Comfort food is universal. It has the ability to conjure up nostalgia, the power to fix bad days, and when eating it, feels like a delicious warm hug for your soul. With so many tasty choices here in the Hudson Valley, it’s hard to decide where to get that edible comfort. Until now.

 Find some of your favorite feel-good foods on the menu at these five restaurants.:

Essie’s Restaurant
Tucked in Poughkeepsie’s Little Italy section, you’ll find Chef Brandon Walker’s soulful upscale dining spot. Walker serves up comfort every day but especially on Tuesdays when the chef puts out a menu of classic comfort dishes—think chicken pot pie and meatloaf—and globally-influenced plates like jerk ribs with sherry-tamarind glaze and crispy plantains.

Essie’s Restaurant
14 Mount Carmel Place, Poughkeepsie

Mt. Kisco Diner
The modern diner located in Mt. Kisco offers classics and over the top twists on comfort food dishes like fried mac and cheese, birthday cake pancakes, and indulgent milkshakes in a stylish setting.

Mt. Kisco Diner
252 E Main St, Mt Kisco

Norcina
Rockland County’s newest addition serves rustic Italian fare, including house-made pastas, brick oven pizza, bombolini and other Italian classics in a trendy, yet casual setting.

Norcina
186 North Main Street, New City

County Fare
This neighborhood hangout offers visitors a curated craft beer list, cocktails and comfort staples like fried chicken and five-cheese mac and cheese.

County Fare
2652 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls

Southern Table
Pleasantville’s newest restaurant offers delicious regional staples including fried green tomatoes, gumbo, chicken and waffles and pecan pie—all served with a side of Southern hospitality.

Southern Table
39 Marble Avenue, Pleasantville