Upstate

Brownstoner Upstate: Our Favorite Foodie Towns in the Hudson Valley and Catskills

A plate from Swoon Kitchenbar, Hudson via swoonkitchenbar.com The kind of food available in the Hudson Valley and Catskills might not be the only reason one would choose to spend time up here, but it’s certainly a huge consideration. Why? Because it’s a food-lover’s paradise. Sure, we’ve heard plenty of complaints from transplants about the…

by kandyharris

08/21/2015 6 minute 0

A plate from Swoon Kitchenbar, Hudson via swoonkitchenbar.com

The kind of food available in the Hudson Valley and Catskills might not be the only reason one would choose to spend time up here, but it’s certainly a huge consideration. Why? Because it’s a food-lover’s paradise.

Sure, we’ve heard plenty of complaints from transplants about the lack of good takeout and variety of non-American food types (every town should have a Thai place, in our opinion), but there’s no arguing with the abundance of quality farm-fresh ingredients available among the rolling agrarian fields and fertile soils of the river valley.

This week, we’re not even going to attempt to parse the options. There are just too many. Instead, we’ll provide you with a glimpse into the culinary heart of the Hudson Valley and Catskill mountains. If you want the whole picture, you’ll just have to come up here and have a taste.

Phoenicia Diner pancakes via Facebook

Phoenicia, Ulster County: For a small mountain town, Phoenicia has some of the best food west of the Hudson River, starting with the Phoenicia Diner on Route 28. Located just south of the village, this popular breakfast/brunch/lunch spot is often packed to overflowing on the weekends with hungry customers waiting to sink their choppers into one of the diner’s signature skillet breakfasts (breakfast served all day), omelets, burgers or large platters. And they use lots of local ingredients. Open for cocktails 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Other Eats: Brios Pizzeria, Tavern 214, Phoenician Steakhouse, Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina, Ice Cream Station

Swoon Kitchenbar via swoonkitchenbar.com

Hudson, Columbia County: Yep. You knew Hudson would make the list. How could it not? This little Hudson River city has a profusion of restaurant choices on and around Warren Street, Hudson’s main business center. Swoon Kitchenbar packs in the dinner-and-drinks crowd, as well as the weekend brunch and lunch crowd, with a sophisticated yet uncomplicated menu made from locally-sourced ingredients. Think lots of fresh seafood (including oysters), seasonal produce, house-made pastas, a robust appetizer selection, and special cocktails. Meatless Mondays prix fixe menu available. Open for dinner 5-10 p.m. Thursday through Monday (5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday), lunch served 12-3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Other Eats: Baba Louie’s Pizza, Park Falafel, Fish & Game, Relish, Grazin’

Boitson’s Restaurant, Kingston via boitsons.com

Kingston, Ulster County: Like Hudson, Kingston is a no-brainer. Dining choices have flourished in the Ulster County city over the past few years, and Boitson’s Restaurant in uptown is at the forefront of the movement. Equal parts local watering hole and fine-dining establishment, Boitson’s offers traditional American fare served up in big portions with a frequently changing menu. The fried chicken gets raves from diners, as do the cocktails and the comfortable outdoor patio seating and bar. Open 5-10 p.m. Wedsesday through Monday (till 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Closed Tuesday.

Other Eats: Duo Bistro, Diego’s Taqueria, Yasuda Japan, Yum Yum Noodle Bar, Frogmore Tavern, Sissy’s Cafe

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64 Grandview Acres Road, Phoenicia: $179,000

For the log cabin lover, it doesn’t get much more log cabin-y than this Phoenicia home. Not only do you get the rustic knotty pine and vaulted, beamed ceilings inside, but close proximity to mountains, creeks, trails and all kinds of outside fun — not to mention it’s just five minutes from all of Phoenicia’s great food. Beds: 2. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1120. Lot Size: .72 acre. Est. Taxes: $2195. 64 Grandview Acres, Phoenicia (Winn Morrison) GMAP.

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423 Carroll Street, Hudson: $308,000

We’ve loved this sweet jewel box in Hudson long before the magnificent renovation it recently received, and now we love it even more — especially with the black exterior paint job. Gorgeous plank flooring, modern minimalist kitchen and the inclusion of central A/C are just some of the things you’re getting, plus it’s close to Warren Street’s shops and restaurants. Beds: 2. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 840. Lot Size: .07 acre. Est. Taxes: $3748. 423 Carroll Street, Hudson (Halstead) GMAP.

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313 Albany Avenue, Kingston: $349,000

And finally, a stunning c. 1895 Victorian not far from Kingston’s historic Stockade District (and all the best restaurants in town). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hutton House is a study in historic house preservation complete with all the little details adding up to one classy abode. Beware the taxes in Kingston for otherwise affordable homes. Beds: 4. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2248. Lot Size: .26 acre. Est. Taxes: $10,186. 313 Albany Avenue, Kingston (Westwood Metes & Bounds) GMAP.

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