Beyond the stunning scenery, the Hudson Valley is a true food lover’s paradise, where farm-to-table isn’t a trend: it’s a way of life. And with so many rich farms and dedicated artisans, the region is alive with producers crafting everything from award-winning cheeses to small-batch spirits.
Over several trips, I’ve been fortunate to enjoy what I think are some of the best Hudson Valley restaurants, offering everything from casual BBQ to waterfront seafood. With this guide, I’m sharing my favorites to help you try some new spots for crave-worthy dishes.
The Hudson Valley BBQ Showdown
BBQ is the perfect way to get a taste for a place. (Pun intended!) There are so many regional variations and differences to help you gain insight into the local community. There are two upstate BBQ spots I would visit again (plus a bonus third spot mentioned at the end of this post!).
Smoky Rock BBQ (Rhinebeck): Classic Smoked Meats in a Charming Town
Rhinebeck has an upscale small town vibe and Smoky Rock BBQ fits right in. Inside the restaurant, autographed photos line the walls while outside has been made into a lush oasis despite being conveniently located along Mill Street, a major through road.
My husband and I shared the Signature Combo Platter with two meats and two sides. We opted for pulled pork and brisket along with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. The portion sizes were spot on, and both meats were incredibly tender and flavorful.
J&J Smokehouse BBQ (Catskill): Authentic Flavor in a Casual Setting
BBQ doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. It simply needs to taste great. And J&J Smokehouse BBQ in Catskill is a straightforward BBQ joint that delivers on what it promises. I had a pulled pork sandwich and a side of pickled beets and house pickles.
The casual spot has some indoor seating and a larger outdoor picnic area. Parking is available but fills up quickly during peak hours.
For Dinner With a View: Waterfront Dining
Chances are you’re looking to enjoy the best Hudson Valley restaurants with a view. When it comes to waterfront dining, the Hudson Valley has a lot to offer.
Mariner’s Harbor (Kingston): A Lively Spot on the Rondout Creek
Mariner’s Harbor is an easy-going spot tucked just off of Broadway along the Rondout Creek. A wooded park runs between the outdoor seating and the creek, giving it a casual atmosphere, and boats cruise by. It’s also a great place to start or end a walk along the promenade.
The menu includes all the American seafood favorites you’d expect, from lobster to fish and chips, as well as pasta and quesadillas. They’ve also got an extensive sandwich selection, including tasty lobster rolls and burgers.
Port of Call (Catskill): Modern American on the Catskill Creek
Frank Guido’s Port of Call sits overlooking the Catskill Creek, just feet from where it enters the Hudson River. The large outdoor area is casual and relaxed, just like the seafood-focused menu. I really enjoyed the generous lobster roll and clam chowder.
While the surrounding area is still undergoing some revitalization, such as the nearby Historic Catskill Point and Freightmasters Building, the scenery from the outdoor deck is full of wildlife, like birds and turtles.
Historic Eats & Cozy Pubs
No matter where you turn in the Hudson Valley, there are historic buildings dating back hundreds of years. Enjoy these pieces of history while unwinding with a great meal.
Patrick Henry’s (Coxsackie): A Taste of History
Just a short walk across the parking lot from the voco James Newbury Hotel, my Hudson Valley go-to, is Patrick Henry’s Waterfront Tavern, a no-nonsense spot for the essentials: beer, pizza, and wings. The historic brick building features a bar inside and offers views of the Hudson outside. The menu’s not huge, but the focus pays off, with thin-crust New York-style pies cooked in brick ovens and indulgent wings.
Quick Bites, Coffee & Local Treats
Sometimes you don’t need a meal, you just need a quick pick-me-up…and maybe a tasty snack. Grab and go at these spots that will have you coming back!
Tea Fresh (Rhinebeck): The Perfect Afternoon Stop
After a day spent exploring the myriad of small shops and boutiques in Rhinebeck, it’s nice to take a break at Tea Fresh. The shop offers popular options like bubble tea and smoothies, in addition to a massive selection of milk teas, fruit teas, and brewed teas. (They do coffee, too.)
While you can get your drink to-go, the shop’s inviting selection of loose teas and teaware will draw you in.
Golden Harvest Farms (Valatie): More Than Just a Farm Stand
Years ago, on a whim while driving back from Quebec, my husband and I stopped at Golden Harvest Farms in Valatie. The spot is so good I’ve never been able to forget about it.
Surrounded by the farm’s apple orchard, Golden Harvest might appear at first like “just” a well-stocked farm stand, but it’s so much more. The farm stand offers baskets overflowing with produce, much of it local, as well as groceries, including local maple syrup. But it’s the apple cider donuts that caught my attention. Their apple cider donuts are famous for a reason. They are undoubtedly the best I’ve ever tried.
Smartly, the farm is also leaning into all those apples in the orchard. They offer applewood-smoked BBQ at Harvest Smokehouse and apple-based spirits and vinegar at Harvest Spirits.
If you’re visiting during the autumn, a visit is a must.
Planning Your Food Tour: A Map of My Favorites
Ready to Taste the Hudson Valley?
The Hudson Valley’s food scene is anything you want: farm to table, warm and inviting, or just quick and tasty.
Keep in mind, some of the restaurants above do close for the winter. Always check ahead of time.
For more ideas on what to do between meals, check out my Perfect Hudson Valley Weekend Guide.
What are your go-to restaurants in the Hudson Valley? Share your favorites in the comments so I can check them out on my next trip!
All photos and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
