Food halls have become a major trend in bustling cities like NYC, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences under one roof. However, just north of the city, Westchester County was eagerly awaiting its own food hall revolution. Enter Exit 4 Food Hall in Mount Kisco, NY – the first of its kind in the area and undeniably a destination worth the 40-minute drive from lower Fairfield County, or wherever you’re coming from, to truly satisfy your food cravings and nourish your soul.
Opened in February and quickly establishing itself as a Main Street hotspot, Exit 4 Food Hall is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience. In a town already known for its excellent dining and trendy bars, Exit 4 stands out as a casual yet vibrant venue suitable for almost any occasion. With nine distinct food and drink vendors, it provides an incredible array of choices, perfect for those days when indecision strikes or when your group has diverse tastes. While it can get lively and energetic on weekend nights, this buzz only adds to its charm. There’s a palpable sense of community, making it easy to strike up conversations with fellow food enthusiasts while enjoying your chosen dishes and a drink. I recently had the pleasure of exploring the food and beverage offerings, and here’s what stood out.
Let’s talk drinks first. X4 On Tap is the ideal starting point, boasting a curated menu of local craft beers, primarily sourced from New York and Connecticut breweries. For craft beer aficionados, growler fills are also available. Beyond beer, X4 offers a comprehensive wine selection and even functions as a coffee bar, complete with cold brew for coffee lovers. To complement your beverage, a selection of tapas-style bar snacks is also on hand.
When it comes to food, the options at Exit 4 Food Hall are genuinely abundant and cater to diverse palates. Staying ahead of culinary trends, Inno Sushi features innovative sushi burritos among its offerings – just one of the nine distinct food vendors within the hall. For a fresh start to your food hall journey, Rawsome Seafood Bar, supplied by the renowned Mt. Kisco Seafood, is a must-visit. They excel in raw bar classics like oysters and clams, but the lobster roll is particularly noteworthy. It features generous portions of tender lobster meat, allowed to shine without being overwhelmed by excessive mayonnaise.
If sandwiches are on your mind, Paninis, Sandwiches, and Wraps is your obvious destination. My personal recommendation is the mortadella sandwich, a delightful combination of mortadella, arugula, Brie, and fig jam served on brick oven-baked focaccia. The balance of savory pork and sweet fig jam is so compelling it almost deserves a catchier name, like the “Piggy Figgy.” Another standout sandwich is the crispy fried chicken cutlet, enhanced with broccoli rabe, roasted red peppers, and fresh mozzarella. For BBQ lovers, Rotiss-A-Q offers Tex-Mex inspired fare, including BBQ sandwiches, rotisserie chickens, racks of ribs, and various smoked meats.
Pizza cravings? Fuoco Wood-Fired Pizza has an impressive selection of classic and creative pizzas. My top choice is the Brussels sprouts pizza, a unique and flavorful pie with pancetta, Gruyere, and a drizzle of honey. The earthy Brussels sprouts are perfectly complemented by the salty pancetta, nutty cheese, and sweet honey. Even a dessert pizza is available – a ricotta-based pie with white chocolate, berries, and fresh mint, offering a subtly sweet finish. However, if Frannie’s Cream Puffs, from the renowned Frannie’s Goodie Shop, are in stock during your visit, they are an absolute must-try. At Piacci Pasta Bar, I opted for a comforting classic: baked ziti. Served in a cast iron skillet, it’s a wonderfully cheesy, gooey, and crispy-topped dish that surpasses even grandma’s version.
In short, Exit 4 Food Hall presents an overwhelming array of delicious options. While I could continue to sing its praises, the best way to understand its appeal is to experience it firsthand. Gather your family, invite your friends, and head to Exit 4. Choose whatever tempts you in the moment, and prepare for a satisfying, perhaps slightly indulgent, but thoroughly enjoyable time.
Address:
153 Main St.
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
Phone: (914) 241-1200
Website: http://exit4foodhall.com/
