Dining Outdoors in Dutchess: Sidewalks, String Lights and Smiles (behind face coverings)

Date Published: June 30, 2020

While you may still be unsure about your summer plans, one thing is for certain. Our restaurants, eateries and towns are innovating to offer some pretty awesome new experiences for both residents and visitors. Just a few are highlighted below in each area of Dutchess County.

Northern Dutchess 

Even in the era of social distancing, the sense of community walking through the Village of Rhinebeck is evident. Tables are safely spaced on the sidewalks, servers are all sporting a welcoming smile behind their face coverings, and the air is filled with delectable aromas from back to back restaurants. Whether you're there for just a stroll, or sitting down and dining at one of the many unique restaurants Rhinebeck has to offer, you can’t help but feel a sense of normalcy seeing locals out and about enjoying their town once again.

We didn’t know it was possible, but leave it to a pandemic to make Rhinebeck even more charming. Collaboration between the village and its business owners has made this popular destination safe for visitors and residents during these strange times. East Market Street has been narrowed to one-way traffic allowing additional outdoor dining space and merchandise displays for spectators to shop. Eateries like Terrapin, Tavern at Beekman Arms, and Foster’s Coach House have expanded their seating with tents in neighboring parking lots and fields, decorated with string lights for evening dining. Rhinebeck’s new evening look is one we don’t mind getting used to! 

Similarly, the Village of Red Hook has created Red Hook Eat-n-Go, a safe common area for restaurant patrons to enjoy a meal. Tables are properly distanced and sanitation stations are set up with running water. The common area is open to everyone from sunrise to 9:00 p.m. and has ample lighting for individuals to eat later in the day. What’s so great about this innovative solution is that it encourages continued support of restaurants that do not have the capacity to do outdoor dining. 

Eastern Dutchess

With businesses following state-mandated guidelines during phased reopening, finding something that the whole family can enjoy safely can be a challenge. Luckily, McEnroe Organic Farm in Millerton has made the ultimate outdoor picnic and day on the farm possible. Start with a socially distanced session of Pick-Your-Own, gathering in-season fruits like raspberries, blueberries, and peaches. McEnroe has also opened their field to the local community, free of charge, for 6-feet-apart picnicking. Order lunch from their eatery at Kings Highway Cider Shack, along with a refreshing beverage or cider. Bring your kite, your dog, and some games to enjoy the afternoon outdoors with a stunning view of the farm! 

Pick up delicious ingredients for dinner from their market with fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, dry goods like rice and flour, and farm-raised organic meats. Don’t forget to stop by their nursery! Shop their fresh flowers to spruce up your home, or bring home seeds for your garden. 

Central Dutchess

 

As soon as you turn onto Cannon Street, the mix of twinkling lights, sun-washed bricks, and newly added outdoor seating will make you forget you’re in Poughkeepsie. 1915 Wine Cellar, King’s Court Brewing Company, and Revel 32 have created a vibrant new landscape for residents and visitors to enjoy. A collective experience - now outdoors - visitors can easily hop around this charming pocket in the Queen City and here's how we’d do it! 

Start the evening with a cold drink and a photo op in front of the wall murals of King’s Court Brewing Company. Then enjoy an authentic German dinner special and the incredible wine selection at 1915 Wine Cellar, under the hanging lights in their new Tuscan-inspired alleyway seating area. Nearby, you can alternatively enjoy a meal at the Brasserie 292’s new outdoor garden. Cap your night off with delicious cocktails and dessert from Revel 32’s Decadent Drinks & Desserts Pop-up Events. This is a new series featuring collaborations with other local businesses like The Pastry Garden and Mckinney & Doyle. 

Southern Dutchess

There’s nothing like the smell of BBQ to put us in that summer mood!  Stroll the far-end of Beacon’s Main Street and you're bound to smell the smoky flavors coming from The Roundhouse. This popular event space, restaurant and hotel normally restricts their outdoor space overlooking the falls for events only. However, now you can expect to see it brimming with local residents and visitors, enjoying their new seasonal pop-up restaurant, Smoke on the Water. 

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all meals are barbecued right on the patio for that straight-from-the-smoker taste. You can also sip on a summer cocktail while marveling at the view from a creekside table. Additional outdoor seating is also available away from the smoker. 

This isn’t the only outdoor dining game in town, Beacon has allowed businesses of all kinds to temporarily use adjacent private and public outside spaces in order to serve customers safely.

*To the best of our knowledge, this information is correct as of publish date.