Hudson, New York is a riverside town that has evolved from its Prohibition-era roots—once known for gambling, breweries, and brothels—into a lively blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. With a rich history, a thriving arts scene, and an impressive mix of restaurants, breweries, breakfast cafes, and coffee shops, Hudson has become a must-visit for those seeking unique culinary experiences.
A common theme among the best restaurants in Hudson is farm-to-table dining, thanks to the town’s location in the Hudson Valley, where access to fresh, locally grown produce is abundant. Hudson’s residents and visitors value sustainability, food quality, and supporting local businesses, which has fueled the popularity of farm-to-table dining throughout the area.
Trendy restaurants like Wm. Farmer and Sons, the Maker Restaurant, and Le Perche have drawn foodies to Hudson, while Cafe Mutton adds an offbeat twist to the town’s dining scene.
After nearly a century without one, three new breweries in Hudson have opened in recent years, making it an exciting destination for craft beer enthusiasts.
Here are some of the best restaurants, cafes, and breweries in Hudson, New York, offering something for every palate and occasion.
Table of Contents
Best Restaurants
Swoon Kitchenbar
Swoon Kitchenbar opened in 2004, establishing itself as a pioneer for elevated dining in the Hudson Valley. And twenty years later, it remains one of the best restaurants in Hudson.
The husband-and-wife team of Jeffrey & Nina Gimmel both worked at some of New York City’s finest restaurants. They went on to open a catering company together in Nantucket and then spent time learning the art of cheesemaking in upstate New York and winemaking in New Zealand before deciding to open a restaurant here in the Hudson Valley. And their past influences are shown on the menu.
A great way to start the meal is with a plate of local cheese and bread from their nearby bakery Le Perche. Then try the local duck breast, spice rubbed hangar steak, and seasonal vegetables. Because of the dedication to sourcing locally, the dishes change slightly every day, so the menus are printed daily.
Wm. Farmer and Sons
North Carolina native Kirby Farmer came to New York to attend the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), here in the heart of the Hudson Valley. And he fell in love with the area. So, when he and his wife were both working in hospitality in New York City, they took weekend trips to explore upstate, including regular trips on Hudson on Amtrak.
When they found out a baby was on the way, they decided to make the move north. they bought a building in Hudson and after two years of renovations, their dream of opening a hotel and restaurant came true. Now Wm. Farmer and Sons is not only one of the best boutique hotels in the area, but also one of the best restaurants in the Hudson Valley.
Their farm to table menu highlights the seasonal vegetables, meats, and seafood from New York. And you will often find dishes influenced by his North Carolina upbringing.
Curious as to how Kirby Farmer chose the name Wm Farmer and Sons? The explanation lies with the men of the family. His full name is William Kirby Farmer. His father is William Joseph Farmer. And his son is William Wyeth Farmer.
The Maker Restaurant
The Maker Hotel is a boutique hotel that has quickly become known for its distinctive blend of old-world luxury and contemporary design. It is situated in the heart of Hudson and is known as one of the best hotels in the Hudson Valley.
But its restaurant, simply known as the maker Restaurant, has also made a name for itself as one of the best restaurants in the area. It is probably the most popular spot in town for both breakfast and dinner. The indoor cafe resembles a coffee shop in the morning, featuring pastries, coffee, and a full menu. It then becomes the city’s most posh restaurant in the evening. During the summer months, tables are set up in the poolside courtyard.
The dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients, which are matched with an extensive wine list and a selection of bespoke cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists. The Maker Lounge in the back offers is easily overlooked, but is a hidden gem with an excellent cocktail list and limited food menu.
Le Perche
If you’re looking for the best brunch in Hudson, look no further than Le Perche. It is from the same team behind Swoon Kitchenbar, so the focus on quality should be no surprise. This bakery and restaurant is named after a region in France known for its natural beauty and rustic charm. And it brings this French ambiance and cuisine to the Hudson Valley with a focus on French dishes and freshly baked breads.
The homemade pastries, bread, and other baked goods are made in a wood-fired brick oven that was brought over from France and are on display in front for quick purchase. Or you can head to the back or outside courtyard for a table to stay for a meal.
The menu can change, but brunch often consists of dishes like the croque Madame, a thick brioche French toast, and my favorite item, the confit duck hash with poached eggs. Le Perche also creates inventive seasonal dishes sourced from local Hudson Valley farms. Adn then dinner features classics like steak frites, coq au vin, and a selection of French wines.
The price point at Le Perche is higher than other brunch restaurants, with most main dishes priced above $20, but as long as you are aware of this going in, it’s hard to find a better brunch spot in the area.
feast & floret
feast & floret is another of Hudson’s standout dining destinations, with a curated menu that celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Located in a charming historic building on Warren Street, feast & floret specializes in a farm-to-table experience, combining rustic elegance with inventive, Italian-inspired dishes.
The menu changes with the seasons, so if you fall in love with the wood fired lamb loin as I recently did, then it might not be available next time. But you can expect flavorful pastas, wood-fired meats, and creative vegetable-forward dishes.
And it might have the best ambiance in town. As the name suggests, feast & floret features a floral theme throughout, creating an intimate yet lively atmosphere. Exposed brick and two fireplaces make it feel even homier in the winter.
Cafe Mutton
Cafe Mutton is easily the most unique restaurant in Hudson, and it might not be for everyone. Chef and owner Shaina Loew-Banyan offers comforting, home-style dishes with a creative twist. And offal and emulsified meat are often part of these dishes.
Like with several of the other restaurants above, the menu changes frequently. But you might find a fried bologna sandwich, pork blood porridge, or scrapple and eggs. At brunch you will also find a small selection of pastries like scones, muffins, or sticky buns.
Coffee Shops & Cafes
WYLDE Hudson
WYLDE Hudson is a cafe, wine & beer bar, retail shop, and a community space all in one.
During the day you will find people working on laptops while sipping on coffee from Irving Farm in nearby Millerton NY or tea from Masha Teas in Brooklyn. In the evening customers turn to the selection of natural wine or local beer. WYLDE hosts community events like workshops or events focused on wellness, art, and culinary experiences. But it’s the liveliest when they host musicians, often on Saturday evenings.
Hudson Bagels
If you think you can’t find good bagels north of New York City, think again. Hudson Bagel has earned its reputation as a go-to spot for freshly made bagels in the Hudson Valley.
In addition to traditional cream cheese, Hudson Bagel offers a range of unique spreads and toppings, from house-made specialty cream cheeses infused with herbs and spices to smoked salmon and avocado. The variety of breakfast sandwiches include “The New Yorker” with bacon, egg, and cheese, “The Jersey Shore” made with pork roll, and the “Schwartz” made with lox, cream cheese, onions, and capers.
Kitty's Market Cafe
Kitty’s is a casual cafe and marketplace right across form the Amtrack train station. This makes it an ideal spot for weekend visitors to grab breakfast right before heading home.
You can buy groceries and a breakfast sandwich to-go from the marketplace or sit in the large outdoor area. There is also a restaurant side that serves brunch and dinner. If you are there in the evening, both the pork belly toast and rotisserie chicken are on the expensive side, but excellent.
Breweries
Hudson Brewing Co
Prior to Prohibition of the 1920s, Hudson was infamous for its gambling dens, brothels, and saloons. The city was a regional hub for vice, with a bustling brewery and bar scene catering to a mix of gangsters, gamblers, sailors, and working girls.
Then for nearly a century Hudson went without a brewery, until Hudson Brewing Co opened in 2016. And while it’s tucked away in the back of an industrial complex, it quickly became a hit with the local community.
The beers highlight locally grown malt and hops. And the taproom also serves a variety of New York State wine and spirits for those who prefer something other than beer.
Return Brewing
Return Brewing opened its doors in 2021, initially producing beers at Crossroads Brewing Company in Catskill, while awaiting the completion of this facility. Here they brew small batch and experimental beers. They ultimately took over Crossroads and opened this as their second location in 2024, keeping this as the production facility for larger scale batches.
Tavern Beers: These are accessible, quality-forward styles that focus on exceptional ingredient sourcing and brewing techniques.
Garden Beers: Featuring in-house fruit and herb processing, this series includes farm-direct local Hudson Valley beers, mixed fermentations with foraged ingredients, and a line of Eastern European raw ales. Some of these sour ales are among my favorite beers here.
Archive Beers: This line consists of strong ales blended from an extensive barrel-aging program, exploring unique flavors through methods like heat-aging in a Maderization chamber.
Upper Depot Brewing Co
Upper Depot Brewing is one of Hudson, NY’s freshest additions to the craft beer scene, bringing together a love for local flavors and a dedication to quality brewing. Upon opening in late 2022, it is the 3rd brewery to open since 2016, and marks Hudson as a beer destination again.
Housed in a historic former train station on North 7th Street, Upper Depot Brewing blends the rustic charm of its industrial past with a warm, inviting taproom atmosphere. While they don’t serve food, there is typically a food truck parked on site.
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