From scrumptious barbecue to fresh appetizers and specialty coffee, these Best of Hudson Valley winners are a great choice for your next outing.
It’s official: the Best of Hudson Valley winners for 2024 are here. In the comprehensive spread compiled by our sister publication Hudson Valley magazine, there are so many standouts in the food and drink sector. If dinner and formal dining are what you seek, check out these seven Orange County hotspots, which offer top-tier food and drinks. For the complete list of Best of Hudson Valley food and drink winners, including even more top picks in Orange County, check out Hudson Valley magazine’s website.
Hudson Taco
Best Orange County Restaurant, Best Tacos, Best Margarita
27 S Water St, Newburgh
Starting with the winner of Best Orange County Restaurant, Hudson Taco is a fan-favorite with a menu full of Mexican-inspired dishes with a twist. Dine on the cola pork carnitas with cola sauce, Asian tuna tacos, pork belly tacos, or Baja fish tacos to get the party in your mouth started. The eatery is also the winner of best margarita — and for good reason, considering how many options are on the menu. Choose the Hudson Taco margarita for a classic sip, the blood orange ginger margarita for citrusy vibes, or the Frozen Baby Blue if you’re all about blueberry season in the Hudson Valley.
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Angry Orchard
Best Cidery
 2241 Albany Post Rd, Walden
For the best cidery—that we’re positive you’ve heard of—check out Angry Orchard in Walden. Visit the location for a tour while you sip delicious hard cider, attend an event, or enjoy what’s on tap with a dish at the Cider House. Some Cider House bar offerings include the American Holiday, Orchard Sangria, Block Party (with notes of wildflowers and dried apples), Blueberry Rose, Crisp Apple (an Angry Orchard OG), and more.
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Billy Joe’s Ribworks
Best Patio, Best Ribs
26 Front St, Newburgh
Billy Joe’s Ribworks made the list for best patio and best ribs. It’s easy to see why, with ribs that are rubbed with a secret spice blend, then smoked slowly until they’re juicy and tender. Right before the ribs are served, they are charbroiled for an extra level of goodness. Order the brontosaurus beef ribs or St. Louis-style ribs naked or slathered in barbecue sauce. Other delicious menu options include pulled pork and pit-smoked chicken (a whole bird smothered in barbecue sauce).
Blu Pointe
Best Seafood Restaurant, Best Oysters, Best Raw Bar
120 Front Street, Newburgh
Looking for the best oysters, raw bar, and seafood restaurant in the Hudson Valley? Blu Pointe in Newburgh is the place to be. This premier dining location has an extensive seafood menu with Hudson River views. Oysters on the half shell, whole Main Lobster cocktail, Alaskan king crab legs, sushi, and shellfish platters are guaranteed to make your taste buds happy.
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Pete’s Hot Dogs
Best Hot Dogs
293 S William St, Newburgh
Sometimes you just need a hot dog. When the craving hits, head to Pete’s Hot Dogs for the best hot dogs in the Hudson Valley. Choose between a classic hot dog or a double dog (two hot dogs on a club roll). Savory toppings include mustard and kraut, mustard and raw onions, mustard and relish, chili (hot bean sauce), Texas (mild meat sauce), and the New York (sauteed red onions). For extra toppings, pick jalapenos, cheese, or real bacon bits.
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Ready Coffee
Best Coffee, Best Coffee Barista, Best Coffee Beans/Roaster
Multiple locations
For the best coffee, head to Ready Coffee in Newburgh (or one of its other three locations around the Hudson Valley). Some of the caffeinated hits include the Mac Daddy (nutty chocolate macadamia latte), caramel blondie (caramel and white chocolate latte), and Hit + Run (six-shot vanilla latte). Other menu options worth checking out are energy drinks like the Burst (swirled raspberry) or tea like the chai latte. Smoothies and shakes are available as well.
Brothers Barbecue
Best Pitmaster, Best Brisket
2402 NY-32, Cornwall
If you’re looking for the best brisket in the Hudson Valley, Brothers Barbecue is the place to be. The brisket features a Texas-style dry rub and is smoked low and slow for over 15 hours. Freshly smoked meats and mouthwatering sides like mac and cheese, smoked baked beans, candied yams, and hand-cut fries are also available. Other delicious bites from the menu include the smoked wings, Brothers Caesar salad, pulled pork plate, and Brothers Legendary ribs.
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Related: 5 Best of Hudson Valley Restaurants to Try in Dutchess County
