5 restaurants to celebrate a college graduation

Geoffrey Wilson
Poughkeepsie Journal
A highlight of the River Station Restaurant is the view of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Walkway Over the Hudson from the second floor.

With college graduations wrapping up or on the horizon for schools across the mid-Hudson Valley, it's important to settle plans on how to celebrate.

Whether you're a parent looking to surprise your kid or a graduate planning one last celebration as a student, here are five restaurant recommendations for local graduates: 

Marist College: River Station Restaurant

Less than 2 miles south of Marist College in the Town of Poughkeepsie, graduates and families can enjoy a waterfront view while dining at River Station Restaurant. The City of Poughkeepsie restaurant serves up surf and turf with a side of city history. Wood panel walls adorned with photos of Poughkeepsie's past coupled with a mural featuring Dutchess County highlights such as the Balloon Festival tell a story highlighting the best of the mid-Hudson Valley. Props such as a swordfish hung from the ceiling convey something of a boathouse vibe. Any diner should consider starting his or her meal off with the chowder bar, which boasts a rotating selection of homemade chowder. The roasted corn lobster chowder serves as a menu mainstay and the perfect pick for someone looking for an alternative to the traditional New England clam chowder. For a varied spread of what's on the menu, try the Captain's Combo, served up with broiled shrimp, scallops, stuffed clams, tilapia and lobster tail.

Go: 1 N. Water St, Poughkeepsie; 845-452-9207; riverstationrest.com

Bard College: Cinnamon Indian Cuisine

When Cinnamon Indian Cuisine changed locations more than a year ago, co-owner Shiwanti Widyarathna didn't want another "brightly colored Indian restaurant." Simple and clean are the cornerstones to the Rhinebeck restaurant that combines minimalist design with decor celebrating Indian culture. A wooden carving of the Hindu god Ganesha hangs near the bar. A Hindi quote by former Indian President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam lines the wall, "Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work." The restaurant features north and south Indian cuisine, offering a broad taste of the region. Consider trying the bagara baigan, Hyderabad eggplant in a tamarind and toasted peanut sauce seasoned with ginger, garlic, turmeric and fresh curry leaves. Fans of seafood may enjoy the shrimp mapas, prawn served with tamarind, ginger, dry spices simmered in coconut gravy.

Go: 51 E Market St, Rhinebeck; 845-876-7510; cinnamoncuisine.com

Vassar College & Dutchess Community College: The Mill Restaurant & Bar

Modernity lies at the heart of The Mill Restaurant & Bar. And from the black-and-white photographs depicting Hudson Valley and New York sights to the farm-to-table menu, the Poughkeepsie restaurant revels in the region. The Mill offers a New American menu with a plethora of options featuring local foods. Whether dining at lunch or dinner, try the Mill Burger, topped with aged cheddar, peppered bacon, lettuce, tomato and shallot aioli, all served on an English muffin with a side of hand-cut french fries. Diners looking for a sweeter dish might consider the pear and goat cheese flatbread with local honey, arugula and black pepper. Or perhaps treat your graduate to the Creme Brulee Cheesecake, made with a graham cracker crust and topped with burnt caramel.

Go: 46 Vassar Road, Poughkeepsie; 845-214-0000; millpk.com

State University of New York at New Paltz: Gilded Otter

On the edge of the Wallkill River, diners can relax with a meal and a pint at Gilded Otter. The New Paltz restaurant serves as the classic brewpub, with casual fare, more substantial entrees and a respectable selection of craft beer. The spacious, high-ceiling dining area puts diners right in the center of operations with a clear view of the brewing equipment. Try the Shawangunk Jambalaya, a zesty broth filled with shrimp, chicken, tasso ham, andouille sausage, okra and rice and served with corn bread. And don't miss out on the beer, with options such as the Katzenjammer Kolsch, a golden German beer with a subtle sweetness.

Go: 3 Main St, New Paltz; 845-256-1700; gildedotter.com

Mount Saint Mary College: The Wherehouse

The Wherehouse will serve as a special treat for music fans. The Newburgh restaurant feels like a trip back to the '60s, with vinyl records covering the walls and ceiling as well as concert posters and band memorabilia displayed around the restaurant. This cool and casual spot works just as well for a dinner as a drinking spot among friends. Take a chance on one of the restaurant's specialty burgers, such as the Godfather of Soul, a burger topped with macaroni and cheese. For a bit of heat, try the chili. Consider grabbing the house beer, WhereHouse Copperhead Ale, an India pale ale made by Captain Lawrence Brewing Company just for the restaurant.

Go: 119 Liberty St, Newburgh; 845-561-7240; facebook.com/THE-WHEREHOUSE-83206957085

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW