Thereโs a buzz in the air in the Hudson Valley, and itโs not just the crisp fall air. The excitement surrounds the line-up of recently opened (or just-about-to-open) restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Looking for a new upscale bistro? Need a place to grab a quick lunch on the go? On the hunt for a perfect pastry or your favorite new bagel? What about a hang-out serving up local beer or offering a curated list of wine? Hereโs our list of new Hudson Valley dining and drinking spots well worth exploring.
Chemistry Wine Bar | Catskill
Creating a cozier and totally unpretentious wine bar was Dori Facklerโs goal when opening Chemistry Wine Bar, which came to Catskill in July. The native Texan fell in love with wine while living in California, where she became a regular at tastings. She started a wine club and eventually became an aficionado. Her dream to one day open her own place became a reality when a historic building came on the market in Catskill. The name was inspired by Facklerโs father, a world-renowned inorganic chemist, and the science behind a perfect vintage. Stop by often to check on the ever-changing wine list, and take advantage of Facklerโs card system to keep you tasting notes on file. Small plates, like lemony ricotta with mint and peas with beer bread ($12) or clementines in dark chocolate with pistachios ($8), and a calendar of events, round out the offerings.
Isola Wine & Tapas | Kinderhook
Wine and tapas have arrived in downtown Kinderhook thanks to sommelier Hillary Zio. IsolaโItalian for โislandโโopened October 10 and exclusively features wines sourced from the islands and coastal regions of Europe. And Zio selects wines that reflect the distinct minerality of their place of origin. The old-world, trattoria-inspired interior in the historic building comes courtesy of designer Anthony DโArgenzio of Zio and Sons (and This Old Hudson). Chef Fernando Castro, formerly of the Maker in Hudson, offers a menu inspired by the flavors of Europeโs coasts and designed to perfectly pair with Isolaโs wines. Dishes include brussels sprouts and pomegranates with coconut yogurt and chile ($15), scallops with demi sec tomatoes and champagne vinaigrette ($26), and lamb Merguez with apricots over couscous ($24).
Bernadette’s Bistro | Kingston
The menu at Bernadette’s Bistro, which celebrated a soft opening in Kingstonโs Stockade District on October 18, features mouth-watering dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Braised short ribs ($40) are served with a red wine sauce over mashed potatoes. The half roasted duck ($40) is finished with a berry-infused creme de cassis sauce, and the pork shank ($36) is topped with a white wine mustard cream sauce. Chef owner Agustin Gonzรกlez Rojas started working at local restaurants at age 15 after immigrating from Mexico to Kingston, working his way up from dishwasher to cook. With the support of his family, this is his first solo restaurant.
Anna et Pierre | Poughkeepsie
Artisanal coffee and fresh French pastries are the star of the show at Anna et Pierre Le Cafe. Opened November 1, the spot on the Poughkeepsie waterfront features single-origin and blended coffees through a partnership with Nespresso and patisserie-perfect baked goods like pain au chocolat and croissant aux amandes, as well as gluten-free and vegan treats. Rotating art exhibits hang on the walls. The name is inspired by owner GiGi Fairchildโs grandparents who, she says, โloved to host and entertain.โ GiGi will work alongside husband Dade, who serves as operations director. โTogether, weโre creating a cozy cafรฉ that beautifully blends the past with the future, inspired by my Caribbean family roots and our love for travel and culture,โ GiGi says.
Big Eddy Brewing Co.| Narrowsburg
Big Eddy Brewing Co., the first craft brewery to come to Narrowsburg, celebrated its grand opening on November 2. The alehouse serves traditional beer varietiesโlike IPAs, kolschs, and stoutsโalongside New York-made cider, wine, sour ales, seltzer, and canned cocktails. Brewmaster Jake Johnson and his wife Alison co-own the spot with Caitlin and Tom Coacci. Since thereโs nothing like pairing a great brew with some barbecue, Smลkd brings the heat, with chef Jean Paul Medinaโs wood-smoked meats, as well as vegetarian options. Imagine brisket, ribs or pulled mushrooms alongside your favorite drink.
Pinkerton’s | Kingston
Angela Pinkerton met with critical acclaim as owner of the Pie Society in San Francisco. Now the James Beard award-winning pastry chef is bringing her oven-fresh creations to Kingston. Pinkertonโs will serve grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options, as well as pies and cakes both by the sliceโor ordered whole for special occasions. Pinkerton is currently remodeling the interior, located in the former Cake Box spot at the intersection cheekily referred to as โFive Ways to Die,โ which once served as a Gulf Oil station in the 1920s. โThe building has a classic Americana vibe of its own, a neighborhood gem really,โ she says. โWe are refurbishing it to its original look.โ She hopes to be open by Thanksgiving and is already taking orders for holiday desserts, including a shippable bourbon chocolate walnut pecan pie.
Athena2Go| Poughkepsieโs Eastdale Village
While fans of the award-winning Athena Gyro are still mourning the closing of the Fishkill location in October, solace can be found in a takeout option, Athena2Go, coming soon in Eastdale Village. Guests can select pitas stuffed with gyro, souvlaki, or bifteki ($11.99 each), pick platters full of grilled chicken breast or falafel (both $21.79), or opt for traditional dishes like moussaka or pastitsio (each $20.49). All will be wrapped up and taken to go. A sit-down option is still available at the restaurantโs original home in LaGrangeville.
Fantzye Bagels | Kingston
The bagel shopโs name is Yiddish for โfancy,โ and the menu will take a finer approach to this Jewish classic. Owner Elana Carlson explains, โWe base our menus off of what is in season and treat each component of the sandwich carefully like one would a restaurant dish.โ Donโt be surprised to see caviar on the menu or a lionโs mane mushroom bagels with vegan schmear and fermented chilies. Of course, there will also be the classic egg and smoked fish options to top the sourdough bagels (or hash browns for gluten-free guests). Fantzye started as a pop-up in Marthaโs Vineyard, turned into a food trailer, and will soon be a brick-and-mortar in Kingston (opening date is still TBD). The simple and bright design is inspired by bakeries in Copenhagen. โWe want it to be a spacious and beautiful place for people to meet a friend or have a quick solo breakfast,โ Carlson says. Salad and soup options will also be on the menu, and pastries will debut in 2025.
