Goodnight Kenny, the City of Poughkeepsie bar that just about every local will point to as a good choice for a night out, was honored as one of USA TODAY’s 2026 Bars of the Year.
To get this, USA TODAY Network food journalists across the country named the best bars in the U.S., and Goodnight Kenny was our nomination.
The beloved bar is inviting to all, serves fantastic drinks, like their “Kenny’s Classics,” and is always a grand time with the disco ball up in the corner, even when it’s packed — it only adds to the neighborly vibe.
Buy the book! Shake & Sip: Recipes from the Best Bars in America
Goodnight Kenny is helping put the City of Poughkeepsie on the map, nationally, but there are plenty of other fantastic bars to try around the mid-Hudson Valley.
We’ve curated 10 must-see bars to try at least once; all of them have a little something special going on.
Whether it’s vintage arcade games, live music, rooftop views or even a bookstore and bar pairing, each of these have standout features to make a memorable night out.
These are the spots we wish were able to make USA TODAY’s list.
Happy Valley | Beacon
This bar, a vibrant, inclusive spot with vintage arcade games and a photo booth is always a solid choice. From Donkey Kong to Mortal Kombat II or Space Invaders to Pac-Man, you’re sure to relive some childhood fun with friends. Sip on one of their signature cocktails, like the “Sex on the Koopa Troopa Beach,” or enjoy the local draft beers. Enjoy the laid-back vibe, or try one of the events they put on — there’s always something on the schedule, like weekly trivia — or if it’s nice enough, savor your beverages on their outdoor patio.
Go: 296 Main St., Beacon; 845-440-3049; happyvalleybeacon.com.
Last Whisky Bar | Warwick
If whiskey is your preferred libation, this speakeasy might be right up your alley. Under the bar’s copper ceiling, house rules are no rushing, shouting and certainly no fluorescent lighting, according to the website. Go for the endless list of whiskeys, to have a slow conversation, or check their calendar for either live music or sometimes vinyl, depending on the night. If you plan on going back, a lot, there’s even a bottle keep membership patrons can apply for. But for the more casual visitor, the drinks might be taken seriously, but the atmosphere is meant to be comfortable — you won’t be hurried out of this bar.
Go: 45 Woodlands Way, Warwick; 845-986-5920; lastwhiskybar.com.
Rough Draft | Kingston
As one of the most unique mid-Hudson Valley bar experiences — a bar and bookstore, with a café too — we had to include Rough Draft on the list. Take in the beautiful wood beams and old charms of the over 250-year-old building, sip on beer, cider or wine, get into a new book, grab a coffee or try out one of their evening events.
The independent bookstore, however, will soon be moving around the corner to the Senate Garage in 2027, according to an Instagram post. So, visit soon to see the original, historic location, within “The Four Corners” of Kingston, at the intersection of Crown and John streets. Rough Draft is one of the stone houses built during the pre-Revolutionary era.
Go: 82 John St., Kingston; 845-802-0027; roughdraftny.com.
Schatzi’s Pub and Bier Garden | Poughkeepsie
Bring your pals, get a table, a beer and chat. This spot is great for bringing the people you love together and catching up through a chill night out, especially at the biergarten on a summer night. There are plenty of beers on draft, including German beers, and some specialty cocktails too, so there’ll be a drink to suit your preference. Plus, if you’re looking for a bar with pub delights, this spot takes comfort food seriously, with pierogies, pretzel poutine and even cheeseburger eggrolls. It might not seem like much from the front, but it’s a Poughkeepsie staple for a more mellow night out.
Go: 202 Main St., Poughkeepsie; 845-454-1179; iloveschatzis.com.
Station Bar & Curio | Woodstock
Recently celebrating their 10th anniversary, this bar provides a night out you might not expect but are happy it happened. Walls full of local art, artifacts and curiosities are nestled within the 1869 Brown’s Station depot, according to the bar’s website. The building has lived many lives, in various locations, originally serving the Ulster & Delaware Railroad in the Catskills until 1912. Over 100 years later, the building and its quirks serve as a space for community and conversations. Sit on the patio and listen to the band playing that night, find a nook inside to settle in with friends, and drink local beers, whiskey or one of their craft cocktails.
Go: 101 Tinker St., Woodstock; 845-810-0203; stationbarandcurio.com.
The Lemon Squeeze | New Paltz
Elevated drinks, atmosphere and live music are the themes of this bar. It’s nice enough that you could dress up and have a nice night out, but casual in the way you’ll probably find a regular in jeans. At its heart, the spot is a live music venue. Depending on the night you might find rock, country, jazz, reggae or even EDM. There are light, curated bites to snack on, but the stars are the cocktails and music. If the bar’s name is making you want to dive into the vibe, try the “Final Squeeze,” a lemony, vodka-based drink. If you want to support local and have something fun, their “Blue Melon” features Dassai Blue Sake, courtesy of a sake brewery in Hyde Park, with Cointreau, Mela Watermelon Water and lime.
Go: 107 Main St., New Paltz; 845-633-8618; thelemonsqueezenewpaltz.com.
The Vinyl Room | Beacon
Featured on Netflix in the show “The Four Seasons,” starring actors Tina Fey, Will Forte and Colman Domingo, this bar’s moody setting can get quite lively when the weekends roll around. Their craft cocktails, like their “Emotionally Unavailable,” might catch your eye when looking for a mid-Hudson Valley bar, but the food is nothing to sneeze at either, and many menu items, like the Korean nachos, are easy to share. The bar’s name and connection to “The Four Seasons” comes through with their in-store record shop, with a diverse collection of roughly 2,500 records. To boot, there are even nine vintage arcade games to play, making this spot quite the catch.
Go: 396 Main St., Beacon; 845-297-3344; tvrny.com.
Tubby’s | Kingston
There had to be a dive bar on this list, and Tubby’s, which is also a live music venue, is a good fit. This bar gives the stage to underground musicians, making for a unique listening experience, and it’s serving up beer, mezcal, cocktails and natural wine. For food, El Brekkie food truck has occasional nighttime hours over the weekends in the bar’s back parking lot, but keep up with their Instagram page at @elbrekkie for updates. When you go for a show, a typical ticketed night at Tubby’s includes happy hour from 4-6 p.m., a ticket required to enter by 6:45 p.m., music starting around 8 p.m., and by 10 p.m., no cover is needed to enter and party until late.
Go: 586 Broadway, Kingston; tubbyskingston.com.
Bonus: If you’ve already tried Rough Draft and Tubby’s, Kingston has plenty of other great spots to choose from like Sorry Charlie, Unicorn Bar, Salt Box, Stockade Tavern, Chelo Wine Bar, Brunette Wine Bar, Lone Wolf and Elizia.
Zeus Brewing Company | Poughkeepsie
A fan favorite in Poughkeepsie, this brewery with specialty cocktails boasts quite the location featuring a rooftop bar. Above the city, look out on the Hudson River, Mid-Hudson Bridge and Walkway Over the Hudson — it makes this a particularly unique spot during the warmer months. Their “Urban Oasis: Raspberry & Lemon Verbena,” a sour ale, is the perfect summery drink to pair with the scenery if you’re into a tart beverage. The downstairs main bar and restaurant, having a bit of an industrial, but overall clean look, also draws people year-round.
Go: 178 Main St., Poughkeepsie; 845-320-4560; zeusbrewingco.com.
Zulu Time Rooftop Bar and Lounge | West Point
An upscale, elegant rooftop bar experience with sprawling views of the Hudson River is what you’ll find at this spot located within The Thayer Hotel at West Point. The sophisticated ambiance, with stylish outdoor seating and decor, implores having a cocktail in hand. Find a DJ every Friday night and a selection of small and large plates to nosh on. It’s a bit of a rooftop getaway, and if you have a special occasion coming up, they even have reservations for bottle service.
Go: 674 Thayer Road, West Point; 845-446-4731; thethayerhotel.com/zulu-time-rooftop-bar-and-lounge/.
Nickie Hayes is the Breaking & Trending News Reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal and focuses on how to make the most of what the mid-Hudson Valley has to offer. See her most recent articles here. Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and @nickieehayess on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: USA TODAY named NY bar one of nation’s best. We wish these made the cut
Reporting by Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal | USA TODAY Network
