As the weather gets warmer, head outside for a stroll on one of the Valley’s many rail trails and bike paths, followed by lunch at these trailside eateries.
With spring quickly approaching in the Hudson Valley, it’s almost officially outdoor dining season. Aside from restaurants with river views and cafes centered in towns that are perfect for day trips, trailside eateries also offer ambiance in convenient locations. If you’re planning a lengthy bike ride or a leisurely stroll down a rail trail or bike path on either side of the river, make a pitstop at one of these spots for breakfast, lunch, or even a refreshing drink.
Garvan’s Gastropub
New Paltz
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Set amid locust trees inside a building from 1759, Garvan’s Gastropub specializes in comfort food with an Irish twist just feet away from the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. The eatery places an emphasis on fresh, local food, fantastic presentation, and a desire to delight in any way it can, be that through delicious meals or entertaining events. Sit down for a bowl of leek and potato soup on a chilly spring day or satisfy your appetite with a banh mi sandwich, veggie burger, or hearty bangers and mash after a long day. The gastropub is a local hotspot, so reservations are strongly recommended.
Lola’s Café
Poughkeepsie
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With locations in New Paltz and Poughkeepsie, it’s no wonder that Lola’s Café is a Hudson Valley staple. The Poughkeepsie outpost is quite literally right around the corner from the entrance to the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Dutchess County Rail Trail – you’ve probably caught a whiff of the café’s delectable cooking if you’ve ever crossed the elevated pedestrian bridge midday. Focused on creating healthy alternatives to popular fast-food items, Lola’s offers made-to-order sandwiches, chopped salads, vegetarian bowls, homemade soups, and rich desserts. Make sure to order one of the eatery’s five exciting sides to go with your meal, featuring options like pesto pasta salad and spicy peanut noodles.
Thai Golden
Carmel
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This small, family-owned Thai restaurant is big on community spirit right down the road from the Putnam County Trailway in Carmel. With stunning views of Lake Gleneida, the colorful restaurant has tables set up for outdoor dining in the warmer months and fun events throughout the week like trivia, open mics, live music, and more. Thai Golden’s café space is big on boba and bubble teas if you’re in the market for a refreshing post-workout drink. Lunch specials excite with traditional small bites like veggie spring rolls, guay chai, and steamed dumplings, as well as bigger plates featuring sesame cauliflower, drunken noodles, and just about any kind of curry you could imagine.
Trailside Café
Yorktown Heights
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Created by Hudson Valley natives who share a passion for healthy food and an active lifestyle, the Trailside Café’s name explains the eatery perfectly. Located right off the North County Trail in Yorktown, the café provides diners with the freshest ingredients using dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan selections when possible. The café’s menu boasts extensive smoothie and pressed juice lists, along with acai bowls, paninis, specialty bowls, and coffee drinks, making this the perfect spot for a mid-morning pick-me-up.
Underground Coffee & Ales
Highland
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On the Highland side of the Walkway Over the Hudson, and down the road from the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, Underground Coffee and Ales is the hole-in-the-wall spot that will entice you inside. The café is a combination coffee and ale shop that offers specialty drinks, made with or without booze. Explore the menu that features American classics like BLTs, cheeseburgers, and wings, or come earlier for breakfast after a morning run to chow down on chicken and waffles, eggs Benedict, or avocado toast. Before you leave, make sure to get a pint of your favorite ale from the tap.
Related: 6 Allergy-Friendly Dining Spots in the Hudson Valley
