Join us as we sip and taste our way through Beacon’s Hudson Valley Food Hall, which tempts with international cuisines and creative cocktails.
In 2019, a culinary heaven was born on Beacon’s Main Street right across from the Howland Public Library. With a goal of bringing the community together in one central space to celebrate diverse eats, Hudson Valley Food Hall (HVFH) has six unique food stalls that you need to check out, with one delicious sweet spot coming soon.
Dulce Cielo MX
Shrimp tacos from Dulce Cielo MX. By Meghan Spiro Photography.
Here’s a delicious taste of Mexico City right on Main. A lot of fans come here specifically for the birria tacos (and we don’t blame them) but the tortas (chorizo, cheese, and veggies piled on a toasted roll with quesillo, avocado, and jalapeño) and nacho supreme (with your pick of chicken, steak, or chorizo) are also great. From 12–2 p.m. on weekends only, grab a breakfast burrito with pork and start the day on a high note.
El Nica
View this post on Instagram
One of two Hispanic vendors in the hall, El Nica specializes in Nicaraguan cuisine. The appetizers are excellent: regulars love the Nica taquitos (deep-fried tacos), tostones rellenos (fried plantain topped with your choice of protein), and vigoron (yuca topped with fried pork rinds and pork butt). For a main, opt for carne asada (flank steak, rice, beans, Nica slaw, and cheese) or arroz con pollo (rice, chicken, sweet plantains, cheese, slaw). Split the Nica platter with a friend—it comes with chicken, steak, pork, rice and beans, slaw, tostones, sweet plantains, fried cheese, avocado, and plantain chips.
Miz Hattie’s Southern BBQ
View this post on Instagram
This beloved HVFH institution has some of the best southern food in Dutchess: choose from beef, chicken, fish, or pork specials. The crispy three-piece fried chicken (with fries and slaw) and pulled chicken bowl (with mac ‘n’ cheese and slaw) are top tier. If you’re OK getting a little messy, dig into the juicy half-rack of ribs. Other sides include baked beans, creamed spinach, and cornbread.
Moreish
Full English breakfast from Moreish. Photo by Meghan Spiro.
Take all the stigma about British food being “bland and boring” and throw it out the window. Moreish serves up all the savory classics—we’re talking full English breakfasts, sausage rolls, bangers and mash—and it rivals those of London pubs. (Seriously—the editor writing this visited England last fall and can attest.) You can thank chef-owner Michael Johnson, an English expat who’s worked in Michelin-starred kitchens and even served as a development chef at British Airways. On the “sweet bits” side of the menu, don’t miss out on the scones with jams and clotted cream (if you know, you know) and the banoffee pie. There’s even a savory pie of the day with mash and gravy… swoon. Also on the chopping block: popular British candies, fish and chips Fridays, Sunday roasts (again, IFKYK), and even fun specials in conjunction with Premier League games on weekends. Fun fact: “Moreish” is British slang to describe something so delicious, you crave more of it. Everything at Moreish is, well, moreish.
Old Dhaka Coffeehouse
Courtesy of Old Dhaka Coffeehouse.
Finally—you can now find a cup of artisanal coffee between Eliza and Cross streets. (It was a real no man’s land for java lovers.) Owner Vic Alam—who hails from the historic capital city Dhaka in Bangladesh—is pouring espresso drinks like americanos, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and mochas. Definitely try the latter, as Alam sources some fantastic chocolate for the drink. Also available are specials such as Nutella or oat vanilla lattes, and hot chocolate with candy cane garnish.
The Roosevelt Bar
View this post on Instagram
You’ll most likely be drawn to The Roosevelt Bar for its cosmic floor-to-ceiling mural of a black hole. But do stay for a drink or two—you’ll find everything from Manhattans and Old Fashioneds to seasonal specials like the Roosevelt cold brew with chili-espresso infused rum or the pergola potion with tequila, watermelon, lavender, and lime. In the warmer weather, drinks are best enjoyed on The Roosevelt’s outdoor patio under the pergola. Follow on Instagram @therooseveltbar to learn about upcoming fun events.
Tara Fusion Cuisine
View this post on Instagram
Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine marry at Tara Fusion Cuisine to create the perfect blend of flavorful dishes. The casual Hudson Valley Food Hall eatery specializes in sandwiches, including everything from falafel to chicken to beef, with great vegetarian options like the Tara special, which is made on Indian paratha with egg, green chilis, and a bunch of veggies. Rice platters will fill you up while sides like samosas and hummus are a delicious addition to any option. Try the baklava, rasmalai, or watalappan for traditional desserts.
Coming Soon
Five Pennies Creamery
View this post on Instagram
Originally a beloved mom-and-pop-style scoop shop in Long Island, Five Pennies moved upstate to the HVFH this spring. (It’s named after “The Five Pennies,” a movie about a jazz singer who puts love above career ambitions—which reflects owner Dan Levine’s ethos.) The creamery has whipped up over 130 seasonal flavors—from cinnamon bun and Snickers to peaches & cream and black raspberry chip—so every day, the menu might slightly different. All the more reason to visit as much as you can. Plus: you can order a cup or cone at the takeout window right on Main Street.
