Welcome to Lake Lucille, New City’s charming lakeside oasis that’s as much a feast for your taste buds as it is a retreat for your soul. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, this friendly pocket has a food scene that’ll surprise and delight—from cozy morning coffee stops to candlelit dinners and hole-in-the-wall bakeries. Ready to eat your way through Lake Lucille? Let’s dig in!
The Heartbeat of Main Street: Restaurants for Every Occasion
Nestled along the lively stretch of Lake Lucille Avenue and branching out to Highland Street, you’ll find the neighborhood’s culinary core.
- Dockside Grille (201 Lake Lucille Ave): If you love a water view with your meal, Dockside Grille is a must. Picture yourself dining on the patio in summer, watching kayakers drift by. The menu leans heavily toward New American—think locally-sourced trout, seared duck breast, and clever veggie plates. Prices are mid-to-upper range ($18-35 mains), but the sunset and herb-roasted chicken are both priceless.
- Basilico Italian Kitchen (on the corner of Highland and Myrtle): This local legend has been serving saucy comfort for two decades. Expect pillowy gnocchi, lovingly-made lasagna, and a tiramisu so light it feels like it floats. The vibe is homey, great for families or casual date nights. Dinner pasta plates start around $15.
- Taqueria Azulito (219 Highland St): Craving casual street food? Azulito is famous for their carnitas tacos, elote (grilled street corn), and addictive churros. Sit at their picnic tables and you’ll meet everyone from local students to bicyclists stopping off the Lakeside Loop. Budget-friendly: $4-7 per taco, $10-12 platters.
- Lake Lucille Smokehouse (153 Park Blvd): A hidden gem for barbecue aficionados. The pitmaster here is a Memphis transplant who dreams up slow-smoked brisket, juicy pulled pork, and zesty housemade pickles. Don’t miss the Wednesday night burnt ends special. Sandwiches $9-14, smoky platters up to $25 for shareables.
Cafés & Coffee Spots: Where Flavor and Community Brew
There’s nothing like the local coffee culture to really get a feel for Lake Lucille’s laid-back personality.
- Morningside Café (104 Lake Lucille Ave): The artistic hangout. Think pour-over coffee, turmeric lattes, and flaky almond croissants by the window. Cozy, bright, and ideal for working or people-watching. Pastries $3-5, specialty drinks $3-6.
- Bean & Paddle Espresso Bar (in the Fisherman’s Wharf Market, 390 Lakeside Dr): Part espresso bar, part outdoor outfitter, this quirky spot also doubles as a meeting point for paddleboard excursions. Try their signature maple latte or a locally-roasted cold brew.
Sweet Treats, Bakeries & Late-Night Bites
You haven’t truly explored Lake Lucille until you’ve sampled the pastries, midnight snacks, and sugar rushes around every corner.
- Lucille Bakehouse (116 Highland St): Beloved for their morning cinnamon rolls (get there before 10 a.m.—they WILL sell out!) and fluffy sourdough loaves, but the cheesecake changes are legendary. Everything is made from scratch; try the strawberry-rhubarb pie if it’s in season.
- Tiny Treats Ice Cream Truck (usually parks at Lakefront Playground, weekends): Old-fashioned soft serve meets zany weekly creations—think “Cereal Milk Dream” and “Campfire S’mores” cones. Family-friendly prices: cones under $5.
- Moonlit Crêpes (312 Park Blvd): Evening arrivals to Lake Lucille rave about this little crêpe window, open till midnight most weekends. Both sweet (nutella-banana, berries & cream) and savory (goat cheese-spinach, smoked salmon-dill) options available. Perfect after a lakeside stroll.
World Flavors & Unexpected Finds
Lake Lucille’s diversity shines through in its wide-ranging cuisine.
- Saffron & Stone (174 Myrtle St): This boho-chic Middle Eastern spot serves up fragrant chicken shawarma, saffron rice bowls, and the creamiest baba ghanoush east of the Hudson. The vegetarian mezze platter is both generous and fresh, making it a go-to for herbivores.
- Little Saigon Noodle House (next to the old train depot, 85 Depot Rd): For those who crave a steaming bowl of pho, look no further. The beef pho gets top marks, but vegetarians also love the tofu bun (vermicelli bowls). Slurping encouraged.
- Sunrise Diner (404 Lake Lucille Ave): More than just a morning spot—this retro diner serves everything from classic American breakfasts to late-night burgers and Greek specialties. The “Lucille Melt” with caramelized onions and cheddar is a rite of passage for newcomers.
Local Institutions & Food Traditions
Here in Lake Lucille, food is all about coming together.
- The annual Lakeside Chow-Down Festival (every July on the public green) draws food trucks and pop-up chefs from all corners of New City for a sun-soaked, music-filled tasting spectacular.
- Farmers Market Fridays (next to the wharf) are a local institution, with artisan bread makers, honey farmers, and jam vendors. Grab a coffee and chat with the friendly faces behind the booths.
Insider Tips for a Foodie Day Out
- Start with breakfast at Morningside Café, then stroll along the scenic Lake Lucille Pathway to work up an appetite.
- For lunch, split your time between bites at Taqueria Azulito and a smoky tasting plate at the Smokehouse.
- Don’t miss an afternoon slice at Lucille Bakehouse, followed by lakeside coffee at Bean & Paddle.
- Cap off your evening with dinner at Dockside Grille, and if you’re still peckish, a Moonlit Crêpes dessert on your way home.
The Final Scoop
Lake Lucille isn’t just a place to dine—it’s a place to savor, connect, and adventure through flavor. The neighborhood’s small-town warmth, inventive menus, and community feel combine for a food scene that surprises at every turn. Next time you find yourself by the lake, let curiosity (and hunger!) lead the way. Here’s to discovering your new favorite bite in Lake Lucille!