From greasy spoons to take out counters, Chronogram contributor Melissa Esposito has rounded up the most affordable and delicious places to eat in the Hudson Valley. You’ll want to grab a pen and paper—our list includes tacos, pierogies, falafels, and soul food.
VEGETARIAN
Pick Your Price
Outdated Antique Café, Kingston
Outdated’s vegetarian-friendly dishes are reasonably priced to begin with, but on the first Thursday of each month cafe-goers can take advantage of a “pay what you can” special. Those who can pay full price often do, while others who need use a financial break are still able to enjoy hearty breakfast options like huevos rancheros or buckwheat waffles, or a salad and sandwich for lunch, at little cost.
Our Pick: Coco Bowl – $10
Real-Deal Falafel
Aba’s, a go-to farmers’ market staple, recently developed roots with a storefront in Rhinebeck, much to the delight of falafel lovers near and far. Israeli-born owners Cathy and Roy Naor are committed to providing fresh, authentic flavors that patrons have grown to expect: Crisp falafel and fresh veggies tucked into a warm and soft pita, flavored with rich, homemade tahini sauce for only $8. Don’t forget to try the homemade baklava ($4.50), a treat not available at the farm stands.
Our Pick: Combination Plate (salads, hummus, falafels, pita) – $12
Soup or Bowl
Karma Road, New Paltz
Vegetarian café Karma Road has been pleasing herbivore palates for more than a decade, and their Afford-a-bowl deal satisfies wallets, as well. For just a few bucks, you’ll fill up with a bowl of grains, beans, and veggies. If you choose to add a hearty soup onto your order, don’t forget to ask for a punch card to earn your way to a free soup.
Our Pick: Afford-a-bowl – $6.99
TAKEOUT
Meatballs with a Conscience
Sharkie’s from-scratch meatballs stand out thanks to the sustainable practices that go into them. At this Woodstock eater, you’ll get three tasty meatballs of your choice: turkey, chicken, or beef and pork blend—all pasture raised and cooked with locally sourced ingredients, topped with house-made sauce. Think ahead and order a dozen for later.
Our Pick: 3 Meatballs with Sauce & Parmesan – $9
Slow Food Takeout
Good to Go Takeout, Cherry Valley
Good to Go Takeout, a Delaware County farm-to-counter to-go restaurant is committed to using local, organic ingredients for offerings that transition with the seasons. Spicy Cajun gumbo with local grassofed beef chorizo, lamb sandwiches, filling burritos, soups (including a rotating bone broth served with fixings), and salads can be found on the evolving menu for under $11, along with organic smoothies and fair-trade coffee.
Our Pick: Bone Broth – $7
Grandma’s Home Cooking
JJ’s 2 Go, Poughkeepsie; (845) 337-8725
Puerto Rican food that tastes just like abuela used to make can be found at JJ’s 2 Go, a hidden gem in the Poughkeepsie Plaza. Even with its short menu of traditional Caribbean favorites, it’s difficult to settle on one choice. A small order of this savory flavored rice (opt for the gandules) with tender chunks of chicken is just enough to hold you over for a quick lunch.
Our Pick: Rice, Gandules, and Pork – $8
BRUNCH
Bacon Dreams
Cafe Mio is the sort of cozy spot that is welcoming to all: curious out-of-towners, local brunch dates, SUNY students looking to impress visiting parents, or Gunks enthusiasts in need of culinary fuel after a morning trail run. For a hearty brunch at a humble price, try the Banana Bacon French Toast ($11.50), Mojo Roasted Turkey Cubano ($11.50), or Blackened Catfish Sandwich ($11.50).
Our Pick: Brie & Poached Pear Panini – $10
Shrimp and Grits
One of Newburgh’s greatest offerings is the diversity of its community, and that’s exactly what you’ll see new cafe Blacc Vanilla—people of various ages and backgrounds coming together for coffee and good eats. The menu is small (breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pastries, and more) but growing, with brunch specials on weekends. Get it to-go or grab a seat to enjoy the atmosphere’s hip vibe.
Our Pick: Egg & cheese biscuit -$6
Breakfast and Nostalgia
Cranberry’s Café at Tilley Hall, Hyde Park
Cranberry’s Café in Hyde Park is an intimate eatery imbued with history. Situated in the Tilley Hall building (built 1884), this bistro and bakery offers plenty of house-made breakfast and lunch options—muffins and scones, bagels, soups, and quiche—and all breakfast items range from $1.99-$7.99. Stay and enjoy the Victorian-style décor, or take it to-go on your way to a nearby historic site (Vanderbilt Mansion and the Home of FDR are both just down the road).
Our Pick: 2 Eggs Any Style with Ham, Bacon, or Sausage – $6.69
BAR FOOD
Personal Pan Pot Pie
Rough Draft Bar & Books, Kingston
Uptown Kingston’s new bookstore-bar Rough Draft is already well loved for its curated selection of beer, books, and controversial Instagram posts. But, their single-serve pies are a can’t-miss. These hot dishes make a great snack or light meal, with eight options ranging from $6-$7. Try the popular Thai Chicken Curry or a more traditional favorite like Shepherd’s Pie.
Our Pick: Chicken & Veggie Pie – $7
Quick Bites, Great Wine
Hudson’s popular Warren Street is home to an array of high-end eateries, but sometimes after an afternoon of antiques shopping—and trekking up and down that long hill—a quick and affordable bite is exactly what you crave. At Backbar, nosh on small plates like eggplant nam prik (spicy eggplant dip); chicken wings with garlic, pepper, curry, and fish sauce glaze; or Trinidadian street food, each so inexpensive you’ll have no excuse not to splurge on a glass of wine while you’re there.
Our Pick: Northern Thai Pork Doubles – $9.50
MISCELLANEOUS
Pierogi Paradise
Helena’s Specialty Foods, Kerhonkson
Who would have guessed that a tiny shop in Kerhonkson could make such authentic Old World pierogies that they’ve gained a near-cult following? At Helena’s Specialty Foods, across from Kelder’s Farm, they’ve set out a few tables to satiate craving customers, though most people prefer to buy by the dozen and head straight home. The handmade pierogies come in a range of flavors from classic potato and farmer’s cheese to sweet blueberry, and are sold frozen to-go or ready to eat.
Our Pick: Potato & Sauteed Garlic Pierogies – $8 per dozen
Jamaican Flavor
Authentic Jamaican food isn’t always easy to find in this region, but Calabash has brought affordable island flavor to Newburgh’s Liberty Street. Entrees range from $8 to $10 and include delicacies such as jerk chicken and curry goat, with sides. Pair it with a rum punch to up the Caribbean vibe.
Our pick: Oxtails – $8
Seasonal Local Fare
Although the menu options change seasonally, the food at Caffe Macchiato, a longstanding Newburgh bistro, are robust, often locally sourced, and eclectic. Prices increase as the day goes on, but breakfast choices are in the $11 to $13 range. If you like sweet and savory treats, look for the King’s Oatmeal ($9) or the Amaretto French Toast and Bacon ($12.75).
Our Pick: Eggs Cocotte – $13
Roadside Bargain
Elsie’s Place in the hamlet of Wallkill is a no-frills eatery best known for their barbecue and burgers. Specialties include linguine with chef’s recipe meatballs simmered in house-made marinara, homemade mac and cheese with breadcrumb top, crispy quesadillas, and other pub-grub favorites. (If you decide to splurge, try the pit-smoked barbecue options for dinner.)
Our Pick: Philly Cheese Steak $10
Fish Tacos
Mexicali Blue, New Paltz/Wappingers Falls
Mexicali Blue, a small taco joint with locations on each side of the river, offers Mexican and Southwestern eats made with fresh ingredients. Nothing is frozen or reheated or reheated here. The Cali Catfish Taco ($6.50) is the signature dish made of Cajun catfish with Southwestern slaw, cheese, and seasonings.
Our Pick: Ahi Tuna Taco – $7.50
Pho fo’ Life
The owners of iPho, a relatively new restaurant, had been serving lauded Vitenamese cuisine at Saigon Pho in Wappingers Falls for years before deciding to open this small eatery on New Paltz’s main drag. The name is playful but the pho is serious—one large bowl of this spiced broth with noodles, veggies, and your choice of protein will fill you up for under $10.
Our Pick: Pho Tai – $9.50
Comfort Zone
At Ruby Mae, you’ll find soul food served the way should be: large portions at family-friendly prices, with sweet cornbread deserving of a slow clap. Enjoy seasoned fried chicken so crispy it crunches while staying juicy on the inside, and decadent takes on your favorite sides—creamy mac n cheese, perfectly salted collards, seasoned corn on the cob, and more.
Our Pick: Lunch Box Special – $8.50
Sit-Down Street Food
Twisted Soul Food Concepts, Poughkeepsie
Twisted Soul Food Concepts has provided globally inspired street and comfort food to the community for more than 10 years. This roadside eatery near Vassar College offers inexpensive options for when you want “something different”—Korean, Mexican, and other traditional international dishes, often with a twist. Try the steamed buns with tofu, Argentine beef empanadas, or barbecued pulled pork over mac ‘n’ cheese—each under $10.
Our Pick: Badass Rice & Braised Pork Belly – $10.50
Build-a-Burger
Mama’s Boy Burgers, Tannersville
Mama’s Boy’s menu offers a nod to nostalgic burger-and-shake joints, but with a sustainable, locavore twist. All burgers are made with grass-fed Black Angus beef from JJF Farm, less than two miles down the road, but top quality doesn’t always mean top price. You can put together a beef or turkey burger with classic or gourmet cheese, toppings, and sauces for about $8-$9. Or, choose from their readymade house favorites (served with a side) for $10-$12.
Our Pick: Devil’s Tombstone – $9.95
Find more about dining options in the Hudson Valley.
This article appears in February 2018.
Several each for Kingston, Poughkeeepsie, Newburgh, New Paltz. Nothing for Putnam and Northeastern Westchester. Limited gas allowance for reviewers or snobbery?
Great article! Looking forward to trying some of these fun dishes, especially some spicy cajun gumbo!
Charles: An oversight on our part. What do you recommend in Putnam/Westchester?
Papi’s Pizza & Wings in Kingston!
Surprise that Crazy Bowlz isnt in the list