Best of Food & Drink

Best Appetizer
Creo’ Restaurant
1475 Western Avenue, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany
Creo’ Restaurant offers an eclectic mix of American cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean influences, which can be readily seen and tasted with their selection of appetizers or small plates. Favorites like empanadas, crab cakes and edamame are mixed with more unique items like duck cassoulet, Kung Pao calamari and Parisian gnocchi. Although perfect for sharing with your dining companion, you might want to keep these dishes all to yourself.

2. The Standard, 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany

3. New World Bistro Bar, 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany

Best Bagels
Bagel Tyme, 1 Broad Street, Kinderhook, 41 North 7th Street, Hudson; 389 Fairview Avenue, Greenport
A new winner on our survey this year for the best bagels in the Capital Region is Bagel Tyme, with three locations in Columbia County. Bagel Tyme offers 14 varieties of freshly-baked bagels ranging from traditional options like plain or egg, to specialty flavors like cranberry nut or tomato basil. Their soft and chewy texture is only amplified with one of their 10 unique whipped cream cheeses, such as olive, lox, bacon horseradish or scallion. With so many weekenders from New York City visiting Columbia county, they have become a favorite to them as well as the Capital Region.

2. Uncommon Grounds, 1235 Western Avenue, Albany and 402 Broadway, Saratoga

3. Lox of Bagels & Moor, 89 ½ Main Street, Queensbury

Best Bakery
Bella Napoli Italian American Bakery
672 New Loudon Road, Latham; 721 River Street, Troy
It seems that voters in our survey are loyal when it comes to where they buy their baked goods. You have chosen Bella Napoli as the best in the region for the ninth year in a row! This community icon can be your stop for every meal of the day: from a breakfast sandwich in the morning, a sub for lunch, a pizza for dinner and, of course, a sweet for dessert. Biscotti, cookies and cakes make the choice easy.

2. Villa Italia Bakery, 226 Broadway, Schenectady

3. The Cookie Factory, 520 Congress Street, Troy

Best Beer Selection
Brown’s Brewing Co., 417 River Street, Troy
Whether you are bringing their bottles home to enjoy or unwinding with a drink at dinner, there are over a dozen fresh ales and lagers on draught on any given day to choose from at Brown’s Brewing Co. in Troy. In addition to claiming the top spot in our survey the past two years, Brown’s has also earned a gold medal for their Pale Ale by the Culinary Institute of America, World Beer Cup Gold and Silver Awards for their Oatmeal Stout and Whiskey Porter and TAP New York’s 2009 Matthew Vassar Cup for the Best Brewery in the Hudson Valley.

2. Albany Pump Station, 19 Quackenbush Square, Albany

3. Wolff's Biergarten, 895 Broadway, Albany

Best Bistro
Garden Bistro 24, 1839 Central Avenue, Colonie
As it was last year, Garden Bistro 24 is a multiple winner on our survey in 2012, this time in all different categories! With seasonal selections and specials that change every other Friday, customers are sure to get the finest and freshest ingredients on the market when it comes to their main course and their soups. And if you’re anything like us, you don’t skip dessert. Here, the desserts, such as crème brulee, crepes and chocolate mousse are all made in-house. This is in addition to a pastry case full of fresh and delicious creations.

2. New World Bistro Bar300 Delaware Avenue, Albany

3. Aperitivo Bistro, 416 State Street, Schenectady

Best Bread
Bountiful Bread
1475 Western Avenue, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany
It’s an aroma, a flavor, a texture. It’s the foundation of a fabulous meal, and sometimes a meal unto itself. It’s bread, according to Stuyvesant Plaza’s Bountiful Bread, and it’s our reader’s top spot to go when the carb-craving hits. A sandwich on their bread only adds to the delight.

2. Perecca’s Bakery, 33 North Jay Street, Schenectady

3. Our Daily Bread, 54 Main Street, Chatham

Best Breakfast
Johnny B’s Glenmont Diner 21 Frontage Road, Glenmont
Our winner for best breakfast spot around, Johnny B’s in Glenmont can be found just off Route 9W in a late model Silk City diner. Open since 2004, the place is packed with 1950s and ‘60s memorabilia and packed with people! Space is tight, but the wait you might have is worth it for the classic breakfast dishes that are sure to make you a weekend regular.  

2. The Hungry Fish Café461 Main Avenue, Wynantskill and Café Madison, 1108 Madison Avenue, Albany (tie)

3. Bob’s Diner, 929 19th Street, Watervliet and Duncan’s Dairy Bar, 890 Hoosick Road, Troy (tie)

Best Burgers, Fries
Five Guys Burgers & Fries - various locations
One of the most classic combinations in culinary history – it seems like a good burger and fries can be an art form. If that’s the case, then the people at Five Guys Burgers and Fries have created a masterpiece. Along with their heaping servings of fries made with peanut oil, you can order your burger in a multitude of combinations with their 15 topping choices. Did you know that there are no freezers in any Five Guys location? They only have coolers, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients are used and nothing is ever frozen.

2. Juicy Burgers & More, 5 New Karner Road, Albany and Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia (tie)

3. Jack’s Drive-In, 24 Main Avenue, Wynantskill

Best Fries
2.  Garden Bistro, 1839 Central Avenue, Colonie
3. Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In 5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia

Best Burrito
Bombers Burrito Bar
258 Lark Street, Albany and
447 State Street, Schenectady
Bombers offers patrons a lot of tasty menu items like wings, nachos and, of course, margaritas. However, if there’s one thing that they do best, it’s their burritos. Chicken, ground beef, pulled pork or vegetarian, their burritos are packed with choice ingredients and served with chips and salsa. Add a fun atmosphere with great prices and you’ve got a sure winner.

2. Mexican Radio, 537 Warren Street, Hudson

3. Jose Malone’s Mexican Irish Restaurant 405 River Street, Troy

Best Cakes (tie)
Coccadotts Cake Shop 1179 Central Avenue, Albany
Villa Italia Bakery 226 Broadway, Schenectady
It seems you just couldn’t decide this year when it came to where the best cake in the Capital Region can be found. Villa Italia has been a mainstay on our annual survey in the bakery department, with cakes that can be as traditional or as custom as you’d like. New to this category is Coccadotts, taste and freshness are the two most important things. They offer a host of different cake flavor and filling combinations, sure to entice any sweet tooth lover in your life!

2. Bella Napoli Italian American Bakery 672 New Loudon Road; Latham, 721 River Street, Troy

3. Make Me A Cake Next Door, 378 Delaware Avenue, Delmar and The Cookie Factory, 520 Congress Street, Troy (tie)

Best Chili
The Orchard Tavern, 68 North Manning Boulevard, Albany
As one of the oldest restaurants in Albany, the Orchard Tavern prides themselves on traditions, fine spirits and good food, which includes their award-winning chili. A winner for the second year in a row in this hearty category, the Orchard has been open since 1903 and is now considered by many to be a local landmark. Don’t forget, they are available for lunchtime delivery for when you can’t shake that comfort food craving.

2. El Loco, 465 Madison Avenue, Albany

3. Bombers Burrito Bar, 258 Lark Street, Albany and 447 State Street, Schenectady

Best Cider Donuts
Golden Harvest Farms, 3074 US Route 9, Valatie
Golden Harvest Farms has been growing some of the best apples in the Northeast since 1958. They have five machines that turn out their famous cider donuts on a daily basis. Sold hot and fresh, their donuts are light and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Their retail farm market is open year round, so stop by and see what all the fuss is about.

2. Lakeside Farms and Cider Mill, 336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake

3. Indian Ladder Farms, 342 Altamont Voorheesville Road, Altamont

Best Coffee
Perfect Blend Espresso Bar & Cafe, 376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
The idea of opening a coffee shop came to Daniel Casey and Brendan McCann during  a 12-day trip across the country in 2006. Four thousand miles and many memorable experiences later, the Capital Region has named their espresso bar and café the top spot in the area to get a hot cup o’ Joe. Their locally roasted, organic, fair trade coffee is served however you like it, along with lattes, mochas, cappuccinos and more.

2. Professor Java’s Coffee Sanctuary, 217 Wolf Road, Albany

3. Uncommon Grounds, 1235 Western Avenue, Albany and 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 

Best Cupcakes
Coccadotts Cake Shop, 1179 Central Avenue, Albany
Cupcakes seem to be all the rage lately, and Albany’s Coccadotts is on the front lines of this trend. Owner Rachel Cocca-Dott has been featured on the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and most recently on national stations for creating a Superbowl-inspired chicken wing cupcake. Yes, you read that right, a chicken wing cupcake! While that might sound a little odd, their other flavors are just as creative, including maple bacon, strawberries and champagne, and pumpkin cheesecake to name a few. Soon they will even have an online dessert builder that will let you build and order custom cupcakes directly through their website.

2. Bettie’s Cakes, various locations

3. Fluffalicious Bake Shopee & Truck, 13 Warehouse Row, Albany

Best Deli
Gershon’s Deli & Caterers, 1600 Union Street, Schenectady
Great food and excellent service – that’s what you’ll find at Gerson’s Deli, which takes the top spot again this year for best deli in the Capital Region. Fresh is the name of the game at family-owned Gershon’s, where the meats are cured in-house and the service is fast. Thanks to their loyal customers, this Schenectady mainstay has been going strong since 1954. New York City deli’s have nothing on Gershon’s.

2. The Corner Deli, 98 Wolf Road, Albany

3. Ragonese Italian Imports, 409 New Scotland Avenue, Albany

Best Dessert
Garden Bistro 24, 1839 Central Avenue, Colonie
The dictionary defines dessert as being “usually sweet course or dish, as of fruit, ice cream, or pastry, served at the end of a meal”.  Our readers describe it as anything on the Garden Bistro 24 Dessert list. Personal fave….the crepes.

2. Blue Ribbon Diner, 1801 State Street, Schenectady

3. Peaches Café, 1475 Western Avenue, Albany

Best Diner (tie)
Latham 76 Diner, 722 New Loudon Road, Latham
Alexis Diner, 294 North Greenbush Road, Troy
At Latham 76 Diner, they take pride in making sure their customers have the best dining experience. Patrons know they will receive great food that’s served fast and priced reasonably. Sharing the diner spotlight with Latham 76, is Alexis Diner in Troy. With over 300 menu items there is something for everyone. They even have specialty nights like Texas night on Monday, pasta night on Tuesday and Greek night on Wednesday. We think these two Capital Region locales are great any night of the week!

2. Bob’s Diner, 929 19th Street, Watervliet

3. Johnny B’s Glenmont Diner, 21 Frontage Road, Glenmont

Best Dining on a Budget
Main Street Café, 3032 Main Street, Valatie
We all have to be budget-conscious these days and that may mean cutting back on dining out. However, when you just can’t cook another meal, there is the Main Street Café in Valatie to the rescue! Warm and welcoming with prices that will fit anyone’s budget, this place is always packed with friendly faces. Whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch or dinner, cheap eats have never tasted so good.

2. O’Kenny’s Express, 3321 US Route 9, Valatie

3. My Place & Company, 241 Delaware Avenue, Delmar

Best Early Bird
Alexis Diner, 294 North Greenbush Road, Troy
There’s an old expression, “The early bird gets the worm.” At Alexis Diner you’ll get something a lot tastier when you stop in before the usual dinner crowd. You can grab a booth or head out to their landscaped patio and take your time perusing their vast menu. Their goal is to make you feel at home, and they do such a good job you just might not want to leave!

2. Raindancer Restaurant, 4582 New York 30, Amsterdam

3. Farmer Boy Diner and Restaurant, 1975 Central Avenue, Colonie

Best Fine Dining
Angelo’s 677 Prime, 677 Broadway, Albany
Since opening in 2005, Angelo’s 677 Prime has become the place to go in the Capital Region when looking for the best that dining has to offer. This upscale steakhouse has a menu that consists of only the highest quality items, including the freshest sustainable seafood, Kobe beef and Prime grade steaks. Diners are not only treated to fine food at 677 Prime, but also to live music every Wednesday through Saturday from 6:30pm–10pm.

2. Creo’ Restaurant, 1475 Western Avenue, Stuyvesant Plaza,  Albany

3. Lipperas’ at the Chatham House, 29 Hudson Avenue, Chatham

Best Fish Fry
Ted’s Fish Fry, various locations
Ted’s Fish Fry’s lucky number must be seven. Why? It’s how many years they’ve been named the best at what they do in our annual survey. It seems like their years of experience (more than 50!) are working in their favor. At this family-run, yell-out-your-order restaurant you’ll get your fix of authentic fish fries at any of their five locations.

2. Bob & Ron’s Fish Fry, 1007 Central Avenue, Albany

3. Gene’s Fish Fry, 300 Troy Road, Rensselaer

Best Happy Hour
Lanie’s Cafe
471 Albany-Shaker Road, Loudonville
Lanie’s Cafe first opened its doors on June 1, 2001 and has since become a cornerstone of the Colonie area. Owner Lanie Lansing wanted a place where people would feel welcomed by the atmosphere and character. With a spacious patio perfect for the warmer months, you’ve ranked it the number one place to grab a happy hour drink. The tagline at Lanie’s is “Just a great place to be,” and we couldn’t agree more.

2. 677 Prime, 677 Broadway, Albany

3. Teagan’s Steak & Seafood, 1 Ferry Street, Rensselaer, Creo’ Restaurant, 1475 Western Avenue, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany and The Standard Restaurant & Lounge, 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany (tie)

Best Hot Dogs
Gus’s Hot Dogs, 212 25th Street, Watervliet
What may look like an unassuming little red building is celebrated by Capital Region residents young and old as the place to get the best tasting hot dog. It’s more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s an experience that people have been enjoying since 1954. The mini dogs are made to order and are easy on the wallet, something we can all appreciate these days. If the food and the prices don’t keep you coming back, the friendly atmosphere and service will.

2. Hot Dog Charlie’s, various locations

3. Mike’s Hot Dogs, 1135 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady

Best Ice Cream
Jim’s Tastee Freez, 58 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
The return of warmer weather is marked by short sleeves, sandals, long walks outside and if you’re anything like us, a craving for soft-serve ice cream. There are many options for ice cream in the area, but only one could be named the best in our survey, and this year Jim’s Tastee Freez gets top billing. From sugar-free and non-fat to frozen yogurt to the more indulgent flavors, they’ve got it all.

2. Kurver Kreme, 1349 Central Avenue, Colonie

3. Guptill’s Coney Express Ice Cream, 1085 New Loudon Road, Latham


Best Kid Friendly Restaurant
Jumpin Jack’s Drive-In,5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia
For the past 60 years, Jumpin Jack’s Drive-In has served burgers, fries, ice cream and more. Last year, the popular spot was hit hard by Hurricane Irene and their buildings were left almost completely underwater. The water has since subsided and repairs have been made. We’re looking forward to getting back in line for what is sure to be another great season of serving kids of all ages.

2. KOTO, 260 Wolf Road, Latham

3. The Ripe Tomato, 2721 US 9, Ballston Spa

Best Late Night Dining
Latham 76 Diner, 722 New Loudon Road, Latham
Open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, Latham 76 Diner is located in the heart of Latham, an easy trip from anywhere in the Capital Region. This means that no matter how late it is, you can be in a booth eating delicious diner food in no time. So whether you’ve had a long night out with friends or just woke up with a craving for pie, Latham 76 will be there to welcome you with open arms (and menus).

2. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, 377 River Street, Troy

3. Gateway Diner, 899 Central Avenue, Albany

Best Lunch (tie)
Garden Bistro 24, 1839 Central Avenue, Colonie
The Whistling Kettle, 24 Front Street, Ballston Spa
Who says gourmet meals should only be served at dinnertime? At Garden Bistro 24, you can order lunch dishes like poached salmon crepes or a pepper-encrusted hanger steak served with your choice of pomme frites or a seasonal soup or salad on the side. If you’re looking for a hot drink with your meal, head to The Whistling Kettle, located just minutes from Saratoga Springs. They offer a true tea experience with a great menu of diverse, high quality dishes. Lunch will be your new favorite meal at either of these Capital Region favorites.

2. Five Guys Burgers and Fries, various locations

3. Creo’ Restaurant, 1475 Western Avenue, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany and Gershon’s Deli, 1600 Union Street, Schenectady (tie)

Best Mac & Cheese (tie)
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, 377 River Street, Troy
Albany Pump Station, 19 Quackenbush Square, Albany
One of America’s favorite comfort foods, macaroni and cheese can come in all forms. At Albany Pump Station, you’ll get a more gourmet version served with Maine lobster meat and Gulf shrimp in an Alfredo cheese sauce. Across the river at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, the mac and cheese features a variety of cheeses and a little kick of spice to compliment their ribs and other meat platters. As long as it’s gooey and cheesy, you can’t go wrong in our book!

2. The Standard Restaurant & Lounge, 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany

3. Hattie’s Restaurant, 45 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs

Best Meatballs
Canali’s Restaurant , 126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady
A new category on our annual survey, Canali’s Restaurant is the winner for best meatballs in the Capital Region. Canali’s meatballs are served alongside handmade pasta that is made fresh in their kitchen. I know what you’re thinking…someone in your family makes the best meatballs, but you need to try these ones. You may make family enemies, but you will be in meatball heaven and it will be worth it! They are light, flavorful and perfect with their excellent sauce. Whether you’re dining in or taking out, they will add flavor and substance to your meal.

2. Cardona’s Market, 340 Delaware Avenue

3. Ragonese Italian Imports, 409 New Scotland Avenue, Albany

Best Martini
The Standard Restaurant & Lounge, 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany
The Standard Restaurant & Lounge is located in Crossgates Mall, but you’d never know it upon stepping through the door. With a décor that’s reminiscent of the days of the Rat Pack, their impressive entrées are complimented by an extensive cocktail menu. Their signature martinis are the highlight, with flavors ranging from key lime and pomegranate to lychee and spiced pear. They even have their own version of the tried-and-true dirty martini. We’ll take ours shaken, not stirred.

2. Creo’ Restaurant, 1475 Western Avenue, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany

3. Angelo’s 677 Prime, 677 Broadway, Albany

Best Outdoor Dining (tie)
Prime at Saratoga National, 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Peddlers Bar & Bistro, 16 Clifton Park Village Road, Clifton Park
No stranger to our survey, Prime at Saratoga National is one of your favorite spots to dine al fresco. After a day on the links or meeting with family and friends you can continue to enjoy the fresh air by dining on their patio, where the views are just as good as the food. From the owners of J.T. Maxies and J.J. Rafferty’s is two-year-old Peddlers Bar & Bistro in Clifton Park, which not only has a bar and dining room, but an outdoor area to sit with friends and enjoy your meal. You can bet that if the weather’s nice, the patio will be open for business.

2. El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant 144 Washington Avenue, Albany and 289 Hamilton Street, Albany

3. Jumpin Jack’s Drive-In, 5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia

Best Pizza
Romo’s Pizza, 397 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont
Anthony Berghela, the owner of Romo’s Pizza, grew up in Bethlehem and always knew the Capital Region would be where he would pursue his lifelong dream of opening a pizza shop of his own. Lucky for us, Anthony followed that dream and we are reaping the benefits with his delicious pizzas. Their dough is made fresh daily, as well as their homemade sauce, and we can taste the difference.

2. Goodfellas Pizzeria, 1 Hewitt Street, Amsterdam

3. Fountain Restaurant, 283 New Scotland Avenue, Albany

Best Pub
The Purple Pub Restaurant, 2 Cohoes Road, Watervliet
This month, the Purple Pub celebrates its 40th year in business. When it opened in 1972, it was a one room bar with only eight bar stools, a few tables and a menu consisting of an assortment of sandwiches. Now, our winner for best pub has three dining rooms and seating for 150 customers. However, one thing that hasn’t changed over the years, their loyal customers that seem more like family.

2. Katie O’Byrnes Irish Pub and Restaurant, 121 Wall Street, Schenectady

3. Ravenswood, 1021 Route 146, Clifton Park

Best Pulled Pork
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, 377 River Street, Troy
It’s hard to go wrong at a place where “fresh,” “homemade” and “high quality” aren’t just catchwords, they’re the foundation. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, located in Troy, was a victim of the floods last fall, with river waters submerging their patio area. They bounced back and have continued serving up all the meat-lover’s favorites, including their pulled pork sandwiches and ribs. The tender meat slathered in their signature sauces will have your mouth watering!

2. Capital Q Smokehouse, 329 Ontario Street, Albany

3. Big Moose Deli & Country Store, 4956 New York 7, Hoosick Falls and The Towne Tavern, 2850 NY 43, Averill Park

Best Ribs
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, 377 River Street, Troy
Mouthwatering is an often over-used term, but well-deserved in the case of Dinosaur’s ribs. The crowd pleasing favorite rides among all the other smoked and lathered meats! Napkins are supplied, but you may not want to use them…just lick your fingers!

2. Carolina House, 59 Broad Street, Kinderhook

3. Brunswick BBQ and Brew, 3925 New York 2, Troy

Most Romantic (tie)
The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark 200 Lark Street, Albany
Angelo’s Tavolo, 1 Glen Avenue, Scotia
With so many options in the Capital Region for a romantic dinner out, it’s no surprise that we ended up with a tie in this category. The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark, last year’s winner, has an atmosphere of sophistication and romance. Their fireplaces, exposed brick and wrought iron touches make your table for two cozy and comfortable. Opened in 2009 by Angelo Mazzone, Angelo’s Tavolo is a perfect place for an intimate dinner for two. Located in the historic Glen Sanders Mansion, you could even reserve a suite and make a night of it with the one you love.

2. Taste, 45 Beaver Street, Albany and  Barcelona Restaurant, 1192 Western Avenue, Albany (tie)

3. The Century House, 997 New Loudon Road, Latham

Best Sandwich/Sub
The Corner Deli, 10 Wolf Road, Albany
Centrally located on Wolf Road in Albany, The Corner Deli is the perfect place to stop for a sandwich or sub. They offer signature paninis like Ruede’s Rueben, traditional sandwiches or Mama’s Favorite, which consists of turkey, cheese, bacon and sundried tomato mayo grilled on focaccia bread. Don’t see what you want on the menu? Design your own masterpiece and the staff will be glad to make it for you.

2. Ragonese Italian Imports, 409 New Scotland Avenue, Albany

3. Genoa Importing Co., 435 Loudon Road, Loudonville

Best Soup
Garden Bistro 24, 1839 Central Avenue, Colonie
We all have our favorite soups and we all have our family specialties, but to go out and have great soup offered each day and done well, whatever the type is a culinary art form.  Bravo Garden Bistro 24!

2.  Bountiful Bread, 1475 Western Avenue, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany

3. Chris’s Café, 1048 US-9, Valatie

Best Sports Bar
Recovery Sports Grill, 235 Hoosick Street, Troy
Sports fans unite at the Recovery Sports Grill in Troy. When the late Don Led Duke, a die-hard sport fan, first envisioned the concept for the restaurant, he wanted a place where sports teams of all ages could come, either after practice or a game, to relax, grab a bite to eat and watch a game. Whether you’re a player or just a fan, you are sure to find a mix of great food, great drinks and great company at the Recovery Sports Grill.

2. Wolf’s 1-11 Restaurant & Games, 111 Wolf Road, Albany

3. The Sports Grill, 4 Middle Mannix Road, Rensselear

Best Tapas/Small Plates (tie)
Midtown Tap and Tea Room, 289 New Scotland Avenue, Albany
Aperitivo Bistro, 416 State Street, Schenectady
The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation, where diners are not so focused on eating an entire meal, but share smaller portions with their companions. The Midtown Tap and Tea Room is set up perfectly for this, with long tables that are great for large groups of friends looking to reconnect over delicious dishes. Taking its name from the Italians for “small plates,” Aperitivo Bistro in Schenectady also features tapas, serving selections from the traditional fried calamari to stuffed artichoke hearts and sushi. With such a variety to choose from, you can enjoy all the flavors the bistro has to offer.

2. Carmen’s Café, 198 1st Street, Troy

3. Cella Bistro, 2015 Rosa Road, Schenectady

Best Wine List
The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark, 200 Lark Street, Albany
Now a constant on our annual survey, The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark has hundreds of bottles of wine to choose from and over 50 wines offered by the glass year round. They even received The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2009 and 2010. No matter what your preference – red, white, sparkling or rosé – they have something sure to please your palate.

2. The Ginger Man, 234 Western Avenue, Albany

3. Angelo’s 677 Prime, 677 Broadway, Albany

Best Wings
Ale House, 680 River Street, Troy
Everyone seems to like their Buffalo wings a little different – some like them hot and spicy, while others prefer mild or specialty flavors. One thing we all can agree on when it comes to these finger-licking-good snacks is where to go to get the best, and that’s the Ale House in Troy. A winner time after time on surveys around the Capital Region, the Ale House has gotten it down to a science. Plump and juicy, their wings are made to order and have sauces to please the most adventurous wing-lover. Can you say “tequila-chipotle&rdq