This Historic Hudson Valley Town Has a Food and Drink Scene Worth Traveling For
New York is more than just the city, Albany or the Finger Lakes. In fact, Kingston—New York’s first capital—has quietly become one of the Hudson Valley’s most exciting food and drink destinations. Just two hours north of New York City, with its thriving arts scene and growing culinary reputation, Kingston offers a mix of historic charm and modern creativity. It’s even made a few cameos as Kier City in Apple TV+’s Severance.
“Having now lived a decade in historic Kingston, I’ve watched my adopted little city grow and change immensely,” says Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large Christina Pickard.
So, pack your weekender bag and head to the center of the Hudson Valley. We asked local experts to share the very best bars and restaurants in Kingston.
Best Small Plates:Mirador
Mirador is a sun-kissed addition to Broadway serving Sherry by the glass, a well-curated Spanish wine selection and Andalucía-inspired small plates. Inside, creamy white tones and minimalist design evoke the coastal taverns of Southern Spain.
“Beyond the food and drink, Mirador has a really great atmosphere,” says Sarah E. Daniels, wine writer and Hudson Valley native. “It’s damn handsome—even the bathroom tile is attractive. It’s just the kind of place you really want to spend time.”
Owner Nick Africano strikes a balance between traditional and boundary-pushing. “One course featured arroz negro with shrimp aioli and a rice cracker, while the second was tortilla española with beurre blanc, trout roe and chives—both paired with unfortified Sherry,” says Joseph Cricchio, owner of The Wine Store in Marlboro, New York. “This combination lives rent-free in my mind. If I were a first-time diner, I’d absolutely trust them to guide me in the right direction.”
Best Hidden Hangout:Sorry, Charlie
Sorry, Charlie is exactly the kind of townie bar you always hope to stumble upon. This Midtown neighborhood joint, which serves excellent pizza, leans into retro charm with details like red plastic water cups and a hilarious wall of framed “iconic” Charlies (Chaplin, Brown, etc.).
“The $13 cocktails are seriously good and also the cheapest in town,” Pickard says.
One standout? The Pandan Negroni—a slightly sweet, aromatic twist on a classic. The food doesn’t disappoint, either: Golden, crispy bar pies come topped with combos like banana peppers, whipped ricotta, hot honey and pepperoni on the standout Hot Debbie.
Like all the best low-key neighborhood hangs, it’s playful, unfussy and consistently better than it needs to be.
View this post on Instagram
Best All-in-One Wine Experience:Brunette Wine Bar
Brunette, an intimate wine bar originally opened by Tracy and Jamie Kennard in 2015, is now run by husband-and-wife duo Max Botwick and Jessie Harris. The cozy space remains just as it was lovingly designed—bright and full of charm. It captures the romance of Kingston’s downtown Rondout waterfront, which is known for its historic brick architecture and slow-paced energy.
“I adore the bright, welcoming space with its Victorian accents,” says Heather Barr, Hudson Valley Magazine’s Best Sommelier 2023 and 2024. “It’s everything I want in a wine bar—diverse beverage options, small bites and a friendly atmosphere.”
The by-the-glass list rotates often and leans low-intervention, complemented by a thoughtful bottle list, ciders, beers and NA options. “Jessie’s wine list is interesting and dynamic—a little peek into what she’s into at the moment, always at a great price,” says Katie Morton, head buyer for Kingston Wine Co.
“I often go for ‘just a glass’ or ‘just a snack,’ but once I’m there and see the whole menu, it makes it really hard to order just one thing,” adds Morton.
Best Cocktail Bar:Lone Wolf
Lone Wolf is a cozy craft cocktail bar tucked behind a deep, slate-blue facade. Inside, it feels like a stylish lodge: velvet banquettes, a retro-modern fireplace and a bar glowing with bottles and lush greenery.
The menu reads like a love letter to bartending, filled with vintage-era standards, modern classics and creative house originals. “Anton [Kinloch] has created one of the most intuitive and beautiful cocktail menu formats I have probably ever seen—which alone is reason to visit,” says Rhys Williams, brand ambassador for Faccia Brutto Spirits.
“I was incredibly impressed with probably the best tomato martini I’ve ever had,” adds Williams, who splits her time between the Hudson Valley and New York City. “[I] was even more surprised to find out it was perfectly chilled and diluted straight from a draft line.”
The menu plays well with food, too. Pan-Asian–inspired bites like pork dumplings, bao and grilled Korean short ribs make it easy to settle into the night.
Best for Date Night:Chleo
Chleo sits on the northern edge of Kingston in the Stockade District—a historic neighborhood lined with charming storefronts and centuries-old stone buildings.
Owned by husband-and-wife team Charles and Hope Troup Matthews, Chleo feels equal parts refined and relaxed. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and conversations linger.
“My husband and I always head to Chleo for date night,” says Jessie Harris, owner of Brunette Wine Bar. “We post up in a cozy corner and work our way through their ever-changing menu of wood-fired vegetables, pastas, herbaceous salads and delicate proteins (if there’s fish, get the fish).“
She adds, “After dessert—and we never skip it—we’ll head to Stockade Tavern for a nightcap and the moody atmosphere.”
Best Classic Kingston Institution:Le Canard Enchaine
Le Canard Enchainé, located next door to Chleo, has been a beloved staple of Uptown Kingston for nearly three decades. This ultra-traditional French bistro feels like a step back in time in the best way. Expect white tablecloths, hearty meals and a menu that doesn’t chase trends.
“I have a soft spot for Le Canard,” Pickard says. “It’s good to support the ‘old school’ Kingston restaurants run by locals who’ve lived here for generations.”
She recommends their generous martinis, duck à l’orange and escargot bathed in garlic butter. After dinner, take Pickard’s advice and swing by Ester Wine & Spirits just around the corner to grab a bottle for home.
More New York Wine Coverage
- While you’re in Kingston, explore the Hudson Valley’s growing wine scene.
- Familiarize yourself with the seven grape varietals that tell the story of New York State wine.
- A growing number of small producers in Hudson Valley and beyond are rewriting the story of New York’s heritage grapes.
- No time for a weekend trip? New York City’s urban winemaking renaissance is upon us.
In the Shop
For Wine On-the-Go
This versatile messenger-style wine bag comes with removable bottle liners, a corkscrew and an aerator.
The post This Historic Hudson Valley Town Has a Food and Drink Scene Worth Traveling For appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.
