Where to Eat in Garrison

Eating out in Garrison means you’re headed to one of only a handful of places. Don’t worry, because all of them are well worth the trip.

Dusting off it 260-year-old reputation, the Bird and Bottle Inn reopened to great acclaim after a top-to-bottom renovation. On the Old Albany Post Road, “The Bird” has an elegant feel, preserving the Dutch Colonial architecture while adding some creature comforts. The beam-ceilinged dining room has a more formal menu, while the clubbier tavern offers an array of small plates that are perfect for sharing. Take a peek at the private dining room, with a handsome mantle and walls of navy blue.

At the Garrison Inn, The Valley Restaurant has umbrella-shaded tables scattered across a wraparound porch overlooking the Hudson River and the surrounding Hudson Highlands. If the weather isn’t cooperating, the handsome dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows with the same stellar views. Many of the greens come from the kitchen’s own gardens, while most of the other produce is sourced from the Hudson Valley. (The beers, wines, and spirits are, as well.)

We couldn’t talk about Garrison’s dining scene without mentioning Dolly’s, a waterfront eatery with views over the Hudson River all the way to West Point. The best seats are outside on the terrace, but the dining room is cozy and comfortable no matter what the season. Chef Shelly Boris is a marvel, transforming ingredients from all over the region into dishes that are equal parts comforting and cosmopolitan. There’s a thoughtful wine list and one-of-a-kind cocktails using house-made ingredients.

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