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What’s new in Dutchess County? Two of the Hudson Valley’s hottest cities for foodies, Beacon and Poughkeepsie, have several new additions in 2022. Explore these chic wine bars, fusion lunch spots, food halls and more.
Ready to explore the Hudson Valley’s thriving wine scene? Paul Brady Wine opened up just off Main Street in Beacon this past Spring. Brady, the owner and namesake of this sleek wine bar and craft beverage mercantile, brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience with the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. His very own line of Hudson Valley wines showcase local agriculture and natural winemaking techniques. Stop in for tasting flights, snack boards curated by local Chef Brian Arnoff and a wonderful atmosphere.
What started in Woodstock has officially made its way to Dutchess County! The Mud Club provides Beacon with a much-needed bagel spot. These aren’t ordinary bagels; the wood-fired variation takes inspiration from Montreal breakfasts. Colorful mosaic walls and a funky wooden facade pull passersby in with its visual allure. Loaded egg sandwiches, gorgeous Hudson Valley smoked lox, fresh baked goods and other early morning delights await inside. On warm days, opt for seating in their backyard dining area. Or, take your coffee and bagels to-go for a picnic down at Long Dock Park along the riverbank.
Reserva opened its doors in late 2021, and has quickly become a must-visit hotspot for delectable small plates and eclectic live music on weekends. Pedro Sousa and Tanner Townsend of HV Food Photography run this stellar wine bar on Main Street. Ornate vintage mirrors, Prohibition-era lighting fixtures and breathtaking imagery from their travels adorn the brick walls. Modern elements like a white quartz bar and bronze accents tie the space together. Sousa crafts Brazilian street food-inspired bites, like Pа̃o de queijo (traditional cheese bread) sliders. Townsend, who also runs The Crafted Kup coffee shops and bakeries, uses his knack for flavors to identify unique story-driven wines from underrepresented regions (think Israel, Brazil and South Africa.) Reserva makes for a lovely date night outing!
This beloved Queens-based corner store and bakery opened a spot in Dutchess County May 2022. Norma’s joins a bustling food scene in Wappingers Falls. When you visit, savor sweet delights such as vegan passion fruit or raspberry bundts, flourless chocolate cookies and classic garden cakes. Of course, the real stars of the show here are the breakfast sandwiches. Norma’s ramps up classic egg and cheeses with all kinds of twists. The Ranchero, for instance, combines egg and cheddar with house-made salsa and their signature spicy black bean spread. Indulge in The Southerner, a buttermilk drop biscuit smothered in sausage gravy, honey butter and an egg, or keep things light with The Californian—a mélange of hummus, parsley spread, avocado, tomato, onions and micro greens on your choice of bread. Their golden lox sandwich is another awesome way to start your day.
Eastdale Village is a haven for foodies. The burgeoning community already features Hudson Valley favorites like Rossi Alimentari, Pizzeria Posto, Sweetbakes Cafe, The Crafted Kup, Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe and more. This summer, Dutchess County food truck Reconnect Foods launched a brick and mortar location. CIA grad Chef David Cruz established his farm-fresh brand out of the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory. He draws on his mother’s mastery of Tex-Mex cuisine for inspiration, blending southern styles with Hudson Valley ingredients and even Asian dishes. Local squash and mushroom tacos, pork belly bao, homemade wheat noodle ramen and more await at this cheery lunch spot.
Searching for options? The Academy made a big splash in Dutchess County when it opened in the middle of the summer. This new food hall and event space in the heart of Poughkeepsie serves up delicious Asian fusion, southern-style BBQ, fresh vegetarian cuisine, baked delights and so much more. Plus, their new expansive American bistro is excellent for an extended meal. Choose between endless options for lunch and dinner, and enjoy a local beer or cocktail outside as well.
Work up an appetite for all the new Dutchess dining destinations with a ride on the William R. Steinhaus rail trail! New this year, local rental business Bikeway Bicycles sets up a mobile shop at the Hopewell Depot. This ultra-convenient spot allows visitors to travel light—pick up your bike exactly where you wish to ride it! The 13-mile DRT winds its way up to Poughkeepsie, where riders can cross the Walkway Over the Hudson. In addition, the DRT connects to the massive state-spanning Empire State Trail. Pedal assisted e-bikes make the journey possible for even novice cyclists. What are you waiting for?
Related: Top 10 Places to Run in Dutchess County
Tivoli’s new farm brewery solidifies this region as a must-visit destination for beer fans. One-of-a-kind creations like a stout made from farm-fresh beets to a kellerbier brewed with sunflower seeds will surprise even the most seasoned hopheads. Open 7 days a week, the dog-friendly locale stands on rolling acres of bucolic farmland. Follow them on Instagram for a schedule of when food trucks are onsite. Plus, check out Broadway at the heart of Tivoli for incredibly creative ice cream at Fortune's, a delicious meal at The Corner at Hotel Tivoli and much more.
Feeling picky? Stanfordville’s stunning Foxtrot Farm & Flowers is the perfect destination to find fresh-cut flowers and herbs. During the summer months, Foxtrot offers pick-your-own packages that occasionally include a scenic picnic. Beautiful bouquets and custom orders make this a great stop for romantics and those seeking a thoughtful gift. In fact, they produce ingredients for a popular Hudson Valley brewery just outside of Dutchess. Visit their charming farmstead on weekends and check out their online shop.
An iconic Dutchess County brand announces a third location. Ready Coffee will debut a shop in LaGrange this fall. Born in Wappingers Falls, Ready has gained a massive following from fans of their locally roasted espresso drinks. House made syrups, colorful energy drinks and the tastiest lattes around make Ready Coffee well worth a visit—or several.
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