11 Spots to Get Your Grub On This August

Pamela’s on the Hudson

Casual riverside dining is the scene here, where a modern menu wakes up classic meals. The braised short ribs over polenta steal the show, while a bar-with-a-view features cocktail creations of all sorts.

Newburgh: 1 Park Place. 845.562.4505. $$$ 

 

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Billy Joe’s Ribworks

This waterfront restaurant gives off a fun-loving vibe — but would you expect anything less from an establishment whose mascot is a cool goat wearing sunglasses? Meats are the specialty here, particularly the three varieties of ribs, numerous sliders, beef brisket, and pit-smoked chicken. Lunch & dinner daily.

Newburgh: 26 Front St. 845.565.1560. $$–$$$     

Poughkeepsie Ice House on the Hudson

Set in a historic brick building right on the river’s edge, menus here merge modern technique with traditional dishes to create easy-breezy seafood, salads, pastas, and more. Enjoy picture-perfect views of both the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Mid-Hudson Bridge while you dig into dishes like Rosemary Calamari with chipotle aioli and marinara, or Rotisserie Chicken with lemon thyme broth and corn-tomato relish. Lunch & dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch & dinner on Sun.             

Poughkeepsie: 1 Main St 845.232.5783. $$$ 

Daily Planet Diner

Eating is believing(!) at this pop culture-adorned diner conveniently located off the Taconic State Parkway. A stop here means all your favorite diner fare — burgers, shakes, fries, all-day breakfast, and the like — and generous portions, but also a slew of updated menu items to appeal to any palate, like Carrot Raisin Pancakes and a burger made from Canadian bison. Open daily. 

LaGrangeville: 1202 Rt 55. 845.452.0110. $-$$  

Joshua’s Cafe

This Woodstock standout provides eclectic world cuisine centered around Middle Eastern specialties. The menu includes a selection to accommodate any diet or palate — all made with lots of love and ingredients sourced as close to home as possible. Don’t miss the Super Falafel: fresh falafel, greens, tomatoes, sprouts, red onion, feta, and tahini layered in a pita with choice of chommus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, or avocado.  Breakfast, lunch, & dinner daily, except Wed.

Woodstock: 51 Tinker St. 845.679.5533. $$$           

Baja 328

Three epic margaritas. At least 12 types of tacos. More than 100 types of tequila. How many more reasons do you need to get there? This Beacon bar and grill is guaranteed to please anyone seeking fun, Southwestern cuisine and thirst-quenching beverages. Don’t miss the Grilled Street Corn with cotija cheese, scallion crema, lime, and a peppered trio.

Beacon: 328 Main St. 845.838.2252. $$

Café Mio

Local farm-to-table fare and updated classics crafted with care are what you’ll discover at this artsy restaurant in the heart of Gardiner. Guests rave about, well, everything — the service, portion size, presentation, and of course, taste, are all on point. Banana-Bacon French Toast will make you swoon at breakfast, and the 9-oz. burger, made with local beef, and served with hand-cut fries if you desire, will fill you up at lunch. Other favorites include the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich and the Corned Beef Hash. Open until 4:30 p.m. daily. Closed Mon. & Tues.

Gardiner: 2356 Rt 44. 845.255.4949. $ 

Frank Guido’s Port of Call

Stop in by car or boat to experience fabulous views of the Hudson from either of the two spacious levels at this Catskill standout. The menu spills over with everything from fresh lobsters and steaks, to pasta, chicken, and salads. Adult customers seem to favor the Twin 6-oz Lobster Tails and the Prime Rib, while the younger set can’t get enough of the larger-than-average kids’ menu. If the options aren’t enough to win you over, the service sure will. Closed on Mon.

Catskill: 7 Main St. 518.943.5088. $$ 

Henry’s at the Farm

Located at Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa, Henry’s is an intimate space with barnwood tables, unique sculptural lighting, and a pond view. The real beauty of the place, however, is the menu, which utilizes ingredients from nearby farms and purveyors, as well as their own 40-acre farm, to create meals that truly reflect the Valley. Offerings change seasonally. Lunch Fri.–Sun., dinner daily, brunch Sun.

Milton: 220 North Rd. 845.795.1310. $$$–$$$$ 

BV’s Grill

The traditional American grill gets a makeover at this steakhouse located inside the Time Hotel in Nyack. Meaty entrees like the Filet Mignon, served with green peppercorn sauce and fried onions, and the Braised Short Ribs with a chipotle ragu and garlic mashed potatoes are obvious draws, but we would happily order the fish taco appetizer every time without pause. Open daily; outdoor dining and a poolside cabana can be made available, weather permitting.

Nyack: 400 High Ave. 845.675.8740. $$$ 

Carolina House

This longstanding Columbia County restaurant is the perfect place to satisfy any sort of craving for Southern cuisine. The 1000-Spice Caribbean Chicken, a marinated, flash-fried, and then baked half of chicken served with your choice of dirty rice or potato preparation, is a house specialty, and the Fried Onion Ring Loaf (yes, really) is not to be missed. Enjoy alfresco dining in the warmer months or vie for fire-side seating once winter gets here. Gluten-free options, as well as vegetarian choices, are available. Open for dinner, closed Mon.

Kinderhook: 59 Broad St. 518.758.1669. $$$–$$$$