Restaurants in Poughkeepsie
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Best Restaurants
“Amazing Jamaican Flavors and Outstanding Service!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Empire Jamaica Fusion and I can confidently say it’s one of the best Jamaican food experiences I’ve ever had! From the moment I walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for an incredible meal.
The food was absolutely phenomenal — rich, authentic flavours that transported me straight to Jamaica. The jerk chicken was perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of heat, and the oxtail was tender and cooked to perfection, falling off the bone with every bite. I also loved the rice and peas, which had that signature coconut flavor that ties everything together so well.
Beyond the food, the service was top-notch. The Owner was friendly, attentive, and eager to share recommendations, making the experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re craving authentic Jamaican cuisine made with love and care, Empire Jamaica Fusion is the place to go. I can’t wait to return and try more of their delicious dishes!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend!”
“A real fine establishment. Friendly and attentive staff, great service, clean and super atmosphere. My wife and I opted for the roast pork sandwich with fries and it was delicious. We will definitely return..”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Crew was an outstanding dining experience. We have been to 4 cities in America over a three week period including New York and DC celebrity chef restaurants and hands down this was the best dining experience we have had during our holiday. We sat at the chef’s counter and highly recommend it - the chefs were generous with their time and it really was dinner theatre watching them prepare the incredible food. We do not get this opportunity to get up close and personal so with chefs in our own country (Australia) during a service - 5 stars for sure!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“I'm 71 yrs old. I've eaten burgers from New York to San Deigo to Orlando. The JERK BURGER is the BEST, Most DELICIOUS, MOUTH WATERING burger I've ever eaten in my entire life. When you bite into a Jerk Burger your mouth will Explode with flavor. We usually order several at a time. YUM! Mike”
“Amazing Jamaican Flavors and Outstanding Service!
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Empire Jamaica Fusion and I can confidently say it’s one of the best Jamaican food experiences I’ve ever had! From the moment I walked in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere set the tone for an incredible meal.
The food was absolutely phenomenal — rich, authentic flavours that transported me straight to Jamaica. The jerk chicken was perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of heat, and the oxtail was tender and cooked to perfection, falling off the bone with every bite. I also loved the rice and peas, which had that signature coconut flavor that ties everything together so well.
Beyond the food, the service was top-notch. The Owner was friendly, attentive, and eager to share recommendations, making the experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re craving authentic Jamaican cuisine made with love and care, Empire Jamaica Fusion is the place to go. I can’t wait to return and try more of their delicious dishes!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend!”
“I gave been to playa bowl over 10 times and my experience today was not good. The staff today was not very welcoming. If the owners were there today when I went they sure were not friendly. I told the cashier no coconuts and they put some in, then she says you want a lid and I said well yea, it’s to go. She didn’t even put them in a bag. I always buy the Nutella one and I always buy 2. All the other times I had no problems great staff and friendly.”
“It's a cute little spot. The food was rather good, a few unsavory meat pieces,in the special beef pho. Otherwise, I would recommend the Vietnamese egg rolls. The more authentic option of Banh Mi was alright but more soggy than I think most would like. The only qualm is that my water wasn't refilled for the majority of my time there and was refilled with warm water. So now I have come back and would love to say there is now ice cold water and was refilled twice and the food was better in quality and taste would strongly recommend.”
“wow, what wasn't there to like! We went in for a late lunch, steak sandwich and chicken Cesar wrap. they were the best we ever had!! Atmosphere was great. service was great... we say at the bar with Courtney as our bartender/server. Prices were good too. we will definitely be going back here soon!!”
“This beer is a must have if you are remotely close. Most unique but absolutely the most delicious beer I’ve ever tasted. Awesome location, dog friendly, and great atmosphere. Pretty sure the owner was pouring beers when we were there, and that’s awesome! So interesting hearing about the farm. If you like beer or wine there’s something here you’ll love.”
Online Reservation Available
“Crew was an outstanding dining experience. We have been to 4 cities in America over a three week period including New York and DC celebrity chef restaurants and hands down this was the best dining experience we have had during our holiday. We sat at the chef’s counter and highly recommend it - the chefs were generous with their time and it really was dinner theatre watching them prepare the incredible food. We do not get this opportunity to get up close and personal so with chefs in our own country (Australia) during a service - 5 stars for sure!”
“wow, what wasn't there to like! We went in for a late lunch, steak sandwich and chicken Cesar wrap. they were the best we ever had!! Atmosphere was great. service was great... we say at the bar with Courtney as our bartender/server. Prices were good too. we will definitely be going back here soon!!”
“Amazing drinks! Jennifer makes great cocktails. All of the cocktails I had on the menu containing vanilla were very yummy. Nice vibes on Black Friday evening. Would highly recommend. And the coolest part: the bathrooms. My girlfriend and I both thought the bathrooms were the coolest thing ever. You’ve gotta check it out for yourself!”
“We had a fantastic experience at Zeus Brewing while visiting from out of town. Maria, our server, was absolutely AWESOME —she picked the perfect beer flight for me, and everything she suggested was spot on. The Reuben burger was absolutely delicious, and I can't stop thinking about the peach and basil beer—it was such a unique and refreshing flavor. The hostess also gave us great recommendations for things to do while we’re in town. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area!”
“I'm not easily impressed but Joseph's Italian Steakhouse really hit a home run on all levels. Best Prime Rib I've ever had, so tasty and cooked perfectly. The sides we equally delicious which elevated my whole experience. The hospitality was superb and judging by the looks on other patrons' faces, I assume others had a similar experience.”
“Akari Sushi has exceptional customer service. Their waiters are very attentive. I come here every weekend and I would always get a special roll. The fish is always fresh. Kitchen entrees are always served hot. Try the home made hot sake when you’re here! Totally recommend this place!”
“We had chef Brandon cater our daughters backyard graduation and it was outstanding. Everyone was complimenting the food, especially the jambalaya croquettes. My favorites were the chicken marsala and salmon Piccata. Everything was well-seasoned, flavorful and ready to be served when delivered. I would recommend chef Brandon for your catering needs. Thanks for a memorable party.”
“I cannot recommend Mel's enough! I purchased the Holiday Catering Special for a work party and the food was amazing! I added a 1/2 tray of eggplant rollatini and also tortellini primavera and this easily fed 30 people (with leftovers!) My co-workers were raving about the food and I easily said it was all from Mel's. This special catering combo is the perfect mix for any party!!! (I will also add I ordered on Monday morning and picked up Tuesday evening! Quick service as well!!!) 👏”
“The BEST Oxtails anywhere!!! I ordered oxtails with Mac & cheese, plantains, and rice with beans. Mouth watering, finger licking good food! The restaurant people there are very nice too. I was super happy, and full, when I left this fantastic Jamaican Restaurant!”
“First time here for a private party and i cannot say enough great things about not only the food but the staff also. By far one of the best upcoming restaurants in the Hudson valley. The pizza was so flavorful, fresh with perfect crust n that’s coming from someone whose family owned pizzeria for years. Another must have is the house made penelle which aside from my nonna making it I’ve never had in any restaurant. Last but not least the cannoli were some of the best I’ve had in months. This place is 1000% worth the drive from anywhere in the area. Will be coming back asap”
24 Hour Restaurants
“Went there to pick up some late night food to satisfy some cravings.
Kid-friendliness: They have a dine in option, spell you and your family can sit down and eat with one another.
Wheelchair accessibility: Has a sidewalk with a tiny incline that makes this wheelchair accessible.”
“Truly the best Japanese restaurant in the area! Food is always so fresh, service extremely attentive! A wonderful family owned establishment! Owners make you feel so welcome and always remember you and what you order! Love this place!”
“The food is actually amazing! Each dish tastes different than what you would expect but in a very good and unique way!! Their pumpkin soup 🎃 is literally so good (a must try) and their Jeyuk Bokkeum (Spicy pork stir fry) is soooo good 🥩. The spicy fried chicken is very very delicious too 🍗.
For dessert, the cream🍦 that comes with the Bungeoppang or Twisted Doughnut 🍩 is literally the BEST. MUST TRY.
TIP: Find all the 8 pumpkins 🎃 and you may receive a free dessert (don't count on my word just what I heard) 🥐”
“At one time I lived in Poughkeepsie and often frequented the Milanese. The food was outstanding but the accommodations were at the time subpar. Close together seating where neighboring conversations were easily heard. Loud talking diners nearby were often obstusive. I recall a couple were about to be seated when the gentleman curtly told the waitress "If I wanted to sit with those folks I would have come in with them."
Years later still the case. We were seated very close to a table of 5. They were indeed loud talkers and we were uncomfortable until they left about a half hour later.
I got the stuffed shrimp
Delicious! But my side of pasta didn't come until 10 minutes into the meal. That presented another problem. There was one server for the whole dining room. The poor guy was frantically running to and fro like a crazy man. We felt sorry for him
My companion got the lasagne dinner and felt it was very tasty though substantially light on meat.
Generally my return to the Milanese was a disappointment. Uneven food quality and below average seating and poor service.
I doubt I'll be back.
Overall Grade C+”
Takeout Restaurants
“This is the best Jamaican food spot in Poughkeepsie ! It’s not your typical Golden Krust ! The food , service , and atmosphere has never disappointed me ! It doesn’t matter what I order I’m always satisfied! Feels as if this Jamaican family really cooks their food with love. I always feel welcomed and it’s beautiful when you walk in a restaurant and is greeted with a warm , friendly smile , bc honestly you don’t get that everywhere . I come here and the breakfast, lunch, and dinner is always on point ! May God continue to bless the family and business !!”
“Such a welcoming environment and friendly staff. Amazing hummus toast and fruit bowls. My Saturday morning routine ends with a coffee and hummus toast. The owner and employees are so nice, they make you feel at home 💓 Right next to the wheelhouse, perfect spot and great community they've created.”
“Beautiful food! Picked up a lovely burrito on the way to the metro north. Even before the first bite I could tell it was gonna be amazing. Delicious rice and beans. Carnitas are super succulent. The salsa is heavenly- nice bit of smoke and heat. Will be back for more! Friendly people working here. Thank you so much :)”
“The food is actually amazing! Each dish tastes different than what you would expect but in a very good and unique way!! Their pumpkin soup 🎃 is literally so good (a must try) and their Jeyuk Bokkeum (Spicy pork stir fry) is soooo good 🥩. The spicy fried chicken is very very delicious too 🍗.
For dessert, the cream🍦 that comes with the Bungeoppang or Twisted Doughnut 🍩 is literally the BEST. MUST TRY.
TIP: Find all the 8 pumpkins 🎃 and you may receive a free dessert (don't count on my word just what I heard) 🥐”
“At one time I lived in Poughkeepsie and often frequented the Milanese. The food was outstanding but the accommodations were at the time subpar. Close together seating where neighboring conversations were easily heard. Loud talking diners nearby were often obstusive. I recall a couple were about to be seated when the gentleman curtly told the waitress "If I wanted to sit with those folks I would have come in with them."
Years later still the case. We were seated very close to a table of 5. They were indeed loud talkers and we were uncomfortable until they left about a half hour later.
I got the stuffed shrimp
Delicious! But my side of pasta didn't come until 10 minutes into the meal. That presented another problem. There was one server for the whole dining room. The poor guy was frantically running to and fro like a crazy man. We felt sorry for him
My companion got the lasagne dinner and felt it was very tasty though substantially light on meat.
Generally my return to the Milanese was a disappointment. Uneven food quality and below average seating and poor service.
I doubt I'll be back.
Overall Grade C+”
“Came here for Mothers Day dinner after seeing a play in Wappingers. Restaurant was bright and clean. We had the ceviche mixto as an appetizer which was excellent. Entrees of lamb and beef were also very good.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Went above and beyond when my husband ordered me a gluten free lettuce wrapped burger. Asked him if it was a sensitivity or allergy, when he replied allergy they stopped production of all other burgers to make mine so it would have no contact trace. Not to mention their fries are always gluten free. So very grateful to be able to get safe food for my celiac disease while getting take out!”
“I really enjoyed a fabulous dinner meal 🥘 at El Guacamole PK. It was my first time visiting there and I was so impressed. The food was really good. I had the Sizzling Fajita - Chicken, Onions, Red & Green Bell Peppers, Hot Tortillas, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese and a Side of Rice & Beans. It was slamming. I also had an adult drink - A Pinapple Margarita. What I liked about this drink was the Seasonings laced around my drink glass. It was awesome!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🌹🔥🔥”
“Very friendly and courteous service. clean environment, bright colorful atmosphere. allergy friendly and health conscious food environment. I got the coconut bowl, absolutely delicious! It does not have a heavy coconut taste. It has a very thick and creamy coconut base with sweet strawberries and blueberries that taste like real fruit should taste!”
“Finally tried this place after passing by many times on our trips to Eastdale. The food was fantastic! The menu is a bit limited to 2 appetizers, a handful of salads, and a good variety of 9 pizzas, with a great variety of toppings offered. Yes, it's pricey. You don't go to Eastdale expecting a bargain. When I looked online prior to visiting, it appeared that they also offered some dessert, but I also had absolutely no room left for dessert. Drinks are basic beers/wines and sodas. I would skip the rose next time. I paid $11 for a single glass when a bottle retails for $13.99, but that's true of any restaurant. We started out with the cheese/olives/meat and jam app, which was really plentiful for 3 people. For pizzas, we had the grana Padano pie and added pepperoni and the Hot Honey pie. Both pies were absolutely delicious and were more than enough for two adults and one child. Before ordering, we asked how big the pies are, so they gave us a good estimate. One pie would not have been enough. The pies are bigger than personal sized pizzas, but they are not as large as a typical carry out pizzeria pizza. Overall, the food was really delicious, and the pizzas were perfectly cooked, and the hot honey pie was absolutely fantastic. It was a great mix from the salty meat, the sweet/hot honey and the roasted garlic. When we are in the mood for sit down, slightly more upscale pizza, we will definitely return.”
“Sushi was really delicious and we had fabulous service. Really enjoyed the rainbow roll, trio roll and eel avocado roll. Gyoza were perfect
Vegetarian options: Plenty veg rolls and yummy edamame”
“Amazing drinks! Jennifer makes great cocktails. All of the cocktails I had on the menu containing vanilla were very yummy. Nice vibes on Black Friday evening. Would highly recommend. And the coolest part: the bathrooms. My girlfriend and I both thought the bathrooms were the coolest thing ever. You’ve gotta check it out for yourself!”
Cheap Eats
“Had the bathroom and ate at the place. While crossing the mid Hudson bridge I realized I had left my back pack there. Went back and it was in the place I had sat it down and the customer that was sitting next to it informed me.she was watching it for whoever forgot it. Good vibes only.”
“Used to go here when it was Debra T’s Cafe! I raised all 3 kids there! It was SO Good SO adorable SO clean! Was devastated when Debra T’s closed! Then it opened as Maple cafe and they quickly dismantled the adorable decorations that Debra T’s had up 😣 In my opinion they destroyed it took the booths out and took all the adorable cute things down. It was dirty and we never went back SO sad! Then driving by yesterday and wala it was a new name!!!! Omg YAY We walked in and it was CLEAN which is SO incredibly important!! And so cute! Definitely had a Debra T vibe going on!! 🎉🎉🎉 Spectacular food delicious ice cream super cute and fun! Lovely owner young sweet workers that were pleasant and funny! Sooo if you haven’t gone in Please support this business they really have done a great job!!! Highly recommend!!! 5 stars ⭐️”
“The owners are very kind and patient . My fiancé loves the Jamaican food ! Me and my son love all the different flavors of ice cream you can get! The place is always clean ! I love going here !
Parking: There’s limited space but luckily there always seems to be a spot there !
Kid-friendliness: My kid loves coming here ! They even do samples which is great when you have a picky kid !
Wheelchair accessibility: They don’t have stairs so it’s pretty wheelchair accessible”
“We had a fantastic experience at Zeus Brewing while visiting from out of town. Maria, our server, was absolutely AWESOME —she picked the perfect beer flight for me, and everything she suggested was spot on. The Reuben burger was absolutely delicious, and I can't stop thinking about the peach and basil beer—it was such a unique and refreshing flavor. The hostess also gave us great recommendations for things to do while we’re in town. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area!”
“I'm not easily impressed but Joseph's Italian Steakhouse really hit a home run on all levels. Best Prime Rib I've ever had, so tasty and cooked perfectly. The sides we equally delicious which elevated my whole experience. The hospitality was superb and judging by the looks on other patrons' faces, I assume others had a similar experience.”
“great food great service. . luckily my daughter tries new things and loved the octopus and she's only 8.. will deff be back”
“Tweaks on classic style brews on menu, good vibes throughout. Ordered the chocolate-hazelnut and was NOT AT ALL disappointed! Bartenders were amiable and bar was visited by many locals. Great stop!”
“We had chef Brandon cater our daughters backyard graduation and it was outstanding. Everyone was complimenting the food, especially the jambalaya croquettes. My favorites were the chicken marsala and salmon Piccata. Everything was well-seasoned, flavorful and ready to be served when delivered. I would recommend chef Brandon for your catering needs. Thanks for a memorable party.”
Latest Reviews
“I'm 71 yrs old. I've eaten burgers from New York to San Deigo to Orlando. The JERK BURGER is the BEST, Most DELICIOUS, MOUTH WATERING burger I've ever eaten in my entire life. When you bite into a Jerk Burger your mouth will Explode with flavor. We usually order several at a time. YUM! Mike”
Most Popular Restaurants
“I'm 71 yrs old. I've eaten burgers from New York to San Deigo to Orlando. The JERK BURGER is the BEST, Most DELICIOUS, MOUTH WATERING burger I've ever eaten in my entire life. When you bite into a Jerk Burger your mouth will Explode with flavor. We usually order several at a time. YUM! Mike”
“Always a friendly neighbourhood visit. And the food, delicious and creative. One of a handful of great spots to dine out in Poughkeepsie NY. A Definite Recommend”