The Ultimate Guide to Beacon Restaurants: 50+ You Should Try Today!

Beacon, NY is an easy drive and train ride away from many places in the Hudson Valley and New York City. This is one of the reasons why Beacon restaurants are a popular destination for those visiting this great place in Dutchess County, NY.

While I hesitate to review restaurants on my website, because eating out is very subjective, Beacon restaurants have always caught my attention. On the one mile+ stretch of Main Street you can find some of the best restaurants around! From friendly service to generous portions, Beacon restaurants are top-notch and should be visited often.

These restaurants are not only for casual dining or take out meals, some may surprise you.

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Why are Beacon Restaurants so Popular?

Because of it’s close proximity to a major highway and with a Metro-North station right by the Hudson River, this makes Beacon, NY a popular location for visitors from near and far. In addition to museums and historical sites close by, Beacon restaurants also draw in many visitors no matter the season.

Want to see what all the fuss about Beacon Restaurants is about?

Check out this list of popular Beacon Restaurants that include something for everyone!

– 2 Way Brewing Company

Located on West Main Street and walking distance from the Beacon Train Station, Two Way Brewing Company has a taproom open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Their in-house brewery, featuring a variety of craft beer, is located right next to the taproom.

With a game room, including pool, darts, foosball and outdoor seating, this great brewery offers great drink and food options through guest food trucks and pop-up food vendors! In addition, this is a great place to listen to live music.

Looking for more Hudson Valley Breweries?
Read all about popular Hudson Valley Breweries that you should visit this weekend!

– All You Knead

Located on Main Street, All You Knead is the perfect place to get your fresh baked loaves and pasties, this great place also offers Baked Pockets (They stuff a rice Italian dough with the best ingredients and bake to crispy, savory perfection. Pocket varieties vary throughout the season, but staples include feta & spinach, black bean, sweet potato & cheddar, broccoli, potato & cheddar, and sweet potato & smoked ham), Quiche and Pot Pies, as well as, Pulled Pork Empanadas. This may not be what you expect when you think of Beacon restaurants, but it is a nice place to grab a quick bite and being so close to the Hudson River is always a plus!.

– Bagel Shoppe

On Main Street, the Bagel Shoppe is a very popular place for breakfast and lunch. With over 40 years experience their menu is full of delicious items. From sandwiches to omelets for breakfast and hot/cold sandwiches, paninis, and salads for lunch, there is so much to choose from that it is hard to pick. Their bakery is full of amazing treats that cannot be missed!

– Baja 328 Tequila Bar Southwest Grill

In addition to being a full service restaurant, Baja 328 is a great place at night for live entertainment. They are known for serving 130+ tequilas. Their menu includes starters/bowls, tacos, quesadillas, main plates (Steak Ranchero, Enchiladas, Burgers, Fajitas and more) plus desserts.

– Bank Square

This corner coffee shop is not just a coffee shop. Bank Square drinks include coffees, teas, frozen frappes, smoothies, Italian sodas and more. Offering baked goods from Bread Alone and lunch items from North Brooklyn Eats, make sure to drop in and enjoy the ambience. What may surprise you is that Bank Square is one of the Beacon restaurants that offers live music and events.

– Barb’s Butchery

Located on Sprint Street, since opening in December 2014, Barb’s Butchery is not only a butcher shop, but also offers delicious hot food including breakfast choices, burgers, hot dogs, tacos and sandwiches. This is one of the Beacon restaurants where you know that your meat is the freshest it can be. According to their website, “Everything sold at Barb’s is made at Barb’s.”

– Barking Frog

Located on Fishkill Avenue, this fun place says they are “Beacon’s original and truest dive bar”. The Barking Frog offers a fun menu that includes Chicken Tenders, Fish and Chips, Loaded Potato Skins, Tacos, Salads, Burgers, Sandwiches and so much more. The locals love hanging with the friendly staff and taking part in karaoke. This is one of the most fun Beacon restaurants.

– Beacon Bread Company

Since 2014, the Beacon Bread Company has been the place for freshly baked bread and meals made from scratch. Their bakery and cafe offers great coffee and wonderful pastries. What stands out more than other Beacon restaurants is that the Beacon Bread Company serves brunch all day long! With an outdoor patio that can be used seasonally, this is one of the best spots to visit.

– Beacon Daily

Located on Teller Avenue, the Beacon Daily is a popular sandwich shop serving breakfast all day. Family owned and operated their house made English muffins and fried chicken sandwiches brigs people from all over. In addition to their popular items, they also offer waffles, breakfast burritos, salads and additional sandwiches.

– Beacon Falls Cafe

Open Monday and Thursday through Sunday the Beacon Falls Cafe is a busy spot that many of the locals love. Located near the Howland Cultural Center, chef and owner is a CIA Grad and specializes in offering delicious items for Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch. Some notable breakfast items are Pancakes, French Toast, Omelets and Frittatas. Lunch items include Salads, Burgers, Sandwiches and so much more. This is definitely one of the busiest of Beacon restaurants.

– Beacon Natural Market

Offering a great selection of locally sourced products, many people do not know that the Beacon Natural Market also offers great food items, like soups, salads, deli favorites, side dishes and main dishes. They post their daily menu on their website.

– Beans Cat Cafe

Beans Cat Cafe is a place for cat and coffee lovers. They offer two sides: the cat lounge and the cafe. In the cafe, you can sip on coffee and enjoy baked goods by Mad Batters Pastries. This is not one of the more traditional Beacon restaurants, but one that should be visited!

– Big Mouth Coffee Roasters

Big Mouth Coffee Roasters prides themselves on offering and educating others about the global coffee industry. By creating blends and offering specialty coffee that not only tastes great but also empowers coffee growers all over the world. In addition to offering coffee to drink, they also sell many of the coffees they serve. Serving pastries that compliment the coffee, this is a great place to stop in to and relax.

– Big Vinny’s Pizza & Donnoli

New York City Style Pizza is what you can have at Big Vinny’s Pizza and Donnoli. Servicing a cross between a donut and cannoli called a donnoli, people flock from all over to experience both of these delicious treats. Big Vinny is quite the local celebrity and has been on the Food Network. So, make sure to stop in and say hello.

– BJ’s Soul Food Restaurant

BJ’s Soul Food has been a staple for comfort food in Beacon for decades. Offering Southern and Barbeque food, BJ’s serves its customers breakfast, lunch and dinner. From Short Ribs, Roast Chicken Fried Chicken and Fried Fish, customers come from all over to experience one of the oldest standing Beacon Restaurants.

– Brother’s Trattoria

Italian Cuisine, Divine Cocktails and Upscale Dining is the name of the game at Brother’s Trattoria. Since 1998, Brother’s has been one of the locals favorite Beacon restaurants to experience delicious Italian fare. This unique restaurant offers 3 dining experiences: an entrance room serving fresh pizza, their Tuscan Dining Room serving their full menu or the bar room with fireplace to enjoy their creative cocktails.

– Cafe Amacord

This New American restaurant will delight your palate. From starters like, Veal Meat Balls Tonnato and Butter-Poached Shrimp and Pasta, such as Cortecce with Duck Ragu, and Main Course Dishes, such as seared yellow fin tuna, Cafe Amarcord takes fine food and elevates it with their housemade pastas. This is a nice surprise among the other Beacon restaurants that line Main Street and surrounding area.

– Carters Restaurant & Lounge

This popular spot for great food and a ‘night out, Carter’s Restaurant and Lounge is the place for you. Recently renovated, Carter’s is known for ‘Bottomless Brunch’ and ‘Nightly Drink Specials’. From starters like, Blackened fish tacos and chicken wings and entrees like curried shrimp, this is also a great option for interesting food items like a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches served with tomato soup, salad or fries. Their full menu can be found on their website.

– Cooper’s Bar

This location has been a bar or restaurant since at least 1872. Cooper’s Bar is located at this landmark location and has been favorited by many. This newest installation offered a low-key American Pub & Restaurant, the menu offers an eclectic blend of snacks, rice bowls, salads, sandwiches and more.

– Dogwood Bar & Restaurant

Located on East Main Street, Dogwood Bar and Restaurant is known for ‘good food, good drinks and good live music’. This hidden gem offers a special Sunday menu and the remainder of the week, delicious food is served by Eat Church. Since live music is a staple at this local restaurant, a live music calendar is located on their website.

– Draught Industries

If you’re looking for some great Mexican food and refreshing craft beer, then Draught Industries is your place. From several kinds of guacamole and flautas de pollo to tacos, burritos and quesadillas, this great spot offers a great place and wonderful service all rolled into one.

– Enoteca Ama

Wood fired pizza is the name of the game at Enoteca AMA. Sister restaurant to Cafe Amarcord, this great place offers more than just pizza with crisp crust. Their social media is always updated, so it’s the best place to see amazing photos of their food. Trust me, this will make you want to visit today.

– Glazed Over Donuts

As one of the most inventive places to get donuts, Glazed Over Donuts is a favorite of locals, but people also travel to get these customizable donuts. This cool spot does a great job of allowing you to choose one glaze, one topping and one drizzle for your very own donut. In addition, they also serve ice cream sundaes. A visit to this small restaurant will make your taste buds happy!

– Happy Valley Arcade Bar

Not just an arcade and not just a bar, Happy Valley is a great place to have fun. In addition to the vast variety of vintage arcade games, Happy Valley also has Pinball machines. Their food menu is simple and fun and has items like mozzarella sticks, tater tots, giant pretzel and donuts from Galzed Over Donuts (see above).

– Hudson Valley Food Hall

Located in the heart of Main Street, the Hudson Valley Food Hall is a place to visit again and again.
Vendors include:

• The Roosevelt Bar – Drinks include cocktails made from Hudson Valley spirits, wine, tap beer and more.
• El Nica Spot – Nicaraguan Cuisine is what El Nica does and, boy, do they do it well.
• Miz Hattie’s BBQ – If you’re looking for great BBQ, then this is the place to visit. From slow cooked pulled pork, smoked brisket and their famous Mac and Cheese, this place is top notch!
• Dulce Cielo Mx – Mexican Street Food featuring tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas and much more.
• Tara Fusion Cuisine – Indian Middle Eastern Fusion cuisine featuring sandwiches, rice platters and more.
• Moreish – If you’ve never had authentic English food, then go check this place out! Featuring savory and sweet bits, this is sure to please your palate.

– Hudson Valley Marshmallow

This store is not just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth with unique s’mores, the Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company is the place to get handmade and all natural marshmallows. In addition to selling hot chocolate mix (for your marshmallows), they also sell gourmet marshmallows in a variety of flavors, graham crackers and gift baskets perfect for any occasion.

– Isamu Sushi

Open daily, Isamu Sushi is the place to visit for Japanese and Chinese foods. With an extensive menu (found online), they also offer vegan options. The only difference between this restaurant and other Beacon restaurants is the fact that you bring your own liquor.

– Kitchen & Coffee

This 100% gluten-free and vegetarian cafe and bakery makes this one of the more unique coffee shops in Beacon. In addition to offering delicious coffee, Kitchen & Coffee’s food menu includes toasts, sweet bowls, savory bowls, salads, plates and soups. In addition to wonderful service, they also offer custom cakes and bread orders.

– La Barbirria

La Barbirria offers authentic Mexican food right in the heart of Beacon. With traditional appetizer favorites, such as aguachile and cevice and a variety of soups and salads, it’s no wonder why it’s become a local favorite of the many Beacon restaurants that can be found.

In Search of a Great Place to Have Brunch in the Hudson Valley?
Reference this Ultimate Guide to the Best Brunch Places in the Hudson Valley. See if your favorite made the list!

– Matcha Thomas

This wonderful teahouse offers so much more than tea. Their drinks include Matcha Lattes, seasonal Boba Drinks and other treats. Featured in Forbes, Vegetarian Times and Hudson Valley Magazine, Matcha Thomas is a family and veteran owned business and is a highlight when visiting Beacon and Beacon restaurants.

– Max’s on Main

Eat, Listening to Music and Having Fun are just some of the things you can do at Max’s on Main. With American comfort food as the star, their menu consists of firecracker shrimp, pierogies, chunky chili, flank steak, rice bowl and delicious sandwiches. They are also known for their theme nights: Monday (Margarita Night), Tuesday (Trivia Night), Wednesday (Ladies Night), Thursday (Karaoke), Friday and Saturdays (Live music) and Sunday (NFL Specials during football season.

– Melzingah Tap House

A great place to eat and to have a private event, Melzingah Tap House is the perfect place. With a large collection of craft beer and custom cocktails, this is a wonderful gathering place. Offering lunch, dinner and a brunch menu, they also offer cheese plates and charcuterie boards. Beer, wine and a charcuterie board; what better way to spend an evening in Beacon.

– Meyer’s Olde Dutch

What once housed Poppy’s Burgers no is the space for Meyer’s Olde Dutch. Specializing in a variety of unique burgers: The New York State Special, Double Dutch, Chili Burger and a Veggie burgers, known as the Veggie Dutch. In addition to their great burgers, they also offer a hot dog, chicken sandwich and some salads. Their full service bar offers local wine and great cocktails and, the best part, is that they’re open everyday.

– Momo Valley

MoMo Valley specializes in Nepalese food, including momos, dal, Himalayan bowls, soups and so much more. The star of the show are the momos (bite-sized dumplings that are usually steamed that have meat or vegetable filling). Ordering takeot is as easy as going to their website.

– Mud Club

The Mud Club is an bakery that specializes in their wood-fired bagels. In addition to the bagels, they also offer organic coffee, pastries and Mud Club sandwiches.

– Pandorica

If you’re a fan of Doctor Who, then the Pandorica is the place to visit! They serve lunch, dinner and many vegan and gluten free options. This is the only Doctor Who themed restaurant in the East and is such a great place to visit any time of the year! They also host some special events throughout the year and may be the most unique of all the Beacon Restaurants. You can check out their menus on their website.

– Peaceful Provisions

Open mornings into early afternoon, Peaceful Provisions is a specialty vegan donut shop. They also have a small marketplace with many vegan products. They pride themselves on making everything from scratch with very small staff that focus on offering their customers the best products. Their menu changes weekly but some of their items consistently remain on the menu. Many people comment that their donuts are the best vegan donuts they’ve had and that the staff are the nicest people around.

– Quinn’s

Known for their weekly jazz sessions and live music, Quinn’s offers their visitors authentic Japanese soul food. Their menu includes hot dogs, curry, domburi, ramen and more. The use of modern techniques in their cooking make this one of the most interesting of Beacon restaurants.

– Roma Nova

Located on Eliza Street, Roma Nova offers quality Italian, Mexican, Classic American and Vegan options. As a multi-cultural restaurant is full of delicious looking meals, like pizza, pasta, Mexican food, and all American Fare.

– Roundhouse

This Beacon Hotel has a wonderful restaurant that overlooks the Beacon Falls. Dining at the Roundhouse ensures a memorable evening. With a focus on items from Hudson Valley local farms and wineries, this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating (seasonal) and the best part is that you do not need to be a guest of the hotel to be able to dine there. The Patio is special as it overlooks the picturesque falls of Fishkill Creek and can be used for a snack, drinks or a full meal. A popular spot for wedding and other private events, the Roundhouse is a place that should be on your to-do list.

– Royal Crepes & European Market

Crepes is the name of the game at Royal Crepes. Although they do not have a website, they do have a Facebook Page showing their beautiful crepe delicacies. They offer sweet crepes, savory crepes, salads and Balkan stew. Located on Main Street, this is one of the Beacon Restaurants that should be visited.

– Stinson’s Hub

Located on Fishkill Avenue, Stinson’s Hub is a great place for food and drinks while watching a game. There is no website and their Facebook page does not show a menu at this time.

– Sukhothai

This Beacon restaurant specializes in authentic Thai cuisine. Sukhothai offers traditional dishes, as well as, custom dishes created by their talented chef. Each dish is spiced to your taste and available to be customized for your liking. As one of the only Thai restaurants in the area, this is a local favorite.

– Tito Santana Taqueria

One of the few Beacon restaurants located at the beginning of Main Street, Tito Santana Taqueria has been a staple in Beacon since 2011. From Tacos, Empanadas, Bowls, Salads, Burritos, Quesadillas and more. Their menu is located on their website.

– Towne Crier Cafe

Restaurant and live music go hand in hand at the Towne Crier Cafe. From its start in Pawling, NY to the move to Beacon, NY, this great spot on the corner of Veterans Place and Main Street is always buzzing with loals and others who love Beacon restaurants. Serving lunch dinner and brunch, great music can be heard on most nights and the atmosphere is festive.

– The Vinyl Room

Featuring an in-store record shop, an arcade and a DJ every Friday and Saturday night, you would be surprised to know that The Vinyl Room is also a great place to grab a drink or some food. With amazing starters and salads, sandwiches, pizza and more. This is one of the more eclectic and fun Beacon Restaurants.

– Wonder Bar

If you’ve ever wondered what Wonder Bar is all about then I’m here to tell you. With a menu offering tasty food and creative cocktails, Wonder Bar is a great place to visit. Their menu includes marinated olives, burrata, fried eggplant, hot honey fried chicken and more. They also offer a signature ‘Wonderboard’.

– Yankee Clipper Diner

The Yankee Clipper Diner is what you think of when you think of a classic diner. Open daily, they offer regular burgers, gourmet burgers, clubs like a Roast Beef Club and Turkey Club, Greek Dishes and so much more. So when you’re in the mood for diner food, then Yankee Clipper Diner is your place.

– Ziatun

This Beacon restaurant offers Palestinian/Arabic/Middle Eastern Vegan and Vegetarian food. Open daily, Ziatun offers Shawarma, rice bowls, Falafel wraps and more.

Tips on Visiting these Beacon Restaurants

Tip #1:

The last weekend, Sunday to be more specific, of each month, DIA:Beacon is free to Hudson Valley residents. This is a great time to visit a restaurant in Beacon and take advantage of delicious meals just a few minutes from the museum.

Tip #2:

If visiting Isamu Sushi, it may be a great idea to pick up some natural wine from Dirty Bacchus. Their extensive selection of wines will compliment any meal or stored in any wine cellar for special occasions.

More Things to do while in Beacon

In addition to eating in one or more of the 50+ Beacon restaurants, Beacon, NY has so much to offer. Use the following resources to do more in Beacon.

An Afternoon at DIA:Beacon to admire different kinds of Art

The Best Way to Spend a Day in Beacon, NY

Taste samples of Award Winning Spirits at Denning’s Point Distillery

Final Thoughts…

When I started researching and writing this article, I never knew there were so many wonderful and interesting places to eat in Beacon. Beacon restaurants range from comfort foods to eclectic meals, all pleasing a variety of palates.

Although not located in New York City or in Upstate New York, Beacon restaurants give any of those restaurants a run for their money.

Until the Next Adventure…