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Welcome to the 2011 spring/summer Dining Guide, published by Metroland, the Capital Region's alternative newsweekly. We've updated all the listings since the guide was last published, and added quite a few new ones as well.
We've gathered this information carefully, but bear in mind it has been provided by the restaurants themselves, so we cannot guarantee absolute accuracy. Remember, restaurants are free to change their prices and policies at any time, and some are open seasonally. It's always a good idea to call first to verify specifics. Our price ranges are approximate, based on average dinner entrée cost (again, as given to us by the restaurants).
AE American Express
CB Carte Blanche
D Discover DC Diners Club
MC MasterCard V Visa
$ average entrée below $10
$$ average entrée $10 to $15
$$$ average entrée $15 to $20
$$$$ average entrée more than $20
Geographical List
Aashiana's Restaurant (Indian/Pakistani)Albany Pump Station (American)Amazing Wok (Chinese)Amo La Bella New York (Italian)Angelo's 677 Prime (American)Bayou Café-Downtown (Cajun)Better Bite (Mediterranean)Bombers Burrito Bar—Albany (American)Bongiorno's (Italian)Café 217 (American)Café Capriccio (Northern Italian)Café Hollywood (Pub Fare)Capitol House Chinese Kitchen (Chinese)Casa Dominicana (Caribbean)Center Square Pub (Pub Fare)China House (Chinese)Cook's Deli (Deli)Crisan Bakery and Edible Art Gallery (Light Fare)Daily Grind—Albany (Coffee Bar)Debbie's Kitchen (Light Fare)DeJohn's Restaurant & Pub (American)DP an American Brasserie (American)El Loco Mexican Café (Mexican/Southwestern)El Mariachi (Mexican/Southwestern)El Mariachi II (Mexican/Southwestern)Elda's (Northern Italian)Franklin's Tower (Continental)Gandhi Indian Restaurant (Indian/Pakistani)Greenhouse (Light Fare)Hill Street Café (Pub Fare)Hollywood Brown Derby (American)Hudson Harbor Steak and Seafood (Seafood)Iron Gate Café (Light Fare)Jack's Oyster House (American)Jewel of India on Lark (Indian/Pakistani)Jillian's (American)Justin's (American)Katrinella's Bistro (Italian)Kelsey's (American)Kenneth's Tastebud (Caribbean)La Serre (Continental)Lazeez (Indian/Pakistani)Legends (Pub Fare)Lil' Buddha Tea (Coffee Bar)Lombardo's (Italian)Mamoun's Mideast Café (Middle Eastern)Mansion Hill Inn (Continental)Marche (American)Maurice's Pearl Street Deli (Deli)McGeary's (Pub Fare)McGuire's (American)Miss Albany Diner (Diner)New Madison Grille (Italian)Portside American Diner (Italian)Ramona's Cafe (Diner)R-Bar (Pub Fare)Riverfront Bar and Grill (American)Roy's Restaurant and Groceries (Caribbean)Savannah's (American)Scratch Bakery Café (Light Fare)Shalimar Restaurant—Albany (Indian/Pakistani)Soho Pizza (Italian)Soho Wraps and Salads (Light Fare)Stagecoach Coffee (Coffee Bar)Sukhothai (Thai)Taste (American)V&R Restaurant (Northern Italian)Van's Vietnamese Restaurant (Vietnamese)Victory Café (American)Wine Bar & Bistro (French)Wolff's Biergarten (German)Yono's (International)
Andy & Sons Italian Food & Deli, Ltd. (Deli)Anton's—A Greek/American Eatery (Greek)Bros. Tacos (Mexican/Southwestern)Café Madison (American)Capital Q Smokehouse (Barbecue)Cardona's Market (Deli)CCK (Chinese)Curry House (Indian/Pakistani)Deli at Honest Weight Food Co-op (Vegetarian)Elbo Room (Pub Fare)Emack & Bolio's Ice Cream Parlor & Coffee House (Coffee Bar)Fountain (Pub Fare)Ginger Man Wine Bar & Restaurant (Continental)Graney's (American)I Love New York Pizza Pasta (Italian)Ichiban-Albany (Japanese)Junior's Bar & Grill (Pub Fare)Kumo Sushu & Grill (Japanese)Midtown Tap & Tea Room (Continental)Mild Wally's (Light Fare)Miyako (Japanese)My Linh (Vietnamese)New World Bistro Bar (American)Nicole's Restaurant (Northern Italian)Orchard Tavern (American)Pasquale's (Italian)Pepper Jack's Sandwich Creations (American)Pizzalo (Italian)Point (American)Professor M. Barley's (Pub Fare)Quintessence (American)Recovery Room Sports Grill—Albany (American)Sake Café (Pan-Asian)Salsa Latina (Mexican/Southwestern)Sam's Italian-American Famous Restaurant (Italian)Shining Rainbow Restaurant (Chinese)Sushi House (Japanese)Tierra Coffee Roasters (Coffee Bar)Ultraviolet Café (Coffee Bar)Washington Tavern (Pub Fare)Wine 'n' Diner (Diner)
Barcelona Restaurant (Spanish)BEFF's Tavern (American)Café Perk Ups (Coffee Bar)Caffe Italia (Italian)Capital Thai Restaurant (Thai)De Marco's Italian Restaurant (Italian)Five Guys Burgers & Fries—Albany (Light Fare)Gateway Diner (Diner)Grappa '72 (Italian)Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria—Albany (Italian)Lynn's Uptown Sports Tavern (Pub Fare)Maggie's Café (Pub Fare)Mallozzi's Italian Club (Italian)Martel's at the Capital Hills Golf Course (Light Fare)Martel's at OTB (American)Spinners Pizza (Pub Fare)Sutter's Mill & Mining Co. (Pub Fare)Uncommon Grounds—Albany (Coffee Bar)
Five Guys Burgers & Fries—Glenmont (Light Fare)Jake Moon Restaurant Café (American)Palmer House Café (American)Smith's Tavern (Pub Fare)Water's Edge (American)Yellow Rock Café at Indian Ladder Farms (Light Fare)Zwicklbauer's Hofbrau (German)
20 Railroad (Pub Fare)Aegean Breeze (Greek)Allium (American)Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar (Mediterranean)Aroma Bar & Grill (Indian/Pakistani)Baba Louie's—Great Barrington (Light Fare)Baba Louie's—Pittsfield (Light Fare)Barrington Brewery & Restaurant (American)Betty's Pizza Shack (Light Fare)Bistro Zinc (French)Bizen (Japanese)Brix (French)Café Adam (American)Café Lucia (Northern Italian)Caffe Pomo D'Oro (Italian)Castle Street Café (American)Dakota-Pittsfield (American)Firefly (American)Flavours of Malaysia (Pan-Asian)Guido's Fresh Marketplace—Great Barrington (Light Fare)Guido's Fresh Marketplace—Pittsfield (Light Fare)Highland Restaurant (American)Hobson's Choice (Continental)John Andrew's Restaurant (American)Lion's Den (Pub Fare)Martin's (American)Mazzeo's Ristorante (Italian)Old Mill (American)Prime Italian Steakhouse & Bar (Italian)Red Lion Inn (American)Rouge (French)Trattoria Il Vesuvio (Italian)Trattoria Rustica (Italian)Truc Orient Express (Vietnamese)Xicohtencatl (Mexican/Southwestern)
99 Restaurant & Pub (American)Barnes & Noble Café (Coffee Bar)Barnsider (American)Blu Stone Bistro (American)Blue Spice Thai Restaurant (Thai)Bourbon Street (American)Buca di Beppo (Italian)Buffalo Wagon (Pan-Asian)Central Steak (American)Chili's Restaurant (Mexican/Southwestern)Colonie Diner (Diner)Deacon Blues (American)Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse (Italian)DiCarlo's (Pub Fare)Dragon Buffet-Colonie (Chinese)Emperor's (Chinese)Everyday's Tropical Cantina (Pub Fare)Farmer Boy Restaurant Diner (Diner)Garden Bistro 24 (French)Grandma's Pies and Restaurant (American)Great American Grill (American)Grill (American)Houlihan's (American)Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria—Colonie (Italian)J.T. Maxies (American)Koto Japanese Restaurant (Japanese)Market (American)Olive Garden (Italian)O'Toole's Restaurant Pub-Colonie (American)Pancho's Mexican Restaurant (Mexican/Southwestern)Pearl of the Orient (Chinese)Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary (Coffee Bar)Reel Seafood Co. (Seafood)Romano's Macaroni Grill (Italian)Scrimshaw (Continental)Simpson's (American)Sitar (Indian/Pakistani)Smokey Bones BBQ & Grill (Barbecue)TJ's Café (American)Wolf Road Diner (Diner)
Baba Louie's—Hudson (Light Fare)Blue Plate (American)Destino (Mexican/Southwestern)Humpy's (Pub Fare)Lipperas' at the Chatham House (Continental)Local 111 (American)Mexican Radio (Mexican/Southwestern)Red Dot (American)Swoon Kitchenbar (Continental)Vico Restaurant & Bar (Northern Italian)Wunderbar and Bistro (Continental)
333 Café (International)Bellini's Italian Eatery—Slingerlands (Italian)Casa Mia Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria (Italian)Four Corners Luncheonette (American)Hidden Cafe (Mediterranean)Johnny B's Glenmont Diner (Diner)Mangia (Italian)Mercato's Pizzeria & Restaurant (Italian)Perfect Blend (Coffee Bar)Persico's Market (Deli)Shalimar Restaurant—Delmar (Indian/Pakistani)Tollgate Ice Cream and Coffee Shop (Light Fare)
Aimie's Dinner & Movie With Wallabee's (American)Black Watch Steakhouse (American)Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery (American)Jake's Roadhouse (American)Lox of Bagels & Moor (Deli)O'Toole's Restaurant Pub-Queensbury (American)Rock Hill Bakehouse Café (Coffee Bar)Silo (American)Steve's Place (Diner)Sutton's Marketplace Café (American)Winslow's (American)
Across the Street Pub (Pub Fare)Athos Classic Greek Cuisine (Greek)BFS Restaurant & Catering (Mediterranean)Cat's Meow (Pub Fare)Chef's Take Out (Italian)Creo (International)Dorato's (Pub Fare)Hana Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (Japanese)Ichiban-Guilderland (Japanese)Londonderry Café (American)Mezza Notte (Northern Italian)Peaches Café (Light Fare)Provence (French)Sage Bistro (International)Siver Hills Restaurant and Banquet House (Continental)Standard Restaurant & Lounge (American)Tesoro (Northern Italian)TGI Friday's—Stuyvesant Plaza (American)Uno Chicago Grill—Crossgates (American)Via Fresca (Deli)
Ala Shanghai Chinese Cuisine (Chinese)Century House (American)Circle Diner (Diner)D'Raymond's Restaurant and Lounge (Italian)Dakota-Latham (American)Epicurean (French)Filet 7 West (American)Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria—Latham (Italian)Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria—Loudonville (Italian)Jessica Stone's (American)Kabuki Japanese Restaurant (Japanese)Karavalli—Latham (Indian/Pakistani)Lanie's Cafe (American)Latham '76 Restaurant (Diner)Latham Biryani (Indian/Pakistani)Milano (Northern Italian)Olde Shaker Inn (Continental)Otis & Oliver's (Barbecue)Philly Bar & Grill (Pub Fare)Route 7 Diner (Diner)Shalimar (Indian/Pakistani)Uno Chicago Grill—Latham (American)
Angry Penguin Tavern (American)Black Cat Ale House (Pub Fare)Muddy's (Pub Fare)Purple Pub (American)Rusty Anchor (American)Valente's Restaurant (Italian)
105 Park Place Spa Brauhaus (German)51 Front Wine Bar and Bistro (American)Antipasto's (Vegetarian)Augie's Family Style Restaurant & Bar (Italian)Bellini's Italian Eatery—Clifton Park (Italian)Bentley's Tavern (Pub Fare)Bloomers an American Bistro (American)Brickyard Tavern & Grill (American)Carney's (Irish)Cliff's Country Inn (American)Coffee Planet (Coffee Bar)Dragon Buffet-Clifton Park (Chinese)Factory Eatery & Spirits (American)Fifty South (American)Five Guys Burgers & Fries—Clifton Park (Light Fare)Giffy's Bar-B-Q (Barbecue)Good Times Lakeview Restaurant (Continental)Hildreth's (American)Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria—Clifton Park (Italian)Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria—Malta (Italian)Jitters Café (Light Fare)Jonesville Store "Eat Good Food" (Deli)Lake Ridge (American)Luisa's Italian Bistro (Northern Italian)Main Street Grille (American)Mangino's (Northern Italian)Matt's Capehouse (Seafood)Mill Tavern on Round Lake (Pub Fare)My Way Café (Italian)Panza's (Northern Italian)Park 19 Cookies (Light Fare)Peddlers Bar and Bistro (American)Publik House Pub and Restaurant (American)Ravenswood Pub (Pub Fare)Ripe Tomato American Grill (American)Rusty Nail Grill & Tavern (Pub Fare)Salty's Pub & Bistro (American)Shalimar Restaurant—Clifton Park (Indian/Pakistani)Sunset Café (Mexican/Southwestern)Sushi Thai Garden—Clifton Park (Thai)Tai Pan (Chinese)TGI Friday's—Clifton Park (American)Trick Shot Billiards (Pub Fare)Whistling Kettle (Light Fare)Zaika (Indian/Pakistani)
Amigos Cantina (Mexican/Southwestern)Chez Pierre (French)Cock 'n' Bull (American)Friends Lake Inn (American)Giovanna's at the Georgian Resort (American)Hungry Trout Restaurant (American)Inn at Erlowest (French)Jimmy's 21 (Italian)Kitchen at the Dovegate Inn (American)Log Jam Restaurant (American)Montcalm Restaurant (American)One One One (American)Pangaea (American)Reluctant Panther (Continental)Sagamore Dining Room (Continental)Taste of Poland (Polish)Village Pizzeria & Ristorante (Italian)
Armadillo Bar & Grill (Mexican/Southwestern)Basement Bistro (American)Luna 61 (Vegetarian)Madalin's Table (Continental)Mohonk Mountain House (Continental)New World Home Cooking (American)Prospect Restaurant (Continental)
A Taste of Europe (Continental)American Hotel (American)Beardslee Castle (International)Bull's Head Inn (American)Charlie's Restaurant (American)George Mann Tory Tavern (American)Gibby's Restaurant (Diner)Lanzi's on the Lake (Continental)Parillo's Armory Grill (Italian)Raindancer Restaurant (American)Rose and Kettle (American)
Alexis Diner (Diner)Arlington House (Continental)Brunswick BBQ and Brew (Barbecue)Chez Mike (American)Coffee Beanery Ltd. (Coffee Bar)Duncan's Dairy Bar (American)Everybody's Cafe (Coffee Bar)Five Guys Burgers & Fries—Rensselaer (Light Fare)Garlic Lover's Corner (Mediterranean)La Perla at the Gregory House (Continental)Lakeview Inn (American)Lyons Lake (American)Mario's Restaurant (Italian)Michael's Lounge (Pub Fare)Paolo Lombardi's (Italian)Pillars (Continental)Plum Blossom Restaurant (Chinese)Schodack Diner (American)Sedgwick Inn and Restaurant (International)Teagan's Steak and Seafood Restaurant (American)Villa Valenti (Italian)Yip's (Chinese)
Bailey's (Light Fare)Beekman Street Bistro (Continental)Beverly's (American)Bookmaker's at the Holiday Inn (Continental)Bread Basket (Light Fare)Brindisi's Restaurant and Bar (Italian)Cantina (Mexican/Southwestern)Chianti il Ristorante (Northern Italian)Circus Cafe (American)Country Corner Café (American)D'Andrea's (Light Fare)Dine (International)El Mexicano (Mexican/Southwestern)Esperanto (Mexican/Southwestern)Eugenio's Cafe Gelato (Coffee Bar)Five Guys Burgers & Fries—Saratoga (Light Fare)Forno Bistro (Italian)Fortunes at Saratoga Casino and Raceway (American)Four Seasons (Vegetarian)Gaffney's (American)Gotchya's (American)Grey Gelding Bistro & Bar (American)Harvest and Hearth (Pub Fare)Hattie's (American)Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill (American)Hungry Spot Café (Light Fare)Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria—Saratoga Springs (Italian)Irish Times (Pub Fare)Karavalli—Saratoga (Indian/Pakistani)Leon's Mexican Restaurant (Mexican/Southwestern)Lillian's Restaurant (American)Limoncello Ristorante (Northern Italian)Little India (Indian/Pakistani)Local Pub and Restaurant (American)Longfellow's Hotel & Restaurant (American)Maestro's (American)Max London's (Continental)Mexican Connection (Mexican/Southwestern)Mrs. London's (Light Fare)Olde Bryan Inn (American)One Caroline Street Bistro (American)Parting Glass (Irish)Pennell's (Italian)Prime at Saratoga National (American)Primo's Restaurant at the Inn at Saratoga (American)Putnam Market (Light Fare)Putnam's (American)Ravenous (International)Sabina's Wood Fired Restaurant (Italian)Saratoga Diner (Diner)Sperry's (Continental)Stadium Cafe (American)Sushi Thai Garden—Saratoga (Thai)TGI Friday's—Saratoga (American)Tiznow (International)Uncommon Grounds—Saratoga Springs (Coffee Bar)Uno Chicago Grill—Saratoga Springs (American)Wheatfields (Northern Italian)Wine Bar (American)Wishing Well (Continental)
Ambition (American)Aperitivo Bistro (International)Apostrophe (Coffee Bar)Appian Way Restaurant (Italian)Bangkok Bistro Thai Restaurant & Martini Bar (Thai)Blue Ribbon Diner (Diner)Bombers Burrito Bar—Schenectady (American)Café NOLA (Cajun)Cella Bistro (American)Center Stage Deli (Deli)Chez Daisie Creperie (Light Fare)Civitello's (Italian)Cornell's Restaurant (Italian)Ferrari's Ristorante (Italian)Fireside Pizzeria (Italian)Five Guys Burgers & Fries—Schenectady (Light Fare)Gershon's Deli & Caterers (Deli)Golden Phoenix Buffet (Chinese)Joe's Pizza Place & Restaurant (Italian)John Riccitello's (Italian)Katie O'Byrne's (American)LT's Grill (Barbecue)Manhattan Exchange (Pub Fare)Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria (Italian)Mari's Japanese Cuisine (Japanese)Mike's Diner (Diner)Moon & River Café (Vegetarian)More Perreca's (Italian)Morrette's King Steak House (American)Orchid's Jamaican-American Restaurant (Caribbean)Pentagon 1978 (Italian)Peter Pause (Light Fare)Petta's (Italian)Pinhead Susan's (Pub Fare)Redwood Diner (Diner)Scarboroughs (American)Scotti's Restaurant and Pizzeria (Italian)Shalimar Restaurant—Schenectady (Indian/Pakistani)Slick's Restaurant (Light Fare)Stockade Inn (American)Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant (Indian/Pakistani)Van Dyck (American)Villa Italia Pasticceria (Coffee Bar)
Angelo's Tavolo (Italian)Anthony's Canalside Restaurant (Italian)Bayou Café (Cajun)Bears' Steakhouse (American)Chuck Wagon Diner (Diner)DeAngelo's Ristorante (Italian)Jumpin' Jack's (American)Mallozzi's (Northern Italian)Manhattan Bistro and Bagel (Light Fare)O'Leary's Pub & Grill (Pub Fare)Oliver's (Diner)Tops American Grill, Bakery & Bar (Diner)Turf Tavern (American)Water's Edge Lighthouse Restaurant and Inn (Italian)
Ale House (Pub Fare)Ali Baba (Middle Eastern)Bacchus (Pub Fare)Badass Burrito (Mexican/Southwestern)Beirut Restaurant (Middle Eastern)Brown's Brewing Company (American)Café Deli-icious (Light Fare)Daily Grind—Troy (Coffee Bar)Daisy Baker's (American)DeFazio's Pizzeria (Italian)Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (Barbecue)First Choice (Caribbean)Flavour Café and Lounge (Coffee Bar)Francesca's (Light Fare)Holmes & Watson (American)Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria—Troy (Italian)Irish Mist (American)Jose Malone's Mexican Irish Restaurant (Mexican/Southwestern)Lo Porto Ristorante (Northern Italian)Manory's (American)Marmora Café (Middle Eastern)Moscatiello's Italian Restaurant (Italian)Mustang Smoked BBQ and Fried Chicken (Barbecue)Muza (Polish)Recovery Room Sports Grill—Troy (American)Red Front Restaurant (Italian)River Street Café (Continental)Ryan's Wake Pub (Pub Fare)South End Tavern (American)Spill 'n the Beans Coffeehouse & Bistro (Coffee Bar)Sushi King (Japanese)Terminal Tavern (American)Testo's (Italian)Trader Ed's Nautical Pub & Restaurant (Seafood)Verdile's (Italian)Villa Valenti Pub (Pub Fare)
Alphabetical List
My Linh
272 Delaware Ave., Albany, 465-8899, mylinhrestaurant.com. My Linh is a taste of old Indochina with a contemporary twist. Vietnamese cuisine served in a cozy atmosphere with full bar. Appetizers include handmade shrimp summer rolls and golden-fried spring rolls with fresh lettuce, mint and cucumber. Try the exotic soup, Canh Chua, with shrimp, tomatoes and pineapple in a spicy tamarind broth. Entrées include the crispy boneless lemongrass duck and vegetarian grilled tofu with a spicy bean curd sauce. Takeout available. Private rooms for banquets and parties. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat, 5-9 Sun. Closed Mon-Wed. AE, MC, V. $$$
Spice Dragon
297 North Street, Pittsfield, Mass., 413-443-1234, eatatspicedragon.com. Vietnamese, Pan Asian and American comfort food offerings include chicken lemon grass, teriyaki glazed salmon, pad Thai, five spice pork chops, tempura, bulgogi beef and coconut curry clay pot. And there's sushi! The spring rolls are a family specialty. Full bar; takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-3:30 Wed-Sun, dinner 5-10 Tues-Sun, late-night menu 10-midnight Thurs-Sat. $$$
Truc Orient Express
3 Harris St., West Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 232-4204. Truc has been going strong for 32 years, showcasing a unique and flavorful take on Vietnamese cuisine. Favorite entrées include duck with lemongrass, five-spice chicken, Hanoi fish and the happy pancake. Full bar. Serving 5-9 Wed-Mon. Closed Tuesday, and closed for the season from mid-November till April. AE, MC, V. $$$
Van's Vietnamese Restaurant
307 Central Ave., Albany, 436-1868. Chef-owner Hung Van Nguyen puts out classical fare, with outstanding spring rolls, nice shrimp preparations and even a killer chicken noodle soup. Entrée specialties include salmon with ginger and whole crispy duck. Catering available. Serving 11-9 Tue-Thu, 11-10 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. Closed Monday. D, MC, V. $$back to top
All Good Bakers
160A Quail St., Albany, 463-1349, allgoodbakers.weebly.com. Bread, baked goods, lunches from local ingredients. Albany's farm-to-table bakery café. On- and off-premises catering. Takeout. Serving 11-6 Fri, 10-4 Sat, 10-2 Sunday brunch. $
1028 Route 146 at 146A (Clifton Park Plaza), Clifton Park, 383-1209. Vegetarian-friendly restaurant with a Mediterranean accent, serving gourmet specialty salads, homemade vegetarian soups, gourmet pizzas and pasta; creative gourmet specials. Extensive wine and beer list includes 40 wines by the glass and more than 40 beers and ales by the bottle. Takeout available; catering for any event. Light bar menu. Reservations suggested for large parties. Serving 4:30-8:30 Sun-Mon, 4:30-9 Tue, 4:30-10 Wed-Sat. Wine bar open Fri-Sat until 11 PM. Orders must be placed 15 minutes prior to closing. Cash and checks only. $$$
The Deli at Honest Weight Food Co-op
Honest Weight Food Co-op, 484 Central Ave., Albany, 482-2667. Fresh homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods and ethnic specialties made daily. Gluten-free options. All-organic juice bar served until one hour prior to close. Serving 7 AM-8 PM Mon-Sat, 9-7 Sun. Hot breakfast served till 11 daily; hot lunch entrée 11-2 daily. AE, D, MC, V, personal checks. $
Four Seasons
33 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 584-4670. Natural-food restaurant and store offering a vegetarian buffet featuring healthful, flavorful whole foods, soups, desserts and breads. No alcohol. Off-premises catering. Serving 11:30-8 daily; store open 9-8 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
LifeStyle Vegetarian Juice Bar
420 Madison Ave., Albany, 788-5427. Specializing in fully customizable fresh fruit smoothies, fresh-squeezed fruit juices and fresh-squeezed vegetable juices, plus serving veggie patties, soups teas and bagels. Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4. $
Luna 61
55 Broadway, Tivoli, 845-758-0061, luna61.com. Thoughtful meatless fare that includes lunch items like a portobello-based Cuban press, lentil-filled curry roti wrap and tempeh Reuben, and dinner choices like Bangkok curry tofu, jerk seitan chimichanga, pad Thai, sweet potato enchilada and the wonderfully named Sloppy Joe Taco Nuevos. Beer and wine. Serving dinner 5-9 Mon, Tue-Thu; 5-10 Fri-Sat; 5-9 Sun. Brunch 9:30-4 Sun. MC, V. $$
Moon & River Café
115 S. Ferry St., Schenectady, 382-1938, moonandrivercafe.com. Chef-owner Richard Genest continues to offer his healthy cuisine from around the world. Menu is 90-percent vegetarian- and vegan-friendly. Greek gyro, Hawiian chicken, ginger soy chicken, grilled eggplant sandwiches, large Mexican section including the ultimate nachos and the big enchilada. Breakfast anytime includes Paris bistro omelet, Moroccan eggs and much more. Large drink and dessert list includes smoothies, iced chai and homemade carrot cake. No alcohol served; BYOB for responsible parties. Serving 9 AM-11 PM daily. Cash only. $back to top
Bangkok Bistro Thai Restaurant & Martini Bar
268 State St., Schenectady, 374-3048. bangkokbistrony.com. This eatery occupies the handsome old Nicholas building in Schenectady's downtown. Sushi bar, curries and soups, and a wonderful dish called Drunken Noodles. Full bar featuring specialty martinis. On-premises catering. Serving 11-10 Mon-Tue, 11 AM-2 AM Wed-Fri, noon-2 AM Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$
Blue Spice Thai Restaurant
1614 Central Ave., Albany, 608-6843, bluespiceny.com. Modern Thai cuisine featuring classic dishes—such as Pad Thai, drunken noodles, curry dishes, Tom Yum and coconut soup—as well as gourmet Thai fare featuring duck, seafood, fish, beef and chicken. In-house desserts available as well. On-premises catering and takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri, noon-3 Sat-Sun; dinner 4:30-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Capital Thai Restaurant
997 Central Ave., Albany, 489-4840. Classic Thai dishes and other Asian fare, including sushi, with bargain-priced noodle soups like the exotic khao soi. Serving 11-10 Mon-Fri, noon-10 Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Kinnaree Asian Restaurant
193 Lark St., Albany, 813-4944. A vast menu of more than 120 items featuring Thai specialties along with Korean and Japanese fare. The spring rolls are a house favorite. Off-premises catering, takeout. Serving 11:30-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$
254 Lark St., Albany, 463-0223; 62 Central Ave., Albany, 433-7203. Serving authentic Thai cuisine. Entrée favorites include Pad Thai and fresh sushi. Plenty of vegetarian options. Serving Thai beer and wine. Eat in or take out. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Fri, noon-10 Sat-Sun (Central Avenue location closed Sunday). AE, D, MC, V. $
Sushi Thai Garden
44-46 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 580-0900; 1707 U.S. Route 9, Clifton Park, 348-0100. Serving exotic Thai food, made with fresh ingredients. Sample the Japanese entrées, or dine at the sushi bar. There are also many vegetarian options. Takeout available. Serving 11:30-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$back to top
Southern Soul
The Corner Store
153 South Pearl St., Albany, 487-4820. Full deli featuring American soul food in the Coliseum Mall. Off-premises catering. Takeout available. D, MC, V, ATM/debit. $
Barcelona Restaurant
1192 Western Ave., Albany, 438-1144, barcelona-albany.com. Mediterranean fare served in comfortable surroundings. Spanish and Italian specialties include veal and pasta specials, rack of lamb, chicken vodka, grilled portobello with penne, and three kinds of paella: vegetable, chicken and the traditional seafood. Full bar offering an assortment of tapas. Serving lunch 11-2 Mon-Fri; dinner 4-10 Mon-Thu, 4-11 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Mr. Pio Pio
160 Quail St., Albany, 463-2800. The Ecuadorean tradition of rotisserie-cooked chicken is celebrated here—and the Feast, a platter with a quarter-chicken, fried plantains, rice and beans, is less than $8. Preparations of beef and pork also are available, and there's bandeja tipica, a bounty of plantain, fried egg, pork rind and avocado with a grilled steak underneath. Takeout available. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, 11-9 Sun. MC, V. $$
Panzur Restaurant and Wine Bar
69 Broadway, Tivoli, 845-757-1071, panzur.com. Here the pig is king, with an array of ham and sausage to choose from as well as matching cheese; tapas like gambas al ajillo, (shrimp, garlic, guandilla chilis) and migas (intense pork and bacon with tomato and poached egg in red eye gravy essence) and full plates of crisp sweetbreads, steak frites and more. Full bar. Serving dinner Tue-Thu 5:30-9, Fri-Sat 5:30-10. AE, D, MC, V. $$$back to top
Hudson Harbor Steak and Seafood
351 Broadway, Albany, 426-5000. Hudson Harbor offers steak and seafood dishes just as you remember them from the restaurant's New Baltimore location. Deck seats 80. Full bar, banquet facilities. Daily dinner specials. Reservations suggested. Serving dinner 5-8:30 Wed-Thu, 5-9 Fri-Sat. Closed Sun-Tue. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Matt's Capehouse
1663 Route 9, Halfmoon, 373-8300, mattscapehouse.com. Casual dine-in or take-out, serving fresh seafood, haddock, salmon, lobster, and great salads; market fish and clams available. Special $21.95 for two lobster tails with filet mignon. Wine and beer. Serving 11:30 AM-7 PM Mon-Wed, 11:30 AM-8 PM Thu-Sat, 1-7 Sun. D, MC, V. $$
Reel Seafood Co.
195 Wolf Road, Colonie, 458-2068, reelseafoodco.com. This popular seafood emporium still boasts one of the most impressive raw bars around. The menu features char-grilled Block Island swordfish, fried calamari, and the largest variety of oysters and fresh fish in the area. Full bar, banquet facilities for up to 45, on-premises catering. Reservations suggested for parties of six or more on weekends. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri, 3-11 Sat, 3-9:30 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$back to top
Pub Fare
Across the Street Pub
1238 Western Ave., Guilderland, 482-9432 or 438-1718. Standard pub fare with sandwiches, salads, burgers, tasty fried appetizers homemade soups, and a new expanded menu with kids' selections. Full bar. Serving 11 AM-1 AM Mon-Sat, 12- 9 Sun. MC, V, ATM. $
The Ale House
680 River St., Troy, 272-9740. Cozy Troy pub serving homemade soups and chili, clams, award-winning wings, burgers, BBQ ribs, and deli sandwiches. Lunch and dinner specials. Full bar, featuring microbrews and import drafts. Off-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 11 AM-midnight Mon-Wed, 11 AM-1 AM Thu-Sat, noon-10 Sun. Cash. D, MC, V. $
33 2nd St., Troy, 687-0345. Enjoy pasta and Neapolitan wood-fired pizza in a below-ground retreat. Craft beer and wine available. Serving 11:30-10 Tue-Thu, 11:30-midnight Fri, 5-midnight Sat, 5-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Bentley's Tavern
Parade Ground Village, 4 Hemphill Place, Malta, 899-4300, myfavoritetaverns.com. Locally owned tavern, featuring burgers, wings, quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, etc. Full late-night menu. Dinner menu offered. Full bar, outdoor patio, wireless Internet. Takeout available. Serving from 11:30 AM Mon-Sat, from noon Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
The Black Cat Ale House
25 White St., Cohoes, 235-3199. Considered the "miracle on White Street," featuring an extensive menu, complete with Long Island little neck clams in a white-wine-and-garlic broth, and Delmonico steaks. Clam specials Sun-Mon, international specials Mon-Wed. Takeout, on-premises catering available. Serving 11:30-9 Sun-Thu, 11:30-10 on Fri and Sat. D, DC, AE, MC, V. $$$
Café Hollywood
275 Lark St., Albany, 472-9043, facebook.com/pages/Cafe-
Capital City Gastropub
261 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 459-5077. Eclectic pub fare, featuring vegetarian options and various small plates, perfect for groups. Beer and wine. Takeout available. Serving Fri-Sat 5-11, Sun-Thu 5-10. AE, D, MC, V, debit. $$
The Cat's Meow
14 New Karner Road (Route 155), Guilderland, 456-1895. Newly remodeled, popular tavern serving a light menu including burgers, homemade soups, pizzas, giant fish fries, finger foods and sandwiches. Dinner specials served nightly. Fireplace dining available, full bar and catering for small parties. Takeout and lunch delivery available. Serving 11:30-10:30 Mon-Sat. Closed Sun. AE, MC, V. $
Center Square Pub
Dove and State streets, Albany, 729-2880, centersquarepub.com. Upscale neighborhood pub featuring a huge array of standard pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and pizza, with 16 draft beers on tap. Full bar, wine list. Off-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 11-12 Mon-Sat, 12-10 PM Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
1165 Central Ave., Colonie, 459-8440, dicarlos.com. Full menu including panini, salads, burgers, and soups. Grilled fare, daily pasta specials. Full bar, exotic barmaids and dancers. Serving 4-midnight Mon-Fri. Kitchen closed Sat-Sun. AE, MC, V. $
Star Plaza, Routes 155 and 20, Guilderland, 456-5774. The easygoing menu features burgers, panini, wings, quesadillas and the like, along with nightly dinner specials. Full bar. On-premises catering. Serving 11:30-11 Mon-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
Elbo Room
170 Delaware Ave., Albany, 257-7300. Completely renovated pub serving pizza, wings, sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, burgers, and more. Private party rooms. On- and off-premises catering. Building new outdoor patio. Full bar, takeout, and daily specials. Serving 11:30 AM-close daily. AE, D, MC, V, ATM. $
Everyday's Tropical Cantina
2012 Central Ave., Colonie, 869-0494, tropicalcantina.com. American-style menu serves up spicy pub fare. Also offering full Mexican menu. Full bar. On- and off-premises catering available. Serving 11-11 Mon-Fri; noon-midnight Sat-Sun. AE, MC, V. $
The Fountain
283 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 482-9898. Pizza, finger foods, burgers and other light fare, as well as a large selection of Italian dinners. Specials available all week. Full bar. Serving 11 AM-1 AM Sun-Thu, 11 AM-2 AM Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Harvest and Hearth
251-B Stafford Bridge Road, Saratoga Springs, 587-1900, harvestandhearth.com. Pizza is the specialty, with local produce, free-range chicken and nitrite-free pepperoni among the toppings. Also look for organic and local selections among the beer and wine. Private parties, catering and takeout available. Serving 4:30-9 Sun, 4:30-9 Tue-Thu, 4:30-10 Fri-Sat. Closed Monday. D, MC, V. $$
Hill Street Café
180 Madison Ave., Albany, 462-3544, hill-street-cafe.com. Serving pub food every day and every night. Menu includes chicken wings, pizza, grilled sandwiches, wraps, salads, hot subs and burgers. Full bar. On-premises catering for parties. Serving noon-2 AM daily. MC, V. $
2197 Central Ave., Colonie, 370-5667. Friendly neighborhood pub serving burgers, wings, sandwiches, chili, daily specials. Wi-Fi. Open 11 AM-close daily. Cash only. $
The Irish Times
14 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 583-0003, irishtimessaratoga.com. The 16 on-tap beers include Guinness, Smithwick's and local craft brews. Traditional Irish entrées include shepherd's pie, fish and chips and bangers and mash, but you'll also find Irish nachos and Irish Times spring rolls with corned beef, as well as standard burgers, steaks and more. Full bar. Serving lunch Wed-Sun 11:30-3:30, dinner daily from 5. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Junior's Bar & Grill
1094 Madison Ave., Albany, 935-2025, juniorsbarandgrill.com. A neighborhood place to catch your favorite sports event and sample traditional pub food. Full bar, outdoor patio, on-premises catering, takeout available. Serving full menu 11-2 AM daily. AE, ATM, D, DC, MC, V. $
286 Lark St., Albany, 275-4900, legendsonlark.com. With more than 25 TVs, Legends is a sports lover's dream. Pub food includes personal pizzas, mini burgers, salads, and a variety of pub-style classics. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 11:30-11 daily. AE, D, MC, V, ATM. $
Lil' Britain
116 North St., Bennington, Vt., 802-442-2447, lilbritain.com. As authentically British a serving of fish and chips as you're going to find this side of the Atlantic, in a wonderfully appointed shop that also sells such UK staples as Marmite and PG Tips. Also meat pies and, on slow days, burgers. Takeout available. Serving Tue-Sat 11:30-8. D, MC, V. $
Lion's Den
30 Main St., Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 298-1654. Featuring such favorites as baked French onion soup, charcuterie, and fresh salads featuring local ingredients. Nightly specials. Full bar, on-premises catering and takeout available. Serving 4-10 Mon-Thu, 4-11 Fri, noon-11 PM Sat, and noon-10 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V, personal checks. $$
Lynn's Uptown Sports Tavern
15 Colvin Ave., Albany, 453-1566. Pub food such as wings, burgers, wraps, salads, sandwiches and homemade soups. Full bar, banquet room for up to 70 people. Serving full menu 11-11 Mon-Sat, noon-11 Sun. AE, V, MC. $
Maggie's Café
1186 Western Ave., Albany, 935-2661. Reinvented as a sports bar featuring upscale pub food. Full bar. Small banquets, on-premises catering. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Manhattan Exchange
607 Union St., Schenectady, 374-5930. Pub fare with nightly dinner specials, two blocks from Proctors and Union College. Outdoor patio. Full bar. Takeout available. On- and off-premises catering. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat, lounge only Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
4 Clinton Square, Albany, 463-1455, mcgearyspub.com. Menu features hearty burgers like the patty melt, homemade soups, wings, steaks, daily lunch and dinner creations, full bar, 26 taps. Banquet facilities for up to 150. Serving from 11 Am Mon-Sat, noon Sun. AE, D, MC, V, ATM. $$
The Mill Tavern on Round Lake
2121 Route 9, Round Lake, 899-5253(LAKE), myfavoritetaverns.com. Locally owned tavern serving classic pub fare with a full late-night menu. Full bar, takeout available. Serving from 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-12AM Fri and Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
40 Lincoln Ave., Watervliet, 273-9892. A variety of pub food, including pizza, chicken wings, oversized sandwiches, burgers, finger food and the biggest Reuben in town. Full bar. Serving 10 AM-midnight Mon-Thu, 10 AM-close Fri, 11 AM-close Sat, noon-close Sun. AE, D, MC, V, ATM. $
O'Leary's Pub & Grill
153 Mohawk Ave., Scotia, 382-8909. Pub fare with lots of sandwiches, hot and cold, and entrée specials like the burrito el grande. Vegetarian friendly. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, 4PM-10 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $
Olde English Pub & Pantry
683 Broadway, Albany, 434-6533, theoldeenglish.com. Serving quality British beers and traditional English pub food in the old Quackenbush House. Offerings include fish & chips, daily meat pies, ploughman's lunch and lighter fare. 11 AM-11 PM daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
Philly Bar & Grill
622 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, 785-9559. Yes, the owners are really from Philadelphia and offer the authentic Philly cheese steak sandwiches, as well as a variety of pub foods, including quesadillas and wraps. Serving 11-11 daily. AE, MC, V. $
Pinhead Susan's
38-40 N. Broadway, Schenectady, 346-6431. susanisapinhead.com A gorgeously refurbished building just off Erie Boulevard, named for local graffiti. Walking distance to Proctors. Menu includes burgers, sandwiches, clubs, wraps, homemade soups and full dinner menu. Try the house specialty Guinness burger. Full bar, with 12 beers on tap, including Mad Jack. Reservations recommended. Serving 11-10 Mon-Fri, noon-10 Sat, noon-7 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
Professor M. Barley's
Western Avenue and Quail Street, Albany, 436-7740. Upscale pub where the menu features black angus burgers, Jack Daniel's steak, prime rib, steamed clams, chipotle chicken alfredo, wings and more. Daily specials. Full bar, more than 80 imported bottled beers. On-premises catering, takeout. Serving 11 AM-midnight daily. MC, V, ATM. $$
55 N. Pearl St., Albany, 694-3689, rbaralbany.com. Pub fare featuring sandwiches, wings, and appetizers. Featuring a fish fry special every day. 20 beers on tap, 8 wide screen TVs for sports. Full bar. On-premises catering. Mon-Tues 11-9, Wed-Thu 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $
Ravenswood Pub
1021 Route 146, Clifton Park, 371-8771, ravenswoodpub.com. Light meals including homemade soups, salads, pub fare and chicken wings. Casual atmosphere. Full bar, on-premises catering and banquet facilities for up to 75. Takeout available. Serving 11:30-11 Mon-Thu, 11:30-midnight Fri-Sat, 4-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Rusty Nail Grill & Tavern
1781 Route 9, Clifton Park, 371-9875, myfavoritetaverns.com. Known for the chicken wings, the Rusty Nail's pub-style menu also features pizza, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Full late-night menu. Full bar, takeout available. Serving from 11:30 AM Mon-Sat, from noon Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Ryan's Wake Pub
403 River St., Troy, 270-9253, ryanswake.com. Classic turn-of-the-century Irish-American pub serving large panini sandwiches, shrimp cocktail, cheese boards, and more. Full bar. Large outdoor deck overlooking Hudson River. Serving 4 PM-close Mon-Thu, 3 PM-close Fri, 4 PM-close Sat, closed Sun. AE, MC, V. $
Smith's Tavern
112 Maple Ave. (Route 85A), Voorheesville, 765-4163. Open since 1945. Serving sandwiches, salads, homemade soups and award-winning pizza made with homemade dough and sauce. More than 40 types of beer and microbrews. Eat in or take out. Serving 3-10 Sun, Tue, 11-10:30 Wed-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. Closed Mondays. Cash, personal checks, ATM on premises. $
Spinners Pizza
14 Picotte Dr., Albany, 482-7311, spinnersalbany.com. A family-owned pizzeria offering a variety of pub fare for pickup and delivery for more than 20 years. On- and off-premises catering, takeout and delivery available. Open 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, 11-9 Sun. Online ordering available and phone orders are taken as early as 8 AM for pickup at 10 AM or later. AE, D, MC, V. $
Sutter's Mill & Mining Co.
1200 Western Ave., Albany, 489-4910, suttersburgers.com Back-to-basics bar food and full dinners available in either the front room or dining room, or enjoy the four-tier deck. Steaks, chicken, crab legs and those legendary burgers. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving 11:30 AM-midnight Mon-Sat, 11:30-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Trick Shot Billiards
1602 Route 9, Clifton Park, 383-8771. trickshotbilliardsny.com Salads, burgers, wraps and pizza, with 13 full-size pool tables, 10 electronic dart boards and five steel-tip boards. Eat, play and be entertained all in one location. Full bar. On-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 2-2 Mon-Fri, noon-2 AM Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
20 Railroad
20 Railroad St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-9345. Recently reopened local favorite featuring updates on pub comfort food with Asian flourishes. Start with the Vietnamese spring rolls or tangy dragon wings; plenty of fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, and creatively designed entrees. Full bar, good selection of craft beers. Serving lunch and dinner 11:30-10 Sun-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Villa Valenti Pub
729 Pawling Ave., Troy, 326-9500. Pub fare, specializing in pizza. Also burgers, wings, salads, subs and much more. Full bar. Takeout and delivery available. Serving from 11:30 AM daily, until 11PM Sun-Thu and 1 AM Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $
Washington Tavern
250 Western Ave., Albany, 427-0091. This spot is best known for its traditional tavern fare. Full bar, banquets for up to 80, on-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 11:30 AM-1 AM daily. AE, MC, V. ATM on premises. $back to top
A Taste of Poland
188 Bear Pond Road, Thurman, 668-0219, taste-of-poland.com. Real polish food outside Warrensburg, with homemade kielbasa, fat golombki, bigos, pierogi and more, and a roster of meat dishes that includes pork roast stuffed with prunes and apricots or a sauerkraut-and-mushroom-
1300 15th St., Troy, 271-6892, muzaeuropeanfood.com. You know from the borscht that this is the real thing; beets are joined by kidney beans, carrots, onions and allspice berries. Look for pierogi, golombki, kielbasa and entrées like beef Stroganoff and Vienna Schnitzel (complete with fried egg and sautéed cabbage). Takeout available. Wine and beer, catering. Serving 4-9 Tue-Thu, 4-10 Fri-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. AE, D, MC, V. $$back to top
Buffalo Wagon
Wolf Road Park, 6 Metro Park Road, Colonie, 689-0938, buffalowagon.com. A quiet, comfortable source of traditional Chinese fare, with Japanese, Malaysian and Thai items as well. Catering and takeout available. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Flavours of Malaysia
75 North St. (entrance on McKay Street), Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 443-3188, flavoursintheberkshires.com. Malaysian-born chef-owner Sabrina Tan offers an exotic menu of Malaysian, pan-Asian and American cuisine in the heart of Pittsfield's resurgent downtown. Extensive menu reflects the culinary diversity of Malaysia's multi-ethnic population, including Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Eurasian influences. Vegetarian and gluten-free items. Full bar. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 and dinner 4:30-close Tue-Sun.. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Sake Café
273 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 459-6688; 1365 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 439-8666, sakecafealbany.com. The menu boasts sushi, sashimi and two pages of various rolls, along with traditional Japanese and Thai items, including noodle dishes, teriyaki and the all-American General Tso's chicken. Catering, takeout and delivery available. Serving lunch 11-3 Mon-Sat, dinner 3-10:30 Mon-Thu, 3-11 Fri-Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$back to top
Middle Eastern
Ali Baba
2243 15th St., Troy, 273-1170, alibabacusine.com. Offering Turkish cuisine and pizza, which means you can get seasoned lamb on your pie. Most meals come with puffy lavash bread. The kebabs are terrific; best of all is the durum-wrapped kebab, a Turkish gyro. Try the baklava. 10-10 Mon-Thu, 11 AM-11 PM Fri-Sat. Closed Sunday. AE, MC, V. $
Beirut Restaurant
184 River St., Troy (Antique District), 270-9404. beirutrestauranttroyny.com This storefront Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant offers a wonderful array of choices. The sampler plate will get you started (the falafel is excellent) and there are wraps and salads as well. Don't forget the miracle garlic. Takeout and catering available. Serving 11-8 Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday. D, MC, V. $
Mamoun's Mideast Café
206 Washington Ave., Albany, 434-3901. mideasterndining.com. Serving such Middle Eastern dishes, such as shish kebab, tabbouleh, falafel, hummus and stuffed grape leaves. Special vegetarian menu. Takeout available. No alcohol. Serving Lunch 11:30-3, Dinner 5-10 Mon-Fri, noon-10 Sat-Sun. MC, V. $$back to top
Amigos Cantina
42 Ferry St., Schuylerville, 695-9595, amigoscantina.net. Mexican with a Southwest flair. Specialties include sizzling fajitas, shrimp and spinach enchiladas, meat and vegetarian burritos, chimichangas, chili rellenos, quesadillas and tamales. Try the nachos, and for dessert, the homemade key lime pie and Mexican flan. Full bar includes a wide selection of tequilas. Take out available. Serving 4:30 Tues-Sun, closed Mondays. Reservations recommended AE, D, MC, V, debit. $$
Armadillo Bar & Grill
97 Abeel St., Kingston, (845) 339-1550, armadillos.net. The strictly-from-scratch menu of Mexican-inspired fare includes burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas, but there's an outstanding Texas burger and entrees like southwestern shepherd's pie with chipotle mashed potatoes. Takeout available. Full bar. Serving lunch noon-2 Sat-Sun; dinner 5-9 Tue-Wed, 5-10 Thu-Sat, 4-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Badass Burrito
443 5th Ave., Troy, 237-1177, badassburrito.com. Fresh food fast, not fast food. Homemade Southwestern food served in a cantina setting. Choose from beef, pulled pork, pastrami, shredded roasted chicken, beer-battered fish, blackened fish, roasted vegetables or grilled tofu. Full bar. Off-premises catering and takeout available. Serving 4-10 Wed-Sat. Cash only. $
Bombers Burrito Bar
See listing under "American."
Bros. Tacos
319 Ontario St., Albany, 935-1096, 935-1098, brostacosblog.com. Tucked in a tiny corner store, this place puts out a creative variety of burritos, quesadillas, burgers and, yes, tacos, but featuring the much tastier soft variety. Try the citrus-marinated pork taco, the baja taco, homemade chorizo and habanero papaya salsa. Named Best Tacos in Metroland's Best of 2010. Catering and takeout available. Serving 11-11 Tue-Sat, 1-8 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
430 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-5577. Owner Jeff Ames, a California transplant, brings a West Coast sense of materials and authenticity; chef Matt Richardson has crafted a scratch menu built on fresh ingredients. The quesadilla appetizer is wrapped in a house-made flour tortilla with farm cheese and a tasty Mexican delicacy called huitlacoche; the chile relleno features roasted poblano peppers stuffed with Mexican cheeses, spicy ground beef, serrano peppers and salsa verde. Full bar with an extensive tequila collection. Serving 11:30-9 Sun-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Chili's Restaurant
60 Wolf Road, Colonie, 489-4664, chilis.com. Enjoy casual family dining at this Southwestern bar and grill. Try the signature baby-back ribs, steaks, sizzling fajitas and salads. Margarita bar. Online ordering and takeout available. Serving 11-11 Sun-Thu, 11 AM-midnight Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
112 Hudson Ave., Chatham, 392-6663. The menu features traditional Mexican items along with a killer mole, delicious fried plantains and even burgers and pizza. Full bar featuring popular specialty margaritas and mojitos. Open 5-9 Sun-Thu; Tuesday night is Italian night. 5-10:30 Fri-Sat. D, MC, V. $$
El Loco Mexican Café
465 Madison Ave., Albany, 436-1855, ellocomexicancafe.com. An eccentric bistro where the specialties include quesadillas, chilis rellenos, Tex-Mex fare and many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items. Try the spinach-artichoke quesadilla or the ancho-chipotle chicken. Full bar with frozen, fruity and gourmet margaritas made with 100-percent blue agave tequilas. Takeout available. Happy hour 4-6:30 Tue-Sun. Lunch Wed-Sat, Dinner Tue-Sun. Closed Monday. Reservations suggested for large parties; reservations not accepted Fri-Sat nights. AE, MC, V. $$
El Mariachi
144 Washington Ave., Albany, 465-2568, elmariachisrestaurant.com. The real thing: true Mexican cooking in downtown Albany. Try the cochinita pibil, a popular pork roast made with orange juice and red onions. Full bar. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, 1-11 Sat. Closed Sunday. AE, MC, V. $$
El Mariachi II
289 Hamilton St., Albany, 432-7580, elmariachisrestaurant.com. Authentic Mexican and Spanish dishes, including paella and pollo San Marco. Full bar, featuring over 45 top tequilas. Takeout and on-premises catering available. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, 1-11 Sat, 1-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
El Mexicano
208 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 226-0105, elmexicanorestaurant.com. The excellent enchiladas mole poblano let you know it's the real thing, and in addition to the usual taco-burrito-enchilada fare the menu boasts an array of dinner specials featuring native beef, shrimp, chicken and pork preparations. Full bar, takeout available. Serving lunch 11-3 daily, dinner 3-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
6 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 587-4236. It's still counter service at this inexpensive Saratoga favorite, but it's been enlarged to include a dining room. The eclectic menu boasts specialties from around the world. Look for the burritos, tacos, Thai, Mexican, Middle Eastern and vegetarian specialties as well as pizza and home-cooked snacks, including the popular "Dough Boy." Takeout and delivery. Serving 11-10 Sun-Mon, 11 AM-2 AM Tue-Wed, 11 AM-3 AM Thu, 11 AM-4 AM Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V, Skidmore card. $
Hot Harry's Fresh Burritos
1235 Western Ave., Albany, 621-7883; 596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, 477-5500; 1625 Union St., Schenectady. 374-2812; 37 North St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 448-6155; 724 Tyler St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 448-2220, hotharrysburritos.com. Tacos, quesadillas, and burritos in three different sizes. Breakfast and kids' menus also available. Off-premises catering; takeout. Serving 8 AM-10 PM Mon-Sat, 11-8 Sun. $
Jose Malone's Mexican Irish Restaurant
405 River St., Troy, 273-2196, josemalones.com. Innovative Mexican-inspired cuisine made mostly from scratch. Daily and weekly specials such as blue-corn-encrusted catfish tacos, 16-spice Memphis-style ribs and pineapple goat-cheese quesadilla. Many vegetarian items; children's menu. Homemade tortillas. Margaritas with fresh-squeezed lime won Metroland's Best Margaritas and Best Ribs. Large selection of tequilas and single-malt scotch. Full bar, takeout available. Serving 4-9 Tue-Thu. Serving 4-10 Fri and Sat, bar open late. Closed Sun-Mon. AE, MC, V. $$$
La Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant
1610 Central Ave., Colonie, 482-3940. Serving authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy setting. Featuring fajitas and entrées like the pollo fundido (two grilled chicken breasts atop a bed of rice, peppers, onions and tomatoes, topped with melted cheese). Full Bar. Takeout available. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Leon's Mexican Restaurant
135 Crescent St., Saratoga Springs, 587-2346. Jockey Filiberto Leon is proprietor of this traditional Mexican eatery the Saratogian voted "best Mexican restaurant in Saratoga." Complimentary homemade salsa served with tortilla chips; specializing in authentic fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, chimichangas and tamales. Full bar, on-premises catering, takeout available. Serving 4-close Mon, Wed-Fri; 3-close Sat-Sun. Closed Tuesday. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Mexican Connection
41 Nelson Ave., Saratoga Springs, 584-4466, mexconx.com. Try the burrito grande, the California tostada, fajitas or chimichangas. Full bar, more than 100 fine tequilas and many Mexican beers. Takeout available. Catering and banquet facilities. Daily specials. Serving from 4 PM Tue-Fri; 11:30 AM Sat-Sun. Closed Mon. Reservations suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Mexican Radio
537 Warren St., Hudson, 828-7770, mexrad.com. Voted Best Mexican Restaurant by Hudson Valley Magazine. Mexican Radio features homemade dishes made fresh daily. Extensive vegetarian and vegan choices. Full bar, specialty margaritas. Takeout. Available for parties. Gift certificates available. Serving daily 11:30-11; special bar menu 3-6 Mon-Fri. AE, MC, V. $$$
Salsa Latina
315 Central Ave., Albany, 426-7050, misalsalatina.com. Traditional Mexican fare—burritos, enchiladas and amazing fajitas—plus unusual Latin American dishes like bandeja tipica and bistec salteado, along with seafood dishes, homemade desserts and a display counter of freshly baked pastries. Catering and takeout available. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri, 3-11 Sat, 11-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Sunset Café
42 Front St., Ballston Spa, 885-8550, sunsetcafe.org. Southwestern cuisine, featuring margaritas, quesadillas, and wood-smoked-on-premises specialties. Serving 11:30-9:30 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10:30 Fri-Sat, closed Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
50 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-2002. Authentic Mexican fare, such as enchiladas, huevos rancheros and a special mole, in a comfortable Berkshire setting. Enjoy one of the many fine sipping tequilas. Full bar. Takeout available. Off-premises catering. Serving 4 PM-9:30 PM Mon-Thu, 12 PM-10 PM Fri- Sat, noon-9:30 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$back to top
Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar
34 Church St., Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-0003, email@example.com. Executive chef Emeline Gibert offers a Mediterranean-themed menu featuring such dishes as confit lamb shank with veal and tomato demiglace, pan-seared duck breast with caramel sauce, and homemade fettucini with crunchy vegetables and pesto. Full bar, expansive wine list. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Thu-Mon; dinner 5-9 Thu, Sun-Mon, 5-10 Fri-Sat. Closed Tue-Wed. Open daily during summer season. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
A Better Bite
99 Washington Ave., Albany, 694-4400. This locally owned establishment serves up omelets and specialty sandwiches, and Mediterranean specialties such as falafel, hummus and shawarma. Takeout available. On- and off-premises catering for private parties. Serving 7-6 Mon-Fri; 8-3 Sat. Closed Sunday. MC, V. $
BFS Restaurant & Catering
1736 Western Ave., Guilderland, 452-6342, bfsrestaurant.com. Fine Mediterranean cuisine. Falafels, spanakopita, kebabs, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, veggie platters and many other Lebanese, Moroccan, Egyptian, Greek and Italian dishes. Also offering New York City-style deli fare, including homemade soups, salads, wraps, panini and sandwiches. Heart-healthy, vegetarian and kids menus available. Expanded beer and wine list. Eat in or take out; deck open for summer season. On- and off-premises catering available. Takeout available from 10 AM, serving 11-9 Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday. AE, MC, V, D. $$$
Cella Bistro
See listing under "American."
71 Partition St., Saugerties, 845-247-7198, fez-mediteroccan.com. Moroccan tagines are a specialty, a savory stew set off by olives and lemons, along with kabobs, steak, chicken and pasta dishes. Appetizers include calamari, stuffed grape leaves, hummus and more. Beer and wine. Takeout available. Serving dinner 5-9 Wed-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat, brunch 11-3 Sat-Sun. Cash only. $$$
The Garlic Lover's Corner
235 North Greenbush Road, North Greenbush, 283-1621, garlicloverscorner.com. Kebabs, stews, Middle Eastern takes on meat, fish and pasta dishes are featured in this friendly place not far from HVCC. Serving lunch 11-3 Mon-Fri, noon-3 Sat, dinner 4:30-9 Mon-Sat. D, MC, V. $$$
Hidden Café
180 Delaware Plaza, Delmar, 439-8800, hiddencafe.net. Voted Metroland's Best-Kept Secret three years in a row, this café offers intimate and casual dining, featuring falafel, kabobs, wine and beer, wonderful salads, and innovative entrées. Serving dinner 4:30-9 Tue-Sat, lunch 11-3 Tue-Fri, noon-3 Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. AE, MC, V. $$$.back to top
Light Fare
Baba Louie's
517 Warren St., Hudson, 751-2155; 286 Main St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-8100; 34 Depot St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 499-2400; babalouiespizza.com. Wood-fired sourdough pizza crust using organic wheat and spelt berries freshly stone-ground at Berkshire Mountain Bakery, with a wide variety of specialty toppings. Also soups, salads, pastas, sandwiches and Panini. Beer and wine at Hudson and Pittsfield locations. Eat in or take out. Banquet space available in Pittsfield. Hudson serving lunch 11:30-3, dinner 5-9, 5-10 Fri 11:30-10 Sat 11:30-9:30 Sun Closed Wednesday. Great Barrington open everyday, lunch 11:30-3, dinner 5-10. Pittsfield serving lunch 11:30-3, dinner 5-9:30, 5-10 Fri-Sat, closed Sunday. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Phila and Putnam streets, Saratoga Springs, 583-6060. This is two places in one, with the full menu available at both the inside café and the outside patio bar and grill. Relax in an Adirondack chair while toasting s'mores at your table. Full bar, on-premises catering, banquet facilities and takeout available. Serving 11 AM-close daily. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $
Betty's Pizza Shack
26 Housatonic St., Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-8171. This brightly colored, high-energy restaurant serves an amazing array of pizzas, salads, burritos, quesadillas, and hot oven grinders. Buckets of beer and a nice selection of wine provide the mostly local clientele with a fun getaway right in the heart of Lenox. Beer and wine; takeout available. Serving 11:30-9:15 Sun-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri-Sat. Checks, cash. $$
The Bread Basket
65 Spring St., Saratoga Springs, 587-4233. Great homemade breads, quiche, soups, scones, pastries, specialty cakes and other luscious treats are available at this small eatery. Enjoy sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Open 7-6 PM Mon-Fri (closing at 5PM Jan-May), 7-4 PM Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V, personal checks. $
Café Deli-icious
413 River St., Troy, 271-8787, cafetroy.com. Casual, colorful breakfast-and-lunch joint featuring a wide variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pastries, homemade chocolate treats, and season specials. Full coffee bar. Takeout, delivery, off-premises catering and party platters. Gift baskets available. Serving 7:30 AM-3 PM Mon-Fri; catering available on weekends AE, D, MC, V. $
Crisan Bakery and Edible Art Gallery
197 Lark St., Albany, 445-2727, crisanbakery.com. Old-world pastries that earn the appellation of edible art, including tarts and cakes, strudel and croissant, arrayed in a toothsome display. Also gelato, espresso and cappuccino. Takeout available. Open 10-8 Sun, Tue-Thu; 10-9:30 Fri-Sat. Closed Monday. AE, D, MC, V. $
33 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 584-3632. 2010 Saratoga Today Local's Choice Award for Best Pizza. Pizzas, focaccia sandwiches, fried foods, "grubs" (grinder-subs), stuffed breads and more. Daily specials. Dine in, take out; free local delivery. Online ordering available. Serving 10 AM-12 AM Sun-Thu, 10 AM-4 AM Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $
Debbie's Kitchen
456 Madison Ave., Albany, 463-3829. The downtown Albany hot spot for soups, creatively constructed sandwiches and killer desserts. Weaving a touch of color and crunch into the ordinary, as in their smoked-turkey-breast sandwich with garlic mayo, sliced pears, sunflower seeds, roasted onions, and cheddar cheese. Vegetarian combos are always available, as are fresh salads and a wide variety of ever-changing baked goods. Serving 10-7 PM Mon-Fri, 11-4 PM Sat. Closed Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
418 Balltown Road, Schenectady, 346-5728; 7 Southside Drive, Clifton Park, 371-2147; 241 Route 9W, Glenmont, 432-8271; 600 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer, 285-4704; 3057 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, 583-3135; 1512 Western Ave., Albany, 452-6066. fiveguys.com. Fast food done right. Double-decker burgers with an expansive choice of toppings, hot dogs, grilled cheese. And fries. Excellent fries, in generous servings. If that's not enough, help yourself to peanuts. Serving 11-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $.
Broadway and 5th Avenue, Troy, 272-3726. Serving soups, salads and gourmet sandwiches. Daily specials and desserts. On- and off-premises catering; takeout available. Serving 7:30-4:30 Mon-Fri. Closed Sat-Sun. D, MC, V and personal checks. $
50 N. Pearl St., Albany, 514-2055, eatgreenhouse.com. Downtown eatery featuring fresh salads and wraps in countless creative combinations. Catering, takeout, online ordering. Serving 9-4 Mon-Fri. AE, D, MC, V. $
Guido's Fresh Marketplace
760 S. Main St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-9255; 1020 South St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 442-9912; guidosfreshmarketplace.com. Founded more than 30 years ago as a premium produce market, Guido's today is a complete food market featuring fresh seafood, all-natural meats, artisan cheeses, a bakery and deli, premium packaged foods, wines, and, of course, bountiful fresh produce. Prepared foods to-go run the gamut from deli sandwiches and fish cakes to ethnic specialties, with many options for vegetarians, vegans and others with special dietary preferences. Takeout and off-premises catering. 9-7 Mon-Sat, 10-6 Sun. AE, D, MC, V, ATM, debit, personal checks. $
Hungry Spot Café
Collamer Building, 480 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-9060. Boasting great homemade soups, fresh rotisserie turkey and daily lunch specials. Also featuring a vegetarian menu. Takeout, free delivery and off-premises catering available. Serving 7-3 Mon-Fri. AE, MC, V. $
Iron Gate Cafe
182 Washington Ave., Albany, 445-3555, irongatecafe.com. Serving homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Emphasis on local produce. Catering. Beer and wine. Outdoor dining on garden patio. Serving 7-6 Mon-Fri, Sat-Sun 9-3. $
Jitters Café
418 Geyser Road (Country Club Plaza), Ballston Spa, 584-2340. A small strip-mall coffee shop offering a nice selection of sandwiches and desserts. Try the chicken quesadilla or the portobello wrap with mushrooms and spinach, a slice of homemade quiche, or one of the homemade soups—but be sure to leave room for desserts. Full breakfast menu. Open mic 7 PM Wednesday and live music on the weekends. Takeout available. Serving 8 AM-9 PM Tue-Sat, 8 AM-7 PM Sun-Mon. AE, D, MC, V. $
Manhattan Bistro and Bagel
123 Saratoga Road, Scotia, 399-3887. Twenty-two varieties of bagels, plus soups, sandwiches and a grill menu. Also serving pastries and gourmet coffee. Breakfast available all day. Serving 6 -4 Mon-Fri, 6-3:30 Sat, 7-2:30 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Martel's at the Capital Hills Golf Course
65 O'Neil Road, Albany, 489-0466. Nightly specials and pizzas augment a light dinner menu featuring burgers, finger foods, salads and sandwiches. Also try the Italian specialties. Full bar, catering, takeout available. Lunch and dinner daily, with breakfast on Sundays; open 10 Mon-Tue, 9 Wed-Fri, 8 Sat-Sun. Open late on Fri and Sat. AE, MC, V. $$
Mild Wally's
189A Quail St., Albany, 433-1898, mildwallys.com. A wide array of appetizers, hot and cold subs, wings, pizza, pasta dinners and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Wally's has pickup or delivery into the wee hours. Catering available. Serving 4-10 Mon, 11-10 Tue-Wed, 11 AM-1 AM Thu, 11 AM-2 AM Fri-Sat, noon-midnight Sun. Phone orders (delivery) available until 30 minutes before close. AE, D, MC, V, UAlbany and Saint Rose cards. $
Mrs. London's
464 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 581-1652 ext. 303, mrslondons.com. Featuring exquisite homemade pastries, desserts, sandwiches, soups and salads, espresso and other hot drinks. Takeout available. Serving 7-6 Tue-Thu, Sun, 7 AM-9 PM Fri-Sat, closed Mon. AE, MC, V, local personal checks. $
Park 19 Cookies
PO Box 5343, Clifton Park, 542-2477. Park 19 Cookies is a bakery specializing in unique gourmet cookies. Everything is made from scratch using premium natural ingredients such as Madagascar vanilla beans and European chocolate. Some flavors include Cinnamon Bun Cookie and Red Velvet Cookie. Offering gift boxes, cookie platters, and favors for special events. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Peaches Café
Stuyvesant Plaza, Guilderland, 482-3677. Full lunch menu, breakfast all day with fare such as Belgian waffles and specialty omelets, and dinner specials nightly. Takeout available. Serving 8 AM-9 PM daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
Peter Pause
535 Nott St., Schenectady, 382-9278, peterpause.com. The Monday through Friday specials, in order, are spaghetti with mushrooms, ravioli with meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana and baked fish and linguini with clam sauce. Get there early to get a table, and earlier still to start your day with one of the breakfast specials, including French toast with homemade bread. Catering available. Serving 6 AM-2 PM Mon-Fri. Cash only, ATM available. $
Putnam Market
435 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-3663, putnammarket.com. A gourmet marketplace with a deli and bakery, serving sandwiches, prepared foods, soups and salads to eat in or take out. Some of the sandwich specials include the High Rock (in-house roasted turkey with cheddar and cranberry mayo), the Putnam Street (smoked turkey with Brie and honey mustard) and the Karista (fresh mozzarella with roasted red peppers and pesto mayo). Catering available. Open 9-7 Mon-Sat, 10-5 Sun. AE, MC, V, local checks. $
Slick's Restaurant
127 S. Ferry St., Schenectady, 370-0026. Roast beef, turkey, corned beef, tuna, and ham-and-cheese sandwiches are featured, along with a soup of the day. Full bar open until 12 AM. Takeout available. Serving 11-11 Mon-Sat, noon-11 Sun. MC, V. $
Soho Wraps and Salads
11 S. Pearl St., Albany, 689-0785, sohowraps.com. Made-to-order subs, wraps, and salads. Vegetarian specialties available, as well as chicken, beef, tuna, and pork. Dine in or take out. Off-premises catering available. Serving 8-3 Mon-Fri. AE, MC, V. $
The Tollgate Ice Cream and Coffee Shop
1569 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands, 439-9824. Locally famous for the wide selection of homemade ice creams, they also serve up burgers, sandwiches, onion rings and the like, as well as daily lunch and dinner specials. No alcohol. Takeout available. Serving 11-9 daily, summer hours 11-10. AE, D, MC, V. $
The Whistling Kettle
24 Front St., Ballston Spa, 884-2664, thewhistlingkettle.com. Upscale tea lounge with more than nine types of coffee and 100 varieties of premium loose-leaf tea. Café menu including cakes, scones, Panini and tea sandwiches, crepes, soups and salads. Also offering beer and wine, fireplace and a comfortable atmosphere. Bulk teas available. Serving 11-6 Sat-Wed. 11-7 Thu and Fri. AE, D, MC, V. $$.
Yellow Rock Café at Indian Ladder Farms
342 Altamont-Voorheesville Road, Altamont, 765-2956, indianladderfarms.com. Featuring soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees made with fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk and cheeses produced on local farms, plus locally raised all-natural meats. For dessert, try the mixed-berry shortcake, homemade pies or the cider-doughnut sundae topped with homemade whipped cream. Indian Ladder's own apple cider and hot mulled cider, and chai lattes complete the menu. On-premises catering. Reservations recommended. Serving lunch 11-2 Mon-Fri, brunch and lunch 9-3 Sat-Sun. D, MC, V, personal checks. $back to top
17 Railroad St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-4343. Gourmet Japanese restaurant featuring fresh organic produce, an extensive sushi bar and a robata bar with charcoal-grilled Japanese tapas. Private tatami rooms. Sake lounge features 25 Japanese estate sakes. Entrée selections include grilled pacific black cod, Chilean sea bass, giant pacific oysters, shabu shabu, sukiyaki and o-toro. Authentic Japanese tea ceremony, kaiseki, cuisine available by appointment. Full bar, takeout available. Serving lunch daily noon-3:00 and dinner 5-10. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Hana Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
1620 Western Ave., Guilderland, 452-4262, hanaalbany.com. Thirteen teppanyaki tables, a sushi bar, private dining areas and dazzling new décor characterize one of the area's newest Japanese steakhouses, where you can enjoy dinner and a show, the latter being the performance of the skilled tableside chef. Happy hour specials Sun-Fri 4:30-7:30. Full bar. Private parties and takeout available. Serving lunch 11-3 Mon-Sat; dinner 4:30-10 Mon-Thu; 4:30-11 Fri; 3-11 Sat; 12-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
338 Central Ave., Albany, 432-0358; 1652 Western Ave., Guilderland, 869-9585. Japanese and Chinese dishes including donburi, noodle soups and sushi lunch specials. Sushi bar. Hibachi dinners available at both locations. Beer, wine, sake. Takeout and delivery available. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, 11-9:30 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant
Peter Harris Plaza, 952 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 782-9609. Tables for Japanese traditional fare, and there's an attractive sushi bar. The menu also includes Korean dishes. Full bar, private parties. Serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, 11-9:30 Fri-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Koto Japanese Restaurant
260 Wolf Road Extension, Latham, 869-8888. Awarded Best Japanese Steakhouse by Metroland from 2006-2009. Enjoy the show at the teppanyaki tables, sample sushi at the expansive bar or take a regular table and explore the varied menu of tempura, teriyaki, noodle soups and much more. The bento complete dinner special is an excellent deal. Full bar, banquet facilities, including private party rooms. Serving lunch 11:30-4 Mon-Sat, dinner 4-10 Mon-Thu, 4-11 Fri-Sat, 3:30-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Kumo Sushi & Grill
370 Delaware Ave., Albany, 426-8888, kumosushigrill.com. Intimate dining on Delaware Avenue with excellent sushi and sashimi, hibachi dishes without the flaming grill tables, noodle soup, tempura, and a crispy red snapper that's worth the visit. Takeout available. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat, 3-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Mari's Japanese Cuisine
2049 Van Vranken Ave. Schenectady, 381-4881. Sushi, teriyaki and tempura are examples of menu choices you will find at Mari's, among other traditional Japanese cuisine. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-1:30 Mon-Fri; dinner 4:30-8:30 Mon-Thu, 4:30-9 Fri-Sat, closed Sunday. AE, D, MC, V. $$
2027 Western Ave., on the corner of Route 155, Guilderland, 452-1445; fax 452-2159. Order from the sushi bar or watch your chef prepare traditional Japanese dishes at a hibachi table. Other authentic offerings are tempura, teriyaki and sukiyaki, as well as traditional private tatami rooms. Table service available. Beer, wine, liquor, and sake available at the bar. Serving lunch 11:30-2 Tue-Sat, dinner 4:30-9:30 Tue-Sun, closed Monday. Reservations suggested on weekends. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Shining Rainbow Restaurant
See listing under "Chinese."
Sushi House
6 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 935-2270. Fresh sushi, along with a menu of other Japanese fare (tempura, yakitori, noodles) presented in a handsome teahouse setting. Serving lunch 11-3 Tue-Fri, dinner 4-10 Tue-Thu, Sun; 4-11 Fri-Sat; closed Mon. Sushi lunch menu available Sat-Sun from 4-6 PM. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Sushi King
200 Broadway, Troy, 274-0015. Enjoy Chinese and Japanese cuisine, including numerous sushi selections, in this restaurant overlooking Monument Square. Takeout available; free delivery within five miles. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat. Closed Sunday. D, MC, V. $
Sushi Thai Garden
See listing under "Thai."
Sushi X Lounge
710 New Loudon Road, Latham, 713-4102, sushixlounge.com. Enjoy all-you-can-eat sushi and Japanese fare, but order incrementally from a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, tempura, teriyaki, udon noodle dishes and more, cooked to order. $20 for dinner Mon-Thu, $22 Fri-Sun. Full bar; takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-4 Mon-Fri, dinner 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$back to top
Italian Northern
Café Capriccio
49 Grand St., Albany, 465-0439, cafecapriccio.com. Metroland's 2011 Best Restaurant has been serving gourmet regional Italian cuisine for 27 years. Seasonally changing menu. Serving 5-9 Sun-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat. Reservations strongly suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Café Lucia
80 Church St., Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-2640, cafelucialenox.com. Enjoy the cuisine of chef-owner Jim Lucie, who takes loving care with his ingredients to turn out variations on Italian and continental favorites. Full bar and award-winning wine list. Private parties. Reservations recommended. Serving dinner 5:30-9:00 Tue-Sat, closed Sun-Mon, open Sundays of holiday weekends. D, MC, V. $$$$
Capriccio Saratoga
26 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, 587-9463. Sister restaurant to Albany's Café Capriccio, offering many of the same classic Italian antipasti, pasta and main courses along with traditional Neapolitan pizza. Full bar. Serving 5-close daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Chianti il Ristorante
18 Division St., Saratoga Springs, 580-0025, chiantiristorante.com. In the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, Chianti Il Ristorante serves sophisticated, authentic Northern Italian fare utilizing seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting. Offering a pork shank ossobuco braised with herbs and Amarone wine and penne with sautéed spinach "aglio e olio" with gorgonzola, breadcrumbs and toasted almonds. Full bar, award-winning wine selection. Dinner served from 5 PM daily. Bar open daily at 4:30. AE, MC, V. $$$
203-207 Lark St., Albany, 449-3532, eldasonlark.com. In a handsome dining room looking out on Lark and State streets, enjoy classic Italian dishes including veal, seafood, chicken, beef and pasta. Fresh pasta and bread made on premises. Gourmet desserts. Full bar. Catering and takeout available. Serving dinner 4-11 Mon-Sat, with a late dinner menu available from 10 PM-2 AM. Closed Sunday. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Limoncello Ristorante
1 Ballston Ave., Saratoga Springs, 580-8700, limoncelloristorante.com. Chef-owner Giancarlo Balestra offers a Tuscan-style menu where you can start with calamari, carpaccio or fritto misto di mare, and go on to enjoy pasta dishes like fettuccine del norcino, penne alla vodka or homemade gnocchi. The secondi include scallopine limoncello, tagliata alla Toscana and saltimbocca alla Romana. Full bar, wine list. Serving dinner 7 days 4:30-close. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Lo Porto Ristorante
85 4th St., Troy, 273-8546, loportos.com. Martin Scorsese's favorite Capital Region restaurant is still going strong, serving Italian specialties with a Sicilian flavor. Full bar. Off-premises catering (465-7313, email@example.com). Space available for private parties. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11-3 Mon-Fri, dinner 5-10 Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday. Reservations strongly suggested for dinner. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Luisa's Italian Bistro
Exit 17, Route 9, Saratoga Road, South Glens Falls, 745-5055, luisasitalianbistro.com. Serving Northern Italian dishes from the restaurateur's home in the Emilia-Romagna region of Bologna, the restaurant specializes in veal, chicken, seafood and pasta in an intimate setting. Updated menu includes extensive appetizers, gourmet pizza, light bar menu and more, with dinner specials daily. Full bar. Takeout available. Reservations recommended for parties of six or more. Serving 4:30-9 Sun-Thu, 4:30-9:30 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
1930 Curry Road, Schenectady, 355-0340, mallozzis.com. A banquet house offering custom-designed menus for special occasions. Serving a Wednesday night Grand Italian Buffet offering myriad Italian specialty dishes and chef's specials in an elegant setting. Full bar, banquet facilities. Now offering off-premises catering. Serving dinner 5-9 Wed. Reservations suggested. AE, MC, V. $$$
149 Route 9P, Saratoga Lake, 584-5599, manginos.com. Serving Northern and traditional Italian specialties for more than 65 years at the same location at the south end of Saratoga Lake. Serving house specialties of lobster, shrimp, and veal, regional pasta favorites, prime rib Friday and Saturday, and fresh seafood. Serving 4-10 Tue-Sat, noon-10 Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, MC, V. $$$
Mezza Notte
2026 Western Ave., Guilderland, 689-4433, mezzanottealbany.com. Serving classic Italian dishes with a modern flair. House specialties include their signature osso buco, and fettucine arragosta (lobster) in a lobster cream sauce; for appetizers, try the patate (homemade potato chips) con gorgonzola. All desserts are house-made. Full bar, extensive wine list. Enjoy the outside dining patio while the weather is nice. Private banquet rooms available. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Tue-Thu, 5-10:30 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Newton Plaza, 594 New Loudon Road, Latham, 783-3334, milano-restaurant.com. Northern Italian cuisine featuring homemade pasta, gourmet pizza, grilled meats and seafood. Selection of gourmet foods and baked goods for takeout. Full bar. Winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Mon-Fri, noon-3 Sat, dinner 5-9 Sun-Mon, 5-10 Tue-Thu, 5-10:30 Fri-Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
Nicole's Restaurant
556 Delaware Ave., Albany, 436-4952, nicolesrestaurant.com. The menu offers Southern and Northern Italian specialties in an intimate dining room with a metropolitan feel. Full bar, banquet facilities, on- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. Private parties by reservation any day. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Tue-Fri, dinner 5-10 Tue-Sat, 4-9 Sun, closed Monday. Reservations suggested for dinner. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
510 Route 9P, Saratoga Springs, 584-6882, panzasrestaurant.com. Distinctive Italian cuisine with a continental flair. Full bar, banquets for all occasions, on- and off-premises catering. Serving lunch and dinner 12-close Sun-Mon, Wed-Fri, serving dinner 5-close Sat. Closed Tuesday. Reservations appreciated. AE, MC, V. $$$$
20 Mall, 2080 Western Ave., Guilderland, 456-8242, tesoroitalianrestaurant.com. Intimate chef-owned restaurant serving both Northern and Southern Italian dishes by former Lombardo's chef Raffaele Sainato. Join us every Wednesday for "dinner for four to-go" for $19.95. Full bar, banquet facilities, on- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 11:30-9 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri, 4-10 Sat, and 4-8 Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
V & R Restaurant
136 Madison Ave., Albany, 626-0001 or 626-0700. Northern Italian cuisine featuring pasta, chicken, veal and seafood. Soups and desserts made from scratch. Full bar, catering, two rooms for private parties up to 150. Takeout available. Reservations suggested. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Fri, 3-10 Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Vico Restaurant & Bar
136 Warren St., Hudson, 828-6529, vicorestaurant.com. Tuscan-inspired dining, the legacy of chef-owner Mark Ganem's time in Italy. The result: items like fettuccine Botticelli, topped with a cream sauce, porcini mushrooms, asparagus and edible flowers, so it really does look like a work of art. Other items in the changing menu could include grilled rosemary-crusted lamb and preparations of tuna, chicken and duck. Warm ambiance, two working fireplaces, excellent pasta and a killer bistecca Fiorentina. Full bar. Serving lunch noon-3 Sat-Sun; dinner 5-8:30 Mon, Thu, 3-8:30 Sun, 5-9 Fri, and 3-9 Sat. AE, MC, V. $$$
440 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-0534, 54 Crossing Plaza, Clifton Park, 383-4444, wheatfields.com. Serving fresh, homemade pasta, daily specials, and fine wine since 1988. Proudly bringing the finest local ingredients to our guests' plates. Offering a gluten free menu. Full bar; space for semi-private parties available. Reservations accepted. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Sat, 11:30-9 Sun. 11:30-11 Fri.-Sat. in July and August. AE, D, MC, V. $$$back to top
Amo La Bella New York
89 Beaver St., Albany, 434-3121. Specialties at this downtown dining room include saltimbocca à la Romana, seafood pasta à la Amo, shrimp with porcini mushrooms in a Genovese sauce, and Cippino, a combination of clams, scallops, shrimp and calamari on top of linguine. Full bar, banquets for up to 170 guests. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11-2 Mon-Fri; dinner 4-9 Fri-Sat. Open for all Times Union Center events, reservations accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Angelo's Tavolo
1 Glen Ave., Scotia, 374-7262, angelostavolo.com. Restaurant in the Glen Sanders Mansion featuring modern Italian cuisine in an historic setting. Full bar and banquet facilities, on- and off-premises catering. Overnight accommodations available. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Mon-Sat, brunch 10:30-2 Sun, special pub menu $ PM-10PM Mon-Sat, 4 PM-9PM Sun in the bar. Reservations recommended on the weekends. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
Anthony's Canalside Restaurant
1 Riverside Drive, Rotterdam Junction, 887-3100. Wednesday Parmigiana Special. A friendly, comfy place for pizza or parmigiana, and don't forget to try the steak pizzaiola. Full bar. Serving 11-9 Wed-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Appian Way Restaurant
1839 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, 393-8460. The Mantova sisters are back once more with their matchless, cooked-from-scratch fare. Their fettuccini with portobello mushrooms, for example, redefines the texture of the dish, because chef Gina dries the mushrooms first. Bread, pasta, and even the ice cream are all homemade. Serving dinner 5-close Wed-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
Augie's Family Style Restaurant & Bar
183 Church Ave. (Route 50), Ballston Spa, 884-8600, augiesrestaurant.com. Family-style Italian fare (every dish serves two or more) including fried calamari, fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers, chicken, seafood, pan pizzas and more than 20 pasta dishes. Daily specials. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering, takeout available. Serving 4-9 Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu; 4-10 Fri-Sat; closed Tue. Private parking available. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Bellini's Italian Eatery
1365 New Scotland Ave., Slingerlands, 439-6022; 19 Clifton Country Road, Hannaford Plaza, Clifton Park, 348-2090. Tucked into a couple of suburban shopping plazas, these attractive Italian restaurants feature a mix of straightforward dishes and authentic Italian fare, from wood-fired pizzas and bruschetta to more complicated dishes like the pappardelle, with sautéed chicken, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus and artichoke hearts. Fresh-baked bread daily and rich desserts, too. Full bar, wine list. Serving 11:30-9:30 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10:30 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
23 Dove St., Albany, 462-9176, bongiornositalianrestaurant.
Brindisi's Restaurant and Bar
390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-6262, brindisis.com. Innovative 1930s New York City-themed continental fare, featuring steak, chicken, veal, fish and pasta. Served in a handsome setting with a picture window on Saratoga's main street. Large parties accepted. The bar is friendly and desserts are a specialty. Serving lunch 11-4, dinner 4-10 daily. Reservations suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Buca di Beppo
44 Wolf Road, Colonie, 459-2822, bucadibeppo.com. Family-style Italian fare in a chain restaurant that does it right. Order less than you think and bring a big party: Lots of food emerges in family-style portions, served in an infectiously merry atmosphere. Full bar. Serving lunch 11-4 daily, dinner 5-10 Mon-Thu, 5-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Caffe Italia
662 Central Ave., Albany, 482-9433. Look for traditional preparations of pasta, shrimp, lobster and veal, including Veal Luciana—medallions of veal with prosciutto, tomato and mozzarella. Beer, liquor and wine. On-premises catering for small parties and off-premises catering for larger parties. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Tues-Fri; dinner 5-10 Mon-Sat, 4-9 Sun. Reservations appreciated. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Caffe Pomo D'oro
6 Depot St., W. Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 232-4616. Cozy cafe in a converted train station featuring creative takes on standard breakfast fare and Italian-accented sandwiches, along with coffee, pastries, soups and luscious homemade desserts. Takeout available. 8-3 Thu-Sun. Cash only. $
Casa Mia Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
385 Route 9W, Glenmont, 463-4331. Offering a variety of chicken, veal, beef, seafood and pasta dishes from both the Northern and Southern regions of Italy. Known for veal, seafood creations and pizza. Nightly specials. Full bar and banquet facilities. Serving 4-9 Tue-Thu, 4-10 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. Closed Mon. Reservations suggested, especially on weekends. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Chef's Take Out
3770 Carmen Road, Carmen Plaza, Guilderland, 357-2222, chefstakeout .com. Trained by his mom and family in Calabria, Italy, chef-owner Gerry Consolo invites you to enjoy food from Northern and Southern Italy. Takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving 2-9 Tue-Sun. MC, V. $$
42 N. Jay St., Schenectady, 381-6165, civitellos.com. Known for Italian ice, spumoni and tortoni, all made in-house; also Italian sandwiches, homemade bread and pizza, pastries, cookies, espresso and cappuccino. Takeout available. Dessert catering. Open 9-7 Tue-Sat. Open until 9 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day. V, MC. $
Cornell's Restaurant
39 N. Jay St., Schenectady, 370-3825, cornellsrestaurant.com. The Northern and Southern Italian menu includes such favorites as braciola, calamari and homemade cavatelle. Full bar. Serving lunch Tue-Fri 11-2; dinner 5-9 Tue-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, MC, V. $$$
DeAngelo's Ristorante
1510 Chrisler Ave., Schenectady, 393-1364. A family-style restaurant featuring fresh ingredients, huge portions, menu selections from spaghetti to lobster tails, and a friendly staff to top it off. Full bar. On- and off-premises catering, takeout available. Serving dinner 4-10 Tue-Sat, 4-9 Sun-Mon. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$
DeFazio's Pizzeria
266 4th St., Troy, 271-1111, defaziospizza.com. Over 20 gourmet wood-fired pizzas and pastas, antipasto and salads. Homemade Italian sauces available in DeFazio's retail store next door. BYOB. Off-premises catering available. Serving 11-10 Mon-Fri, 4-10 Sat. Closed Sun. Cash or check only. $
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse
1553 Central Ave., Albany, 456-5656, delmonicositaliansteakhouse.
De Marco's Italian Restaurant
1965 Central Ave., Albany, 456-7574. Savor the homemade Italian cuisine in this friendly, family-owned restaurant. Try the famous pizza. On- and off premises catering. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 daily. MC, V. $$
D'Raymonds Restaurant and Lounge
269 Osborne Road, Loudonville, 459-6364. draymonds.com. Italian cuisine with an American accent. Veal and homemade pasta are house specialties. Full bar. Takeout until 7 PM, catering available. Reservations recommended. Serving lunch 11:30-2:15 Mon-Fri, dinner 5-10 Mon-Fri, 4-10 Sat. Closed Sun. AE, CB, DC, MC, V. $$$
Eugenio's Cafe Gelato
See listing under "Coffee Bars."
Ferrari's Ristorante
1254 Congress St., Schenectady, 382-8865, ferrarisristorante.com. Authentic Italian cuisine with specialties including veal Pepe (veal napped in horseradish-cream sauce) and chicken Antonio (featuring a wine-and-mushroom sauce). Full bar. Banquets for up to 65 guests, off-premises catering. Serving 11:30-9 Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri, 4-10 Sat. Open on Sunday for private parties and banquets of 50 or more. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Forno Bistro
541 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 581-2401, fornobistro.com. Anchoring Saratoga's vibrant downtown Forno Bistro offers a variety of rustic, Tuscan-style food rooted in tradition. Forno chefs use only the freshest seasonal ingredients to prepare dishes with respect to their flavors, appearance and aroma. Rustic Italian menu featuring wood-fired, thin-crust pizza, homemade pasta, soups and salads. Serving dinner 4:30-9:30 Sun-Thu, 4:30-10:30 Fri-Sat, 5-9 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$
Grappa '72
818 Central Ave., Albany, 482-7200. grappa72.com. Authentic northern and southern Italian cuisine prepared by new executive chef, Tom Kachris, and featuring the largest Italian wine list and Grappa menu in upstate New York. Exquisite fare in an upscale atmosphere. Private room and elegant patio available. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving 4:30-9:30 Mon-Thu, 4:30-10 Fri-Sat, 3:30-8:30 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
I Love New York Pizza Pasta
15 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 436-7492, ilovenewyorkpizza.com. A wide variety of gourmet pizza, wings, calzones and rolls of your choice. Homemade pasta entrees, hot and cold subs, freshly made beef and chicken gyros, panini sandwiches and wraps. Also salads, appetizers, daily soup specials and desserts. No alcohol. Take out, free delivery, online ordering, off-premises catering. Mon-Thu 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11, Sun 12-9. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria
496 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, 459-2121; 222 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park, 383-8080; 79 Campbell Ave., Troy, 272-2121; 198 Lisha Kill Road, Colonie, 456-4111; 187 Old Loudon Road, Latham, 782-7111; 1810 Western Ave, Albany, 862-2030; 72 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, 580-8888; 2374 Route 9, Malta, 899-2121. infernopizza.com. Pizzeria in eight locations, also featuring a full menu of homemade entrees. Beer and wine; on-premises catering; takeout and delivery available. Reservations recommended. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-midnight Fri, 11-11 Sat-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$
Jimmy's 21
2425 Main St., Lake Placid, 523-2353. Features pasta, veal, chicken and seafood dishes. Children's menu available. Four lakeside dining rooms with splendid view of Mirror Lake and the Adirondacks. Full bar, on-premises catering, takeout. Serving lunch 11-3:30 Mon-Sun, dinner 4:30-10 daily. AE, MC, V. $$$
Joe's Pizza Place & Restaurant
2780 Hamburg St., Schenectady, 355-7700. A solid neighborhood pizza joint run by Joe Geloso for 40 years, with burgers and other sandwiches on the menu as well as traditional Italian fare like ziti, cavatelli or fettuccine with meatballs, sausage and much more. Takeout available. Full bar, banquet/catering. Delivery also available. Serving 11-9 Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu; 11-10 Fri-Sat. Closed Tuesday. AE, MC, V. $$
John Riccitello's
1687 Foster Ave., Schenectady, 374-1574. You'll be part of the family as soon as you walk in. Good meals, good prices, good company. Try the veal parmigiana. Wed-Thu night specials. Full bar. Serving 11-10 Wed-Fri, 4-10 Sat, 4-9 Sun. Closed Mon-Tue (except for parties of 20-40, by reservation only). Reservations suggested. D, MC, V. $$
Katrinella's Bistro
123 1/2 Madison Ave., Albany, 512-5116, katrinellasbistro.com. Southern Italian fare with an obvious homemade touch from chef-owner Giuseppe Rogers in this intimate restaurant. Plenty of chicken, veal and seafood, but it's the pasta that sets the place apart. Beer and wine. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11-1:30 Mon-Fri, dinner 4:30-10 Mon-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
121 Madison Ave., Albany, 462-9180, lombardosofalbany.com. An Albany mainstay, with a menu featuring many different pasta dishes, more than 10 different veal dishes and many other offerings. Nightly specials, too. Full bar. Banquet room available for up to 80, takeout available. Serving 11-11 Mon-Fri, 3-11 Sat. Closed Sun. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
1562 New Scotland Ave. (Route 85), Slingerlands, 439-5555, mangiarestaurant.com. Wood-fired pizzas include such toppings as chicken pesto and barbecued chicken. The menu also features innovative world cuisine. Beer and extensive new wine list. Takeout available. Serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri, 3-10 Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Mario's Restaurant
Routes 20 and 22, New Lebanon, 794-9495, marios-restaurant.com. Chef-owned and family-operated since 1964, this personalized eatery is known for great food and service. Bread, pasta and desserts are all from scratch. Full bar. On- and off-premises catering. Serving dinner 4-9 Sun-Thu, 4-10 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Mario's Restaurant & Pizzeria
2850 River Road, Niskayuna, 347-0002. The long Sicilian pizza is a trademark item; the menu also features other pizzas, traditional pasta dishes and dinner specials. Serving 11-10 Tue-Fri, 4-10 Sat. Closed Sun and Mon. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Mazzeo's Ristorante
1015 South St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 448-2095, mazzeosristorante.com. Second-generation family-owned restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine. Recently relocated to a more visible spot on Route 7 near Lenox, Mazzeo's attracts both locals and tourists with its traditional Italian comfort food. Homemade desserts, children's menu. Full bar, wine list. Banquet and catering services. Reservations recommended. Serving dinner 4-9 Mon-Thu; 4-10 Fri-Sat. Subject to change. AE, D, MC. V. $$$$
Mercato's Pizzeria & Restaurant
155 Delaware Ave., Delmar, 475-7777, mercatosrestayrant.com. Salmon alla Mercato is a favorite on a menu featuring veal, chicken, seafood, pasta and pizza. Full bar. Banquet facilities. Serving 4-9:30 Mon-Wed, 11:30-9:30 Thu, 11:30-10 Fri, 4-10 Sat, 4-9 Sun. Closed Mon. AE, MC, V. $$
More Perreca's
31 North Jay St., Schenectady, 377-9800. The ever-changing dinner menu may include baked eggplant, braciole, sausage and peppers, roasted chicken and pasta fagioli, not to mention the signature bread, great personal pizzas and breakfast and lunch served every day. Serving Mon-Tue 7-3, Wed-Sun 7 AM-8 PM. D, MC, V. $$
Moscatiello's Italian Restaurant
99 N. Greenbush Road (Route 4), Troy, 283-0809, moscatiellos.com. This family-operated restaurant boasts a variety of Italian fare. In addition to the traditional, the menu also includes gourmet specialties and salads, including chicken rustica, shrimp scampi, chicken marsala, New York strip steak, and a bruschetta appetizer. Full bar and wine list. On- and off-premises catering. Serving 11:30-10 daily. Now serving brunch 10-2 Sun. Reservations accepted for parties of five or more. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
The New Madison Grille
331 Madison Ave., Albany, 434-1938. Pizza is a specialty—this neighborhood favorite has perfected there famous 70-year-old pizza recipe from the former establishment. Also serving a high-quality but reasonably priced menu of salads, sandwiches, burgers and other entrées. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving 11-6 Mon, 11-11Tue-Wed, 11-12 Fri, 11-2 Sat, 11-12 Sun. Bar open later. Closed Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Noho Pizza
195 Lark St., Albany, 433-1111, nohopizza.com. Gourmet pizza, Italian dinners, subs, wings, salad bar. Takeout and delivery available. Serving 10-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
The Olive Garden
178 Wolf Road, Colonie, 458-8676, olivegarden.com. An extensive, Americanized Italian menu includes lots of pastas, appetizers and salads. Full bar. Serving 11-10 Sun-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. AE, CB, D, MC, V. $$
Paolo Lombardi's
104 W. Sand Lake Road, Wynantskill, 283-0202, paololombardis.com. Featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and specialty pastas, with large hot and cold antipasto. Full bar. Takeout available. On- and off-premises catering. Serving dinner 4-10 Tue-Thu, 4-11 Fri-Sat, 1-9 Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Parillo's Armory Grill
67 Bridge St., Amsterdam, 842-2004, parillosarmorygrill.com. A family-run restaurant where you'll soon feel at home. Traditional fare includes specialties like vodka rigatoni and bourbon-marinated sirloin. Full bar. Serving dinner 5-9 Wed-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat, 1-8 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
284 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs, 583-2423. This award-winning chef-owned-and-operated restaurant has been in business for more than 80 years, serving Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Specials include veal marsala and shrimp Genovese. Full bar, on-premises catering for parties up to 120. Full menu available for takeout. Serving 5-9 Wed-Thu, Sun; 5-10 Fri-Sat. Closed Mon-Tue. Reservations suggested. AE, MC, V. $$$
Pentagon 1978
154 Erie Blvd., Schenectady, 370-1978, pentagonrestaurant.com. Casual dining in a friendly atmosphere. Pizza, chicken and Italian dishes, plus seafood and veal items. Try the Pentagon Black Angus New York Strip steak in three sizes. Children's menu. Full bar, takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Pizza until 11. 11:30-12 Fri-Sat, Pizza until midnight. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
134 Duane Ave., Schenectady, 346-7324, pettasrestaurant.com. The granddaddy of Italian eateries in the Electric City, celebrating almost 60 years of family ownership. American dishes are also featured on a menu known for its veal specialties. Full bar, banquet facilities. Takeout available. Dinner 4-9 daily. Reservations suggested on weekends. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
448 Delaware Ave., Albany, 436-0545. Albany's spot for fresh pizza, pasta, wings, salads and subs, featuring Boar's Head meats and cheeses. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Takeout and delivery available. Serving 4-9 Mon-Thu, 11-9 Fri, 1-9 Sat, 2-8 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $.
Portside American Diner
240 Church St., Albany, 449-5008. Breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual setting, with specials at all meals. Breakfast is served all day and dinner includes steaks, chops and seafood. Off-premises catering, takeout available. Serving 6-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
Prime Italian Steakhouse & Bar
15 Franklin St., Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-2998, primelenox.com. Italian steakhouse featuring steaks, seafood and Italian specialties in a metropolitan dining room offering private frosted glass booths. Full bar, takeout available. Reservations recommended on weekends. Seasonal; call for hours. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Red Front Restaurant
71 Division St., Troy, 272-9241, 274-6114, redfrontrestaurant.com. Pizza, traditional Italian fare and prime-rib dinners are the specialties at this venerable Troy institution. Full bar. On- and off premises catering. Banquet facilities. Takeout and delivery available. Serving 11-11 Tue-Sat, noon-11 Sun, closed Mon. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Romano's Macaroni Grill
1 Metro Park Road (off Wolf Road), Colonie, 446-9190, macaronigrill.com. A full menu of Italian specialties is served in a convivial atmosphere, along with brick-oven pizza. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving 11-10 Sun-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Sabina's Wood Fired Restaurant
237 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 583-3333, sabinasrestaurant.com. Specialty pizzas include puttanesca and broccoli and ricotta, or create your own. Also pasta dishes, salads, Italian entrées, burgers and more. Full bar. Takeout available. Open 4-10 Mon-Fri; noon-10 Sat; noon-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Sam's Italian-American Famous Restaurant
125 Southern Blvd. (Route 9W), Albany, 463-3433, go-sams.com. Now celebrating its 40th year. Featuring Northern and Southern Italian specialties. Fresh veal, pasta and seafood. Children's and senior-citizen portions available. Party menu available. Free complimentary dessert for birthdays and anniversaries. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-2 Tue-Fri, dinner 4:30-9 Tue-Thu, 4:30-10 Fri-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. Reservations suggested. AE, MC, V. $$$
Scotti's Restaurant and Pizzeria
1730 Union St., Schenectady, 393-7440. Voted Best Family Italian restaurant by Metroland for 2010. In the same spot since 1966, Scotti's is famous for its sauces: marinara, meat, and light red. All menu items prepared to order. Homemade bread. Beer and extensive wine list. On- and off-premises catering and full menu available for takeout. Serving lunch 11:30-1:30, dinner 4:30-9:30 Tue-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Soho Pizza
269 Lark St., Albany, 449-1111, sohopizza.com. Voted Best Pizza in Metroland Readers' Poll 2011. Greenwich-style brick-oven pizza. Wings, salads and Italian dinners. Takeout and delivery available. Serving 2 PM-3 AM Mon-Thu, 11 AM-4 AM Fri-Sat, 11 AM-3 AM Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
124th Street and 4th Avenue, North Troy, 235-0444, testositalianrestaurant.com. Family-run Italian restaurant with a family ambience, specializing in pasta dishes, veal, seafood and homemade meatballs. Home of Testo's Gourmet Pasta Sauce. Beer and wine. Off-premises catering. Complete menu available for takeout. Serving 11:30-9 PM Tue-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon.
Trattoria Il Vesuvio
242 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-4904, trattoria-vesuvio.com. This down-home trattoria is where you'll enjoy imported ingredients and a high-quality approach to authentic peasant food. Known for homemade ravioli and hearty meat dishes, all served in a converted Dutch barn. Full bar. Serving dinner 4:30-9 Mon-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Trattoria Rustica
27 McKay St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 499-1192, trattoria-rustica.com. Cozy, rustic restaurant in downtown Pittsfield featuring traditional Neapolitan cuisine. Specialties include brick-oven-roasted meats, wild game and fish, and of course, plenty of pasta dishes. Homemade bread from the brick oven. Italian desserts. Large wine selection, beer, minimal full bar. Reservations recommended. Serving 5-close daily; closed Tuesday. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Treviso by Mallozzi
Italian-American Community Center, 257 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, 456-0292. mallozzifamily.com. Now part of the Mallozzi group, this eatery offers a large selection of veal dishes and other Italian specialties. Children's menu served. Full bar. Banquet facilities, takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving dinner 5-9 Tue-Sat, 3-8 Sun, dinner buffet 5-8:30 Mon, lunch 11:30-2:30 Tue-Fri. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Valente's Restaurant
315 8th St., Watervliet, 273-3314, valentesrestaurant.com. Traditional Italian fare—your Bolognese, your parmigiana (try the haddock version), your bounty of pasta dishes—with steak and seafood dishes, from a family restaurant dating back to 1958. Catering and takeout available. Full bar. Serving lunch 11-4 Tue-Fri, dinner 4-10 Sun-Thu, 4-11 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
572 2nd Ave., Troy, 235-8879, verdile.com. Selections include fresh veal, homemade pasta and seafood specials. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Sat, noon-9 Sun. Reservations not accepted. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Villa Valenti
Route 150, West Sand Lake, 283-1291, villavalenti.com. The menu of traditional Italian fare offers homemade pastas, nature-quality veal (cut fresh daily), fresh seafood and a salad bar with more than 40 items. Full bar, catering, banquet facilities. Takeout available. Serving dinner 4-10 Tue-Sat, 3-9 Sun. Closed Mon. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Village Pizzeria & Ristorante
2727 Route 29, East Galway, 882-9431, villagepizzeria.com. During their 20 years at this location, Sandy and Joe Guerrera have evolved a modest pizza joint into a full-blown, family friendly Italian eatery with an expansive, not-too-expensive menu. Look for pork osso buco with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes, an array of veal dishes, plenty of pasta and a terrific chicken parmigiana. Serving beer and wine. Wine list with more than 400 selections (120 by the glass). Voted Metroland Best Wine List 2008. Now serving gluten free pasta and pizza. Serving 4-10 Mon, 11:30-10 Wed-Thu, 11:30-10:30 Fri-Sat, 11:30-10 Sun, closed Tuesday. AE, D, MC, V. $$
The Water's Edge Lighthouse Restaurant and Inn
2 Freeman's Bridge Road, Glenville, 370-5300, thewatersedgelighthouse.com. Upscale dining atmosphere with lots of seafood and steaks. New fall menu and light-fare menu available. Patio, full bar, takeout available. Banquet facilities available for 200-plus. Reservations recommended. Open 11-10 Tue-Fri and 5-10 Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$back to top
17 Main St., Ballston Lake, 399-9926. Irish country pub with casual family atmosphere and a pool/game room. Menu includes Irish and American fare. Prime rib is always the special on Sat and Sun. Fresh fish, hand-cut steaks. Serving 11:30-9 Sun-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
The Parting Glass
40-42 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, 583-1916. partingglasspub.com. This popular Irish eatery serves up more than typical pub fare. The menu features homemade specials including lamb stew, as well as soups, Irish specialties, and traditional Irish Breakfast. Full bar with more than 100 beers available, including Harp and Guinness. Parties for any occasion, banquet facilities for 20 to 200. Serving full menu daily, from 11 AM until last call. Reservations suggested for parties of 10 or more. AE, D, MC, V. $back to top
333 Café
333 Delaware Ave., Delmar, 439-9333. 333cafe.com. A cozy bistro that provides an intimate dining experience. Extensive beer selection and hand-selected, worldly wine list. Featuring daily specials. Off-premises catering. Serving dinner 4-9 Tue-Sat; closed Sun-Mon. Luncheons for private parties available upon special request. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Aperitivo Bistro
426 State St., Schenectady, 579-3371, aperitivobistro.com. Eclectic bistro situated between Proctors and Bowtie Cinemas Movieland to serve the theater crowd before and after shows. Offering a variety of small-plate selections ranging from Italian to Asian delicacies. Reservations recommended. Serving lunch 11:30-2 Mon-Fri, dinner 5-10 Mon-Sat and 4-9 Sunday. Private party room (seats 50) available upon special request. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Beardslee Castle
Route 5, Little Falls, (315) 823-3000, beardsleecastle.com. Dine in one of five intimate rooms, in this historic castle in Central New York (complete with ghosts, or at least abundant rumors thereof). Chef-owner Randall Brown offers consistently creative cuisine that changes nightly, and always features fresh ingredients. Range of fare includes Mediterranean, Italian, Asian and Southwestern influences and beyond. Excellent and eclectic wine and beer selection, and a thoughtful children's menu available. Large functions up to 180. Reservations appreciated. Serving dinner 5-9 Thu-Sat, 4-8 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Stuyvesant Plaza, 1475 Western Ave., Albany, 482-8000, creorestaurant .com. Chef Brian Bowden's entrées take fresh looks at classic items, like the meatloaf with veal and wild mushrooms worked into it, and the Thai-marinated grilled salmon. Excellent service, with a team headed by Paul McCullough. Full bar, wine list. Reservations suggested. Serving 11:30-9 Mon, 11:30-10 Tue-Fri, noon-10 Sat; Sunday brunch 10-3, dinner 3-9. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$.
21 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 581-0560, ravenouscrepes.com. Featuring a wide variety of savory and sweet crepes for lunch, dinner, dessert and weekend brunch; also known for the Belgian pommes frites, fresh-cut French fries served in paper cones with dipping sauces. Beer, wine, espresso; takeout available. Serving 11:30-8 Tue-Thu, 11:30-9 Fri, 10-9 Sat, 10-8 Sun. Closed Mon. AE, MC, V, D. $$
Sage Bistro
Star Plaza, 2050 Western Ave., Guilderland, 608-5410, sagebistroguilderland.com. Many influences converge here, as chef Joseph Soliman offers such items as Absolut chicken, linguine and clams with homemade chorizo, grilled marinated lamb and sea bass topped with Moroccan charmoula. Catering and takeout available. Full bar. Serving lunch 11-3 Mon-Fri, noon-3 Sat; dinner 4:30-9 Mon-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
The Sedgwick Inn and Restaurant
17971 Route 22, Berlin, 658-2334, sedgwickinn.com. Dinner is served in an intimate, comfortable, elegant, candlelit restaurant. The menu is eclectic and imaginative. Dine in either the Coach Room Tavern or the elegant back porch. Can accommodate weddings and parties up to 100. Full bar. On-premises catering. Reservations appreciated. Serving 5-9 Fri-Sun. D, MC, V, personal checks. $$$$
84 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, 226-0655. Bistro-style dining in a renovated machine shop. Eclectic cuisine featuring flavors from all over the world. Specials change daily. Large bar specializing in house martinis and Belgian beers on tap. A great stop for late-night dining and drinking. Reservations accepted. Serving dinner from 5-close Wed-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
25 Chapel St. (in the Hampton Inn and Suites), Albany, 436-7747, yonos.com. In elegant surroundings, Chef Yono Purnomo serves native Indonesian cuisine coupled with a seasonal, globally inspired menu, all of it bearing Yono's trademark touches. Full bar with a 900-selection wine list. Serving dinner Mon-Sat from 5:30 PM. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$back to top
Indian Pakistani
Aashiana Restaurant
31 Central Ave., Albany, 463-4161. Serving a variety of Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern food such as falafels, hummus and baba ghanouj. The menu includes a large selection of vegetarian options. On- and off-premises catering and takeout. Lunch buffet 11:30-3 Mon-Fri and noon-3 Sat. Friday and Saturday night buffet 5-9. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, 12-11 Sat. Closed Sunday. Reservations accepted. AE, D, MC, V. $
Aroma Bar & Grill
485 Main St., Great Barrington, MA, (413) 528-3116, aromabarandgrill.com. The six-page menu offers the expected gamut of traditional Indian fare, with masalas and biryanis noted as signature dishes. Try the rasam, a light, tamarind-scented lentil soup or the chicken madras, a curry enhanced with pepper and lemon. Takeout available. Full bar. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Tue-Sun, dinner 4:30-10:30 Sun-Thu, 4:30-11 Fri-Sat, buffet 11:30-3 Sunday. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Curry House
1112 Madison Ave., Albany, 438-2265. curryhousealbany.com. This Northern Indian restaurant, now in its 11th year of operation, features a large selection of appetizers, curries, shish kebabs, tandoori entrées and Indian breads. Lunch buffet daily 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri, Sat-Sun noon-3. Off-premises catering and takeout available. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $
Gandhi Indian Restaurant
1 Central Ave., Albany, 449-5577. At the epicenter of Albany's Indian-restaurant neighborhood, serving Northern Indian food and offering a lunch buffet from 11:30 to 2:30 all-week. Under new management. Serving 11:30-10:30 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $
Jewel of India on Lark
187 Lark St., Albany, 512-5600, 649-3099. Authentic Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine, where spices and herbs are deployed together. On-premises catering. Takeout and delivery available. Reservations recommended. Serving 11-11 daily. AE, ATM, D, MC, V. $$.
9B Johnson Road, Latham, 785-7600; 47 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 580-1144, karavalli.com. Specializing in regional dishes from all over India. Daily lunch buffet, weekend brunch. Full bar, off-premises catering, takeout available, reservations accepted. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri; brunch noon-3 Sat-Sun; dinner 5-10 Sun-Thu, 5-11 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V, personal checks. $$
Latham Biryani
638 Loudon Road, Latham, 782-1510. You'll find lots of traditional Indian/Pakistani cuisine here, including lamb curry, chicken curry, rice dishes and tandoori chicken. Specializing in briyani. On/off-premises catering, takeout available. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10:30 Fri. Brunch buffet 12-3 Sat-Sun, noon-10:30 Sat, noon-10 Sun; lunch buffet 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri. AE, D, MC, V. $
35 Central Ave., Albany, 465-0333. Albany's newest Pakistani-Indian restaurant, serving lunch and dinner. Lunch buffet seven days a week. Takeout, delivery, on- and off-premises catering. No reservations. Dinner buffet Fri-Sat 5-9. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V $
Little India
60 Court St., Saratoga Springs, 583-4151. Standard Indian fare, including curries and other stews, tandoori dishes and a wide array of vegetarian items. Wine and beer, including Indian beer. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Tue-Sat; dinner 5-10 daily. AE, MC, V. $$
Mr. Tikka Kabab
450 Madison Ave., Albany, 472-8080. This new addition to the Center Square neighborhood offers traditional Indian and Pakistani food, take out and a lunch buffet. Delivery available. Serving 11-11 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
952 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 389-2500. Latham's newest Pakistani-Indian restaurant, serving lunch and dinner. Lunch buffet seven days a week. On- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. No reservations. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Shalimar Restaurant
180 Delaware Ave., Delmar, 439-4200. Flavorful Indian fare to eat in or take out. Serving a variety of vegetarian, meat and chicken dishes, fresh-baked tandoori bread and other stuffed breads. BYOB, catering available. Lunch buffet daily 11:30-2:30. Serving 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri, noon-3 Sat-Sun. Reservations accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V, travelers' checks. $
1929 Central Ave., Colonie, 456-6670, sitarindianrestaurant.com. A variety of chicken, lamb, shrimp and vegetable dishes and always-sizzling tandoori ovens. "Sun Room" dining area open on weekends and for special parties. Full bar, catering and banquet facilities. Serving lunch 11:30-2 Tue-Fri; dinner 5-10 Tue-Sat, 5-9 Sun. Closed Mon. Sunday buffet noon-3 through Father's Day. Takeout available. Reservations suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant
118 Jay St. (across from City Hall), Schenectady, 370-3664, tajmahalindianfood.com. An assortment of Indian cuisine, with meat, halal meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes available; takeout and delivery available; banquet facilities for 100 people. On/off-premises catering. Lunch buffet 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri. Dinner 4-9 Mon-Sat. Open for parties only on Sunday. Reservations accepted. AE, MC, V, D. $
54 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park, 688-1548, zaikany.com. The Zaika Sampler Dinner gives a great overview, with tandoori chicken, reshmi kabab and sheek kabab, a curry, naan and more. Both northern and southern Indian fare are offered, and there's outdoor dining, often with music, during the warm months. Full bar. Catering and takeout available. Reservations suggested for parties of six or more. Serving a lunch buffet 11:45-2:30 Tue-Fri, noon-3 Sat-Sun; dinner 5-10 Mon-Sat, 5-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$back to top
Aegean Breeze
327 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-4001. In homey surroundings, chefs George and Irene Cami serve up fresh, authentic Greek cuisine featuring charcoal-grilled fish and meats, pastas, traditional Greek faves like keftedes and loukaniko and an assortment of savory dips. Lobster every Thursday. Full bar. Catering, takeout available. Reservations suggested. Serving lunch 11-3 daily, dinner 4-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Anton's—A Greek/American Eatery
577 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 12208, 453-9191, antonsgreekrestaurant.com. Specializing in fresh Greek-American fare, including authentic gyros cut "off the cone," souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita, green salads, homemade spreads and Yia Yia's Greek pastries. Anton's also offers killer breakfast sandwiches and the one-of-a-kind EJ breakfast wrap (available all day!), as well as an awesome roast beef sandwich, locally-made mini hot dogs, sliders, vegetarian fare and locally made gluten-free pitas. Off-premises catering. Takeout and delivery available. Reservations not accepted. Serving 9-8 Mon-Thu, 9 AM-9 PM Fri-Sat. Closed Sun. AE, ATM, D, MC, V. $
Athos Classic Greek Cuisine
1814 Western Ave., Albany, 608-6400, athosrestaurant.com. Authentic Greek cuisine, with renowned New York City chef Harry Hatziparaskevas. Featuring favorite dishes such as souvlaki, pastichio, and moussaka, while introducing whole grilled fish, lamb youvetsi, grilled octopus, and other classic Greek dishes to the Capital Region. Full bar. Off-premises catering. Private parties for up to 80 people. Live Greek music monthly. Featuring live jazz on Fridays. Reservations recommended. Serving 4-10 Mon-Sat, 3-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Schodack Diner
See listing under "American."back to top
The Bull's Head Inn
See listing under "American."
105 Park Place Spa Brauhaus
200 E. High St., Ballston Spa, 885-4311. Sauerbraten and roulade of beef are offered along with other traditional German fare, as well as steaks and fish. Homemade black forest cake and apple strudel. Full bar, banquet facilities. Takeout available. Serving dinner 4-9 Wed-Sat, noon-8 Sun. Closed Mon and Tues. Reservations suggested. AE, MC, V, D, CB, DC. $$$
Wolff's Biergarten
895 Broadway, Albany, 427-2461, wolffsbiergarten.com. German comfort-food menu includes various schnitzel, wurst and other specialties. A dozen authentic German beers served in a beer-garden setting. Soccer matches always on TV. On- premises catering. Takeout available. No reservations accepted. Open 11 AM-2 AM Mon-Fri, 9 AM-2 AM Sat, 9 AM-midnight Sun. Cash only. ATM on premises. $
Zwicklbauer's Hofbrau
141 Warner's Lake Road, East Berne, 872-1016. Traditional German favorites include sauerbraten, wienerschnitzel and Bavarian wurst; also offering a large selection of American and Italian cuisine. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering. Reservations recommended. Serving 3-9 Wed-Fri, noon-9 Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$back to top
Bistro Zinc
56 Church St., Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-8800, bistrozinc.com. This elegant restaurant in the heart of Lenox serves simple, French-inspired bistro food such as steak frites, coq au vin, sole meuniere and a gourmet burger, with a very tempting dessert list. Full bar. Reservations suggested. Serving lunch 11:30-3, dinner 5:30-10 daily. AE, MC, V. $$$$
40 West St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 236-9463, brixwinebar.com. Authentic French bistro in the European tradition (complete with a Parisian-style zinc bar), Brix offers more than 180 wines, and an extensive by-the-glass selection, as well as classic French bistro fare. Full bar. No reservations. Serving dinner 5-10 Tue-Thu, 5-10:30 Fri-Sat. Closed Monday. AE, MC, V. $$$
Chez Pierre
979 Route 9, Wilton, 793-3350, chezpierrerestaurant.com. Dinners in the classic French manner, including sole Marguery, veal Oscar and steak au poivre. Bistro menu available in the lounge. Full bar, banquet facilities. Serving dinner 5-close Tue-Sun. Closed Monday. Reservations suggested on weekends. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
The Epicurean Bistro and Wine Bar
579 Troy-Schenectady Road (Latham Farms), Latham, 786-8272, epicure an-ny.com. Paris-born chef Dominique Brialy creates a French bistro with entrées such as duck confit, steak tartare, Dijon-crusted roasted chicken and an array of vegetarian selections. Full bar, extensive wine list, on- and off-premises catering. Serving lunch 11-4 Tue-Sat, dinner 5-9 Tue-Wed, 5-10 Thu-Sat, brunch 11-2 Saturday. Closed Sun-Mon. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Garden Bistro 24
1839 Central Ave., Colonie, 456-4566, gardenbistro24.com. Casual restaurant serving classic French-bistro-inspired fare in a comfortable setting. Seasonally motivated menu features many local ingredients. Full bar. On-premises catering, takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving 10:30 AM-10:30 PM Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday. AE, D, MC, V, ATM/debit. $$.
Inn at Erlowest
3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George, 668-5928, theinnaterlowest.com. American cultural cuisine with a strong global influence served in an intimate dining room in a 100-year-old castle. The culinary staff specializes in innovative interpretations of local ingredients, utilizing their own garden as well as local farmers markets. Signature dishes include scallop Wellington with consomme, confit of filet with smoked potato hash, handmade angolotti garden vegetable composition, and house-made soups, breads and desserts. Full bar, on-premises catering with a 250-person-capacity ballroom. Reservations strongly recommended. Dinner from 5:30 PM Tue-Sun. AE, MC, D, V. $$$$
Stuyvesant Plaza, Guilderland, 689-7777, provence-restaurant.net. Serving traditional and contemporary Southern French and Mediterranean cuisine. Experience fine dining in true French-bistro style with such classic dishes as bouillabaisse, roasted duck and steak frites. Enjoy an open kitchen featuring daily specials, a full custom-made zinc bar, and award-winning wine list in a beautiful, casually elegant setting. Private dining room accommodates up to 60 people. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Mon-Sat; dinner 5-9 Mon, 5-10 Tue-Thu, 5-10:30 Fri-Sat, 4:30-8:30 Sun. Sunday brunch 10:30-2. Bar menu available 11:30-close. Reservations recommended. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
3 Center St., West Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 232-4111, rougerestaurant .com. William Merelle is the chef and owner of this quintessential French bistro in the Berkshires. Among the entrées is the house favorite, braised duck with shredded potato cake and rosemary balsamic vanilla sauce. Tapas served at the bar. Takeout available. Reservations for four or more. Serving dinner 5-9 Wed-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
The Wine Bar & Bistro
200 Lark St., Albany, 463-2881, winebaronlark.com. European-style bistro offering chef Kevin Everleth's inventive cuisine and more than 60 wines by the glass. Beer and wine specials 5-6:30 Mon-Fri. No reservations. On-premises catering, takeout available. Serving 5 PM-close daily. AE, D, MC, V, ATM/debit. $$back to top
Alexis Diner
294 North Greenbush Road, Troy, 286-2567, alexisdiner.us. Monday is Texas night, Tuesday is pasta night and Wednesday is Greek night. More than 300 menu items: burgers, salads, sandwiches, steak and seafood specialties and, of course, our specialty desserts. Full bar. Takeout, delivery and off-premises catering available. Special events include car and bike shows. Serving 7 AM-10 PM seven days a week. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Blue Ribbon Diner
1801 State St., Schenectady, 393-2600. blueribbonrestaurant.com. A "dineraunt" setting with a capacious menu. Save room for the award-winning cheesecake. Serving 6 AM-11 PM Sun-Thu, 6 AM-midnight Fri-Sat. Reservations suggested for parties of six or more. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Chuck Wagon Diner
653 Route 20, Duanesburg, 356-3003. A 1950's diner that lives up to its image, serving hearty breakfast fare (including eggs, pancakes and homemade corned beef hash) and an extensive lunch and dinner menu, featuring soup, salads, popular appetizers, cowboy- and celebrity-named burgers, deli sandwiches, meatloaf, wings, even a classic Reuben. Daily specials available. Serving daily 6 AM-9 PM. D, MC, V. $$
Circle Diner
Latham Circle (Routes 2 and 9), Latham, 785-3324. A glistening edifice of chrome and art-deco appointments, with an appropriately large bill of fare. Specialties include soup, bison burgers, sandwich wraps and a vast sauté menu. 7 AM-10 PM Mon-Sat, 7 AM-9 PM Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Colonie Diner
1890 Central Ave., Colonie, 456-1550. This mainstay eatery offers a prix fixe menu of mainly continental fare. Meals include soup or salad, vegetable, entrée and beverage. Meals for seniors include dessert too. Full bar. Reservations suggested for larger parties. Serving 6 AM-9 PM Sun-Thu, 6 AM-10 PM Fri-Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Farmer Boy Restaurant Diner
1975 Central Ave., Colonie, 456-2243, farmer-boy.com. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Still a diner at its core, the Farmer Boy offers upscale and unique dishes that taste and look great at affordable rates. Full bar. Takeout and catering available. Serving 6-10 Tue-Sat, 7-10 Sun-Mon. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Gateway Diner
899 Central Ave., Albany, 482-7557. This traditional diner offers breakfast all day, along with fresh seafood, steaks, Italian dishes, excellent deli-style sandwiches and much more. Full bakery on premises, and all desserts homemade. Full bar, banquet facilities for up to 60. Serving 7 AM-11 PM weekdays, open 24 hours Fri-Sat. Reservations suggested for parties of eight or more. Gift certificates available. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Gibby's Restaurant
Route 7, Quaker Street, Duanesburg, 895-2063. In business now for 59 years, the original railroad-car diner has had a couple of additions, but there's still a sense of small-town hospitality. No alcohol. Banquet facilities, on-premises catering. Serving 7:30-7:30 Wed-Sun. Closed Mon-Tue. Cash or local check only. $
Johnny B's Glenmont Diner
Route 9W, Glenmont, 434-3761. The charm of an authentic '50s diner. Daily specials, homemade soups and breakfast served until close. Specialties include omelets, salads, burgers and hot and cold deli sandwiches. Takeout available. Serving 7-2 Tue-Sat, 7-1:45 Sun. Closed Monday. AE, D, MC, V. $
Latham '76 Restaurant
722 New Loudon Road (Route 9), Latham, 785-3793, latham76 diner.com. Look for the fife'n'drum sign. It's hard to miss this spacious eatery with traditional and contemporary "dineraunt" fare and homemade pastries. Full bar closes at midnight. Takeout available. Serving 24 hours daily. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Mike's Diner
3767 Carman Road, Schenectady, 355-9868. Serving breakfast all day with such pancake specials as cranberry-orange and oatmeal, along with omelet selections. For lunch, enjoy homemade soups, hot and cold deli sandwiches and homemade desserts, all prepared to order. Takeout and off-premises catering available. Serving 7-3 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
Miss Albany Diner
893 Broadway, Albany, 465-9148. A prewar diner, now on the New York state historic register, it offers a one-of-a-kind brunch menu with unique sauces, and they cook your fries to your specific request. Menu lists creative lunch sandwiches and homemade soups. Takeout and catering available (by the Brownstone Caterers). Reservations not accepted. Serving 7 AM-2:15 PM Tue-Fri, 9 AM-2:15 PM Sat-Sun. Cash, personal checks. $
181 Freeman's Bridge Road, Glenville, 393-3060. Practically everything is made from scratch at this popular breakfast and lunch eatery across from the Schenectady County Airport. Homemade soups, burger specials and fresh-baked pies are among the attractions. Make sure you try the fries. Rated Best Diner 2006 in Metroland, as well as Best Burger on several occasions. Serving 7-2:30 Mon, Wed-Fri; 6-2 Sat, 7-2 Sun, Closed Tuesday. Cash only. $
Ramona's Café
290 Lark St., Albany, 449-2012. A quiet, friendly café atmosphere in the heart of Lark Street. Breakfast is the highlight, though sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials round out the menu. Takeout available. Serving 10-3 Wed-Fri, 9-4 Sat-Sun. Closed Mon-Tue. Free Wi-Fi available. MC, V. $
The Redwood Diner
2688 Hamburg St., Schenectady, 355-9522. Family fare in a throwback dining room, where breakfast is served all day and the dinners include Italian items like eggplant, chicken or veal parmigiana, pasta, many seafood selections, steaks and chops and even meatloaf, most served with soup and salad and potato and vegetable. Beer and wine. Takeout available. Serving 6 AM-10 PM Mon-Sat, 7 AM-10 PM Sun. MC, V. $$
Route 7 Diner
1090 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 785-4107. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. Private dining room available for meetings and parties. On-premises catering and takeout available. Open 6 AM-10 PM daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Saratoga Diner
153 S. Broadway (Route 9), Saratoga Springs, 584-4044. A big, busy diner-restaurant with about as extensive a menu as you're going to find in the area. Good for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks or a late-night meal. Breakfast served anytime. Serving 7 AM-10 PM Mon-Thurs, 7 AM-12 AM Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $
Steve's Place
194 Broad St., Glens Falls, 793-5855. This American-style diner offers a full menu, breakfast anytime and homemade soups, salads and desserts. Lunch and dinner specials daily. Serving 6 AM-9 PM Mon-Thurs, 6AM-9:30PM. D, MC, V. $
Tops American Grill, Bakery & Bar
351 Duanesburg Road, Rotterdam. 356-0697, tops5corners.com. Located at the five corners in Rotterdam, this recently renovated restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Serving fresh seafood, steaks, chops, sauté and pasta dishes, along with gourmet pizzas and New-York-deli-style sandwiches. Full bakery on premises and full bar available. Serving 7 AM-10 PM Sun-Thu, 7 AM-11 PM Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Wolf Road Diner
219 Wolf Road, Colonie, 459-5214. A little bit of everything for everyone in this diner near the Albany International Airport. Nearly 400 different food items, including Greek and Italian and American specials. Full bar. Serving 6 AM-11 PM Sun-Thu, 6 AM-midnight Fri-Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V, ATM/debit. $back to top
Andy & Sons Italian Food & Deli, Ltd.
256 Delaware Ave., Albany, 463-2754. For more than 50 years, Andy's has offered authentic imported and Italian food, including homemade ravioli, pasta, soups and complete dinners. They feature 20 different homemade sauces, a full line of imported and domestic cheeses, and a big selection of specialty and gourmet deli meats. And don't forget their award-winning—Metroland Best Of 2010—subs and sandwiches. Off-premises catering. Takeout. Open 9 AM-7:30 PM Mon-Fri, 9-5:30 Sat. Closed Sunday. AE, D, MC, V. $
BFS Restaurant & Catering
See listing under "Mediterranean."
Cardona's Market and Catering
340 Delaware Ave., Albany, 434-4838, cardonasmarket.com. Delighting taste buds since 1945. Newly remodeled and expanded store, bringing you old-world Italian charm in a neighborhood marketplace. Carrying fresh produce, all-natural beef and poultry, a wide selection of imported cheeses and olives, fresh and dried pastas, vinegars and oils, sauces and pesto, as well as prepared foods and salads. 8-7 Mon-Sat, 9-2 Sun. Off-premises catering and delivery available. AE, MC, V. $
Center Stage Deli
2678 Hamburg St., Schenectady, 355-7791. centerstagedeli.com. The grilled Reuben is what this sandwich shop is all about, but the combo sandwiches and triple-deckers are also specialties. Burgers, subs, soups, salads and buffet plates for catering as well. Dining room available for private parties. Delivery. Serving 8-8 Mon-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $
Cook's Deli
46 State St., Albany, 427-2873. A downtown eatery serving up everything from three-egg omelets and hotcakes to overstuffed sandwiches and grill specials. On the lighter side, try the spinach salad. Catering and delivery available. Serving 6-2 Mon-Fri. AE, D, MC, V. $
Crestwood Deli & Catering
22 B Picotte Drive, Albany, 487-4435. Head chef Danny Urschel transitions from fine-dining to sandwich master with classic and creative deli combinations. Serving 10:30-7 Mon-Sat, 10:30-3:30 Sun. On- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. AE, D, MC, V, ATM/debit. $
Gershon's Deli & Caterers
1600 Union St., Schenectady, 393-0617. gershonsdeli.com. This five-decade-old deli will suit the palate of any sandwich lover. Menu includes cold sandwiches of all types and salads, all made on the premises. Try the pastrami with corned beef or fresh turkey. Eat-in or take-out, off-premises catering. Serving 7-6 Mon-Fri, 7-5 Sat; catering only on Sundays. AE, D, MC, V, personal checks. $
The Jonesville Store "Eat Good Food"
989 Main St., Clifton Park, 877-0507, the jonesvillestore.com. An upscale deli/restaurant and art gallery located just two miles east of the Northway in a historic 1854 building. Serving breakfast (13 omelets and six eggs benedicts), lunch and dinner, all for dine-in or takeout. Full on- and off-premises catering. Serving 8 AM-8 PM Tue-Thurs, 8 AM- 9 PM Fri-Sat, 8-3 Sun. Closed Mon. AE, D, DC, MC, V, personal checks. $$
Lox of Bagels & Moor
89 1/2 Main St., Queensbury, 793-8681. Specializing in bagels, this eatery also offers deli sandwiches, soups, homemade salads, pastries, Green Mountain coffee and breakfast items. Lunch catering available. Serving 6-3 daily. AE, MC, V. $
Maurice's Pearl Street Deli
15 S. Pearl St., Albany, 434-7364. A New York-style deli serving roast beef, turkey and chicken cooked on premises, homemade soups, salads, bakery-fresh pastries and gourmet coffee. Takeout available. On- and off-premises catering. Serving 7:30-3 Mon-Fri, also open on nights when there are events at the Times Union Center. AE, MC, V. $
Persico's Market
Route 32, Feura Bush, 439-0028. Home-cooked, simple, hearty fare. Takeout and delivery, off-premises catering including chicken BBQs. Premium hard and soft ice cream seven days a week, seasonally. Serving 6:30 AM-7 PM Mon-Fri, 8-4 Sat, 9-3 Sun. AE, D, MC, V $
Pioneer Food Market
77 Congress St., Troy, 720-3183, troy foodcoop.com. Deli with hot bar featuring vegan and vegetarian options along with meat and fish. Off-premises catering. Takeout available; delivery with $25 minimum. AE, D, MC, V, ATM/debit, personal checks. $
Via Fresca
1666 Western Ave., Guilderland, 452-1179, viafresca.net. Gourmet deli featuring panini sandwiches and Italian specialties. Try the pastries and cannoli. Inside seating, takeout and off-premises catering available. Open 10-7 Mon-Sat, 12-5 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$back to top
The Arlington House
3532 Route 43, West Sand Lake, 674-1880, thearlingtonhouse.com. Once the Arlington Hotel, this is a gorgeous destination where steak and seafood are especially well prepared and the menu is changed to fit each season. Great homemade desserts, too. Full bar. Catering on and off premises. Serving dinner 5-9 Tue-Sat, 4-8 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Beekman Street Bistro
62 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs, 581-1816, thebeekmanstreet bistro.com. Locally grown meat and produce forms the core of the innovative continental menu, where you'll find imaginative variants on chicken and rabbit, excellent fish, including fresh sardines, and a cozy space that doubles as an art gallery in Saratoga's up-and-coming West Side neighborhood. Beer and wine list. Serving dinner 5-9 Tue-Sun. Open seven days during track season. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Bookmaker's at the Holiday Inn
232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-4550. Steaks, chicken, shrimp and other continental favorites. Banquet facilities, on- and off-premises catering. Light-fare menu available. Separate lounge open until midnight Fri-Sat. Serving 6:30 AM-10 PM daily; breakfast buffet 8 AM Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Franklin's Tower
414 Broadway, Albany, 431-1920, franklinstower.com. From pub fare (burgers, wraps, pulled pork) to a full dinner menu featuring such items as Cajun shrimp, marinated pork tenderloin, steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. Full bar, on-premises catering, takeout available. Weekly live music. Serving 11:30-9 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri, 5PM-9 Sat, closed Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
The Ginger Man Wine Bar & Restaurant
234 Western Ave., Albany, 427-5963, albanygingerman.com. Try the signature fruit-and-cheese boards with a glass of wine. Fresh seasonal ingredients, fusion flair, and house-made desserts. Menu includes seafood paella, salads and daily fish and meat specials. Extensive, award-winning wine and beer list. Full bar, on-premises catering, takeout available. Serving 11:30-11 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11:30 Fri, 4:30-11:30 Sat. Closed Sunday. Reservations recommended. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Good Times Lakeview Restaurant
175 Lake Road, Ballston Lake, 399-9976, goodtimesrestaurant.com. Family-owned and operated through 3 generations, this restaurant features unique American dining menu with light fare and hearty dining options, and a daily lunch and dinner special for $8.95. Gluten-free menu available. Enjoy the panoramic view of Ballston Lake while sampling home-style New England country cooking, featuring homemade pastas, fresh seafood and chops served alongside organic vegetables and herbs grown on the property. Check out the birds—bald eagles have been spotted here. Relaxed candlelight dinner available in the main dining room or in the pub. Open, real fireplace indoors and out. Full bar, takeout and banquet facilities for 30 to 120. $5 tavern and children's menus available. Closed Mon-Tues, Serving 4 PM – 9PM Wed, 11 AM – 9 PM Thurs-Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Hobson's Choice
159 Water St., Williamstown, Mass., (413) 458-9101, hobsonsrestaurant .com. Chef-owner Dan Campbell has run this very popular restaurant since 1991, offering a reliable menu of familiar continental fare and trying when possible to source items locally. House specialties include grilled lamb chops, herb-crusted baked salmon, and Teriyaki filet mignon. Full bar. Serving dinner nightly from 5 PM. D, MC, V. $$$
La Perla at the Gregory House
3016 Route 43, Averill Park, 674-3774, gregoryhouse.com. Specializing in Italian and continental foods including chicken, seafood, pasta, veal and wild-game specials, all served in a relaxed atmosphere. A new room with a firewood brick oven offers pizza and an extended tavern menu in a more casual atmosphere. Full bar, on-premises catering and banquet facilities for small groups. Serving dinner 4-10 Mon, Wed-Thu, 4-11 Fri, 3-11 Sat, 2-10 Sun. Closed Tuesdays. Reservations suggested on weekends. D, MC, V. $$$
La Serre
14 Green St., Albany, 463-6056. This is the place for fresh pasta, grilled fish or veal oscar. Garden dining, full bar and banquet facilities. Serving lunch from 11:30 Mon-Fri, dinner from 5 PM Mon-Sat. Open some Sundays for holidays and events. Reservations appreciated. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Lanzi's on the Lake
Route 30, Mayfield, 661-7711, lanzison thelake.net. Owned and operated by the Lanzi family. Fine dining for three generations, specializing in steaks, seafood and Italian dishes. Light menu available. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering. Serving lunch 11:30-3, dinner 4-close daily. Come by car or boat. Reservations suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Lipperas' at the Chatham House
29 Hudson Ave., Chatham, 392-6600, thechathamhouse.com. Restaurant and tavern with locally inspired fresh seasonal cuisine. Menu changes seasonally. Affordable tavern menu available. Serving 11:30-9 Mon-Thurs, 11:30-9:30 Fri-Sat (tavern closes at 10 Fri-Sat.), 11-9 Sun. Gourmet brunch buffet 11-2 Sun. Closed Tuesdays. AE, D, MC, V, personal checks. $$$
Madalin's Table
53 Broadway, Tivoli, 845-757-2100, madalinhotel.com. The menu changes seasonally using fresh local ingredients whenever possible to reflect the fruits of their local farmers and suppliers. Handsome location in a storybook town. Full bar. Serving dinner 5-9 Wed-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Mansion Hill Inn
115 Philip St., Albany, 465-2038, mansionhill.com. Chef-owned and operated since 1984; everything is prepared on the premises. Serving dinner 5:30-close Fri-Sat. Available for private parties. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
Max London's
466 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-3535, maxlondons.com. Max London redefines bistro dining in his eponymous place, with tapas plates, antipasto, salads, pasta and excellent wood-fired pizza, letting you put together a meal as fancy or uncomplicated as you wish. Desserts are excellent, and he's adjacent to the renowned pastry shop that shares his surname. Full bar. Late-night menu. Serving mid-day menu 3-5 Mon-Sun, dinner 5-close Mon-Sun, Serving brunch 11 AM-3 PM Fri-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
Midtown Tap & Tea Room
289 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 435-0202, midtowntapandtearoom.com. A midtown restaurant with downtown atmosphere. Serving a lunch, dinner and light-fare menu with specialties such as tapas, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and weekend specials. An extensive menu of more than 25 herbal and infused teas. Two full bars with large wine selection, on-premises catering and takeout available. New coffeehouse open Tue-Sat 11 AM-3 PM. Dinner reservations recommended. Serving dinner 3 PM-9:30 Tues-Thurs, 3 PM – 10 PM. D, MC, V. $$
Mohonk Mountain House
1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, (845) 255-1000, mohonk.com. This 265-room resort is over 140 years old and features seasonal dinner buffets and a year-round fine-dining menu served in handsome, peaceful surroundings. Executive chef Jim Palmeri uses local sources of ingredients and designs menus with the season in mind. Wine list. Reservations required. Serving dinner daily 6:30-8, brunch 11:30-2 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$.
Once Upon a Table
34 Main St., Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 298-3870. Owner Alan O'Brient and his co-chefs offer cuisine that is handcrafted from fresh ingredients, yet simple, not overthought. Featured dishes include rack of lamb with herbed demi-glace, Maine-style crab cakes with caper remoulade, and a popular appetizer of Prince Edward Island mussels steamed in white wine, butter and garlic. Homemade desserts from scratch. Beer and wine. Takeout available. Reservations appreciated for dinner. Serving breakfast 9-11 Sat, 9-3 Sun; lunch 11-3 daily; dinner 4:30-8:30 Sun-Thu, 4:30-9 Fri-Sat. MC, V. $$$$
The Pillars
860 Route 20, New Lebanon, 794-8007, pillarsrestaurant.com. European and regional American cuisine meet in this period cottage on seven acres of rolling lawn. Specialties made from local ingredients. Full bar, on-premises catering. Serving dinner 5-9 Wed-Sat, 4-8 Sun; brunch 10-1 Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Prospect Restaurant
Scribner Hollow Lodge, Route 23A, Hunter, 263-4211, scribner hollow.com. The restaurant focuses on creating a Catskill-mountain cuisine using the freshest ingredients from a wide range of regional agricultural micro-enterprises. Owner Guy Chirico plans menus that vary seasonally, with emphasis on wild game and closely matched food-and-wine pairings. Eleven-time winner of Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Sun-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
The Reluctant Panther
17-39 West Road, Manchester, Vt., (802) 362-2568, (800) 822-2331, reluctantpanther.com. Located in charming Manchester Village, the Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant offers fine dining and a wine list that has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Offering a well-balanced, seasonally inspired menu with dishes using the freshest New England products. Entree choices include zinfandel-braised beef short ribs with grilled green onions, shallot confit, and parmesan gnocchi, and pan-seared diver scallops with butternut squash cloud, sautéed local spinach and black truffles. Reservations recommended. Full bar. Serving dinner 5:30-9 Mon-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
River Street Café
429 River St., Troy, 273-2740. The chef-owner gives personal attention to each item on the seasonally changing menu of fresh, new-American world cuisine. Beer and wine. Serving dinner 5:30-close Tue-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. Reservations suggested. MC, V, personal checks. $$$$
Sagamore Dining Room
The Sagamore, 110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing, 644-9400, thesaga more.com. Contemporary Italian cuisine featuring seasonal and locally grown ingredients. Full bar. Reservations strongly suggested. Closed for the season beginning November 30. Serving breakfast 7-11 daily; lunch noon-2 daily; dinner 5:30-10 daily. Children's menu available. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
The Scrimshaw
The Desmond, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie, 869-8100. Exemplary service and culinary excellence presented in the hotel's elegant main dining room. Offering an extensive domestic and international wine list and perennially outstanding cuisine. Full bar. Serving dinner 5:30-10 Tue-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, MC, V. $$$$
Siver Hills Restaurant and Banquet House
Pinehaven Country Club, 1151 Siver Road, Guilderland, 456-7111 ext. 130, siverhills.com. A warm and friendly restaurant, open to the public, located in an elegant country-club setting. Some of the rooms overlook the landscaped golf course. Serving a variety of dishes from homemade soups and sandwiches to pasta and veal dishes. Chef Justin Engeri offers specialties such as stuffed chicken, grilled salmon, and paella. Outdoor dining on the patio. Full bar; on-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 11 AM-8 PM Sun, 11 AM – 9 PM Wed-Sat. Closed Mon-Tue. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
30 1/2 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 584-9618, sperrysrestaurant.com. A Saratoga tradition since 1932. New classic American tavern menu features Sperry's favorites and signature dishes by award-winning Chef Dale Miller. Full bar, extensive wine list. Private dining rooms for parties, business meetings, rehearsal dinners. Outdoor dining in season. Takeout available. Serving dinner 5-10 Sun-Thu, 5-11 Fri-Sat, brunch 11-2 Sat-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
Swoon Kitchenbar
340 Warren St., Hudson, 822-8938, swoonkitchenbar.com. The ever-changing menu is built around what's fresh and local, and can feature such entrées as spice-rubbed skirt steak, local mushroom risotto, sautéed skate and crispy sweetbreads, all prepared by chef Jeff Gimmel and served in a pleasant, airy room. Full bar, wine list, on- and off-premises catering. Serving lunch noon-3:30 Fri-Sun; dinner 5-10 Mon, Thu, and Sun.; 5-11 Fri-Sat. Closed Tues, Wed. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
A Taste of Europe
3630 State Highway 145, Cobleskill, 296-8000. ataste ofeuropeny.com. Fine European cuisine and hospitality nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Enjoy a culinary tour through Europe with a menu selection that includes everything from sauerbraten to moussaka and lasagna to coq au vin. Beer and wine, takeout available. On- and off-premises catering. Serving lunch noon-3p Mon, Wed-Sat.; dinner 5:30pm-8:30pm Mon, Wed-Sat, 4:30pm-7:30pm Sun. Reservations recommended. AE, D, MC, V, checks. $$$$
Wishing Well
745 Saratoga Road, Route 9, Saratoga Springs, 584-7640, wishingwellrestau rant.com. Premium steaks and chops, live Maine lobsters and an award-winning wine list are hallmarks at this Saratoga landmark. Light fare at bar. Weddings and special occasions. Serving from 5PM Tue-Sat, from 4PM-9PM Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$$
Wunderbar and Bistro
744 Warren St., Hudson, 828-0555, wunderbarandbistro.com. A true German menu that features an oversized pork schnitzel, an excellent wurst plate, pot roast, and even a tasty burger. There are pasta and seafood dishes as well, all reasonably priced for this trendy part of Columbia County. Full bar open until 2AM. Serving lunch 11:30-5 Mon-Fri, dinner 5-10 Mon-Sat. Late night fare available after 10PM. AE, MC, V. $$back to top
Coffee Bars
coffee bars
432 State St., Schenectady, 881-4515. Neighborhood coffeehouse with an artist-friendly vibe. Serving their own coffee blends, plus fresh pastries and more. 7 AM-10 PM Mon-Sat, 7 AM -7 PM Sun. AE, MC, V, D. $
Barnes & Noble Café
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 131 Colonie Center Suite 355, Albany, 438-1728. A sunny browsing café that features Starbucks coffee, as well as espresso and cappuccino, chai and other teas. Featuring four cheesecakes from the Cheesecake Factory. Everyone's welcome to bring books into the café. Serving 9 AM-11 PM Mon-Sat, 9-9 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $
Café Perk Ups
415 Whitehall Road, Albany, 512-5204. Offering an array of specialty coffees and teas, as well as other beverages including smoothies. Serving a variety of sweet and savory crepes all day long. A variety of fresh baked muffins everyday. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all made to order. 7-3 Mon-Tue, 7-6 Wed-Thu, 7-7 Fri, 8-7 Sat, 9-3 Sun. AE, MC. V. $
Caffe Vero
260 Lark St., Albany, caffeverocoffee.com. Plenty of specialty coffee drinks and teas, along with pastries (all locally made), fruit smoothies, and fruit-yogurt-granola parfaits. Open 7 AM-8 PM Mon-Thu, 7 AM-9 PM Fri, 8 AM-9 PM Sat, 8:30-7 Sun. D, MC, V. $
The Coffee Beanery Ltd.
Rensselaer Amtrak Station, 463-8770; Colonie Center, 454-9670. The Coffee Beanery's emphasis is on creating the "right roast," roasting each different gourmet bean to ensure optimum flavor. New flavors are served along with traditional favorites, specialty coffee drinks and gourmet pastries. Try the Italian-style cappuccino, made with the "espresso perfecto" roast. Rensselaer: 4:30 AM-7:30 PM daily. Colonie: 9:30-9:30 Mon-Sat, 10-6 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Coffee Planet
100 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, 884-9913, thecoffeeplanet.net. Classic and colorful coffeehouse offering traditional drip selection with brews changing daily as well as flavors, decafs, fair trade and organics. Full espresso menu including lattes, cappuccinos and mochas. Chillers, coffee coolers, and fruit smoothies. Bagels and cream cheese, sweet and savory scones, cookies, shortbread, biscotti, sandwiches, soups and desserts. Takeout available. Serving 7-7 Mon-Sat, 8-3 Sun. AE, D, MC, V, personal checks. $
The Daily Grind
204 Lark St., Albany, 427-0464; 43 3rd St., Troy, 272-8658, dailygrind.com. The Troy location features a true coffee bar with plenty of tables and couches, offering coffee of the day, espresso, cappuccino, and latte, as well as gourmet soups, sandwiches and desserts. Breakfast served all day specializing in egg sandwiches. Select teas, too. Beer and wine also available. Serving 8-6 Mon-Wed, 8-11 Thu, 8-6 Fri, 8-5 Sat, 10-4 Sun, open until 11 on Troy Night Out. At the Lark Street location, you'll find more than coffee: Upstairs there's a retail store where all the beans are roasted, and downstairs there's a European-style café offering an eclectic variety of light fare. Free Wi-Fi. Serving 7 AM-8 PM daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
Emack & Bolio's Ice Cream Parlor & Coffee House
366 Delaware Ave., Albany, 512-5100, ebalbany.com. A cozy ice cream and coffeehouse chain, serving espresso, smoothies, pastries, gourmet ice cream and ice cream cakes. Great for parties. Fireplace and outdoor garden seating. Live music Fri, Sat, gifts and open mic on Tues. Free Wi-Fi. Serving 11 AM-10 PM Sun-Thu, 11 AM-11 PM Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $
Eugenio's Cafe Gelato
458 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 691-6000, saratogagelato.com. Eugenio's Cafe Gelato offers a true European-style espresso bar. Fresh flavors of family recipes mingle with the traditions of Italy, to create a product that is all natural, organic if possible, local, and delicious. Menu features gelato made on the premises from family recipes using imported Italian flavors and fresh and natural ingredients. Takeout available. Serving 11-9 Mon-Thurs, 11-11 Fri-Sun. MC, V, D. $
Everybody's Café
674 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, 479-2233, everybodyscafe.biz. Featuring a full espresso menu including latte, cappuccino, mocha, and a large assortment of loose teas. Homemade desserts, soups, and light fare. Serving breakfast and lunch all day. Off-premises catering and takeout available. Serving 7-3 PM Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 7-8 PM Wed, 8-2 PM Sat, Sun 10-1PM 9am-12pm. AE, MC, V, D. $
Flavour Café and Lounge
228 4th St., Troy, 266-9253, flavour cafe.com. More than 50 flavors of fresh-brewed coffee; also plenty of teas and Torani syrups. Menu features soups, salads, wraps and panini sandwiches. Now offering over 20 varieties of cakes and cupcakes made on the premises, and soft-serve ice cream. Lotto. Patio and free Wi-Fi. On- and off-premises catering, and takeout available. Open 7:30 AM-10 PM Mon-Fri, 8-9 Sat, 9-8 Sun. Please call for summer hours. D, MC, V, RAD card, Sage dollars. $
See listing under "Light Fare."
Java Jazz Café
See listing under "Light Fare."
Lil' Buddha Tea
274 Lark St., Albany, 443-0029. Albany's only independent teahouse offers a globally inspired oasis in the heart of the city, and features more than 50 varieties of house brand loose-leaf tea, chai, yerba mate, bubble tea, and other "specialteas." All tea drinks are fresh and homemade using in-house recipes; no prepackaged mixes. A selection of vegan and vegetarian foods, including vegan waffles, locally baked pastries, desserts and raw juices. Also offering coffee, and a retail teashop. Takeout available. Sunday beverages only. Closed Mon, 12-8 Tues-Sun. MC, V. $
Perfect Blend
376 Delaware Ave., Delmar, 439-6537, perfectblendcafe.com. This indie coffeehouse offers a selection of coffee, tea, espresso-based drinks, chai and smoothies. Wide variety of homemade pastries baked daily, as well as specialty cakes and pies. Private meeting room with fireplace, patio, free Wi-Fi, live entertainment on the patio and catering. Expanded lunch menu. Open 7 AM-6 PM Mon-Sat, 7 AM-4 PM Sun. AE, MC, V. $
Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary
217 Wolf Road, Colonie, 435-0843. A light menu features sandwiches, salads, wraps, quesadillas, stuffed breads, croissants, bagels, panini and pastries. Large selection of coffees, teas, fruit frappes, etc. Coffee is roasted on the premises. It's all served in an eclectic, comfy atmosphere. Part of the Gift Basket Company program. Serving 6:30 AM-11 PM Mon-Thu; 6:30 AM-midnight Fri-Sat; 7:30 AM-10 PM Sun. AE, MC, V. $
Rock Hill Bakehouse Café
19 Exchange St., Glens Falls, 615-0777. Rock Hill's bread-based café menu makes for uniquely satisfying breakfast and lunch fare. Try the naturally leavened, hearth-baked breads. Also featuring organic coffee, scones and biscotti. Serving breakfast. Open mic on Thu. Free film showing on Fridays. Open 7 AM-9 PM Mon-Fri, 8 AM-9 PM Sat, 10-6 Sun. AE, MC, V, personal checks. $
Spill 'n the Beans Coffeehouse & Bistro
13 3rd St., Troy, 268-1028, spillnthe beans.com. Located in downtown Troy's historic Kennedy Hall building. Offering fresh coffees, roasted on premises, from around the globe. Complete homemade breakfasts, sandwiches, homemade soups and baked goods, unique panini and European sandwiches. Enjoy the fireplace and lounge area, Wi-Fi access and Internet PCs. Takeout available. Open 7-5:30 Mon-Fri, 8-4 Sat, 8-3 Sun (breakfast only all day Sunday). AE, D, MC, V. $.
Stagecoach Coffee
90 State St., Albany, 436-7233. An extensive beverage list, including latte, cappuccino, chai, specialty drinks, fresh-fruit smoothies and 19 different types of whole-bean coffees roasted fresh daily. An extensive line of iced teas, and blueberry iced coffee. Fresh baked goods—including bagels, scones, croissants and Danishes. Soups, too. Serving 7-5 Mon-Fri. AE, D, MC, V. $
Tierra Coffee Roasters
1038 Madison Ave., Albany, 621-7299, tierracofferoasters.com. Cozy coffee shop featuring organic fair-trade coffee, artisanal organic teas, espresso, cappuccino and Italian sodas, as well as a menu of fresh baked goods, pannini, soups and desserts. Serving 7 AM-10 PM daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
Ultraviolet Café
290 Delaware Ave., Albany. 434-0333 Located right next to the Spectrum 8 Theatres. Laid-back, bohemian ambience is accented by changing art shows. Offering certified fair-trade coffee and organic whole-leaf teas. A full range of espresso drinks, Mayan chai, fruit smoothies, frappes and freshly brewed iced teas. Plus panini sandwiches, soups, quiches, assorted pastries and baked goods. Free Wi-Fi. Open 8 AM-10 PM Mon-Fri; 10-10 Sat-Sun. D, MC, V. $
Uncommon Grounds
1225 Western Ave., Albany, 453-5649; 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 581-0656. uncommongrounds.com. Wide selection of aromatic, freshly roasted and freshly brewed coffees, teas of all kinds and a variety of desserts, muffins, bagels, bagel sandwiches, soups and salads. Newly expanded and beautifully remodeled Saratoga store also offers gelato. Albany: serving 6 AM-10 PM Sun-Thu, 6 AM-11 PM Fri-Sat. Saratoga: serving 6:30 AM-11 PM Mon-Thu, 6:30 AM-midnight Fri, 7 AM-midnight Sat, 7 AM-11 PM Sun. AE, D, MC, V. UAlbany off-podium cards accepted at Albany location. $
Villa Italia Pasticceria
226 Broadway, Schenectady, 355-1144, villaitaliabakery.com. Now located in downtown Schenectady's entertainment district, Villa Italia is known for their fine wedding and special-occasion cakes and pastries, as well as breads, panini sandwiches, Italian coffees and 25 flavors of homemade gelato. Open 7 AM-9 PM Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-9 PM Sat, 8:30-6 Sun. Open until 11 PM any night of a Proctors show. AE, MC, V. $back to top
Ala Shanghai Chinese Cuisine
468 Troy Schenectady Road (Route 7), Latham, 783-8188. A fusion Chinese restaurant located in Latham with an extensive menu. Originally from Shanghai, the chef has more than 20 years experience cooking Shanghainese food. Reservations accepted. Take-out and delivery available. Serving from 11-10 Mon-Sat, 11-9:30 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Amazing Wok
267 Lark St., Albany, 434-3946. Freshly made Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese specialties in the heart of Center Square. Takeout and delivery available. Serving 10:30-10:30 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
Capitol House Chinese Kitchen
35 N. Pearl St., Albany, 434-5422 or 434-5423. Offering a full menu of Chinese specialties, including Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese dishes. Also featuring an express lunch and a low-cal, low-fat menu. Takeout and delivery available. Serving 10-10 Mon-Fri, noon-10 Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
299 Central Ave., Albany, 433-2658. The former Ocean Palace now occupies a busy Central Avenue space, offering the same menu of traditional fare with an emphasis on seafood, and a daily specials board worth considering. Takeout available. Serving 11-10:30 Mon-Thu; 11-11:30 Fri; 11-11:30 Sat; 11-10:30 Sun. D, MC, V. $$
China House
6-8 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 432-1015 or 432-0767. Traditional Chinese food. Takeout and delivery available. Serving Mon-Thu 11 AM-11 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-midnight, Sun 11-11. AE, D, MC, V. $
Dragon Buffet
1881 Central Ave., Colonie, 452-6963; 15 Park Ave., Clifton Park (Empire Buffet), 383-2033. Along with a daily choice of more than 150 buffet items from Chinese, Japanese and American cuisine, the Mongolian barbecue allows diners to quickly create their own stir-fried meals using a combination of vegetables, meats and sauces. Private-party, takeout and catering services available. Colonie location serving 10:30-9:30 daily. Clifton Park location serving 11-9 Mon-Sat, 11:30-9:30 Sun. D, MC, V. $$
10 Wolf Road, Colonie, 591-0628. Comfortable dining area. Dim sum brunch daily (11:30-3), vegetarian menu and a large selection of fish, lobster in addition to all the traditional fare. Wine and beer. Takeout available. Large parking area. Serving 11:30-10:30 Sun-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat. MC, V. $
Golden Phoenix Buffet
St. James Square Plaza, 2309 Nott St. East, Niskayuna, 344-7518. A classic Chinese buffet, with an attractive space and a Mongolian barbecue station that's worth the visit. Serving lunch 11-3:30 Mon-Sat, dinner 3:30-9:30 Mon-Thu, 3:30-10:30 Fri-Sat, noon-9:30 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
See listing under "Japanese."
Pearl of the Orient
471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, 459-0903. The menu is a collection of different styles of Chinese food (Hunan, Szechuan, Cantonese, Chinatown). Full bar, on/off-premises catering. Takeout available. Lunch buffets Mon-Fri. Serving 11-9:30 Mon-Thu, 11-10:30 Fri, noon-10:30 Sat, noon-9:30 Sun. Reservations accepted for groups of five or more. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Plum Blossom Restaurant
685 Hoosick Road, Troy, 272-0036. Cantonese and Hong Kong fare, with other Asian food. On-premises catering and banquet facilities. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Shining Rainbow Restaurant
209 Central Ave., Albany, 396-3881, shiningrainbow.com. Over 300 dishes of authentic Chinese and Japanese sushi from an experienced chef. Reservations taken for any party of up to 30 people. 11-10:30 Sun-Thu, 11-11:30 Fri-Sat. Takeout and delivery available. AE, D, M, V, ATM. $
Tai Pan
1519 Route 9, Halfmoon, 383-8581. All-Asian cuisine, concentrating on Southeast Asian and Hong Kong foods. Dim sum brunch 11-3 Sat-Sun. Full bar and banquet facilities and cocktail lounge. Takeout available. Serving 11-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$
117 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, 449-2030 or 449-2031. The Cantonese cuisine features seafood wor bar and moo shu pork; Szechuan selections are also available. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving 11-10 Mon-Fri, 11:30-10 Sat, noon-10 Sun. Reservations suggested for parties of eight or more. AE, D, MC, V. $$back to top
Casa Dominicana
260 Central Ave., Albany, 427-1290. Authentic cuisine from Northern Dominican Republic. House specialties include rice and beans, mofongo (mashed green plantains with choice of pork, chicken or cheese), goat, oxtail, chicken, pork and seafood dishes, soups, salads and appetizers. Desserts and more. Beer, takeout available. Serving noon-10 Mon-Fri, 1-10 Sat. Closed Sun. MC, V. $
Kenneth's Tastebud
177-179 Henry Johnson Blvd., Albany, 463-1824. Jerk chicken, curried goat, ackee with salt cod—a wide variety of Jamaican and American fare, including beef and shrimp dishes. Comfortable dining room with banquet facilities, private dining and full bar. Serving 11 AM-midnight Sun-Thu, 11 AM-3 AM Fri-Sat. MC, V. $$
Orchid's Jamaican-American Restaurant
1305 Altamont Ave., Schenectady, 952-7182. A tiny place with big flavors, featuring jerk chicken, curried chicken, beef stew, oxtail, curried goat, and the Jamaican national dish of ackee and salt cod; meals include rice and peas, plantain, and a choice of salad, cabbage or collard greens. It's mostly takeout with a few dine-in seats, with a larger location to come. Serving 11-9 Mon-Sat. MC, V. $
Roy's Restaurant and Groceries
185 Henry Johnson Blvd., Albany, 433-1343. Specializing in Jamaican food. American menu available. Off-premises catering. Serving 11-11 Mon-Thu, 11-mid AM Fri-Sat, 11-9 PM Sun. MC, V. $back to top
Bayou Café
507 Saratoga Road (Route 50), Glenville, 384-1568; 79 N. Pearl St., Albany, 426-8550, bayoucafe.com. The menu boasts a wide selection of Mexican, Southwestern and Cajun goodies. Among the favorites are the jambalaya, Cajun gumbo, and sizzling fajitas. Full bar with a full line of microbrews, 32 beers on tap and at least 70 types of bottled brew. On-premises catering, parties welcome. Reservations recommended. Glenville serving Mon-Sat 11:30-close, Sun noon-close. Albany serving Mon-Thu 11:30-close, Fri 11:30-3:30 AM, Sat 4:30-3:30AM. Closed Sun. AE, MC, V. $$
Café NOLA
617 Union St., Schenectady, 375-8628, cafenolany.com. A belly-busting muffuletta is the featured sandwich, but you'll also find red beans and rice, battered and deep-fried alligator, crawfish (or chicken, or alligator) étouffée with dirty rice, po' boys, gumbo and more. Beer and wine. Catering and takeout available. Serving 11-9 Sun-Wed, 11-11 Thu-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$back to top
Brunswick BBQ and Brew
3925 Route 2, Cropseyville, 279-9993, brunswickbbq.com. Casual family-friendly neighborhood restaurant offering a wide range of cuisine, including wood-smoked pork, homemade chowder and a bistro menu. Live music Friday nights, outside patio along the beautiful Quakenkill. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering. Serving 5-10 PM Mon-Thu, 3-10 Fri, noon-10 Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Capital Q Smokehouse
329 Ontario St., Albany, 438-7675, eatmypork.com. Chef-owner Sean Custer prepares slow-smoked ribs and brisket, pulled pork and more, with lots of tasty sides in a space once occupied by Emil Meister's Market. Very limited seating. Catering. Serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri-Sat, 11-8 Sun. Cash only (ATM available). $
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
377 River St. Troy, 308-0400, dinosaurbarbque.com. Classic southern smoked ribs, brisket and pork butt are the holy trinity of this iconic place, but look for chicken and seafood and side dishes that include baked beans, collard greens and surprisingly good mac and cheese. Takeout available. Full bar. Serving 11:30-11 Mon-Thu, 11:30 AM-midnight Fri-Sat, noon-10 PM Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Giffy's Bar-B-Q
1739 Route 9, Clifton Park, 373-9800, giffysbarbq.com. Chicken and ribs are the core items here, but you also can get sirloin and salads. Lighter fare includes chicken wings and burgers, including a vegetarian bean burger. Try the home-baked cornbread with sweet honey butter. Beer and wine. Eat in or take out and on- and off-premises catering. Serving 11-9 Tue-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
LT's Grill
2305 Nott St., Schenectady, 374-7455, ltsgrill.com. Serving ribs, steaks, and seafood, with live lobsters every night and salad bar. Meals are slow-cooked from homemade recipes and served in ample portions. Twelve beers on tap and a brand new bar. On- and off-premises catering; takeout available. Serving 11-2 Mon, 11-9 Tue-Fri, noon-9 Sat, noon-7 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Mustang Smoked BBQ and Fried Chicken
478 5th Ave, Troy, 235-4332. Restaurant quality barbecue at fast-food speed, featuring Slow-smoked, spice-rubbed Texas beef ribs, chicken, pulled pork, burgers and more. On-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 11-10 daily. D, MC, V. $$.
Otis & Oliver's
979 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 785-9291. Barbecue-grilled ribs and seafood are the specialties, along with a menu of sandwiches, burgers, steaks and more, served in a friendly, casual setting in Cocca's Inn. Full bar. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$
Smokey Bones BBQ & Grill
1557 Central Ave., Colonie, 464-9971. Featuring authentic barbecue complemented by a variety of other American favorites. Full bar. Serving 11-1 AM daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$back to top
Aimie's Dinner & Movie With Wallabee's
190 Glen St., Glens Falls, 792-8181, aimiesdinnerandmovie.com. Full dinner menu featuring an array of appetizers, steaks, pastas, fowl, fish and pork. Salads, sandwiches and homemade soup, too. Catch a flick while enjoying your meal. Full bar, on-premises catering. Takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving 5-10 Mon-Fri, 1-10 Sat-Sun. MC, V. $$$
Albany Pump Station
19 Quackenbush Square, Albany, 447-9000, evansale.com. This downtown Albany brew pub offers a vast array of American fare. The menu includes steaks, lobster and shrimp mac-and- cheese, calamari and a large offering of soups, salads and sandwiches. Full bar includes a wide array of award-winning beers. On-premises catering; takeout available. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat, noon-8 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
42-44 Railroad St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-2118, mezzeinc.com. Making liberal use of local and seasonal ingredients, this is an innovative farm-to-table bistro. Full bar with extensive wine list. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Sun-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat. Sunday brunch 11-2. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Ambition Bistro
154 Jay St., Schenectady, 382-9277. ambitioncafe.com. This hip eatery features sandwiches, soups, salads and homemade desserts highlighting bread pudding and gelato. Full bar, espresso and cappuccino, and family-made chocolates to complement the meal. Takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving 8-5 Mon-Fri; 8-8:30 Thu, 10-5 Sat; 9-3 Sun. Open late on Proctors performance nights. AE, D, MC, V. $
American Hotel
192 Main St., Sharon Springs, 284-2105. Serving traditional comfort foods and heritage recipes that reflect New York state and local products in a restored hotel with guest rooms available. Dinner reservations recommended. Dinner hourly 5-close Thu-Sun; brunch 8-2 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Angelo's 677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany, 427-7463, 677prime.com. Stylish downtown steakhouse with hardwood floors, plush leather chairs and cherry walls. Steaks and seafood are the specialties here, along with the tempting dessert menu. Full bar, on-premises catering. Reservations recommended. Live music Wed-Sat. Serving lunch 11:30-2 Mon-Fri; dinner 5:30-10 Mon-Sat; bar menu 2-10 Mon-Fri. Closed Sunday. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
Angry Penguin Tavern
39 Broad St., Waterford, 237-2829. angrypenguintavern.com. European-style bar with daily lunch and dinner specials prepared by Chef Brian Wagner. Every day you'll find a mix of pub-appropriate menu items like fish and chips, clubs, wraps, many appetizers and big, juicy burgers. Guinness and a large, eclectic variety of beers in bottles and on tap. Live music on the weekends. Full bar. Serving Tue-Sat noon-close, Sun 3-8; D, MC, V. $$
The Barnsider
480 Sand Creek Road, Colonie, 869-2448. Specializing in hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, including prime rib of beef and baked stuffed shrimp. Light fare available. Full bar, banquet facilities. Reservations accepted for all parties Sun-Fri; reservations accepted for parties of five or more Sat. Serving dinner 4-10 Mon-Thu, 4-10:30 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Barrington Brewery & Restaurant
Jenifer House Commons, 420 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-8282, barringtonbrewery.net. Rustic tavern serving up stick-to-your-ribs pub fare such as chili, chowder, burgers, bratwurst, a wide array of specialty sandwiches and salads, and the hearty favorite Steak & Stout. The wine and beer menu features a half-dozen or so beers and ales crafted on the premises. Takeout available, including bottles, growlers or kegs of house-made brew. Serving 11:30-9:30 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri-Sat, 11:30-9 Sun. D, MC, V. $$
The Basement Bistro
776 Route 45, Earlton, 634-2338, sagecrestcatering.com. Chef-owner Damon Baehrel cooks up regional American food with the freshest possible ingredients, and his Sagecrest Catering has provided meals for more than 2,500 weddings in 20 years in the biz. The restaurant offers a tasting menu of 10 to 15 courses of whatever's freshest that day, for a fixed price (which, like the menu, changes daily). Reservations required well in advance. Wine and beer served; off-premises catering available. Dinner Wed-Sun. AE, MC, V, personal checks. $$$$
The Bears' Steakhouse
Route 7, Duanesburg, 895-2509. Some of the area's best steaks, served for more than 40 years in a friendly, unassuming setting. It's a charming step back in time. Call in advance to reserve house specialties chateau-briand and prime rib. Serving dinner 5:30-7 Wed-Fri; two seatings Sat: 5:30 and 8:30. Reservations required. MC, V. $$$$
BEFF's Tavern
95 Everett Road, Albany, 482-2333. Known for its pizza, wings and 8-ounce burgers BEFF's (Big Ed Fat Field's) menu features hearty entrees, as well as homemade soups made fresh daily, salads, nachos and other bar fare. Daily specials. Full bar. Takeout available. Patio available. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri, noon-10 Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, MC, V. $
47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 583-2755. Homestyle cooking since 1989. Gourmet breakfast featuring muffins, scones, eggs Benedict and German apple pancakes, as well as a host of gourmet salads, soups, quiches and sandwiches. Private parties, catering, takeout available. Outdoor patio, weather permitting. Serving 8-3 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
Black Watch Steakhouse
12 Ridge St., Glens Falls, 792-5225, black watchsteakhouse.com. An a la carte steakhouse menu with your favorite cuts of beef along with seafood and other meats, plus specialty handcrafted cocktails. Full bar, wine list. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Wed-Fri, dinner 5:30-9:30 Wed-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Blu Stone Bistro
661 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie, 869-9976, blustonebistro.com. The menu offers a variety of options, from steak and seafood to pasta, salads and vegetarian options. Small plates available, too. Nightly prix-fixe menu and chef's tasting menu on Saturdays. Eclectic wine list and seasonal martini menu. Full bar, takeout available. On-premises catering. Reservations recommended. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30, dinner 5-10 daily. AE, D, DC, MC, V, ATM/debit. $$$
The Blue Plate
1 Kinderhook St., Chatham, 392-7711. An eclectic menu of New American cooking served up nicely in this casual, friendly restaurant. Fresh fish specials, pasta and meat loaf, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. Full bar. Serving dinner 5:30-9 Tue-Thu, 5:30-9:30 Fri-Sat, 5-9 Sun. Reservations accepted for parties of five or more. D, MC, V. $$$
Bombers Burrito Bar
258 Lark St., Albany, 463-9636; 447 State St., Schenectady, 374-3548. A healthy-sized menu includes vegetarian-friendly options, a creative selection of sizable burritos and more than a half-dozen varieties of chicken wings. Also boasting 20 draft beers and a dozen types of frozen margaritas. Takeout available. Albany: Serving 11 AM-1 AM Mon-Sat, 11 AM-midnight Sun; bar till close. Schenectady: 11 AM-midnight Mon-Sat, 11-11 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Bourbon Street
2209 Central Ave., Colonie, 382-1110. Jambalaya, pizza, calzones, sandwiches, chicken dishes, burgers and salads. The place comes into its own with an array of bar food—wings, fried stuff, clams, you name it. Karaoke Tue-Sun nights. Full bar. Serving 3-close Sat-Thu, 11 AM-close Fri, noon-close Sun. MC, V. $$
The BrickYard Tavern & Grill
70-72 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa, 884-2570. Casual dining with a solid American menu featuring half-pound burgers, pizza, deli sandwiches, chicken wings and even a huge strip-steak sandwich. An a la carte breakfast menu is served Sunday morning. Full bar. Serving 11:30-9 Mon, 11:30-10 Tue-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat, 8 AM-9 PM Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Broadway Brew Pub and Grille
254 Broadway, Troy, 279-7550. Full array of standard pub fare including burgers, fish tacos, cheesesteaks, chicken and more. Serving 11 Full bar. Takeout available. On-premises catering. Reservations not accepted. Serving 11 AM-midnight every day. AE, D, MC, V. $$.
Brown's Brewing Company
417-419 River St., Troy, 273-BEER (2337), brownsbrewing.com. This brewery-restaurant is located in a restored 150-year-old warehouse with a large deck overlooking the Hudson River and Troy Marina. Menu offers pub-style fare, including appetizers, salads, sandwiches and wraps. Award-winning brewery offers different styles of fresh ales and lagers. Serving 11:30-11 Mon-Thu, 11:30-midnight Fri-Sat, 11:30-10 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$
The Bull's Head Inn
105 Park Place, Cobleskill, 823-4446, bullsheadny.com. A 200-year-old building in downtown Cobleskill where owner Tony Giammattei and chef Rick Vincent mix traditional American cuisine with such German favorites as Wiener schnitzel, rahm schnitzel and various wursts. Full bar. Serving from 5 PM Wed-Sat, 4 PM-close Sun AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Café 217
12 1/2 Delaware Ave., Albany. 462-0050. A neighborhood café serving homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything cooked to order. On- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 5 PM-11 PM Tue-Wed; 5 PM Thu-6 AM Fri; 5 PM Fri-3 PM Sun. AE, MC, V. $
Café Adam
25 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-7786, cafeadam.org. Adam Zieminski helms an eatery that explores the classics, such as steak frites, with hanger steak or tenderloin, tenderloin with seared foie gras and roasted local chicken breast with a Thai coconut-carrot milk broth. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Thu-Sun, dinner 5-9 Wed-Sun, brunch 11:30-3 Sunday. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Café Madison
1108 Madison Ave., Albany, 935-1094, café-madison.com. This Pine Hills staple is a perennial Best Breakfast winner. Serving breakfast and lunch 7:30-2 Mon-Thu, brunch 7:30-3 Fri-Sun. Full bar, takeout. Outdoor patio seating, weather permitting. AE, DC, MC, V. $
Castle Street Café
10 Castle St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-5244, castlestreetcafe.com. Fine dining tucked into an unassuming storefront, with high ceilings and an interior brick wall. A fusion menu built around provender from local suppliers has won praise from local and national press; don't miss "The World's Best Chocolate Mousse Cake" (Newsday). Serving dinner 5-9:30 Mon, Wed-Thu; 5-10:30 Fri-Sat, 5-9:30 Sun. Bar menu also available. Closed Tue. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Cella Bistro
2015 Rosa Road, Schenectady, 381-2081. Enjoy casual tapas in the bar and fine dining in candlelit dining rooms. Mediterranean-inspired New American menu features local ingredients, house-made pastas, classic bistro-style steak frites and chef's nightly specials. Full bar, extensive wine list. Available for private events seven days a week. Serving dinner 5-close Tue-Sat. AE, MC, V. $$$
Central Steak
1632 Central Ave., Albany, 456-1653, centralsteak.com. Traditional steakhouse fare, featuring several cuts of beef, including hanger and flatiron steaks, as well as seafood and a variety of smaller plates of sliders and wings and even shepherd's pie. Takeout available. Full bar. Serving lunch noon-4 PM Mon-Fri, dinner from 4 PM daily, 4-10. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
The Century House
997 Route 9, Latham, 785-0834, thecenturyhouse.com. Fine American dining in the relaxed atmosphere of a Federal-style farmhouse turned hotel. Full bar. Banquet facilities, on- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri; dinner 5-9 Mon-Sat, 4-9 Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Charlie's Restaurant
4465 Route 30, Amsterdam, 842-7399, charliesrestaurant30.com. Offers a little taste of everything. Mexican, Italian and Chinese dishes are interspersed between Angus burgers, New York-style pizza, and seafood. Full bar, banquet facilities and catering. Open 11-10 Mon-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Chez Mike
596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, 479-4730, chezmikerestaurant.com. American cuisine with a French sensibility. Chef-owner Michael Cohen worked at Manhattan's Four Seasons and Lippera's in Chatham before opening this friendly restaurant with a seasonal menu that offers everything from burgers to short ribs and ever-changing specials. Full bar. On-premises catering, private parties and takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Tue-Sat, dinner 5-9:30 Tue-Thu, 5-10 Sat, 5-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V, ATM/debit. $$$
Circus Café
392 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 583-1106, circuscafe.com. Enjoy festive yet classic American cuisine in this unique, atmospheric setting. Try the homemade chicken pot pie, lump crabcakes with ginger aioli, sizzling fajitas, oversized salads and stupendous desserts. Full bar. Serving lunch and dinner 11-10 Sun-Wed, 11-10:30 Thu-Sat. Theme parties and late-night bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Cliff's Country Inn
57 Route 9P, Saratoga Lake Road, Malta, 584-9791. Steak is the watchword here; prime rib is a very popular item. But don't worry, there are seafood favorites, too. Hot and cold sandwiches also available. Full bar, 16 TVs. Serving dinner seven days, lunch Sat-Sun. Serving 4-9 Mon-Tue, 4-10 Wed-Fri, noon-10 Sat, noon-9 Sun. Reservations accepted. D, MC, V. $$
Cock 'n' Bull
Parkis Mills Road (off Route 147), Galway, 882-6962. Known for steaks and fresh fish served in a restored barn. On-premises vegetable, herb and flower gardens (in season), patio dining. Full bar with large wine selection. Takeout available. Serving dinner from 5 PM Mon-Sat; from 3-8 Sun; closed Tue. Reservations recommended. Pub entrées available for under $15. D, MC, V. $$$$
Costanzo's Riverside Restaurant
405 Hudson River Rd., Waterford, 233-8224, costanzosriverside.net. Casual dining with traditional American (and Italian-American) fare in a venerable establishment that welcomes you as family. There's a $10 early-bird special from 4-6 that includes chicken or eggplant parm, haddock or a NY strip with the salad bar. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving dinner 4-9 Wed-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
The Country Corner Café
25 Church St., Saratoga Springs, 583-7889. Cozy home-style eatery with loads of breakfast options to choose from; all the jams and jellies are homemade, and the maple syrup is the real stuff. Also offering sandwiches, homemade soups and more. Serving 6 AM-2 PM Mon-Fri, 7 AM-3 PM Sat-Sun. AE, MC, V. $
Daisy Baker's
33 2nd St., Troy, 266-9200. This downtown Troy establishment serves gourmet American fare as well as an impressive array of seafood and pasta items. Full bar, on-premises catering. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Mon-Fri and dinner 5-9 Mon-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
1035 South St. (Routes 7 and 20), Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 499-7900. Not just a steakhouse—the menu also features live Maine lobsters, ocean-fresh seafood, an extensive salad bar, hearty whole-grain bread and irresistible mud pie. Kids' menu available. Full bar, takeout available. Reservations strongly recommended. Serving lunch from noon Mon-Sat; dinner 4-9 Mon-Thu, 4-10 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun; also brunch 10-2 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery
184 Glen St., Glens Falls, 743-9026. Offering a wide variety of appetizers, salads, burgers, wraps, vegetarian dishes and pub fare, including fish and chips. Full bar including 10 beers handcrafted on site, six guest bottled beers. On-premises catering and takeout. Serving 11:30-9 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri, noon-10 Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Deacon Blues
806 25th St., Watervliet, 273-9888. A restaurant with a little bit of everything: steak, seafood, clams and more, with baked stuffed shrimp a particular favorite. Full bar, banquet facilities and on- and off-premises catering available. Serving 11-11 Tue-Sat; closed Sun-Mon. AE, MC, V. $
DeJohn's Restaurant & Pub
288 Lark St., Albany, 465-5275, dejohns.com. Enjoy a glass of wine or ice-cold beer in the cozy pub, and then have dinner in the second-floor dining room. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, entrees and sandwiches. Homemade cheesecake is a specialty. Daily pub and restaurant specials; oversized martinis. Third-floor banquet room is available for private parties; outdoor patio. Serving dinner 4-11 Sun-Thu, 4-midnight Fri-Sat. Lunch 11:30-4 Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
DP an American Brasserie
25 Chapel St., Albany, 436-3737, dpbrasserie.com. Yono's sister restaurant is an American brasserie with 18-foot ceilings and plentiful natural light, featuring Chef Yono's inventive takes on traditional favorites. Full bar with more than 50 wines, on- and off-premises catering, takeout. Serving 11:30-11 Mon-Thu, 11:30-midnight Fri, 5-midnight Sat. Reservations recommended. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V, ATM. $$
Duncan's Dairy Bar
890 Hoosick Road, Brunswick, 279-9985. Homemade bread and muffins, eggs any way you wish, fresh soup, reubens, hot open-faced turkey sandwiches with gravy, roast beef and baked ham. Now open daily for dinner. Great coffee and homemade pies, too. No alcohol. Serving 4 AM-8 PM daily. Cash only. $
Elbo Room
See listing under "Pub Fare."
The Factory Eatery & Spirits
20 Prospect St., Ballston Spa, 885-0500, thefactoryeatery.com. In a restored factory building. A sports pub atmosphere with fine dining flair. Burgers and wings, fried chicken, fish and chips, Reubens, ribs, good soups and a lively bar. Serving lunch and dinner 11-9 daily, late-night menu until 11 PM; breakfast buffet 8:30-noon Sun. D, MC, V, ATM. $$
Fifty South
2128 Doubleday Ave. (Route 50), Ballston Spa, 884-2926, fiftysouth.com. Kim Klopstock, of "The Lily and the Rose" catering, offers her eclectic fare at this former diner with all-day breakfasts, appealing lunch specials and nightly tapas. Full bar, catering. Serving breakfast and lunch from 11 Tue-Fri; breakfast 8-3 Sat-Sun; dinner 4:30-close daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$
51 Front Wine Bar and Bistro
51 Front St., Ballston Spa, 727-2089, 51front.com. Chef Scott Frances brings a strong New Orleans influence to his cuisine, producing, among many toothsome items, what he terms "the best fried chicken you ever tasted." It is. Wine list. Serving dinner 5-closing Tue-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$.
71 Church St., Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-2700, fireflylenox.com. Creative American cuisine with Asian and Spanish specialties served in a renovated dining room with a mahogany bar on Lenox's chic Church Street. Homemade desserts, full bar, on- and off-premises catering, takeout available. Serving dinner 5-close 7 days a week; tavern menu available from 8 PM Fri-Sat. Reservations recommended. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
Fortunes at Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, Crescent Avenue, Saratoga Springs, 581-5790, saratogacasino.com. Fortunes offers a unique dining experience overlooking the excitement of live harness racing and featuring tableside wagering. Enjoy the "stakehouse" menu, prime rib buffet, tasting menu or lunch buffet. Serving 5-10 Wed-Sat, 11 AM-3 PM Sun; hours subject to seasonal change. Full bar, on-premises catering. AE, MC, V, ATM. $$$.
Four Corners Luncheonette
2 Grove St., Delmar, 439-0172. An old-fashioned eatery with counter seating, booths and tables. The menu features a blend of diner fare and fancier stuff. Dinner offerings get into more ambitious dishes with a contemporary American touch. On- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving breakfast 7-11:30 Mon-Sat, 7-1 Sun, lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Sat, dinner 5-8 Tue-Sat. AE, D, MC, V, personal checks. $$
Friends Lake Inn
963 Friends Lake Road, Chestertown, 494-4751, friendslake.com. This rustic inn is set against the backdrop of the Adirondacks, but you needn't be an overnight guest to enjoy a meal from the seasonal menu of eclectic regional American cuisine. Complement your dinner with one of more than 20,000 bottles of wine from the wine cellar. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering. Serving dinner 5:30-8:30 Thu, 5:30-9 Fri-Sat, 5 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$$
16 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 587-7359, gaffneysrestaurant.com. "Saratoga's place to be," offering casual gourmet dining with lots of variety; favorite dishes include filet mignon, chicken cavatappi and shrimp etouffee. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. Daily lunch 11-3. Serving dinner 5-10:30 Sun-Mon, 5-11 Tue-Sat and brunch 10:30-3 Sun. Reservations not accepted. AE, MC, V. $$$
George Mann Tory Tavern
Routes 30 and 443, Schoharie, 295-7128, torytavern.com. A Revolutionary War-era house serving French-inspired American fare. Menu changes daily. Catering on premises for parties up to 30. Serving dinner 5-9 Wed-Sat, 1-7 Sun. Closed Mon-Tue. Reservations recommended. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Giovanna's at the Georgian Resort
384 Canada St., Lake George, 668-5401, georgianresort.com. Executive chef Michael Cirelli offers American regional cuisine on the shores of beautiful Lake George. Serving dinner 5-9 seven days a week, 5-10 July and Aug, breakfast 7-11 in season. Dinner 5-10. Full bar, takeout. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Grandma's Pies and Restaurant
1273 Central Ave., Colonie, 459-4585, grandmaspieshop.com. A comfortable family restaurant with a cozy country interior. Come hungry and enjoy generous helpings of home-cooked foods from lasagna to roast chicken to huge chef salads. Try the homemade cream of turkey soup; they make over 15,000 quarts per year. Breakfast menu includes the Belgian waffle with fresh strawberries. Daily specials, light menu available. Save room for a slice of Grandma's legendary pie. Beer and wine. On-premises catering, takeout available. Serving 6 AM-10:30 PM Sun-Thu, 6 AM-11 PM Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $
275 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 453-3299, graneysbarandgrill.com. Pub fare, steamers and fall-off-the-bone ribs. Full bar, takeout available. Serving lunch and dinner 11:30 AM-4 AM daily; happy hour daily 4-6. AE, D, MC, V. $
Great American Grill
Hilton Garden Inn, 800 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie, 464-6666. Dine in view of the Hilton lobby and watch the passersby as you sample the breakfast buffet, dig into a sandwich or try one of the dinner specials. Full bar, banquet facilities, on-premises catering. Serving breakfast 6-10 Mon-Fri, 6:30-1 Sat-Sun and holidays; lunch 11-1 Mon-Fri; dinner 5-10 nightly. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
The Grey Gelding Bistro & Bar
423 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-0957, greygelding.com. Specializing in new American cuisine with Cajun & Californian influences. Dine on signature dishes such as the Kip Deville filet or Anacapa Kobe Burger. Newly expanded casual menu choices. Extensive wine list with an emphasis on small vineyards from around the world. 2006-2010 Wine Spectator-award winner. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Mon, Wed and Sat; dinner 5:30-9 Sun-Mon and Wed-Thu, 5:30 -10 Fri-Sat. Happy hour and light-fare menu available 3:00-6 Tue-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
The Grill
Holiday Inn Albany, 205 Wolf Road, 458-7250 ext. 432, hialbanywolf.com. Menu includes chicken, seafood, fish and steaks. Banquet facilities. Serving a breakfast buffet 6:30-10, luncheon buffet 11-2 Wed-Thurs, dinner daily. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
45 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 584-4790, hattiesrestaurant.com. Serving authentic Southern and Louisiana cuisine since 1938. Come for the famous fried chicken and biscuits, or try specialties like the fresh fish of the day, macaroni and cheese and Creole jambalaya. Full bar, takeout available, and private parties. On- and off premises catering. Serving dinner 5-10 PM daily. Reservations not accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
The Highland Restaurant
100 Fenn St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 442-2457. Dating from 1936, this mainstay offers American and Italian fare (like a $10 sausage-and-peppers plate) in a friendly, informal surrounding. The menu offers pork tenderloin and roasted chicken as well as hot dogs and burgers. Takeout available. Full bar. Serving 11-10 Tue-Sat, 11-9 Sun. Closed Monday. MC, V. $$
251 N. Main St., Mechanicville, 664-8511, hildrethsrestaurant.com. Home-style cooking and homemade desserts. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving Wed and Fri 11-9, Thu and Sat 4-9, Sun 8-8, breakfast until 1. D, MC, V. $
Hollywood Brown Derby
22 Clinton Ave., Albany, 463-1945, the hollywoodbrownderby.com. A recreation of the Los Angeles icon, courtesy of the Mallozzi family, where you enjoy inspired American fare while surrounded by copies of the movie star caricatures characteristic of the namesake. Bar menu with tapas available. Full bar. On-premises catering available. Reservations suggested. Serving dinner 5-9 Mon-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Holmes & Watson
450 Broadway, Troy, 273-8526. The menu boasts lots of homemade soups and salads, chili, wings, unusual sandwiches, charbroiled burgers and complete dinners from pasta to seafood to steaks. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Wide variety of beer, ale and stout, with 24 on tap. Full bar, banquet facilities, 250 seats on two floors. Serving from 11 AM daily. Reservations suggested for larger parties and Fri-Sat nights. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill
1 Gridley St., Saratoga Springs, 587-4909. New menu features smokehouse favorite, including pulled pork and ribs, alongside pub favorites like pizza, salads and burgers, and weekly entrée specials. Full bar, banquet facilities, takeout available. Serving from 4 PM Mon-Fri; 9 AM-close Sat-Sun. Reservations recommended. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Hungry Trout Restaurant
Route 86, Wilmington, (800) 766-9137. Fresh trout, venison, seafood and steaks. Incredible views of the Adirondacks and the lighted waterfalls of the Au Sable River. Lighter fare available in basement pub. Full bar. Serving dinner 5-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V, personal checks. $$$$
The Inn at Saratoga
231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 583-1890. American fine dining is offered at a cozy Victorian inn. Tavern menu available. Full bar, catering and banquet facilities for up to 110. Serving dinner 5-9 Sun-Thu, 5-9 Fri-Sat. Reservations accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
The Irish Mist
285 2nd St., Troy, 266-8915. American bistro featuring steak, seafood and pasta. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering, takeout. Serving dinner 4-9 Mon-Fri and Sun, 4-10 Sat; brunch buffet Sunday 9-1. AE, D, MC, V. $$
J&A Prep Kitchen
Crossgates Mall, 869-8077. Timesless recipes with a modern presentation. Sandwiches, burgers, tacos, salads, and Jacob and Anthony's signature entrees. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving 11-11 Mon-Thu, 11 AM-midnight Fri-Sat, 11-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V, ATM/debit. $$
Jack's Oyster House
42 State St., Albany, 465-8854, jacks_oysterhouse.com. Albany's dining landmark since 1913 is now in its third generation of family ownership, and now boasts the area's only certified master chef. Savor seafood specials, steaks, veal or poultry in a classic setting. Full bar, banquet facilities, on- and off-premises catering. Valet parking Fri-Sat after 5. Serving 11:30-10 daily. Open 365 days a year—366 for leap year. Reservations suggested, especially on weekends and holidays. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Jake Moon Restaurant Café
2082 Delaware Turnpike, Clarksville, 768-2570, jakemoon.net. Chef Daniel Smith, formerly of Nicole's Bistro, serves up locally-inspired food with fresh, local ingredients. Weekly dinner menu served Thurs-Sat. On-premises bakery. Takeout, on- and off-premises catering. Serving 7 AM-3 PM Wed, 7 AM-9 PM Thurs-Sat, Sun at 8 AM-3 PM. Cash, personal checks, D, MC, V. $$
Jessica Stone's
738 New Loudon Road (Route 9), Latham, 785-8536. Extensive menu featuring tavern favorites such as sandwiches, burgers, wings and more. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving noon-4 AM daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
59 N. Pearl St., Albany, 432-1997. American casual dining is available in the Capital Region's shiny "eatertainment" establishment. The menu features everything from finger food to full meals with a gourmet flair. Lots of big-screen TVs, plenty of pool tables and a hyperactive video-arcade. On-premises catering for up to 800. Takeout available. Serving from noon-close daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
John Andrew's Restaurant
224 Hillsdale Road (Route 23), South Egremont, Mass., (413) 528-3469, jarestaurant.com. Attention to detail marks the fine dining at this Berkshire hideaway, where the view is pleasant and the food reflects the eclectic taste of owner and chef Dan Smith. Continually reinventing the menu around local produce and products. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering, small private parties. Serving dinner 5-close Thu-Tue. Closed Wed. AE, MC, V. $$$$
J.T. Maxies
240 Wolf Road, Colonie, 435-1551. Just the place if you crave a burger at 3 AM. The main tavern menu features such favorites as fresh soup and salads, burgers and wings, all available until 3:30 AM. Full bar, accommodations for small parties. Takeout available. Serving 11 AM-4 AM daily. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $
301 Lark St., Albany, 436-7008, justinsonlark.com. Look for some offbeat ethnic dishes such as jerk chicken on an inventive, often-changing menu at this Albany institution. Full bar and on-premises catering for small parties. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-4:30 Mon-Fri; dinner 5-10 Sun-Thu, 5-10:30 Fri-Sat; brunch 10:30-4 Sat-Sun; café menu until 1 AM nightly, bar open until 4. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V, ATM. $$$
Katie O'Byrne's
121 Wall St., Schenectady, 395-5999. Cozy establishment serving American cuisine with an Irish flair. Full bar, takeout available. Serving 11:30 AM-close Mon-Sat, noon-9 PM Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
State and Lodge streets (at the Crowne Plaza), Albany, 427-3049, cpalbany.com. Serving full dinner menu in addition to all-day menu featuring paninis, burgers, salads and other light fare. Full bar with newly enhanced wine list exquisite wines by the glass. Serving 11:30 AM-1 AM daily. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Kitchen at the Dovegate Inn
184 Broad St., Schuylerville, 695-6095, kitchenattheinn.com. Enjoy casual dining and a traditional American menu, featuring steak, chicken and seafood. Lunch includes such fare as salads, soups, sandwiches and daily specials. On-premises catering available for parties. Takeout available. Serving lunch noon-3 Tue-Sat, dinner 5-9 Wed-Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Lake Ridge
35 Burlington Ave., Round Lake, 899-6000, lake-ridge.com. Fine dining in historic Round Lake. Cozy atmosphere with three dining rooms, two fireplaces, and a ballroom. Menu includes steaks, veal, seafood and pasta; many fresh takes on old favorites. Private banquet facilities for up to 35. Full bar. On- and off-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Tue-Sat; dinner 4:30-8:45 Tue-Sat, 3-8 Sun. Closed Mon. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Lakeview Inn
Main Street (Route 43), Averill Park, 674-3363, crystallakeview.com. Barbecue ribs, seafood, pasta, fish specials and many other homemade dishes. Full bar, banquet facilities. Takeout available. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, Fri-Sat 11:30-11, Sun 11:30-9. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Lanie's Café
471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, 438-5005, laniescafe.com. Serving everything from wings and pizza to prime rib and veal, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and Italian cuisine. Full bar. Off-premises catering. Takeout available. Serving 11 AM-midnight Mon-Thu, 11 AM-2 AM Fri-Sat, noon-midnight Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Lillian's Restaurant
408 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-7766. Nightly seafood specials include baked stuffed shrimp and broiled catch of the day; also aged, cut-on-premises steaks, sliced sirloin and pasta dishes. Light menu available. Full bar and banquet facilities. Serving lunch 11-4 Mon-Sat, dinner 4-10 Mon-Thu, 4-11 Fri-Sat; lunch and dinner noon-9 Sun. Reservations welcome. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Local 111
111 Main St., Philmont, 672-7801, local111.com. An intimate 39-seat eatery specializing in putting locally obtained food on the table. The menu ranges from snacks and sandwiches to main courses like grilled grass-fed sirloin with cauliflower and celeriac gratin, autumn squash and slow-cooked garlic or creamy polenta and roasted squash with served with pecorino walnuts and white beans. Full bar. Larger dining area available for parties. Serving dinner 5:30-9 Wed-Thu, 5:30-9:30 Fri-Sat, 5-9 Sun; brunch 10-2 Sunday. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
The Local Pub and Restaurant
142 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, 587-7256, thelocalpubandteahouse.com. It manages to be all things to the neighborhood, offering a wide selection of beer and a menu of English and Irish specialties ranging from burgers to salads to excellent fish and chips, even a variety of teas. Full bar. Serving 11:30-10 Sun-Thu, 3:30-10:30 Fri-Sat; brunch 9:30-3 Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC. V. $$
Log Jam Restaurant
Routes 9 and 149, Lake George, 798-1155, logjamrestaurant.com. Adirondack hospitality and charm are served up along with prime rib, fresh fish, chicken, pork and seafood, and a salad bar worth walking to. Full bar. On-premises catering available. Reservations accepted. Serving 5-9 Mon-Thu, 5-9:30 Fri, 4:30-9:30 Sat, 4:30-9 Sun. Lunch 11:30-2:30 daily. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
Londonderry Café
Stuyvesant Plaza, Guilderland, 489-4288, londonderrycafe.com. Exciting fine-dining menu features pasta, chicken and seafood dishes. Cappuccino, beer and wine by the glass. On- and off-premises catering. Serving 11-9 Mon-Sat; brunch 10:30-3 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Longfellow's Hotel & Restaurant
500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 587-0108, longfellows.com. Situated just off exit 14 near Saratoga Lake, Longfellow's prides itself on its intimate and relaxing dining ambience. New menu offers both a "lighter side" and a "hearty side" with entrees created to please any palette. Serving 5-10 Mon-Thu, 5-11 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun; tavern open later. Takeout available. Full bar. On- and off-premises catering, special events, and weddings. Reservations recommended AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
371 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 580-0312, saratogamaestros.com. Chef John LaPosta offers his unique, classy approach to the classics, serving up fine American bistro cuisine emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Beer and wine. Catering available. Serving lunch 11:30-4 daily; dinner 4-10 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Main Street Grille
857 Main St., Clifton Park, 877-8202. Rustic and cozy, restored historic grain mill and feed store, adjacent to the Elnora train station. Pub fare and dinners featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood and pasta. Full bar. Beer on tap. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Tue-Sat; tavern open later. Closed Sun-Mon. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
4th and Congress streets, Troy, 272-2422. Troy's oldest restaurant has been open since 1913. Menu features breakfast all day, gourmet deli sandwiches, burgers, wraps, appetizers, salads, homemade soups and desserts. Serving 6:30-5 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
74 State St., Albany, 434-7410. French techniques inform the contemporary American cuisine at this handsome restaurant in downtown Albany's boutique hotel. Utilizing organic, local ingredients and free-range meats, the farm-to-table menu offers such dishes as diver scallops with apple-and-bacon risotto and filet mignon with potato gratin, blue cheese butter and pear and cocoa nib compote. Full bar, on-premises catering. Extensive wine list. Reservations recommended. Serving 7 AM-11 PM daily, brunch 7-3 Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
The Market
Albany Marriott, 189 Wolf Road, Colonie, 458-8444. The casual-dining menu includes soups, salads and burgers as well as full-course dinners. Full bar, catering and banquet facilities. Serving breakfast 6:30-11 Mon-Fri, 7-11 Sat, 7-noon Sun; lunch 11-2 Mon-Sat; dinner 5-10 daily. Reservations suggested for parties over five. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Martel's at OTB
711 Central Ave., Albany, 459-2650. Live, televised horseracing with fine food and spirits. Banquet facilities with seating capacity of more than 600. Full bar. Serving 11-11 Mon-Sat (kitchen closes at 8 PM Mon-Thu; 10 PM Fri-Sat), 11 AM-6:30 PM Sun. AE, MC, V. $$
49 Railroad St., Great Barrington, Mass., (413) 528-5455. On trendy Railroad Street, a cheery, unpretentious breakfast-and-lunch joint serving comfort food that effortlessly blends old-fashioned American standards with more updated fare like eggs Florentine, soybean vegetable stew and sandwiches featuring grilled eggplant, avocado, brie and the like. Breakfast served until closing. Takeout available. Serving 6 AM-3 PM daily. Cash only. $
353 State St., Albany, 463-2100. Chef Jeffrey Tabakian continues at this Center Square hotspot serving progressive American cuisine in a city grill atmosphere. The menu changes seasonally; look for inventive fare and exotic daily specials. Full bar. Reservations suggested. Valet parking Mon-Sat. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Mon-Thu, 5-10 Fri-Sat; closed Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Montcalm Restaurant
Route 9 (at Exit 20 off I-87), Lake George, 793-6601. Steaks, seafood and friendly service in a family-run restaurant that's been going for over half a century. Prime rib is a specialty; small "café specialties" also are available. Serving lunch daily 11:45-4; dinner 4-9 Mon-Thu, 4-9:30 Fri-Sat, 2-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Morrette's King Steak House
1126 Erie Blvd., Schenectady, 370-0555. Offering their famous oversized steak sandwiches since 1947, with a variety of other choices. Informal dining. Beer available. Accommodating small parties up to 25 guests. Serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, Sat; 11-10 Fri. Closed Sun. MC, V. $
New World Bistro Bar
300 Delaware Ave., Albany, 694-0520, newworldbistrobar.com. Featuring "global comfort food" from executive chef Ric Orlando, the menu boasts a number of Orlando's signature dishes, including Ropa Vieja and blackened string beans. New World offers everything from full entrees to small plates, sandwiches and flatbread pizzas, as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free selections. Full bar. On- and off-premises catering. Patio open seasonally. Takeout available. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Sun-Thu, 5-11 Fri-Sat; brunch 11-3 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
New World Home Cooking
1411 Route 212, Saugerties, (845) 246-0900, ricorlando.com. See what's cooking at two-time Chopped champion Ric Orlando's Sauger-Stock landmark, voted Metroland's Best American Restaurant for 2008. New updated fun menu keeps the New World classics like blackened string beans and Ropa Vieja and adds new seafood, BBQ, and veggie dishes. Kids' menu. Large parties welcome. Takeout available. Banquet facilities. On- and off-premises catering. Reservations recommended. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Mon-Thu, 5-11 Fri, 5-10 Sat, 5-10 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
99 Restaurant & Pub
107 Wolf Road, Colonie, 446-9909. 99restaurants.com. This Boston-based chain features grilled and fried dishes. Also, Buffalo wings and burgers. Full bar. Serving 11-11 Mon-Thu, 11-midnight Fri-Sat, 11-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
The Old Mill
Route 23, South Egremont, Mass., (413) 528-1421. Dine in the rustic elegance of a converted 18th-century grist mill. Fresh fish, steaks and pastas are among the specialties; enjoy a cocktail or after-dinner drink in the cozy bar. Reservations accepted for parties of five and larger. Full bar. Serving dinner 5-9:30 Sun-Thu; 5-10 Fri-Sat, brunch 11-2 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Olde Bryan Inn
123 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, 587-2990, oldebryaninn.com. Rustic and roomy, with traditional specials and lighter fare. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving 11-10 Sun-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. Bar open until midnight Fri-Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
One Caroline Street Bistro
1 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 587-2026, onecaroline.com. Continental, regional American and fusion fare, all prepared to order with fresh ingredients, including local organic produce and free-range meats. Lighter fare includes soups and salads, along with a full appetizer menu. The dinner menu offers entrées such as sticky chicken with dirty rice and traditional jambalaya. Homemade desserts. This restaurant's wine list won the 2006-07 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Full bar. On/off premises catering. Serving dinner from 5:30 daily. Live music every night. Bar open later. Closed Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
One One One
111 Main St., Greenwich, 692-8016. A top-notch eatery in Greenwich's attractive downtown, where the kitchen does wonderful things with farm-fresh locally grown organic produce and other ingredients. A full bar is also available. Serving dinner 5-9 Wed-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
Orchard Tavern
68 N. Manning Blvd., Albany, 482-5677. This casual full-service restaurant with a family atmosphere serves up award-winning pizza along with an extensive menu, all in a century-old tavern. Banquet facilities and private outdoor patio. Takeout available, lunch delivery. Serving 11:30-close Mon-Sat, closed Sun. Reservations are accepted for large groups only. AE, D, MC, V. $
O'Toole's Restaurant Pub
Kohl's Plaza, Colonie, 464-1200; Quaker Plaza, Queensbury, 793-3389. The menus at both locations feature lots of American classics, including ribs, steaks and chicken. Half-off appetizer menu 9-11 daily. Half-price lunches 12-2 Mon-Fri. Rotating dinner specials daily. Full bar. On-premises catering for small parties. Off-premises catering for large parties. Reservations accepted. Serving 11:30-11 Sun-Thu, 11:30-midnight Fri-Sat, noon-11 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Palmer House Café
1462 Main St., Rensselaerville, 797-3449. A country-village restaurant with a menu that changes weekly and highlights fresh vegetables and herbs, as well as elegant pastries. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering. Dinner 5-close Thu-Sun, Closed Mon-Wed. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
1 Prospect St., North Bennington, Vt., (802) 442-7171. Offering a contemporary American menu. Separate lounge offers lower-priced menu items. Large outdoor terrace. Fine wine selection and full bar. Off-premises catering and takeout available. Serving dinner 5-9 Tue-Sat in the fine-dining area; 5-10 seven days a week in the lounge. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Peddlers Bar and Bistro
16 Clifton Park Village Rd., Clifton Park, 952-7166, peddlersbarandbistro.com. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, ribs, salads, even filet mignon sliders are offered alongside a wide appetizer array and a few well-chosen entrée items. Full bar, wine list. Serving 11 AM-close Mon-Sat, noon-close Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Pepper Jack's Sandwich Creations
192 N. Allen St., Albany, 426-5505, pepperjacksalbany.com. A unique breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant located in the middle of Albany. Offering authentic Philly cheesesteaks, sandwich wraps and more. Off-premises catering and takeout and delivery available. 10 AM-10 PM Sun, 10 AM-11 Mon-Sat. AE, MC, V. $
The Point
Madison Ave., 1100 Madison Ave., Albany, 729-5383, bmtmgt.com. Spacious, handsomely designed restaurant featuring the cuisine of chef Jennifer Hewes of sister establishment Café Madison. Mediterranean-influenced American dishes include several steak preparations, boar Milanese, shrimp and scallop risotto, seafood cakes, and more. Full bar, wine list. Catering, private events for brunch, lunch or dinner. Reservations recommended. Serving 4-10 Mon-Wed, 4-11 Thu-Sat, 4-9 Sun. Late-night bar menu. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Prime at Saratoga National
458 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 583-4653 ext. 2. Offering a lunch menu featuring salads, sandwiches and lighter fare, as well as a dinner menu featuring Prime's famous steaks and seafood. Serving dinner 5:30-10 Sun-Thu, 5:30-10 Fri-Sat, lunch 11:30-4 daily. Brunch Sun 10-2. AE, CB, MC, V, D. $$$$
The Publik House Pub and Restaurant
Routes 9 and 9P, Malta, 587-7479. On first glance at the menu, this seems like a pizza place, but then you discover there's a full-fledged selection of entrées among the pasta and calzones. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving 11 AM-11:30 PM Sun-Thu, 11 AM-12:30 AM Fri-Sat. AE, MC, V. $
Purple Pub
2 Cohoes Road, Watervliet, 273-9646. American and Italian offerings abound, including lasagna, seafood, veal and peppers, prime rib and Mexican pizza. Specials daily. Renowned pizza. Full bar. Takeout and delivery available. Serving 11-10 Tue-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. Closed Mon. AE, D, MC, V. $
Gideon Putnam Hotel, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, 584-3000, gideon putnam.com. Upscale casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring creative American cuisine. Open to the public year-round. Full bar, catering and banquet facilities. Serving breakfast daily 7-11; lunch and dinner 11-9 daily, late-night menu until 10 PM Fri-Sat. Reservations suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
11 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 434-8186; 2853 Route 9, Malta, 580-1212, quintessenceny.com. Jazzy, casually chique restaurant located in a historic Albany spot, now with a sister location in a chrome diner in Malta. Best known for its famous chicken teriyaki. Free nightly entertainment. Theme nights. Full bar. Takeout, on- and off-premises catering available. Online ordering. Happy hour 3-7, 9-close. Free delivery 11 AM-3 PM Mon-Fri. Serving 10-11 Mon-Thu, 10-1 Fri, 8-1 Sat, 8-11 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Raindancer Restaurant
4582 Route 30, Amsterdam, 842-2606. The steaks are delicious and the portions are huge at this area favorite. Dinners include all the trips you care to make to the salad bar, and the menu also offers a standard array of chicken, seafood and pasta-based dishes. Also serving a light-fare menu all day. 11:30-10 Mon-Sat, 12:30-8 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Ranchero Steakhouse & Cantina
23 Main St., South Glens Falls, 636-5090, jakesroad.com. Serving classic American and Mexican comfort food including tacos, enchiladas, burgers, sandwiches and steaks. Full bar. Serving Tue-Sun from 4 PM. Closed Monday. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Recovery Room Sports Grill
62 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 396-3800; 235 Hoosick St., Troy, 272-1702; 98 Wolf Road, Albany, 591-0001; 5005 Highway 30, Amsterdam, 842-5500; 1925 Curry Road, Rotterdam, 355-4001, recoveryroomsportsgrill.com. Full menu, from appetizers to steaks, ribs, seafood, chicken and pasta. Also soups, salads, burgers and desserts. Local sports memorabilia sets the mood. Full bar. Takeout available. Open daily at 11-11 Mon-Fri, 11-12 Fri-Sat, 12-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $
Red Dot
321 Warren St., Hudson, 828-3657. A casual, friendly, world-inspired bistro in the heart of Hudson's art and antiques district. The menu features authentic Belgian frites, mussels, fish and chips, burgers and daily specials. Full bar, garden dining. Serving 5-10 Wed-Mon; Sat-Sun brunch 11-3. MC, V. $$$
The Red Lion Inn
30 Main St., Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 298-5545, redlioninn.com. Creative contemporary cuisine served in a charming, historic inn that dates from 1773. The menu features regional cuisine with a contemporary twist, including heritage-breed pork chop with braised kale and balsamic grilled onions. In an effort to support local farmers, Chef Alberg offers a special sustainable-foods menu Sunday and Monday evenings and a sustainable breakfast daily. Full bar, banquet facilities, on- and off-premises catering. Reservations recommended, and can be made by phone or online at redlioninn.com or opentable.com. Serving breakfast 7-10 Mon-Fri, 7:30-10:30 Sat-Sun; lunch noon-2:30 Mon-Fri, noon-4 Sat-Sun (11:30- 4 daily in the tavern and courtyard); dinner 5-9 Sun-Thu, 5-9:30 Fri-Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
The Ripe Tomato American Grill
Routes 9 and 9P, Malta, 581-1530, ripetomato.com. Affordable four-star dining in this Italian-American grill. Try the award-winning shrimp-and-scallop bisque. Specials daily. Full bar. Takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, 10-10 Sun (brunch 10-2). Skidmore student meal cards accepted. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
Rose and Kettle
4 Lancaster St., Cherry Valley, (607) 264-3078, roseandkettle.com. Dine in a 200-year-old village house in the midst of a historic, storybook village and enjoy a creative, always-changing menu of items crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Chef Matt Begley prepares a bourbon-enhanced NY strip steak au poivre, pan-seared cod with tomato-chive beurre blanc and much more. Live music Thursday night. Wine list. Serving dinner 5-close Thu-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
The Rusty Anchor
Hudson Shores Park, Watervliet, 273-2920, therustyanchorbar.com. Dine on fresh seafood and American fare, seasonally, in this floating barge restaurant. Full bar. Takeout available. Reservations recommended for parties of six or more. Serving 11:30-2 AM Mon-Fri, noon-2 AM Sat-Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
Salty's Pub & Bistro
Country Dollar Shopping Plaza, Guideboard Road, Halfmoon, 371-1120 or 371-1694. "Where friends and family surround you and food is plenty," is the motto at this casual neighborhood seafood eatery, featuring a 50-foot oyster bar, a vast array of fresh seafood, and a pasta and vegetarian menu as well, presided over by chef-owner John D. Marzilli, former chef of the Albany Marriott. Full bar. Banquet facilities. Takeout available. Serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri-Sat, 11-8 PM Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
1 S. Pearl St., Albany, 426-9647, thedublinunderground.com. Soups, large salads, pasta, stir-fries and quiche are available. Full bar open late. Serving 11-9 Mon-Wed, 11 AM-4 AM Thu-Fri, 6-close Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
497 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, 355-9924. Eclectic American menu offering everything from dinners to light fare. Homemade soups, burgers, wings, and authentic regional items from around the country. Full bar, on-premises catering, takeout available. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Serving from 11 AM Mon-Fri, noon Sat-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Schodack Diner
1842 Columbia Turnpike, Castleton-on-Hudson, 477-5014, schodackdiner.com. Serving American diner classics like steaks, chops, burgers, wraps, deli sandwiches and salad platters as well as Greek specialties like moussaka, gyros, pastichio and baklava. Breakfast anytime, homemade desserts. Daily specials, kids' menu. Full bar, on-premises catering. Takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving 7-9 daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
The Silo
537 Aviation Road, Queensbury, 798-1900. Serving hearty country-style breakfast and lunch. Lunch features homemade soups, breads, overstuffed sandwiches, pies and other tasty desserts. Open year round. Serving breakfast 7 AM-3 PM and lunch 11 AM-3 PM daily. AE, D, MC, V. $
The Desmond, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, 640-6094, desmondhotels.com. The Desmond's casual restaurant features casual continental cuisine including prime rib, creative seafood dishes, house-made specialty desserts and a selection of salads, as well as wine by the glass. Full bar. Serving 6:30 AM-10 PM Mon-Sat, 7-10 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
The South End Tavern
757 Burden Ave., Troy, 272-9661. A friendly haven of comfort food that's been a South Troy mainstay since 1934. Daily specials: Monday, baked ham and barbeque baby-back ribs; Tuesday, meat loaf, Yankee pot roast and boneless chicken breast; Wednesday, roast beef, haddock, scallops, shrimp and fried clam strip; Thursday, corned beef and cabbage, and roast turkey and stuffing. For a special treat on Fridays try the scallops, haddock and shrimp, and creamed cod, and on Saturday prime rib, roast beef, and baby-back ribs. Full bar. Serving 11-11 Mon-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $
Stadium Café
389 Broadway (Route 9) Saratoga Springs, 226-4437. A family friendly sports bar with a menu featuring baby-back ribs, crab cakes, pastas, wraps and salads. Full bar; takeout available. Serving 11-11 Mon-Thu, 11 AM-midnight Fri-Sat, 11-10 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
The Standard Restaurant & Lounge
Crossgates Mall, Albany, 452-7007, standardalbany.com. New restaurant and lounge, featuring an array of creative American and fusion dishes in an elegant retro atmosphere. Huge selection of eclectic offerings—from Thai mussels to macaroni and cheese—includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, steak and seafood. Full bar. Serving 11-11 Sun-Thu, 11-midnight Fri-Sat; cocktails until 1 AM Sun-Thu, 2 AM Fri-Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Stockade Inn
1 N. Church St., Schenectady, 346-3400. Schenectady's newest banquet facility and fine-dining inn welcomes wedding receptions, and is happy to provide full accommodations to its overnight guests. Full bar and banquet facilities. Serving 5-9 Tue-Sat, brunch 10-2 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$
Sutton's Marketplace Café
1066 Route 9, Queensbury, 798-1188 ext. 2, suttonsmarketplace.com. A casual eatery located in a country store that sells everything from baked goods to gifts to toys. Menu offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, prepared with the freshest ingredients. Children's menu available. Serving 7:30 AM-3 PM daily. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $
30 S. Pearl St., Albany, 694-3322, tastealbany.com. Executive chef Paul Ozimek is dedicated to "the art of dining," serving American cuisine with global influences. Small plates, appetizers, half and full portions—you can create your own dining experience. Luxurious full bar; over 380 wines on the wine list. Takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving lunch 11:30-4 Mon-Fri; dinner 5-10 Mon-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Teagan's Steak and Seafood Restaurant
1 Ferry St., Rensselaer, 477-9909, teagans.com. Friendly neighborhood all-around good-food place, with a Continental menu featuring steak, seafood and pasta. Full bar, banquet facilities. Serving lunch 11-2 Mon-Fri, lounge 11-5 Mon-Fri, dinner 4-9 Sun-Wed, 4-10 Thu-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Terminal Tavern
774 Pawling Ave., Troy, 283-8376. Full pub menu and a dinner menu including prime rib and seafood. Full bar. Takeout available. Serving Mon 4 PM-midnight, Tue-Wed 11:30 AM -12:30 AM, Thu-Sat 1:30-1:30, Sun 1-10 during football season. AE, D, MC, V. $
TGI Friday's
Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, 489-1663; 1 Southside Drive, Clifton Park, 383-7148; 3060 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, 581-4012. Old posters and found art decorate the walls; the glossy menu boasts a variety of steaks and burgers, their famous "Jack Daniels sauce," pasta dishes and finger food. Full bar. Stuyvesant Plaza: Serving 11 AM-1 AM Sun-Wed, 11 AM-2 AM Thu-Sat. Clifton Park: Serving 9 AM-midnight daily. Saratoga Springs: Serving 9 AM-midnight daily. AE, D, MC, V. $$
TJ's Café
1133 Central Ave., Colonie, 438-7457, tjscafealbany.info. Featuring a wide range of homemade food, from burgers, wings and sandwiches to dinner entrées such as prime rib, shrimp scampi and chicken parmesan. Full late-night menu. Takeout available. Serving 11-11 Mon-Thu, 11-midnight Fri-Sat, closed Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Turf Tavern
40 Mohawk Ave., Scotia, 393-3344, turftavern.com. Upscale restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere featuring gourmet cuisine and seasonal specials. Full bar, banquet facilities, on- and off-premises catering. Serving dinner 5-9 Tue-Fri, 5-10 Sat, 11:30-8 Sun with Sunday specials. Reservations recommended. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Uno Chicago Grill
Crossgates Mall, Guilderland, 869-3100; 601 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 782-7166; 3008 State Route 50, Saratoga Springs, 587-4270, unos.com. Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, as well as salads, ribs, steaks, chicken, sandwiches, burgers and express lunch daily. Full bar. Takeout available. Latham serving 11:30-11 Sun-Thu, 11:30-midnight Fri-Sat. At Crossgates, 11:30-11 PM Mon-Thu, 11:30 AM-midnight Fri, 11 AM-midnight Sat, 11-10 PM Sun. Saratoga Springs: 11-11 PM Sun-Thu, 11-midnight Fri-Sat. Advanced seating requests accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
The Van Dyck
237 Union St., Schenectady, 348-7999, vandycklounge.com. This Stockade-area mainstay is serving a varied menu of pub food and favorite entrées, with pizza and panini in the mix. Full bar, private parties, takeout available. Reservations recommended. Serving 11-10 Tue-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, closed Sun and Mon. AE, D, MC, V, ATM/debit. $$$
Victory Café
10 Sheridan Ave., Albany, 463-9113, thevictorycafe.com. A 100-seat restaurant featuring salads, sandwiches, pizza and daily specials. Full bar, banquet facilities for up to 150, on/off-premises catering. Serving 11:30-9 Mon, 11:30-10 Tue-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, 5-10 Sat; dinner specials nightly. Closed Sun (available for private parties). Reservations suggested on concert nights. AE, MC, V. $$
The Wine Bar
417 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-8777, thewinebarofsaratoga.com. New American cuisine featuring award-winning cheese, and entrée- and tapas-sized portions prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Featuring 50 wines by the glass and a full bar. The restaurant also includes a secluded smoking lounge for those who wish to enjoy an aromatic cigar after the meal. Reservations recommended. Serving 4-10 Mon-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
801 Route 9, Wilton, 584-2489, winslowsofsaratoga.com. Great American cuisine since 1948. Home of Tessie's world-famous oven-roasted turkey dinner. House-butchered steaks, fresh fish. Full bar and wine list, cozy Adirondack charm and hospitality. Reservations accepted. Serving 4-9 Wed-Sat, 1-9 Sun (open later every day during track season). Personal checks and cash only. ATM. $$back to top