Across the Street Pub—1238 Western Ave., Guilderland. 482-9432 or 438-1718. Mon 11am-midnight, Tue-Sat 11 AM-1 AM, Sun noon-9. Across the Street Pub features traditional pub fare, in addition to sandwiches, salads, soups, and burgers. New menu includes low-carb choices. $
Albany Pump Station—19 Quackenbush Square, Albany. 447-9000. Mon-Sat, 11:30am-midnight, Sun., noon-8. Housed in a historic Albany building, this brewpub offers a diverse selection of food and an array of the Pump Station’s own beer. $ 1/2
Alibis Martini Bar—1100 Madison Ave., Albany, 489-5972. 6pm-1am daily. Reservations suggested on weekends. Takeout available. Menu features a unique variety of dishes, ranging from sushi to California potstickers, and an array of foods in between. Full bar-and of course, martinis! $$
Alteri’s Restaurant.—Route 9W, Glenmont. 436-0002. Sun-Thu 11:30-9:30, Fri 11:30-10, Sat 3-10. Reservations suggested. Takeout available. Choose from veal, chicken, steak, seafood and many others on this Italian-American menu. $$
Angelo’s 677 Prime—677 Broadway, Albany. 427-7463. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2. Dinner: Mon-Sat 5-10. Located in the hub of Downtown Albany, Angelo’s Prime 677 is an upscale steakhouse featuring Porterhouse steaks, filet mignon and pork and veal chops. Diners can enjoy live music Wednesday through Saturday from 6:30 until 10. Full bar. $$1/2
Aromi D’Italia—Star Plaza, 2050 Western Ave., Guilderland. 452-9200. Mon-Thur, 7am-9pm. Fri -Sat, 7am – 11pm, and Sun 8-8. Enjoy a panini for lunch, or delicious pasta for dinner. The menu also includes a selection of beer and wine. Be sure to try a scoop of gelati as well – there are several dozen flavors! $$
Avenue A—289 New Scotland Ave., Albany. 320-8684. Mon-Wed 3pm to midnight, Thurs 3pm – midnight, Fri 11am -midnight, Sat 11am-5pm. A classy little bistro right in the Pine Hills neighborhood, Avenue A is a great place to meet for a drink and a light dinner. $
Auberge Suisse—1903 New Scotland Ave., Slingerlands. 439-3800; www.aubergine.com. Dinner Wed-Sun 5:30-close. Reservations recommended, high casual dress appreciated. At this French fine-dining establishment, the seasonal items are always popular, whether they are contemporary or classical dishes. $$$$
Bagel Bite—544 Delaware Ave., Albany, 449-1214. Tue-Wed 8-3 PM, Thu-Sun 8-8, Closed Mon. Takeout available. On/off-premises catering for private parties. The Bagel Bite serves New York- and Middle Eastern-style dinners in addition to their bagels, omlettes and sandwiches. $
Barcelona Restaurant—1192 Western Ave., Albany, 438-1144. Dinner: Mon-Thu 4-10, Fri-Sat 4-11, Sun 4-9. Lunch available through reservations for parties of 10-50. A mix of Mediterranean and American dishes include lamb, chicken vodka, grilled portobello with penne, paella, and seafood. $$$
The Barefoot Gypsy Bistro—342 Delaware Ave., Albany, 462-7876. Lunch: Tue – Thu 11-2. Dinner: Tue – Thu 5-9, Fri – Sat 5-9:30. Reservation accepted. Takeout available. Enjoy deli-style sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups in the courtyard at this eatery, then indulge in fresh, homemade desserts! Only a short walk from the Spectrum 8 Theaters, this bistro offers dinner special on Friday and Saturday, and on and off premises catering. $$
The Barnsider—480 Sand Creek Rd., Albany. 869-2448. Dinner: Mon-Thu 5-10, Fri-Sat 5-11, Sun 4-9. At the Barnsider, enjoy fresh seafood, prime rib of beef, and light fare, but be sure to try the hand-cut steaks! $$$$
Beff’s—367-371 Delaware Ave., Delmar, 475-1111. 95 Everett Rd., Albany, 482-2333. Albany: Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Fri 11:30-11, Sat Noon-11, Sun Noon-9. Delmar: Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Fri 11:30-11, Sat Noon-11, Sun Noon-10. Takeout available. BEFF’s (Big Ed Fat Field’s) serves superb pizza, excellent entrees, burgers, and fresh homemade soups, among other bar fare. Daily specials. Full bar. $
Bellini’s Italian Eatery—1365 New Scotland Rd. Rt. 5, Slingerlands, 439-6022; www.eatdrinkbellinis.com. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-4, Sat noon-4. Dinner Sun-Thu 11:30-10, Fri-Sat 11:30-11. Featuring authentic Italian dishes such as pizza, bruschetta, pappardelle and sautÈed chicken, as well as sweet desserts. Be sure to check out the Clifton Park location as well! $$
Bentley’s Burgers—23 S. Pearl St., Albany. 426-9332. Mon-Thur 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat, noon-10pm, closed Sunday. Fresh burgers made of beef, turkey or vegetarian patties are a great alternative to regular fast food. Wi-Fi connection is available, perfect for a working lunch. $
BFS Catering—1736 Western Ave., Guilderland. 452-6342; www.bfsrestaurant.com. Takeout available 8 AM; Lunch and Dinner: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm. Closed Sunday. On/off-premises catering available. Takeout available. Mediterranean menu includes Lebanese, Moroccan, Egyptian, Greek and Italian dishes such as falafels, spanakopita, kebabs, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, veggie platters and many more. $$
Black Bear Bistro—50 N. Pearl St., Albany. 463-2810. Mon-Fri 7am – 4pm. The cafeteria style bistro offers a great lunch of made-to-order wraps and sandwiches. $
Blessing’s Tavern—1116 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Colonie. 869-8492. Mon-Thur 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Sun noon-midnight. Built in 1946, Blessing’s Tavern is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Colonie. Enjoy classic pub food in their cozy and friendly environment.
Bob & Ron’s Fish Fry—1007 Central Ave., Colonie. 482-9747. The menu features a wide selection of fish, crabs, and other seafoods. Bob & Ron’s has one of the best fish fries around!
Bombers Burrito Bar—258 Lark St., Albany, 463-9636. 11 AM-1 AM daily. Takeout available. Lunch delivery. Bar till close. This vegetarian-friendly restaurant offers not only appetizing vegetarian delights, but also burritos, chicken wings, draft beers and margaritas. $
Buca di Beppo—44 Wolf Rd., Colonie. 459-2822. Mon-Thurs 5-10pm, Fri 5-11pm. Sat 4-11pm and Sun noon to 9pm. Buca di Beppo’s is a true family restaurant, serving family-size portions of classic Italian dishes, such as spaghetti and meat-filled tortellini. $$
Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse—Crossgates Mall. 452-2900. Mon-Thu 11-10. Fri-Sat 11-11. Sun noon-9. Takeout available. Try the seafood and chicken dishes, or indulge in ribs or a steak! Also look for daily specials and unique side dishes. $$
Butcher Block—1632 Central Ave., Albany. 456-1653. Mon-Fri 11:30-10, Sat 4-10, Sun 3-9. Reservations accepted. Menu features items such as prime rib, chicken, steak and seafood. All entrÈes include soup, salad and bread bar. $$$
Café Capriccio—49 Grand St., Albany. 465-0439; www.cafecapriccio.com. Gourmet northern Italian dining. Also features homemade pastas. Mon-Thu 5:30-10, Fri-Sat 5:30-11, Sun 5:30-9. Reservations strongly suggested. $$$$
Cabernet Café—1814 Western Ave., Guilderland. 452-5670. 1pm-10pm. Aside from a menu consisting of Italian and American dishes, Cabernet Café offers and extensive and impressive wine list. $$$
Caffe Italia—662 Central Ave., Albany. 482-9433. Dinner: Mon-Sat 5-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations appreciated. Off-premises catering. Takeout available. Menu features traditional Italian dishes, ranging from pastas to shrimp, veal, and lobsters. $$$$
Calaway Grill—661 Albany-Shaker Road, Colonie. 869-9976. Daily, 11:30am-10pm. Calaway Grill offers American-style cuisine served in a golf-themed atmosphere, including “sand wedges”. The menu includes entrees such as jambalaya pasta, fish dishes and steak. $$.
Carmine’s Restaurant—818 Central Ave., Albany, 458-8688. Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30-3; dinner 4:30-9:30, Fri-Sat, Sun 4-8:30. Carmine’s offers an impressive menu of continental and Italian cuisine with American flair, plus light selections and interesting pastas. Menu includes seafood, chicken and veal specialties. Homemade desserts. Full bar. On/off-premises catering, private parties welcome. $$$
Cavaleri’s—334 Second Ave., Albany. 463-4320. Dinner: Tue-Thu 4-9, Fri-Sat 4-10. Closen Sun-Mon. Takeout available. Look for the traditional Italian home-style meals of veal, pasta, and many more! $$
Chili’s Bar and Grille—60 Wolf Rd., Colonie. 489-4664. Sun – Thur 11-11, Fri and Sat until midnight. Chili’s is a great family restaurant offering Mexican dishes, as well as burgers and salads. The bar is also a great place to have some fun. $1/2
Clayton’s Caribbean American Cuisine—244 Washington Ave., Albany, 426-4360. Mon-Fri 11-11, Sat-Sun noon-11. For those who like spicy and exciting cuisine, Clayton’s offers authentic Caribbean and Spanish food, including arroz con pollo, curry chicken, jerk chicken, veggie fajitas and a large variety of seafood and vegetarian dishes. Wine and beer. Full-service dining area, takeout and delivery available. Student discount. Reservations suggested. $$
Dakota—Latham Farms, 579 Troy Schenectady Rd., Latham. 786-1234; www.dakotarestaurant.com. Dinner: Mon-Thu 4:30-10, Fri 4:30-11, Sat 4-11, Sun 1-9. Reservations strongly recommended. Takeout available. In addition to the hearty steak served at Dakota, the menu also includes lobster and other seafood, a salad bar, and delicious desserts! $$$
Debbie’s Kitchen—456 Madison Ave., Albany. 463-3829. Mon-Fri 10-9, Sat 11-6. Start your meal off with a rich soup, then try one of Debbie’s unique sandwiches, and top your dining experience off with a delicious dessert! $
DeJohn’s Restaurant & Pub—288 Lark St., Albany, 465-5275; www.dejohns.com. Lunch: 11:30-4 Sat-Sun. Dinner: 4-11 Sun-Thu, 4-midnight Fri-Sat. Enjoy an array of options in the areas of appetizers, entrees, sandwiches and specialty desserts while settling down in the pub or the dining room. Third floor banquet available for private parties. $$$
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse—1553 Central Ave., Albany, 456-5656. Mon-Thur 4-10:30, Fri 4-11:30, Sat 2-11:30, Sun noon-10. Featured, of course, is the Delmonico steak. However, there is also a full Italian menu with savory chicken and pasta dishes. Full bar. $$
De Marco’s Italian Restaurant—1965 Central Ave., Albany, 456-7574. Daily 4-11. Bring the family to this cozy restaurant for some of the best pizza in town. De Marco’s also has a full Italian menu and full bar. Finish off the meal with some delicious fried dough, a house specialty. On/off premises catering, take-out available. $$
D’Raymonds Restaurant & Lounge—269 Osborne Rd., Loudonville. 459-6364. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2:15. Dinner: Mon-Fri 5-10, Sat 4-10. Closed Sun. Takeout until 7 PM. House specialties include veal and homemade pasta at the Italian-American restaurant. $$$
Dumpling House—102 Everett Road, Albany. 458-7044 or 458-8366. Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Fri-Sat 11:30-11, Sun noon-10. Chinese cuisine. $$
El Loco Mexican Café—465 Madison Ave., Albany. 436-1855. Tue 4-10, Wed-Thu 11:30-10, Fri 11:30-11, Sat noon-11, Sun 4:30-10. Closed Mon. Reservations not accepted Fri-Sat nights. Takeout available. Menu features quesadillas, chili, Tex-Mex fare, and also features many vegetarian items. Full bar. $$
El Mariachi—144 Washington Ave., Albany. 465-2568. Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Fri 11:30-11, Sat 1-11, Sun 1-10. Set in downtown Albany, El Mariachi features authentic Mexican fare. Full bar. $
El Mariachi II—289 Hamilton St., Albany. 432-7580. Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Fri 11:30-11, Sat 1-11, Sun 1-10. Takeout and on-premises catering available. El Mariachi II includes Mexican and Spanish dishes such as paella and pollo San Marco. Full bar. $$
Elda’s—207 Lark St., Albany. 449-3532. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11-3. Dinner: Mon-Sat 4-11. Catering and takeout available. This traditional Italian menu includes such favorites as seafood, veal, chicken, and pasta. Enjoy gourmet desserts, a full bar and lounge with live entertainment! $$$
Firkin & Fox—112 Wolf Road, Colonie, 453-2369.Daily 11:30am-1am. This pub restaurant features a full menu of classic pub entrees including fish and chips, shepard’s pie, steak sandwiches, calamari and Firkin burgers. Large outdoor patio. Full bar and 14 beers on tap. On-_premises catering and takeout available. $$
Fountain Restaurant—283 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 482-9898. Enjoy burgers, pizza, finger foods, and a wide variety of Italian dinners, with specials available throughout the week. Sun-Thu 11 AM-2 AM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-3 AM. $
Four Corners Luncheonette—2 Grove St., Delmar. 439-0172. Breakfast: Mon-Sat 7-11:30, Sun 7-1. Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30-2:30. Dinner: Tue-Sat 5-8. Takeout available. Enjoy both contemporary American diner fare and more lavish meals at this old-fashioned restaurant. $
Garcia’s—1614 Central Ave., Albany. 456-4116; www.garciasmexican.com. All-you-can-eat lunch buffet: Mon-Fri 11:30-1:30. Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Fri-Sat 11:30-11, Sun noon-9. Takeout available. This Mexican menu features dishes including fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, and barbecued ribs. $
Gaspary’s Restaurant—164 Madison Ave., Albany. 434.6749. Lunch: Tue-Sat 11-2. Dinner: Mon-Sat 5-10. Closed Sun. Catering and takeout available. Gaspary’s features Italian-American fare, including favorites stuffed steak, pasta and thin-crust pizza. $$
Gateway—899 Central Ave., Albany. 482-7557; www.gatewaydiner.com. Mon-Thu 6am-1am, Sun 6am-midnight, Fri-Sat open 24 hours. Banquet facilities for up to 60. Indulge in breakfast all day long, or try some deli-style sandwiches, seafood or steaks. With a full bakery, all desserts are homemade-try the cheesecake, too! $
The Ginger Man Wine Bar & Restaurant—234 Western Ave., Albany. 427.5963; www.albanygingerman.com. Mon-Thur 11:30-11:30, Fri 11:30am-12:30am. Bar open: Mon-Thu 4:30pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am. Closed Sun. Reservations recommended. On-premises catering. Takeout available. Enjoy menu items such as vegetarian jambalaya, paella, salmon, and duck breast, in addition to daily fish, pasta specials, and of course, the house-made desserts. $$$
Grandma’s Restaurant.—1273 Central Ave., Colonie. 459-4585; www.grandmascc.com. 6 AM-11 PM daily. Takeout available. This cozy nook offers home-style appetizers and meals including cream of turkey soup, lasagna, and roast chicken. Whether you stop by for breakfast or dinner, don’t forget to take home one of Grandma’s scrumptious pies! $
Ichiban—1652 Western Ave., Albany, 869-9585. 338 Central Ave., Albany, 432-0358. Mon-Thu 11-10. Fri 11-11, Sat 1!:30-11, Sun 11:30-9:30. Takeout available. With both Japanese and Chinese dishes, you have a variety of features to pick from, including sushi, noodle soups, and donburi. $$
Justin’s—301 Lark St., Albany. 436-7008; www.justinsonlark.com. Lunch Mon-Sat 11:30-4. Dinner Sun-Thu 5-10, Fri-Sat 5-10:30. Brunch Sat-Sun 11-4. Reservations suggested. Takeout available. Justin’s features ethnic dishes like jerk chicken and the crispy fried catfish sandwich, in addition to a frequently changing menu. $$$
Kirkers Steak & Seafood—959 New Loudon Road, Latham. 785-3653. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-3. Dinner: Mon-Sat 4-10, Sun 1-8. On-premises catering. Takeout available. Steaks include prime rib, tenderloin and New York strip, among others. Don’t forget about the seafood! $$$
Koto—260 Wolf Road, Latham. 869-8888. Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Fri-Sat 11:30-11, Sun 4:30-10 Sun. Try some sushi at the bar, enjoy the show by the chefs at the teppanyaki tables, or simply dine at a regular table. Menu includes tempura, teriyaki, noodle soups and much more. $$
La Casa di Canali—2490 Western Ave., Guilderland, 456-0867. Tue-Thur 4-10, Fri-Sat 4-11, Sun 4-10. Choose from a wide selection of veal, chicken and seafood, along with many pasta dishes. Hand-cut choice NY strip and rib-eye steaks also available. On/off-premises catering, takeout available. Open for private parties. $$
La Serre—14 Green St., Albany. 463-6056. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30. Dinner: Mon-Thu 5-9, Fri-Sat 5-9:30. Closed most Sundays. Reservations suggested. If you’re looking for a menu featuring pastas, fish, and veal, La Serre is the place to go! Full bar and banquet facilities. $$$$
The Larkin Restaurant & Lounge—199 Lark St., Albany. 463-5225. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-3. Dinner: Mon-Thu and Sun 5-11, Fri-Sat 5-midnight. Brunch: Sat-Sun 11:30-3. Takeout available. The assorted blend of Italian, French, African, Asian and American dishes create for a wide variety of menu choices, including seafood linguine, sautéed rainbow trout, and mussels in Thai curry with lemongrass. $$
Le Caravelle—357 Washington Ave. Ext, Albany. 456-0292 Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner: Mon-Thu 5-8:30pm, Fri-Sat 5-9:30pm, Sun 3-8:30pm. With a wide variety of dishes including chicken marsala, Atlantic salmon fillet, and veal cutlet parmigiana, this Italian restaurant is sure to whet your appetite-wind things down with tartufos or cannolis! $$$
Lombardo’s—121 Madison Ave., Albany. 462-9180. Mon-Fri 11-11, Sat 3-11. Closed Sun. Takeout available. With a variety of pastas, over 10 veal dishes, and nightly specials, Lombardo’s will certainly add a little extra to your night. $$$
The Lone Star Steakhouse—72 Wolf Rd., Colonie. 458-7827. Sun-Thu 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11. Call ahead for parties of more than eight. This Texas steakhouse features a wide array of menu items, from steaks to seafood, and tasty appetizers and desserts. $$
Madison’s End Café—1108 Madison Ave., Albany. 489-8859. Mon-Fri 7:30am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm. While Madison’s End CafÈ offers non-vegetarian dishes like chicken and beef, the vegetarian entrees always prove to be a delicious choice. Chose from options such as Vermont salad burrito, Southwest chicken crepe and a grilled Portobello-eggplant sandwich, and many more! $
Maggie’s Café. 1186 Western Ave., Albany, 437-1701. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm; dinner: Mon-Thur 4:30-9:30 Fri-Sat 4:30-10, Sun 4-8. Sample any of the menu’s delicious Italian entrees, or one of the daily dinner specials and homemade soups. Full bar. Small banquets, on/off-premises catering. $$$
Magnolias on the Park—462 Madison Ave., Albany. 449-2492. Dinner: Tue-Sun 5-close. Brunch: Sun 10-2. Closed Mon. Reservations recommended. Menu specializes in Southeastern dishes, including catfish, fried chicken, bar-b-q ribs, biscuits and cornbread. $$$
Malt River Brewing Company—Latham Circle Mall, Latham. 786-6258.; www.maltriver.com. Mon 11:30-10, Tue-Thu 11:30-11, Fri 11:30-midnight, Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-10. Bar open later. Reservations accepted. Takeout available. The American style menu features pub-fare, soup, salad, pasta, steak, and everything in between. Be sure to sample one of the ten handcrafted beers. $$
Mangia—1562 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands. 439-5555; www.mangiarestaurant.com.
Serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri, noon-10 Sat, noon-9 Sun. In addition to the scrumptious pizza and toppings and fresh pastas, the menus features modern world cuisine. $$
Mangia Pizza & Pasta—Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany. 482-8000; www.mangiarestaurant.com. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat, noon-9 Sun. In addition to the scrumptious pizza and toppings and fresh pastas, the menus features modern world cuisine. $$
Marinara—612 Watervliet-Shaker Road (Route 155), Latham, 786-8310. Mon-Thur 5-9, Sun 4-9. A wide variety of Italian favorites from chicken marsala to stuffed shrimp and more are offered here. Full bar. On-premises catering, takeout available. $$
McGeary’s—4 Clinton Square, Albany. 463-1455. www.mcgearyspub.com. Mon-Tue 11:30-10. Wed 11:30-11, Thu-Sat 11:30-midnight. Closed Sunday. Featuring menu items including burgers, wings, steaks, seafood and chicken Caesar salad sandwiches. Soups, breads and rolls are made fresh. Two full bars and 34 taps. $
Mercato’s Pizzeria & Restaurant—155 Delaware Ave., Delmar, 475-7777. Mon-Thur 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11, Sun noon-9. Mercato’s offers delicious pastas, as well as veal, chicken, seafood and pizza. Full bar. Banquet facilities. $$
Milano Restaurant.—594 New Loudon Road Suite 4, Latham.783-3334; www.milano-restaurant.com; www.uniquecatering.com. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-3, Sat noon-3. Dinner: Tue-Thu 5-10, Fri-Sat 5-10:30, Sun-Mon 5-9. Reservations suggested. The Northern Italian menu contains gourmet pizza, homemade pasta, and seafood, among others. Try takeout-baked goods and other gourmet foods. $$$
Miss Albany Diner—893 Broadway, Albany. 465-9148 Mon-Fri 7am-2:15pm, Sat-Sun 9am-2:15pm. Takeout and catering available. Reservations not accepted. This prewar diner offers a unique menu for not only brunch, but the sandwiches as well. Try the homemade soups and sauces! $ (Cash and personal checks only)
Miyako—2027 Western Ave., Guilderland. 452-1445. Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Fri-Sat 11:30-11, Sun 4-10. Menu offers authentic Japanese fares such as tempura, teriyaki and sukiyaki. Try the sushi bar or enjoy the hibachi table, where your chef will make a Japanese dish right in front of you! $$
Nicole’s—556 Delaware Ave., Albany. 436-4952; www.nicolesrestaurant.com. Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30-2:30. Dinner: Tue-Sun 5-10. Reservations suggested. Takeout available. With both Southern and Northern Italian cuisine, choose from veal, seafood, pasta, chicken, grilled meats, and even vegetarian dishes. $$$
Nicole’s Bistro at the Quackenbush House—25 Quackenbush Square, Albany. 465-1111; www.nicolesbistro.com. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30. Dinner Mon-Sat 5-10. Reservations suggested. Set in Albany’s oldest historic building, Nicole’s Bistro offers both traditional and contemporary menu items with a French style. $$$$
Pagliacci’s Ristorante—44 S. Pearl St., Albany. 465-1001. Lunch: Mon-Sat 11-3. Dinner: Mon-Sat 4-10, Sun 3-9. On Pepsi Arena event nights, kitchen stays open after event gets out. On/off-premises catering, rooftop patio. Right across from the Pepsi arena, this Northern Italian eatery features daily specials in addition to traditional menu items. $$
Palmer House Café & Tavern—1462 Main St., Rensselaerville. 797-3449. Lunch: Sun noon-5. Dinner: Thu-Sun 5-close. Brunch: Sun 11-3. Mon-Wed closed. Reservations suggested. With a weekly changing menu, this restaurant offers dishes with fresh vegetables and herbs, in addition to pastries. $$$
Pepper Jack’s Sandwich Creations—217 Western Ave., Albany, 426-5505. Mon-Sat8am-midnight, Sun 9am-10pm. A unique breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant located in the middle of Albany, Pepper Jack’s offers delicious cheese steaks, wraps and much more. Great for college students. Off-premises catering and takeout available. $
The Pig & Pickerel Pub—138 Washington Ave., Albany. 465-6744. Mon-Tue 11am-11pm, Wed-Sat 11am-1am. Closed Sunday. On-premises catering. This American-Irish restaurant is sure to hit the spot with nightly dinner specials, over 15 draft beers and vast array of Irish whiskey! $$
Pinehaven Restaurant/Catering—1151 Siver Rd., Guilderland. 456-7111 ext.132. www.pinehavencc.com. Thu 11-8, Fri-Sat 11-8:30, Sun 11-7. On-premises catering. Takeout available. Located in a 40-year-old country club, this menu offers a variety of appetizers and meals, such as homemade soups, sandwiches, pasta, and meats. Also offers a daily special. $$
Provence—Stuyvesant Plaza, Guilderland. 689-7777; www.provence-restaurant.net. Lunch: Mon-Sat 11-3. Dinner: Mon-Sat 5-close, Sun 4:30-close. Bar menu: Mon-Sat 3pm-close. Reservations recommended. The Provence serves Southern French and Mediterranean cuisine in both traditional and contemporary dishes, such as bouillabaisse and roasted duck. Take pleasure in the award-winning wine list and the beautiful French setting. $$$
Ralph’s Tavern—1328 Central Ave., Albany. 489.8290. Mon-Thu 11am-midnight, Fri-Sat 11am-2am, Sun noon-midnight. Off-premises catering. Takeout available. With plentiful portions of inexpensive dishes, Ralph’s offers a variety of menu items including hearty sandwiches, entrees, appetizers, and tempting desserts. $
Real Seafood Co—195 Wolf Rd., Colonie. 458-2068; www.realseafood.com. Mon-Thu 11-10, Fri 11-11, Sat 3-11, Sun 3-9:30. On-premises catering. This seafood restaurant features many popular and unique dishes including Block Island swordfish, fried calamari, and scallops St. Jacques. $$$
Ristorante Paradiso—198 Central Ave., Albany, 462-5812. www.ristorante-paradiso.com. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 – 2:30, Dinner: Thur-Sun 5-close. Authentic Italian-American cuisine, featuring pasta, beef, veal and seafood dishes. Full bar. Catering and banquet facilities. $$
Romano’s Macaroni Grill—1 Metro Park Rd. (off Wolf Rd.), Colonie. 446-9190; www.macaronigrill.com. Sun-Thu 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-11. Takeout available. Features Italian specialties and a full bar. $$
Saso’s—218 Central Ave., Albany. 436-7789; www.sasos.com. Takeout available. Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:45-1:30. Dinner: Tue-Thu 5-9:30, Fri-Sat 5-10. Closed Sun-Mon. This Japanese Noodle House serves over 20 different kinds of sushi in addition to its rice bowls and large selection of noodle dishes, which include ramen, udon, soba, and yakisoba. $$
Scrimshaw at The Desmond—660 Albany Shaker Rd., Albany. 869-8100. Dinner: Mon-Sat 5:30-10. Closed Sun. Reservations suggested. The four-course dinners at Scrimshaw are sure to please as you dine in 18-century style class. $$$$
Shades of Green—187 Lark St., Albany. 434-1830. Shades of Green offers everything from blue-green algae shakes to soups and salads, and tempeh chipotles to portabello dishes, and is sure to please both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Shaker Shed—945 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Albany. 869-3662. Mon-Sat 9am to 3pm (Breakfast until noon). Closed between Christmas and Easter. Treat yourself to an array of delicious soups and sandwiches, and bring dessert back to the office or family, all for a low cost! $
Shalimar—35 Central Ave., Albany, 434-0890. Lunch buffet: Mon-Fri 11:30-2. Mon-Thu 11:30-10, Fri 11:30-11, Sat noon-11,Sun noon-10. Reservations accepted. This reasonably priced Indian restaurant serves a variety of both vegetarian and meat dishes. $
Sitar—1929 Central Ave., Colonie. 456-6670; www.sitarindianrestaurant.com. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30-2. Dinner: Mon-Sat 5-10, Sun 5-9. Sunday buffet: noon-3 Labor Day weekend through Father’s Day. Reservations suggested. The Indian fare at this restaurant includes a variety of chicken, lamb, shrimp and vegetable dishes. $$
Sutter’s Mill and Mining Company—1200 Western Ave., Albany. 489-4910. 11:30am-midnight daily, sometimes later. Takeout available. Sutter’s Mill and Mining Company features a classic menu with bar food, steak, burgers, chicken, and crab legs, among others. $
The New Madison Grille—331 Madison Ave., Albany, 434-1938. Mon 11:30-6, Tue 11:30-10, Wed 11:30-11, Thu 11:30-midnight, Fri,11:30-2am Sat 5pm-midnight. Closed Sun. Pizza is a specialty here, but delicious salads, sandwiches, burgers and other entrÈes are also available. Full bar. Takeout available. $
The Orchard Tavern—68 N. Manning Blvd., Albany. 482-5677. Mon-Sat 11:30-close, Sun 4-close. Takeout available, lunch delivery. This family style restaurant is sure to please with its pizza and others dishes included in the wide variety of selections on the menu. $
The Toll Gate—1569 New Scotland Rd., Slingerlands. 439-9824. Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. This location, once a toll for travelers in the early 1900’s, is now a popular family restaurant, still adorned in most of its original dÈcor from the 1960’s. The menu features items ranging from chili to veggie burgers-but if you only try one thing, be sure to grab some of the delicious homemade ice cream! $
V & R Restaurant—136 Madison Ave., Albany. 626-0001 or 626-0700; www.vandrrestaurant.com. Mon-Fri 11-11, Sat-Sun 3-11. Reservations suggested. Nothern Italian menu includes pasta, veal, chicken and seafood, and also homemade soups and desserts. $$$
Valente’s—4th Ave. & 8th St., Watervliet. 273-3314.