Hudson Valley Cheap Eats 2019

Our Pick: Green Eggs 'n' Ham ($7.95)

Nana's Creative Cafe

Woodstock

Nana's is locals' favorite spot for a cheap and cheerful breakfast. Offering up a variety of scratch-cooked dishes, sandwiches, soups, fresh-baked goods, and rotating lunch specials like teriyaki chicken, you can always find something to fit the bill. Lunch sammies are classic deli fare, from the chicken Caesar wrap to the tuna melt and the BLTA (A is for avocado).

Our pick: Crazy Egg Sandwich with Bacon ($7.20)

The Cascades

Hudson

From its appearance to its menu, The Cascades straddles a careful line between old-school deli and classy espresso bar (pinstripe awning, tin ceilings, deli paper, cortados). As Warren Street's neighborhood deli and coffee bar, their motto says it all: "Good Food. Reasonable Prices. Friendly People." Breakfast is dominated by bagels and waffles, while lunch is all wraps and classic sandwiches, all for under $10.

Our pick: Mountain Morning Bagel ($8.95)

Peace Nation Cafe

Kingston

This Guatemalan breakfast and lunch joint was founded with a focus on sustainability. Most of the cafe's ingredients are organic and locally sourced, with the corn tortillas made in-house by hand. Fill up with a hearty burrito, a trio of pupusas, breakfast tacos, or fried garnachas—all for under $10. Vegans, fear not, there's a whole plant-based menu!

Our Pick: Chilaquiles ($9.95)

Tinker Taco Lab

Woodstock
Tucked down a little alley with a patio overlooking the Tannery Brook, Tinker Taco Lab churns out authentic Mexican street tacos and tamales in a cozy space. Owner Jim Jennings makes his cheese, cream, pickled vegetables, tortillas, and tamale dough in-house. Try the best-selling pork-belly confit taco with jalapeno jam or go the tamale route.

Our pick: 1 Carnitas Taco ($5.25) + 1 El Niño Taco ($4.95)

Pine Plains Platter

Pine Plains

With several loaded salads for $9, affordable all-day breakfast sandwiches, and a slew of Boar's Head deli wraps and melts, you can easily fill up on a budget at this beloved Pine Plains establishment. The namesake dish is a hearty $9 smorgasbord with two eggs, bacon, sausage, roasted potatoes, and toast.

Our Pick: Triple P Cheese Steak ($8.50)

Simone's Kitchen

Coxsackie

This Coxsackie eatery is give a Mediterranean twist to the build-your-own poke bowl trend. Starting with a base of rice, quinoa, or fresh greens; add protein (like souvlaki, meatballs, or falafel), salata (mmm, kale tabouli), dip (tzatziki, anyone?); and drizzle in dressing to finish it off. Choose either a small bowl ($6.25) or a large ($8.25), and for extra, add cheese, grape leaves, or double your protein.

Our Pick: Big Bowl with Falafel, Crunchy Beets, Creamy Avocado, and Tahini ($8.25)

The Egg at the CIA

Hyde Park

This 28,000-square-foot, Adam Tihany-designed food court overlooking the Hudson River is the CIA's student dining hall. An open secret: The public can eat here as well. Dining stations—such as noodle bowls, wood-fired pizzas, and artisanal sandwiches—use local, responsible, and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. There's also some of the nicest furniture you'll find in any college cafeteria.

Our Pick: Crispy Pork Cutlet Noodle Bowl ($9)