3rd Annual
Best of the Capital Region
Another May, another 116 categories. Yes, readers, it’s that time of year when we announce the winners of our Best of the Capital Region survey. There were the usual suspects—Bella Napoli for Best Bakery, Hoffman’s for Best Carwash and Lake George for Best Lake—which didn’t surprise us a bit.
Then there were quite a few answers (most funny, some confusing and one or two downright mean) that we couldn’t use in our tally. One thing we learned: many voters think of brands as opposed to local businesses when casting votes. We received numerous votes for Nestle’s, Hershey’s and Dove for Best Chocolate. Miller Lite, Coors Lite and Harp were favorites for Best Draft Beer selection (again, not exactly what we were looking for). Though we agree that an apple martini is pretty tasty (the cantaloupe martini is gaining in popularity, too), we were looking for the best spot to get one, under the “Best Martini” category.
Naming “Ted” as Best Lawyer didn’t help us too much; though we’re sure he’s a great guy. Neither did “Albany” as Best Museum, as there are several museums in the city.
After much debate, we’ve concluded that “Who cares” listed under Best Tuna most likely isn’t the name of a new deli or café. “My home” was a popular answer to many categories including Best pies, Best Mexican food, Best Happy Hour and Best Carwash. And finally, while everyone would agree that Hawaii is certainly the Best Place to Watch the Sunset, we have one question: How is that local?
Thanks for all your votes—read on to learn the winners of this year’s survey!
—MBD
Blue = 3 time winner
Red = 2 time winner
Food & Drink
Best Appetizer
1. TGI Friday’s
Various locations
2. Applebee’s Bar and Grill
3. Mangino’s Ristorante
Best Bagels
1. Bruegger’s
Various locations
www.brueggers.com
2. Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels
3. Panera Bread
Best Bakery
1. Bella Napoli Bakery
Corners of Route 9&155, Latham
(888) 800.0103; www.bellanapolibakery.com
2. Vanilla Bean Baking Co.
3. Villa Italia Bakery
Best Bargain Dining
1. Applebee’s Bar & Grill
Various locations
www.applebees.com
2. Chili’s Grill & Bar
3. Ralph’s Tavern (Central Avenue)
Best Breakfast
1. Denny’s
Various Locations
www.dennys.com
2. Starbuck’s
3. Duncan’s Dairy Bar
Best Burger
1. Red Robin
Various locations
www.redrobin.com
2. Sutter’s Mill & Mining Co.
3. Tied: Wendy’s, Beff’s, Burger King
Best Caribbean Food
1. Clayton Caribbean American
244 Washington Avenue, Albany
426.4360; www.claytoncaribbeanandspanish.com
2. Tied: Red Lobster, Roy’s Caribbean Restaurant, Justin’s
Best Cheesecake
1.Vanilla Bean Baking Co.
www.vanillabeanbakery.com
521 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham —782.2326
216 4th Street, Troy—272.8605
2. J&S Watkins
3. Blue Ribbon Diner
Best Chicken Wings
1. Ralph’s Tavern
1328 Central Avenue, Albany, 489.8290
2. Wings Over Albany
3. Scubber’s Hot Wings
Best Chinese Food
1. Yip’s Chinese Restaurant
117 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer
449.2030
2. Plum Blossom
3. Yummy Yummy, Ming’s
Best Chocolate
1. Krause’s Homemade Candy
1609 Central Avenue, Albany
869.3950; www.krausescandy.com
2. Uncle Sam’s Candy
3. Lindt Chocolate Shop
Best Coffee
1. Starbuck’s
www.starbucks.com
Various locations
2. Dunkin Donuts
3. Stewart’s Shop
Best Deli
1. Genoa Importing Company
435 Loudon Road, Loudonville, 427.0078
2. Gershon’s Deli
3. Hannaford
Best Dessert
1.Vanilla Bean Baking Co.
www.vanillabeanbakery.com
521 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham—782.2326
216 4th Street, Troy—272.8605
2. Grandma’s Country Pies
3. Villa Italia Bakery
Best Diner
1. Topp’s Diner
351 Duanesburg Road, Schenectady, 356.0697
2. Latham Circle Diner
3. Alexi’s Diner
Best Dining with Entertainment
1.Angelo’s 677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
427.7463; www.677prime.com
2. The Bayou Café
3. Justin’s
Best Draft Beer Selection
1. Sutter’s Mill & Mining Co.
1200 Western Avenue, Albany, 489.4910
2. Mahar’s Public Bar
3. Brown’s Brewing Co.
Best Early Bird Special
1. Alexis Diner
294 N. Greenbush Rd., Troy
286.2603; www.alexisdiner.com
2. Teagan’s Steak and Seafood
3. Applebee’s, Denny’s, Jack’s Oyster House, and Gregory’s Restaurant
Best Fine Dining
1.Angelo’s 677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
427.7463; www.677prime.com
2. Jack’s Oyster House
3. McGuire’s Fine Dining
Best Fish Fry
1. Ted’s Fish Fry
Various locations
2. Bob and Ron’s Fish Fry
3. Nick’s Subs and Fish Fry
Best French Fries
1.McDonald’s
www.mcdonalds.com
Various locations
2. Burger King
3. Bob & Ron’s Fish Fry
Best Happy Hour
1. JT Maxies
240 Wolf Road, Albany, 435.1551
2. Chili’s Grill & Bar
3. Lion Heart Blues Café, Lanie’s Café, Positively 4th Street
Best Homemade Pies
1. Grandma’s Country Pies & Restaurant
1273 Central Avenue, Albany
459.4585; www.grandmascc.com
2. Tied: Engel’s Farm & Market, Vanilla Bean Baking Co.,
J&S Watkins, DeVoe’s Rainbow Orchards
Best Hot Dog
1. Gus’s Hot Dogs
212 25th Street, Watervliet, 273.8743
2. Charlie’s Hot Dogs
Best Ice Cream Stand
1. Toll Gate
1569 New Scotland Rd., Slingerlands
439.2894
2. Kurver Kreme
3. Snowman
Best Indian Restaurant
1. Sitar Indian Restaurant
1929 Central Avenue, Albany
456.6670; www.sitarindianrestaurant.com
2. Shalimar Restaurant
3. Gandhi Indian Restaurant
Best Italian Restaurant
1.Lombardo’s Restaurant
121 Madison Avenue, Albany, 462.9180
2.Ferrari’s Ristorante
3. Paolo Lombardi’s Ristorante
Best Japanese Food
1. Koto Japanese Steakhouse
260 Wolf Road, Latham, 869.8888
2. Hiro’s Japanese Restaurant
3. Ta-Ke Restaurant
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant
1.Friendly’s
www.friendlys.com
Various locations
2. Red Robin
3. Chuck E. Cheese’s
Best Philly Cheese Steak
1. Morrette’s King Steak House
1126 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady
370.0555; www.morrettes.com
2. Tied: Pepper Jack’s & Applebee’s
Best Martini
1. 205 at the Holiday Inn Turf
205 Wolf Road, Albany
458.7250; www.sixcontinentshotels.com
2. Wallabee’s Jazz Bar
3. El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant
Best Mexican Food
1. El Loco Mexican Cafe
465 Madison Avenue, Albany
436.1855; www.ellocomexican.com
2. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
3. El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant
Best Neighborhood Bar
1. Ryan’s Wake
403 River Street, Troy, 270.9253
2. Dee Dee’s Tavern
3. Fountain Restaurant
Best New Restaurant
1. Angelo’s 677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
427.7463; www.677prime.com
2. Tied: Greenhouse Chopped Salad Co., Red Robin
3. Tied: Carrabba’s Italian Grill, The Stockade Inn
Best Outdoor Dining
1. Jumpin Jack’s Drive In
5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia, 393.6101
2. Lanie’s Café
3. Tied: Yanni’s Too Restaurant, El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant, PJ’s BBQ, Lakeview Inn
Best Pancakes
1.IHOP
www.ihop.com
Various locations
2. Denny’s
3. Cracker Barrel
Best Pizza
1. I Love NY Pizza
Various Locations
www.ilovenypizza.com
2. Ruggiero’s Pizza & Deli
3. Pizza Hut
Best Place to grab a quick bite
1. Panera Bread
Various Locations
www.panerabread.com
2. Ralph’s Tavern
3. Wendy’s
Best Pub Food
1.Beff’s
www.beffs.com
95 Everett Road, Albany—485.2333
367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar—475.1111
2. Ralph’s Tavern (Madison Avenue)
3. The Ale House
Best Ribs
1. Smokey Bones
Various Locations
www.smokeybones.com
2. The Lodge BBQ Lounge & Catering
3. Ruby Tuesday’s
Best Romantic Dining
1. Provence
Stuyvesant Plaza Western Avenue, Albany
689.7777; www.provence-restaurant.net
2. Tied: Angelo’s 677 Prime & Mangino’s Ristorante
Best Soup
1. Panera Bread
Various Locations
www.panerabread.com
2. Tied: Four Corners Luncheonette & Villa Italia
Best Sports Bar
1. J.T. Maxie’s
240 Wolf Road, Colonie , 435.1551
2. Jillian’s
3. Andy’s Place
Best Steakhouse
1. Angelo’s 677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
427.7463; www.677prime.com
2. Outback Steakhouse
3. Tied: Barnsider Restaurant & Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
Best Sushi
1. Ichiban
338 Central Avenue, Albany, 432.0358
1652 Western Avenue, Albany, 869.9585
2. Fusion Café
3. Tied: Koto Japanese Restaurant & Hiro’s Japanese Restaurant
Best Takeout
1. Tied: Genoa’s Italian Imports
Rt. 9, Loudonville , 427.0078
&
Ruggiero’s Pizza & Deli
3905 Carman Road, Schenectady
355.1200
2. Tied: Applebee’s; Ichiban, Quizno’s, Yummy Yummy
Best Tuna Sandwich
1. Gorman’s NY Deli
586 New Loudon Road, Latham, 785.7048
2. Tied: Mr. Subb; Panera Bread; Subway
Best Vegetarian Restaurant
1. Antipasto’s
1028 Route 146, Clifton Park, 383.1209
2. Shades of Green
3. Greenhouse Chopped Salad Co.
Best Wine Bar
1. Cabernet Café
1814 Western Avenue, Albany
452.5670; www.cabernetcafe.com
2. The Ginger Man
3. The Wine Bar Saratoga
Services
Best Barber
1. Wedgeway Barber Shop
277 State Street, Schenectady, 377.1515
2. Sal’s Barber Shop & Hair Stylists
3. Tied: Gregory’s; Tullio Hair Studio; The Schuyler Barber Shop
Best Carwash
1. Hoffman Car Wash
Various Locations
www.hoffmancarwash.com
2. Colonial Carwash
Best Hotel
1.The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center
660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany
869.8100; www.desmondhotelsalbany.com
2.Holiday Inn
3. Marriott Hotel
Best Manicure/Pedicure
1. Kimberly’s Day Spa
982 New Loudon Road, Latham
785.5868; www.kimberlysdayspa.com
2. Jean Paul Day Spa & Hair Salons
3. Tied: Fresh Face Forward; Serenity Spa
Best Dating Service
1. It’s Just Lunch
Various Locations
www.itsjustlunch.com
2. Match.com
Best Day Spa
1. Kimberly’s Day Spa
982 New Loudon Road, Latham
785.5868; www.kimberlysdayspa.com
2. Jean Paul Day Spa & Hair Salons
3. Serenity Spa
Best Gym/Fitness Center
1. Curves
Various Locations
www.curvesinformation.com
2. Gold’s Gym
3. YMCA
Best Investment Firm
1. McDonald Financial Group
66 South Pearl Street, Albany
866.238.8650; www.keybank.com
2. Edward Jones
3. Tied: Charles Schwab; Northwest Mutual; Ameriprise
Best Lawyer
E. Stewart Jones
28 Second Street, Troy
274.582; www.esjlaw.com
Best Mechanic
1. Warren Tire Service
1615 Central Avenue, Albany, 464.0516
2. Otto Car Dealers
3. Norman Stahlman Auto Repair
Best Pet Groomer
1. Petsmart
Various Locations
www.petsmart.com
2. Tied: Petskleen Pets;
Critter Clipper Pet Grooming
Best Plumber
1. Crisafulli Brothers Plumbing
520 Livingston Avenue, Albany , 449.1782
2. Tied: Peter Fulgan, Jr. Plumbing and Heating, Inc.; Jack Hall Plumbing and Heating Inc.
Best Rental Car Service
1. Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Various Locations
www.enterprise.com
2. Hertz Rental Car
3. Budget Car Rental
Best Tanning Salon
1. Total Tan
Various Locations
www.totaltanonline.com
2. Sunsations Tanning Center
3. St. Croix Tanning Salon
Best Women’s Hair Salon
1. Jean Paul Day Spa & Hair Salons
Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany
482.2121; www.jeanpaulsalon.com
2. Cleopatra’s Salon & Specialty Boutique
3. Fantastic Sam’s
Shopping
Best Place to buy Antiques
1. Troy Antique District
River Street, Troy
2. Lark Street
3. Husond, NY
Best Bookstore
1. Borders Books
Various Locations
www.bordersstores.com
2. Barnes & Noble
3. Bookhouse
Best Bridal Boutique
1. Annette’s Bridal Inc.
1526 Central Avenue, Albany, 869.0072
2. David’s Bridal
3. DeAnna’s Bridal
Best Car Dealership
1. Otto Car Dealers
Various Locations
www.ottocars.com
2. Langan
3. Mangino Pontiac
Best Convenience Store
1. Stewart’s Convenience Shops
www.stewartsshops.com
Various locations
2. Cumberland Farms
3.Tied: CVS; Coulson’s
Best Electronic Store
1. Best Buy
www.bestbuy.com
Various locations
2. Hippo’s Home Entertainment
3. Radio Shack
Best Farm Stand
1. Engel’s Farm & Market
681 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, 869.5653
2. Gade’s
Best Florist
1. Emil J Nagengast Florist
Two locations:
Ontario and Benson Streets, Albany, Stuyvesant Plaza
1475 Western Avenue, Albany, 434.1125
2. The Floral Garden
3. Price Chopper
Best Gift Shop
1. Wit’s End Giftique
Parkwood Plaza, Clifton Park
371.9273; www.witsendgiftique.com
2. Country Trunk
3. Tied: Little Country Store & Krafts by Kim
Best Hardware Store
1. True Value
Various locations
www.truevalue.com
2. Ace Hardware
3. Lowe’s
Best Jewelry Store
1. Frank Adams Jewelers
Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, 435.0075
2. Phillip Alexander Jewelers
3. Hannoush Jewelers
Best Menswear Store
1. Christopher’s Men’s Stores
Crossgates Mall Road, Albany , 862.0567
2. Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel
3. Men’s Wearhouse
Best Music Store
1. FYE
Various locations
www.fye.com
2. Coconuts
3. Best Buy
Best Newsstand
Coulson’s News Centers
420 Broadway, Albany, 449.7577
1.Borders Books Music & Cafe
Best Shoe Store
1. DSW
1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany
218.0750; www.dswshoe.com
2. Delmar Bootery
3. Tied: Easy Spirit, Macy’s, JCPenny
Best Wine Shop
1. All Star Wine & Spirits
Latham Farms, Latham
220.9463; www.allstarwineandspirits.com
2. Exit 9 Wine and Liquor
3. Niskayuna Wines & Liquors, Inc.
Best Women’s Clothing Store
1. Circle’s
Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, 482.2554
2.Macy’s
3.Boscov’s
Local People & Media
Best Local Band
1. Black Cat Elliot
www.blackcatelliot.com
2. Burner’s UK
3. Hair of the Dog
Best Meteorologist
1. Steve Caporizzo—News10
2. Steve LaPointe—CBS 6 News
3. Bob Kovachick—NewsChannel 13
Best News Anchor
1. Greg Floyd—CBS 6 News
2. Jack Aernecke—CBS 6 News
3. Tied: Elisa Streeter (News10), Liz Bishop (CBS 6 News), Lydia Kulbida (NewsChannel 13), John Gray (Fox23 News)
Best Radio Personality
1. Wolf—Wakin’ Up With The Wolf, PYX 106.5 FM
2. Don Weeks —WGY-AM
3. Tie: Candy & Potter (FLY 92), Shawn & Ritchie (WGNA)
Best Politician
1. NYS Assemblyman Jim Tedisco
2. Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings
3. Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton
Places
Best Day Trip
1. Lake George
www.lakegeorge.com
2. Cooperstown
3.Vermont
Best Weekend Getaway
1.Lake Placid
www.lakeplacid.com
2. Lake George
3. New York City
Best Bed & Breakfast
1. Saratoga Rose
4136 Rockwell Street, Hadley
696.2861; www.saratogarose.com
Best Movie Theatre
1. Regal Cinemas Crossgates Mall 18
456.0775; www.regalcinemas.com
2. Spectrum Theatre
3. Madison Theatre
Best Kid’s Camp
1. YMCA K-Care Program
www.capitalditrictymca.com
2. Chingacook
3. Word of Life
Best Local College (public):
1. SUNY Albany
1400 Washington Avenue, Albany
www.albany.edu
2. Hudson Valley Community College
3. Schenectady County Community College
Best Local College (private)
1. Siena College
515 Loudonville Road, Loudonville
www.siena.edu
2. RPI
3. The College of St. Rose
Best Local School (public)
1.Bethlehem Central School District
www.bcsd.k12.ny.us
2. East Greenbush Central School District
3. Colonie High School
Best Local School (private)
1. Christian Brothers Academy
12 Airline Drive, Albany, 452.9809
2. Emma Willard School
3. The Albany Academy
Best Reception Hall
1. Franklin Plaza Ballroom
Fourth and Grand Streets, Troy
270.9622; www.franklinplaza.com
2. The Century House
3. Hall Of Springs
Best Place to Meet Singles
1. Starbucks
Various Locations
www.starbucks.com
2. Jillian’s
3. The Bayou Cafe
Miscellaneous
Best Bowling Alley
1. Latham Bowl
375 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
785.6694; wwwbowling-biz.com
2. Sunset Recreation Bowl Lanes
3. Bowling Green Lanes—Sports & Recreation
Best Club
1. The Skyline
Corner of N. Pearl St and Sheridan Avenue, Albany
472.8150; www.skylineofalbany.com
2. Valentine’s
3. Jillian’s
Best Festival
1. Tulip Festival
Washington Park, Albany
www.albanyevents.org/tulip_festival
2. Lark fest
3. St. Anthony’s
Best Golf Course (public)
1. Saratoga National Golf Club
458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
583.4653; www.golfsaratoga.com
2. Tied: Van Patten Golf Club & Eagle Crest Golf Clubs
Best Golf Course (private)
1. Wolferts Roost Country Club
Van Rensselaer Blvd, Albany
462.2115; www.wolfertsroost.com
2. The Clubhouse at Western Turnpike
3. Shaker Ridge Country Club
Best Lake
1. Lake George
www.lakegeorge.com
2. Mirror Lake
3. Sacandaga Lake
Best Miniature Golf
1. Hoffmans Driving Range & Miniature Golf
626 Loudon Road, Latham, 785.9891
2. Pirates Cove Adventures Golf
3. Funplex Mystic Lagoon
Best Museum
1. New York State Museum
Madison Avnue, Albany
474.5877; www.nysm.nysed.gov
2. Albany Institute of History and Art
3. Schenectady Museum
Best Park
1. John Boyd Thacher State Park
1 Hailes Cave Rd., Voorheesville, 872.1237; www.bethlehembiz.com/parks/thacher.html
2. Washington Park
3. Saratoga Spa State Park
Best Place For Karaoke
1. JT Maxies
240 Wolf Road, Albany, 435.1551
2. Valenti’s Pizzeria and Pub
3. The O Bar, Muddy’s, The Side Door Café
Best Place to go dancing
1. Jillian’s
59 North Pearl Street, Albany
432.1997; www.jilliansbilliards.com
2. Skyline
3. Bayou Café
Best Place To Go For a Walk
1. John Boyd Thacher State Park
1 Hailes Cave Rd., Voorheesville, 872.1237; www.bethlehembiz.com/parks/thacher.html
2. The Crossings
3. Saratoga Spa State Park, The Corning Preserve
Best Place to go on a Rainy Day
1. Starbuck’s
Various locations
2. Crossgates Mall
3. The Movies
Best Place to Watch the Sunset
1. John Boyd Thacher State Park
1 Hailes Cave Rd., Voorheesville, 872.1237; www.bethlehembiz.com/parks/thacher.html
Best Place to Have a Kid’s Birthday Party
1. Chuck E. Cheese’s
Latham Farms Plaza, Latham
782.7112; www.chuckecheese.com
2. Hoffman’s Playland
3. Jeepers
Best Place to Have a Picnic
1. John Boyd Thacher State Park
1 Hailes Cave Rd., Voorheesville, 872.1237; www.bethlehembiz.com/parks/thacher.html
2. Saratoga Spa State Park
3. Grafton Lake
Place to Play Pool/Darts
1. Golden Cue Billiard Lounge
1048 Central Avenue, Albany, 459.9442
2. Diamond 8 Billiards
3. Jillian’s
Ski Area in New York
1.Lake Placid
www.lakeplacid.com
2. Gore Mountain
3. Jiminy Peak Ski Resort
Theatre for Plays/Musicals
1. Proctor’s Theatre
432 State Street, Schenectady
382.1083; www.proctors.org
2. Capital Repertory Theatre
3. Palace Theatre