As the Hudson Valley continues to draw food lovers with its ever-expanding culinary scene, this month brings fresh and exciting dining options. From a cozy new spot in Amenia offering a comforting blend of New England seafood and housemade pastas to a refined bagel shop in Kingston pushing the boundaries of this classic with artisanal ingredients, there’s no shortage of flavorful experiences. Whether you’re looking for a community-focused cafe in Rosendale or a vibrant bar with live music in Newburgh, here are 5 places to eat in the Hudson Valley this month.
Panacea
6 Autumn Lane, Amenia
In the former Serevan space in Amenia, the newly opened Panacea aims to nourish the belly and the soul with a cozy space and comforting food. Chef-owners Jacob Somers and Khendum Namgyal met in 2018 while cooking at Union Square Cafe, where much of the produce was sourced from Hudson Valley farms. Eventually the pair followed the food to its source and ended up in the region, and in August they opened Panacea. The restaurant blends culinary influences, with a good dose of New England seafood (think mussels in a Thai red curry with basil, coriander, pickled radish tops, and Vitsky’s bread, $22), housemade pastas, and classic American mains like a New York strip steak. The menu rotates monthly with availability.
392 Hasbrouck Avenue, Kingston
The new Kingston bagel shop’s name is Yiddish for “fancy,” and the menu takes a refined approach to this Jewish classic. With artisanal, sourdough bagels and in-season, local sourcing, Fantzye is serious about its sandwiches. Don’t be surprised to see caviar on the menu or a lion’s mane mushroom bagels with vegan schmear and fermented chilies. (Don’t worry if you’re a traditionalist, you can still get the classics, like egg-and-cheese with greens and aioli, $9, or bagel and a schmear, $6.) Fantzye started as a pop-up in Martha’s Vineyard, turned into a food trailer, and in late November inaugurated its first brick-and-mortar.
Lift Cafe
424 Main Street, Rosendale
Lift Cafe opened in November, moving into the former Perry’s Pickle locale. Owners Peter Oellers and Daniel Malpica moved to the area from New York City in 2014 and are partnering with their 36-year-old son Myles O’Meara, who manages the cafe with his wife and daughters. The family’s vision is to become a community anchor, complete with a calendar of events, and also serve as a space to gather over coffee, smoothies, and fresh-pressed juices. The menu also features healthy snacks, ideal for those who are seeking protein options or who are tracking their macros.
Untouchable
40 Liberty Street, Newburgh
Over the past few years, new eateries like Toasted and Bivona’s Simply Pasta have extended the gastronomic corridor of Liberty Street out from the heart of downtown Newburgh. Untouchable, a bar with more than a few violent incidents in its former iteration, is the latest to join this effort with a total visual overhaul and a new musical orientation thanks to new owner Tom Schmitz of Quinn’s in Beacon. The doors opened in early October, and aside from the classic bar offerings, the spot boasts music, from both live bands and vinyl DJs, plus rotating works by local artists. Fridays and Saturdays 5pm-midnight.
Little Loaf Bakeshop
218 Main Street, New Paltz
Little Loaf Bakeshop, a queer- and trans-owned vegan bakeshop formerly housed in the Poughkeepsie’s Underwear Factory, is set to open a permanent location on New Paltz’s Main Street this month. Co-owners Rian Finnegan and Colleen Orlando started in 2022 at farmers’ markets and quickly expanded to wholesale and regional festivals. Known for their inventive pastries like banana Nutella croissants and savory danishes, the duo aims to create a welcoming community space alongside their delicious offerings. The new location will feature an expanded menu, including vegan breakfast sandwiches and artisan breads. For Finnegan and Orlando, Little Loaf is more than a bakery—it’s a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community and a hub for collaboration and connection.
This article appears in January 2025.
