Bank St, Peekskill

As a resident of Peekskill, I’m mighty proud of this incredibly short, little one-way street that has great restaurants and admirable business. It’s home to the Center Diner, an old-fashioned diner that runs out of a steel coach car, 1930’s style. Inside, it’s rather small, but just big enough so that you feel cozy sitting in one of the many booths, and some have windows that let you look out over the street towards the Commerce Building and Westchester Community College across the way. (The main entrance to the Peekskill branch of the campus is on the next street over, popular North Division.)

I usually come in for a coffee and some eggs-over-easy, complete with ham and hash browns, and the coffee here is some of the best in town. It’s Greek-run and so you can expect some Greek food on the menu as well (gyros for example), but the American food is some of the best good old-fashioned fair around. The staff are always on top of everything (admirably, they get a lot of customers throughout the day), and the management is very friendly, so make sure to say hello and thank them for a job well done.

Also on this block is the Hairdressing School (now known as the Empire School for Hairdressing). I’ve always had a great experience going to get my hair done, and the staff are pleasant and approachable, and will talk to you about anything you feel like talking about. It’s only $8 to get a haircut, and if you want a hair dye, that’s only a little more at $20 (there’s a 15% discount if you make an appointment). The people here are learning so be patient with them, but they really know their stuff and are dedicated to making sure you get what you want. This is the place to go if you want style and professional care, in a unique teaching environment, where students will thrive under careful instruction---and everyone benefits from the experience!

As Peekskill has a noticeably prominant Latino population, Bank Street also has a great ethnic flavor to it. There’s the El Conquistador Ecuadorian restaurant with adorable tables outside with roosters painted on them; inside it’s very cozy, the food is wonderful and and the staff make sure you enjoy your stay. There’s also Royal Fresh, an international delight that’s filled with food from countries like Brazil, Ecuador, the West Indies and Spain.

If you’re looking for a special gift for someone, don’t forget to stop in at Forever Yours Flowers and Gifts, which is right on the corner of Bank Street.

FUN FACT: Bank Street was the setting for a scene in the HBO miniseries special and 1940's drama Mildred Pierce; some of the students of the hairdressing school were able to join in the fun, and the outside of the school was transformed into a restaurant for the set.

TIP: Park in the lot next to the Paramount that’s through the traffic light directly across from Bank Street if there’s not enough room. All parking spaces are metered and watch out for spaces solely reserved for Peekskill’s taxis.