Top Brunch Spots in the Hudson Valley
by Gabriella Pryor
Top Brunch Finds In The Hudson Valley
Most known for being the meal to fall between breakfast and lunch, brunch has become more and more popular amongst restaurant menu offerings and consumers. Luckily, the restuants in the Hudson Valley haven’t turned a blind eye to this middle meal demand. Whether you are looking to indulge in something sweet or savory, brunch serves as the perfect go-to, but finding a menu with the right fixings can be a make or break. If a Hudson Valley local, with fresh food in mind, some of the most popular brunch spots are right outside your door.
Market Street
19 West Market St., Rhinebeck
Located in the Village of Rhinebeck, just upstate of Poughkeepsie on Route 9, Market Street is a crowd favorite. Most known for their flavorful Italian food, they also put a unique spin on dishes for those looking to dine before their usual hours on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant typically opens at 5 p.m. during the week for dining, however on the weekends, Market Street opens its doors at 11 a.m. for brunch lovers alike. With a wood-burning brick oven, The Breakfast Pizza comes with two eggs over easy, tomato, and sausage. The menu is also filled with a variety of eggs and “not so Italian” dishes with a mix of more pizzas and paninis. With a full-service bar and a modern interior, a previous customer said, “The ambiance was warm and welcoming.” In addition to creative dishes, Market Street has partnered with a variety of local farms ranging from Hudson Valley Harvest to Sprout Creek Farm and more.
Alex’s Family Resturant
1 Market St., Poughkeepsie
Open bright and early on the weekdays at 7 a.m. Alex’s Resturant is located in the heart of downtown Poughkeepsie. Closing at 4:15 p.m. weekdays and 2 p.m. on weekends, Alex’s specializes in breakfast and lunch options. Crowning itself a “historic luncheonette” the menu served all day has breakfast items from simple to complex egg dishes as well as breakfast wraps, sandwiches, pancakes, and french toast. Their lunch offerings are filled with salads, burgers, and paninis. In addition to their lengthy and customizable menu, they also offer daily specials to spice up pickings for their local regulars.
Farmers and Chefs
40 Albany St., Poughkeepsie
What started as a few food trucks, as turned into one of the fresh’s dining places in the Hudson Valley. Located just off Route 9 in Poughkeepsie, Farmers and Chefs gets their ingredients locally, which had led to raves of freshness in recent years. In addition to catering and an all-day menu, the restaurant serves its brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday. Restauranteur and Chef John Lekic said, “We believe in the preservation of boutique agriculture and we support our small farms while emphasizing that two same ingredients are not always equal to each other. How are things done and grown at the farm matters,” when speaking on where menu inspiration started. The menu is filled with classic brunch dishes including the crowd favorite Shakshuka, but also a variety of regular menu items fluctuating from French Onion Soup to Oysters.
Millhouse Brewery
289 Mill St., Poughkeepsie
When one thinks of a brewery their mind doesn’t necessarily think of brunch, however, Millhoue’s is not one to be overlooked. With crafted beers on the spot and a full-service bar, their brunch cocktails are as fresh as their dishes for dining. A spin on classic American food with a rustic feel, some of the options include Chicken and Waffles, their very own Huevos Rancheros Nachos and festive “Pecan Pie” French Toast. Not to mention their very own MHBC Espresso Martini to kick start your Saturday or Sunday morning.
