Each month we try to curate a selection of the Hudson Valley's greatest food and beverage spots that we're absolutely loving. From wine and beer spots to Tiki, Thai, and classic Italian food, here's our August picks:
Early Terrible Wine Bar
Rustic Catskills motif meets sophisticated libations at Woodstock's newest wine and tapas bar. Sip reds, whites, and rosés sourced from vineyards around the world while lounging on sleek, burgundy leather couches beneath dimmed lighting, or partake of classic cocktails under the stars on the outdoor patio with a cheese plate for two. The bar is located right on the main drag, Mill Hill Road, but set back far enough to feel apart from the bustle of traffic and passersby. Wine selections run $9-$12 per glass or $30 and up for bottles, cocktails go for $8-$13, and tapas run $9-$13.
45 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock; Earlyterrible.com
Fuchsia Tiki Bar
Why save fun tiki bar cocktails for summer when you can imbibe year round at Fuschia Tiki Bar? New Paltz's little piece of paradise serves tropical mixed drinks and Asian-inspired apps like crab rangoon and sushi rolls. Cocktails run $12-$14 and include exotic combos like the Jungle Bird (guava, juice, demerara, Aperol, and dark rum) and The Undead Gentleman (juice, grapefruit, cinnamon, falernum, and rum). Others are made for sharing: The Expedition (cinnamon, honey, vanilla, coffee, tonic, juice, bourbon, and black rum) serves four at $35 a pop. Nonalcoholic options are available for those just visiting to dig the whimsical island vibes.
215 Main Street, New Paltz; Fuchsiatikibar.com
Kingston Standard Brewing Co.
This community-centric brewpub offers a limited seafood-centric menu but has already made a big impact on Midtown Kingston since its Memorial Day Weekend opening. A revolving and evolving selection of draft beers ($6 each) now includes classic styles (pilsner, pale ale, saison), plus unique takes on popular styles such as the Brett IPA, fermented with funky Brettanomyces yeast, as well as traditional German-style lagers. Grab a plate of fresh New England oysters, a lobster roll, or a soft pretzel and nosh in the garage-turned-tasting room or alfresco in the biergarten. Wine and cider are also available by the glass ($6-$10).
22 Jansen Avenue, Kingston; Kingstonstandard.com
Isaan Thai Star
Hudson's only Thai restaurant recently opened off Warren Street, serving authentic Thai cuisine in their bistro-style dining room. Enjoy lunch specials on traditional dishes like Pad Thai and Pineapple Fried Rice ($12 each), or Tom Yum Kung and other soups ($6 each). For dinner, try heartier dishes like Pla Sam Ros, a crispy fish fillet topped with onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a spicy sauce ($19); or Basil Duck, roasted and stir-fried with garlic, bell pepper, mushroom, onion, scallion, and basil ($25). Don't forget to treat yourself to a sweetened Thai iced coffee after your meal.
11 North 7th Street, Hudson; Isaanthaistar.com
Annarella Ristorante
Fine yet unpretentious dining in an Old World atmosphere awaits you at this hidden gem of an Italian eatery, along with an impressive wine list featuring a well-sourced selection of Italian reds. The time-tested recipes served at Annarella go back generations and feature fresh herbs from their organic garden. Traditional first-course pasta dishes, such as Orecchiette alla Salsiccia (Italian sausage with broccoli rabe) and lasagna with béchamel sauce range from $20-$28, while "secondi" courses run a bit more, like the Bistecca con Rughetta ($34), a grilled New York Angus sirloin with roasted potatoes and spinach.
276 Malden Turnpike, Saugerties; Annarellaristorante.com
