28 Waterside Restaurants for Picturesque Dining in the Hudson Valley
A view of the Mid-Hudson Bridge from Shadows on the Hudson. Courtesy Shadows on the Hudson.
From leisurely lunches and cocktails al fresco to romantic sunset dinners, the Hudson Valley’s waterside restaurants have it all.
By Mary Forsell, Michelle Hainer, Sabrina Sucato, and Hilary Sparling
When you live in the Hudson Valley, how can you not want to head to the water to dine? In olden times (read: the ’90s), that usually meant so-so food served on paper plates with a big emphasis on the view. Although the view remains spectacular, nowadays you have so many more options, and they don’t necessarily involve spending tons of money or making elaborate plans.
These days, you can have just a glass of wine and some bar fare, or savor an easy-breezy al fresco lunch. At some of the Hudson Valley’s riverfront restaurants, you can even pull your boat right up to the front of the restaurant and dine onboard. Thanks to the popularity of waterside eateries, it seems that new places are popping up all the time. Enjoy beautiful views and savory dishes at these regional eateries.
Upper Valley and Capital Region
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Athens
One of our favorite spots is the The Stewart House in Greene County. Opened in 1883, the restaurant and boutique hotel makes its home on the bank of the Hudson River in Athens. In season, take advantage of a ride on a Hudson Cruises ferry before stopping off at the restaurant. On select weekends, the eatery offers music performances to go along with its delectable fare.
The location of The Stewart House is especially magical. It is situated near an island that shields diners from the main river traffic, offering instead a view of moored pleasure boats bobbing placidly in the water. The building itself has a taproom/restaurant, too, so you have a backup plan if it starts to sprinkle. But even if the sun is shining, take a peek inside anyway: You never know who you’ll see — film directors have been known to house their casts at the hotel when they’re on location. On starlit evenings, lounge by the fire pit, cocktail in hand. If a better moment exists than this, we’re hard pressed to think of one.
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Catskill
Stroll on over to the Catskill waterfront for seafood dining that will please any palate. Keep it American with the New England clam chowder and Maryland crab cakes or make a metaphorical journey to the Mediterranean with Shrimp Fresca, a shrimp scampi pasta in roasted garlic oil, and the pan-seared sea scallops with rosemary-infused olive oil. Feel free to arrive by car or by boat, then keep the outdoor vibes going with a seat on the waterfront patio.
Coeymans (Albany County)
Known for their calamari—it’s lightly fried and comes in six different varieties—Yanni’s is a family-owned restaurant right on the Hudson at Coeyman’s Landing Marina. For starters, order the calamari and pair it with their Mixed Berry Vodka Lemonade, followed by their award-winning beer battered fish and chips platter or their “grown up” mac ‘n’ cheese, topped with shrimp, lobster, and a creamy sherry lobster sauce as you enjoy live music and river views. If you can’t get a table on the deck (they take reservations for eight or more), head to one of the picnic tables on the grass.
Mid-Valley
Poughkeepsie and Beacon
Poughkeepsie
Not only can you enjoy the views from their outdoor bar and patio, but everything on the menu at Farmers and Chef is sourced and prepared as cleanly as possible, often from local farms. Enjoy a meze plate of babaganoush, olives, hummus, and pita, hearty burgers made with grass-fed beef, house made pastas or a vegetable tagine, while sipping on seasonal cocktails like their new jalapeño gimlet. And grab a pint of their homemade ice cream on the way out.
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Poughkeepsie
If you can score a seat on their back deck (we promise it’s worth waiting for) you’ll get to enjoy views of both the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Walkway Over the Hudson. Order a mojito or a Station Lemonade (Tito’s, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water with a sugar rim) followed by one of these fave entrées: the baby back ribs or the salmon BLT.
Poughkeepsie
Shadows’ perch on a cliff 40 feet above the Hudson offers spectacular views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge. If you can’t grab a table outside, sit near the window walls which stay open all summer. Stop in on Wine Wednesdays, where select bottles are available for $25, or sip a Mixed Berry Mule—with fresh ginger—paired with their popular Buffalo Calamari. For a true splurge, opt for the Lobster Colorado, which comes with a bacon-wrapped filet mignon and butter poached lobster in a cream sauce.
Beacon
Listen to the soothing sounds of a waterfall as you relax on Roundhouse’s shaded back patio while enjoying a peach white rum sangria or Bahama Mama (made with three different kinds of rum and coconut purée). Snack on the braised oxtail tater tots with mozzarella and white truffle oil before indulging in their salmon poké bowl or paella. For dessert, you’ll love the refreshing passionfruit mango dome with coconut sorbet and almond cake. It just screams summer!
Kingston and Rondout Landing
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Kingston
Every Friday night through September Mariner’s hosts their Harbor Concert Series (live music from 7–10 p.m.) on the patio, which features an outdoor bar, stage and dance floor. Although you don’t need to order food to enjoy the music, we recommend the Pier and Steer —Brazilian lobster tail and marinated sliced steak with demi glace.) If you can’t make it for dinner, this is also a great lunch spot for lighter fare such as salads and wraps or an ahi tuna bowl.
Kingston
Located in the Rondout, Ole Savannah offers views of Rondout Creek. As the name implies, this is the spot for Southern-inspired fare like fried green tomatoes and hush puppies, as well as pulled pork and oyster po’boy sliders. (For a lighter meal they also offer red and golden beet salad and kale and shaved Brussels sprouts.)
Kingston
You can’t get much closer to the water than this open-air restaurant and lounge. Chef Dan Silverman highlights local ingredients the Valley is known for in every dish, most of which are prepared in the restaurant’s wood-fired hearth. For dinner, try the grilled octopus with a chili, fennel, and radish salad, the wood-roasted chicken with salsa verde and red cress, or the grilled Long Island duck with rhubarb, peas, and mint.
Newburgh Waterfront
Newburgh
If you’ve enjoyed topnotch seafood and steaks at Blu Pointe, we know you’ll love Pointe Grill, their al fresco offshoot that debuted in May. Featuring a tapas-style menu of Mediterranean small plates, this walk-in only eatery is perfect for happy hour before working your way down the Newburgh waterfront.
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Newburgh
Nearly everything on their menu—including the pastas and seafood dishes—is cooked in Café Pitti’s wood-fired oven. Call ahead to reserve a table on the patio, where you can relax with a glass of wine and their truffle steak pizza featuring wild mushrooms and a fontina-mozzarella fondue or their decadent lobster ravioli. On your way out, order a cup of gelato to enjoy by the river.
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Newburgh
Barbecue is a summer staple, and Billy Joe’s has perfected its recipe. The restaurant’s kitchen staff kick things into high gear by preparing meat with a hand rub before smoking it. A jam-packed entertainment schedule includes regular rock and acoustic performances. This funky, sprawling space has menu options that are ideal for a riverside setting. Go big with the porky mac, a craving-worthy dish tossed with pulled pork and crumbled bacon. Pair it with snack style bites like the St. Louis-style ribs or the mouthwatering smokehouse pretzels.
Newburgh
With a tagline that declares, “One bite and you’ll be hooked,” Captain Jake’s is a longstanding riverside restaurant in the Hudson Valley. Order the clams oreganato or the mussels fra diavolo to start, then follow it up with the to-die-for lobster mac and cheese or the oh-so-savory Atlantic cod with crab meat.
Newburgh
If the wait is too long for a patio table, ask for one by the windows indoors, which offer a great view. expertly crafted margaritas (try the Blood Orange Ginger or the Pear Spiced) or sample their super fresh tacos—everything from Chinese sparerib to blackened catfish—you won’t care where you’re sitting. If you’re with a group, opt for one of their “Social Pitchers” available in rosé sangria or margarita.
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Newburgh
Another seafood stalwart that shares a patio with Café Pitti, the Grill’s raw bar is everything you’d hope for while sitting by the water on a warm day with a glass of wine. If you’re in the mood for a full meal, try the New Zealand rack of lamb, stuffed Atlantic salmon, or flavorful paella.
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Newburgh
Lit ablaze by the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and twinkling lights, Pamela’s open, elevated deck is perfect for dining all day, any day. It’s casual and vibrant: Throughout the week, enjoy live music Wed–Sun, comedy shows, happy hour, and Sunday brunch. They’re known for their tapas, like the uber popular mushroom plate and a tri-tip chimichurri kebab. Their tender filet mignon and NY strip with stuffed shrimp are both stellar.
Newburgh
The waterfront’s newest—and most anticipated—restaurant, Primo’s pergola offers prime river views. The southern-Italy inspired menu features excellent crudos—the bluefin tuna with salsa verde and preserved lemon is a standout—and if you’re there with a crowd, opt for the royal seafood tower with shrimp, oysters, clam, and smoked fish dip. The squid ink taglioni with king crab and saffron butter is a must-try as is the NY strip steak finished with smoky crab and mushroom butter.
Orange and Rockland
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Haverstraw
Offering a taste of the Caribbean from the bank of the Hudson River, Don Coqui is a delight for island vibes in a beautiful outdoor setting. Start strong with the Caribbean guacamole and coconut shrimp, then keep the good times going with oysters from the seafood bar. As for the main course, there’s nothing like an order of jerk chicken or, for seafood lovers, the seafood mofongo to make diners feel like they’re on a tropical vacation…on a weeknight.
West Haverstraw
One of the only waterfront destinations in Rockland to offer live music from local bands, the Water Club is the spot for great summer vibes. Find a seat on the large deck or enjoy their outdoor tiki bar, which offers fun cocktails and a gentle river breeze. While the seafood is stellar—especially the mussels and pan-seared scallops—we also recommend their artisanal pizzas such as the roasted mushroom or the prosciutto with a balsamic drizzle.
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Piermont
Located on the west bank of the Hudson, Pier 701’s expansive outdoor space will make you feel like you’re on holiday, thanks to a tiki bar and a sandy beach area. Live music is in full swing on Friday and Saturday nights and happy hour specials change daily (think $7 mojitos and $5 margarita pizza and tacos.) They also have a raw bar. If you stay for dinner, try the branzino or grilled pork chops.
Nyack
Self-proclaimed as Nyack’s only waterfront restaurant and bar, Two Spear Street does riverside views like no other. Much of the appeal has to do with the fact that outdoor diners can ogle views of the Mario Cuomo Bridge and the Hudson River while savoring dinner and drinks in Rockland County. Speaking of the menu, it places a strong emphasis on Hudson Valley fare. Entrees go big on flavor, with options ranging from homemade lobster ravioli with fire-roasted tomato cream sauce to pan-seared crispy skin Faroe salmon with a basil pesto drizzle. And don’t skip dessert! The turtle cheesecake lollipops are a wonder to behold.
West Point
On the roof of West Point’s historic Thayer Hotel, Zulu Time is known as much for its drink specials as it is for its sweeping views. Drop by for ‘Tini Thursdays for specialty martinis (such as a cucumber-tini or a banana split martini) or go on a Sunday when you can get a beer and a burger for $20 from 4–10 p.m. The roof rocks on Friday nights when there’s a live DJ; there are also $5 beer and wine specials on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Putnam and Westchester
Ossining
Its location in a lighthouse in Ossining’s Harbor Square means that you can’t get much closer to the water without actually wading in it. Go for brunch and treat yourself to smoked salmon and avocado toast or their “Brunch Burger” with aged cheddar, maple bacon, fried egg and grilled onion.
Ossining
The “Boat Bar” is the place to hang during the summer (it’s literally made from an old sailboat.) Listen to live music while you enjoy what locals describe as the “best lobster roll in Westchester,” as well as their spicy crab fries with creamy sriracha sauce and crab meat, or order their tuna salad with black-and-white sesame seed-crusted tuna steak.
Peekskill
Located in The Factoria building (along with its sister location River Outpost Brewing Co.) Fin & Brew is the place to go when you want to enjoy an upscale seafood meal (such as their Moroccan fish tagine, sushi rolls or beer-steamed Maine mussels) while gazing upon the water. For a more casual vibe and a cold beer, hit the Brewing Co., which features a raw bar, salads, and an assortment of sandwiches, burgers, and pizza.
Hastings-on-Hudson
Nestled on the shores of the Hudson River in Westchester, Harvest on Hudson allows diners to experience al fresco dining on the outdoor patio and savor produce grown in the organic herb and vegetable garden. The kitchen designs the Italian-influenced dishes that highlight seasonal, local ingredients. Sample the snap pea and avocado salad for a lighter meal or go all in with a fig and prosciutto pizza made even more delectable with goat cheese and mozzarella.
Cold Spring
Hold out for a table on the upstairs wraparound porch (they don’t take reservations), the best spot to enjoy sweeping views of the river and mountains. And once you get one, order a glass of sangria and their extremely popular lobster roll, which is served with avocado and Dijon on a toasted ciabatta roll.