There's no such thing as being "stuck in town" over Memorial Day Weekend; not with all the opportunities we have to kick back and relax in the kind of restaurants all of those weekenders are crowding in the Hamptons and on the shore.
The Lower Hudson Valley is full of waterfront restaurants, some old favorites and news ones, too. Purdy's Farmer and the Fish is opening a second location in Sleepy Hollow in a brand new space. Owner Michael Kaphan says the new restaurant, part of Tarrytown's waterfront Hudson Harbor development, will have a similar menu and clam-shack style that's proven successful in North Salem.
See our 2016 list here: Waterfront dining in the Lower Hudson Valley
Although it won't be open this weekend, put this spot on your must-do list. Kaphan is hoping to open in July.
"It's a great spot," says Kaphan. "I mean, we are really right up on the water there."
More on the blog:Purdy's Farmer and the Fish to open at Tarrytown waterfront
Until then, here are a few of our favorite local waterfront spots to feel the sun and sip an icy drink.
Bartaco, Port Chester: Nothing says summer like a margarita served on a deck overlooking the river and Port Chester's Bartaco has the formula covered. Kick back with one of its specialty margaritas (by the glass or in a pitcher to share) and nibble on grilled corn with a plate of shrimp ceviche. Who's to say you're not relaxing in Baja rather than on the Byram River? This is one hip Mexican restaurant and it's open until 2 a.m. every day. Go: 1 Willett Ave., Port Chester. 914-937-8226, www.bartaco.com.
Boat House, Ossining: You can order burgers, salads, chicken and a terrific po'boy: Clam strips piled high in a roll served with fries and coleslaw on the restaurant's patio, which has a view of the Hudson beyond a parking lot. Or order anything off the menu at the Boathouse and then carry it out to dine even closer to the water at the restaurant's Boat Bar — a bar made out of a sailboat! There are 24 stools and six tables nearby. Go: 800 Westerly Rd., Ossining. 914-923-6466, www.ossiningboathouse.com.
Forty North, Hastings-on-Hudson: Located on the grounds of the Tennis Club of Hastings, Forty North can be tricky to spot if you aren't familiar with the area. But once you make your way upstairs, you'll be treated to panoramic river views and a chic nautical theme that complements the farm-to-table new American menu. Expect dishes such as vegetarian stroganoff, crispy stuffed squash blossoms, organic chicken wings and steamed Little Neck clams. Forty North is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, and also a popular spot for a post-work drink. Outdoor dining starts on Memorial Day. Go: 100 River Street, Hastings-on-Hudson, 914-274-8655, forty-north.com/.
Half Moon, Dobbs Ferry: Tables are so close to the river, you could just about skip stones on it. From the wrought-iron tables and outdoor bar, you have a 180-degree view of the Manhattan skyline, the Palisades and the Tappan Zee Bridge. Signature dishes include duck tacos, Montauk calamari salad and ceviche, and the menu also has a plancha section with a mixed grill and meats like veal Porterhouse. Go: One High St., Dobbs Ferry. 914-693-4130, harvest2000.com.
Harvest on Hudson, Hastings-on-Hudson: Like a lodge in Napa Valley or a villa in Italy, but close enough for a co*cktail this evening, Harvest has one of the most spectacular settings in town, with its garden, views of the Hudson and a dining room with soaring ceilings. The inventive menu is grounded in Mediterranean cuisine and uses ingredients from the restaurant's own herb and vegetable garden. Go: One River St., Hastings. 914-478-2800, harvest2000.com.
Hudson Water Club, West Haverstraw: Panoramic river views are just the setting you want for an appealing menu with lots of fresh seafood, but plenty of pastas, meats and wood-fired oven pizzas, too. We recommend ending your waterfront meal on a tropical note, with the mango-coconut rice pudding. Enjoy live music and great happy hour deals every day from 4-to-6 p.m. Go: 606 Beach Road, West Haverstraw. 845-271-4046, www.hudsonwaterclub.com.
Pier 701, Piermont: Completely unobstructed views of the Hudson and the Tappan Zee from a wide patio in the former Lighthouse on the Hudson restaurant. Lunch and dinner entrees are bistro-style with a Mediterranean accent, and are updated with the seasons. We like the chilled Maine lobster salad with shaved fennel, avocado and sweet mango, or anything from the raw bar section. Also a great choice for a sunny Sunday brunch. Go: 701 Piermont Ave., Piermont. 845-848-2550, pier701ny.com.
Red Hat on the River, Irvington: This riverfront favorite has multiple seating areas to enjoy the French-American bistro menu: High-tops near the bar, a cozy second floor loft, and patio dining just outside. If you want to come early for pre-dinner co*cktails, or skip the meal in favor of a glass of wine and an astounding view, head upstairs to the rooftop bar where low-slung couches and chairs are just the thing for casual conversation and watching the sun set over the Palisades. There's no food served here, but if you get hungry, just head downstairs. There are waterfront tables that are first-come, first-served. Go: 1 Bridge St., Irvington. 914-591-5888, redhatontheriver.com.
NOW CLOSEDRiver Club, Nyack: The view is one of the main draws at this laid-back waterfront restaurant near Nyack's marina. Dine dockside and you'll feel like you've gone on vacation in Maine, which is fitting, because the restaurant's slogan is "Where Maine meets Memphis." From the Maine side of the menu, pick from seafood options like Boothbay shellfish stew and Scarborough shrimp scampi. The Memphis side features hearty entrees like baby back ribs, barbecued ribs, Andouille sausage and pit-smoked rib eye steak. Go: 11 Burd St., Nyack. 845-358-0220. www.nyackriverclub.net.
X20 Xaviars on the Hudson, Yonkers: There's no outdoor seating, but you'd be hard-pressed to find river views this expansive. From just about anywhere inside Peter X. Kelly's restaurant, gaze at floor-to-ceiling window views that include both the Tappan Zee and the George Washgton bridges twinkling over the water. The restaurant takes up the entire second floor of a century-old Victorian pier that juts out toward the Hudson, and the seasonal menu presents elegant choices like grilled local quail served with kale, fingerling potato and shiitake ragout. Or hit the Dylan Lounge near the bar, which has a communal table and a menu of fresh sushi and sashimi, plus plates like miso-glazed cod and Chinese wheat noodles with kimchi and braised pork belly. Go: 71 Water Grant St., Yonkers. 914-965-1111, www.xaviars.com.
