Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants to Try in the Hudson Valley

Kitchen & Coffee’s avocado toast.

Via HV Mag

These restaurants and cafes are prime choices for vegetarians and vegans in the Hudson Valley, offering a smorgasbord of plant-based bites.

Vegans and vegetarians know better than anyone that not all menus are created equal. Luckily for them, the Hudson Valley is a mecca for foodies of all kinds, including those who prefer a plant-based diet. With vegan and vegetarian options across the Valley, it has never been easier to love vegetables.

Lower Hudson

An Artistic Taste

Vegan and vegetarian options
Harriman

There are a ton of reasons to love this Orange County hotspot for “modern American, globally influenced” grub, but the fact that Chef Andre Robinson always includes vegan and vegetarian dishes on his menus ranks high for us. While the star of the show is indubitably the food, don’t miss out on the creative cocktails and mocktails (our favorite is the lavender mint refresher).

Our order: Vegan dumplings, Brussels sprouts, plantains, and guacamole with black bean puree, plus whatever vegetarian or vegan mains are currently offered

Art Café

Vegan and vegetarian options
Nyack

Located right in the heart of Nyack, this creative hub serves eclectic eats just a stone’s throw from the Hudson River. For breakfast, snack on fresh pastries alongside hot lattes and, at lunchtime, savor Mediterranean and Israeli-inspired vegetarian dishes. Be sure to check out the gallery of the month indoors, and live music on the outdoor patio.

Our order: Picasso salad or shakshouka with Bulgarian feta and Mediterranean herbs

Brooklyn Organic Kitchen

Vegan and vegetarian options
Mahopac

Across the street from Lake Mahopac, this organic kitchen offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From brunch pizzas with vegan cheese to organic grain bowls to satisfying sandwiches and wraps, be sure to also grab an organic baked good on your way out.

Our order: Organic vegan brosti, with roasted herbed potatoes, caramelized onions and peppers, grilled seitan, melted vegan cheddar, and shiitake bacon

Fogwood + Fig

Vegan and vegetarian only
Port Jervis

From sandwiches and burgers to protein bowls and salads, this plant-based café is committed to using organic products in all its creations. Gluten-free options are available, and seasonal produce is locally sourced.

Our order: California Classic Burger, with a black lentil mushroom patty, sage and fennel spice, tomato, lettuce, house-made pickles, and Thousand Island dressing on a house-made bun

Mid-Hudson

Aba’s Falafel

Vegan only
Rhinebeck

At this Middle Eastern eatery in Rhinebeck, enjoy a neighborhood vibe while dining on “simple, fresh, and healthy” vegan falafel that bursts with flavor.

Our order: The combination plate, which comes with salad, hummus, falafel, and pita

Garden Café

Vegan only
Woodstock

Set just beside the green in Woodstock, this stylish restaurant offers tastefully arranged plates of locally sourced veggies, creatively cooked tofu, and daily special bowls combining grains, proteins, and salads. The drink selection is pretty spectacular, too; choose between tea, coffee, organic juices, smoothies, organic wine, and local beer.

Our order: Spinach-basil pesto pasta, a side order of house-made cornbread, and a “vivacious violet” smoothie

Karma Road

Vegan only
New Paltz

This low-key café and bakery down by the Wallkill River serves salads, sandwiches, and enough soup to warrant a loyalty program.

Our order: The tempeh BLT, topped with vegan bacon, tomato, lettuce, vegan mayo, and tahini dressing

Kitchen & Coffee

Vegan and vegetarian options
Beacon

The gluten-free café and bakery in Beacon is a community favorite for its good-for-you treats and bites. Whether you go for savory or sweet, you’re bound to find something to tempt your taste buds here. In addition to plant-centric fare, you can order custom cakes and loaves of bread to-go.

Our order: K&C avocado toast, with lemon hummus, black tahini, and citrus-sumac vinaigrette

Kitchen & Coffee’s avocado toast.
Kitchen & Coffee’s avocado toast. Photo by Meghan Spiro

Krishna Kitchen

Vegan and vegetarian options
New Paltz and Newburgh

This Indian restaurant in New Paltz and Newburgh offers mid-range price points and flavor to spare. Get one of the bowls for an enjoyable meal that feels cozy, too.

Our order: The Hari bowl – customizable with any of your favorites from roasted potatoes to mixed veggies to basmati rice, topped with the Kofta sauce for ultimate flavor

Lagusta’s Luscious

Vegan only
New Paltz

Serving coffee, pastries, and confections, this café is a bona fide New Paltz staple. Next time you’re in New Paltz, stop into the storefront for scratch-made sweets made with a “commitment to social justice, environmentalism, and veganism.”

Our order: Assorted bonbons and house-made cold brew

Moonburger

Vegan and vegetarian options
Kingston, New Paltz, Poughkeepsie

Moonburger is all about classic burgers with a twist. The Hudson Valley-based mini chain restaurant was created with the intention of cooking up healthy, inclusive, tasty food that anyone could enjoy. With a menu that includes burgers, fries, shakes, and a specialty side of cheese sauce, Moonburger keeps things simple in a whole new way.

Our order: The Full Moon combo – a classic cheeseburger (made with an impossible patty), small classic fries, and a soda

The Plant Palate

Vegan only
Delivery only

The Plant Palate is a must for plant-based empanadas in Dutchess County. Place an order of the signature or birria-style empanadas to get your savory fix.

Our order: Birria-style empanadas and fried mushrooms

Quinn’s

Vegan and vegetarian options
Beacon

Great ramen can be difficult to come by, and even more so if you stick to a plant-based diet. Quinn’s in Beacon comes to the rescue with a veggie-forward menu comprising noodles, salads, small plates, and desserts.

Our order: Chilled soba with wakame, carrot, scallion, tomato, shiitake mushroom, and spicy sesame dressing

Red Hook Curry House

Vegetarian options
Red Hook

Fulfilling the truism that the best Indian food comes in the least pretentious package, this nonchalant building in the center of town offers an extensive menu of vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t miss the Tuesday and Sunday buffet nights with four vegetarian dishes.

Our order: Shag ponir, prepared with fresh spinach and fried cheese in a creamy sauce

Twisted Soul Food Concepts

Vegan and vegetarian options
Poughkeepsie

Global cultures come together here with fusion dishes like sweet potato empanadas, tofu banh mi sandwiches, and jerk barbecue tofu rice bowl with plantains. For a surprisingly sweet treat, order a Medjool date smoothie to complement your meal.

Our order: Sweet potato noodle bowl with Malaysian curry sauce, red radish, peanuts, fresh mint, and green onion

Upper Hudson

Our Daily Bread Deli

Vegetarian options
Chatham

This gluten-free bakery, café, and deli uses local grains for breads and pastries, and has a small café serving tea, toast, and tarts.

Our order: Sabih made with fried eggplant, sliced egg, hummus, and Israeli salad

The Red Dot Vegetarian Kitchen

Vegetarian only
Wurtsboro

The vegetarian kitchen is a gem in Sullivan County, offering plant-powered food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Start your day with a buckwheat pancake or bring it to a close with tikka masala curry.

Our order: Tofu curry, complete with zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, carrots, lemongrass, Thai sweet basil, red onions, and organic tofu

Wizard Burger

Vegan only
Albany

It’s your average burger-and-fries kinda joint, but with a meatless twist. Whether you’re in the mood for an Impossible burger, plant-based chicken nuggets, or an eclectic side like vegan chili cheese fries, this Capital Region eatery will satisfy the full spectrum of your cravings.

Our order: Big kahuna burger with grilled pineapple, jalapeno, and sweet soy glaze