Sigh. Frustratingly disappointing restaurant, where it ultimately feels like you’re just paying for the view. Service is okay, food is truly not enjoyable, establishment feels like a veneer of fine dining, and the price is $$$. My husband and I received a generous gift card to Shadows and went for a date night last week. It was practically empty (with no guests waiting) and we had a reservation, yet it took almost 5 minutes to seat us. Regarding atmosphere, Shadows is huge and flashy in a gargantuan casino-style way. Cool color schemes, modern styling, curtains to the ceiling etc, giant wine menu, impressive not intimate. Some really dig this, but it felt cold. My review is heavily weighted on food. The menu looks like standard upscale casual ultrafusion steakhouse fare. $16 Caesar salad, $38 seafood house made pasta, $63 surf and turf, $175 Russia caviar, they have it all and it’s expensive. We started with warm rolls and two butters: a salted butter and a flavored-yet-flavorless chili butter, these were fine. Appetizer choice was calamari. It was tough, not fresh tasting, and in spite of being very pale it had a distinctive char flavor, old frying oil I suspected. We couldn’t finish it because we were grossed out (and believe me we are clean-plate club members all the time so this was hard to do). Drinks: beer (fine) and a dirty gin martini. The server didn’t know what Nolet’s gin was (which I picked from their menu) so that delayed my martini a good 10 minutes. When it came out it was served in a small martini glass, with a layer of ice shards on top. It tasted watery the moment those shards melted. Entrees were brought out by the manager (I think), which was the only moment it felt like fine dining. The choices: truffle mushroom fettuccine and basil & spinach pappardelle. The truffle mushroom fettuccine was a good sized portion and the pasta had a decently silky texture, however it lacked any trace of truffle, and generally fell flat with the flavor profile. Sauce was so light on mushroom and overwhelmingly rich from butter and cream that if there were other flavors, they were masked. Overall, it was bland and heeeavy. If you’re lactose-intolerant, don’t even consider. While my pasta was aggressively mediocre, my husband’s papardelle on the other hand was laughably gross. The pasta was so thick and chewy that it practically bounced off of his fork. After about 10 bites he said “I think rubber bands may be more supple than this pasta.” The sausage was tough, the raw cherry tomatoes were confusing and out of place, and the little bit of sauce pooled at bottom would not stick to the poor rubbery papardelle. If we hadn’t had a gift card for our $26 and $28 pastas I’d have been upset. After my bowl of butter and cream I thought an espresso martini may be the perfect dessert as a digestive. Conveniently they can make it decaf and I appreciated that, but the drink itself tasted like a watery cold brew! Most definitely the worst espresso martini of my life, and just as expensive as ones I’ve had in NYC, and other places where you expect high prices. 2 for 2 with the watery drinks. Throughout the dining experience we waited a lot, even though the place was nearly empty. It felt sad, and eventually irritating. Because it’s so big the servers are probably walking a quarter mile just go to a table and tend to their needs. This seems to result in veeeery slow bussing, infrequent checks on dinner progress, etc. Overall our meal was about $150. We didn’t spend all of our gift card because server didn’t know how to put gratuity on the card. So we’ll have to go back to use it up. Whenever that happens I think we’ll stick to beers… A final note: this place could be so much better if it felt like there was any love in it and that it wasn’t just following the ‘generic upscale American steakhouse’ formula. Servers look exasperated, the menu lacks soul, and for the quality of food and drink the prices are outrageous. Want to say I hope this is a one time flub for Shadows, but I strongly suspect it’s the norm.

What an amazing brunch! It was a buffet but make no mistake… this ain’t no Golden Corral! This is an elegant, yet chill venue. Some were dressed in their Sundays best and others in jeans and sneakers. Totally up to you what you want to wear. This place is gorgeous! The views of the Hudson and the mountains were breathtaking. The Poughkeepsie train station is down the street so you see the trains as they are pulling in, which was so neat to see. It was like something out of a movie. The food was top tier! Shrimp cocktail with huge shrimp, salads, butternut squash soup, chicken and waffles, omelettes cooked to order, eggs, bacon, sausage, a full bar and let’s not forget the desserts! Pastries, cookies, cakes, the list goes on! We couldn’t believe the check was so low for all we were able to enjoy! The staff was friendly and helpful and the bathrooms were spotless. Whenever we are back upstate we will be sure to visit Shadows for Sunday brunch!

My family and I went to this beautiful restaurant on the water for a late dinner. It was 7 of us and a 8 month old baby My family are big supporters of this restaurant! We wanted to sit outside by the water but the waiter said we can’t bc he did not have a table to accommodate us. And they could not put tables together. I was like wow ok. My expectations for this place was high now it’s dwindling! My mom order a shot or remy martin , the waiter was like it’s coming, he brought out everyone else drinks but not my moms. Then he came back like we just have to open a new bottle. Finally, like 15 mint later ,he came back and said we don’t have it ! I’m like what the world u just said they was opening up a new bottle! We ordered appetizers and they were not good at all. A few of us ordered grill shrimp , my sister sent hers back. It was missing sauce, and it was bland. It was like the food was thrown on the plate. they have all been there b4 so we know how the dishes look & taste. Unfortunately my niece n my mom taste my grill shrimp so I couldn’t sent it back! We ordered the garlic bread tower . we got a few pieces . Normally it’s in a shape of a tower. Then we ask for bread like 3 times . The waiter comes back and say it was no more. He gave us some free garlic bread, however it came when the dinner was almost over. I ordered the shrimp bucatini, it was so dry, noodles was hard and real spicy. I wanted to send it back for something else but everyone reminded me that kitchen was closed. My mom also ordered the Black Sea bass to go. he brought out a little piece of fish . That plate was for a kid. We sent that back. The guy waiter was not that helpful. I’m sorry my experience was not great . You know eating their cost a pretty penny! That food was not worth the money !!! i wanted dessert but i did not want to chance it. I will not be going back anytime soon . I guess to each it’s own!

Staff was absolutely wonderful. Top notch service. Food was great. View is tremendous. Here three times over three days, wedding rehearsal dinner, wedding after-party, good bye breakfast on third day. Highly recommend. It is not cheap, but you will love it.

One of the most pleasant dining experiences of my life. Our table split the charcuterie and the cheese board, both of which were phenomenal. We were all completely satisfied with our meals as well. I had the seared duck, which was crispy and delicious, and I highly recommend it. Gorgeous views as well. Would love to return in warmer weather and sit outside on the stunning deck.

Great atmosphere and service! Great views of the Hudson River outdoors. A little too chilly inside for me. Beautiful dining rooms and set up inside. Fried calamari appetizer was good. Nice indoor bar! The house-infused Pineapple Cosmo was very tasty, although I didn’t feel the alcohol until the second drink. Hubby‘s rack of lamb was excellent. Cooked medium. My prime rib left a little to be desired. Ordered it medium well. It came out as ordered, but was a little dry. Had to ask for au jus on the side as it came with horseradish sauce and I don’t eat that. The rosemary popover accompaniment was burnt so couldn’t eat it. Manager was very nice and accommodating. The crème brûlée dessert was good, but average. Overall great experience!! Would definitely return and recommend to others. Prices were average which is great considering the location. 4.5 indeed!!

Stopped here for cocktails on way to CIA. This spot is not only beautiful, staff friendly, gorgeous view of Hudson River; the ambiance is spectacular. The bar area is quiet although large, the views are spectacular. Can’t wait to eat here! There were two wedding going o , on a Friday eve! Parking was a bit tricky but valet parking is included!

You cannot beat the ambiance and the views! The food was delicious and our waiter outside on the deck was attentive. The pineapple cosmo was perfectly paired with my Lobster Roll. Would def eat here again. Make a reservation!

Shadows on the Hudson has a spectacular setting along the river. Large windows and french doors open out to viewing decks overlooking the river, the forest on the opposite bank and the north bound trains. They offer a tantalizing menu with some thing for every taste. I thoroughly enjoyed the prawn starter on garlic bread, delicious! The restaurant is quite large with a fireplace in the centre, creating a cozy vibe. The service was efficient and friendly. A family friendly restaurant. It was delightful to see the lovely rainbow on our way out. Enjoyed lunch for 9 people on 9 April 2022.

I recently revisited Shadows on the Hudson for dinner for 2 after about a 10 years away. Spectacular views overlooking the Mid Hudson Bridge and Hudson River always make a visit here seem like a celebration. Shadows outdoor bar was a regular after work happy hour spot when I worked in the area and I was curious to see how it has evolved over the past decade. The reception area was very friendly they seated us inside, as requested. Our waitress, Rachel was professional, attentive and experienced. We received excellent service all around. We ordered the garlic shrimp for an appetizer 👍 👍 My girlfriend ordered the halibut special and really enjoyed it. I ordered the 12 Oz. NY Strip medium rare and thought it was cooked perfect. Warm, tender and red on the inside with a savory onion glaze. Yum! After dinner we sat at the outdoor bar and had a few drinks watching the boats go by. It was a lovely dinner and experience. Dinner for 2 ran about 160 before tip. We were in agreement that Shadows pulled off authentic "fine dining" in Poughkeepsie, NY. It definitely has more of a fine dining (and less of a night club) feel then I remember from 10 years ago 👏 My gf said the bathrooms were "amazing." We are looking forward to coming back for drinks and appetizers later in the summer. Check them out.

Went to shadows on the Hudson for my friend’s birthday, we got some drinks which were excellent very tasty with a solid kick to it. The filet was brought out perfectly, great food placement and exceptional aroma of flavors. Very much enjoyed ourselves on the patio overlooking the water . Made my friends birthday extra special !!

Just had my 10th wedding anniversary at Shadows 6/29 and it was an elegant and beautiful affair. Everyone there ( from the front of the house to table) were amazing and made sure we enjoyed our time there. Thanks again for making it an even more memorable day!

Great place with amazing views. The food is really good. The place is quite upscale. They have covered outdoor seating which is a definite plus!

We enjoyed a delicious dinner on the balcony of Shadows overlooking the beautiful Hudson River. Our waiter Andrew was fantastic and very attentive. Food was excellent and the atmosphere was perfect. Had a little mix up with one of our meals, but one of the managers was super accommodating and very polite, they got it worked out right away. One of our favorite places to dine.

Yes...the view on the river is stunning. The service is also excellent- which is rare these days. The food however..not so much. We ordered the most expensive app on the menu ($25) a beef kabob..because it sounded good. It came as a completely burnt darkened mess and didnt taste very good. My first thought was literally 'OMG..a benihana tv dinner was left in the mic too long'. My steak sandwich would at least be a quality slab of steak..but no. It was clearly 'Steak-umm' out of the grocery store. This is well below the standards of much more affordable spots- so Shadows is absolutely not worth the money. Come for a drink and the view unless work is paying.

One of the most incredible settings for a restaurant. Stunning Hudson River Valley with the mid-Hudson Bridge right there. Just unreal. The food and the service were impeccable. However, the time it takes to see your meal and drinks appear is rather long. Come if you have time on your hands.

Loved the atmosphere and food! Had a great time and the service was phenomenal. Would recommend getting a reservation if you decide to go!

Holy cow I had the watermelon, orzo, shrimp salad, and I would just about give anything for this recipe. What a yummy surprise. Mr. wonderful had the Bolognese and it was deep and rich. The sommelier helped with a gorgeous wine. But wait, there’s more. The view is breathtaking. Be sure you eat outside.

Our waiter, Brian, couldn't have been any nicer and the food was fantastic. We had the calamari tacos.... they were the best we ever had. The manager came over to say hello and to make sure our experience was going well. Very nice gesture. We are looking forward to returning soon. We'll done, Shadows.

The waiters was very attentive but the food was horrible. Received the food extremely late and the food was cold the fries was hard the shrimp was over chard. Very disappointed. The customer service was very pleasant. The menu sucks. The atmosphere is beautiful. Nice look horrible food.

Top notch place in all respects. The chef's menu, the views, preparation and presentation, attentiveness and taste -- all superb. Highly recommend.

I love this place. The food is great, the service is amazing, and the atmosphere is perfect. Lots of space and great view of the water.

12/4/2022 Celebrated a 70th birthday with close family. At first, we weren't pleased with the indoor seating, but management immediately gave us another table with a great view! Food was spectacular! Very nicely presented. Waiter was very attentive to our group. Will definitely return! Thank you.

Best Brunch spot on Poughkeepsie hands down. Substantial buffet, great selection, and great drinks! Breathtaking view of the Hudson River as well! Only thing missing is bottomless mimosas. Definitely get over there!

We had a wonderful experience at Shadows on the Hudson as Janey and Sal's celebrated their intimate wedding reception! The staff went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect for the happy couple and their guests. The stunning view at Shadows on the Hudson makes for a breathtaking photo backdrop.

The brunch was exceptional and the best so far. It was so much food from short ribs, roasted chicken, fish and lots of side dishes, salad, pastas, as well as breakfast items and so many delicious desserts. The sparkling wine was great too. Beautiful view of the Hudson River with indoor and outdoor seating.

I picked up four meals for takeout today for a very important birthday celebration. The meals were expertly made and had lots of flavor and quality. I was very thankful that the hosts did a good job of calling me back about changing my order. Absolutely the best part of my experience there today was being able to see Casey. When you spend good money at a business especially a restaurant it is great to see someone who asks how you are doing and is truly genuine and kind. Just seeing her today and knowing that she is still an important member of the team makes me want to frequent that restaurant. Thank you Shadows for having such a great asset as Casey on your management team. It makes all the difference in the world😊

Wow! The View is stunning on a clear, breezy day.. What a neat place to have lunch! My sister and I had an appetizer crab cake. Real lump crab meat with little filler. Our side dish was garlic, cream potaoes. Real potatoes with hit of garlic. Yummy.

Too my fiance here for her bday and the pictures does not due justice on how nice it is inside. The garlic 🧄 tower so so good it can easily be addictive and if you haven't tried the salmon it's a must try.

WOW! Debated coming here but well worth it. Friendly staff great atmosphere fantastic food. I was by myself and ordered the clam appetizer it was fabulous and filled me up completely. Would recommend this place highly. Enrique was my server and was fantastic.

I’ve only been here 3x but all of my experiences dining here are the same. Our last visit in September 2021 was phenomenal! They have one of the best coffee in the USA. Their Fra Diavlo, calamari and steak are all really good with nice size portions. Polite and attentive servers. The ambience and view were amazing!