Welcome to Putnam County Small Business Spotlight where we will be highlighting small businesses in our community every month.

Small businesses are the backbone of Putnam County’s economy and part of the fabric of our beautiful towns and villages. When you shop locally, you are supporting your friends and neighbors.

[* The Small Business Spotlight segment will only feature businesses that target Tourism Visitor Spending which falls under the following categories: Food & Beverage, Retail, Lodging and Recreation/Entertainment. *]

MAHOPAC – Dave Gallo’s career in the restaurant business includes a stint at the famed Del Posto in Manhattan.

There, Gallo developed a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision behind a Michelin-starred restaurant. However, he always wanted to run an eatery back home in Putnam County and proudly opened My Cousin’s in 2021 with his sister, Alyssa Gallo, bringing an upscale, family-friendly restaurant to Mahopac.

“I grew up in this community, and I am proud to offer a good place to eat that family and friends can enjoy with each other,” Gallo said. “I want to make them feel at home and I really try to provide the level of service. I want to try to talk with every table that comes to enjoy a meal in our restaurant.”

My Cousin’s has become popular throughout Putnam County and neighboring Westchester County, with patrons even traveling from New York City.  In 2023 just two years after opening, Hudson Valley Magazine’s readers awarded them “Best Restaurant in Putnam County.” Its signature dishes, created by Gallo and his chef Ronni Palacios Reyes, include New York steakhouse-style steaks, fresh seafood and pasta dishes, and a smothered pork chop that Gallo said he would put up against any in the world.

My Cousin’s is a namesake and a tribute to Jason Shenkman, his late friend who was like family, who worked with David at the Chophouse, where they came up with the idea for “My Cousin’s”.

“I grew up in this community, and I am proud to offer a quality place to eat and drink that family and friends can enjoy with each other,” Gallo said, adding, “I want to make everyone who comes in feel at home, and I really try to embody what Jay brought to service and to life, making every person he came in contact with like the most important person in the world.”

My Cousin’s has become a local staple, with glowing reviews of their excellent food, impeccable service, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, donned in white tablecloths. 

My Cousin’s also features some old family recipes on the menu, including Grandma’s Cauliflower Patties, Aunt Chrissy’s Meatballs and Mom's Banana Bread, served with flambeed bananas and vanilla ice cream.

Alyssa helps David facilitate private parties and events in their upstairs private dining space—complete with a private restroom and bar—which can accommodate up to sixty guests for catered events.  Their Sunday brunch has also become a community favorite, where their Candied Bacon often steals the show.

My Cousin’s offers happy hour daily, has live music every Tuesday with Half-Off Bottles of Wine, and $10 Margaritas and $15 Burgers Thursdays.  Whether you are coming in for happy hour or an elegant night out, My Cousin’s is ideal for any occasion. 

For more information about My Cousin’s, log onto www.mycousinsmahopac.com or call 845-648-2600.

My Cousin’s (954 Route 6, Mahopac, NY)

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