Northern Spy Café

Route 213, High Falls. 687-7298.

First survive the hairpin turn into the driveway. You're reward: original American fare with an Italian and Asian influence. This place manages to be candle lit mellow and family friendly. with a beautiful, well-stocked bar. Skip the standard wine list and toast the family with one of the eclectic beers offered on tap. For dinner, try the 16 oz. Cajun pan roasted steak (the 8oz. is too small to be cooked properly), or the succulent "Hacked Duck", if you can get over the name. The apple pie (featuring the Northern Spy apple) is tarter than grandma's but still worthwhile. $$-TRK

Santa Fe

50 Broadway, Tivoli. 757-4100.

Start simple: the Wisconsin cheddar and roasted green chile quesadilla, and a side of guacamole, made with red onions, lime, cilantro and scallions. The move onto something more complex: Tacos Cochinita Pibil. These succulent, barbecued pork tacos are the star attraction at Santa Fe. For non-carnivores: Enchiladas San Miguel (sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, & feta cheese) or the Grilled Portobello Burrito with Chipotle sauce, provide flavor without flesh. Pitchers of margaritas are available, though a bit pricey; have a Tecate instead. $$ -BKM

Le Soleil-Lune Café

2 South Chestnut St., New Paltz. 255-0389.

Creations Coffeehouse

5 Church St., New Paltz. 255-2938.

After thirty years the Beat migration is complete. Its primary institution, the art/music/poetry coffeehouse has arrived in New Paltz from the West Village, offering innumerable coffee concoctions, fine, fresh desserts and an ambiance of poetic verisimilitude. You can read a novel, play chess or talk Kant and Hegel with a small but respectable coterie of Lovers of Wisdom. Try Le Soleil Lune's cosmic tiramisu and Creation's intoxicating Masala Chai, a sweet and milky cardamom flavored Indian tea. Both have a regular schedule of music, poetry readings and lectures. $ -JCS