This little mom-and-pop family restaurant specializes in plates from the Calabria and Campania regions of Italy. On the menu, diners will find Linguini Buccaniera, Veal Luciana, Chicken Marsala and the house favorite, Penne Puttanesca alongside plenty of wines from the 'Boot'. The prices are a bit on the higher side, yet this is because each dish is made by scratch and to-order, this includes the pasta and bread. Overall, Caffe Italia is a great place to eat authentic homemade Italian food while in the neighborhood of Pine Hills.
Athos is one of the very few restaurants in the Capital District that serves authentic Greek cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on providing the very best of Greek hospitality or Philoxonia in the native tongue, with an amiable staff and warm interior design. As many diners already know, Greek food is one of the healthiest and most delectable on the planet, with appetizers like Dolmathakia (stuffed grape leaves), skordalia (potatoes, almonds and garlic) and of course, spanakopita (spinach, leeks and feta in phylo), it's no wonder the Mediterranean diet is so highly revered. The owners provide vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and prix-fixe menus as well.
Hollow Bar fills the perfect niche in downtown Albany, it has great food and live music and it stays open very late on weekends. The menu lifts pub-grub to a higher standard, with artisan burgers and sandwiches alongside massive mains like Grilled Mahi-Mahi, House Pesto Steak or Wild Salmon over Quinoa. The craft beers behind the bar also feature quality pints to pair with some of the innovative plates on the menu. Entertainment features almost every type of local music on stage, from rockabilly and funk to hip-hop and metal; downtown Albany never had it so good.
The Evans family has been brewing beer for more than two centuries and it happily continues to do so. The brewery inside the former Albany Pump Station aptly evokes nostalgic charm in this massive space. In fact, it is impossible to miss the two enormous cranes that remain as vestiges of the station's water pumping days right in the middle of the pub. Most people come for the brews, all of which are homemade and the food menu consists of classic American dishes like burgers, sandwiches, wings and salads alongside full entrees such as rib-eye steak, meatloaf and ribs. Some of the beers have a high ABV (alcohol by volume) content, such as the Victorian Porter and Black and Tan, yet there are other accessible ones like the WIPA or Cream Ale at 4.4% and 4.5%, respectively.
Not quite the oldest dining establishment in Albany, but one of the oldest, Jack's Oyster House has been serving patrons since 1913. It has remained in the same family since its inception as well, from grandpa to grandson, the kitchen has always been busy with the Rosenstein family. Its classic steak/seafood menu and proximity to the Capital Building make it a popular lunch and dinner spot for the city's politicians and power-elites. The menu changes often, however some of the delectable dishes that remain in rotation include the Filet Mignon, the NY Strip and the Baked Stuffed Lobster Tail. As with most steakhouses, the prices are commensurate with the size of these USDA Prime quality cuts and other treats from the sea.
Wine and food in their simplest form is what Umana specializes in, where the knowledgeable staff can help pair one of their great wines with an equally amazing meal. It's open for lunch and dinner along with a popular Sunday brunch. The wine list is innovative and features varietals from all across the world. Overall, a nice addition to the Washington Park dining district.
Stella del Mare is located in what used to be the city's Little Italy, which was torn down to make way for the Empire State Plaza corridor and booming Interstate 787 back in the 1960's. This Italian grocery sell as variety of imports such as canned tomatoes, deli meats, cheeses, breakfast treats and imported DeCecco and Barilla pastas that cannot be found at your typical grocery store. Grinders can also be made to order and delicacies like Mortadella, Salame and Prosciutto Crudo are sold by the pound.
If you wanted a table at Damon Baehrel, an ultra exclusive restaurant in beautiful up-state New York, you'll need plenty of dedication and a fair amount of patience-the waiting list is 10 years long. A truly one of a kind, unique experience awaits those lucky enough to find themselves in the tiny, intimate restaurant. The only person you'll meet here, besides the other lucky souls, is Chef Damon himself, each and every ingredient is grown, foraged and prepared by him, following his own unique methods and techniques. The meal is spread out over 14 to 19 courses at USD 295 per head, and features such ingredients as Grapeseed oil, Wild Sorrel and Cured Meats, prepared from scratch or grown organically. The meal is spread out over 5 hours, and each meal comes with a note from Chef Damon, an explanation of what awaits you, to delight your every sense. For reservations, visit the website.
Curating a menu prepared from locally sourced, fresh ingredients, Malcolm's is one of the most frequented restaurants in the city of Schenectady. Albany's sun-bleached warmth is reflected through the charming wooden decor and rusted tin roofs along with the street-facing patio of the restaurant. Serving exquisite lunch and dinner, guests can choose from an array of salads, sandwiches, and burgers along with dumplings and steaks. Also offering brunch specials, you can try their variety of wines, cocktails, ciders, and beers from the drinks menu. Relish the deliciousness and freshness of all the delicacies at Malcolm's!
Inspired by Cape Cod's beach houses, Emack and Bolio's fashions its very own cottage that serves a splendid array of desserts. With a cute picket fence and backyard patio, this dessert shop attracts families with kids all throughout the year. As you feast on their hand-dipped chocolates, fresh smoothies, ice-cream cakes and decadent pastries, enjoy open mic night performances that held here every Tuesday. A cozy fireplace keeps you warm during winter months, while a garden patio hots make-your-own-sundae parties. For tiny tots who accompany their parents, there is quite a selection of toys and gifts here to play around with.
Offering quality pizzas and generous portion sizes De Fazio’s Pizzeria is a great place to pamper yourself with delicious pizzas without feeling the pinch. Try the chicken pesto pizza on a garlic and herb crust to get a taste of the delicacies that are in store. They also have on offer gluten free dough, organic ingredients as well as lots of options for vegetarians. Considering the restaurant is always packed with people, you might have to wait a while before your order is ready but don’t let that deter you from trying out this wonderful place.