As a Kingston, NY-based digital marketing agency, we’re always keeping our finger on the pulse of where local marketing is going. Many things are changing rapidly, but one positive development is how Google and other technology platforms are emphasizing and valuing real-world activity and engagement as a factor. You can use the power of branding, website design and search engine marketing to put your best foot forward and find customers, but you can’t fake being a good business and doing right by your customers.
One of the most important factors for local businesses in 2024 are Google reviews. Does your business inspire people to leave a review, whether to sing your praises, offer important feedback, or warn others to not make a mistake?
With that in mind, we have ranked the restaurants of Kingston by their number of reviews in the first six months of 2024, and are including some fun review excerpts from each place. Enjoy!
1. Dietz Stadium Diner
72 Reviews
4.4 Average Stars
Dietz Stadium diner, located across from Dietz Stadium on Washington Avenue, is #1. Once serving as both a day-time and a late-night recovery zone for Uptown barhoppers, it now has settled into post-COVID hours of 7 AM to 9 PM.
Some review highlights:
“Good old school diner. The kind that sadly one can’t find in most cities anymore. Friendly service, tasty diner fare, big portions.”
“Great food. Friendly staff. Kid friendly. Everything a cozy hometown diner needs to be.”
“Right next to the Trailways terminal, it’s ideal for those catching a bus. “If you’re catching a bus to the city or dacks, it’s worth building in a little extra time to get a sandwich!”
2. Ole Savannah Southern Table & Bar
71 Reviews
4.5 Average Stars
Ole Savannah is located on the Kingston waterfront, in a building that once housed a ship boiler shop for the Cornell Steamboat Company. Today, it’s the home for a mix of Southern food, like barbecue and seafood, with seating overlooking Kingston’s port waters.
Some review highlights:
“Great spot for food and drink. Had an Irish music session live in the dining room. So much fun and great atmosphere and aesthetics.”
“The jambalaya was awesome! So were the Brussel sprouts. There were so many selections to choose from can’t wait to go back and try something else.”
“”Had a fantastic time here tonight. My gf and I have been coming to Kingston as our meetup point since it’s about halfway from where we live. I saw ole savannahs online and it looked like a great place to go. Great location, reasonable prices, and a wide variety of food.”
3. Moonburger
57 Reviews
4.4 Average Stars
Moonburger has rocketed up the local food charts since opening in Kingston 2021, with locations following in New Paltz and Poughkeepsie. In a refreshing reversal of the usual way of things, after experiencing success upstate, they are now opening their first location in Brooklyn.
Reviews include:
“Great for vegans and meat eaters alike. No sit in. Just drive thru. Can’t miss the light show that illuminate the front of the building.”
“I’m hooked on Moinburgers. I’m an 80 yr old retired cook and love them. Each individual that works there really cares about each customer and each order. They make you feel like a part of the family every time. Fantastic happy place.”
“Best vegan/veg burger ever! People are truly off their rockers if they say otherwise.”
4. Sunrise Bagels
53 Reviews
4.8 Average Stars
Sunrise Bagels, located in a non-descript location on Albany Avenue, is the go-to place for gigantic fresh bagels and sandwiches. All of their 53 reviews in 2024 are either 4 or 5 stars, except for one person who was upset that they are cash-only. It’s really not a problem when the bagels are this good.
“This place is cash only. And it’s the best bagel place I’ve found. I’ve been to NJ and NYC. The bagels are huge. So if you only want a small bagel don’t go here, Or grow up. They are hard workers and do get mobbed with a ton of customers sometimes but everything has always been delicious. If you find a better bagel place in the US I’d be surprised. Worth every penny.”
“Literally the best bagel you will ever eat. Idk what they do to make them so big and soft inside but you will not find a better bagel anywhere!! The veggie cream cheese is THE BEST!!! The veggies are fresh chopped. Omg so good!”
“One of the best bagels I have had, and the largest. Definitely grab yourself some.”
5. Frank Guido’s Little Italy
43 Reviews
4.6 Average Stars
Frank Guido’s Little Italy was opened in 2007 by serial Hudson Valley restauranteur Frank Guido, who was said in 2019 to have owned 26 restaurants in the area since first opening a pizzeria and bar called BG’s in Cottekill, NY in 1968. Housed in a beautiful brick building in Midtown Kingston, it’s a favorite place for locals who are in the mood for family-style Italian dining.
Some reviews include:
“Don’t come here often but must put it on the list. Calamari was delicious, private party & the food was great & so was the service. Must make it a stop for dinner with my hubby.”
“A wonderful experience. The building is beautiful and the staff are very attentive and make you feel welcome. The food was delicious, served fresh and hot. The meal was not rushed. Definitely a worthwhile destination. We will return and certainly share our positive experience with a recommendation to friends.”
“Reminds me of my childhood. Delicious Italian food and homey atmosphere. A delightful experience.”
6. LOLA
40 Reviews
4.2 Average Stars
LOLA came to Kingston in early 2020, and is part of the Hotel/Restaurant Kinsley family of tourism and hospitality in Uptown Kingston. They offer a great atmosphere and wood-fired gourmet pizzas dreamed up by NYC restauranteurs Zak Pelaccio and Taavo Somer.
Some reviews include:
“Good fresh food, but dishes are on the small side for the price. Italian restaurants mostly serve abundant food. It is a nice place, just don’t expect the typical Italian restaurant.”
“My family and I had an awesome dinner at LOLA. The food was amazing and we loved our server Rachel!! Gluten free pizza was great and so were the desserts!”
“Love the Mozarella sandwich on focaccia from their sandwich shop on the corner. They have coffees and lattes and they are very friendly. Will definitely go back!”
7. Mirador
39 Reviews
4.8 Average Stars
Mirador is one of the latest additions to the Kingston dining scene. It’s the first real successor to the tapas and wine offerings of Elephant, offering tapas and wines from the Andalucía region of Spain in a fun atmosphere.
Some reviews include:
“Midtown is so lucky to be home to Mirador. I split 3 items with my husband and it just about covered every food group 😄 The oxtail blood sausage couldn’t have been devoured faster. I had a dried sherry for the first time which the Manzanilla on tap seemed like a great intro for. We’ll be returning for dinner for sure!”
“Mirador is a trip to Spain without the hassle of a flight. The environment is cozy and exciting, with all the materials making the sum of the parts so special. Enough classic dishes, and a couple of things to keep the curiosity. The owner Nick, and Hannah make the wine selections easy. Definitely worth the detour.”
8. Picnic Pizza
37 Reviews
4.4 Average Stars
Located near the Uptown gateway to Kingston on Washington Avenue, Picnic Pizza is a reliable, affordable and high-volume pizzeria for families and people who want to know what to expect. It was the first stop on the list for our friends at TAF’s “We Ate Every Slice in Kingston” video:
Some reviews include:
“Love this place and have loved it for years. Glad to see it is still delicious. Amazing crust and amazing flavors all around. You will not regret getting pizza here.”
“I’m a traditional girl when it comes to pizza and the way to win me over is with a great cheese slice. Whenever I move to a new area my pizza system is to check out all the joints’ cheese slices and go from there. This place has great crust and sauce (not sweet), and excellent proportions of dough, sauce and cheese. They also make a really good grilled chicken Caesar, lots of chicken and tasty, all Romain, no iceberg cheating. I’ve had their specialty slices as well and so far everything has been tasty. The inside got a little facelift recently too.”
9. Broadway Lights Diner & Cafe
36 Reviews
4.1 Average Stars
Broadway Lights Diner has been a long-time staple of the Kingston diner scene since 1976. It’s a diner-lover’s diner: lots of neon, chrome, delicious coffee and friendly waitstaff.
Some reviews include:
“Great local dinner in the classic 90s way. Food was great tasting, homemade and filling. The waitress treated you like a friend and kept asking to refill your drinks. Plenty of parking. Kid-friendly. Lots of people enjoying a leisurely breakfast/lunch. Would recommend the homemade corned beef hash and some eggs. This place is a gem in an area if town that is revitalizing.”
“I love this diner everything I’ve had has always been fresh and delicious. Milkshakes are great and staff are friendly! Happy to have such an awesome diner right down the road.”
10. Ship to Shore
36 Reviews
4.5 Average Stars
Ship to Shore has been a Kingston waterfront staple since 1998. It’s a cozy tavern that combines Hudson Valley farm-to-table fare with worldly flourishes, attracting long-time locals who mingle with Brooklynites and boaters.
Some reviews include:
“Always a great choice. My husband and I go stay in Woodstock every year and we make a point to always go to Ship to Shore for dinner, we’ve taken friends and family and everyone agrees: Great Food! Friendly and great service! Love it!”
“The Thai curry mussels was delicious. I like the small details, the waitress was very attentive and changed the bowl for the empty shells once it got full. The whole staff was wonderful.”
11. Yum Yum Noodle Bar
35 Reviews
4.3 Average Stars
The sister location to another Yum Yum in Woodstock, this noodle bar has been an Uptown mainstay since 2010. They combine Southeast Asian street-food with the warm comfort of Japanese noodle bowls.
Some reviews include:
“This is a wonderful hidden restaurant. The pistachio cheesecake was so good it melted. Food was wonderful so many flavors blended perfectly.”
“Love the the teas. Yum yum.”
“Love this little place! They have amazing food and lots of vegan options!”
12. Savona’s Trattoria & Bar
34 Reviews
4.4 Average Stars
Savona’s Trattoria & Bar is a casual Italian restaurant on the historic Kingston waterfront, in a former 1800s Opera House. They combine classic and modern Italian cooking, with a fun catering and event space nextdoor.
“If you are in the area of Kingston, NY, please check out Savona’s. Took my lady there for a birthday dinner, and damn am I glad I did. The place is Italian food, and the decor gives you that old-school Italian restaurant from back in the days. Candles, flowers on the table, made it sparkle. The service was on point, even with it busy on a Friday night the staff was attentive, and did an amazing job juggling several tables and still making the guest feel like they were the only ones there. The food was outstanding, it had flavor, the portion size was on point, and it tasted fresh. The ambiance, the service, and the food make this place top-notch in Kingston and make Savona’s Trattoria & Bar in Kingston worth the whiskey 🥃”
“Enjoyable, good food. Informal. Excellent meal. Too much to eat, and all of it tasty. Salad, antipasto. Eggplant Napoleon, chicken Vesuvio. Excellent!”
13. Brickmen Kitchen + Bar
30 Reviews
4.3 Average Stars
On North Front Street in the former Boitson’s space, Brickmen has brought new gastropub with indoor and outdoor seating to the dining scene. The name pays tribute to Kingston’s brick-making past, particularly to the restaurant founder’s grandfather who went from the brickyards to the restaurant business later in life.
Some reviews include:
“This place is lovely. Atmosphere was great, relaxed. Got lollipop chicken wings, they literally fell off the bone. Both of our dinners were delicious and can’t forget how amazing the complimentary duck fat fries were! Abby was our waitress and she was lovely. My new favorite place. A must visit and a will return!”
“The shrimp cocktail was beautifully presented on an ice-chilled tower, and the shrimp were very large, and the lobster 🦞 pot pie entree was absolutely delicious! The key lime pie for dessert was the perfect finish 👌”
14. Hoffman House
27 Reviews
4.4 Average Stars
The Hoffman House building was erected in 1679; there are still musket holes in the upper floors, and you can see the Dutch rubble architecture and fireplaces that remain from the original house. The building sustained heavy damage from the perfidious British during the Burning of Kingston in 1977, but it was repaired by its owners, the Hoffman family, who owned it for over 200 years. It then slowly declined from the 1900s as a Salvation Army storage facility, before Urban Renewal funded the restoration of the building’s exterior in 1973, followed by private owners restoring and re-opening it as a restaurant in 1977. Today, it serves as a cozy, reliable continental bistro with indoor and outdoor seatings.
“Enjoy a beautiful historic stone building restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Service was perfect, atmosphere wonderful, and the food very good.”
“We were out shopping and asked the salesperson where was a good place to eat and they recommended the Hoffman House. We were seated right near the fireplace to warm up from being outside. Our waitress Sam was very friendly and prompt. I had the fish and chips while Hubby had the Chicken Fettuccine special. Both were excellent! The homemade cheesecake was delicious. So if you are in the area give this a try, I’m glad we did!”
15. Le Canard Enchaine
27 Reviews
4.4 Average Stars
Open since 1996, Le Canard has served as a classic French bistro that is recognized as an institution in the Hudson Valley. The chef, Jean Jacques Carquillat, grew up in the French Alps and came up in the Parisian dining scene, with stops in London, Lisbon, and New York City before landing in Kingston.
Some reviews include:
“I was really surprised how good this place was for a French Restaurant in Kingston. I ordered the Lamb Shank and my friend ordered the Branzino. The Shank was superb. I also got the French onion soup. Very very delicious. If you are in the Rhinebeck/Kingston area, I highly recommend you try this place. Your belly will not be disappointed.”
“Le Canard is classic French. The food is so good, the staff is amazing. Great place for a special night out.”
16. Eliza
26 Reviews
4.7 Average Stars
Eliza is a high-end bistro that is the sister business to Ollie’s Slice Shop next door. It is owned by the husband and wife team who are behind the popular Ollie’s in High Falls. It’s a worthy successor to the former Tony’s Pizzeria and bar that was previously in this spot.
“The outside looks like it could be anyplace but go inside. Very bistro, eclectic. And wait to you try the food. Creative. Tasty.”
“Such excellent food and service! We live in Kingston and have gone 2-3X per month since we tried it out. Our favs include: fresh oysters, green salad, cheeses, mushroom pasta. We like the fish and chips but one time it was limp, the other time perfect. Cocktails are perfect and it’s a pretty limited wine by the glass list. Happyyyy!”
17. Front Street Tavern
26 Reviews
3.6 Average Stars
Front Street Tavern recently changed hands, and perhaps the transition explains some of the reviews. It’s located in Uptown Kingston, in a historic building that dates back to the 1790s. The former home of Ulster Gazette Publisher Anthony Freer, Shapiro’s Paint Store, the Parent Teacher Store and then Redwood, which converted it to a restaurant with a spectacular rooftop deck. There is plenty to love here on a summer day; eating seafood on a rooftop deck is a great thing.
Some reviews include:
“It was a cool experience to dine in the XVIII century building! The service was perfect and the food was tasty! We can highly recommend sprouts, chicken wings and french onion soup!”
“Gem of a restaurant. Excellent food including the best mussels I’ve had in a very long time.”
18. Mariner’s Harbor
25 Reviews
4.6 Average Stars
Mariner’s Harbor is another Frank Guido joint on our list; the giant historic building dates back to 1851, when it opened as the Sampson Opera House. Later, it served as home of the Daily Freeman. The location can’t be beat; you have a view of the Kingston waterfront, the T.R. Gallo park, and lots of outdoor seating and two bars.
Some reviews include:
“Beautiful views of the Hudson inlet and spring and summer warmer months they have outdoor seating for the colder months they have indoor seating with a fireplace in one dining room food is excellent fresh Linda is the host and she is magnificent they tend to you as you are the only one in the restaurant One of the best restaurants on the water in this area praises are reasonable and the food is fresh.”
“Food was great! Atmosphere outside was also great and the service was perfect. Love Mariners, thanks to everyone including Sal the owner for a great experience!”
19. King’s Pizza
24 Reviews
4.5 Average Stars
Open since 1989 at Kingston’s five-way intersection, King’s Pizza is a trusted neighborhood choice for residents between Midtown and Uptown Kingston. They’re known for their large portions.
“Can’t go wrong with the family atmosphere…..the good sized portions….and pizza that leaves you full after a couple of pieces….the reasonable prices don’t hurt either 😉”
“Kings is such a special place! Food is exceptional & plentiful. Service is outstanding !! My last visit there was creme brûlée on menu…OMG it was one of the best I’ve had.👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😃”
20. Kyoto Sushi
23 Reviews
4.7 Average Stars
The only sushi restaurant that made our list is Kyoto, which is located on Washington Avenue in Kingston. They have long offered the most consistent sushi within city limits, in a warm atmosphere. They also have great desserts… the fried cheesecake is a major highlight.
“Love this place! Sushi is probably some of the best we’ve had in this area at least, the service is always really good, and they have a nice variety of options on the menu. The atmosphere is also warm and cozy. I recommend the outstanding roll, especially if you like tempura shrimp!”
“Melt in your mouth amazing, Went with a friend for lunch and had the Volcano roll and it was the perfect blend of spicy and succulent.”
21. Chleo
22 Reviews
4.9 Average Stars
This must be the hidden gem of the list; despite not having as many reviews as some other new entrants to the Kingston dining scene, the average review in 2024 is 4.9 stars, held down by two 2-star reviews that offer no information. Located in Uptown Kingston in the former Ecce Terra space, the owners (alums of Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Westchester) are offering small plates that are cooked over an open fire, with an extensive wine offering.
“Chleo just served us the best pork of my life. Absolutely phenomenal. The potato rosti was almost perfect as well, topped with the most delicious goat cheese spread ever. The gougère were great as well. But those first two blew me away. Classy lighting as well. Wonderful drinks (I had the local Flemish red ale). A new fave in Kingston!”
“I can’t get our recent dinner at Chleo’s out of my head. Everything was of such high quality: the food, the ambiance… not your typical New American restaurant, the recipes are creative and original. Many options for vegetarians (starter and mains). The wine selection is great too. I can’t wait to go back!”
