Katonah Reading Room—From the owners of Little Joe’s Coffee & Books down Katonah Ave comes this café and gourmet-takeout shop located in the space that once held Katonah’s first library. Grab a good read from the wall of books and settle into a comfy chair with a coffee and daily-made scone.
Willie Nick’s—Commuters abound at this stylish American comfort-fare restaurant located across the street from the Metro-North entrance. The lobster mac ‘n’ cheese is a must-try.
KR Café—Classic American diner fare (even breakfast all-day!) can be had at this 49-seat eatery that also has worthwhile daily dinner specials and house-made desserts.
Katonah Village Library—On December 10, 1880, the first village library opened with 400 books. Today, there are more than 61,000, plus close to 5,000 CDs, some 3,900 DVDs, and a sizable collection of plays.
Kelloggs & Lawrence—Approaching 130 years in business (founded in 1887), this antithesis to the big-box hardware store was originally in Old Katonah, on the banks of the Muscoot River. In 1895, however, it moved on soaped rails (along with 55 other buildings, including homes, stores, barns, and even a church) to its current location, to make way for a New York City reservoir.
Charles Department Store—Owned and operated by the Raneri family since 1924 (Kelly is the fourth generation Raneri to work there full-time), expect men’s and women’s clothing and footwear, housewares, and high-grade grills within the store’s Victorian-style clapboard walls.
Peppino’s Ristorante—Housed in a historic-landmark train station (built in 1910), Peppino’s serves well-portioned plates of Italian American fare.
Katonah Wine & Liquor—Owner and oenophile Adam Ottly offers wine and vodka tastings on weekends, plus a wine club where customers purchase four recommended wines monthly and receive recipe pairings to go along with the selections.
Uovo Moderno—This mother-daughter-owned shop offers home and living-ware gifts inspired by celebrations and gatherings.
Blue Dolphin—Don’t let the stainless steel, 1950s-era diner exterior fool you: The menu proffers not omelets and hash browns but Italian fare such as chicken cacciatore and spaghetti marinara with shrimp and scallops.
Awakenings—Tibetan singing bowl have a crack in it? New puppy chew up your tarot cards? This metaphysical shop sells healing crystals, incense, sacred statuary, candles, feng shui supplies, and other spiritual-needs goods.