Vegans and vegetarians know better than anyone that not all menus are created equal. Luckily for them, the Hudson Valley is a mecca for foodies of all kinds, including those that prefer a plant-based diet.
Lower Hudson
An Artistic Taste
Vegan and vegetarian options
Harriman
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There are a ton of reasons to love this Orange County hotspot for “modern American, globally influenced” grub, but the fact that Chef Andre Robinson always includes vegan and vegetarian dishes on his menus ranks high for us. While the star of the show is indubitably the food, don’t miss out on the creative lemonades (our favorite is the raspberry-rose variety).
Our order: Vegan dumplings, Brussels sprouts, and plantains, plus whatever vegetarian or vegan mains are currently offered
Art Café
Vegan and vegetarian options
Nyack
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Located right in the heart of Nyack, this creative hub serves eclectic eats just a stone’s throw from the Hudson River. For breakfast, snack on fresh pastries alongside hot lattes, and at lunchtime, savor Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired vegetarian dishes. Be sure to check out the gallery of the month indoors, and live music on the outdoor patio. Once you’ve finished your meal, walk down to Memorial Park for stunning views of the river and bridge.
Our order: Picasso salad or shakshouka with Bulgarian feta and Mediterranean herbs
Kitchen & Coffee
Vegetarian only
Beacon
The gluten-free café and bakery in Beacon is a community favorite for its good-for-you treats and bites. Whether you go for savory or sweet, you’re bound to find something to tempt your taste buds here. In addition to plant-centric fare, you can order custom cakes and loaves of bread to-go.
Our order: K&C avocado toast, with lemon-white-bean hummus and citrus-sumac vinaigrette
The Plant Palate
Vegan only
Delivery only
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The Plant Palate is a must for plant-based empanadas in Dutchess County. Place an order of the signature or birria-style empanadas to get your savory fix.
Our order: Signature and birria-style empanadas
Quinn’s
Vegan and vegetarian options
Beacon
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Great ramen can be difficult to come by, and even more so if you stick to a plant-based diet. Quinn’s in Beacon comes to the rescue with a veggie-forward menu comprising noodles, salads, small plates, and desserts.
Our order: Chilled soba with wakame, carrot, scallion, tomato, shiitake mushroom, and spicy sesame dressing
Fogwood + Fig
Vegan and vegetarian only
Port Jervis
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From sandwiches and burgers to protein bowls and salads, this plant-based café is committed to using organic products in all its creations. Gluten-free options are available, and seasonal produce is locally sourced.
Our order: California Classic Burger, with a black lentil mushroom patty, sage and fennel spice, tomato, house-made pickles, and Thousand Island dressing on a house-made bun
Mid-Hudson
Aba’s Falafel
Vegan only
Rhinebeck
At this Middle Eastern eatery in Rhinebeck, enjoy a neighborhood vibe while dining on “simple, fresh, and healthy” vegan falafel that bursts with flavor.
Our order: The combination plate, which comes with salad, hummus, falafel, and pita
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Karma Road
Vegan only
New Paltz
This low-key café and bakery down by the Wallkill River serves salads, sandwiches, and enough soup to warrant a loyalty program.
Our order: The tempeh BLT, topped with vegan bacon, tomato, lettuce, vegan mayo, and tahini dressing
Krishna Kitchen
Vegan and vegetarian only
New Paltz and Newburgh
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This Indian restaurant in New Paltz offers mid-range price points and flavor to spare. Get one of the bowls for an enjoyable meal that feels cozy, too.
Our order: The Kofta bowl with crushed samosa, cilantro-mint sauce, and seasonal veggies
Lagusta’s Luscious
Vegan only
New Paltz
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Serving coffee, pastries, and confections, this café is a bona fide New Paltz staple. Next time you’re in New Paltz, stop into the storefront for scratch-made sweets made with a “commitment to social justice, environmentalism, and veganism.”
Our order: Assorted bonbons and house-made cold brew
Garden Café
Vegan only
Woodstock
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Set just beside the green in Woodstock, this stylish restaurant offers tastefully arranged plates of locally sourced veggies, creatively cooked tofu, and daily special bowls combining grains, proteins, and salads. The drink selection is pretty spectacular, too—choose between tea, coffee, organic juices, smoothies, wine, and local beer.
Our order: Spinach-basil pesto pasta, a side order of cornbread, and a “vivacious violet” smoothie
Red Hook Curry House
Vegetarian options
Red Hook
Fulfilling the truism that the best Indian food comes in the least pretentious package, this nonchalant building in the center of town offers an extensive menu of vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t miss the Tuesday and Sunday buffet nights with four vegetarian dishes.
Our order: Shag ponir, prepared with fresh spinach and fried cheese in a creamy sauce
Our Daily Bread
Vegetarian options
Red Hook
This gluten-free bakery, café, and deli uses local grains for breads and pastries, and has a small café serving tea, toast, and tarts.
Our order: Sabih made with fried eggplant, sliced egg, hummus, and Israeli salad
Twisted Soul Food Concepts
Vegan and vegetarian options
Poughkeepsie
Global cultures come together here with fusion dishes like sweet potato empanadas, tofu banh mi sandwiches, and jerk barbecue tofu rice bowl with plantains. For a surprisingly sweet treat, order a Medjool date smoothie to complement your meal.
Our order: Sweet potato noodle bowl with Malaysian curry sauce, red radish, peanuts, fresh mint, and green onion
Veggie Oasis
Vegan and vegetarian only
Shokan
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Head to Veggie Oasis for global cuisine at an affordable price in Shokan. It’s an ideal pitstop if you’re planning a hike in the region.
Our order: Thai red coconut curry with kale, cauliflower, carrots, bamboo shoots, baby corn, and brown rice
Upper Hudson
Healthy on Lark
Vegan and vegetarian only
Albany
This brightly colored underground treat from chef and certified health coach Sharon Lastique uses organic local ingredients in its diner staples and juices, with old favorites and seasonal specials making each visit unique.
Our order: Vegan BLT with homemade marinated tempeh on bread of choice with lettuce and tomato
Red Dot
Vegetarian only
Wurtsboro
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The vegetarian kitchen is a gem in Sullivan County, offering plant-powered food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Start your day with a buckwheat pancake or bring it to a close with tikki masala curry.
Our order: Tofu curry, complete with zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, carrots, lemongrass, Thai sweet basil, red onions, and organic tofu
Wizard Burger
Vegan only
Albany
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It’s your average burger-and-fries kinda joint, but with a meatless twist. Whether you’re in the mood for an Impossible burger, plant-based chicken nuggets, or an eclectic side like fried pickles, this Capital Region eatery will satisfy the full spectrum of your cravings.
Our order: Big kahuna burger with grilled pineapple, jalapeno, and sweet soy glaze
Kitchen & Coffee’s avocado toast. Photo by Meghan Spiro[/caption]
The gluten-free café and bakery in Beacon is a community favorite for its good-for-you treats and bites. Whether you go for savory or sweet, you're bound to find something to tempt your taste buds here. In addition to plant-centric fare, you can order custom cakes and loaves of bread to-go.
Our order: K&C avocado toast, with lemon-white-bean hummus and citrus-sumac vinaigrette
