Three New Businesses Are Changing the Way Kingston Eats and Shops

Kingston's downtown is having one of its best summers in years. Three brand-new businesses have opened their doors in 2026, each filling a different niche — and together, they make the case that Kingston's food and retail scene is only getting stronger.

Kingston Nord — Scandinavian Farm-to-Table With a Rooftop Bar

The grand opening party happened on Wednesday, June 24, and people have been lining up ever since. Kingston Nord occupies the former Front Street Tavern space at 63 North Front Street in the Stockade District, and it's unlike anything else in town. The menu is built around Scandinavian farm-to-table cooking — think cured fish, open-faced sandwiches, seasonal vegetables, and hearty Nordic stews — paired with craft cocktails, mocktails, and a curated draft list.

The real showstopper is the rooftop bar, open during warm-weather months with views over Uptown Kingston. Kingston Nord is open Wednesday through Sunday, lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Golden Hour Grocery — Kingston's New Neighborhood Market

After a year of community fundraising and planning by founder Masha Badinter, Golden Hour Grocery opened in July 2026 at 232 Wall Street in Uptown Kingston. This isn't a chain — it's a community-driven neighborhood grocery built around local farmers and food purveyers. Expect fresh produce, artisan breads, locally sourced meats and dairy, pantry staples, and prepared foods, all from Hudson Valley suppliers. Follow them on Instagram@goldenhourgrocerystore for daily updates.

The store fills a real gap for Uptown residents who want a proper grocery option within walking distance. Golden Hour Grocery represents exactly the kind of grassroots retail that makes Kingston feel like a small town with big-city taste.

Pho Panda — Chinese and Vietnamese Fast-Casual at Kingston Plaza

Replacing the former Super Bowl Cuisine, Pho Panda opened this summer at 300 Plaza Road in Kingston Plaza, bringing Chinese-American favorites and Vietnamese classics to the table. The menu features steaming bowls of pho, crispy banh mi sandwiches, stir-fries, and rice plates — the kind of comfort food that's hard to find in this part of town.

Pho Panda is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, making it a convenient option for families and working folks alike.

Kingston keeps growing, and these three new businesses prove the city's momentum isn't slowing down anytime soon.