The Guide
Every Place I Have Reviewed
The good, the mixed and the spots I would skip. Filter by what you are in the mood for and go.
119 spots
15 Church
$$$$Saratoga Springs · Fine Dining
Must Try
The atmosphere, layout and experience put this patio near the top of my list. I've only been for caviar so far. I haven't tried dinner yet.
5 Star Gourmet Deli & Grill
$$Troy · Deli
Must Try
The egg sandwich was next level. I could come back for that any day. The breakfast platter and pancakes were exactly what you'd expect.
605 Smash
$$Albany · Burgers
Solid
The takeout sister spot to 605 Restaurant, making that staple cheeseburger a grab and go situation.
Ala Shanghai
$$Latham · Chinese
Must Try
The best Asian restaurant in the Capital Region, in my opinion. These are still some of the strongest soup dumplings I've found. They consistently deliver.
Amazing Wok
$Colonie · Chinese
Solid
My sister raves about this place. It wasn't my favorite.
Anthonys By Romo
$$Voorheesville · Pizza
Must Try
The expanded version of the famous Romo's in Glenmont, and one of the best places to take the family on a summer evening.
Azuma Sushi Bistro
$$Malta · Sushi / Japanese
Solid
I don't get the hype. The steak was solid, but the dumplings were bland and the dipping sauce was off. No brown sauce for the hibachi either. I'd take Sake any day.
Backstage Pub
$$Schenectady · Bar Food
Great
Elevated bar food in Schenectady with a proper bar downstairs and a calmer dining room upstairs.
Bagels Your Way Cafe
$Medford · Bagels
Great
The bagel standard I grew up on, back home on Long Island.
Ballston Lakeview Tavern
$$Ballston Lake · Wings
Must Try
One of the best overall experiences of the wing tour. The wings, atmosphere and views all hit. If I had to pick one place to go back to right now, it's this. No question.
Barcelona
$$Albany · Mediterranean
Must Try
One of my favorite places for dinner since 2019. A warm welcome and incredible food every time. I knew before walking in that everything would be phenomenal.
Beer Bones Taproom
$$Latham · Bar Food
Great
The wings had great heat and exactly the amount of sauce I like. Not the best I've had, but I'd come back for them. The buffalo chicken quesadilla was super cheesy and cooked perfectly.
Bella Napoli
$Latham · Bakery & Breakfast
Great
A Capital Region staple with some of the best baked goods around, plus a breakfast and deli counter.
Bella Regina
$$Utica · Italian
Must Try
The veal parm with riggie sauce was incredible. The food hit, but the people were the highlight. I was eating alone and they made me feel completely at home.
Blessings
$$Colonie · Bar Food
Great
Clearly homemade, great flavor and a great cheese pull. An amazing neighborhood spot run by a great family.
Boca Bistro
$$Saratoga Springs · Elevated Casual
Solid
The appetizers alone are worth coming for. The steak sandwich fell short. Good ciabatta and fresh arugula, but it needed a cheese that melts to bring some moisture. I'll be back for the apps.
Bootleggers
$$Troy · Bar Food
Solid
A solid Buffalo chicken wrap I could see myself coming back for. Everything was pretty good for traditional bar food.
Bowled Co
$$Latham · Acai Bowls
Skip
Part of the Bowled Co franchise that has struggled to find the right owner, and this location shows it.
Buds On The Hudson
$Green Island · Breakfast
Solid
A modern twist on everyday breakfast right on Green Island, and a fun place to hang with friends in the morning.
Capri Imports
$Schenectady · Deli
Must Try
One of the top deli and import stores in the capital region.
Chapli & Platters
$Schenectady · Halal
Must Try
The food was phenomenal. I loved the chopped pita so you get a little in almost every bite. I was in and out in about three minutes.
Chili's Grill & Bar
$$Colonie · Bar Food
Solid
I was shocked this even got voted in. The breading, cheese pull and flavor were all on point. The Nashville Hot ones blew me away.
City Line Bar & Grill
$$Albany · Bar Food
Solid
The food has stepped up since college. The appetizers hit the spot and the patio was solid. Overall, a great experience.
CoreLife
$$Latham · Vegan / Healthy
Great
Everything was fresh and filling. I'd come back and get it again.
Corner Deli
$Colonie · Deli
Solid
I wasn't impressed at first, but the sandwich changed my mind. Thin slices, stacked high and delicious. I'm going back.
D'Raymonds
$$Loudonville · Italian
Great
Way better than I expected. The veal was super tender and the sauce had great flavor. Huge portions at prices that actually surprised me. The meatballs were the weak point.
DiBella's Subs
$$Latham · Deli
Great
The fresh baked bread is what keeps me coming back. The pasta salad and macaroni salad were great additions too.
Dinosaur BBQ
$$Troy · BBQ
Solid
A key piece of the Troy dining scene, set on the Hudson and built for happy hour with friends.
Dosa Grill
$$Albany · Indian
Must Try
This might be the best garlic naan I've ever had. Brought my two sisters and we were all pretty impressed.
Dukes Chophouse
$$$Schenectady · Steakhouse
Great
One of the few places that makes me want to order steak out again. Incredible crust on the ribeye and the peppercorn sauce took it over the top. The pork belly was one of the best I've had.
Duo Modern Japanese Cuisine & Hibachi
$$Saratoga Springs · Sushi / Japanese
Great
The crispy duck was one of the highlights. The Kani mussels pushed me out of my comfort zone. I'm really happy we went.
East Wok
$Colonie · Chinese
Solid
This one surprised me. Tender, flavorful spare ribs and properly cooked lo mein. Good lunch special prices too. I'll be back.
Eggy's Place
$Albany · Breakfast
Solid
Solid egg sandwich, exactly what you'd expect from a classic breakfast sandwich. I'd come back to try lunch.
El Charro
$$Latham · Mexican
Solid
Giant burritos and fast service at a solid local Mexican spot in Latham.
Farmhouse Tap + Tavern
$$Altamont · Pizza
Great
The sourdough pizza is incredible. The wings and sandwich were great too. You need to try this place.
First Choice
$Troy · Caribbean
Must Try
Some of the best food I've had in a long time. The oxtail was tender and extra saucy. The jerk chicken had great flavor and spice.
Graneys
$$Albany · Bar Food
Solid
The mozzarella sticks let me down. Greasy and tasted like old oil. Bottom of this challenge, but still a great neighborhood spot for drinks.
Great Indian Kitchen
$$Albany · Indian
Must Try
My absolute favorite Indian restaurant in the entire capital region, authentic dishes with incredible flavor and amazing service.
Guptill's
$Cohoes · Bakery / Dessert
Must Try
Really good soft serve. Sweet the way I like it, with toppings mixed all the way through. Almost $35 for three sundaes is insane though.
Halal Addicts
$Clifton Park · Halal
Solid
Always one of my favorite spots for chicken over rice. Now that I know the fried chicken is this good, I might have to switch it up.
Herbie's Burgers
$Albany · Burgers
Solid
Easily one of the best places to grab a smash burger.
Ilium Brewing Co
$$Troy · Brunch
Solid
Everything we tried hit. The blueberry jam on the toast was refreshing and just sweet enough. I'd come back for that alone.
J's Kitchen
$Latham · Chinese
Solid
The sesame chicken is still the best around. The pork lo mein was great too. The ribs and dumplings let me down today, but I'll be back.
Johnny's
$$Schenectady · Italian
Must Try
Jojo could have served me dog food and it would have been amazing. Luckily, the food was amazing too.
Kazan Ramen
$$Albany · Ramen
Solid
A traditional ramen shop inside Crossgates with sushi and Asian American plates alongside the bowls.
Kitchen 216
$$Troy · International
Solid
This place tested my patience at first. It turned around quick.
Kurver Kreme
$Colonie · Bakery / Dessert
Must Try
This has become my favorite dessert in the Capital Region. The Perfect Blend cookies and Kurver ice cream work so well together.
Latham Bagel Shop
$Latham · Bagels
Great
A quick service bagel spot where the bagels are the real deal.
Lo Nuestro Dominican Restaurant
$Albany · Caribbean
Must Try
Everything we tried was insanely good. The chicken and cheese empanada had a crispy shell and was packed with filling. I demolished it.
Lo Porto's
$$$Troy · Italian
Must Try
Dark, candlelit, classic old school Italian, a room made for a special night.
Loop
$$Latham · Breakfast & Coffee
Great
Avocado toasts and specialty coffee with a healthy, cute vibe.
Marisa's Place
$Guilderland · Pizza
Must Try
The best pizza in the Capital Region. I've always known this would be the winner, but I still had to give the others a try.
McAddy's
$$Troy · Bar Food
Solid
I get why this was so recommended. Perfect fry, great breading and a great cheese pull.
Mikes Diner
$Guilderland · Diner
Solid
The definition of a classic hometown diner. Simple and delicious. Exactly what you'd expect.
Miranda's Deli
$Albany · Deli
Must Try
An amazing breakfast sandwich on an incredible everything flavored roll. I enjoyed every bite.
Mohawk Taproom
$$Schenectady · American
Great
A twist on your classic American dishes served in a pub style setting. Things like chicken cutlet tacos and fried pastas.
Morton's The Steakhouse
$$$$Saratoga Springs · Steakhouse
Great
Consistency is why I keep coming back. In my experience, they deliver every time.
Naan Kebab
$$Troy · Indian
Must Try
One of my favorite places around here. Some of the best wraps and quesadillas in the area.
Nicole's Restaurant
$$Albany · Italian
Must Try
Classic Italian and consistently excellent food. Forty years of doing it right. If you haven't been, you're missing out.
Normanside Country Club
$$Delmar · Bar Food
Great
I've been dreaming about this buffalo sauce since I first tried it. Real flavor and real heat. They've mastered the sauces here. This is becoming a regular stop for me.
O'Scugnizzo Pizzeria
$Utica · Pizza
Must Try
Crispy crust, rich sauce and cheese under every bite. For this style of pizza, easily the best I've had.
On The Farm
$Latham · Bakery / Dessert
Solid
I love how they mix the toppings all the way through the ice cream. It melted fast today, but I still enjoy this place and I'll be back.
On the Hill Cafe
$Watervliet · Breakfast
Must Try
A diner style cafe in Watervliet where almost everything is under $10.
Pearls Bagels
$Albany · Bagels
Just OK
A very small local bagel shop serving hand rolled bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
Penny Lane Ices
$Albany · Bakery / Dessert
Must Try
I had no idea this place existed. Authentic Italian ice with some really unique flavors. Add it to your summer list.
Perfect Blend
$$Delmar · Breakfast & Coffee
Great
The breakfast sandwich was legit. They already have some of my favorite cookies around here. I'm heading back for more.
Pita & Olive
$$Clifton Park · Mediterranean
Great
A standout quick service spot serving lamb chops over rice and fresh naan.
Plum Blossom
$$Troy · Asian
Solid
One of the nicest rooms you will step foot in, serving casual American Chinese in a phenomenal setting.
Pretty Alright Breakfast Club
$Voorheesville · Breakfast
Must Try
The definition of a homestyle diner. Mom's the bartender, daughters the server type vibe. Everyone knows each other.
PrimoHoagies
$Latham · Deli
Must Try
I've been craving this sub for days. Its the bread I love more than anything else.
Ragonese Italian Imports
$Albany · Deli
Great
Still top notch service and some of the best cold cuts around. I've always wished theyd change the bread, but everything inside is so good its hard to complain.
Rain Modern Chinese
$$Albany · Asian
Solid
An Albany staple on Lark Street for decades, serving pretty awesome Chinese food in a classic setting.
Ralph's Tavern
$Colonie · Bar Food
Great
An Albany area staple, classic bar food, pizza, late night eats and cheap drinks.
Ravenswood
$$Clifton Park · Bar Food
Solid
The loaded tots were next level. The mozzarella sticks were good, but the patio was the star. I'd come just for that on a beautiful day.
Robo's
$Loudonville · Deli
Must Try
Everything I tried was phenomenal. This is a huge win for the Capital Region.
Rusty Nail
$$Clifton Park · Wings
Solid
I don't really get the hype. The wings had solid crispiness, but the flavor was pretty average. Coming here right after Ballston Lakeview Tavern didn't do them any favors.
Saigon Springs
$$Clifton Park · Vietnamese
Must Try
Authentic pho and a deep Vietnamese menu at one of the best known spots in Clifton Park.
Sake Japanese Steakhouse
$$Latham · Sushi / Japanese
Great
My favorite hibachi in the 518. I've only tried three places so far, but this is my pick.
Sankalp
$$East Greenbush · Indian
Great
Some of the best Indian food I've had in a long time. Absolutely worth checking out.
Scoups
$Loudonville · Bakery / Dessert
Great
Great flavor and creamy ice cream. The toppings tasted good, but they were chopped into dust and packed at the top and bottom. The middle was mostly vanilla.
Seoul Korean
$$Latham · Asian
Skip
A local Korean spot that disappointed me on both food and service.
Shake Shack
$Albany · Burgers
Solid
The West Coast Cheeseburger was very, very good. I can see myself coming back for it often. The chicken sandwich was good but pretty average.
Shining Rainbow
$$Albany · Chinese
Great
The best barbecue spare ribs I've ever had. Huge, meaty and perfectly cooked. The pork lo mein was one of my favorites too. I'd absolutely come back.
Shorty's
$$Amsterdam · Wings
Great
I'm so glad I made the trip. Crispy, meaty wings with an absolutely delicious sauce. I loved the bartender too.
Side Pies
$Delmar · Pizza
Must Try
The Wingman was my favorite. Some of the best pizza around, and the pesto chicken pizza was unreal too.
Signal 30
$$Cohoes · BBQ
Must Try
A low key Cohoes BBQ spot with fall off the bone smoked meats.
Siro's of Saratoga
$$$$Saratoga Springs · Fine Dining
Must Try
Three experiences in one, a party patio, a loud piano bar, and a full fine dining room.
Smith's of Cohoes
$$Cohoes · Bar Food
Must Try
Upscale modern bar food in a historic bar setting, a great happy hour hang.
Solana
$Schenectady · Bagels
Solid
Excellent flavor, great crust and cream cheese that was right up my alley. An above average bagel in a small, cozy cafe.
Spa Mirbeau
$$$Albany · Elevated Casual
Must Try
The lunch made the whole spa day better. Fresh food that actually felt like part of the experience. Good food, good atmosphere and a relaxing day.
Subs-Ta-Toot
$Cohoes · Deli
Solid
Does it compete with the best sub spots? No. Its an average sub, but a whole sub, tots, pasta salad and a drink for under $15 is insane. For the price, I'm in.
Sushi King
$$Troy · Chinese
Solid
The pork bun was the surprise. Juicy, packed with flavor and a great texture. The rest of the plate was pretty regular.
Suwun Thai
$$Albany · Thai
Must Try
One of the best soups of my life. I didn't expect to find it in Pine Hills.
Tara Kitchen
$$Schenectady · International
Must Try
This did not disappoint. Everything was fresh, flavorful and delicious. I'm looking forward to coming back.
Tex's Chicken & Burgers
$Latham · Burgers
Solid
The fried chicken was the star. Crispy and juicy. The tenders and smash burger were pretty average. The mac & cheese hit, but the corn was cold and the potatoes needed seasoning. For $40, it was a lot of food.
Texas Roadhouse
$$Colonie · Steakhouse
Solid
One of my go to spots when I need a good meal without breaking the bank.
The Ale House
$Troy · Wings
Solid
I don't really see the hype. Super crispy wings and really good chicken, but the lack of sauce killed it for me. Felt like a naked wing with a little parmesan on top.
The Daisy Cafe
$$Cohoes · Breakfast
Great
A modern breakfast cafe from the minds behind Tipsy Moose, serving great coffee and modern breakfast plates.
The Nest
$$Schenectady · Breakfast
Must Try
Expectations were high and they delivered. Comfort food done right. Everything was consistently good. I'll be back for brunch and dinner.
The Parlor
$$$Saratoga Springs · Fine Dining
Must Try
Every dish was better than the last. The corn ribs and chicken were the biggest standouts. If I came back by myself, that's exactly what I'd order.
The Ruck
$$Troy · Wings
Solid
A classic wing done right. The buffalo garlic parm flavor was on point. Not drenched, but definitely there. I'd take these over Towne Tavern every time.
The Scene
$$$Albany · Breakfast
Solid
An upscale breakfast and brunch serving instagrammable twists on classic breakfast dishes.
The Seasoning House
$$Troy · International
Great
Everything was on point. The pork ribs fell right off the bone, packed with flavor and cooked perfectly.
The Verandah
$$Troy · Caribbean
Must Try
One of the best meals I've had all year. The oxtail fell off the bone and had crazy flavor. I'd make the trip for that alone.
The Works Cafe
$$Latham · Breakfast
Solid
An upscale breakfast spot with everything from bagels to smoothies to deli sandwiches, and the best cream cheese around.
Tipsy Moose
$$Latham · Bar Food
Solid
The wings were crispy with great flavor. My buffalo chicken wrap was average. Not bad, but it needed more cheese and sauce.
Tipsy Taco
$$Latham · Mexican
Great
Birria mozzarella sticks and smashburger crunch wraps. They're doing something different with the menu and I'm here for it.
Towne Tavern
$$Averill Park · Wings
Great
Great size wings and a really good crisp. The smokiness threw me off. They smoke them before frying and it took away from the wing for me.
Twisted Bagel
$Malta · Bagels
Great
A packed Malta bagel shop with a softer bagel and seriously good cream cheese.
Upstate Cookie Shack
$East Greenbush · Bakery
Great
An amazing breakfast spot with great sandwiches, coffee on draft and even better dessert.
Zaffron Kitchen
$$Latham · Halal
Solid
An expanding local business serving fresh Middle Eastern halal classics like lamb over rice.
605 Restaurant
$$Albany · Elevated Casual
Must Try
Elevated bar food from a family run kitchen, with the owner cooking almost everything himself.
Illusive Restaurant & Bar
$$Rensselaer · Bar Food
Must Try
A genuine hidden gem off the beaten path, with award winning wings and burgers.
Simone's Kitchen
$Albany · Mediterranean
Must Try
Fast, fresh Mediterranean served build your own style. One of my favorite quick service stops in the region.
Broad St Bagels
$Slingerlands · Bagels
Great
One of the best bagels you will find north of Long Island, and now within easy reach.
Karavalli
$$Latham · Indian
Great
Authentic Indian cooking with quick service, warm staff and a $15 lunch buffet that is hard to beat.
Pellegrino Importing
$$Colonie · Deli
Great
A historic family owned deli and importing shop where the service is as good as the subs.
Peasant's Pizza
$Latham · Pizza
Solid
A local pizza empire built on specialty slices. Order right and it delivers.
Yang's Asian Bistro
$$Latham · Asian
Skip
Elevated Chinese takeout in a nice room, though most of what I ordered fell flat.