Hello I am trying to find a good brunch place for this Sunday in COld Spring or beacon prior to going to Dia Beacon the new modern art center , any suggestions ? i need that little bit extra atmosphere/river view at acceptable cost for my wife's b'day- thanks and regards Pierre

I like THE DEPOT restaurant in Cold Spring. It is adjacent to the river and right on the tracks of the Metro North and Amtrak lines. It is set up in the old train station. The food is good and it is very reasonable.
My other choice is Henry's. It is not by the water. The food is good and your wife's entree and dessert are free because it is her birthday. Just let them know! Both are located on Main Street. Henry's is right on Main and 9D. The depot is located in the Heart of Cold Spring. Stroll a bit before you leave, it is lovely town.
The waterfront has a beautiful area to sit and enjoy.

Unless things have changed, Beacon did not hold a lot of restaurant possiblities. Hopefully with the new museum, someone will open a lovely restaurant nearby. Enjoy your visit.

Pierre, though I've eaten at both of the places AC recommended, I can tell you (just my opinion, mind you) that they are not the places I would think of as "little bit extra atmosphere" places. Both are very casual (with low prices, mostly under $10 per person)and The Depot is right at the train tracks (which is a walk of about 2-3 blocks from the river).It's a a fun place but can be quite noisy because of the train tracks and there are sometimes musicians playing outside.
In Cold Spring, look at Cathryn's Tuscan Grill (in town, not on the river, but a "nicer" place) or Riverview (more casual Italian--right on the river-great view).
If you want to try some place out of town, in nearby Garrison there are Plumbush (Swiss? Continental?) and Bird and Bottle Inn (a resturant and Inn tucked into the woods--more formal)

The fancier places listed here probably cost around $20-25 per person for 3 course brunches--don't know if they are out of your rnage. I think all/most have websites with menus

Enjoy your trip--I'm hoping to get to Dia soon myself!

Pierre,

I think someone just told me that Henry's has changed hands. Don't know this personally - so can't swear to it. But the new place might be even better. Otherwise I tend to agree with Janie's assessment of it. I do think though that if you are trying to stick to a budget "acceptable cost for my wife's b'day," The Bird and Bottle is a little pricy. If price isn't an issue I would recommend it, the food is very good, it's not on the river, but has a charming atmosphere of its own. Hope this helps. Give us some feedback about the DIA.

-Loika

How much is an "acceptable cost"? Hey, it's your wife's birthday. Splurge and take her to Bird & Bottle in Garrison for brunch.
I agree that The Depot and Henry's, while decent, are nothing special.

Thanks all , and thanks for making sure my wife gets more than a hamburger for her b'day ;-) - places I had identified was Hudson House River Inn, which nobody mentioned ? also I got this from a Beacon resident (and part time actress - I found her through a complicated search of brunch place)
"As for river views in Beacon..there is only one restaurant: Seasons on the river..it is right next to the Dia. In town there is an excellent Italian restaurant and a great BBQ...both have nice ambience..though I am not sure of a "brunch" menu. There is also a tearoom in town that has tea and breakfast...All are on Main st...You should check out the antiques and art before or after Dia...enjoy.." so I am now spoilt for choice, once again FODORS.COM rules - the best place for good advice, touristic or behavioral - cheers Pierre

so...
Pierre, what did you choose, and how was Dia? Are the crowds unbearable?