If you’re a foodie, the Hudson Valley is the place to be. But if you’re a comfort foodie, the Hudson Valley is definitely the place to be. Plenty of chefs have settled down their Southern roots here and, in turn, bless us with scrumptious comfort food from classic fried chicken to barbecue pork.
So, if you’re ready to head down south and go homestyle, look no further than these Hudson Valley restaurants.
Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen
Clinton Avenue, Albany
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At this cozy eatery, it’s all about the food and the flavors. Whether it’s grilled barbecue chicken or fried fish, each meal comes with your choice of three sides. Baked macaroni and cheese and potato salad are just two of the many options to consider. A catering menu is also available.
Alvin & Friends
Memorial Highway, New Rochelle
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Making the Best of Westchester list five years in a row, this Caribbean-inspired restaurant is sure to impress with its upscale interior, decorated with paintings by the restaurant’s owner, Alvin Clayton. As for the menu, Southern food favorites like buttermilk fried chicken and jambalaya sit right alongside smoked barbecue ribs and shrimp and grits. Be sure to catch live music on the weekends!
The Beacon Daily
Teller Avenue, Beacon
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Offering breakfast all day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Beacon Daily is certainly the reigning monarch of Hudson Valley fried chicken sandwiches. From the Nashville Hot to the Fuster Cluck, you can nosh to your heart’s content. If you crave even more, don’t miss the chicken and waffles and hand-crafted English muffin sandwiches for breakfast.
Essie’s Restaurant
Mount Carmel Place, Poughkeepsie
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In close proximity to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, this charming restaurant is led by another Culinary Institute graduate, Brandon Walker. On the menu, you’ll find grit coquettes, jerk ribs, chicken and dumplings, and hand-cut Cajun wedges. Shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles are in store for you during weekend brunch.
Handsome Devil BBQ
Corwin Court, Newburgh; Academy Street, Poughkeepsie
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At two great locations on either side of the river, Handsome Devil BBQ pays homage to Southern food through its unique yet familiar dishes. From brisket to pulled pork to homemade sausage, this spot has the meats covered. Order the Carolina coleslaw, the Better Than Grandma’s mac and cheese, or the apple pie baked beans to make it a complete meal.
Miz Hattie’s Southern BBQ
Main Street, Beacon
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A staple in the Hudson Valley Food Hall, Miz Hattie’s has been famous in Dutchess County for its catering long before opening this dine-in location. The Southern-style barbecue menu includes pulled pork, mac and cheese, baked beans, brisket, and sweet all-American desserts like apple or sweet potato pies. Make sure to order a large Miz Hattie’s original sweet tea to wash it all down.
My Father’s House Southern Cuisine
North Broadway, Nyack
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At this café-esque restaurant, you can find all your Southern favorites, from fried chicken and waffles to shrimp and grits. Don’t miss out on all the vegetarian offerings, such as veggie wingettes and pasta slaw. Make a mental note to try the pecan Belgian waffle or a buttermilk biscuit with cinnamon honey butter while you’re at this spot. Sundays are reserved for brunch—sometimes with live gospel music.
Ole Savannah
Rondout Landing, Kingston
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The riverfront location of this table and bar provides beautiful scenery for delectable Southern food. Treat your tastebuds to braised short rib quesadillas or jambalaya with andouille sausage, Louisiana shrimp, and scallops. Be sure to also take advantage of the family to-go menu, Sunday buffet brunch, and dessert options like pecan pie and carrot cake.
Savannah & Company
Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor
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Open in Westchester since 2014, Savannah and Company celebrates 10 years of business this year. The Southern food options here are endless, including choices like fried green tomatoes, Nashville hot chicken, jambalaya, barbecue brisket, skillet mac and cheese, and baby back ribs. Dig into some collard greens or parmesan grits on the side to really get your fill of comfort food.
Southern Table Kitchen & Bar
Marble Avenue, Pleasantville
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A unique Westchester dining experience, Southern Table Kitchen & Bar puts an inventive spin on Southern cuisine. Combining the best of Tex-Mex and Southern classics, this spot serves dishes like Louisiana shrimp tacos and hot chicken burritos. Try the Cajun gumbo or braised short ribs for comforting entrees, and don’t forget to add mama’s cornbread and slaw on the side.
Related: Where to Pick Your Own Berries in the Hudson Valley
