Dutchess County's memorable main streets and charming villages are constantly evolving with new businesses. From creative fine dining to fun cafes, there are so many new businesses to experience in the heart of the Hudson Valley. These are a few of the region's hottest openings.
From John and Paul Stefanopoulos of Four Brothers Drive-In in Amenia as well as the many Four Brothers Pizza Inn locations (Amenia, Millerton, Dover Plains, Pleasant Valley etc.) comes House of Stefas. Carved into the heart of Millbrook, the region’s newest hotspot invites diners, drinkers and philosophizers with a curious spirit to discover their “Freestyle Greek” creation. Myth, memory and storytelling converge in this stylish, atmospheric space that includes a sleek bar, inviting dining rooms, cozy cocktail lounges and an elegant raw bar/Mediterranean Omakase section dubbed “Poseidon’s Palace”. With the upscale approach of an Athenian supper club, House of Stefas masterfully unites traditional family recipes with bold, modern techniques and culinary ideas. Engage in inspired conversation over convivial family-style meals with whole salt-crusted fishes, braised lamb shoulders and a myriad of mezze. A special attention to hospitality makes each visit memorable. Amidst the lush green tile, mohair banquettes, ornate chandeliers and spaces draped in velvety indigo, spot the stories that each handpicked item was chosen to tell.
This bright, cheery addition to the Village of Fishkill serves up eclectic coffee creations. Amy and Steph, two accomplished graphic designers opened Hot Stuff Coffee Shop for a fresh start and to bring a positive space to the community. Beside a playful meme-adorned wall, order specialties like “Nutty by Nature” (pistachio-matcha latte), “Bee Keeper” (whipped honey and espresso with blackberry puree) or “PB and OMG” (peanut butter cold brew topped with chocolate cold foam). Don’t forget to pair that morning cup with sweet treats from Beacon-based baker @knots_and_kneads.
This new bottle shop is a satellite location for Cooper’s Daughter, a woman-owned and family-operated distillery that crafts small-batch spirits with foraged and farmed ingredients. At free tastings, sample black walnut bourbon, hibiscus gin, ramp vodka and tons of other spirits and liqueurs. The shop also features the best New York State natural wine, beer, and cider, which have all been careful curated alongside a selection of specialty farm products and snacks. Craving British delights? Their English foods section is stocked with staples from across the pond. More than a bottle shop, this Red Hook stop is truly a market for community creators.
This Scandinavian cafe and confectionery opened up shop in the Arlington neighborhood of Poughkeepsie. Joining a Swedish sweets contingent in Dutchess County (don’t miss Håkan Chocolatier in Beacon), Fika & Hygge provides excellent coffee and colorful candy. The Nordic tradition of fika offers respite from the stresses of the everyday; fika is a coffee break held with all the reverence of English afternoon tea, and always paired with delicious treats. Mix and match from hundreds of imported candy options representing staples across Northern Europe, partaking in another tradition called lördagsgodis. Gluten-free and vegan candy make sure everyone can participate in the hygge.
Eastern Dutchess County is a serene escape for anyone seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Peaceful, pretty Amenia received a stunning new restaurant in the spring of this year: Isabela. Chef Joe Ramirez-Ruiz ran the now closed Michelin-starred Semilla in Williamsburg, and brings pure culinary elegance to Isabela. The calmness and tranquility of Isabela's decor reflects its home along the Hudson Valley's Berkshire border. Monkfish skewers, sunflower cavatelli and a pork chop paired with grilled peaches and escarole are just a few creations to engage with. Be sure to sup spritzes, aperitivo-style cocktails or zero-proof concoctions in addition to a locally focused tap list.
Visit Little Goat in the charming village of Rhinebeck for rustic, nourishing breakfasts and lunches as well as hearty Mediterranean-inspired dinners. Their bakery program produces gorgeous galettes with seasonal fruit, chocolate-tahini cookies and olive oil spelt cakes. Late-summer specialties like the tomato, stracciatella and jam on focaccia or the ricotta gnudi with grilled corn celebrate the seasons. Housemade pastas use milled flour from Hudson Valley-based Sparrowbush, while chicken, steelhead trout and pork are sourced from local farms. Elevate your palate in this warm space designed with farmhouse sensibilities.
Searching for your next oyster bar? Beacon’s Lyonshare pays tribute to the ethos of classic public houses where honest food and communal spirit unite. Their name specifically honors Captain John Lyon, an esteemed 19th century river boat captain who navigated the Hudson River for seven decades — and hosted passengers ranging from Teddy Roosevelt to Babe Ruth. Owner Bud Schmeling brings experience managing iconic establishments (Black Betty of Williamsburg, Peter Luger Steakhouse) to Dutchess County. Come hungry for steaks, moule frites, fried chickens and plenty of fresh oysters.
Kamel Jamal and Greg Colon — who collectively run Ziatun, Beacon Bread Company, Draught Industries and The Station along Main Street — brought barbecue back to Beacon’s former bank-turned-restaurant space in the form of The Piggy Bank 2.0. Pitmaster Adam Sternberg has a local following. They expertly serve what you would expect: St. Louie smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, Nashville hot chicken and fixings galore. What’s unexpected is the fun-filled nightlife, from live music to karaoke nights fueled by an expansive cocktail menu.
Travel back in time to the 80s and 90s at Retro Bites, a nostalgia-filled spot for modern fast food and video games. The communal gaming experience features over 800 games spanning multiple eras of consoles and arcades. Smash burgers, loaded fries, halal dishes and sweet crepes make up the diner-style menu. Definitely don’t forget to grab a beverage for your gaming session: fresh juices, smoothies, colorful refreshers, and imaginative milkshakes (think biscoff lotus cookie, ferrero rocher and Dubai chocolate for flavors). Retro Bites opened late last year and has quickly become a community staple.
Another result of creative collaboration, The Wild Kitchen + Bar serves a rich atmosphere and decadent farm-to-table dishes with a focus on plant-based foods. The crew behind local favorite Kitchen + Coffee and Titusville Farm in Poughkeepsie has brought in Jessica Gonzalez of Nomad and Death & Co to form The Wild. Enjoy produce-packed bowls on “Wild by Day’s” lunch menu; on the list for “Wild by Night” are elegant elixirs, cocktails, small plates and mains. Bask in the plentiful natural light that floods the industrial-inspired space by day, including through outdoor dining.
In a few other categories, here are some places we are excited to share with visitors and locals alike in Dutchess County.
Shops
Bargain Babes | Wappingers Falls
Blue Olive | Poughkeepsie
La Caviste | Eastdale Village
Little Sister Wine Shop | Poughkeepsie
NOLITA Boutique | Poughkeepsie
Pages and Petals | Wappingers Falls
Pizza
Herbs & Dough | Poughkeepsie
Pipinelli’s Pizza Parlor | Poughkeepsie
Familiar spaces, new “faces”
Pasture Kitchen | Millerton - formerly named Tallow
Barbara’s Café & Gelato | Poughkeepsie - formerly named Mercat 1915
Vincent’s Eat Paint Love Bourbon Bar | Beacon
