you for Americana meals that echo back to the history of this space. The menu is happily seasonal, with fresh bites like Chinois salad, a crab cake burger, and tavern fish and chips. If you’re a traditionalist, the classic American meatloaf will leave you stuffed and smiling.
Ole Savannah Southern Table & Bar
Kingston
This Rondout waterfront hotspot is a destination for barbecue and comfort food classics. On the patio overlooking the Rondout Creek, feast on some of the best fried chicken in the Valley. The sides, such as cole slaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, and green beans, are perfect pairings. In addition, diners can enjoy Southern-style cocktails like sparkling sangria and bourbon pear old-fashioneds.
Photo by Josh Goleman
Ollie’s Pizza
High Falls
A renovated 1850s barn is the setting for Ollie’s, where the pizza is made with imported Italian ingredients, Hudson Valley milled flour, and farm-fresh organic toppings. Dine outdoors at picnic tables and enjoy wood-fired white pie or margherita pizza with an array of toppings that include shallots, fresh basil, and chilis. Vegan cheese is an option.
Photo by Rascal Creative
Pamela’s on the Hudson
Newburgh
Situated in a somewhat isolated, largely residential section of Newburgh’s waterfront, Pamela’s boasts a patio with some of the city’s best panoramic views of the Hudson River and Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. (The views from inside aren’t too shabby, either.) Going along with the view is the menu of elegant comfort foods, like duck breast, pan-seared salmon, and gourmet burgers.
Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room
Big Indian
A pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, Peekamoose remains a popular and picturesque outdoor dining destination in the Catskills. Take in the crisp mountain air on the deck as you choose menu favorites like beer-battered fish and chips served with French fries or wild mushroom risotto prepared with truffle oil and pecorino romano. For dessert, try the housemade cider donut with cinnamon glaze and caramel ice cream.
Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar
Piermont
Soak up the sun and enjoy the spectacular river views from your table or at the Tiki bar at this Rockland County classic. The menu presents “very Mediterranean” lunch and dinner selections dominated by fresh fish dishes like grilled Atlantic salmon with green zucchini, yellow squash, roasted potatoes, and basil cream. The seafood theme continues at Sunday brunch, when the menu overflows with oysters, clams, mussels, and shrimp.
Primo Waterfront
Newburgh
Led by the team behind Heritage Food + Drink in Wappingers Falls, the focus of this restaurant is the Newburgh waterfront. The outside patio space features amazing views of the Hudson River, 170 seats, an outdoor bar, greenery, and a shaded pergola for summer days. For brunch, enjoy seafood, salads, bacon, and a variety of cocktails. For dinner, try out the salmon, chicken, veal, or any of the specialty pasta dishes.
Red Hat on the River
Irvington-on-Hudson
It’s all about the river! Nearly every seat inside and outside this former factory —including on the loungy rooftop bar — is positioned to accentuate the sweeping sight of the majestic Hudson. OK, it’s about the food, too. The French-American menu offers dishes such as pan-seared Atlantic swordfish, ricotta ravioli with red sauce, and short rib bourguignon.
The River Grill at The Stewart House
Athens
This trifecta restaurant, bar, and boutique hotel makes its home on the banks of the Hudson River. In season, take advantage of a ride on a Hudson Cruises ferry before stopping off at the restaurant. For select weekends, The River Grill offers music performances to go along with pub fare such as the Chip ‘n Dip (with house-made French onion dip) and a variety of burger options. Also enjoy inventive cocktails, fine wine, or local craft beer year-round. Look for the weekly specials like Fish Frydays and Thursday night burger and beer specials.
Photo courtesy of Enormous Creative
River Outpost Brewing Co./Fin & Brew
Peekskill
When The Factoria at Charles Point opened in 2018, it was a much-welcomed addition to the lower Hudson Valley dining, drinking, events, and entertainment scene. River Outpost brews on premise and serves upscale pub food both outdoors on the lower level of a two-tier deck overlooking the Hudson River and inside in the same 40,000-sq-ft space that houses Spins Hudson arcade. Upstairs and on the upper deck is Fin & Brew, a trendy New American restaurant serving flavorful powerhouses like marinated skirt steak and ramen.
The River Pavilion at Hutton Brickyards
You might find it hard to believe you’re dining so close to the banks of the Hudson at this open-air beauty. As if the gorgeous river views weren’t enough, the superb Hudson Valley-inspired menu has one appealing flavor after another — grilled shishito peppers, haricots verts, and cedar planked steelhead trout are just a few of the choices. Wood-fired ovens and grills abound, and with the entire restaurant open to the woods and the water, every table is an outdoor experience.
River Station
Poughkeepsie
If you are looking for great pub fare and a shady spot to eat outdoors, stop by River Station. With outdoor tables and colorful umbrellas, diners can kick back and grab a bite to eat on a warm day. Check out the menu and try favorites like pot stickers, the oyster bar, wings, nachos, flatbreads, and burgers. Save room for dessert because the restaurant offers local cheesecake, crème brulee, apple pie, and more. Also, enjoy the drink menu, which includes beer, wine, and specialty drinks such as a lemon drop martini or watermelon margarita.
Rivertown Lodge
Hudson
The Tavern at this rustic Hudson hotel features eclectic, seasonal menus and café seating. Start with a brunch option such as the spent grain biscuit with apple butter, or go for a more filling dish like the focaccia egg sandwich. Dig into exceptional plates curated for summer weather, like scallops and oysters.
Riverview Restaurant
Cold Spring
This family-owned restaurant serves up an inviting contemporary American menu with a variety of flavors and cooking styles in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Enjoy the highest quality seafood, meats, and vegetables from local food producers, as well as a wide selection of brick-oven pizzas. Take in the views of the Hudson River, particularly stunning when the sun sets over Storm King Mountain.
The Roundhouse / Photo by Marjorie Tarter
The Roundhouse
Beacon
It’s no secret that The Roundhouse’s stunning creekside patio — with views of the falls at Fishkill Creek’s waterfall — boasts one of the best mealtime settings in the Hudson Valley. Enjoy creative and elegant American cuisine like braised duck confit, oxtail tater tots, and herbal flatbread. The cocktails here are also seriously swoon-worthy.
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Savona’s Trattoria
Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Red Hook
There’s nothing better than outdoor dining and Italian cuisine from one of Savona’s three locations this summer. Everything on the menu is delicious, but on hot days we recommend the pesto shrimp pizza with house-made mozzarella and pesto served as a base for shrimp, cherry tomato bruschetta, and torn garden basil. Come on Wednesdays for half-price bottles of wine.
Photo by David Nieves
Shadows on the Hudson
Poughkeepsie
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Silvia
Woodstock
The ambiance at Silvia is universally stylish and cool, extending to the pergola-shaded outdoor deck surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll find the menu is equally chill and summery, with free-flowing wines, local craft beers, and farm-driven fare, like a gorgeous cauliflower schnitzel with green and yellow beans, Lacinato kale, caper-garlic butter, lemon, and Piave.
Photo by Vasiliki Psichas
Smoky Rock BBQ
Rhinebeck
With its striped umbrellas, leafy shade trees, and bubbling stone fountain, the spacious patio is prime seating at this self-proclaimed New York-style barbecue joint. While the outdoor dining vibe is relatively casual, the attention to smoked meats is anything but, from the grass-fed brisket ends to the St. Louis-cut ribs, rubbed with a proprietary blend of 19 spices and slow smoked for at least seven hours. Rounding out the menu are sides and appetizers like golden brown corn fritters and fried pickles.
The Tavern at The Beekman Arms
Rhinebeck
At this historic inn — that can boast “George Washington slept here” — enjoy an al fresco lunch, brunch, or dinner on the patio or lawn. Situated along Rhinebeck’s main intersection, you’ll experience the atmosphere of the town while enjoying an exceptional meal (dinner offerings include filet mignon and pan-roasted salmon) often accompanied by live music.
Tilly’s Table
Brewster
Sit down to a farm-to-table dinner at this historic 19th century farm that is also home to educational and exhibition space. The restaurant’s large deck overlooks the impressive white barns and rolling fields, often dotted with sculptures from local artists. It’s a great place to sample crab cakes, an organic roasted beet salad, or braised short rib, along with a seasonal cocktail from the full bar. And there’s more — get back to nature with hiking trails, community garden plots, and visits with farm animals such as alpacas, tiny Kunekune pigs, and miniature horses.
Photo by Lily Brown/MST Creative PR
Twin Star Orchards
New Paltz
At this New Paltz orchard and cidery, you’ll find the artisanal wood-fired pizza and burgers are just as good as the Brooklyn Cider House cider. The venue also offers a completely vegan pizza with tomato sauce, broccoli rabe, mushrooms, onions, and truffle oil. Grab a seat at the outdoor pavilion or bring a blanket for a picnic on the lawn. Don’t forget to save room for the delicious cider donuts.
Photo by Greg Rhein
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery
Warwick
Manicured grounds, luscious rose gardens, and apple orchards span 120-plus acres at this granddaddy of New York State distilleries (it was home to the first distillery in the state following Prohibition). At the café, savor locally sourced, scratch-made food like wood-fired pizzas and a brisket sandwich made with thinly sliced New York striploin, paired with a cold glass of the award-winning Doc’s Cider. Enjoy live music every weekend year-round. Tables are first-come, first-served, but you’re welcome to bring your own blankets and chairs.
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Zeus Brewing Company
Poughkeepsie
For stunning views of the Hudson River, Mid-Hudson Bridge, and Walkway Over the Hudson, head up to this newcomer’s rooftop patio for outdoor dining. The menu tilts toward Italian, so if you’re down for grade-A fresh, local pastas and pizzas both red and white, you’ll be more than happy here. Also enjoy menu options such as shrimp tacos, bacon-fried Brussels sprouts, and a short rib grilled cheese. The rooftop and outdoor dining on the main level are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Photo courtesy of Historic Thayer Hotel
Zulu Time Rooftop Bar & Lounge
West Point
For a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience in the Hudson Valley, head to the historic Thayer Hotel at West Point, spend some time in the lobby catching up on your military history, and then head up to Zulu Time for some R&R on a rooftop deck overlooking the Hudson River. Kick back a Summer Soldier rum drink or Hot Girl Martini, and dine on shared plates, hand-helds, salads, and pizza. Make sure to leave room for dessert: The warm bread pudding with caramel and vanilla ice cream is a favorite.
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