A Guide to Poughkeepsie’s Main Street

Stores and restaurants open during Covid-19 near Marist College.

Sometimes Marist’s campus can feel small, but Poughkeepsie’s Main Street is just a five minute drive away. From skate shops to restaurants, a person can’t go wrong with the street’s local and COVID-safe spots — and everything is still open during the pandemic. Not to mention, there’s free parking on Saturdays and Sundays. Just don’t forget your masks!

El Guacamole 

A fun night out or quick lunch, El Guacamole offers a delicious Mexican experience. With vibrant walls and loud music, it feels like a step back into pre-COVID times. Open Tuesday through Sunday, a person really can’t go wrong with any of their tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Come hungry because the food is super filling. An outdoor patio is also available for the warmer days that are now quickly approaching.

Photo by Amanda Dibre

206 Main St., (845) 849-0605, www.elguacamolepk.com 

AWOL Skate Shop

If skateboarding is your passion or you’re eager to try something new, AWOL Skate Shop is definitely a spot to visit. A very kind salesman mentioned that it’s quite the hotspot for Marist students, as he gets many frequent customers from the college. Although they’re under a bit of construction, AWOL is still open. This little skate shop has everything from boards, pads, and helmets to graphic T-shirts and sneakers.

218 Main St., (845) 471-1019, www.awolskateshop.com

Trolley Barn Photography Exhibit

Poughkeepsie’s Trolley Barn is hosting The Art Effect’s Reel Exposure Photo Exhibit until May 13. This exhibit is free to the public and features teen photographers from across the U.S. The brick walls are filled with the raw emotion these young adults have experienced during the pandemic. While some images are serious and somber, plenty are fun — and at the very least, aesthetically pleasing. 

489 Main St., (845) 430-7842)

Poughkeepsie’s Trolley Barn hosts “The Art Effect’s Reel Exposure” photo exhibit, featuring teen photographers from across the US. Photo by Amanda Dibre

Mill House Brewing Company

Mill House Brewing Company (technically located on Mill Street), is the type of restaurant that you go to once and then constantly crave it afterwards. Open Wednesday through Monday, Mill House offers Sunday brunch, happy hour, an extensive draft list, and all-day meals. With salads, pizza, burgers and sandwiches, an assortment of pastas, meats, and fish, you’re bound to find something delectable. 

289 Mill St., (845) 485-2739, www.millhousebrewing.com

FITSOCIAL

FITSOCIAL is another spot that Marist students tend to frequent. This gym offers a plethora of workout classes to fulfill whatever it is you’re looking for. These include spin, HIIT, boxing, yoga, and even an open gym. Cleanliness and COVID-safe precautions are top priorities at FITSOCIAL. They utilize UV lights to thoroughly sanitize everything and operate at a limited capacity. The gym also offers a range of healthy foods and smoothies, all of which are gluten-free. Another added bonus is the very clean, very big, and very private showers. (If you’re still unsure about FITSOCIAL, there is a 5 for $5 promotion happening right now that allows you to try five classes for just $5). 

Coffee from the in-house cafe at the newly opened FITSOCIAL gym. Photo by Amanda Dibre

188 Main St., (845)-790-5400, www.fitsocialstudio.com

Zeus Brewing Company

Whether for Sunday brunch or a nice dinner, Zeus Brewing Company is open Tuesday to Sunday. With many options, including an assortment of gluten-free choices and available substitutes, you can’t go wrong with Zeus. The interior is sophisticated and clean. Following COVID-19 regulations, the restaurant is spacious with tables situated well apart from each other. The rooftop is expected to open at the end of April and will be a perfect spot for a sunset dinner with a view of the river.  

178 Main St., (845) 320-4560, www.zeusbrewingco.com

Akari

Open seven days a week and located right next to Mahoney’s (yes, Main St. does extend that far), Akari is a local sushi and Japanese restaurant. It has fairly priced and high quality sushi and hibachi. With a lengthy menu, Akari has dishes that satisfy any Japanese food-craving. The Akari King Roll and Fire Mountain Roll are definitely must-tries. Although the restaurant is not currently permitting indoor dining, pickup and delivery are still available. 

35 Main St., (845) 471-1773, www.akarisushijapanese.com