Red Pepper Diner

I stopped by on Friday to try out the Sri Lankan buffet and, boy, am I glad that I did! The food was absolutely delicious and was cooked as healthfully (is that even a word??) as possible with no extra fats or oils other than coconut oil. Most options were also gluten free, which was great for my friend who has a gluten intolerance. They had a variety of savory items, which included chicken, beef, fish, rice and vegetable options. They also had a small dessert portion with various fruits and a mango mousse that I absolutely loved.
Aside from the Sri Lankan fare, they offer the standard diner favorites, as well (I saw some delicious looking French Toast parade by me that smelled amazing). I will definitely be coming back to try some of those options. They also have a full bar (we didn’t have any mixed drinks, but good to know) and offered to mix whatever we liked.
The place is small and I drove by it twice before I actually saw it, so keep a sharp eye out. You won’t be disappointed!

I’d never had Sri Lankan food before this place and I learned that I was really missing out !!! The food is delicious, unique, and healthy. The owners are amazing and accommodating; they truly enjoy showing people their culture’s food. There’s a Sri Lankan buffet on Fridays, otherwise they have an American and Sri Lankan menu everyday. Definitely a hidden gem that could become your regular spot.

food was AMAZING! if you like Indian food, you will love sri lankan food! we tried multiple sri lankan dishes and each and every one was delicious! so, so flavorful… and they will make it as hot as you want! the owners are so sweet and attentive… truly a great experience! please give this place a try you will NOT BE disappointed!!!

Pretty darn good. Had vegetarian options not on the menu, recommend some spicy sauce too.

After driving by the unassuming spot for months, my wife and I finally decided to stop in and check it out. Several people had informed me as to how amazing this place is and to not let the building itself fool you (don’t judge a book by it’s cover right?)
Every Friday night, they serve a buffet filled with Sri Lankan dishes ($ 15 per person). As per the owner, the types of foods are rotated on a weekly basis. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as I am quite familiar with Indian but tried not assume that they were one in the same. To make a long story short for you… the food was amazing. I could have asked for a plate as big as a cafeteria tray and would still have needed more space to fill it up. Between the spicy chicken, beef, beets (yes beets) and kale, I couldn’t get enough. My favorite was actually a coconut milk mixed with egg fried dough-​type concoction (reminded me if Indian poori but much less greasy). Nice sweet taste to it, but not overly so
Overall everything was fantastic. Full of flavor, fresh, and absolutely delicious. Pared well with some Sri Lankan beers that they had available as well. Their regular menu has «American» dishes but also features Sri Lankan cuisine as well. The buffet is your best bet so you can sample many at once
The owners are really nice people and very grateful for their customers. Great having a place like this and people like them in the community. Stop in and try it out, you’ll be glad you did

The following five words may be the most important that I’ve ever Unilocaled: Friday night Sri Lankan buffet!
The joint is a bit rag tag, but has sweet touches including a small back patio for outdoor seating and their own veggie garden. And this mom of two is happy to report that the bathrooms are immaculate and spacious!
But enough about the amenities, the Sri Lankan food was home cooked, full of flavor and love. There were almost 20 dishes to try and while some had the expected kick of spice, there were many that appealed to my bland budded kids (including these awesome bowl shaped pancake things). I also enjoyed an excellent Sri Lankan Lager from the full bar. The owner was attentive and friendly.
For those with less adventurous pallets (no judgement, I swear), there’s a full American bar & grill menu. I believe that this is the main menu and the Sri Lankan spread is only on Friday nights… Let’s hope this will change, I could eat here every night!

Small local diner that has the best of both worlds. They have an American menu with all the diner classics but they also have a Sri Lankan menu with Sri Lanka favorites made with quality that you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere North of the City. All the food is made by the owners themselves so it’s always made with 110% effort. It’s truly a labor of love and it definitely shows.

This place may look run of the mill but don’t let the outside fool you. The Sri Lankan food is amazing! If you are looking for something different and bursting with flavor this is the place. If you are from California ask for them to make it extra spicy as they know how to make a real spicy dish. Also if you are from Cali you will appreciate the friendly and hospitable service that is all but none existent in New York dining.

Been here twice, authentic Sri Lanka dishes. Tried rice biryani, then deviled calamari. The owners are very friendly and will help you explain. This is very different than indian dishes. They have Friday night buffet, will try that next time.

I pass by this diner pretty often but always got deceived by the look outside so had never given it a chance. Little did we know that this place offer Sri Lankan menu (on top of the American menu) and everything is prepared by the owner until we read it on the local newspaper.
We opted for Sri Lankan menu, of course, and we wanted to try everything by the pictures and the descriptions on the menu. Eventually, we settled for a chicken curry and a deviled beef. Both were very tasty. The balance of spices and ingredients are so appetizing. I wish I could eat more.
We finished the dinner with a cup of milk tea and their traditional dessert. Again, very good. The owner insists on using the most authentic ingredients as the way they prepare the food in Sri Lanka. And these nuances in the original ingredients totally brings wonderful tasting experience.
The gentleness and friendliness of the whole family is just extra gravy.

DELICIOUS!!! Don’t be fooled by appearances. The outside of the place makes it look like a dive, but the inside is gorgeously decorated. The food is incredible. They have a Sri Lanka menu and an American menu. Both sides are amazing, and affordable too. The owners are the nicest people. Please come eat here… I want this place to stay open forever!

Had breakfast here last weekend. …I had the savory omelet and wife had french toast
Both very very good and filling.
They have a buffet on Fridays and looking forward to trying that!

Seen this place many times and never thought twice. Heard their hamburgers were amazing and decided to give it a try.
What a gem!!! Their Sri Lanka menu is excellent. Tried most dished. Really surprised at their goat curry. Tasted really fresh. I can’t rave enough about their menu.
Haven’t tried their American menu except for their burger and it’s truly a great burger. I believe he grinds his own beef– however image does it, just an experience.
can’t forget to mention their selection of alcohol. Had the Hudson baby bourbon. Though I’ve had this before, it’s reasonable priced. And the beers. They were all good but the Lions Stout. OMG. Smooth with tremendous taste.
Lastly– the owners/​chef/​wait staff are lovely people. Every time I went, he provided me with a sample of something from the kitchen.
The place isn’t the best looking but don’t let that deter you. This place is a hidden gem.

Eating there is like having my face as a punching bag. The flavors were like pow. Pow pow. Pow pow pow. Like fighting Ryu when he starts a crazy combo in Street Fighter 2. The flavors are intense. I had the goat curry and rice. The shaved coconut was really delightful. Finishing off with the Sri Lanka tea was perfect. I’d definitely recommend.

Fabulous food! Wonderful service! After a chilly walk, we stumbled in here and were delighted by the Sri Lankan menu. It was a perfect lunch… Warm, filling, and healthy. We’ll definitely be back.

Great and only place to experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in the Hudson Valley region. We had Kottu couple of times, very delicious.
Last night we went to the buffet, it was very rich and included exotic vegetables, the combination was fantastic, My kids loved freshly made Hoppers very much. Looking forward to go again soon.

Friday night Sri Lankan buffet. Didn’t know what to expect but glad we came. Give it a try. Owner was supper pleasant and attentive. Great food and price.

When I told my sister about this place (she lives in the area), she was quite dismayed at my suggestion we have lunch there. Apparently, the former owners really drove the place into the ground. Well, she reluctantly agreed to try it out. Now she’s the biggest fan Red Pepper Diner ever had, often stopping by for take-​out. And’ she’s VERY picky about her food.
Well, that really says it all, but I have to mention that I had the best hamburger ever here! I never felt the need to write about a hamburger, but the one made here is a real winner.
The owner/​chef/​waiter/​chief cook and bottle washer, was a gem. He was very informative about what he was doing, and what he wanted to do in the future, with his restaurant. He also told us about a Sri Lankan buffet he offered up on Fridays.
I can’t wait to get back to this place for the Sri Lankan buffet. There’s also live music on Friday nights, local bands. And he also runs activities a few nights a week, e.g. Trivia Night.
If you want a meal that will totally blow your mind, come here for lunch or dinner.

Thank you thank you so much for opening your doors here. For the regular as I’m sure you know this place as a nice little diner to grab breakfast, lunch or perhaps and evening bite to eat. I’m sure you already know about the husband and wife team that run this place who are sweet attentive. I’m sure you’ve already seen there little kids running around the place cute as can be.
But did you know that this is the Hudson Valley’s best place, nay only place for authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
That’s right they have an alternate menu, all you have to do is ask. Usually for Sri Lankan delights I would have to drive down to Staten Island to get my fix. Now under 10 minutes for some out of this world food is a luxury I cant fathom or put to words.
If you want to know what Sri Lankan food is close to I guess it’s a mix between Jamaican and Indian food. However the flavors are more distinct and there are more vegetable dishes offered. If you’re a vegetarian well get your ass down here because the chef is a wizard and you will not be able to get enough. He crafts some amazing dishes and uses Far Eastern spices to entice you and trap you. You will go willingly into the night I promise you this.
There is a buffet available which i think is your best bet. And they are working on a menu with pictures to go which will help customers decide. I’ve added some pictures as well for your viewing pleasure. The level of spice can be adjusted according to what you can tolerate.
The chef also does amazing work with deserts which are made on hand. Please be patient as he is the only one back there doing work, the wife jumps in as well to help out.
If you’re all about supporting local well here you go.
I’ve heard he does an amazing burger as well, I don’t doubt it this man is a wizard in the kitchen. There is an American /​Mediterranean menu which seems pretty good, although I have yet to try it. I think it’s obvious I’m only here for one thing.
If you are familiar with Sri Lankan food, he does cater out string hoppers, egg hoppers, pittu, kothu roti, malu pan and other goodies. I recommend you ask when the buffet days are and swing by here.

I’m sure the regular menu is great, but I stopped in with a friend who was in-​the-​know about the secret Sri Lankan offerings.
Firstly, there is goat. If you aren’t some kind of pansy-​ass, and actually want to experience something new and interesting in your life, get the damn goat curry.
You’re going to want to put that on something, and any normal, functioning, and rational person would choose rice for this. And since you’re smarter than you look, you’re going to get the fried rice, aren’t you? Yeaaaaaah you are. That’s the right choice.
You’re off to a good start, but you need some garnish. No worries, they got you. There’s these little fishies, salted and fried up with eggplant. I have no idea what it’s called, but that’s not what matters. What matters is that it’s goddamn delicious and you want it mixed in with your rice and goat.
When you’re done, you’re wrong. Yeah man… sorry, but you gotta keep going. Just toughen up and buckle in, because now is time for dessert. Don’t worry, it’s just a little bit more. Hook yourself up with the crème Brule and a spot of tea.
Now, you’re good. There, see how easy that was? Now you can tell your friends that you tried something different and bask in the admiration of the opposite sex (or same sex, whichever you prefer).
Also, the beef curry is pretty great too, and if you want to spice things up, there is red chilli lime tomato mixture to garnish with, since spice level overall is pretty tame.