The Best of Kingston, NY – 32 Must-Visit Local Gems
Kingston, New York, is a treasure trove of creativity, history, and community spirit. Nestled in the Hudson Valley, this charming city blends small-town warmth with big-city flair, thanks to its thriving local businesses. In this first installment of The Best of Kingston, we spotlight 32 must-visit spots that define the city’s unique character. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, prepare to fall in love with Kingston’s culinary delights, handmade goods, and eclectic charm. Book your Kingston getaway today!
1. Chleo Kingston
📍 Location: 288 Fair St, Kingston, NY
A haven for wine enthusiasts and food lovers, Chleo Kingston is a cozy, European-inspired restaurant and natural wine bar. Their ever-changing menu celebrates seasonal Hudson Valley ingredients with creative small plates like handmade pasta, locally sourced charcuterie, and vegetable-forward dishes. Pair your meal with a glass from their thoughtfully curated wine list, which highlights organic and biodynamic bottles. The intimate, candlelit ambiance—complete with exposed brick and warm wood accents—makes it ideal for date nights or savoring a slow evening with friends.
2. Cheese Louise NY
📍 Location: 940 New York 28 Kingston, NY
Craving ooey-gooey comfort? Cheese Louise NY is Kingston’s ultimate grilled cheese destination, serving up creative twists on this nostalgic classic. Dive into sandwiches like the “Mac Daddy” (stuffed with mac ‘n’ cheese and bacon) or the “Green Goddess” (featuring pesto, mozzarella, and avocado), all crafted with locally sourced bread and premium cheeses. Vegan? Try their dairy-free “Notorious F.I.G.” with cashew brie and fig jam. Pair your melt with crispy tater tots or a cup of their signature tomato soup. With its retro diner vibe and kid-friendly menu, this spot is a hit for families and cheese enthusiasts alike.
3. Sorry Charlie
📍 Location: 523 Delaware Ave, Kingston, NY
A moody, retro-inspired cocktail bar, Sorry Charlie is where craft cocktails meet playful nostalgia. Sip on inventive drinks like their smoked maple old fashioned or espresso martini, paired with elevated bar bites. The speakeasy vibe and live music nights make it a hotspot for nightlife lovers.
4. Hamilton & Adams
📍 Location: 32 John St, Kingston, NY
A modern general store with a twist, Hamilton & Adams stocks everything from artisanal pantry staples to quirky gifts. Their selection of local Hudson Valley products (think honey, candles, and ceramics) makes it a go-to for supporting regional makers.
5. Village Coffee & Goods
📍 Location: 17 Railroad Ave #102, Kingston, NY
Start your day at Village Coffee & Goods, a cozy café serving ethically sourced coffee, fresh pastries, and hearty breakfast sandwiches. The industrial-chic space doubles as a mini-market for local goods.
6. Brunette Wine Bar
📍 Location: 33 Broadway, Kingston, NY
Natural wine enthusiasts flock to Brunette Wine Bar for its ever-changing selection of organic and biodynamic wines. Pair your glass with shareable plates like whipped feta or charcuterie boards in an intimate, candlelit setting.
7. Newt Boutique
📍 Location: 58 N Front St, Kingston, NY
A haven for minimalist fashion, Newt Boutique offers Scandinavian-inspired clothing, jewelry, and home décor. Their focus on clean lines and neutral tones appeals to those seeking understated elegance.
8. Kingston Ceramics Studio
📍 Location: 77 Cornell St #309, Kingston, NY
Channel your creativity at Kingston Ceramics Studio, where you can take pottery classes or shop handmade mugs, vases, and bowls. Their workshops are perfect for dates or solo artistic escapes.
9. Top Taste Kingston
📍 Location: 446 Hasbrouck Ave, Kingston, NY
This Caribbean-inspired, James Beard Nominated eatery serves bold flavors with dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail stew, and plantain fries. Top Taste Kingston is a local favorite for hearty, soul-warming meals.
10. Kingston Bread
📍 Location: 25 Barbarossa Ln, Kingston, NY
Artisan bread lovers line up for Kingston Bread’s sourdough, focaccia, and seasonal pastries. Their fermented doughs and wood-fired baking process create unforgettable loaves.
11. Clove & Creek
📍 Location: 613 Warren St, Hudson, NY
A lifestyle boutique celebrating Hudson Valley craftsmanship, Clove & Creek features home goods, apothecary items, and rustic-chic décor. Their candle collection (made with local soy wax) is a must-buy.
12. Village Grocery & Refillery
📍 Location: 2 Jansen Ave, Kingston, NY
Shop sustainably at Village Grocery & Refillery, a zero-waste store offering bulk pantry staples, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and organic snacks. Bring your containers to refill and reduce plastic waste!
13. Lola Pizza Kingston
📍 Location: 243 Fair St, Kingston, NY
Lola Pizza Kingston serves New York-style slices with a gourmet twist. Try the seasonal specials or stick to classics like margherita—all made with locally sourced ingredients.
14. Lovefield Vintage
📍 Location: 37 N Front St, Kingston, NY
Step into a curated wonderland of retro clothing, vinyl records, and quirky collectibles at Lovefield Vintage. Their 70s-era denim and band tees are a hit with thrifters and fashionistas alike.
15. Sweet Maresas
📍 Location: 291 Wall St, Kingston, NY
End your Kingston tour on a sweet note at Sweet Maresas, a bakery known for its French macarons, decadent cakes, and gluten-free treats. Their lavender-honey macaron is a local legend.
16. Rough Draft Bar & Books
📍 Location: 82 John Street, Kingston, NY
Start your day with a visit to Rough Draft Bar & Books, a cozy spot combining literature with craft coffee and cocktails. Whether you’re browsing their selection of books or enjoying a drink with friends, it’s the perfect hangout for any book lover.
17. Milne Antiques
📍 Location: 10 Broadway, Kingston, NY
Explore Milne Antiques, an antique treasure trove filled with vintage finds and unique pieces. Whether you’re a collector or just love browsing history, their selection of furniture, art, and curiosities is sure to captivate.
18. Rosie General
📍 Location: 435 Main Street, Rosendale, NY
Pop by Rosie General, a charming general store that offers everything from local goods to curated home items. Don’t forget to check out their selection of gifts and artisanal foods, ideal for souvenirs or treating yourself!
19. Hops Petunia Floral
📍 Location: 345 Wall Street, Kingston, NY
For a stunning bouquet or a thoughtful gift, head to Hops Petunia Floral. Known for their beautiful floral arrangements and eco-conscious approach, they specialize in creating striking designs using seasonal and locally sourced flowers.
20. Moonburger
📍 Location: 8 N Front Street, Kingston, NY
Satisfy your cravings at Moonburger, where plant-based burgers and delicious sides are the stars of the show. Perfect for anyone looking for a quick, eco-friendly bite that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
21. Red Owl Collective
📍 Location: 313 Wall Street, Kingston, NY
Ready to get lost in vintage heaven? Stop by Red Owl Collective and wonder around the 10,000 sq. ft. space that is filled to the brim with antique, vintage and design vendors!
22. West Kill Supply
📍 Location: 2627 Route 23A, West Kill, NY
Visit West Kill Supply, a local brewery offering craft beers and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re relaxing with a cold brew or enjoying their taproom, it’s a must-stop for beer lovers exploring the Catskills.
23. Fletcher & Lu
📍 Location: 582 Broadway, Kingston, NY
Fletcher & Lu is a delicatessen inspired by old-world traditions of “traiteur-charcuterie” with a focus on sausages, pâtés, artisan cheeses, fresh pasta, rotisserie chickens, smoked fish, prepared & carefully selected goods. Offerings change daily!
24. Pinkerton’s Bakery
📍 Location: 1662 Ulster Avenue, Kingston, NY
Indulge your sweet tooth at Pinkerton’s Bakery, a beloved local bakery known for its artisan pastries, cakes, and cookies. Their hand-crafted desserts are as beautiful as they are delicious.
25. Chicory Naturalist
📍 Location: 15 Broadway, Kingston, NY
For a nature-focused book and gift shop, check out Chicory Naturalist. Drop in to explore a carefully curated selection of books and guides for all ages, as well as board games, naturalist gear, toys, art supplies, gifts–anything that helps folks learn about nature.
26. Capital Vintage
📍 Location: 238 Broadway, Kingston, NY
If vintage fashion is your thing, Capital Vintage is the place to go. From iconic jackets to timeless accessories, they offer an incredible range of handpicked vintage clothing that’s sure to elevate your wardrobe.
27. Bluecashew Kitchen Homestead
📍 Location: 186 Rte. 28, Kingston, NY
For the home chef or anyone looking to add a little extra flair to their kitchen, check out Bluecashew Kitchen Homestead. They offer a thoughtfully curated selection of kitchen tools, gourmet food, and cooking classes to inspire your next culinary adventure.
28. Kingston Standard Brewing Co.
📍 Location: 60 N Front Street, Kingston, NY
Looking to unwind? Head over to Kingston Standard Brewing Co. for a wide selection of craft beers brewed on-site. With a laid-back vibe and delicious brews, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold one.
29. Exit Nineteen
📍 Location: 19 N Front Street, Kingston, NY
Exit Nineteen is where you’ll find a stylish selection of clothing and home décor with a focus on quality and sustainability. It’s the perfect blend of modern fashion and unique, hand-crafted goods.
30. Santa Fe Hudson Valley
📍 Location: 95 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY
For a true taste of the Southwest, visit Santa Fe Hudson Valley. Specializing in authentic Southwestern cuisine and unique decor, it’s a fantastic spot for both great food and a memorable experience.
31. Black-Eyed Suzie’s Upstate
📍 Location: 85 John Street, Kingston, NY
Stop by Black-Eyed Suzie’s Upstate for delicious farm-to-table meals in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, their seasonal menu will leave you coming back for more.
32. Sonder
📍 Location: 48 Main Street, Kingston, NY
At Sonder, you’ll find natural wine, amazing food, and good vibes. With a constantly changing menu of low-intervention wine by the glass and bottle as well as inspiring food this is a pairing you don’t want to miss.
Kingston, NY, is a city where creativity and community thrive—and these 15 businesses prove it. From sipping natural wine at Brunette to hunting for vintage treasures at Lovefield, there’s something here for every taste. Book your Red Cottage Kingston adventure!