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.

Special OccasionDate Night

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.

BreakfastTakeout

605 Smash

$$

Albany · Burgers

Solid

The takeout sister spot to 605 Restaurant, making that staple cheeseburger a grab and go situation.

Quick BiteTakeout

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.

With Friends

Amazing Wok

$

Colonie · Chinese

Solid

My sister raves about this place. It wasn't my favorite.

TakeoutLunch

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.

Happy HourMeet a FriendAward Winner

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.

With Friends

Backstage Pub

$$

Schenectady · Bar Food

Great

Elevated bar food in Schenectady with a proper bar downstairs and a calmer dining room upstairs.

Happy HourMeet a FriendDate Night

Bagels Your Way Cafe

$

Medford · Bagels

Great

The bagel standard I grew up on, back home on Long Island.

BreakfastQuick BiteCheap Eats

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.

With Friends
#1 Best Wings in the Capital Region

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.

Date NightInternational

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.

With Friends

Bella Napoli

$

Latham · Bakery & Breakfast

Great

A Capital Region staple with some of the best baked goods around, plus a breakfast and deli counter.

BreakfastSweetsQuick Bite

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.

Solo

Blessings

$$

Colonie · Bar Food

Great

Clearly homemade, great flavor and a great cheese pull. An amazing neighborhood spot run by a great family.

FamilyWith Friends
#3 Best Mozzarella Sticks in the Capital Region

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.

Lunch

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.

Quick BiteWith Friends

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.

Quick Bite

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.

BreakfastQuick Bite

Capri Imports

$

Schenectady · Deli

Must Try

One of the top deli and import stores in the capital region.

Quick Bite

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.

Quick BiteLunch

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.

#6 Best Mozzarella Sticks in the Capital Region

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.

Lunch

CoreLife

$$

Latham · Vegan / Healthy

Great

Everything was fresh and filling. I'd come back and get it again.

Quick BiteLunch

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.

Quick BiteBreakfast

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.

Date NightFamily

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.

Quick Bite

Dinosaur BBQ

$$

Troy · BBQ

Solid

A key piece of the Troy dining scene, set on the Hudson and built for happy hour with friends.

Happy HourMeet a Friend

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.

Family

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.

Special OccasionDate Night

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.

Meet a Friend

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.

LunchTakeout

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.

Breakfast

El Charro

$$

Latham · Mexican

Solid

Giant burritos and fast service at a solid local Mexican spot in Latham.

Date NightMeet a Friend

Farmhouse Tap + Tavern

$$

Altamont · Pizza

Great

The sourdough pizza is incredible. The wings and sandwich were great too. You need to try this place.

Date Night

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.

Takeout

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.

With FriendsLate Night
#7 Best Mozzarella Sticks in the Capital Region

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.

Date NightInternational

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.

SweetsFamily

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.

Quick BiteTakeout

Herbie's Burgers

$

Albany · Burgers

Solid

Easily one of the best places to grab a smash burger.

TakeoutLate Night

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.

Brunch

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.

TakeoutLunch

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.

Date NightSpecial Occasion

Kazan Ramen

$$

Albany · Ramen

Solid

A traditional ramen shop inside Crossgates with sushi and Asian American plates alongside the bowls.

Meet a FriendInternational

Kitchen 216

$$

Troy · International

Solid

This place tested my patience at first. It turned around quick.

With FriendsDate Night

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.

Sweets

Latham Bagel Shop

$

Latham · Bagels

Great

A quick service bagel spot where the bagels are the real deal.

Quick BiteBreakfast

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.

TakeoutInternational

Lo Porto's

$$$

Troy · Italian

Must Try

Dark, candlelit, classic old school Italian, a room made for a special night.

Date Night

Loop

$$

Latham · Breakfast & Coffee

Great

Avocado toasts and specialty coffee with a healthy, cute vibe.

Meet a FriendBreakfast

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.

Family

McAddy's

$$

Troy · Bar Food

Solid

I get why this was so recommended. Perfect fry, great breading and a great cheese pull.

With FriendsLate Night
#4 Best Mozzarella Sticks in the Capital Region

Mikes Diner

$

Guilderland · Diner

Solid

The definition of a classic hometown diner. Simple and delicious. Exactly what you'd expect.

BreakfastFamily

Miranda's Deli

$

Albany · Deli

Must Try

An amazing breakfast sandwich on an incredible everything flavored roll. I enjoyed every bite.

Breakfast

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.

Meet a Friend

Morton's The Steakhouse

$$$$

Saratoga Springs · Steakhouse

Great

Consistency is why I keep coming back. In my experience, they deliver every time.

Special OccasionDate Night

Naan Kebab

$$

Troy · Indian

Must Try

One of my favorite places around here. Some of the best wraps and quesadillas in the area.

Quick Bite

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.

Date NightSpecial Occasion

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.

With Friends

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.

Quick Bite

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.

SweetsFamily

On the Hill Cafe

$

Watervliet · Breakfast

Must Try

A diner style cafe in Watervliet where almost everything is under $10.

BreakfastQuick BiteCheap Eats

Pearls Bagels

$

Albany · Bagels

Just OK

A very small local bagel shop serving hand rolled bagels and breakfast sandwiches.

BreakfastQuick Bite

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.

Sweets

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.

BreakfastTakeout

Pita & Olive

$$

Clifton Park · Mediterranean

Great

A standout quick service spot serving lamb chops over rice and fresh naan.

InternationalMeet a Friend

Plum Blossom

$$

Troy · Asian

Solid

One of the nicest rooms you will step foot in, serving casual American Chinese in a phenomenal setting.

InternationalMeet a Friend

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.

Breakfast

PrimoHoagies

$

Latham · Deli

Must Try

I've been craving this sub for days. Its the bread I love more than anything else.

Quick BiteTakeout

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.

Quick BiteLunch

Rain Modern Chinese

$$

Albany · Asian

Solid

An Albany staple on Lark Street for decades, serving pretty awesome Chinese food in a classic setting.

Meet a FriendInternational

Ralph's Tavern

$

Colonie · Bar Food

Great

An Albany area staple, classic bar food, pizza, late night eats and cheap drinks.

Late NightCasual
#2 Best Mozzarella Sticks in the Capital Region

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.

With Friends
#5 Best Mozzarella Sticks in the Capital Region

Robo's

$

Loudonville · Deli

Must Try

Everything I tried was phenomenal. This is a huge win for the Capital Region.

Quick BiteBreakfast

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.

With Friends
#4 Best Wings in the Capital Region

Saigon Springs

$$

Clifton Park · Vietnamese

Must Try

Authentic pho and a deep Vietnamese menu at one of the best known spots in Clifton Park.

InternationalDate NightWith Friends

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.

Special OccasionFamily

Sankalp

$$

East Greenbush · Indian

Great

Some of the best Indian food I've had in a long time. Absolutely worth checking out.

Date NightInternational

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.

SweetsFamily

Seoul Korean

$$

Latham · Asian

Skip

A local Korean spot that disappointed me on both food and service.

International

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.

Quick Bite

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.

Lunch

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.

With Friends

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.

Happy HourWith FriendsDate Night

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.

Special OccasionSee & Be Seen

Smith's of Cohoes

$$

Cohoes · Bar Food

Must Try

Upscale modern bar food in a historic bar setting, a great happy hour hang.

Happy HourWith Friends
#1 Best Mozzarella Sticks in the Capital Region

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.

Breakfast

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.

Meet a FriendDate Night

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.

Quick BiteFamily

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.

Lunch

Suwun Thai

$$

Albany · Thai

Must Try

One of the best soups of my life. I didn't expect to find it in Pine Hills.

Date NightInternational

Tara Kitchen

$$

Schenectady · International

Must Try

This did not disappoint. Everything was fresh, flavorful and delicious. I'm looking forward to coming back.

Date NightInternational

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.

TakeoutLate Night

Texas Roadhouse

$$

Colonie · Steakhouse

Solid

One of my go to spots when I need a good meal without breaking the bank.

Family

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.

With Friends
#6 Best Wings in the Capital Region

The Daisy Cafe

$$

Cohoes · Breakfast

Great

A modern breakfast cafe from the minds behind Tipsy Moose, serving great coffee and modern breakfast plates.

BreakfastMeet a FriendQuick Bite

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.

BrunchMeet a Friend

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.

Special OccasionDate Night

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.

With Friends
#3 Best Wings in the Capital Region

The Scene

$$$

Albany · Breakfast

Solid

An upscale breakfast and brunch serving instagrammable twists on classic breakfast dishes.

Meet a FriendSee & Be Seen

The Seasoning House

$$

Troy · International

Great

Everything was on point. The pork ribs fell right off the bone, packed with flavor and cooked perfectly.

International

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.

TakeoutInternational

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.

Quick BiteMeet a FriendBreakfast

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.

TakeoutLate Night

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.

With Friends

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.

With Friends
#5 Best Wings in the Capital Region

Twisted Bagel

$

Malta · Bagels

Great

A packed Malta bagel shop with a softer bagel and seriously good cream cheese.

Quick BiteBreakfast

Upstate Cookie Shack

$

East Greenbush · Bakery

Great

An amazing breakfast spot with great sandwiches, coffee on draft and even better dessert.

BreakfastSweetsQuick Bite

Zaffron Kitchen

$$

Latham · Halal

Solid

An expanding local business serving fresh Middle Eastern halal classics like lamb over rice.

Quick BiteTakeout

605 Restaurant

$$

Albany · Elevated Casual

Must Try

Elevated bar food from a family run kitchen, with the owner cooking almost everything himself.

Date NightSportsWith Friends
#2 Best Wings in the Capital Region

Illusive Restaurant & Bar

$$

Rensselaer · Bar Food

Must Try

A genuine hidden gem off the beaten path, with award winning wings and burgers.

Meet a FriendAward WinnerWith Friends

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.

Quick BiteMeet a Friend

Broad St Bagels

$

Slingerlands · Bagels

Great

One of the best bagels you will find north of Long Island, and now within easy reach.

Quick BiteBreakfast

Karavalli

$$

Latham · Indian

Great

Authentic Indian cooking with quick service, warm staff and a $15 lunch buffet that is hard to beat.

Date NightBuffetInternational

Pellegrino Importing

$$

Colonie · Deli

Great

A historic family owned deli and importing shop where the service is as good as the subs.

Quick BiteLunch

Peasant's Pizza

$

Latham · Pizza

Solid

A local pizza empire built on specialty slices. Order right and it delivers.

Quick BitePizzaCasual

Yang's Asian Bistro

$$

Latham · Asian

Skip

Elevated Chinese takeout in a nice room, though most of what I ordered fell flat.

TakeoutInternationalQuick Bite

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