There’s grabbing a quick bite to eat, and then there is going out to eat. You know: celebration, date night, romance. When that is the mood you want, the setting needs to match.
HERE IS OUR GEOGRAPHICAL RUNDOWN ON WHERE TO FIND THE ATMOSPHERE YOU ARE AFTER. WETHER YOU'RE LOOKING FOR RELAXED, INTAMINTE, OR A FIRST DATE SPOT.
BEACON
QUINN’S RESTAURANT . Fun Date Vintage and hip: Sit in the back for a more secluded booth, or sit in the front at the bar or a table. This vintage-style diner turned restaurant, bar, and music venue is a great place for a date in any stage of a relationship. Tons of delicious craft beers, liquors, and their truly delectable authentic Japanese menu make for a more unique night. Various genres of live music throughout the week provide altering vibes for this already super-fun spot.
330 Main Street, Beacon 845-202-7447
THE HOP . Fun Date Laid-back and fun for lovers of good beer: If you like bonding over craft brews in a chill atmosphere, take your honey to The Hop. It has one of the area’s best selections, served up by warm, welcoming folks. The eclectic, beautifully executed comfort food Chef Matt Hutchins puts out will have you both purring.
554 Main Street, Beacon 845-440-8676 thehopbeacon.com
BROTHERS TRATTORIA . Romantic Date Romantic Italian feast: At Brothers Trattoria, you will be swept up in the best of Italian tradition: pristine white tablecloths, tender and impeccable service, a vast selection of salads and pastas, and variations on eggplant, chicken, veal, seafood, and excellent wines, not to mention an outrageous selection of specialty pizzas.
465 Main Street, Beacon 845-838-3300 brotherstrattoria.com
POUGHKEEPSIE
THE ARTIST’S PALATE . Romantic Date Classy yet cool: Creative spirits will find their hearts made glad at The Artist’s Palate and the neighboring Canvas. These elegant, community-oriented spaces offer foods like lobster mac-and-cheese at the former and small plates and wines at the latter. Take your honey to The Artist’s Palate for some munchies, then wander over to Canvas to extend your evening with drinks.
307 Main Street, Poughkeepsie 845-483-8074 theartistspalate.biz
BRASSERIE 292 . Romantic Date Old-world French fare: Another Poughkeepsie classic, Brasserie 292 will feed you traditional French fare made with exquisite local ingredients. Charles H. Fells Jr. and Megan Kulpa Fells are masters at creating a dining experience to cherish. Tres romantique, non?
292 Main Street, Poughkeepsie 845-473-0292 brasserie292.com
RHINEBECK
TAVERN AT BEEKMAN ARMS . Romantic Date Classic pub: Layered with history, The Tavern at the Beekman Arms has glorious dark wood booths, overhead beams, an open fireplace, and a charming bar. The top-notch pub food includes ribs, potpie, trout, and more. Sit in the back and canoodle in this warm, cozy restaurant.
6387 Mill Street, Rhinebeck 845-876-1766 beekmandelamaterinn.com
OSAKA . Romantic Date Feast for sushi fans: Maybe sushi is your favorite food, or maybe your honey is a huge fan. A trip to Osaka Japanese Restaurant has 20 years of excellent ratings from those who know, and it will bliss out fish lovers and their companions in equal measure. Check out their other Tivoli location for a special meal after exploring Tivoli Bays.
22 Garden Street, Rhinebeck 845-876-7338 osakasushi.net
TERRAPIN . Romantic Date Great food in a renovated church: The expansive, yet intimate, dining room at Terrapin is the kind of space you can only create in a remodeled church. You can also opt for the fun casual feel of the bistro side of this establishment, which serves small plates of diverse and eclectic flavors. Whichever you choose, you will find superb servers bringing you some of the most creatively inspired New American locavore fare.
6426 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck 845-876-3330 terrapinrestaurant.com
MARKET STREET . Romantic Date Italian comfort in style: Some evenings call for gourmet Italian comfort foods like homemade pasta and artisanal pizza, made with local ingredients and devoured in a cozy banquette booth. Those evenings are best enjoyed at the elegant, yet rustic, Market Street, where renowned Italian chef Gianni Scappin’s contemporary Italian cuisine will make your taste buds dance.
19 West Market Street, Rhinebeck 845-876-7200 marketstrhinebeck.com
PUCCINI RISTORANTE . Romantic Date Warm, traditional Italian: Puccini specializes in classic, traditional Italian dishes. There is nothing more heart-warming than a happy family, and Mary and Sam Millian, and their daughters Marin, Alexandra, and Sylana, are exactly that. They generate a warm, friendly atmosphere that complements their artfully prepared dishes.
22 Garden Street, Rhinebeck 845-876-3055 puccinirhinebeck.com
KINGSTON
DIEGO’S TAQUERIA . Fun Lunch/Dinner Date Casual Mexican yumminess: Looking for something more casual but still absolutely delicious? Diego’s Taqueria serves up tacos, quesadillas, soups, salads and everything amazing using local ingredients and love. Dine for lunch or dinner and don’t forget to loosen up the conversation with a beer from one of their craft selections on tap.
38 John Street, Kingston 845-338-2816 diegoskingston.com
ECCE TERRA . Delicious Food + Great Atmosphere = Perfect for Special Occasions: With excellent food that both locals and visitors alike rave over, and many accolades for their great customer service, Ecce Terra is a win, win. Specializing in an ecclectic mix of locally sourced, fresh food this Uptown Kingston gem has quickly become a must visit eatery.
288 Fair Street, Kingston 845-338-8734 ecce-terra.com
FROGMORE . Romantic Date Chic stone gastropub: Frogmore combines the best of a gastropub with the essence of an uptown tavern. It is in a stone building with exposed beams, fitted with sumptuously cozy booths. Here, you will find comfort food done to perfection, like the “Frogmore Stew” or their “Full Monty Poutine,” complete with chicken livers and crispy pork belly!
63 North Front Street, Kingston 845-802-0883 frogmoretavern.com
THE TAPPEN . Romantic Date Cozy in the oldest stone home: The Tappen is in one of the oldest buildings in the United States, which was Kingston’s first post office and which survived the Burning of Kingston. It is lovingly renovated and may be about the most historic place at which you will ever eat, and you will eat like a lord on a revolving menu of creative, organic, and local fare—hauntingly delicious.
10 Crown Street, Kingston 845-750-8070 thetappenrestaurant.com
DUO BISTRO . Romantic Date Sweet and intimate eatery: Duo Bistro’s very name suggests the intimacy of a one-on-one date. Duo has outgrown its original tiny space and will be expanding over to the corner this winter, but its sweetly intimate vibe and creative preparation of the finest locally grown eats will remain the same. Offering artisan breads, smoked meats, and house-made pastries, Duo Bistro is all about building relations in the most delicious way, with a perfectly sautéed side of love.
50 John Street, Kingston 845-383-1198 duobistro.com
GROUNDED CAFÉ . Breakfast/Lunch Date Euro cafe: Whether your date is starting bright and early, or whether it has continued into the morning from the previous night, nothing makes daybreak or lunchtime better than a visit to Grounded Café. The pervasive aroma of freshly baked yummies just out of the oven will envelop you the moment you walk in. The croissants, coffee, and quiche served on farm tables will make you feel like you are in a European bistro.
83 Broadway, Kingston 845-514-3432 groundedny.com
HICKORY BBQ . Fun Date Comfort food: Hickory is the perfect comfort food date for winter days. Walk in to dark wood, a mouth-watering BBQ aroma, and friendly staff for a super-cozy feel. Feast on the finest ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and smoked beef served in the dining room. Or, try the fish and vegetarian options for those who have a less carnivorous appetite. Desserts are made in-house daily and compliment the down-home cooking style.
743 Route 28, Kingston 845-338-2424 hickoryrestaurant.com
MARLBORO/MILTON
FRIDA’S BAKERY . Lunch Date Easygoing vibe: This two-story cafe has a very easygoing vibe with a modern, yet antique-looking, decor. With so many scrumptious offerings, it’s hard to go wrong for a breakfast or lunch date. Choose from a well-rounded menu, or try one of the daily specials. You can also just keep it easy with coffee and a couple of their amazing artisan pasties or sweets.
26 Main Street, Milton 845-795-5550 fridasbakeryny.com
HENRY’S AT THE FARM . Romantic Date Farm-to-table, literally: Henry’s at the Farm is the destination eatery of the Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa, one of those worlds within worlds that are done so well in the Hudson Valley. Relish at this farm-to-table restaurant, where you can overlook the gardens from which your meal’s ingredients came, and stay a night or two in rustic luxury in one of the inn’s rooms or cottages.
220 North Road, Milton 845-795-1500 buttermilkfallsinn.com
THE FALCON . Fun Date Sultry tunes and yummy food: Perched over the Marlboro waterfalls, The Falcon was originally a 19th-century button factory and has since established Marlboro as a rural Mecca for the finest jazz, blues, rock, world music, and contemporary chamber music. Enjoy a show and dine by candlelight at night, or try their jazz brunch Sundays for those rambling conversations true love needs.
1348 Route 9W, Marlboro 845-236-7970 liveatthefalcon.com
NEW PALTZ
ROCK AND RYE . Romantic Date Historic and secluded: Rock and Rye is a deliciously haunted nook tucked away from bustling New Paltz. Take a quick, lovely ride to the outer limits of the historic Huguenot district to share stories by candlelight over unique fare like portobello mushroom and squash fries or braised local red curry lamb. It has the most intriguing drinks menu you have ever seen at a 1750s stone tavern that is farm-to-table with a wood-burning stove. It worked for your ancestors; it will work for you.
215 Huguenot Street, New Paltz 845-255-7888 rockandrye.com
JAR’D WINE PUB . Romantic Date Quirky nook: Jar’d defines intimacy. The beautiful filigreed wallpaper makes you feel as cherished as a gem in a jewel box, which is the ideal setting for this upbeat, quirky, and sociable corner of the Paltz. It is a great venue for a low-pressure kind-of date over drinks and tapas.
10 Main Street, Water Street Market, New Paltz 845-255-8466 jardwinepub.com
BACCHUS . Fun Date Night out on the town: Bacchus is an icon, and it’s the very essence of what makes New Paltz an unforgettable nightlife college town. This beloved place offers robust food, handmade beer and wine, and the openhearted vibe that makes a night on the town a memory to be savored, plus it’s got irresistible live music until the wee hours of the morning.
4 S Chestnut Street New Paltz, NY 845-255-8636 bacchusnewpaltz.com
MAIN COURSE . Lunch Date Local and delicious: This is the perfect spot for a healthy, locally-sourced lunch that’s also totally delicious, and it’s one of our favorite places for a customizable hearty salad. They have a huge gourmet menu to choose from with new specials every day. It’s very laid back and bright, making this place an optimal setting for those getting-to-know-you conversations.
175 Main Street, New Paltz 845-255-2650 maincoursecatering.com
GARDINER
TUTHILLHOUSE . Romantic Date American classic: A visit to the Tuthillhouse is a visit back in time, drenched in history and natural beauty and tucked away in its own cul-de-sac. You can have a great time either exploring the grounds or touring and tasting in the distinguished distillery. The drinks are astonishing, and the American classic home cooking is the perfect accompaniment.
20 Gristmill Lane, Gardiner 845-255-4151 tuthillhouse.com
CAFÉ MIO . Breakfast/Lunch Date Tasty local foods with open kitchen: At Café Mio, Michael and Amanda Bernardo will welcome you like family. Their warm hospitality pairs extraordinarily well with fabulous local food, for this is a couple who fell in love working at a fine restaurant together. Their simple, tasty dishes are the perfect way for any couple to enjoy breakfast or lunch.
2356 Route 44/55, Gardiner 845-255-4949 miogardiner.com
STONE RIDGE
LEKKER . Breakfast/Lunch Date Laid-back and bright: “Lekker,” a word of Dutch origin, means “delicious,” and Pierre-Luc Moeys and Nicole Paturel consider creating delicious food a life’s mission. If you are meeting for brunch or want a modern country lunch, you can squeeze yourself fresh orange juice or have a smoked Bloody Mary, accompanied by croissants that rival those you would find in Paris. The atmosphere is lively and fun against a backdrop of colorful décor and huge picture windows.
3928 Main Street, Stone Ridge 845-687-9794 lekker209.com
ASIA . Lunch Date The flavors of Asia: This is a relaxed, friendly, and comfortable place where they will dish you up a feast of truly gourmet Chinese, Thai, or Sushi. The specials are not to be missed, and everything on the menu is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented by their award-winning chef, Hwang June Jan.
3407 Cooper Street, Stone Ridge 845-687-9800 asiastoneridge.com
LYDIA’S CAFE . Romantic Date Friendly and homemade: A Stone Ridge hometown favorite, Lydia’s is known for its very friendly atmosphere, great homemade food, and reasonable prices. Enjoy one of their specialty nights—Wednesday is Mexican night, Thursday is barbecue night, Friday is all about the crispy duck, and Saturday has live jazz and smoked ribs! Meats are prepared and smoked in-house, and the baked goods are made on-premises daily.
7 Old Route 209, Stone Ridge 845-687-6373 lydiasdeli.com
KRUMVILLE
THE COUNTRY INN . Romantic Date Cozy Italian, woodfired pizza and more beers than you can count: The Country Inn remained a best-kept secret among Ulster County locals and lovers for years, with a slew of hundreds of bottled beers from nations around the world. Once a classic pool table/jukebox joint, it has managed to stay true to those roadhouse roots while serving elegant Italian fare, with live music and a fire pit.
1380 County Road 2, Olivebridge 845-657-8956 krumville.com
HIGH FALLS
KITCHENETTE . Fun Lunch Date Bright and fun country retro: Zagat has called Kitchenette “the best place to go for Mom’s cooking,” and there is a specific kind of date for which that is nothing short of ideal. It is a comfort place—Lisa Hall and Amy Nickinson, friends and colleagues for years, serve up warmth and love with fair trade coffee, fruited pancakes, cheesy grits, homemade baked goods, burgers, and milk shakes.
1219 Route 213, High Falls 845-687-7464 kitchenetterestaurant.com
HIGH FALLS CAFÉ . Fun Date Live music, pool, and dancing: This is the kind of place where you can take the kids sleigh riding or cross country skiing, then cuddle up to a cozy fire. Or, come at night, shoot some pool, and dance your happy little head off. The scratch kitchen serves up delicacies made from fresh ingredients, whether you are in the mood for wings, pasta, or black-and-bleu steak.
12 Stone Dock Road, High Falls 845-687-2699 highfallscafe.com
ACCORD
FRIENDS & FAMILY II HILLSIDE . Romantic Date Unpretentious fine food: Customers quickly become regulars at Friends and Family II Hillside Restaurant, where you will find a warm country welcome and a savvy, consistently delicious menu. Great for a date night or for a brunch that cannot be rivaled, the table comes with fruit plates and baskets of breads and muffins. It offers a stone fireplace, mood lighting, and fine food without so much as a whiff of pretension.
4802 US Highway 209, Accord 845-626-7777 friendsandfamily2.com
ELLENVILLE
PUBLIK HOUSE . Fun Date Yummy and comfortable: When reviewers try to describe the wings, Reubens, or bangers & mash, they tend to dissolve into inarticulate sighs of pleasure. Mixologist George Stanger’s whiskey sour with real egg whites makes a delicious follow-up to a show at the Shadowland Theatre.
130 Canal Street, Ellenville 845-210-4052 thepublikhouseny.com
AROMA THYME BISTRO . Romantic Date Original local cuisine: Another place that pairs beautifully with any date evening is Aroma Thyme Bistro. Chef Marcus Guiliano is a true OG of the Ulster County food world; he is locavore and wellness focused and has been serving artisanal local cuisine before it was even a thing around here.
165 Canal Street, Ellenville 845-647-3000 aromathymebistro.com
SAUGERTIES
MISS LUCY’S KITCHEN . Romantic Date Quaint, yet elegant local food: Step through the doors into one of the coziest, yet most elegant, restaurants the Hudson Valley has to offer. Worn-in wood floors, farm tables, warm lighting, and kitchen aprons create a special ambiance that makes you feel at home. Savor locally sourced delicacies, including cocktails and desserts, from a menu that changes daily depending on the freshest ingredients available.
90 Partition Street, Saugerties 845-246-9240 misslucyskitchen.com
WOODSTOCK
BEAR CAFÉ . Romantic Date Warm and unpretentious: The Bearsville complex is approved by rock legacy in the warmest, most unpretentious way. Dine stream or fireside on elegant food at The Bear Café before a smokin’ hot show at the Bearsville Theatre, and sip something around the fire pit at the Commune Saloon afterwards.
295 Tinker Street, Woodstock 845-679-5555 bearcafe.com
MOUNT TREMPER
CATSKILL ROSE • Romantic Date Come for dinner or for the night: Even the name Catskill Rose is romantic, and that is just the beginning. The very air of this inn is permeated with that most romantic vibe of true love blended with realized dreams. Spend an evening or a weekend, and be nourished together on delights like house-smoked duckling and heirloom veggies.
5355 Route 212, Mount Tremper 845-688-7100 catskillrose.com
PHOENICIA
THE PHOENICIAN .Romantic Date Traditional steakhouse: Some moments just cry out to be appreciated with a visit to a truly great steakhouse, the kind where they cook everything to perfection. This one has a vast stone fireplace and tons of wood and leather beneath high ceilings, and it’s got the absolute best lobster and steak around!
10 Main Street, Phoenicia
845-688-9800 thephoeniciansteakhouse.com
TAVERN 214 . Romantic Date Dim lights and a welcoming vibe: Tavern 214 is a restored 1920s tavern gone gastropub, and it is set in the heart of the Catskills with a fireplace and a creek. Peter and Vivian Diaz have genius taste in music, keep the lights low, and will whip you up a massive dish of short ribs or scallops while making you feel as though you are a guest in their home.
76 State Route 214, Phoenicia
845-688-7383 tavern214.com
SPORTSMAN’S ALAMO CANTINA BRIO’S PIZZERIA & RESTAURANT Cantina and wood oven: These restaurants have two totally different, but awesome, vibes. Just like the name describes, Sportsman’s has a cantina feel with bright colors, a full bar, and, of course, delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. Brio’s has more of a bistro feel with a wood-fired oven, desserts on display, and some of the best crispy thin crust Neapolitan pizza around. The best part is that they both share one big menu, so everyone is guaranteed to find a dish that will satisfy any craving.
68 & 70 Main Street, Phoenicia
845 688-5259 alamocantina.com
845-688-5370 brios.net
BIG INDIAN
PEEKAMOOSE . Romantic Date Super cozy farm to table: This designer- restored farmhouse is where Devin and Marybeth Mills are working culinary wizardry on local ingredients. The restaurant supports local growers by changing its menu daily to represent the freshest foods available. Settle with a drink near the fire pit and roast a marshmallow, letting the conversation flow.
8373 State Route 28, Big Indian 845-254-6500 peekamooserestaurant.com
