17+ Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in New York’s Hudson Valley

Here are 17+ fantastic vegetarian & vegan restaurants in the Hudson Valley region of NY state — proving that dining out is becoming ever more friendly to plant-based food enthusiasts. With the interest in veg & vegan dining growing exponentially, it may not be surprising that the beautiful Hudson Valley is riding this wave for lots of good reasons.

As a longtime vegan and Hudson Valley resident, I’m amazed at how much things have changed when it comes to dining out — close to home and everywhere I travel. And until I hit the road to do this round-up, I wasn’t even aware of how many fantastic vegan restaurants have sprouted up in New York’s Hudson Valley region, which is where I call home.

Plant-based diets go hand in hand with the farm-to-table movement. Whole foods fuel the active outdoorsy folks who live in or visit the region, and purveying house-made delicacies with locally sourced ingredients adds vibrancy to communities. The majority of them source their fresh, primarily organic produce from local farms that are committed to fair labor practices.

What I heard most of all when chatting with the owners and chefs was their compassion for animals and belief that plant-based diets are better for the environment. And all agree that “vegan food” is simply food as nature intended — wholesome, fresh, and above all, delicious! Here are your delicious options, in alphabetical order.

Have I left any out? As we know, restaurants come and go. If you discover any new purely vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the Hudson Valley region of New York, please let me know in the comments, below.

Aba’s Falafel (Rhinebeck)

Web: Aba’s Falafel
54 Garden Street, Rhinebeck, NY | 845-876-2324

Though Aba’s doesn’t explicitly identify the restaurant as vegan, it most definitely is. There are certain cuisines that have a lot of “accidentally vegan” dishes, and Middle Eastern is one of them. 

Aba’s started out as a venture that served their delectable falafel sandwiches, platters, and more at regional farm markets and fairs. Their cozy eatery is relatively new, but is proving just as popular as their seasonal stand has been, and continues to be.

The menu focuses on what you’d expect — falafel in pita sandwiches or Middle Eastern platters, each served with all the accompaniments you want — cucumber-tomato salad, tahini, pickled onions, and cabbage. But I promise you, the way they make and serve this classic fare is a cut above what you may be familiar with!

Also available are generous hummus platters served with super-fresh pita. One item on the menu that’s less familiar but deliciously different is Sabich, featuring roasted eggplant, potato, falafel, salad, tahini and amba (a mango curry sauce). Soups are available daily, as is homemade baklava with teas and coffee for dessert. 

Art Café (Nyack)

Web: Art Café of Nyack
65 S. Broadway, Nyack | 845-353-4230

Art Café is a predominantly vegetarian eatery with plenty of vegan options. From the website, they describe themselves as: “ acozy coffee shop serving delicious organic coffee & fresh cuisine. Inspired by the cafes in Tel Aviv, we’ve created a mix of traditional Israeli recipes and a few creative flavors.”

The extensive breakfast menu features pancakes, egg specialties, bagels and baked goods; vegans can choose from an array of dairy- and egg-free pancakes, hot cereal, or the sabich sandwich. for the latter, swap in avocado for the hard-boiled egg.

Things get even more interesting (and more vegan) for lunch, when you can order from the selection of signature malawach (puffy, flaky Israeli dough) or toastini (large round Israeli sesame bagel). Most items contain cheese, but take note that the menu says that a vegan cheese substitute is available!

Vegans and vegetarians alike also have a feast of possibilities in the salad and sandwich categories, inclined a soy-based chick’n sandwich. As for beverages, you’ll find a full menu of coffees, teas, and cold beverages; red and white wine; beer & cider; and even breakfast cocktails perfect for special weekend brunches. Dine in or order online.

 

Bliss Kitchen & Wellness Center (Newburgh)

Photo: Bliss Kitchen

Web: Bliss Kitchen & Wellness Center 
94 S. Robinson Ave., Newburgh | (845) 245-6048

There are always plenty of vegetarian options in Indian cuisine, but when it comes to vegan, not so much. That’s a completely different story at Bliss Kitchen, which is completely vegetarian and vegan, with plenty of choices in the latter category. Wheat-free options are available as well. From their website:

“Bliss Kitchen is located in Newburgh, NY. Our restaurant is best known for its outstanding vegan cuisine and excellent service. Bliss Kitchen prepares everything fresh using the best quality ingredients and the freshest vegetables. Each dish represents flavor, pleasure, affection, and essence.

At Bliss Kitchen we blend taste and emotion into a one-of-a-kind delightful experience. Our restaurant offers lunch buffet, dinner, and takeout for our valuable customers.”

Bliss Kitchen closes early, so plan ahead. In addition to classic Indian entrées, they also offer Basmati rice specialties, classic oven breads, appetizers, and beverages.

Caribreeze Vegan Delight (Spring Valley)

A delicious array of food from Caribreeze (photo: Uber Eats)

Web: Caribreeze Vegan Delight
42 North Main St., Spring Valley | (845) 426-2600

The tag line for this unique eatery is “Plant-Based Jamaican Vegan Food.” From the website: “Our vegan café and restaurant offers a great selection of entrées, light snacks, pastries, and drinks that health-conscious foodies will surely love. Our menu consists of Jamaican, Ital, and Caribbean vegan cuisines.”

Classic dishes you never thought could go plant-based like vegan “curry goat,” and spicy “jerk chicken.” Plus other island classic like rice and beans (made with brown rice), run down vegetables in curry sauce. If you’d like to stick with familiar comfort foods like mac and cheese and lasagna they’ve got those as well (dairy-free, of course). Save some room for an array of desserts.

Commissary! (New Paltz)

Web: Commissary!
11 Church Street, New Paltz, NY | 845-28VEGAN

New Paltz residents are lucky to have Lagusta times two in the heart of the village. Lagusta’s Luscious, opened in 2011 at 25 North Front Street, is where her artful fair trade vegan chocolates are made. Commissary! (exclamation point is part of the name, as it should be), just a couple of streets away, is its newer, eat-in sister café.

Commissary! serves a sampling of the gorgeous bonbons and truffles made in Lagusta’s sweets shop, along with an extensive menu of hot and cold specialty coffees, teas, and chocolate drinks. Rich homemade nut milks and nondairy whipped cream turn these standard beverages into something special.

Vegans who thought they’d never eat a croissant again will be over the moon with two varieties of the flaky pastry made without dairy butter.

Since it opened, more savory items have gradually been added to the menu, such as the cheese + pickle plate featuring house-made pickles, local jam, and Treeline vegan cheese from Kingston, served with Brooklyn-made crackers. Hearty soups are always on the menu, as are daily specials like seitan stroganoff.

Consciousfork (Warwick)

Web: Consciousfork
14 Railroad St., Warwick, NY | 845-988-KALE

The café’s tagline — “Nourishing the mind, body, and soil” — speaks to this eatery’s connection to the nearby Black Dirt Region. Famed for its fertile farmland, it’s where Kim actually grows much of the produce used in the café in the heart of Warwick. It’s a warm and inviting space trimmed with lots of bright green, with artwork by local artists on display on the walls.

That same DIY ethos permeates the Consciousfork kitchen, where chef Kelly Hance prepares fresh and lively fare. Coconut, almond, and hemp milks for smoothies are house made, as are sauerkraut, kombucha, and other fermented foods. All breads are baked on premises, and gluten-free sweets are part of the daily fare.

Other popular menu items include seasonal soups, generous sandwiches, avocado toast, and fresh juices. And yes, vegans are allowed to drink! Consciousfork serves beer, wine, cocktails muddled with fresh herbs, and juices spiked with spirits. See a full review of consciousfork on this site.

Fogwood + Fig (Port Jervis)

Smoky Korean BBQ Burger (photo: Fogwood + Fig)

Web: Fogwood + Fig 
24 Front St., Port Jervis, NY, 12771 | (845) 672-4222

In truth, Port Jervis may be outside the boundary of what’s considered Hudson Valley. Located in Orange County, it’s close to the Pennsylvania border, not far from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. But it deserves a mention here because it’s 100% vegan and the menu is filled with options that truly sound divine. See some mouthwatering photos by scrolling down their site’s menu page. 

From the website: “Fogwood & Fig is a plant based, mostly made from scratch kitchen! We use as much organic when possible and practical. Our menu offers a variety of delectable sandwiches, messy good burgers, whole meal bowls, salads and specials that change with the season.

Gluten-free options are abound so no one is left out. Expect food that is bright, fresh, and thoughtful, and wonderfully good in a casual setting that is rustic and cozy. We are proud to use seasonal produce when available from our local farmer Kittantiny Farm.”

Garden Cafe (Woodstock)

Chocolate Mousse

Web: Garden Cafe at Woodstock
6 Old Forge Rd., Woodstock, NY | 845-679- 3600

“Working with a plant-based menu is clean, kind, and creative,” says owner Lea Haas. “It’s a win-win — good for you, the planet, and the animals. Our food is prepared with the best local and organic ingredients with the talent of Chef Christine Moss and our fantastic team.”

Chef Christine adds, “I like the challenge and creativity of cooking vegan. There are so many beautiful and distinct flavors in each vegetable, fruit, and grain.” That creative spirit is reflected in a wide-ranging menu inspired by what’s available from local farms and farm markets.

Signature dishes include no-noodle Veggie Lasagna, featuring seasonal vegetables layered with flavorful house-made marinara sauce and cashew ricotta. Another standout is the portobello panini, with marinated mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and roasted garlic aioli. It’s well worth leaving room for the silky-smooth chocolate mousse as a sweet finale.

Garden Café is a destination dining experience, as well, especially during the warmer months when meals can be enjoyed in the outdoor seating area. Lea credits the success of the café to the strong community following. It makes her feel good to hear diners say, “If I could eat here every day, I could be vegan.” 

Good Choice Kitchen Vegan Café
and Culinary Center (Ossining)

Web: Good Choice Kitchen Vegan Café and Culinary Center
147 Main Street, Ossining, NY | 914-930-1591

When Good Choice Kitchen opened in early 2017, it was a the culmination of years of planning. Owner-chef Laurie Gershgorn’s envisioned not just a dine-in café, but a multi-use culinary center offering catering, weekly meal plans customized to customers’ dietary needs, cooking classes, lectures, workshops, and art and music events. She has fulfilled that vision admirably in a bright space accented with colors reminiscent of orange veggies.

Some customer favorites are Avocado Toast, taken to a whole new level with hummus and micro-greens; Spiced Tempeh & Seasonal Vegetables with Almond Sauce — just one of many seasonal bowls; Lentil Tikki Masala, and Kale Salad.

Good Choice also serves hearty breakfasts, wraps and sandwiches, soups, fresh juices and smoothies, and desserts. The farm-to-table seasonal menu is augmented with daily and weekly specials. Good Choice Kitchen has a following of eaters of all persuasions. In a place that’s seriously committed to clean, organic, seasonal, and locally bio-farmed food, you can also have your vegan cake (and brownies, and cookies…) and eat it, too!

Karma Road (New Paltz)

Web: Karma Road
11 Main Street., New Paltz, NY | 845-255-1099

Customers of this colorful, cozy café owned by Seth and Jenn Branitz discover that putting compassion on the plate is easy. Karma’s centerpiece is the deli case, brimming with curried stews, fresh slaws and salads, roasted vegetables, greens, the “burger of the moment,” and more, from which customers can build two popular specials — the Afforda-Bowl and the Flexa-Bowl.

The ever-changing soups are another staple. “We sell gallons even on the hottest summer days,” says Seth. The signature sweet potato biscuits pair perfectly with any soup of the day. Juices, smoothies, and wheatgrass shots are part of Karma Road’s vibe. Outsized muffins and other baked goods loaded with good-for-you ingredients are great for grab-and-go.

Seth has seen interest in plant-based fare grow as people come to realize that they’re making no sacrifice in choosing vegan foods. Karma Road’s wholesome comfort food proves that “Loving the experience has accelerated the movement.” See a full review of Karma Road.

Outdated – an Antique Café (Kingston)

Matcha Latte (Photo: Outdated Café)

Web: Outdated – an Antique Café 
314 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 | (845) 331-0030

This cozy, antique-filled eatery in the heart of Kingston’s charming uptown district is vegetarian, with plenty of vegan options. They even make wedding cakes and custom desserts to order. From their website:

“Outdated is a vegetarian café making a conscious effort to use all local & organic foods. Everything in our bakery is made in-house from scratch … Our tofu, tortillas, jam, preserves, sauces, dressings, baked goods, cashew cheese, vegan yogurt, salsa, granola and nut milks are house made. Our bread, tempeh, greens, sprouts, potatoes, roots, fruit, cheese, beans, greens, onions, oats and micros are local.”

A full beverage menu includes coffee drinks (which of course can be made or served with plant-based milks, teas, and even some unusual lattes, golden milk (turmeric), beet, and even purple potato!

Pure City (Pine Bush)

Web: Pure City
100 Main Street, Pine Bush, NY | 845-744-2153

It might be surprising that the compact business district of Pine Bush is home to a vegan Buddhist-inspired restaurant, but award-winning Pure City has thrived in this location since 2003. The extensive menu features dishes using mock meats — mostly soy protein and seitan — and traditional Chinese tofu, vegetables, and noodle specialties.

Some customers become especially devoted to a particular dish, including a gentleman who has been ordering Green Jade, a delectable combo of veggie “ham,” broccoli, and enoki mushrooms, for fifteen years. Meat-eaters are particularly smitten with Veggie Nuggets Orange Flavor and Teriyaki Veggie Steak.

Many of Pure City’s entrées are the unique creations of chef Ben. Almost too pretty to eat, Mixed Diced Vegetables in Taro (shown above), for instance, is served in a crisp edible bowl and surrounded by thin ribbons of raw beet.

Pure City’s entrees go easy on oil, leaving you feeling sated but not stuffed. That way, you’ll have room for vegan ice cream or homemade vegan cheesecake — a sweet ending for a memorable meal. See a full review of Pure City.

Rosendale Café (Rosendale)

Taco Salad & Brown Rice Burger (photo: Stephen C., Yelp)

Web: Rosendale Café 
434 Main St., Rosendale, New York | (845) 658-9048

This homey, award-winning café is a Hudson Valley institution. Offering a plethora of yummy vegetarian and vegan fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this eatery is also known for their world-class music series in an intimate setting. While you’re there, pick up a bottle of their famous Japanese salad dressing to take home!

From the website: “The Rosendale Cafe offers some of the best vegetarian food and performing artists in the Hudson Valley, serving weekly entrees, assorted salads, exciting homemade desserts, organic coffees, six tap micro brews, and wine.

Weekend concerts feature both local and international musicians: singer-songwriters, jazz, blues, world, and experimental; and every other Tuesday we host Singer-Songwriter Tuesdays, a showcase of local musicians. Enjoy delicious, whole vegetarian cooking and hear great music in an intimate environment.”

Skinny Buddha (Mt. Kisco)

Gluten-free & vegan pizza (photo: Skinny Buddha)

Web: Skinny Buddha – Organic Food & Fitness
159 Lexington Ave, Mt. Kisco, NY | (914) 358-1666

From Skinny Buddha’s website: “We live our lives centered around the following ideals: the consumption of organic, plant-based nutrition that is free from animal products and chemicals. … Our kitchen menu is a collection of our most popular & nutritious organic, gluten-free and vegan grab-and-go options … this menu has been a staple for our health-minded customers who are looking to stop in and grab smoothie or meals for the week for their families.”

Skinny Buddha offers plant-based options for breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, & dessert, including incredible salads, vegan burgers, and soups.

Sweet Maresa’s (Kingston)

Crumb Cake (photo: Sweet Maresa’s)

Web: Sweet Maresa’s 
291 Wall Street, Kingston, NY | (845) 663-2000

Located in charming uptown Kingston, this is a bakery rather than a full eatery, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s 100% vegan. Maresa built her reputation on melt-in-your-mouth macarons, and in this expanded space, there’s lots more to sample. including plant-based brownies, cookies, mini-cakes, and even dog treats. Order custom-made celebration cakes, too.

From the website: “Founded in 2011 in the Hudson Valley, Sweet Maresa’s is a bakeshop focused on crafting the highest-quality, ethically-sourced handmade desserts with integrity-driven, vegan, and fair trade ingredients.Our items are always from scratch, down to our butter and the numerous jams found in our baked goods. We are proudly 100% palm oil free.”

Thank Goodness It’s Vegan (Goshen)

Cauliflower Fritters (photo: Thank Goodness it’s Vegan)

Web: Thank Goodness it’s Vegan 
27 West Main Street, Goshen, NY | (845) 615- 9446

TGIV used to be a food truck, perhaps explaining the basic website above (you can see a lot more images and seasonal specials on their Facebook page) — but what and array of choices! The theme seems to be, whatever you want to eat, it can be made vegan, with lots of beefy, cheesy, chicken-y, and egg-like offerings, all 100% vegan.

Some of the menu options include Chick-on Sammy Buffalo Style, V-Ball Sub, Mucho Tofu Sesame Teriyaki, and Crabby Patties. Familiar desserts gone plant-based include Pecan Sticky Bun and Whoopie Pie. In other words, comfort food minus the animal products. There are also plenty of hearty salads, too, for those who want more veggies with their comfort food.

 

The Red Dot Vegetarian Kitchen (Wurtsboro)

Chicken-less Tikka Masala (photo: The Red Dot Vegetarian Kitchen)

Web: The Red Dot Vegetarian Kitchen
106 Sullivan St., Wurtsboro, NY |  (845) 644-5000

Tucked into the midst of quiet Sullivan County, The Red Dot offers an amazing array of mostly vegan specialties (very few have dairy), many of them gluten-free. You’ll find plant-based Indian classics like Tikka Masala, Pakora, and Daal.

On the menu are other types of global and comfort fare — grilled portobello club sandwich, Kung Pao, Fish-less tacos among them. Hungry for breakfast? You’ll find an amazing selection of sweet as well as savory pancakes. 

Végétalien (Beacon)

Tu-nah sandwich (photo:Végétalien)

Web: Végétalien
504 Main Street, Beacon, NY | 845-838-1943

Compact and casual, with just a few tables, Végétalien is always bustling. Specializing in delicious vegan sandwiches served on bread, wraps, or tortillas and bountiful Buddha Bowls, there’s also an array of fresh juices and smoothies.

From the website: “Locally-sourced, 100% plant based café and juice bar, Vegetalien is located in the heart of Beacon, NY. Our menu changes based on seasonal ingredients, sourced from a variety of farms in the Hudson Valley.”

Make a day of visiting Beacon, home to the unique DIA: Beacon museum, antiques, galleries, and more. You’d do well to fuel your adventures with a meal at Végétalien. 

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A quick mention: Wildflower Café in Red Hook, NY was part of this original roundup, but since this post was first published in 2018, they went from 100% vegan to omnivore. They still offer plenty of vegan options — they specialize in the burger, chick’n, and “fish” sandwich genre. The burger is Impossible®. Plant-based offerings are cooked on separate surfaces, from their meaty counterparts.

This article first appeared in the summer 2018 issue of The Valley Table. Reprinted by permission.

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