You’ve probably done the Newburgh waterfront crawl before. You park near the ferry, walk past the neon glow of Billy Joe’s Ribworks, maybe eye the upscale deck at Blu Pointe, and think you’ve seen everything the river has to offer. But honestly, you’re missing the best part if you don’t keep going. Tucked away at the end of a winding road inside the Newburgh Yacht Club is Pamela's on the Hudson. It’s not flashy. It doesn't have a giant sign beckoning you from the main drag.
That’s exactly why it’s better.
The "Cruise Ship" Vibe You Didn't Know You Needed
Most restaurants on the Newburgh waterfront are at sea level. You’re looking at the water, sure, but you’re also looking at the parking lot or the person walking their dog. Pamela’s is different. Because it sits on the top floor of the yacht club clubhouse, the elevation changes everything. Owner Pamela Resch once described it as being on a cruise ship, and she’s not wrong. When you’re out on that two-story deck, the perspective shifts. You aren't just looking at the Hudson River; you’re looking down on it, with a panoramic sweep that stretches from the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge all the way south toward West Point.
It’s a "locals" spot. You’ll see club members in polo shirts, but you’ll also see couples on awkward first dates and families celebrating a 50th anniversary. It’s got this weirdly charming 80s yacht rock energy that feels authentic rather than curated.
What’s Actually on the Plate?
Let's talk food. Pamela Resch isn't a newcomer who just bought a view. She’s been in the game since she was 14. She started Pamela’s Traveling Feast back in 1987, and that catering background is the DNA of the restaurant. The menu is basically a Greatest Hits of American fusion and continental classics.
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If you’re going for dinner, the Filet Mignon Oscar is the heavy hitter. It’s stuffed with crabmeat and finished with hollandaise. Is it old school? Absolutely. Is it delicious? Yeah. For something a bit more modern, people usually point toward the maple-Dijon glazed salmon or the bison short ribs.
- The Tapas Game: If you aren't looking for a massive three-course commitment, the small plates are surprisingly solid. The maple bacon Brussels sprouts are a crowd favorite, but the grilled sausage trio—featuring venison, smoked duck, and pheasant—is where the menu gets interesting.
- The Burger Situation: In an era where a burger and fries will set you back $28 at most "elevated" bistros, Pamela’s keeps things surprisingly grounded. They use a brisket and chuck blend that actually tastes like beef, not just salt.
- Sunday Brunch: This is arguably when the place is at its peak. You’ve got live music, often jazz or acoustic sets, and a menu that swings from chicken and waffles to a classic steak and eggs.
The Woman Behind the Name
Pamela Resch is a bit of a local legend in Orange County. She’s the kind of owner who actually walks the floor and checks in on tables. During the pandemic, when everyone else was scaling back, she doubled down on her businesses. She even opened the Soup Shack in a vacant bank drive-through in downtown Newburgh just because she wanted a presence in the city itself.
She’s also deep into the community, working with groups like Safe Homes of the Hudson Valley. When you eat here, you aren't just feeding a corporate machine; you’re supporting a woman-owned business that has been a staple of the Newburgh ecosystem for over 20 years.
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Finding the Place (It’s Kinda Tricky)
Don't let your GPS confuse you. To get to Pamela's on the Hudson, you have to navigate the back roads down toward the water at 1 Park Place. You’ll feel like you’re entering a private marina—because you are. Just keep driving until you see the clubhouse.
The Logistics for 2026
- Hours: They're generally closed Monday through Wednesday.
- Dinner: Thursday through Saturday, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM (sometimes later if the bar is hopping).
- Sunday Brunch: 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Live Music: Usually kicks off on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Why You Should Care
Look, there are plenty of places to get a drink on the Hudson. But most of them feel like they're trying too hard to be "the spot." Pamela’s feels like it already knows who it is. It’s comfortable. It’s the place where the bartender actually pours a heavy drink and the owner remembers your name if you show up twice.
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If you want the best sunset view in the city without the pretension of the "Main Street" scene, this is the move.
Your Next Steps:
Check the local weather for a clear evening and head down on a Thursday or Friday around 6:00 PM. This gives you time to snag a spot on the upper deck before the live music starts. If you’re planning a larger group, call ahead—it’s a popular spot for private parties and the dining room can fill up fast during the wedding season. Skip the generic waterfront tourist traps and drive the extra half-mile to the yacht club. You’ll see the difference the moment you look out over the railing.