Spring 2024 Westchester restaurant openings: Here's 8 that have opened, 11 more coming
Are you keeping up with all the new restaurant openings in Westchester? There's Peter's Steakhouse in Eastchester, Jill's in Mamaroneck, Kura Revolving Sushi in Scarsdale, Gordito in Rye, and Sleepy Coffee, Too in Sleepy Hollow, all of which have opened in the last month.
Coffeeshops in particular have folks buzzing with four new cafes that have opened in the past two weeks alone (the aforementioned Sleepy Coffee, Too plus Don Carvajal Café in Irvington, Blue Heron in Mount Kisco and PortRush Coffee in Port Chester). Plus, another one (Gregory's!) is on target sometime in the next month as is AltaMira Coffee Shop in New Rochelle.
That's on top of the four that opened in the past three months, namely How Ya Brewing (open since March) in Tuckahoe; Shea Station (also March) in Pelham, Omni Café (February in Scarsdale) and Sunshine Coffee Roasters (February in Rye).
Also continuing in popularity: burgers, tacos and ice cream, with more places on the way. And it's just May!
Curious what's opened and what's coming? Read to the bottom for details and continue to stay tuned as the food news just keeps coming!
Don Carvajal Café, Irvington
Ever had moka coffee? Now you can at this Dominican-focused coffeeshop, open since April 27, where Founder Héctor Carvajal is all abou the three C's: coffee, community, and culture. His specialty roasting company, which he founded five years ago in the Bronx, is all about using coffee as a bridge, connecting the rural campo of the Dominican Republic to New York, fostering a sense of belonging and driving equity within the industry.
More: Jack's in Eastchester has a new little sister: Jill's opens May 2 in Mamaroneck
The business is named after his maternal grandfather — it's his face that graces the bags of beans sold in the café. You'll also see his many hats decorating shelf space (Carvajal also wears them a lot) which features interesting mugs (I like the long-handled one) in addition to a working record player where Carvajal plays from his collection. The vibe is like his coffee — mellow, chill and super friendly.
In addition to the Moka pot experience, which is basically espresso served on a stovetop (but with a precise method that's fun to watch), you'll also find a variety of coffee drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos in addition to pastries. More food is part of the plan (he's in the soft opening phase) with Dominican treats to come.
Also cool: the fact that Carvajal designed this space, which has plenty of seating, so that the equipment is under the counter, allowing for more face-to-face interaction with customers. And there's more to report: Carvajal, who some may know from the Hastings and Irvington farmers markets, is now selling his beans to Whole Foods— meaning you'll should see them on a grocery shelf near you soon. Grand opening set for noon May 18. 75 Main St., 914-231-5040, doncarvajalcafe.com.
PortRush Coffee, Port Chester
Open since May 1, this new espresso bar and specialty roaster near the Port Chester train station, is all about artisinal coffee, employee ownership and charity. Forty percent of profits go to employees with 10% going to charity, specifically The Feathers Project which helps impoverished families in the Phillipines. The new space, with four stools by the front window and a bench outside, is a collaboration between Jonathan Yanez, who cultivated his love for coffee in the Galapagos Islands, and Dave West, a tech entrepreneur who started his career in the food industry and whose office just happens to be next door.
Along with fresh-roasted beans, the shop, run by Yanez and his wife Abigail Nares, features a host of "Train Line Toasts," with fresh fruit and herbs — the herbs are grown in the shop on a vertical wall to the left — as well as broghies, pocket sandwiches filled with items such as spicy tuna, onion, tomatoes and fresh greens or hummus, eggplant, zucchini and sundried tomatoes. There are also muffins and other pastries. More food to come but for now, try "Dave's Fave," toast with cinnamon sugar and butter. Interestingly enough PortRush doesn't stand for Port Chester or the idea of rushing to catch the train: It's from a town in Ireland as West has Irish roots. 14 King St., 914-635-0018, portrushcoffee.com
Cravin Jamaican, Mount Vernon
Peter Murdock, who owns Cravin Jamaican in Ossining and White Plains, opened his third spot May 2 in Mount Vernon. Diners can expect the same fast casual menu of Jamaican food such as curry chicken, oxtail, fried whiting, Rasta pasta and callaloo. As he's done in Ossining and White Plains, he's included student interns from a variety of local high schools and organizations including Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, White Plains High School, Ossining High School, Youth Bureau Employment Services and the Slater Center in White Plains. 529 Gramatan Ave., Mount Vernon, 914-588-9202, cravinjc.com.
Froze, Peekskill
Longtime Peekskill restaurateurs Louie Lanza and John Sharp have taken over the space previously occupied by Peekskill Creamery and turned it into a mini food court with ice cream and burgers. The burgers are from Better Burger, which opened last September and had been around the corner. The ice cream, which includes custom flavors for topping and shake infusions, is from Gifford's. The shop also serves its own vegan ice cream. Plus more is on the way. The eatery with both indoor and outdoor seating, is still in its soft opening phase. As for the old Better Burger space? It's being transformed into a yet unnamed lounge/cocktail bar with Mexican design and flavors that should open sometime in July. 55 Hudson Ave.
Blue Heron Tea & Coffee, Mount Kisco
Add this coffeeshop to your rotation of caffeine fixes. Owned by Matthew Paratore and Mount Kisco native John Mullen — and open since May 6 — it features pure espresso blends done in a traditional Italian style. There's also an emphasis on tea. There are 21 whole leaf teas with more to come (the goal is 30). The space, with bar stools in the front, windows and table in the back, was formerly a barbershop and has a vintage vibe. There's even old-fashioned candy and gum as well as decadent pastries from Manhattan's Sullivan Street Bakery. As for the name, Paratore admired a blue heron from his backyard and thought the idea of an elegant bird fit in well with his concept, which has a sophisticated European ambiance. 9 Kirby Plaza, 914-218-3280.
Woops! Macarons & Gifts, White Plains
If you like macaroons head to The Westchester, where Greenburgh resident Sylvia Emmer opened a boutique kiosk May 3. Among the French macaron flavors are birthday cake, red velvet, cookies and cream, blueberry cheesecake, and honey lavender. You'll also find plenty of gift boxes. The grand opening is May 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. 125 Westchester Ave, Retail Level 3, bywoops.com/locations/woops-westchester.
More: New Westchester coffee shop, slated to open April 26, promotes 'kindness in a cup'
Taconah Cantina, Goldens Bridge
Tacos, birria, tamales and burritos are at the heart of this cantina where the focus is on street food and a luchador-inspired world. Open since April 22, and owned by married couple David and Chrystal Chiong, the two promise lots more once they get their liquor license including fresh squeezed juices and purees crafted in front of you at the bar, perfect for a watermelon basil margarita or hibiscus pomegranate version. Breakfast and brunch are also in store. 108 North County Shopping Center, Goldens Bridge, 914-488-6968, taconah.com.
Omni Caffe, Scarsdale
High quality espresso, gelato and freshly baked croissants and focaccia make this cozy spot feel like a taste of Italy. Open since Feb. 1, there's also plenty of pastries, cannoli and muffins, all of which are either imported directly from Italy or made in-house. Diners will also find gelato.
The goal, said co-owner Doug Flynn, is to provide "a genuine Italian coffee experience in a setting that mirrors the charm and simplicity of cafes in Italy." The Mamaroneck native owns the shop with Antonio Vittorini, Gregory DiMattino and Florent Muca, the latter of whom lives down the street. 60 Garth Road, 914-362-1230.
Plus, here's what's coming soon
Many spots that are coming soon have already been reported on by The Journal News/lohud.com — and remain in the works — but these are new ones, not previously covered (or updated with exact opening dates). Again, note the trend in burgers, tacos, ice cream and coffee. As always stay tuned to lohud and Instagram for updates on all.
Fat Stu's All-American Burger, Port Chester
Fat Stu's, which opened last October in Harrison and is known for its inexpensive burgers (think $5 lunch specials!) and retro 1950s sock-hop vibe, is opening a second location in the old Piccolo Italian restaurant space sometime in June. Expect the same menu and atmosphere. The only difference? There will be delivery now in addition to takeout. 321 N Main St.
Penny Lick Ice Cream, Ossining
Ice Cream Queen Ellen Sledge, who has Penny Lick locations in Hastings and Mamaroneck, will open her third spot sometime around May 11(ish) where Bigfort Creamery had been. A ribbon cutting for the kiosk, which sells handcrafted peanut, tree nut and sesame-free ice cream and sorbets, is set for 2:30 p.m. May 16. 1A Westerly Road, pennylickicecream.com.
Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar, Yonkers
Fans of Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar in White Plains will love the restaurant's second location, opening (hopefully!) in June at Ridge Hill. All of the Cantina classics will be on the menu (think tacos, empanadas, wings, sweet plantains, and margaritas) but there will be some newcomers such as nacho fries and a rotisserie chicken that can be ordered by the half or whole (with sides). The space, which had been Lefteris Gyro, is slightly larger than White Plains. 242 Market St., cantinawhiteplains.com
Goodhouse, Mount Kisco
What had been Winston's is being turned into a social club featuring live music, a speakeasy-style decor, rooftop bar and restaurant and what promises to be a stunning high tech stage. The three-story space, unlike anything in Westchester to date, is the brianchild of Mike Voron and is set to open this fall.
There are a couple aspects to know about: the social club part called The Collective where people can pay a certain fee for various amenities including meeting space, access to the roof, co-working perks and events such as comedy, live music and more.
There will also be access for events to the public (though members of The Collective get first access). The "Goodhouse" name encompasses the entire venue but includes the bar/restaurant, which will be open to the public and feature an elevated contemporary American menu (again, giving first-come access to members).
Voron, who expects to deliver a "really unique package" to northern Westchester said the idea was born out of "a deficient in the area for people to access live entertainment and join together in a community where they feel comfortable and enjoy the types of amenities you might find in urban spaces." He added that one of the really cool things about the space is the stage area which will have a quarter million dollar sound and lighting system, giving the venue the opportunity to book nationwide talent in addition to local acts. 130 E Main St.
Club Car Grille, Irvington
May 16 is opening day for this new American grill, where River City Grill had been. Longtime Westchester restaurant owner Matt Kay (of Rivertowns Hospitality known for Hudson Social in Dobbs Ferry) is behind the new eatery, where he and his team have done minor renovations. 6 S Broadway, 914-591-2033, clubcargrille.com.
Taco Bahama, Tuckahoe
Asian fusion street tacos are coming this summer where Nutmeg Café had been in Tuckahoe. The new concept, from restaurateur Luca Lucido-Balestrieri (he owns Buleria Tapas & Wine Bar down the street and the recently closed Salsa Bembe in Yonkers) said his new coastal bar and grill will feature a mix of Mexican and Asian flavors in a relaxed, colorful environment. 64 Main St.
The Bedford Post Barn, Bedford
Dawn and Jason Bowman who own BreadsnBakes in Pound Ridge — and are known for their taste-like-Paris croissants — are opening a new café serving breakfast and lunch sometime later this summer. 954 Old Post Road.
Gregory's Coffee, White Plains
Here's another café meant to keep folks caffeinated. The coffee chain, with locations throughout New York and New Jersey, plans to open its first Westchester location sometime in the next month(ish). It's located at The Westchester in the space formerly occupied by Starbucks. 125 Westchester Ave., Retail Level 3, gregoryscoffee.com.
Wren of the Woods, Armonk
A new farm to table concept featuring chef Roxanne Spruance (formerly of The Bedford Post Inn) is officially in the works.
The restaurant, which should open sometime next spring, will source from its 117-acre regenerative organic farm and forthcoming agritourism resort community in Livingston Manor as well as through other small family farms throughout the Catskills and Hudson Valley.
The goal is to provide a hospitable experience that focuses on fresh food grown responsibility while working to produce zero waste. In the meantime (and more immediately), interested foodies can sign up for one of the chef's farm series meals (provided you want to drive to Sullivan County) which start in June and give you a taste (literally!) of what's to come. The project is the brainchild of Armonk resident Stefan Martinovic whose meshed his real estate development background with a passion for regenerative agriculture. 12 Maple Ave., wrenofthewoods.com.
AltaMira Coffee Shop, New Rochelle
Signage is up for this European-style cafe, sandwiched between Pop's Espresso and Harpoon Hanna's Coffee Shop. Look for an opening either May 16 or 17. Along with coffee you'll also bratwursts, salads and sandwiches. Eventually, there will be alcohol with French bistro seating outside. 245 Main St.
Peek-a-Boo Creams, Peekskill
Look for a 1950s-themed ice cream shop opening adjacent to 140 Kitchen sometime this summer. Eventually, there will also be a 1920s-era speakeasy in the back called The Peek-Easy in honor of Peekskill. 907 South St.
Got a food tip?
Know of something opening or closing? Email [email protected].
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: 19 new Westchester NY restaurants to know about, from coffeeshops to burgers