Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind with friends or a spot for date night with your special someone, these Hudson Valley locales are go-tos for mouthwatering bites and entertainment galore.
Dragon Den & Dungeon Hall, Nyack
This Nyack-based restaurant brings bar-style cuisine and tabletop gaming together for a one-of-a-kind experience that serves as a haven for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages. Dragon Den offers unique dishes and drinks from its executive chef Jayson Feliz, such as the Killua Kebabs, beef or chicken served with pickled red onions and cilantro crema on a pita, and the Ogre Blood mocktail, a non-alcoholic take on the classic Bloody Mary. Aside from the nerd-inspired food menu, Dragon Den also provides diners with a gaming menu, complete with options such as Scrabble, Settlers of Catan, and, of course, Dungeons and Dragons, to enjoy on the restaurant’s custom handmade tables.
District Social, Beacon/Carmel/Mt. Kisco/ Wappingers Falls
District Social is exploring a new form of restaurant entertainment as it amuses patrons with live music, axe throwing, and other classic bar games like billiards and darts. Located in Beacon, Carmel, Mount Kisco, and Wappingers Falls, District Social offers a different menu at each location, but they all center around specialty small bites and craft beer. While axe throwing may be the main attraction for those looking to compete with friends or just let loose, diners seeking a more laid-back form of entertainment can enjoy their favorite Hudson Valley bands live every weekend.
Sloop Brewing Co., East Fishkill
Sloop Brewing Company is a restaurant, tasting room, and brewery all in one. While Sloop is always searching for new tastes and experiences for its beers—curating flavors like the uber-popular Juice Bomb IPA—the restaurant is also innovative and inspired. Sloop describes its menu as a passport around the world, taking diners through a tour of international street foods like the crispy ranch chickpeas and alligator sausage quesadilla. Just as Sloop’s extensive menu brings cultures together in fusion dishes, its brewery hopes to bring people together for a fun night of brews and bites. Keep an eye out for everything from art shows to paint and sip nights on Sloop’s calendar.
1915 Wine Cellar, Poughkeepsie
Not your typical wine bar, 1915 provides guests with the opportunity to sample wines not normally found by the glass. This upscale wine cellar in the City of Poughkeepsie offers an extensive wine menu that is constantly changing and evolving to deliver diners diverse experiences. Along with the drink menu, 1915 also has a seasonal bites menu with options such as duck confit, hummus, and focaccia and several charcuterie spreads. Not only does 1915 fulfill diners’ gastronomic expectations, but it also houses intimate standing-room-only live music every Saturday to help guests kick back. Feel free to bring your own board game, or make use of 1915’s chess set for a little friendly competition while you’re there.
Happy Valley Arcade Bar, Beacon
Happy Valley is a bar that lets your inner child run loose. With a comprehensive list of vintage and contemporary arcade games such as Pac-Man and Frogger, there is sure to be something for everyone in the neon, blacklight-lit locale. Enjoy a bite from the food menu that offers traditional bar starters or try an arcade-inspired cocktail like the Sex on the Koopa Troopa Beach or the Megamanhattan. Self-described as around the corner and out of this world, Happy Valley is a must for a fun- and nostalgia-filled experience in Beacon.
Saxon Hall, Newburgh
Saxon Hall is a world-class axe throwing venue located right in Newburgh. With 10 lanes—each complete with its own projected targets and digital scoring—patrons can have a blast competing with their friends and polishing new skills. But that’s not the only draw; guests are provided with a large beer, wine, and cider selection spanning local faves to national classics in case they work up a thirst tossing axes. Plus, order a pizza, cookies, and chips to fill up on while you’re busy throwing it down.
