THE ICE HOUSE                     Rating: EXCELLENT*****

1 Main Street
Poughkeepsie, New York 12808
Tel.  845 232-5783
Open Seven Days for Lunch and Dinner



The Ice House:  A True Culinary Powerhouse in the Hudson Valley


On a recent gorgeous afternoon in summer I decided to eat at the Ice House in the beautiful Hudson Valley--- The Valley, known for its scenic vistas, and fine dining establishments. And  many other things of wonderment that uplift the human spirit:

The historic Ice House Restaurant in Poughkeepsie, New York nestled  right on  the majestic Hudson River Waryas Park waterfront, is a very wonderful dining and exciting culinary spot in Dutchess County.  The restaurant is really pocket friendly. The Ice House Restaurant is the paragon spot of regional cookery-- offering and serving the taste of exquisite fine food and wine of the Hudson Valley.   It offers some really excellent eats that are moderately priced : Fresh seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches, innovative entrees, delicious desserts, great beer, and good wines. And lots of genuine hospitality.

Owner Michael Lund has meticulously assembled

a great  professional staff that makes the restaurant shine in the Hudson Valley gastronomic scene.  His expertise in the field of cuisine has brought aboard  the very talented Chef Kai Abrahamsen, formerly of The Cote Basque in New York City to take the helm as chief executive chef. He has also endeared us with a very savvy international beer and wine specialist and consultant, Michael van Houten for beer pairing events held at the locale. Mr, van Houten's beer suggestions are impressive. To enhance your dining pleasure, he will always steer you in the right way.  The Ice House also has a smart wine menu of domestic and International Reds and Whites that pair very nicely with the food offered at the restaurant.

 Mr. Lund has also chosen wisely in putting together a very highly qualified team of very friendly, polished, and competent servers and wait staff  that make the restaurant run smoothly.  Our servers, Lamar, Kaitlin, and Steven Howard, during our dining experience, are case in point. They were well versed in the menu selections and wine and beer pairing.   And quite informative and attentive. 

The Ice House is a must stop for lovers of fine wines and fresh seafood.  It has

an excellent selection of fish and seafood delights and other excellent entrees. To start try the Rosemary Calamari in a Chipotle aioli and roasted tomato sauce.  It is really quite tasty.  Or try Chef Abrahamsen's: Kai Seafood Bisque,-it is silky and creamy smooth while providing elegant texture with flavorful ingredients from the sea. This is  one very artful Bisque concoction I really love. And also a real crowd pleaser.  Or go for the Captain's Fish and Chips: Tender fresh Beer Battered Cod fillets fried to perfection. Served with a bountiful portion of French Fries and really tasty tartar sauce.  Irish Guinness  Beer paired nicely with the Cod.


Or if you are really hungry try the fish entrees , two scrumptious standouts are: The Pan Seared Atlantic Salmon, a beautifully presented, succulent hefty piece of deliciousness.  It was medium done keeping the flesh moist and tender. 

It was served with roasted potatoes, zuccini, summer squash, and baby arugula-- in a Dijon mustard vinaigrette thoroughly rounding out the full flavors of this colorful culinary composition.   Or go for one of my favorite: The Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna.  It is perfectly cooked --keeping the fish always tender and moist.  It is served with a tangy Teriyaki sauce. sesame lo-mein noodles and sautéed bok choy.   A splendidly tasty and exotic dish.   The complementary Albarino  and the Belgium beer: Fat Tire suggested by Mr van Houten paired superbly with the fish entrées -- providing  excellent companionship of food and drink--culinary counterpoint at its best.

If you are vegetarian, or enjoy salad with your entrée, Seasonal salads are top notch here.   Fresh, delicious, and very healthy. They are expertly created  by the garde mange in charge.   Try the Arugula Salad: Fresh arugula, beets, goat cheese, quinoa, and almonds.   A very healthy treat. Or go for the Ceasar Salad, a favorite with the locals here.

All the entrees are exquisitely plated, well portioned, and the flavor of the food I tried was deliciously reliable and on point. My dining experience was very memorable with the classic seafood selections. With every food dish  brought to the table , we are able to see, taste and appreciate the talent and masterful craft of Chef Abrahamsen at work here with his impeccable presentations.

The décor is pleasant and comfortable.  There are two spacious airy sun fill rooms. The main dining area with tall ceilings and the Bar room with a long handsome bar with  nautical motif throughout. Both rooms together provide seating for about one hundred patrons.  Banquet seating provides beautiful views of the Hudson river and its bridges.

The décor items that are hanging on the exposed red brick wall are representative of the tools used in the Ice trade during the early eighteen century. A large canoe hanging from the ceiling and vintage photos throughout enhance the nautical theme.    If you go for early dinner, try to secure a quiet corner window table in the main room, the most romantic spot in Poughkeepsie. The view overlooking the Hudson river, and the Walkway Bridge is spectacular.  The restaurant patio, on the waters edge overlooking the Hudson River is open from May --October. It offers more room to enjoy live music, and more room to stretch out and catch the scenic view--- A place to see and be seen while you sip and sup on some great food and libation.

To complement dinner, try the many fantastic desserts available:  The  Hand Rolled Tartufo, the Toffee Blondie, or go for the Carrot Cake, or the Cheese Cake.  And the Cream Maple Peach Fritter is truly wonderfully delicious and rich.   I ended my dinner  with the Tartufo and a good cup of French Roast coffee.  Dining here proved a very relaxed.   And a splendid experience.

The Poughkeepsie Ice House is a true culinary powerhouse. 

The many specials that Chef Abrahamsen can conjure up will dazzle your palate.  His innovative culinary flights will not disappoint.  Chef  Kai Abrahamsen is master at the culinary helm here with a sure chartered course of many delights that will make you swoon.  And owner Michael Lund has worked very hard to have the best restaurant in Poughkeepsie that offers  the best seafood and the most delicious seasonal creations around here. Rating:  Excellent *****

Baron Corso de Palenzuela  von Habsburg:   Is a Chef, and internationally known restaurant food, wine, beer, and chocolate critic , He writes about top restaurants  in the Hudson Valley, the United States, and Europe.  He has written for world food publications.   Bon Appetite, Gourmet, Country and Abroad, Edible, Gusto, and many Newspapers, as well as covering food festivals and Gourmet events in the Hudson Valley and the World.   He resides in the U.S. A .  He can be reached at : 845-706-1244