City Winery Hudson Valley
We’re ringing the dinner (and lunch) bell to alert all you locals, day-trippers, leaf peepers, connoisseurs, and craft-beer tippers to the be-all-end-all event happening here in the Hudson Valley—Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, November 1st-14th.
For two solid weeks, we’ll literally be eating our way through the captivating Hudson Valley, indulging in the best 100+ restaurants have to offer. Yep, there’s a culinary revolution going on in the HV, and now is the time to experience the diverse cuisine, farm-to-table fabulosity, and epicurean expertise that’s redefining dining here.
From November 1st-14th, participating restaurants will offer special, three-course dinner menus for $35.95. Many will also offer 3-course lunches for $25.95. (Not including beverage, tax, and tip). This season, restaurants may also offer their prix-fix menus as a take-out option. Find the list of participating restaurants and make reservations (strongly encouraged), here. Note that restaurants may not offer their HVRW menu on certain days.
We did some reconnaissance on the best offerings by county. Check out our picks here.
Cafe' Con Leche
Dutchess County has all the ingredients for an amazing vaca- or staycation, whether you’re coming for a superb dining experience, or to soak up some of mother’s nature’s love. Trattoria Locanda in Fishkill is where locals come to tuck into fine Southern Italian cuisine in a space that exudes cozy neighborhood charm. Authentic Puerto Rican cuisine is on the menu at Café Con Leche in Wappingers Falls. There, the husband-and-wife team of Phil and Melodie Cordero use the freshest ingredients to bring a taste of la isla del encanto (The island of enchantment) to the Hudson Valley. Tamarind, also in Wappingers Falls, is our go-to for Indian cuisine using the best spices to create inspired flavors and aromas.
Grainne
With more than 350 miles of beautiful trails and paths, Ulster County is a natural wonderland. And the food scene is spectacular, too. Grainne is Kingston’s new comfort food bistro, serving an eclectic mix that ranges from a lunchtime burger with house made bacon onion jam to dinner of oven-roasted Faroe Island Salmon. Ship Lantern Inn in Milton, housed in a building that dates to the Revolutionary War, prides itself on superb fine dining in a warm and inviting atmosphere. A trip to Ulster is not complete without a visit to Stone House Tavern in Accord. There, fresh locally sourced ingredients elevate standouts like the Truffled Pot Roast and Free-Range Chicken Breast.
City Winery Hudson Valley
Orange County offers some of New York State’s biggest attractions, like West Point, Storm King Art Center, and Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. The County also boasts amazing restaurants, too. Borland House Inn in Montgomery, voted “Best Bed and Breakfast and Brunch in the Hudson Valley,” offers seasonal farm fresh ingredients with Southern-comfort food influences. Right around the corner is City Winery Hudson Valley offering a regionally-influenced, locally-sourced menu in a rustic and elegant space. Café Pitti, a charming spot on the Newburgh waterfront, features a mix of Italian classics that includes wood fired pizzas paired with an extensive wine list. Orange Hill Global Bistro is where the culinary journey includes modern fare and handcrafted dishes in a thoughtfully designed space.
Clocktower Grill
Putnam County is known as “a small but mighty treasure trove of crystal lakes, beautiful hiking trails, historic sites, art and cultural experiences and quaint restaurants and shops.” You’ll also love a visit to Clock Tower Grill in Brewster, set in a renovated barn, for its “rustic American” menu featuring ingredients from area farms. Riverview Restaurant, in charming Cold Spring on the Hudson, nourishes our craving for contemporary American cuisine—think market fresh seafood and brick oven pizza—with beautiful river views. Char Steakhouse & Bar in Mahopac offers casual dining with a classic steakhouse feel and its dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood are standouts.
The Greekish
Just an hour’s drive from NYC is Rockland County. Here you’ll be dazzled by views of the Hudson and can soak up historic sites, shopping, and more. Some of our faves here include Restaurant 1915 at the Bear Mountain Inn. Restaurant 1915 offers an eclectic mix of creative global cuisine that takes familiar, locally sourced items and gives them an intriguing twist. Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar offers New American cuisine with Mediterranean influences along with spectacular views at its waterfront locale in Piermont. The Greekish – Nyack is Nyack’s new meze and ouzo bar by award-winning Chef Constantine Kalandranis. Meze—the Greek version of tapas—is a collection of savory small dishes that let guests get a little taste of everything.
Cellaio
Sullivan County is home to the beloved and breathtaking Catskill Mountains. Named one of the “50 Best Places to Travel” by Travel & Leisure, it’s an outdoorsy paradise with lots of creative dining options. Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill is a top American Fish & Steakhouse with the freshest meat and seafood around. Cellaio in Resorts World Catskills, is an Italian inspired steakhouse with a menu curated by acclaimed chef Scott Conant. Lotus, also in Resorts World Catskills, offers authentic Chinese delicacies in a fine dining atmosphere.
La Botte
Just a hop, skip, and a short MetroNorth ride from NYC is Westchester County. Quaint towns, historic spots, and lots of open space offer lots to do. And the dining experiences are next level. Harvest on Hudson overlooks the Hudson River and Palisades and features inspired Mediterranean cuisine with ingredients grown in their own garden. La Botte brings the best of Italy to White Plains with wood-fired pizza, handcrafted pastas, and the best selection of wines. City Limits Diner, also in White Plains, redefines the American diner with a menu of comforting, sophisticated dishes ranging from house-smoked meats to gourmet pastry.
With amazing deals and so much Hudson Valley culinary innovation going on, now’s the time to try everything on your bucket list. Plus, no driving is necessary! Click the “Near Metro-North Railroad” button on the left here for walkable options.
