While amazing food, ambiance, and impeccable service are all things that contribute to a restaurant being a place to be, it becoming a nightclub makes it a place you cannot miss. Hudson Social, located directly in the heart of downtown Stamford on Bedford Street, happens to have all of these key elements. As Stamford becomes more of a destination for people from Fairfield County (and from the surrounding tri-state area in general) to go in search of good food and a good time, Hudson Social provides both fantastic food and drinks, as well as a place to go out on the weekends. While we were strolling down Bedford Street on an absolutely gorgeous Saturday afternoon, Hudson Social seemed to call to us with the large outdoor (and covered) seating area and a plethora of delicious looking dishes being sent from the kitchen. The restaurant is built to be centered around an open concept design, with a large indoor seating area and bar connected with the patio seating. Since it was Saturday afternoon, brunch was still being served, and we decided to pick a few different dishes to try. This was not an easy choice, due to the bounty of mouth watering options that spanned the page. To help make the decision a little easier, we started with the Hudson gin and tonic, which was picture perfect due to the addition of fresh fruit which gave it a pink and purple hue. Besides the drink we tried, the cocktail menu features a range of hand-crafted drinks and an extensive wine list. A couple of sips in, and we were ready to order food. We started with the oven roasted cauliflower, which came out sizzling in a small cast iron skillet. The cauliflower was tender and perfectly charred, served with a spicy and slightly tangy muhammara sauce (a classically Syrian spread made with roasted red peppers and walnuts, thickened with bread). Due to the fact that we ordered two separate main dishes, we stuck with just the cauliflower. This meant missing out on some other small plate options that we were torn between, including the truffle mac and cheese and the gnocchi with roasted apple, sage and mushrooms. We both settled on lunch options, but the brunch specials (such as the french toast napoleon, the chicken and waffles, and the breakfast pizza) sounded unbelievably satisfying. The Mediterranean salad (with grilled chicken on top) had one of the best dressings I’ve ever tasted (more specifically, a white-wine cream dressing), and the grilled chicken sandwich was loaded with juicy chicken, fontina cheese, bacon, and drizzled with a sun-dried tomato aioli. The food and service was perfect, but one of the main appeals of Hudson Social happens when the sun sets. On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant transforms into a lively bar and club scene, and is open until 2 am. In addition to the other bars and places to go out on Bedford Street, it feels reminiscent of New York City. Those who attend represent people of all different ages, so it doesn’t feel just like a younger crowd. After looking at all of these factors, Hudson Social has become a place you CANNOT miss whether you live in Stamford, or are just here to visit. It has become one of the staples of downtown Stamford and the city in general, and is perfect if you’re looking for a low-key brunch or dinner, or a fun night you won’t forget.
