Richard Brodbeck
Google
The Price of Breathtaking Views
Shadows on the Hudson offers true destination dining, nestled at the end of a winding route that descends from Union Street Historic District down Poughkeepsie's riverbank bluff. The restaurant sits just 50 feet from the Hudson River's eastern shore, perched 40 feet above the water's edge. From this elevated vantage point, diners enjoy stunning panoramic views of the river and the iconic Mid-Hudson Bridge stretching across the water. The decor still pops, the views are still magnificent, and the table settings still suggest fine dining ahead.
Stepping into Shadows on the Hudson at 176 Rinaldi Blvd in Poughkeepsie is more than just going out for a meal; it's an experience. From the moment you arrive, the floor-to-ceiling windows frame the magnificent setting. The ambiance inside is a perfect blend of sophisticated elegance and comfortable warmth. Tasteful decor creates a chic yet welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of place that feels equally perfect for a romantic anniversary dinner or a celebratory gathering with friends and family. I can definitely see it as a special place with an upscale atmosphere for those Friday night drinks after a week of work.
Like the ruby-throated hummingbird, we migrated from Florida north for summer to the beautiful area that we called home for most of our lives. To a special meeting of family at the Shadows. A once-a-year family tradition for years to enjoy the company of loved ones while either taking in the breathtaking golden hour moments when the setting sun sets the Hudson ablaze, turning every ripple into dancing light. Or at other times monitoring boaters below threading their way into those narrow slips at the adjacent Shadows Marina - oddly mesmerizing. For those arriving by boat, the restaurant offers dockside dining service, delivering their full menu directly to boat slips.
Unfortunately, it's clear from our experience and other recent reviews that the food and service don't consistently live up to the spectacular setting.
Chef John Malone, formerly of the majestic Mohonk Mountain House, has helmed the kitchen here since late 2023. By all accounts, he brings impressive experience to the table. Unfortunately, that expertise must have taken the night off.
The tone was set by the bread basket: stale.
Not in the charming 'rustic, crusty' sense - just straight-up neglected.
When our server came by to apologize for the delay with our appetizers, we asked for a fresh basket. She forgot, so we had to remind her again when she delivered our appetizers. Fresh hot bread eventually appeared.
When the food finally arrived, my wife ordered the Garlic Shrimp on Garlic Baguette appetizer with confit tomatoes, garlic, and lemon in white wine sauce for $24. She ate only the four shrimp, leaving the baguette untouched. Later she admitted it was 'because she needed something to do while the rest of us ate.' The baguette—normally known for its crispy exterior—had become a waterlogged 'bog-uette,' completely saturated with sauce.
I played it safe with their Soup of the Day for $12 - what appeared to be a take on Portuguese Caldo Verde. While the flavor base was sound, the execution fell short. The soup lacked the silky, cohesive texture that defines a proper Caldo Verde, instead presenting as a somewhat disjointed collection of sausage chunks, carrots, and wilted greens in a thin broth. At nearly NYC pricing, I expected more finesse. This felt like an $8-10 soup at best.
After the 35-minute wait for appetizers that failed to satisfy, much less impress, and glasses sitting empty after the initial pour, no one was inclined to order another course. We'd had enough and asked for the check.
Though we did not stay, I still want to give you a sense of their pricing: pasta dishes range from $26 to $38, while 'Land' entrées run $32 to $58 per person (or $135 for a 40-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye for two). 'Sea' selections fall between $35 and $66.