Yorktown and Cortlandt region

With a dimly lit dining room and a seductively long bar, The Tavern at Croton Landing looks like the kind of place you’d come for one thing: beer. Not so. Owned by Brian and Lynn Panessa, the tavern is actually a great spot for anyone interested in inventive but casual food. You’ll find creative, fresh sandwiches, like this artichoke-turkey burger:

Photos by Xavier Mascareñas/TJN

and, of course, the tavern’s staple dish: thin-crust pizza.

But breakfast is where chef Ralph Croteau’s real out-of-the-box thinking shines.

Photos of the breakfast, and the tavern, after the jump.

His entrees include Breakfast Nachos (chips, scrambled eggs, peppers, onions, tomatoes, cheddar and bacon):

Good Morning Pizza:

Effie’s Eggs Benedict (portobello, baby spinach, eggs and fresh-made hollandaise):

and sweet, hot crullers, right:

If that’s not enough to wake up to, try the coffee — delivered fresh from Black Cow.

Here’s a look at the restaurant and a few more dishes.

Margherita:

Wing sampler:

DETAILS: 41 North Riverside Ave.; Croton-on-Hudson; 914-271-8020; thetavernatcroton.com

— Mary Lynn Mitcham