10 dining options, from rooftops to a new food hall, to check out before summer's gone
We hate to say it, but another summer is coming to a close. Before we start scoping out back to school supplies and where to get a pumpkin spice latte and an apple cider doughnut, we're holding on to that summer feeling for as long as possible.
That means sunset cocktails, the perfect taco and a trip to some newly opened venues including a highly anticipated food hall and a handful of new breweries. And if you have to have a lobster roll, there's a spot for that, too. Here are some suggestions to keep the summer vibe going well beyond Labor Day weekend:
Check out a new hot spot
Where: The Academy, 33 Academy St., Poughkeepsie; theacademyhvny.com
After a long wait, The Academy finally opened on July 21. It's one part food hall, one part event space and one part semi-formal restaurant with residences and more coming soon. For those looking to eat, there are three food stalls: East-West, serving Asian cuisine like stir fry, dumplings, bao and ramen; Valley Greens, with healthy meals like salads, grain bowls and juices; and Smoke 33, a barbecue stall with smoked meats, house made sauces, rubs and more. There's also The Cafe + Grill serving up breakfast and lunch options and take-home meals; Hudson Hopworks where you'll find mostly New York-brewed beers and The Kitchen where you'll find semi-formal dining and brunch.
Grab dinner and drinks with a view
Where: Billy Joe's Ribworks, 26 Front St., Newburgh; ribworks.com
Nothing says summer like barbecue, and Billy Joe's Ribworks has all the barbecue you could want. Ribs, chicken wings, pulled pork, brisket, you name it, they've got it. And diners can enjoy their barbecue on the restaurant's large deck over the Hudson which offers views up and down the river as well as Mount Beacon across the way.
Where: Zeus Brewing Company, 178 Main St., Poughkeepsie; zeusbrewingco.com/rooftop
An absolutely perfect way to end the summer is a seat on Zeus Brew Company's rooftop. This 21 and older only area has views of the Hudson River as well as the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Walkway Over the Hudson. The rooftop does close when there's inclement weather, so be sure to keep an eye on the restaurant's socials to stay informed.
Where: The Roundhouse, 2 East Main St., Beacon; roundhousebeacon.com
Whether inside on the not-so-nice days or dining outside on those perfect days, The Roundhouse has lovely views of a waterfall along Fishkill Creek. It's also one of the few places throughout Dutchess County customers can find a lobster roll which is served here with Old Bay fries. Lobster not your thing? The buttermilk crispy chicken sandwich is a nice option for those summer days.
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Operate on tiki time!
Where: Fuschia Tiki Bar, 215 Main St.; fuchsiatikibar.com
If you're craving the tropics, Fuschia Tiki Bar has you covered with an island aesthetic and drinks to match. From the refreshing "Trench Town Rock" featuring aged Jamaican rum as well as overproof Jamaican rum, lime, cilantro and a mango-chili syrup or the traditional "Jungle Bird" with aged Guyana and Jamaican rums, pineapple, lime and Italian bitters. For food, the restaurant has small bites, sushi rolls and entrees.
Tacos and margaritas, anyone?
Where: Hudson Taco, 27 South Water St.; hudsontaco.com
As its name suggests, you can choose from an assortment of taco fillings (15 to be exact) paired with Hudson River views and a margarita. Whether you prefer chicken, pork, or beef, there's a taco for everyone. For seafood lovers there's the crab cake with "Comeback sauce" and pickled vegetables. Favoring beef? There's the "Ancho Skirt Steak" with pico de gallo. They also have non-taco items like grilled octopus, chicken soup, empanadas, and more.
Build your own 'Patsy'
Where: Patsy's Roadhouse, 105 Route 376, Hopewell Junction; patsysroadhouse.com
Patsy's Roadhouse serves up barbecue and southwestern inspired dishes and have a patio and pavilion for those lovely summer nights. Or opt to build your own "Patsy:" You choose the protein – ranging from beef, to chicken breast, to beans – then bun, cheese, and all the toppings (there are more than you can imagine). Or grab a snack like the Roadhouse nachos, topped with cheese, pico de gallo, jalapenos that have been pickled in-house.
Try some new sips
Where: Lasting Joy Brewery, 485 Lasher Road, Tivoli; lastingjoybrewery.com
This new brewery was founded by high school sweethearts Alex and Emily Wenner. They have four "core" brews — a Czech pilsner, an English beet stout, a hazy IPA and a Belgian wheat — as well as their recent releases: Resolve Kellervier and a saison ale on tap. The brewery also has guest and seasonal brews and local wine, cider, spirits, non-alcoholic beverages and food. All ingredients for the house-made beers come from surrounding farms designating the brewery a New York State Farm Brewery.
There is an outdoor area where guests, including children and "well behaved, leashed dogs," can enjoy the view of the surrounding farm land as well as firepits. Inside, customers will find a hexagonal floating bar with 12 taps with room for 60.
Where: Palaia Winery and Meadery, 10 Sweet Clover Road, Highland Mills; palaiawinery.com
Palaia Winery and Meadery, themed to the hippy era, offers a wide open outdoor area where visitors can enjoy the summer breeze, live music as well as their wines, meads and a selection of craft beers, spirits and hard ciders. Palaia also offers food and a screened in porch for dining.
Where: DUBCO Acres, 65 Four Corners Road, Warwick; destinationunknownbeercompany.com
Another new brewery, Destination Unknown Beer Company, or DUBCO, Acres is the second location for the brewer, the first being on Long Island. A small batch brewery, DUBCO has 14 rotating beers on tap like "Acai What You Did There," a sour ale with honey, acai, granola, strawberry, blueberry, coconut and banana" or the New England style IPA "Cosmic Continuum," a blend of Cryo Pop Hops.
The tap room is full of kitschy décor like animal print armchairs, a baby grand piano, and a large logo sign whose backdrop juxtaposes photos of New York’s most scenic spots.
You gotta have ice cream
Where: Midnight Ferry, 12 Front St.; midnight-ferry.com
There are dozens of places to grab a cone or a cup in the area, but if you're in need of something sweet stop by Midnight Ferry's windows on the Newburgh waterfront for its "Strawberry Fields" signature sundae featuring vanilla ice cream, house-made strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries and shortbread. This cute shop also offers ice cream, gelato and milkshakes on the menu along with and desserts like La Bomba, with an Italian pastry filled with a flavor or two of ice cream or gelato, then placed in a panini press.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: 10 Dutchess area dining hot spots to try before the summer ends