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The Abraham Lincoln statue at the Lincoln Freight Depot |
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Photo by Daniel Case Peekskill’s Metro-North station |
The Patio Restaurant II
1 Bank St (914) 930-8050
thepatiorestaurant2.net
“This spin-off from the Briarcliff Manor original offers full breakfasts starting at seven,” Sexton reports. “If you’re in a rush, grab some coffee and bacon and eggs on a roll, though more leisurely mornings might demand The Patio’s famous pancakes. These are offered plain, but also with a variety of fruit fillings—or with chocolate chips for the kid still inside of you.”
Also consider:
Westchester Diner
300 Old Albany Post Rd (914) 734-4949 westchesterdiner.com
A large and varied menu makes this a great choice for those looking for a hearty breakfast. All baking is done on-site, too.
Best One-Hour Lunch Spots
When fast food simply won’t do
The Peekskill Brewery
55 Hudson/Railroad Ave (914) 734-2337
thepeekskillbrewery.com
“Ideally, your office culture can accommodate a little post-lunch beer breath, because, behind the Peekskill Brewery’s house-brewed beer is brewing star Jeff O’Neill, formerly of Ithaca Beer Company,” Sexton says. “But even without tippling, Peekskill Brewery offers seductive takes on the classics. Look for house-made charcuterie, local cheeses, house-smoked fish, burgers, and poutine. Yum.”
Gleason’s
911 South St (914) 402-1950
gleasonspeekskill.com
“This recent debut is named for Jackie Gleason, Peekskill’s most famous transplant, and comes from the team behind beer and local food mecca Birdsall House,” Sexton reports. “Look for house-cured meats and locally sourced ingredients to be spun into flatbread pizzas. And, about that drinking at lunch thing: Gleason’s offers eight changing taps, plus house-made bitters and an extensive whiskey list.”
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Photo by Tony Seideman - Advertisement -
The northeast corner of Division and Park Streets |
Kathleen’s Tea Room
979 Main St (914) 734-2520
kathleenstroom.com
“This classic British tea shop offers dainty sandwiches and healthy salads in cozy digs,” says Sexton. “Look for exposed brick walls and tin ceilings and pot after pot of Darjeeling. PS: Don’t miss their cakes and petit fours for dessert.”
Also consider:
Ruben’s Mexican Cafe
5 N Division St (914) 739-4330
rubensmexicancafe.com
Homemade salsa, massive servings of soup, and cheap desserts make this Mexican restaurant a winner. Don’t show up too late, though, as its lunch service ends at two o’clock.
Your Lunch Hour Best Bets to…
Tick, tock…
Fix a Flat/Get Your Car Checked:
Jo-Lea Automotive Center
1600 Main St (914) 739-2955
jo-leaauto.com
This old-fashioned auto-repair shop doesn’t try to up-sell you with the latest and greatest car gadgets. Instead, it just keeps your car running in tip-top shape.
Buy a card/gift:
Bruised Apple Books and Music
923 Central Ave (914) 734-7000
bruisedapplebooks.com
Used, rare, and out-of-print books of every shape and size literally tower from floor to ceiling in this small independent bookstore. It sells used movies and music, too, plus new, local-interest books and maps. Come back often, as the selection frequently changes.
The Coop
103 S Division St (914) 737-2194
Featuring locally crafted handmade gifts along with many antiques, this is the place to be if you’re looking for a truly special gift.
Work out:
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The Peekskill Brewery |
Adrenalin Gym
8 John Walsh Blvd
(914) 930-1238; adrenalinusa.com
Designed for those who actually want to get in shape and look their best. It opens early and
closes late, so you have no excuse for not getting a quick workout done a few times a week.
Pilates on Hudson
8 John Walsh Blvd, Ste 323 (914) 739-1178 pilatesonhudson.com
Group, semi-private, and individual classes are available for your weekly Pilates or yoga fix. Some classes are even designed to help repair your “office-chair back.”
Have your shoes repaired:
Sole Man Shoe Repair
52 Water St (914) 402-4985
The small shop’s loyal customers rave about getting their shoes fixed and shined quickly and properly at Sole Man’s. Affordable prices, too.
Get your hair cut (men):
Alex’s Unisex Beauty Shop
1003 Park St (914) 737-0477
alexbeautyshop.com
A small salon with barely any waits gets you back to the office in no time.
Get your hair cut (women):
Hello Gorgeous
1099 N Division St (914) 737-0488
hellogorgeous.name
A focus on customer service by the shop’s veteran hairstylists make this a winner (your hair won’t become the unfortunate guinea pig of a rookie here).
Dry Cleaning:
Park Street Dry Cleaners
1038 Park St (914) 739-9184
Whatever your dry-cleaning needs, Park Street can meet them—quickly and affordably.
Renew your driver’s license:
New York State DMV—Peekskill Office
1045 Park St (718) 477-4820
This small DMV location is known for having fast service; in fact, it is said to have the shortest waiting time of all DMVs in the county.
PM Pit Stops
Where to grab dinner-to-go after work when the kitchen@home is “closed”
G & H Caribbean Restaurant
11 North Division St (914) 930-7447
gandhcaribbeanrestaurant.com
“When you need a fix of fiery meat patties, jerk chicken, and saltfish and ackee, this spot on Peekskill’s restaurant row is happy to oblige,” restaurant critic Julia Sexton says. “Eat in or take out—just remember Red Stripe for home.”
Ruchi of India
1853 Main St (914) 788-1888;
ruchiofindia.com
“A veggie-friendly Indian spot that is, admittedly, low on ambience,” Sexton admits, “but that only makes Ruchi more attractive for takeout. Look for all of your subcontinental favorites, plus a short menu of Indo-Chinese specialties.”
Amici Pizzeria & Restaurant
1099 N Division St (914) 736-9574
“Even though it’s just a basic, longstanding slice joint, Amici has loads of Peekskill fans who come for prompt, happy service and hot pies,” says Sexton. She suggests that “pickup is speedier, but delivery is an option, too.”
Others You Might Consider
Nonna’s Brick Oven Pizzeria & Restaurant
1843 E Main St (914) 737-3222
Whether you want to pick up a pie on the way home from work or spend a few hours eating and relaxing with family, this restaurant should certainly be on your radar. It offers a variety of pizzas, large slices, and delicious entrees too.
Where to Celebrate That Promotion
Zephs’ Restaurant
638 Central Ave
(914)736-2159; zephsrestaurant.com
“Chef Vicky Zeph is a Westchester institution—a critical darling beloved for her lively culinary mind and idiosyncratic takes on global cuisine,” Sexton says. “If you’re looking to celebrate with an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience, drop by this intimate—and gently priced—Peekskill classic.”
The City’s Best-Kept Secrets
Explore the more than 1,500 acres of the Blue Mountain Reservation. Featuring some of the best mountain biking trials in the area along with hiking, camping, target shooting, fishing, and two hikeable mountains (Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain), this large county park is sure to bring out the inner outdoorsperson of most any office worker. Bring a camera to capture the diverse wildlife, natural flora, and the amazing mountain peak vistas.
And BTW…
•Abraham Lincoln stopped and spoke at the Peekskill Freight Depot during his inaugural train ride in 1861; it was his only stop in the county. The depot, which still stands, is being converted into the Lincoln Depot Museum. The Peekskill Lincoln Society holds an annual reenactment to commemorate Lincoln’s arrival.
•For a time during the Revolutionary War, Peekskill was the Hudson Valley command center for the Continental Army. After a large attack by British forces, the command moved to the more easily defendable and newly built West Point.
•Annual festivals abound in Peekskill. From the well-known “Peekskill Celebration,” which draws crowds of more than 20,000 people, to the “Hudson Valley Irish Fest,” there are about a dozen held annually. (Who knows? Maybe you will soon be spending seven days a week in Peekskill.)
