New York is one of the greatest places to get some grub. But what most New York City transplants don’t know is that there are a ton of food options outside of the five boroughs. In fact, the second richest county in New York State is the home to killer tacos, gelato to-die-for and even hipster-friendly farm-to-table dining. Westchester County natives (#the914) might recognize most places on this list, but chances are you’ll find at least one thing you haven’t tried yet.
1. Baja Fish Tacos and Grilled Corn on the Cob from Bartaco in Portchester
Photo courtesy of @bartacolife on Instagram
Everyone’s taco’n-bout it. It’s all over your Insta feed because Westchester natives and tourists alike are going crazy for Bartaco’s tacos and grilled corn on the cob. The latter is served with lime, cotija cheese, and cayenne pepper.
2. DIY Korean Style Rice Bowl from Bibille in Tarrytown
Photo courtesy of @sarcasticeats on Instagram
Bibille is serving up Korean fusion food with a DIY element. Choose a bowl, wrap or salad to star with and build on with toppings like spicy pork, shredded vegetables, and shiitake mushrooms and more. For the ultimate experience, go for their signature bibimbap. It’s okay if you can’t pronounce it. Translated, it means mixed rice.
#SpoonTip: Be sure to ask for extra hot sauce.
3. Ice Cream from The Blue Pig in Croton-on-Hudson
Photo courtesy of @bluepigcroton on Instagram
This local ice cream shop gives Cold Stone a run for its money. They feature awesome flavor combinations, from the classics like mint chocolate chip and butter pecan, to the quirky mojito (yes, with alcohol) and maple walnut. They also get bonus points for using local dairy and fresh produce.
4. Beer from Bridge View Tavern & Beer Garden in Sleepy Hollow
Photo courtesy of @aflo78 on Instagram
Beer geeks rejoice. The tavern and beer garden are separate in the eyes of the owners, so some drinks aren’t available in both locations. Make sure you order accordingly.
5. Wings from The Candlelight in Scarsdale
Photo courtesy of @instabuffs on Instagram
This place takes bar food to a new level. Get the wings and fries. Yes, that sounds like a greasy combination, but you’ll thank me later.
#SpoonTip: This place is cash-only, so prep your wallets.
6. Meatballs from The Cookery in Dobbs Ferry
Photo courtesy of @thecookery on Instagram
Nonna would be surprised at how delicious this alternative Italian-esque eatery is. Order the meatballs if you’re going stag, but bring your friends to take on the enormous whole-hog dinner if you’re feeling ambitious. And yes, the chef brings out an entire pig for you and your friends to eat (vegetarians beware).
7. Orange Lemon Waffle from City Limit’s Diner in White Plains
Photo courtesy of @rachelcbrody on Instagram
City Limits is not your typical diner. The menu includes swanky options to up spice up average diner fare with items like a Grilled Spiced Chilean Sea Bass sandwich or Turkey Scaloppini. If you’d rather play it safe, go for the breakfast (orange lemon waffle anyone?), which is served all day.
8. Lunch from Good Food in Briarcliff Manor
Photo courtesy of @goodfoodbriarcliff on Instagram
With new menu’s available daily you won’t get bored with this local lunch spot. Menus are released around noon on their Facebook page with entrées ranging from BBQ ribs to tortellini with asparagus.
9. DIY Doughnuts from Hot Dippity Doughnuts in Croton-On-Hudson
Photo courtesy of @claudiarufa on Instagram
Bagels-On-Hudson decided to try their hand at doughnuts and it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. Or bagels. Choose from one of the already-created doughnuts, like the French toast doughnut and Nutella crisp, or make your own combination from over 20 types of icing and 24 different doughnut flavors. You’ll never get bored.
10. Grilled Pork Sausage from Juniper in Hastings-On-Hudson
Photo courtesy of @myeyetoyou on Instagram
Keeping it classy, Juniper is an affordable trendy take on French cuisine. Order the grilled pork sausage and don’t forget to BYOB.
11. Frozen Margarita from La Herradura in Mamaroneck
Photo courtesy of @samanthafosella on Instagram
This margarita is strong enough to make you think you crossed the border. Pair your drink with some fresh guac for the ultimate combination.
12. Chicken Tikka Masala Crepe from Little Mumbai Market in Pleasantville
Photo courtesy of @bigflavors on Instagram
With two locations and a menu for both classic Indian cuisine and sweet or savory crepes, this is a win-win for those with or without a sweet tooth.
13. Napoleon Cookie Milkshake from Madison Kitchen in Larchmont
Photo courtesy of @francescab914 on Instagram
Owner Nick Di Bona is a Chopped alumnus (winner) and his restaurant lives up to the hype. The menu consists of small plates only, so it’s the perfect excuse to try out tons of new items like the chicken and waffle skewers. The main attraction is the dessert, so save room to get one of the crazy milkshake combos. They’re giving Black Tap a run for their money.
14. Chocolate Gelato & Brioche from Pane & Gelato in Eastchester
Photo courtesy of @laritz29 on Instagram
Pane & Gelato combines two of my favorite things: bread and gelato. The Sicilian gelateria only uses ingredients flown in from the motherland. You can order from any of the 24 flavors offered daily out of 100 possibilities.
15. Peacefull Provisions from Big Bang Coffee Roasters in Peekskill
Photo courtesy of @mstinagray on Instagram
This local coffee place is serving up some sweet treats from Peacefull Provisions. While you can find their vegan pop tarts, doughnuts, and cinnamon buns at other locations, Big Bang is making the strongest coffee to pair them with.
16. Blueberry Pie from Pie Lady & Son in Nyack
Photo courtesy of @pieladyandson on Instagram
While you can get cookies and muffins, the main reason to stop by this tiny shop is the pie. You can order by the slice but it’s definitely worth investing in a whole pie. The flavors offered daily change, but there are usually a few classics up on the board like the strawberry rhubarb, blueberry crumble or chocolate fudge.
17. The Hashtag from Rocky’s Deli in Millwood
Photo courtesy of @sammieats on Instagram
College students rejoice. This 24-hour deli serves up some of the best hero sandwiches in the county. Try one of their specialty sandwiches like the Hasttag (chicken cutlet, bacon, egg, cheese and a hashbrown) or the Johnny G (chicken cutlet, bacon, cheddar, honey mustard, hot sauce, and lettuce) for the perfect post-bar munchies.
18. Eggplant Parmesan Slice from Sal’s Pizza in Thornwood
Photo courtesy of @salspizzapville on Instagram
The most popular pizza place in the Pace Westchester area. You can never go wrong with this local favorite. Go for a classic slice or a slice of their eggplant parm.
19. Kebab and Tzatziki from The Souvlaki Truck in Yonkers
Photo courtesy of @souvlakitruck on Instagram
This mobile Greek-kitchen has all the Greek classics: chicken and pork souvlaki, falafel and baklava. Stop here for the best fuel for your before shopping along Central Ave.
20. Hot Dog and Funnel Cake Fries from Walter’s Hot Dog Stand in Mamaroneck
Photo courtesy of @waltershotdogs on Instagram
Another food truck #FTW. This hidden gem has the best hot dogs in Westchester. Also, they started making these funnel cake fries to make the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
21. Sushi Boat from Wild Fusion Sushi in White Plains
Photo courtesy of @wild_fusion on Instagram
Just look at this sushi boat. Plus, this place has two locations. The restaurant itself has a very Manhattan-like vibe, but with much better sushi. There, I said it.
22. Margaritas and Margheritas from Wood and Fire
Photo courtesy of @woodandfirepizza on Instagram
Margarita Mondays should happen everywhere. Get a margherita pizza and a margarita (the drink) for a steal on Mondays.
23. Mac and Cheeseburger or DIY Mac from The Wooden Spoon
Photo courtesy of @jonathanxwilson on Instagram
Having the option to create your own concoctions is something I really like in a restaurant (see numbers 2 and 9). But if you aren’t up to the challenge, just go with the mac and cheese burger.