Join us as we sip and taste our way through Beacon’s Hudson Valley Food Hall.
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 eight unique food stalls that you need to check out.
Shmuck’s Sweet Stuff
The idea for this dessert stand was first cooked up in a Beacon High School classroom. Three best friends—jokingly called “shmucks” by their chemistry teacher—made ice cream in science class and loved it. Later in an economics course, they built a business plan for a year-round ice cream shop. In 2021, Jack, Kellen, and Matt made their dream a reality. Today, order homemade scoops—flavors include cereal milk, lavender chip, Oreo chunk, orange Creamsicle, and more—inside HVFH or at the to-go counter on Main. You can get up to three scoops or buy a pre-packed pint from the freezer.
Tara
Get your Middle Eastern fusion fix here. Trina Mazumder, a Bangladesh native, used to work at Hudson Valley Shawarma in the hall. When that stall closed, Mazumder took over and began plating a blend of dishes connected to her homeland, plus flavors from India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East. Best-sellers include the Bangladeshi-style chicken samosa, a falafel gyro (topped with hummus, salad, pickled veg, and tahini), and the Tara special (Indian flatbread topped with egg, green chili, red onion, salad, and cheese). Try her baklava once and you’ll be hooked.
Miz Hattie’s Southern BBQ
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.
El Nica
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.
Ciao Chow
If you’ve ever craved Italian and Chinese takeout at the same time—here’s your holy grail. Ciao Chow serves up a mix of Italian pasta dishes and Asian stir fries. On the left side of the menu (Ciao), order fan faves such as the agnolotti (green pea ricotta filling with mushrooms, peas, pecorino, and lemon butter sauce) and the ravioli (stuffed with cacio e pepe marscapone and smoked pork belly). On the right (Chow), pair fried rice with veggies, chicken, shrimp, steak, or surf and turf. Insider tip: Ciao Chow offers a (very limited) special of pork or chicken soup dumplings each day—grab them before they’re gone!
Elixxr Café
Welcome the newest kid to the HVFH block. Elixxr is the hall’s first café and it focuses on wellness. Signature drinks are matcha, golden milk, Pachamama, and cardamom rose lattes, Cosmic Cacao, and Heart Elixxr. They’re packed with sustainably sourced, healthy ingredients. On the rotating menu, there’s the Minty Matchata, pistachio latte, and Chaga Bliss. Everything is plant-based (oat, almond, and coconut milks are available) and you can order add-ons, too, such as reishi and collagen.
Gimme a Golden Glow (turmeric, ginger, cardamom, oat milk) from Elixxr Café. By Meghan Spiro Photography.
Dulce Cielo MX
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.
Shrimp tacos from Dulce Cielo MX. By Meghan Spiro Photography.
The Roosevelt Bar
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 Aperol spritzes and Cosmopolitans to rum punches and palomas. Summer specials, like Monday Margaritas, brunchtime mimosas, and frosés, pop up frequently. They’re best enjoyed on The Roosevelt’s outdoor patio under the pergola. Follow their Instagram @therooseveltbar to learn about their fun events.
