As summer approaches, riverfront dining will be a big part of enjoying a weekend in the Hudson Valley; and there is no shortage of options up and down the river.
Mariner”™s Landing on the Hudson in Highland, is a longstanding establishment that has been under the ownership of Alex DeBenedectis for about a year and a half.
He said the June and July months tend to be the busiest time of the year at the restaurant, which is closed during the winter.
“Starting now when the weather is nice people like to come out and sit on the water,” he said.
Mariner”™s Landing has boat docking access, so patrons out for an afternoon ride on the water can come right in and grab a bit to eat or drink, though excessive drinking while operating a boat is not recommended.
DeBenedectis is considering adding live music on Friday nights to add to the ambiance of the restaurant.
But perhaps the biggest allure of Mariner”™s Landing, which is across the river from Poughkeepsie, is its location, which has views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and a railroad bridge in the distance.
“We have probably the best view, the view that you have from here is amazing,” DeBenedectis said. “You probably have to go to Manhattan for a better view (on the Hudson River).”
Up the road a little bit in Kingston is another noted local establishment, Mariner”™s Harbor seafood restaurant.
Mariner”™s Harbor, too, has docking facilities for boaters who are looking for an afternoon snack.
Mariner’s deck and patio overlook the Rondout Creek in Kingston and diners can watch the passing boats as they eat.
Mariner”™s Harbor is known for it”™s raw bar, and the restaurant bills itself as having finer seafood than even its famous New England counterparts.
While a little bit off the water, River Station in Poughkeepsie offers views of the Mid-Hudson bridge and outdoors dining. River Station is open year round.
Kevin Kihlmire, the owner of the restaurant, said May is his busiest month of the year, in large part because diners like to be able to sit outside near the water after winter has just ended.
“I believe the warm weather brings people down to the water,” he said. “I”™ve worked at several waterfront restaurants and that”™s usually been the case.”
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Kihlimire said the “Cowboy Steak” is the most popular dish at River Station. It is a 24-ounce rib eye steak served over mashed potatoes.
River Station also does off-premise catering.
Cold Spring in Putnam County is a popular destination for weekenders from New York and Westchester County, due to its quaint nature and magnificent views of the Hudson Highlands.
The Riverview in Cold Spring offers from a majestic view of the bluffs of Mount Tauris across the river.
The Riverview specializes in Italian cuisine featuring pizza cooked in a wood-burning brick oven, fresh seafood, along with fresh pasta. There are both indoor and patio dining options.
The restaurant, a Cold Spring landmark since 1941, also offers rooms for private parties and small banquets.
“It”™s a bit more of a local place, but when tourists come around we get a little extra business,” said Jim Ely, who owns Riverview along with his wife, Lori. “We also get a lot of people from the city who are traveling north to second homes who stop here on a regular basis.”
Ely said the restaurant specializes in a number of specialty dishes, including a white cucumber gazpacho and escargot with ginger garlic.
But no matter where you choose to go in the Hudson Valley, the odds are that you can a suitable riverfront dining option.
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