Nanuet is a weird little spot in Rockland County. Most people think of it as just a massive strip mall on steroids or a pit stop on the way to the Mario Cuomo Bridge. Honestly, if you just stay on Route 59, you'll probably leave thinking it’s nothing but traffic lights and Home Depots.
But you'd be wrong.
I’ve spent enough time wandering around this part of New York to know that Nanuet actually has some soul, provided you know which turn to take. It’s a mix of old-school Italian-American heritage and that specific "open-air" modern vibe that’s trying to replace the dying malls of the 90s. If you’re looking for things to do in Nanuet NY, don’t just settle for the first chain restaurant you see.
The Food Scene is Surprisingly Competitive
Let’s talk about the Nanuet Restaurant. It’s basically a local law that you have to mention this place. It’s been around since 1962, though it had a bit of a scare and closed for a minute before Paul Bailey (the guy behind Bailey's Smokehouse) took over. They kept the thin-crust pizza recipe. Thank God for that. It’s the kind of crust that’s so thin and crispy it almost shatters.
If you aren't feeling pizza, Banchetto Feast is the heavy hitter for family dinners. It’s loud, the portions are massive, and the chicken francese is consistently great. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see three different birthday parties happening at once.
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For something slightly less "traditional red sauce," head over to Tulsi. Their Indian food is legit. Get the cheese naan and the tamarind eggplant. Seriously. It’s a nice break from the standard burger-and-fries circuit that dominates most of the Route 59 corridor. And if you’re a ramen person, Umi Ramen on 59 is surprisingly solid for a suburban noodle shop.
Shopping Beyond the "Dead Mall" Trope
Everyone knows the Palisades Center is right next door in West Nyack, and yeah, it’s one of the biggest malls in the country. But the Shops at Nanuet is where you go when you don't want to feel like a lab rat in a basement.
It’s an open-air setup. In the winter, it’s cold as hell, but in the spring and fall, it’s actually a nice walk. You’ve got your Apple Store, Sephora, and a Regal Cinema that’s usually way less crowded than the one at the Palisades.
Pro Tip: If you're at the Shops at Nanuet, skip the food court vibes and go to Roast'd Coffee. They roast their own beans on-site, and the smell alone is worth the walk.
Getting Outside (Because You Have To)
You can't just spend the whole day in stores. Lake Nanuet Park is the local go-to. It’s got a massive pool—sorta shaped like a lake—with a slide. It’s technically for Clarkstown residents, but they do have guest policies. If you’re looking for a proper hike, you’re only about 15 minutes away from Nyack Beach State Park.
The trail there is flat and runs right along the Hudson River. You’ve got the cliffs of the Palisades on one side and the water on the other. It’s about five miles up to Haverstraw if you’re feeling ambitious. It's way better than walking circles around a parking lot.
If you have kids, Children’s Park on Grotke Road is a hidden gem. It’s got a playground, basketball courts, and a little nature area. It’s quiet. It feels like the Nanuet people actually live in, not the one people drive through.
The "Secret" Spots
Most people don't know that Rockland Bakery is basically a theme park for bread. It’s technically in Nanuet/West Nyack territory. You walk into the actual back of the bakery, grab a pair of tongs and a bag, and pull rolls directly off the conveyor belt. They’re still hot. It’s chaotic, it’s floury, and it’s the best $5 you’ll spend in the county.
For the kids—or the adults who never grew up—there’s Turtle Boo. It’s an indoor play place with bounce castles and a three-story soft play structure. It’s great for burning off energy when the New York weather is doing its usual rainy/sleety thing.
Winter Specifics (January 2026)
Since it's January, you’re basically looking at indoor stuff or leaning into the cold. The Palisades Center Ice Rink is doing a DJ Skate Party for National Skating Month right now. If you want something more "scenic," the Bear Mountain Ice Rink is about 20 minutes north. It’s outdoors, and you can see the bridge while you’re falling on your face.
Also, keep an eye on the Elmwood Playhouse in nearby Nyack. They’ve got a show called "Perfect Arrangement" running through early February. It’s local theater, but the quality is usually way higher than you’d expect for a small-town stage.
Why People Get Nanuet Wrong
People think Nanuet is just a place to buy a refrigerator or a pair of jeans. They see the strip malls and the traffic and they keep driving. But if you actually stop at the Nanuet Diner at 2:00 AM, or grab a coffee at Main Street Cafe, you realize it’s a town with a lot of history. It was a major train hub back in the day, and that "crossroads" energy is still there.
Is it a destination like New York City? No. But for a Saturday afternoon in Rockland County, it’s got more than enough to keep you busy.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Go to Rockland Bakery first. Seriously, do not pass go. Get the hot rolls off the belt.
- Check the movie times at Regal Nanuet. It’s much more chill than the Palisades AMC.
- Book a table at Banchetto Feast if you’re with a group. They fill up fast on weekends.
- Walk the Mario Cuomo Bridge path. The entrance is close by, and the views of the Hudson are unbeatable, even in the winter wind.