Calling all Red Fox foodies!
As a current Senior at Marist College, I’ve spent quite some time these past four years tasting some of the best that the city of Po-Town has to offer. From Marist legends like Rossi's and Lola's, to newly established cafes and pizza places, there's always something to satisfy my cravings. So whether you’re a current student at Marist or an alumni coming back for a visit, be sure to stop by some of these local eateries you won’t want to miss.
Early Morning Eats
107 Main St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Monday through Friday 6am-4pm and Saturday 8am-4pm; Sunday Closed
(845) 345-9588
Looking to grab a coffee and bite to go before heading to class? The Poughkeepsie Grind is the place to visit. With punk music playing through the speakers, and the barista counter made of an old skatepark, this place screams grunge. They brew their own coffee, Illuminated Coffee Brand, that is by far my favorite local brew. They’re known for their assortment of unique belgian waffles, but also offer other breakfast and lunch specials that are killer. Their bacon, egg & cheese always hit the spot and their crispy chicken wrap is the perfect size lunch.
What to try: Waffles or Bacon, Egg, Cheese & Hash Brown.
1 Market St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 4:15pm, Saturday 8am-2pm, Sunday 9:30am-2pm
(845)452-1125
Located on the corner of Main & Market street is the perfect weekend brunch destination. Alex’s restaurant was established in 1911 by Alexander Pappas, a single bachelor who dedicated his life to serving up quality food to locals of Poughkeepsie. About 50 years later, he stepped down as owner in search of his long lost wife in Greece. It has since remained a popular destination serving up diner classics with a Greek twist.
What to try: Feta & Spinach Fries
Quick Lunch
45 South Clover St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Monday-Friday 7:30 am-6:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am-5:00 pm; Sunday Closed
(845) 471-0654
If you’ve never heard of this place before, do you even go to Marist? If you haven’t, just make sure you don’t go another day without trying one of their famous focaccia deli sandwiches. This place makes most of their business from Marist College students, they make up 70% of their total student customers. This place is so famous, that Marist Dining Services recently installed a new dining hall offering some of their most popular sandwiches to students. Family-owned since 1979, this authentic Italian deli offers some of the tastiest dishes made to order. Their focaccia bread is made fresh daily and all of their food is homemade.
What to try: Focaccia with Chicken Cutlet, Roasted Red Peppers, Prosciutto, Mozzarella & Pesto
131 Washington St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Monday-Friday 10-5pm, Saturday 10-4pm; Sunday Closed
(845) 471-8555
Since 2005, Lolas has been serving up delicious cafe options available for both catering and a quick bite on-site. Located right below the Walkway Over the Hudson, this cafe offers the perfect spot for a quick bite. Their first location was so successful that they were recently able to open an even larger location on the other side of the river in New Paltz. Their cafe is most known for their peanut noodles among the Marist College community but there are a number of other must try items as well.
What to try: Asian Chicken or Buffalo Chicken Salad, Any of their Paninis with a side of Peanut Noodles
Dinner & Drinks
202 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Monday- 3pm-2am; Tuesday- Saturday Noon-2am; Sunday 11am-2am
(845)454-1179
You don’t have to love bratwurst or spaetzle to enjoy an evening at this German restaurant. This place is all about delectable pub food and a relaxed atmosphere to get a few drinks with friends. One of their most notable items on their menu is The Schatzi Burger which was featured in Buzzfeed’s article “21 Juicy Burgers that will Change Your Life.” This place also is known for Pierogi Wednesdays where they offer unique types of pierogis to try in addition to the ones already listed on their menu. If the late night scene is more of your thing, this place is open until 2am and offers a wide variety of drinks to try.
What to try: The Schatzi’s Burger & Pierogis
129 Washington St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm; Friday-Saturday 11:30am-10pm; Monday Closed
(845) 452-8100
Name sound familiar? One of the newest additions to the Marist College food scene is this new pizza place, “Lolitas” that set up shop right next door to Lola’s earlier this year. This place takes the same comfort of Lola’s Cafe and mixes it with a chic design making it the coolest new place for Marist Students to hang out. They offer artisanal pizzas that put Gia's pizza to shame and offer a wide array of cocktails that are not only delicious but affordable.
What to try: Margherita & Mushroom Pie
Your foodie adventures don’t have to end here Marist students! Arlington, located in the town of Poughkeepsie, also offers a ton of options if you don’t mind traveling a little further away from campus. Check back soon for my next post on must-try college eats near Vassar College.
