Equus is the sort of getaway restaurant that has “special occasion” written all over it. The venue is nestled inside the Castle Hotel & Spa, a historic century-old hotel in Tarrytown, New York. Who needs a trip to Europe when you can find such a glorious castle just up the hills of Westchester, right?  🙄

castle and spa

castlehotelandspa.com

Equus castle hotel and spa 2

historichotels.org

The 1897 castle sits majestically atop one of the highest points of Westchester County, with commanding Hudson River and Manhattan skyline views, amid sprawling acres of polished gardens and greenery. It’s no Versailles, but the pristine interior and exterior of the castle and its magnificent location will still make you feel like royalty.

Easy reservations – ask for a Garden Room or outdoor terrasse table

Equus castle hotel and spa fall

Love going for the fall foliage

The castle is first and foremost a hotel and spa. making it a popular destination for retreats, as well as social and business gatherings. For a shorter and (relatively) more affordable regal escape, the restaurant Equus serves an all-day fare of French-New American cuisine. The seasonal menu offers a refined meal of locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Dishes are beautifully plated, but the food is decent at best, considering Equus claims itself to be an upscale restaurant… Same goes for the service… Basically the reason you come here is for the luxurious setting. 

Great for Mother’s Day brunch!

Equus castle hotel and spa garden room

Best dining at the Garden Room – castlehotelandspa.com

Choose from three different formal dining rooms: the Tapestry Room, the Oak Room, or the Garden Room. The latter and the terrace (weather permitting) are by far the best for the lush garden and Hudson views. The Oak Room has the most regal decor and will make you feel like you’re in a French château (with pieces of furniture that belonged to Louis XIV!). For something more casual, albeit with a limited menu, head to the General’s Bar.

Go in Spring or Fall for the foliage!

castlehotelandspa.com

castlehotelandspa.com

Equus expectantly attracts a more sedate, older crowd. If you’re not staying at the hotel, come for a special celebration meal with your date, although to me, Equus is more of a Mother’s Day type of place, or a great wedding or social event venue.

Business-casual attire

Come for the Sunday Brunch package ($58 three course prix fixe, including unlimited mimosa or bellini) to save up and enjoy the royal treatment with enchanting nature views.

Gift idea: Sunday spa & brunch package

  • Breakfast daily: 8:00am-10:00am.
  • Lunch Mon-Fri:12 Noon -2:00pm.
  • Dinner daily: 5:30pm-9:00pm.
  • Brunch on weekends: 11:30am-2:30pm