North Star Introduce
North Star in Pound Ridge, NY, stands as a cherished gem in the Northern Westchester dining scene, offering a distinctive blend of cozy, upscale atmosphere and thoughtfully executed American cuisine. More than just a local restaurant, North Star embodies a community feel that owner Dave Schlack aimed to create when opening the establishment 18 years ago: a place where guests feel genuinely comfortable. This commitment to hospitality and a "feel-like-home" experience is a significant part of its enduring appeal to New York residents.
The culinary philosophy at North Star centers on simplicity and quality. The menu features classic American dishes, often with a modern and creative twist, and a strong emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The kitchen keeps its core menu concise to ensure peak freshness and quality, but delights patrons with regularly rotating seasonal specials. Customers consistently praise the food as "always great" and "consistently good... beautifully prepared," highlighting a commitment to quality that has cultivated a loyal following. Seasonal highlights, such as softshell crabs in the spring, lobster rolls in August, and comforting braised meats in the winter, keep the dining experience fresh for returning patrons.
Beyond the plate, North Star is celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and beverage program. The ambiance is notably Casual yet Trendy and Cozy, with a unique "Woodstock-for-grownups vibe" often noted by reviewers, featuring a relaxed '60s theme and quirky touches like Magic 8 Balls at the Bar onsite. This relaxed setting is complemented by the quality of the service, which is frequently highlighted as Fast service, even on busy nights when Dinner reservations are recommended. The energy of the space is further enhanced by its live music on certain nights, which turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable night out, with one customer recalling "one of the best nights we could remember" thanks to the entertainment.
The beverage offerings are as serious as the food. Patrons consistently acknowledge the Great beer selection, Great cocktails, and Great wine list, making North Star a destination for those seeking a premium drink experience in Westchester. Whether enjoying a cocktail at the bar or selecting a wine to pair with Dinner, the quality and variety available ensure a satisfying complement to the meal. This focus on premium drinks, quality food, and live entertainment transforms North Star into a comprehensive social and dining destination, perfect for Groups or Solo dining.
The balance of high-quality dining and an unpretentious atmosphere has established North Star as a local specialty, providing a comfortable yet upscale option for the Pound Ridge community and neighboring areas of New York who appreciate homemade dishes and excellent service.
North Star is perfectly situated in the heart of Pound Ridge, a scenic and upscale area of Northern Westchester County. Its address places it at a central and easily recognizable location for local and visiting New Yorkers.
The restaurant is committed to making its exceptional dining experience accessible to all guests, offering numerous accessibility features:
- Entry and Movement: The facility features a Wheelchair accessible entrance and ensures comfortable movement within the main dining areas with Wheelchair accessible seating.
- Parking Solutions: Convenience is provided with both a Free parking lot and Free street parking, which is a valued amenity in the New York suburbs, simplifying the process of arriving and departing.
- Restroom Facilities: Guests will find a well-maintained Restroom that is also Wheelchair accessible restroom.
The location on Westchester Avenue is a focal point for the town, ensuring that whether guests are making a special trip for an evening of Live music or simply looking for a consistently good spot for Dinner, North Star is easy to find and access.
North Star provides a full-service dining experience designed for comfort, quality, and celebration.
- Dining Experience: Options include traditional Dine-in table service, charming Outdoor seating (weather permitting), and convenient Takeout for those on the move.
- Reservation Policy: The restaurant Accepts reservations, with Dinner reservations recommended, indicating its popularity, especially for evening dining and when Live music is scheduled.
- Comprehensive Beverage Program: The Bar onsite offers a wide range of Offerings, including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, with a focus on quality validated by the "Great" highlights.
- Family-Friendly Touches: Despite its upscale elements, North Star is welcoming to families, providing High chairs for younger guests.
- Payment Convenience: Accepted Payments include Credit cards and Debit cards, catering to modern transaction preferences.
- Meal Times: The menu caters to Dinner and features satisfying options for Dessert, with the atmosphere also making it a popular choice for Late-night food.
The restaurant’s highlights are a carefully curated blend of culinary excellence and inviting atmosphere.
- Cuisine and Sourcing: The menu features Comfort food and Healthy options, with a proud emphasis on Serves local specialty and homemade dishes, showcasing a commitment to fresh, quality ingredients.
- Atmosphere and Vibe: The setting is described as Casual, Cozy, Trendy, and Upscale, creating a unique and relaxed yet refined environment suitable for all occasions.
- Speed and Consistency: A primary operational strength is Fast service, ensuring a pleasant experience even when the restaurant is busy, alongside consistently high food quality.
- Beverage Excellence: Specific highlights include a Great beer selection, Great cocktails, and a Great wine list, confirming the bar as a key feature of the dining experience.
- Entertainment: The inclusion of Live music adds a layer of excitement, making North Star a social hub that offers more than just a meal.
- Menu Flexibility: Offerings include options for Small plates, perfect for sharing at the bar or as appetizers, alongside the main Dinner entrees.
To plan your visit, make a reservation, or inquire about the live music schedule at North Star in Pound Ridge, please use the following contact details:
Address: 85 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge, NY 10576
Phone: (914) 764-0200
Mobile Phone (Direct): +1 914-764-0200
For New Yorkers, especially those in Westchester County, North Star is an essential choice for several compelling reasons that extend beyond typical American dining. What makes North Star truly stand out is the masterful combination of an intimate, high-quality dining experience with the added draw of sophisticated entertainment and beverage service.
First, the commitment to "consistently good food that is beautifully prepared" using locally sourced, homemade dishes provides a palpable sense of quality and care that differentiates it from chain establishments. Patrons can rely on the kitchen's ability to execute both classic comfort items and creative, seasonal specials, such as an acclaimed Truffled Mac 'n' Cheese or their take on a classic Lobster Roll, appealing to a broad range of tastes.
Second, the ambiance and service are a major draw. The atmosphere is an ideal mix of Cozy, Trendy, and Upscale—perfect for a date night, a relaxed gathering with Groups, or a comfortable Solo dining experience. The highlight of Live music on certain nights, as noted by enthusiastic reviews, transforms the venue into a vibrant social spot. Coupled with the excellent selection of Cocktails, Beer, and Wine, North Star offers a complete, high-value evening out.
Finally, the operational efficiency, praised as Fast service, ensures that a commitment to a premium experience does not come at the cost of excessive waiting. Given the popularity, especially for Dinner, the ability to accept and recommend reservations solidifies North Star as a well-managed and reliable choice for a consistently great meal in the Pound Ridge area.
North Star Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
North Star Photos










North Star Location
North Star
85 Westchester Ave, Pound Ridge, NY 10576, USA
North Star Reviews
priceslive musicbarbandcauliflowerappetizersdeserthomeschnitzelscallops
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We love the atmosphere of North Star in Pound Ridge the food is top tier with the fresh and homemade dishes! Also if you didn’t know there is music on certain nights so check the schedule, we had one of the best nights we could remember and will be back. Here is a sweet photo of Lazer Goose getting funky.. 🫧
April 20 · Sound SoapThis place is always great, consistently good food that is beautifully prepared.
June 24 · Jeffrey ErskineShould be called “One Star” because that’s what it gets as a review. Shockingly unfriendly service from the host to the waitress. Just sour faces. Food was some of the worst I have ever had in a restaurant. It was as if it had been in their freezer for years and they just microwaved it and gave it to us. They nonchalantly asked if the food was ok without even fully stopping to listen. We said it was not and they just said “sorry about that” and kept walking. It’s also completely overpriced and right on the main road so all you get if you sit outside is car exhaust with your meal. I have no idea why any review has been more than one star.
August 10 · Misses Evans***3 1/2 stars***For an impulse decision, this could have been worse. My top tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality and I drove through here on Saturday after briefly considering a stop at The Inn at Pound Ridge and not liking the valet parking vibe. We had no idea there was a cute little main drag on our way and after squealing for about 10 seconds, quickly found a parking spot and explored (and kept an eye out for nearby resident Blake Lively). There aren't a ton of dinner options available but this one looked like the best outdoor ambiance situation, so we wandered in and procured a table out on the porch. I thought they should have either trimmed back or removed the bushes right next to the porch for a better viewpoint - my dining companion felt privacy was a bigger selling point than the view, so your mileage may vary.We'd had a legit meal a few hours ago so the apps and drink menus took center stage. I had a Manhattan (I think it was called a black one because it had rye/was on the darker side, but I could be mistaken), and we split the duck dumplings and calamari. The duck dumplings were amazing - my texture-based palate suspiciously noted a crunch, but the actual taste was off the charts. The apple rosemary puree paired perfectly with the duck confit, and it felt almost silky, which is not a word I typically use to describe an eating experience (an Evian drinking experience? Yes.). By far the highlight of the meal. The calamari was very mediocre and we ate maybe half. The texture was rubbery and the actual calamari was super salty (which was an interesting contrast to the bland marinara sauce that accompanied it). The Manhattan was okay - I actually got it at the last minute because a nearby table procured them for every guest in their party, which seemed intriguing. You could definitely taste the layers and the cherry on the bottom, but for me it just tasted like a nothing-special variation of an Old Fashioned. In hindsight I would have gotten something else, though the cocktail menu was surprisingly small - I think it literally only had four options. (There were definitely more wine/beer selections available)The service was fine; my chum hemmed and hawed a bit in selecting the perfect outdoor table, but the host was very patient/courteous with her deliberations. Our waiter stopped by pretty regularly and despite not being on a pressing schedule, we were probably in and out of there within an hour or so. I noticed a few reviews mentioned the dark interior, which I have to agree with - it was legitimately hard to see people when you were inside, and the bartender was very proactive in directing me to the restroom without my asking for assistance, which makes me think others wander in from the porch a little disoriented from the sudden loss of light, but maybe he's just that accommodating. Either way, I'm glad we were outside and could see each other; a little more lighting could go a long way in there.This is a a super bougie area, and you'd expect the restaurant situation to reflect that. It LOOKS like it belongs in an upper crust section of Westchester, but the overall quality ultimately doesn't get there. Pleasant enough though.
June 05 · EE GrimshawAte here on 10/24/24. The Margarita was freshly made and delicious. The cauliflower soup and the tomato soup were both delicious and dairy free. The seabass and and cod with the side dishes were also extremely tasty. Whomever the chef is, they have an amazing ability to create an enjoyable food experience for the palette. The service was always there right when we needed it. With drinks you can easily be looking at $100 per head, but the quality is there to match. This is a wonderful dining experience.
October 25 · peter lichten
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