The West Shore Railroad Station, a Newburgh architectural gem built in 1909 by Warren and Wetmore (designers of Grand Central Station), had fallen into disrepair over the past half century. The stately rose brick structure overlooking the Hudson River was barely a shell of its former self. Now, thanks largely to Newburgh businessmen Nick Citera and Nicolas DiBrizzi (of Cosimo’s Restaurant Group), the building has been exquisitely restored and given a new life as Hudson Taco, a Mexican-fusion restaurant and bar.
Both Citera and DiBrizzi have deep roots in the area and have developed numerous other properties. “Doing our part to help the community thrive not only makes sense to us, we consider it a serious responsibility to the people that support our businesses,” Citera says.
Citera and DiBrizzi originally opened the popular Pizza Shop in part of the former station in 2011. By 2014, they had acquired the entire building and began major reconstruction of the main section in 2018. The new eatery features massive, retractable windows offering a panoramic view of the Hudson from inside. Working with Rhode Island based JacksonCreative Group, they retained the original rose brick, softening the interior with reclaimed barn wood, colorful tiles and basket-like pendants.
Cosimo’s Corporate Executive Chef Matthew Sherry and Executive Chef de Cuisine Jason Kooperman developed a menu featuring tacos at two price points ($2.50 and $3.50), and diners are encouraged to share, Citera says. Fillings range from upscale versions of traditional, citrus-marinated chipotle chicken to Asian/fusion-inspired offerings like sesame-and-soy shaved ribeye with kimchi. The all-corn tortillas are gluten-free, as are almost all the other items on the menu, and many of the fillings on the carefully crafted menu are available over brown rice or quinoa. “I tested probably 20 different rotisserie chicken recipes before deciding on the one we put on the menu,” Sherry says.
Rounding out the menu are “not taco” choices, including tuna poke, empanadas filled with New York State cheddar and Hudson Valley Cattle Company ground beef seasoned with sofrito, and sides like sweet corn and spicy cucumber salad. Desserts include Mexican spiced brownies served with Kahlua crunch ice cream or churros with chocolate dip and local jam.
The beers, wines and cocktails have been selected specifically to pair well with the cuisine. On the beer list is a unique, custom-made corn lager from neighboring Newburgh Brewing Company.
Hudson Taco
27 S Water St, Newburgh
(845) 565-8226; hudsontaco.com
