By Abby Kamen and Sophie Savage-Gibson
Long workdays require delicious, rejuvenating meals. As you’re slumped in your train seat, dreaming of loosening your tie and sitting down for a hot meal after your commute, think of these 15 great restaurants—all located less than a five-minute walk from a train station on the Hudson Line. We’ll start in Yonkers and work our way north.
* PHOTO From Wikimedia Commons
3 minute walk from Yonkers station
71 Water Grant St, Yonkers
(914) 965-1111; www.xaviars.com/restaurants/xaviars-x20-on-the-hudson
If you’re in the mood for New American fare with Asian/French influences, get off at the Yonkers train station and head to X2O. Chef Peter Kelly has mastered an eclectic menu filled with original dishes like a Hudson Valley pasture-raised pork chop
with a chorizo glaze and wild King salmon with ssamjang glaze. Perched on a protruding pier, the restaurant is situated right over the river (and has a much better view than the train does).
2 Minute walk from Yonkers station
1 Van Der Donck St, Yonkers
(914) 751-8170; www.dolphinrbl.com
This seafood restaurant offers entrées from all over the world as well as outdoor seating with a view of the Hudson and the Palisades. Executive Chef Jonathan Mota uses fresh, homegrown herbs to complement his dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a selection of colorful cocktails
* Photo courtsesy of Dolphin
2 minute walk from Yonkers station
92 Main St, Yonkers
(914) 226-8327; yonkersbrewing.com
Heading into the city for a weekend day trip? Stop first at this Yonkers brewery for a hearty brunch. Think thick-cut French toast stuffed with Nutella and topped with house-made whipped cream. Since you’re taking the train, have a beer (or two). Yonkers Brewing Co. offers an assortment of house beer on a rotating menu.
3 minute walk from Yonkers station
59 Main St, Yonkers
(914) 376-6500; zupparestaurant.com
A bit more inland than Yonkers’ riverside spots, this cozy yet polished Italian joint is not to be missed. Chef Paskual Dedi’s rotating seasonal menu offers a wide selection of pizza and fresh pasta. You’ll also be excited to hear that Nutella is a main course here. Paskual incorporates the hazelnut spread into his Nutella-braised short rib with hazelnut powder over zucchini wheels.
Photo courtesy of Zuppa
4 minute walk from Yonkers station
35 Main St, Yonkers
(914) 920–9777; www.labellahavana.com
With bright orange awnings and street seating, the exterior of the restaurant seems fitting. An exposed brick interior with modern furniture and splashes of color provides a stylish dining experience that can be enjoyed almost as much as dishes like pernil (slow-roasted pork). You won’t be dining dockside, but you can still get here from the train in less than five minutes.
* Photo courtesy of La Bella Havana
5 minute walk from Hastings-on-Hudson station
583 Warburton Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson
(914) 231-7772; www.themillhastings.com
This quaint, trendy spot, known for its local beers and great cocktails, is a must-visit just a short walk from the Hastings station. The brick-oven pizza is made from homemade dough and fresh toppings. Other menu options include a pan-fried cod sandwich served with house-made bacon aioli and pickled onions on a challah bun. Also recommended: shaking off a long day with Happy Hour on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 pm to 7 pm.
* Photo courtesy of The Mill
2 minute walk from Dobbs Ferry station
1 High St, Dobbs Ferry
(914) 693-4130; www.halfmoonhudson.com
You can’t go wrong with amazing wine and a beautiful sunset. A Westchester favorite, Half Moon has a casual yet upscale vibe that makes it the perfect place to sit back and relax. Entrées include a spicy tuna tartar with wonton chips and avocado in a spicy yuzu lime dressing. When the weather is nice, enjoy Half Moon’s outdoor bar with views of the Hudson.
* Photo courtesy of Half Moon
1 minute walk from Irvington station
1 Bridge St, Irvington-on-Hudson
(914) 591-5888; www.redhatontheriver.com
All it takes is 60 seconds to arrive at this riverside bistro from the train. Chef Reyes Hernandez brings French cuisine to the Irvington waterfront in a historical brick building with high ceilings and big windows facing the river. Menu favorites include a classic Maine lobster roll on a butter-toasted Balthazar bun, served with house-made chips.
* Photo courtesy of Red Hat on the River
1 minute walk from Irvington station
1 Bridge St, Irvington
(914) 231-7854, www.michaelpsilakis.com/mp-taverna
The Hudson isn’t the Mediterranean, but MP Taverna’s takes on classic Greek dishes makes it feel pretty darn close. Just steps from the train station on Irvington’s waterfront, MP Taverna offers dishes like lamb shank served with orzo and root vegetables in a lamb jus and Greek paella. For brunch, try ricotta pancakes with caramelized apple, almonds, raisins and zabaglione.
* Photo courtesy of MP Taverna
1 minute walk from Irvington station
4 W Main St, Irvington
(914) 591-5500; www.chutneymasala.com
The hardest part about dining station-side in Irvington might be deciding where to go. But those who enjoy flavorful Indian cuisine won’t have trouble choosing Chutney Masala. Chef Navjot Arora grew up in India’s Punjab region, and he brings the cooking techniques of the region to Westchester. You can’t go wrong with any tandoori plate, which all come with dal makhani (a buttery lentil stew) and basmati rice.
* Photo courtesy of Chutney Masala Indian Bistro
2 minute walk from Tarrytown station
127 W Main St, Tarrytown
(914) 631-3100; www.rivermarketbarandkitchen.com
Aside from a delicious, high-end dining experience, RiverMarket also offers stunning views of the Hudson and Tappan Zee Bridge at its riverside spot. Try the pan-roasted Hudson Valley duck with carrots and turnips, herbed faro, date and tamarind purée, and vadouvan curry spice. While you’re there, browse the neighboring RiverMarket Fresh Market to find your meal’s fresh ingredients.
4 minute walk from Ossining station
46 Westerly Rd, Ossining
(914) 923-6466; www.ossiningboathouse.com
Watch the sun set over sailboat masts while dining in The Boathouse’s outdoor area. With The Boathouse’s close proximity to the train station, there’s no excuse not to kick back with a lobster roll, crab cake sandwich, or signature mac n’ cheese at this Ossining gem. The restaurant’s outdoor bar is a hollowed-out, beached sailboat, and there is often live music
3 minute walk from Peekskill station
47-53 South Water St, Peekskill
(914) 734-2337; www.peekskillbrewery.com
There’s nothing better after a long day at work than a nice, cold beer. Peekskill Brewery is the perfect after-work stop. Try menu favorites like poutine, wings (flavors include Parmesan garlic, barbecue, Thai chili, and chipotle maple), and Jägerschnitzel (pork, fried potato salad, beer-braised cabbage, mushroom gravy). But don’t forget the beer—hop heads should go for the ever-popular Eastern Standard.
2 minute walk from Peekskill station
59 Hudson Ave, Peekskill
(914) 739-4007; www.taormina2.com
Sometimes, after a long day at work, all you need is to drown yourself in a big bowl of pasta and red sauce. The perfect place to do so is Taormina II, an old-school Italian place with a massive menu. Go for one of the classics—baked ziti, fried calamari, linguine with white clam sauce, or chicken parmigiana. Chef Eugene Lomedico makes it next to impossible to leave this place hungry.
* Photo courtest of Taormina II
1 minute walk from Peekskill station
55 Hudson Ave, Peekskill
(914) 788-8226; www.tacodivebar.com
From the team that brought live music and Asian/Mexican/Southern fusion food to Peekskill via the Hudson Room, comes a fun new taco joint. Enjoy a wide selection of organic and GMO-free tacos in the trendy restaurant or on the outdoor patio (where the horns won’t let you forget how close to the train you are). From the train to guac in just a few minutes—that’s hard to beat.
* Photo by Aimee Hirsch
