Amongst the Hudson Valley, options for food and drink sit on a diverse spectrum of the finest flavors, ranging from allergy-friendly desserts to delectable tacos to affordable neo-Creole cuisine. Although this list does not include all of the belly-satisfying and taste-bud-thrilling restaurants that can be enjoyed throughout the Hudson Valley, this diversified list comes with a range that has something for everyone to enjoy, even for the pickiest eater of the family. Whether it’s ditching the kids for a night out at the local winery or picking up a wood-fired pizza for everyone to share, your taste buds are in for a real treat.
Dixon Roadside, Bearsville
Dixon Roadside prides itself in offering the highest-quality products from local Hudson Valley and Catskills farms and small businesses. The menu consists of comfort food classics with an occasional modern and fresh twist. This roadside-eatery’s decor has the industrial optimism of an Automat. In a world where restaurateurs are trying to create artisanal-everything spaces, Dixon’s aesthetic is a throwback to the machine age minimalist chic. The menu is a mid-size collection of locally sourced comfort options, like the crispy chicken sandwich ($15) served on a brioche bun with red cole slaw, bibb lettuce, and kimchi mayo. The bar features six local and regional beers on tap ($6 to $8), as well as cider and kombucha.
City Winery, Montgomery
City Winery sits on Montgomery Mills, a 22-acre riverside compound with ample room for vineyards, tasting room, indoor and outdoor performances spaces, fine dining, and events. Recent performances include shows by Chris Thile and Joan Osborne. Its multi-level outdoor patio overlooks the Wallkill River, and the wine is finely crafted, balanced, and very easy to drink. All of the wines are dry and meant to be drunk by themselves or with lighter food dishes.
Ollie’s Pizza, High Falls
Ollie’s Pizza in High Falls focuses on comfort foods for friends and family to all enjoy, including pizzas, burgers, fresh salads, and Italian-inspired entrees, made with fresh ingredients and best quality products that they take pride in serving to the community. Located in a restored barn serving wood-fired and Roman-style pies, alongside natural wine and a full bar, this locally owned and family-operated business offers a casual dining atmosphere for the whole family.
Emy Delights & Bites, Hyde Park
Emy Delights & Bites is an inclusive dessert shop and cafe that everyone can enjoy. They are committed to providing delicious desserts made without the top nine major allergens (soy, wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, & sesame). All of their products are 100-percent vegan and have no artificial colors or preservatives. They want everyone to have tasty and healthy food options, no matter the food allergy or dietary lifestyle, including a vegan and/or gluten-free diet.
Lunch Nightly, Kingston
Located in the former Peace Nation Cafe on Broadway, Lunch Nightly self-describes itself as “deli and whole animal butcher by day and a sexy dive with shareable plates by night.” The concept works like this: Swing by for lunch and get a corned beef sandwich, or perhaps a pound of sliced roast beef and some salads from the deli case. Once night falls, the deli shuts down. Come back for family-style dining sourced from the butcher shop and ingredients from Hudson Valley farms. The drinks regimen will lean heavily on natural wine, beer, and spirits served neat.
Tortilla Taco Bar, Kingston
Ruben Lopez keeps it simple at Tortilla Taco Bar, but the foundational element is the tortilla from his native Oaxaca. Almost everything is built around the tortilla at Lopez’s place, where he makes his own tortillas twice a week. They have an earthy, nutty flavor which can actually be tasted in the dishes. Tortilla Taco Bar has an intimate indoor dining room of a dozen seats and a handful of spots at a small bar; their sunny patio features a dozen well-distanced tables.
