Best Of 2021

Beacon is one of the most walkable cities in the Valley, and visitors definitely work up an appetite. To the rescue: Hudson Valley Food Hall. Miz Hattie’s BBQ hands out pulled pork sandies and brisket bowls, while Barb’s Fryworks does loaded French fries like no other. Finish off with ice cream sundaes and loaded Liège Read more...

If wine bar chic was a term, Sonder would have coined it. This small but mighty spot brings together subway aesthetic — think tiles and sticker collages — with bohemian vibes. Turn to the roll paper for the current drink rotation; chilled white or red, pét-nat, and rosé make frequent appearances. Pair your BTG (by Read more...

This is the sort of place that exudes cool. The sister location to The Mud Club in Woodstock, the venue turns on right when the club transitions from an a.m. bakery and coffee stop to a p.m. sourdough pizza joint. Order a cocktail or glass of wine, then grab a seat at any of the Read more...

This new eatery on Tarrytown’s Main Street is earning acclaim for their “killer Cuban cuisine” and Taino African, Creole, Spanish, and Caribbean influence. Start off with empanadas (there are many kinds), or the refreshing ceviche. You’ll be tempted to order their classic Cubano, but there are other worthy ham and cheese combos including the Midnight Read more...

Trust us, you’ll be swiping food off your children’s plates. Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room, winner of Best Kid's Meals in 2021, makes an extraordinary grilled cheese, and their pasta with butter and parm is a delicious upgrade for mac and cheese fans. Older kiddos will love the grilled steak with veggies and fries and Read more...

The little brother of Salt Point favorite, The Fireside BBQ & Grill, this family-owned watering hole serves up pub-style fare that keeps the crowds coming back. One bite of their homemade potato chips will have you hooked. They’re served hot (i.e. freshly made) with sandwiches, or order separately as a side.

Nothing beats the classic date-night combo of dinner and a movie. Nestled in a historic 1920s building along Beacon’s Main Street, Story Screen Theater is a one-of-a-kind destination for indie flicks and blockbusters alike. The adjacent Wonderbar crafts Hollywood-themed cocktails in a speakeasy atmosphere. Dig into delicious small plates, like the incredibly satisfying cauliflower pizza, Read more...

If ever there was a croissant we’d drive through a snowstorm for (yes, this is something our former dining editor actually did), it would be this one. Deeply caramelized layers of pastry form a shatteringly flaky exterior that gives way to an irresistibly buttery, tender interior that’s every bit as good as a trip to Read more...

For a sweet and spicy treat, head to Valerie’s Ice Cream in Newburgh for a mangonada — a signature Mexican frozen drink. These frozen smoothies are made with fresh mango, chamoy sauce, and a few secret ingredients (their lips are sealed). Each cup is topped with diced mangoes and a tamarind paste-wrapped straw rolled in Read more...

We could only hope every sushi outing was all-you-can-eat. At AJ’s Sushi and Cajun Seafood, it can be. Start with kitchen faves like kani salad, shumai, and agedashi tofu. Then dive into dozens of sushi and sashimi such as squid, red snapper, and eel, or classics like Boston, Philadelphia, and yellowtail jalapeño. Finish the night Read more...