Listen, Hudson Valley: We’ve got good news and we’ve got bad news. First, the bad. In 2022, there were a number of heartbreaking restaurant closures (we’re looking at you, Liberty Street Bistro) with menus we’ll dearly miss. As something of a consolation, however, the anticipated openings in 2023 are next-level. Whether you’re interested in the ever-expanding farm-to-table trend, a Puerto Rican café with a whole lot of heart, or brand new taprooms to congregate with great company, there’s bound to be a little something for you in the Hudson Valley dining scene.
Modern American Bistro
Poughkeepsie
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The Academy food hall encapsulates much of what we love about the Hudson Valley’s dining scene: an emphasis on variety, quality, and community. So naturally, when we heard that its 75-seat indoor modern American Bistro was coming to fruition this January, we were geeked to say the least. The menu checks all the boxes: inventive appetizers and side dishes, a killer burger, and a selection of entrees which necessitates multiple visits. What’s more, the kitchen boasts an “expansive central bar serving up an array of creative modern and classic hand-crafted cocktails.” Is it just us, or is your mouth watering, too?
Thai
Nyack
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This family-owned and -operated restaurant brings authentic Thai food to Rockland County. Bangkok Station’s chef, Nida Sarawong, is originally from Thailand and has years of experience at Thai restaurants across the United States, so we count ourselves quite lucky to have her new restaurant here in the Hudson Valley. Bangkok Station opened in the first week of the new year, so be sure to stop in the next time you’re in Nyack.
Puerto Rican Café
Rhinebeck
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If you’ve ever set foot in Café Con Leche’s Wappingers Falls location, you understand why this forthcoming Rhinebeck opening is such a big deal. The husband-and-wife team of Phil and Melodie evoke “the family aspect and culture of Puerto Ricans from la isla del encanto” with a comprehensive menu of food and drink rooted in their heritage. They anticipate an opening in spring of 2023, at which time we urge all omnivores of the Hudson Valley to try their pernil alongside a minty-fresh mojito. They also offer a brunch menu and a slew of espresso beverages, meaning you can stop in any time of day to fill your belly with goodness.
Wine Bar
Kingston
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We anticipated an opening from this Kingston wine bar this past summer, so we were thrilled to hear that the team behind Chleo plans to open before this winter’s end. The operation is helmed by another husband-and-wife duo, Charles and Hope Troup Mathews, who have years of experience in the restaurant business, including a stint at the Michelin-starred Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown. Between the discerning taste of its owners and the thoughtful interior design (courtesy of Brooklyn’s Islyn Studio), Chleo is bound to become a hoppin’ haunt in Ulster County.
Modern Indian
Woodstock
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Cinnamon is already a household name in the Hudson Valley—the restaurant first opened in 2011 near Rhinebeck, and since has won numerous Best of Hudson Valley awards for its modern Indian plates. Now, the Cinnamon team plans to expand with a new location on Deming Street in Woodstock. Diners can look forward to the same level of authenticity and delectability at this new location. A precise opening date is yet to be determined.
Farm-to-Table
Big Indian
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We first introduced Eastwind Hotel & Bar in our article, “Eastwind Hotel Tempts With Hillside Retreats in the Catskills,” and that headline is made even more appropriate by Dandelion, the on-site eatery which “honors the art of hunter-gathering and conscious farming.” Tempting indeed is the “plant-forward” menu complemented by a beverage list comprising craft cocktails and local brews. The restaurant is expected to open on February 2, so if you’re looking for a luxury getaway with meals to match, book your stay at Eastwind.
American Fare
New Paltz
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What do you get when you elevate a burger joint with the culinary insight of food writers Amiel Stanek and Alison Roman? You get Moonburger, which has already made waves in Kingston, winning last year’s Best of Hudson Valley award for “Best Veggie Burger.” The Moonburger team will take over the storefront that formerly housed Mexicali Blue, just a short walk away from the also new, also excellent Burger Box. Whose patties will reign supreme? Only time will tell…
Pizza
Kingston
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Ollie’s arrived in the Hudson Valley just after the advent of the pandemic with a location in High Falls. Despite its nascence, Ollie’s has cemented itself as one of the top picks for pizza in a region known for excellent pies—in part thanks to our proximity to NYC—even earning a mention in our roundup of chef-selected pizzerias within our December 2022 print issue. Ollie’s will take over the building left behind by Tony’s Pizzeria last January.
Steakhouse
White Plains
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If case you’ve been living under a rock—or, if you don’t fancy TV shows about cooking—David Burke is a celebrity chef known for his numerous media appearances and restaurants in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Saudi Arabia. The James Beard award nominee opened the first Red Horse steakhouse in his home state of New Jersey, and now he’s bringing the toothsome menu to Westchester. Situated at the Opus hotel, this eatery is sure to become a foodie favorite in the region. Red Horse opened its doors this month and is currently taking reservations.
Craft Brewery
Hudson
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You may recall that Return Brewing was on our list of prospective openings last year, but, you know, things happen. Return Brewing’s beers are already a smash hit in the Hudson Valley beer scene and beyond, so we’re elated that a brick-and-mortar location is coming to Hudson sometime in 2023. Till then, look out for the brews on tap or shop from the online store.
Traditional Japanese and Chinese
Poughkeepsie
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There has been a ton of buzz about Eastdale Village, the first “live, work, dine, shop, and play” community in the Hudson Valley. The community has some exciting expansions planned for 2023, including Tomo, a spinoff of Chef Tomo Lin’s Mr. Sushi & Grill in Middletown. “Tomo’s will be a perfect addition to the Asian dining atmosphere in the Hudson Valley,” Chef Tomo asserts. “After meeting with Kirchhoff Team, I had realized there was no better place to call Tomo’s home than Eastdale Village.” The 6,600-square-foot restaurant, which is slated to open this spring, will feature a mixture of traditional Chinese and Japanese fare.
Blue 82, Albany
Crave Burgers & Frozen Yogurt, Albany
Joe’s Tavern, Cohoes
Nirvana Indian Restaurant Bar and Banquet, Altamont
Breadfolks Bakery, Hudson
Nonne Pizza & Cucina, Chatham
Oak Pizzeria Napoletana, Hudson
Billy Bob’s BBQ, Poughkeepsie
Hudson’s Ribs & Fish, Fishkill
Laura’s Family Restaurant, Poughkeepsie
Végétalien, Beacon
Catherine’s Restaurant, Goshen
Liberty Street Bistro, Newburgh
Tony Boffa’s Restaurant, Middletown
Foundry Café, Cold Spring
Airmont Diner, Suffern
Brookside Tavern, Valley Cottage
Casa Del Mare, Nyack
D’Vine Bar, Sparkill
Marcello’s Restaurant, Suffern
Two Villains Brewing, Nyack
Elia’s BBQ Pit, Highland
Ginza Asian Fusion, Saugerties
Grainne, Kingston
Kitchenette, High Falls
Mole Mole, Kingston
Shindig, Woodstock
Tony’s Pizzeria, Kingston
Broccoli’s Luncheonette, Dobb’s Ferry
Chef Antonio Restaurant, Mamaroneck
Ichiro, White Plains
Did we miss an up-and-coming (or recently closed) eatery in the Hudson Valley? Send us a tip to edit@hvmag.com.
Related: 12 Mexican Restaurants for Food Lovers in the Hudson Valley