COLUMBIA
BARTLETT HOUSE
Occupying a restored 19th-century railroad hotel, this bakery and café serves breakfast and lunch daily. Don’t miss the house-made breads, pastries, and jams (take some home for later), which are used in delectable sandwiches to enjoy alongside Sightglass Coffees of something sweet from the milkshake or hot chocolate menus. 2258 Rte 6, Ghent; 518.392.7787. $$ bartletthouse.com
GASKINS
Deftly prepared hyper-local ingredients and an excellent selection of beverages make for an unforgettable experience at Gaskins, a community gathering spot owned and operated by Brooklyn escapees Nick and Sarah Suarez. Though offerings change with the seasons, the Big Salad and grass-fed burger persist as the menu progresses. 2 Church Ave, Germantown; 518.537.2107. $$$ gaskinsny.com
ROE JAN BREWING
Located in a beautifully restored mercantile building that dates to 1850, Roe Jan Brewing serves a rotating lineup of well-balanced beers brewed on site and a creative pub menu focusing on seasonal and wood-fired food. Their spacious dining room includes an octagonal bar surrounding a vintage grain hopper, plus outdoor and dog-friendly seating on the patio and wraparound deck. 32 Anthony Street, Hillsdale; 518.303.8080. $-$$ roejanbrewing.com
WM. FARMER AND SONS
Craft cocktails and comfort food staples collide with seasonal produce and a responsible ethos at this tavern-restaurant attached to a boutique hotel. The ever-changing menu nabbed a 2018 Diners’ Choice Award from OpenTable, and continues to impress with uniquely intricate plates like country fried bone marrow and roasted mushroom perloo. 20 S Front St, Hudson; 518.828.1635. $$$$ wmfarmerandsons.com/dine-with-us
DUTCHESS
ABA’S FALAFEL
A farmers’ market favorite turned brick-and-mortar store, Aba’s dishes up a bare-bones menu of falafel, sabich, hummus plates, or a combo of all three. In their cozy, living room atmosphere, order a Turkish coffee and homemade baklava for a bittersweet finish to the meal. 52 E Market St, Rhinebeck; 845.876.2324. $ abasfalafel.com
BAJA 328
This grill offers 130-plus varieties of tequila. Tacos skew traditional (brisket barbacoa, al pastor, chorizo) and modern, with choices like Buffalo calamari and Korean-barbecue carnitas. 328 Main St, Beacon; 845.838.2252. $$ baja328.com
CHARLOTTE’S CATERING & RESTAURANT
A romantic country spot with cozy fires in winter and glorious garden dining in summer. The menu here changes daily, but expect Americanfare with international influence. 4258 US 44, Millbrook; 845.677.5888. $$$$ charlottesny.com
COSIMO’S
At this local favorite (and annual Best of Hudson Valley Readers’ Pick) with four locations, the New World Italian menu features favorites such as arancini and seafood fra diavolo, in addition to wood-fired pizzas, and salads. 120 Delafield St, Poughkeepsie; 845.485.7172. 620 Rte 211 E, Middletown; 845.692.3242. 1217 Rte 300, Newburgh; 845.567.1556. 100 State Rte 32, Central Valley (Woodbury location); 845.928.5222. $$-$$$ cosimos.com
DAILY PLANET DINER
This ’50s-inspired diner serves up more than just flavorful flapjacks. Along with burgers, patty melts, blue-plate specials (Grandma’s meatloaf, turkey with all the trimmings), and nearly a dozen specialty sundaes, the menu comprises a vast salad selection. 1202 Rte 55, Lagrangeville; 845.452.0110. $$ dailyplanetdiner.com
HERITAGE FOOD + DRINK
Serving New American cuisine in a renovated modern barn setting, creations range from crispy Reuben egg rolls to fried chicken and biscuits and king crab cavatelli, paired with cocktails and local beers. 1379 US 9, Wappingers Falls; 845.298.1555. $$$ heritagefooddrink.com
IL FIGLIO
After closing Il Barilotto in 2020, restaurateur Scott Rosenberg opened Il Figlio Enoteca in Fishkill embodying many of the qualities regulars loved about the previous fine-dining experience (doting service and fabulous Italian fare, including luscious fresh pasta) in a new, beautifully designed, much larger space with an all-new cocktail program. 992 Main St, Fishkill; 845.836.3015 $$-$$$ figlioenoteca.com
LOLA’S CAFÉ & GOURMET CATERING
Owner Ed Kowalski offers a healthier alternative to fast food at this Modern American lunch-and-takeout spot, serving homemade soups, panini, vegetarian sides, and popular Thai spicy peanut noodles. 131 Washington St, Poughkeepsie; 845.471.8555. 49 Main St, New Paltz; 845.255.6555. $ lolascafeandcatering.com
LOLITA’S PIZZA
Get ready for a pizza experience like no other, with fresh and delicious pizza made fresh daily in 900-degree ovens. Lolita’s also makes its own pasta, in shapes like gemelli, gnocchi, and agnolotti, with the help of its Italian pasta maker. The artful bites are tossed with delectable ingredients like broccoli rabe pesto or pork and pancetta to power dishes that will leave you longing for more. 129 Washington St, Poughkeepsie; 845.452.8100. $-$$ lolitaspizza.com
MCKINNEY & DOYLE
With cozy atmosphere, come for the award-winning brunch, as well as lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Don’t miss the baked goods made from scratch at the adjoining Corner Bakery. 10 Charles Coleman Blvd, Pawling; 845.855.3707. $$$ mckinneyanddoyle.com
RED LINE DINER
From the same owners as the Daily Planet Diner, Red Line boasts a convenient location, just off I-84. Menu standouts include all-day breakfast, the Reuben sandwich, the double burger, and the Red Line combo—a surf-and-turf plate of stuffed shrimp and steak. 588 Rte 9, Fishkill; 845.765.8401. $$ dineatredline.com
ROSTICCERIA ROSSI & SONS
A Poughkeepsie staple since 1979, this family-owned deli brings customers authentic flavors of Italy via homemade mozzarella and imported meats and cheeses. Among favorites, including the gnocchi Bolognese and prime rib, don’t miss the roast pork shoulder panini on focaccia. 45 S Clover St and Eastdale Village, Poughkeepsie; 845.471.0654. $$ rossideli.com
SHADOWS ON THE HUDSON
This riverfront restaurant features a modern interior and prime outdoor seating. The menu stresses seafood, but landlubbers are kept happy with a handful of other options, including indulgent prime rib (Friday to Sunday only). 176 Rinaldi Blvd, Poughkeepsie; 845.486.9500. $$$$ shadowsonthehudson.com
SMOKY ROCK BBQ
In the Rhinebeck, this BBQ restaurant specializes in slow smoked meats including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked duck and pork belly using their own signature spice rub and sauces. Craft beer, local spirits, signature drinks, and over 30 bourbons complement the menu. 6367 Mill St, Rhinebeck; 845.876.5232. $$$ smokyrockbbq.com
SOTANO FOOD & WINE
This Northern Mediterranean-style spot has been a Main Street staple since 2018. Sotano scores with tasty plates like chickpea-dusted calamar, dry sea scallops, and lobster ravioli. Try the lunchtime standout: garlic-roasted leg of lamb with rosemary fries. 1036 Main Street, Fishkill; 845.897.1036. $$-$$$ sotanofishkill.com
TERRAPIN
A regional favorite since it opened in 1998, Chef/Owner Josh Kroner’s restaurant, housed in a circa-1825 former church, blends New American farm-to-table cuisine with influences from Asia, Italy, and the Southwest. 6426 Montgomery St, Rhinebeck; 845.876.3330. $$$$ terrapinrestaurant.com
THE ROUNDHOUSE
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase waterfall views in the elegant dining room. The fine-dining menu features dishes like Prime rib-eye with togarashi-citrus butter and Meyer lemon bars with prickly pear sorbet. 2 E Main St, Beacon; 845.765.8369. $$$-$$$$ rhbeacon.com
WILLOW BY CHARLIE PALMER
CIA alum Charlie Palmer showcases progressive American Cuisine at Mirbeau, with seasonal products from local farms taking center stage. Menu highlights include whole grilled Maine lobster, filet mignon au poivre, and the signature grilled oysters. 46 W Market St, Rhinebeck; 845.516.7327. $$$$ rhinebeck.mirbeau.com/dining
GREENE
CA. 1883 TAVERN AT STEWART HOUSE
Hand-painted murals and tin ceilings in the bar and dining room evoke the Tavern’s 19th-century origins. You’ll find a mix of smaller, snacky options, plus entrées that lean into the current season (whole-roasted Catskills trout in spring, roasted half chicken with creamed winter greens in colder months). 2 N Water St, Athens; 518.444.8317. $$$ stewarthouse.com/ca18
CROSSROADS BREWING COMPANY
Specializing in playful takes on bar food, the brewery’s Athens pub emphasizes Hudson Valley and NYS ingredients. And while an entire section of the menu is dedicated to local, Kilcoyne Farms grass-fed burgers, the salads are not only craveable, but equally hearty. 21 Second St, Athens; 518.945.2337. $$ crossroadsbrewingco.com
GRACIE’S LUNCHEONETTE
Probably the cutest diner-esque eatery we have in the Valley, this upriver venue serves all-day breakfast (don’t skip the donuts!) alongside salads, sandwiches, and classic egg creams in a well-lit, familial atmosphere with classic feel. 969 Main St, Leeds; 518.943.9363. $ . graciestruckny.com
MAMA’S BOY BURGERS
At this colorful roadside burger shack, options span classic beef (that’s local and humanely raised), chicken and turkey, and vegetarian options like portobello mushroom, falafel, or Impossible patties. Also on the menu: 13 flavors of Jane’s Ice Cream, milkshakes, 24 customizable combos of frozen custard, and DIY sundaes with all the toppings. 6067 Main St, Tannersville; 518.589.6667. $ mamasboyburgers.com
PROSPECT AT SCRIBNER’S
With 270-degree views of the surrounding Catskills through floor-to-ceiling windows, Prospect is a premier fine-dining destination. Chef Alex Napolitano emphasizes local sourcing, yielding dishes like Highland Hollow pork loin with charred allium vinaigrette and smoked trout rillettes with house pickles. 13 Scribner Hollow Rd, Hunter; 518.628.5150. $$$$ scribnersprospect.com
ORANGE
1839 RESTAURANT AND BAR
Next to the oldest winery in America, find a rustic atmosphere coupled with American cuisine. Don’t miss Sunday brunch, where the Mack Daddy (Belgian waffles topped with fried chicken and over-easy eggs) reigns supreme. 84 Brotherhood Plaza Dr, Washingtonville; 845.614.5867. $$-$$$ restaurant1839.com
CITY WINERY
Located at Montgomery Mills, this is the first non-urban site for the brand. In addition to 15 wines by the glass for tasting, the Barrel Room restaurant serves local cheese and charcuterie and shareable plates with a multi-level patio overlooking the Wallkill River. 23 Factory St, Montgomery; 845.424.0222. $$-$$$ citywinery.com/hudsonvalley
CLEMSON BROS. BREWERY
Pair an IPA, imperial milk stout, or sour ale with bar foods, like Black Dirt onion dip, wings, or fried cheese curds, and a Big Bad Wolf burger with applewood-smoked bacon, onion jam, and smoked gouda. 22 Cottage St, Middletown; 845.775.4638. 3 Main St, New Paltz; 845.256.1700. $$clemsonbrewing.com
HUDSON TACO
Housed in the historic 1909 West Shore Train Station (designed by the architects of NYC’s Grand Central Station), this eatery offers a modern twist on tacos, such as chilled tuna tataki with Asian slaw, fried chicken, crab cake, and Korean barbecue short rib. 27 S Water St, Newburgh; 845.565.8226. $$ hudsontaco.com
MAMA ROUX
Enter this remodeled storefront with welcoming décor, and you’ll find Southern-style cooking with a French accent. Loyal customers praise the wild-mushroom poutine, fried chicken, and blackened catfish on Wild Hive polenta. 96 Broadway, Newburgh; 845.561.5363. $$$ mama-roux.com
OAK & REED
Locally sourced, elevated comfort food comprises the menu at this Middletown spot, named for one of Aesop’s Fables. Popular dishes include buttermilk fried chicken with Finding Home Farms maple syrup, pan-seared organic salmon, and gemelli Bolognese. 45-53 North St, Middletown; 845.775.4200. $$-$$$ oakandreeddowntown.com
ORANGE HILL RESTAURANT
Offering lunch, dinner, and an expansive coffee bar, enjoy topnotch modern food and a cozy ambiance. Feast on first tier offerings like steaks, seafood, sandwiches and entrée salads, plus handcrafted dishes and signature cocktails. 83 Rte 17K , Newburgh; 845.567.1400. $$-$$$ orangehillny.com
PAMELA’S ON THE HUDSON
Riverside dining is the scene here, where a modern menu shakes up classic meals. Live music, happy hours, and a fun space add to the appeal. 1 Park Pl, Newburgh; 845.562.4505. $$-$$$ pamelasny.com
PRIMO WATERFRONT
Right on the Hudson River, experience elevated coastal Italian cuisine with NYC-style ambiance. The open dining room is gorgeous, but the real pull is the 175-seat shaded patio and bar. Don’t miss the squid ink taglioni, impressive seafood towers, and cioppino. 50 Front Street, Newburgh; 845.570.5656. $$$-$$$$ primowaterfront.com
PUTNAM
IRON & WINE
Tapas get an international spin at this Patterson spot, which also boasts a large gluten-free menu. Along with small plates, the menu spans sandwiches and burgers, flatbreads, house-made pastas, and a worth-the-wait selection of paellas. 3191 NY-22, Patterson; 845.878.6800. $$$ ironandwinerestaurant.com
JUANITA’S KITCHEN
Look no further for classic Mexican fare. Juanita herself serves up all the authentic favorites, crafted from the highest-quality Hudson Valley ingredients. Patrons rave about mollettes and empanadas. Finish your meal with a sweet churro. 289 Main St, Nelsonville; 845. 666.7171. $-$$ juanitaskitchenny.com
ROCKLAND
DPNB PASTA & PROVISIONS
After honing his skills at an impressive roster of NYC’s top Italian restaurants, Chef Tony Scotto opened this small restaurant serving flawless fresh pasta. The market sells fresh pasta, prepared foods, imported Italian goods, and Valley-sourced provisions. 21 N Broadway, Nyack; 845.353.2167. $$$ dpnbpastashop.com
THE GREEKISH
At this recent rebrand of his Nyack space, Chef Constantine Kalandris infuses the flavors of Greece and the Mediterranean into small plates. The menu is focused on meze, including a sizeable selection of raw bar and vegetarian offerings. The Greek Style Special deal features four mezze for just $30. 8 N Broadway, Nyack; 845.353.1200. 273 Halstead Ave, Harrison; 914.732.3333. $$-$$$ thegreekish.com
KARENDERYA
Named one of the “20 Best New Restaurants in America” by Esquire in 2018, this casual Filipino spot draws inspiration from the islands’ roadside carinderia eateries. Try the tender adobo pork belly, lumpia with spicy vinegar, and the halo halo (shaved Filipino ice) or cassava cake. 248 Main St, Nyack; 845.875.7557. $$ karenderyany.com
RESTAURANT X
At his Congers venue, Chef Kelly offers an elegant, refined take on the American steakhouse. Manicured lawns outside, vaulted ceilings, and white tablecloths inside set the stage for seasonally influenced dishes like butternut squash bisque and beef Wellington with wild mushroom duxelles. 117 N Rte 303, Congers; 845.268.6555. $$$$ xaviars.com/restx
ROOST
Though it recently relocated to Union Arts, Latin and Mediterranean influences still rule here. Favorites include shrimp with plantains and dried peppers, pan-crisped chicken with chimichurri, and a can’t-miss Sunday brunch. 2 Union St, Sparkill; 845.359.6700. $$-$$$ roostinsparkill.com
SULLIVAN
CELLAIO
From celebrity chef Scott Conant, dive into subtle, flavorful twists on traditional Italian fare at Resorts World Catskills. There’s bistecca Fiorentina, one of Florence’s most iconic foods, and delicious veal chop parmesan, which comes dressed to the nines with burrata and arugula. For sides, turn to loaded baked potatoes with mascarpone-scallion cream and crispy prosciutto or Brussels sprouts paired with neonata, crispy shallots, and crème fraîche. 888 Resorts World Dr, Monticello. $$$$ cellaiosteak.com
ULSTER
HENRY’S AT THE FARM
An emphasis on local farms, including Buttermilk Falls’ own Millstone Farm, drives the menu, featuring plates like roasted little neck clams with thyme, lemon, and drawn butter; wood-fired pizzas; and pork shank with Hudson Valley bourbon-barbecue sauce. 220 North Rd, Milton; 845.795.1500. $$$-$$$$ buttermilkfallsinn.com/henrys
MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Beyond the 85 miles of hiking trails, Victorian Gardens, and Sky Top Tower, Mohonk Mountain House serves up menus that honor the bounty of the Hudson Valley in its historic main dining room. Or, indulge in a three-course lunch or dinner in their West Dining Room, which features a variety of farm-to-table dishes from its wood-fire grill and tandoori oven. 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz; 855.421.4101. $$$-$$$$ mohonk.com
THE BEAR CAFÉ
Take in an impressive view of the Sawkill Creek while sipping on fun cocktails like Indigo Haze and Midnight Bramble. Pair drinks with popular entrées, such as seared tofu and soba noodles or a local filet mignon accompanied by garlic mash and asparagus. 295 Tinker St, Woodstock; 845.684.5581. $$-$$$ bearcafe.com
THE DUTCH ALE HOUSE
A favorite haunt for locals, this restaurant and beer garden features a solid craft beer selection and upmarket bar bites, such as dry-rubbed, smoked wings; fried chicken sandwiches slathered with spicy mayo; truffle fries; and empanadas with jalapeños and Tickler cheddar. 253 Main St, Saugerties; 845.247.3337. $$$ dutchalehouse.com
THE SHIP LANTERN INN
Open since 1925 and run by three generations of the Foglia family, you’ll find New American cuisine served in a lovely building dating back to the Revolutionary War. Savor dishes such as porcini-dusted sea bass or chateaubriand for two. The $34.50 prix-fixe Twilight Menu is an excellent deal. 1725 Rte 9W, Milton; 845.795.5400. $$$$ shiplanterninn.com
THE TAVERN AT DIAMOND MILLS
With a stunning setting overlooking Esopus Falls, The Tavern also impresses with dishes such as crab cakes with mango emulsion and a custom-blend burger with 5 Spoke cheddar and bacon jam. 25 S Partition St. Saugerties; 845.247.0700. $$$$ diamondmillshotel.com/tavern
WOODNOTES GRILLE AT THE EMERSON RESORT & SPA
Named for Ralph Waldo Emerson’s literary work, Woodnotes offers contemporary, locally sourced cuisine with a classic flair. 5340 Rte 28, Mount Tremper; 845.688.2828. $$$$ emersonresort.com/dining
WESTCHESTER
APROPOS
At the Abbey Inn & Spa, located in a renovated convent overlooking the Hudson, Executive Chef Jared Secor crafts a Mediterranean menu of fresh pasta, seasonal starters, and dry-aged pork chops with roasted kohlrabi, green tomato and mustard jus. 900 Fort Hill Rd, Peekskill; 914.739.3546. $$$$ aproposrestaurant.com
CRABTREE’S KITTLE HOUSE
Chef Beau Widener uses locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal dishes in the formal dining room and elevated bar food at the Old World Tap Room. The Grand Award-winning wine cellar houses 40,000-plus bottles. 11 Kittle Rd, Chappaqua; 914.666.8044. $$$$ crabtreeskittlehouse.com
PURDY’S FARMER & THE FISH
Chef/Owner Michael Kaphan sources many of the ingredients for his seafood-and-produce-heavy menu from the restaurant’s surrounding four-acre farm. Seating on the restored 18th-century house’s cozy front porch is particularly charming. 100 Titicus Rd, North Salem; 914.617.8380. $$$$ farmerandthefish.com/purdys
RIVERMARKET BAR & KITCHEN
This Rivertown favorite sources primarily local, sustainable ingredients for its menu, exceptional craft cocktails, and on-premises market. 127 W Main St, Tarrytown; 914.631.3100. $$$$ rivermarketbarkitchen.com
THE INN AT POUND RIDGE BY JEAN-GEORGES
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his trademark style and culinary flair to this elegantly appointed Pound Ridge farmhouse, with a menu of elevated plates (truffle-fontina pizza, whole-roasted cauliflower with turmeric-tahini sauce, and crispy, soy-glazed salmon sushi) and showstopping desserts. 258 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge; 914.764.1400. $$$$ theinnatpoundridge.com
X2O XAVIARS ON THE HUDSON
Venerated chef Peter Kelly’s restaurant sits on the historic Yonkers Pier, offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River and his famous cowboy rib-eye for two. The casual-chic Dylan Lounge boasts its own menu. 71 Water Grant St, Yonkers; 914.965.1111. $$$ xaviars.com
