Finding comfort (food) in Beacon, NY
Vegetarian wild rice risotto at Lyonshare, 246 Main Street, Beacon.
While January is a time of good intentions—Dry January, Veganuary, and so on— virtuous goals shouldn’t preclude some level of indulgence in wholesome, delicious comfort foods to keep the winter chill at bay.
The good news is there’s no shortage of delicious eateries in Beacon. Fans of diverse, international cuisine won’t be disappointed. Afghan, Mexican, Thai, Fusion, and Himalayan. You name it, we have it. Of course, there’s plenty of scrumptious American fare, too.
And let’s be clear, you’ll need to fuel up if you’re coming here to climb Mount Beacon or hit the trails.
Winter comfort food essentials
The key to comfort food is that it’s satisfying, warming, and nourishing—like a bear hug from your best friend. And there’s no reason to resist the urge to indulge this winter, especially when there’s so much available that counts as “healthy.”
Most of us tend to eat more in these dark, chilly months. The cold weather that we’ve experienced over the past few weeks makes our temperature drop, and fewer daylight hours can prompt comfort food cravings. Our advice? Give in and enjoy the best comforting, nourishing food Main Street has to offer.
Lunch or dinner, here's some places our minds wander to when we’re feeling chilled to the bone and famished:
Momo Valley (455 Main Street)
Gundruk Ko Jhol soup at Momo Valley, 455 Main Street.
From vegan and meat momo dumplings to Gundruk Ko Jhol—a fermented leafy green soup, prepared with potatoes and tomatoes and served with jasmine rice—this Himalayan favorite is a perfect winter warmer. Arrive near opening time or make a reservation to avoid a long wait for a table.
Lyonshare (246 Main Street)
This relative newcomer to Main Street is a fine-dining American bistro that offers popular fare including east coast oysters, dry aged, custom blended burgers, a flavor-packed mixed grain risotto with butternut squash, olive oil, lemon and herbs, and a variety of steaks including butcher cut, porterhouse, and NY strip.
Soup, please!
Kitchen & Coffee (420 Main Street)
Lemon Butter Bean Soup seasonal special at Kitchen and Coffee.
This popular Beacon eatery is so much more than a coffee shop and it’s recently re-opened in its original location at 420 Main Street. Serving coffee and specialty teas, delicious vegetarian and vegan baked goods and lunch bowls, its mouthwatering lunch options include jammy eggs, a warm curry bowl, and a sweet potato burger. We recently scored the last two scrumptious bowls of Lemon Butter Bean Soup from their seasonal soup menu, and left feeling warmed, nourished, and very satisfied.
Nansense (2 Eliza Street)
Aush, a traditional Afghan soup from Nansense, 2 Eliza Street.
Single and double smash burgers (including a vegetarian option) prepared with traditional Afghan seasoning, and the masala fries are super popular here. Our favorite? A traditional Afghan noodle soup called Aush. Especially satisfying in winter, this yummy soup is made with a tomato and onion base, chickpeas, kidney beans and it’s seasoned with dried mint, dill, and coriander. An excellent quick lunch spot or dinner take-out option.
Wonderbar (445 Main Street)
Wonderbar’s all day menu includes lots of good things but the deliciously warming potato leek soup is what will have you craving more. Made with roasted fingerlings, scallions, with or without bacon lardons, and a side of sourdough toast, it’s quite filling despite being served in a small bowl. And don’t forget to order a plate of their tasty truffle tots. You won’t regret it.
Yankee Clipper Diner (397 Main Street)
Please don’t ask us to choose from the Yankee Clipper’s extensive menu. It’s too difficult. From breakfast to dinner options, everything here is delicious and plentiful. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to fuel up ahead of a long walk or bike ride.
Butterhead Salad (208 Main Street)
Summer and huge bowls of refreshing iceberg or spicy arugula with a multitude of raw ingredients may come to mind when considering Butterhead Salad as a lunch option. But there’s more to Butterhead than salad. Choose from their Soups of the Day or warm rice bowl options to help you stay toasty warm. All soups are served with a house-made, always popular croissant.
Cozy evening pub vibes
Cooper’s Beacon (47 East Main Street)
There’s nothing more evocative of winter than a cozy pub with an upstate vibe. Cooper’s fits the bill perfectly. Choose from one of their carefully curated red wines, specialty and classic cocktails, or craft beers to accompany one of many gratifying meal options. Standouts include the smash burger, outrageously moreish fried onions, veggie dumplings, and their seasonal special veggie chili and rice. They also offer a kids’ menu.
Carters Restaurant & Lounge (422 Main Street)
One of the liveliest spots in Beacon, Carter’s eclectic menu offers plenty of wintry plates. Their blackened fish tacos and vegan bolognese are just two of the highlights.
Melzingah Tap House (555 Main Street)
If you love craft beers and a warm, vibrant pub vibe, then go to Melzingah Tap House. The exposed brick walls, wooden tables and high tops, and welcoming bar invite you to return again and again. Choose from short rib French onion soup or tomato bisque to start, followed by an 8oz angus beef burger or Impossible burger with house-cut fries. While not exclusively winter fare, much of the menu lends itself to these freezing 3°F nights.
Warm up by the fire
Brother’s Trattoria (465 Main Street)
Eggplant parmigiana at Brother’s Trattoria, 465 Main Street.
Not only do you get a warm welcome when you visit Brother’s Trattoria, you also get to choose from three separate dining rooms (if there’s space, which isn’t often!). The front of the restaurant is great for a pizza or a quick bite; the formal dining room is elegant and fun for celebrations or a romantic night out, and the dining room at the back is cozy and welcoming, complete with a lovely fireplace. Choose from their extensive Italian pasta and pizza menu which caters for every palate.
The Roundhouse (2 East Main Street)
The secondary dining space at The Roundhouse—the lounge with its charming fireplace and atmospheric lighting—is arguably the ultimate place in Beacon to spend a cold winter evening. This historic former 19th century factory with a stunning waterfall backdrop is hard to beat in that respect. Fine wine, fine food, and a nice cozy fire. What more could we ask for? Winter menu highlights include RH mac n’ cheese, a cassoulet with duck confit, pan-roasted American red snapper, and much more.
Enjoy a vintage vibe
Café Amarcord (276 Main Street)
Named for Fellini’s 1973 comedy-drama, Café Amarcord is an undeniably elegant affair. Within a beautifully lit, warm and inviting environment, you can enjoy a meal at the bar or in a cozy nook surrounded by vintage Italian cocktail art and Fellini film posters. To keep the winter chills at bay try a hearty dish of spaghetti cacio e pepe or garganelli with shrimp, caramelized onion, tomato, and hot calabrese peppers.
We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to eating and drinking, shopping, and entertainment here in Beacon. If we’ve piqued your interest with this feature and you’d like to know more, dig into our Eat & Drink Directory to discover every type of eatery on and off Main Street. Let us know your thoughts at hello@thebeaconbeaconny.com if you try one.
Until next time…
The Beacon Beacon🧡