Westchester Magazine hosted its 2023 Best of Westchester event to recognize Westchester’s finest restaurants, shops, services, and professionals – including News 12’s Lisa LaRocca, who received recognition for their achievements.
At this Scarsdale tavern, wine and spirits are elevated to an artful level. Be sure to try their delectable vanilla-vanilla-glazed doughnuts.
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Best Place for a Date Night (Not a Restaurant)
Whether it’s something fun for the children or a romantic date night for yourself, Westchester offers plenty of exciting activities. From new restaurants and bars to old favorites, Westchester provides endless ways to spend a fun-filled evening.
Westchester recently saw the debut of several exciting eateries with new flavors and distinctive atmospheres, like Rosie’s Bistro in Bronxville serving classic Italian fare, while Zuppa in Yonkers offers Northern Italian food with an upscale, trendy ambiance.
Macelleria Italian Steakhouse in Pelham is renowned for its excellent steaks. It is the recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand award. At the same time, there’s Superiority Burger in White Plains or Bartaco in Port Chester for a more casual fare – two more top Zagat-rated eateries that will satisfy steak fans.
Livanos family of restaurants (Oceana in NYC and City Limits in White Plains). This upscale spot features fresh seafood and innovative menu items like black truffle pizza.
La Cremaillere Restaurant in Bedford offers classic French fare, perfect for an intimate yet romantic dining experience. Their picturesque farmhouse setting adds the perfect ambiance for an enjoyable meal.
Relax with a cigar while taking in one of Westchester County’s upscale cigar lounges – Mom’s Cigar Warehouse in Scarsdale offers lounge access at just $10 per person, while Doc James Cigar Lounge in Mamaroneck is members-only.
Best Place for a Night Out
Westchester offers many nightlife experiences, from cocktails and dinner to live music and dance performances. There’s something here for every romantic date or post-work drink, making Westchester an excellent destination. This year’s Best of Westchester winners offer something fun for everyone that will create lasting memories for years.
Countywide cuisine has earned much praise from Michelin and Zagat this year, as several winners were recently recognized. You’re sure to find steak, seafood, or Italian fare here; for something different, there are even fine-dining establishments offering exotic cuisine from around the globe!
Are you looking to spice up your nightlife routine? Consider some of our 2023 winners as entertainment. Start the party off on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains for a bar crawl with Coriander Modern Indian and Lilly’s serving cocktails and small plates, or try something different by attending evening programming at either Neuberger Museum of Art or Hudson Valley MOCA when it reopens this fall.
If you’re ready to unwind and dance the night away, head to Don Coqui in White Plains, where its packed dance floor attracts attractive locals. Or catch a DJ spinning at Mount Kisco hot spot Little Drunken Chef; don’t forget their delicious bakery for dessert: their bourbon-vanilla bean-glazed doughnuts and Beer Cake are unforgettable.
History enthusiasts will find no shortage of captivating historic sites to delight them with 19th-century luxury and scenic beauty. One such landmark gem is Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, an architectural treasure offering insight into 18th-century affluence. Additionally, learn about American statesman John Jay at his Rye home or Croton Dam’s impressive engineering design.
Best Place for a Family Outing
Westchester, one of New York’s original twelve counties, boasts an extensive history that children will find fun discovering. From nature centers to rustic farms, visiting Westchester zoos or museums can provide some fresh air while simultaneously learning something new!
Winter activities for families in Westchester range from ice skating at a nearby pond, skiing on snowy mountains with skis and tubes, county pool swimming, or beach relaxation to apple picking, hay rides, and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze; when spring comes around, there’s so much more fun waiting outside our beloved region!
Your children who love the arts will adore Westchester’s museums with their captivating exhibits and hands-on displays, like Hastings Historical Society’s self-guided walking tour, where you can visit 34 historical sites of interest in this charming town.
One of the best ways to enjoy Westchester is to hop on your bike and ride along its many pathways. The Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway is an excellent route for families with young children, offering stunning river views over 3.6 miles round-trip. In Tarrytown, there is also an idyllic bike path; additionally, North County and Putnam Trailway in Northern Westchester offer great routes, as do various paths in Southern Westchester.
Best Place for Health & Beauty
No matter the time or season, these Best of Westchester winners offer everything from manicures and pedicures to eyelash tanners and facial treatments. Krista Ross, an esthetician specializing in eyebrow shaping in Armonk, uses brow mapping and facial analysis techniques to custom design each client’s custom shape based on mapping their eyebrows based on mapping their brows; entire body waxing services, as well as brow lift design services, are also provided – mention Westchester County Mom for 20% off when visiting her salon for her services!
Hair Hause is an inviting boutique salon in White Plains that strives to exceed client expectations in professional hair care with a warm atmosphere and fresh touches. Their team of skilled stylists delivers clients the desired look and educates them on maintenance techniques for long-lasting looks and feels. Mention Westchester County Mom to receive a complimentary conditioning treatment worth $25 with your service!
Pace offers the ideal campus experience, from wide open spaces and close-knit communities to NYC being just a train or shuttle bus ride away. Students have access to state-of-the-art academic, residential, and athletic facilities; access the latest in technology; internship opportunities with faculty-led research; on-campus gardens with hiking trails and the Nature Center as well as Student Life Center featuring NCAA Northeast-10 sports teams as well as club/organization activities and Greek life – no surprise Niche users rated Pace student-centered campus among their top choices for living! No wonder Niche users rate Pace’s student-centric campus as one of their top picks for living in New York!
Best Place for Shopping
White Plains’ multi-time Best of Westchester winner offers shoppers an exceptional mix of local and national retailers in one unique space, including animated singing farm animals and costumes that greet shoppers when they enter. In addition, this multilevel space features full-service restaurants, cafes/bakeries, fitness facilities, and children’s play areas for extra entertainment!
Westchester County Mall features over 60 stores that cater to shoppers with diverse needs and tastes, offering everything from women’s apparel from Express Factory and LOFT, men’s attire from H&M Signature Suits, sportswear by Foot Locker, and sports apparel retailers for kids such as The Children’s Place or Motherhood Maternity maternity wear.
If you’re searching for unique gifts, look no further than the Best of Westchester winners – from handmade cotton aprons and ceramic bowls to scarves, hats, and jewelry – you will find everything from these stores here!
At this family-owned chain that has won Best of Westchester multiple times, you’ll be sure to find all your essentials at its Mamaroneck location. Brand-name housewares, collectibles, and furniture from top names are found within its 5,000-square-foot warehouse – plus clothing from The Children’s Place and shoes by Adidas can also be found in one store!
This multi-time Best of Westchester award winner is an oasis for beauty enthusiasts. Please use their on-site beauty bar or browse products by Grande Cosmetics, Amazing Cosmetics, or owner Julie Cuomo’s paraben-free skincare line; this luxurious beauty boutique provides waxing services and facial treatments!
