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Albany
Monday, March 25, 2024

Besties 2022: Food & Drink

Introducing the winners of the 2022 Bestie Awards for the food and drink categories.

Red – denotes winner

 APPETIZERS 

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
95 Everett Road, Albany
(518) 472-0522
367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 475-1111
swiftyspub.com

Lanie’s Cafe
471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville
(518) 438-5005
laniescafe.com

Druthers Brewing Company (tie)
Multiple Locations
druthersbrewing.com

Daley’s on Yates (tie)
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

 BAGELS 

Uncommon Grounds
Multiple Locations
uncommongrounds.com

West End Bagels
5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park
(518) 952-4762
westendbagels.com

Manhattan Bistro and Bagel
123 Saratoga Road, Glenville
(518) 399-3887
manhattanbistroandbagel.com

 BAKERY 

Bella Napoli
672 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 783-0196
721 River Street, Troy
(518) 274-8277
bellanapolibakery.com

Villa Italia Bakery
226 Broadway, Schenectady
(518) 355-1144
villaitaliabakery.com

Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery
376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 439-6537
perfectblendcafe.com

 BBQ 

PJ’s Bar-B-QSA
1 Kaydeross Avenue West, Saratoga Springs
(518) 583-2445
pjsbarbqsa.com

Wagon Train BBQ
671 Mariaville Road, Schenectady
(518) 356-0650
wagontrainbbq.com

Pig Pit BBQ
1 Niver Street, Cohoes
(518) 235-2323
pigpitbbqny.com

We’ll just get it out of the way now: Yes, Yanni’s Too won an outrageous number of Besties categories, yet again. Calamari King Marc Yanni (obviously) won best calamari, in addition to best chili, chowder, pasta, ribs, seafood, takeout and waitstaff; best American food, kid-friendly dining and outdoor dining; plus best family-owned restaurant and, to top it all off, best chef. Maybe Marc’s new nickname should be the Besties King.

 BEST-KEPT SECRET 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Daley’s on Crooked Lake
2339 Route 43, Averill Park
(518) 674-3132
olddaley.com

The Greens at Copake Country Club (tie)
44 Golf Course Road, Craryville
(518) 325-0019
thegreensatcopake.com

Whitman Brewing Company (tie)
20 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs
(518) 682-3602
waltandwhitmanbrewing.com

 BEVERAGE CENTER 

Glenville Beverage
96 Freemans Bridge Road, Glenville
(518) 374-4615
glenvillebeverage.com

Minogue’s Beverage Center
Multiple Locations
minoguesbeverage.com

Oliver’s Beverage Center
105 Colvin Avenue, Albany
(518) 459-2767
brew-crew.com

 BISTRO 

Delmar Bistro
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 439-1000
thedelmarbistro.weebly.com

Sage Bistro
2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland
(518) 608-5410
sagebistrony.com

Garden Bistro 24 (tie)
5 Vista Boulevard, Slingerlands
(518) 439-3832
gardenbistro24.com

Tighe’s Bistro Américain (tie)
2703 Route 43, Averill Park
(518) 712-5166
tighesbistroamericain.com

 BLOODY MARY 

Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern
Multiple Locations
tipsymoosetavern.com

Innovo Kitchen
1214 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
(518) 608-1466
innovokitchen.com

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

 BREAD 

Perreca’s
31-33 North Jay Street, Schenectady
(518) 372-1875
perrecas.com

Bountiful Bread
Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany
(518) 438-3540
bountifulbread.com

Prinzo’s Bakery
(518) 463-4904
prinzosbakery.shop

 BREAKFAST 

Cafe Madison
1108 Madison Avenue, Albany
(518) 935-1094
359 Northern Boulevard, Albany
(518) 898-9630
cafemadisonalbany.com

Nighthawks Restaurant and Bar (tie)
461 Broadway, Troy
(518) 272-1000
nighthawkstroy.com

Iron Gate Cafe (tie)
182A Washington Avenue, Albany
(518) 445-3555
irongatecafe.com

Duncan’s Dairy Bar
890 Hoosick Road, Troy
duncansdairybar.com

 BREWERY 

Brown’s Brewing Company
417 River Street, Troy
(518) 273-2337
50 Factory Hill Road, North Hoosick
(518) 205-5049
brownsbrewing.com

Druthers Brewing Company
Multiple Locations
druthersbrewing.com

The Real McCoy
20 Hallwood Road, Delmar
29 Washington Street, Ballston Spa
(518) 439-3652
therealmccoybeerco.com

 BURGER 

Nighthawks Restaurant & Bar
461 Broadway, Troy
(518) 272-1000
nighthawkstroy.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
95 Everett Road, Albany
(518) 472-0522
367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 475-1111
swiftyspub.com

Halfway House Tavern
26 Main Street, Ravena
(518) 756-9720
@halfwayhousetavern on Facebook

 CAKES 

Villa Italia Bakery
226 Broadway, Schenectady
(518) 355-1144
villaitaliabakery.com

Zachary’s Pastry Shoppe (tie)
54 State Street, Albany
390 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer
(518) 477-2140
zacharyspastryshoppe.com

Coccadotts Cake Shop (tie)
1179 Central Avenue, Albany
(518) 438-4937
coccadotts.com

Bella Napoli Bakery & Cafe
672 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 783-0196
721 River Street, Troy
(518) 274-8277
bellanapolibakery.com

 CALAMARI 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Chez Mike
596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
(518) 479-4730
chezmikerestaurant.com

Daley’s on Yates
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

 CHEESECAKE 

Blue Rose Cheesecake & Bake Shop
1815 State Street, Schenectady
(518) 393-2765
blueribbonrestaurant.com
Cheesecake Machismo
293 Hamilton Street, Albany
(518) 427-7019
cheesecakemacchismo.com

J&S Watkins
1675 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 383-1148
jswatkins.com

 CHICKEN WINGS 

Rusty Nail Grill and Tavern
1781 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 371-9875
myfavoritetaverns.com

The Towne Tavern
2850 NY 43, Averill Park
(518) 674-3040
thetownetavern.com

My Place and Company
241 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 439-7610
1640 Columbia Turnpike, Schodack
(518) 477-5555
myplaceandcompany.com

 CHILI 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Stewart’s Shops
Multiple Locations
stewartsshops.com

Park Pub (tie)
2701 Lavin Court, Troy
(518) 274-7275
park-pub.com

Ravenswood (tie)
1021 Route 146, Clifton Park
(518) 371-8771
ravenswoodpub.com

 CHOCOLATE SHOP / CANDY STORE 

Krause’s Homemade Candy
1609 Central Avenue, Albany
(518) 869-3950
krausescandy.com

Uncle Sam’s All American Chocolate Factory
Newtown Plaza – 594 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 608-4949
2571 Albany Street, Schenectady
(518) 372-2243
unclesamscandy.com

Candy Kraft Candies
2575 Western Avenue, Altamont
(518) 355-1860
candykraft.com

 CHOWDER  

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Chez Mike
596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
(518) 479-4730
chezmikerestaurant.com

The Towne Tavern
2850 NY 43, Averill Park
(518) 674-3040
thetownetavern.com

 CIDER DOUGHNUTS 

Indian Ladder Farms
342 Altamont Road, Altamont
(518) 765-2956
indianladderfarms.com

Golden Harvest Farms
3074 Route 9, Valatie
(518) 758-7683
goldenharvestfarms.com

Cider Belly Doughnuts (tie)
25 North Pearl Street, Albany
(518) 253-4640
ciderbelly.com

Lakeside Farms (tie)
336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake
(518) 399-8359
lakesidefarmscidermill.com

 COFFEE 

Stewart’s Shops
Multiple Locations
stewartsshops.com

MochaLisa’s Caffé
Multiple Locations
mochalisa.com

Uncommon Grounds
Multiple Locations
uncommongrounds.com

Druthers Brewing Company is expanding yet again. With current location in Saratoga (the brewpub’s flagship), Schenectady and Albany, Druthers is eyeing a 2022 opening for its Clifton Park location. This year the local chain won Besties for comfort food and mac & cheese…Who knows? Maybe the fourth location will enhance Druthers’ winning ways come next year.

 COMFORT FOOD 

Druthers Brewing Company
Multiple Locations
druthersbrewing.com

The Nest (tie)
512 State Street, Schenectady
(518) 672-3018
thenest518.com

Hattie’s Restaurant (tie)
45 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs
(518) 584-4790
hattiesrestaurant.com

Kay’s Pizza (tie)
10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park
(518) 674-5413
kayspizza.com

 COOKIES 

The Cookie Factory
520 Congress Street, Troy
(518) 268-1060
1705 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 280-7644
cookiefactoryllc.com

Bella Napoli
672 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 783-0196
21 River Street, Troy
(518) 274-8277
bellanapolibakery.com

Upstate Cookie Shack
474 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer
(518) 244-5181
upstatecookieshack.com

 CUPCAKES 

Coccadotts Cake Shop
1179 Central Avenue, Albany
(518) 438-4937
coccadotts.com

Bake For You (tie, second place)
5001 Dunhill Court, Slingerlands
(518) 207-5430
bakeforyou.com

Bella Napoli (tie, second place)
672 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 783-0196
21 River Street, Troy
(518) 274-8277
bellanapolibakery.com

The Cookie Factory (tie, third place)
520 Congress Street, Troy
(518) 268-1060
1705 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 280-7644
cookiefactoryllc.com

Dolce & Biscotti (tie, third place)
1758 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 280-6173
dolceandbiscotti.com

 DELI 

Gershon’s Deli
1600 Union Street, Schenectady
(518) 393-0617
gershonsdeli.com

McCarroll’s The Village Butcher & Deli
406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
(518) 439-3936
delmarmarketplace.com

Pellegrino’s Importing
1197 Central Avenue, Albany
(518) 459-4472
pellegrinoimporting.com

 DINER 

Alexis Diner
294 North Greenbush Road, Troy
(518) 286-2603
alexisdiner.us

Diner Time
813 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 785-0200
dinertimeny.com

The Silver Spoon Cafe (tie)
11 Madison Avenue, Ravena
(518) 756-3463
The Silver Spoon Café on Facebook

Latham ‘76 Diner (tie)
722 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 785-3793
latham76diner.com

 DISTILLERY 

Albany Distilling Company
75 Livingston Avenue, Albany
(518) 949-2472
albanydistilling.com

Harvest Spirits
3074 Route 9, Valatie
(518) 758-1776
harvestspirits.com

Yankee Distillers (tie)
5 Fairchild Square, Clifton Park
(518) 406-3245
yankeedistillers.com

Cooperstown Distillery (tie)
453 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
(518) 217-3990
cooperstowndistillery.com

 FAMILY-OWNED RESTAURANT 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Ted’s Fish Fry
Multiple Locations
tedsfishfry.com

Verdile’s Restaurant
572 2nd Avenue, Troy
(518) 235-8879
verdile.com

 FINE DINING 

677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
(518) 427-7463
677prime.com

Daley’s on Yates
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

15 Church
15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs
(518) 587-1515
15churchrestaurant.com

 FISH FRY 

Ted’s Fish Fry
Multiple Locations
tedsfishfry.com

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

The Olde English Pub
683 Broadway, Albany
(518) 434-6533
theoldeenglish.com

 FRIED CHICKEN 

Hattie’s Restaurant
45 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs
(518) 584-4790
hattiesrestaurant.com

The Cuckoo’s Nest
234 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 650-7215
cuckoosnestalbany.com

The Nest
512 State Street, Schenectady
(518) 672-3018
thenest518.com

 GLUTEN-FREE SELECTION 

Daley’s on Crooked Lake
2339 Route 43, Averill Park
(518) 674-3132
olddaley.com

Daley’s on Yates
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

Track 32
1368 Indian Fields Road, Feura Bush
(518) 439-0032
track32ny.com

 HAPPY HOUR 

Pasta Pane
18 Park Avenue, Clifton Park
(518) 371-5762
pastapane.com

City Line Bar & Grill
1200 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 504-1200
citylinebar.com

677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
(518) 427-7463
677prime.com

 HOT DOG 

Gus’ Hot Dogs
212 25th Street, Watervliet
(518) 273-8743
Gus’ Hot Dogs on Facebook

Famous Lunch
111 Congress Street, Troy
(518) 272-9481
famouslunch.org

Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In (tie)
5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia
(518) 393-6101
jumpinjacksdriveininc.com

Mike’s Hot Dogs (tie)
1135 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady
(518) 382-9213
Mike’s Hot Dogs on Facebook

 ICE CREAM STAND 

The Snowman
531 5th Avenue, Troy
(518) 233-1714
thesnowmanicecream.com

Guptill’s Ice Cream
1085 New Loudon Road, Cohoes
(518) 785-0660
@Guptillsicecream on Facebook

Pirate’s Hideout
175 Guideboard Road, Waterford
(518) 373-8438
pirateshideout.com

 KID-FRIENDLY DINING 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Kay’s Pizza
10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park
(518) 674-5413
kayspizza.com

The Greens at Copake Country Club
44 Golf Course Road, Craryville
(518) 325-0019
thegreensatcopake.com

 LATE-NIGHT DINING 

Latham ‘76 Diner
722 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 785-3793
latham76diner.com

Bob’s Diner
929 19th Street, Watervliet
(518) 274-2393
bobsdinerny.com

Nighthawks Restaurant and Bar (tie)
461 Broadway, Troy
(518) 272-1000
nighthawkstroy.com

The Ruck (tie)
104 3rd Street, Troy
(518) 273-1872
getrucked.com

LUNCH SPOT
Koni’s Broadway Kafe
357 Broadway, Troy
(518) 273-2233
@konisbroadwaykafe on Facebook

Whitman Brewing Company
20 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs
(518) 682-3602
waltandwhitmanbrewing.com

The Whistling Kettle
Multiple Locations
thewhistlingkettle.com

 MAC & CHEESE 

Druthers Brewing Company
Multiple Locations
druthersbrewing.com

Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern
Multiple Locations
tipsymoosetavern.com

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

 MARGARITA 

TORO Cantina
111 Wolf Road, Albany
(518) 949-2211
torocantina.com

El Loco Mexican Cafe (tie)
465 Madison Avenue, Albany
(518) 436-1855
ellocomexicancafe.com

El Mariachi (tie)
289 Hamilton Street, Albany
(518) 432-7580
elmariachirestaurant.com

 MARTINI 

Daley’s on Yates
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

9 Maple Avenue
9 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs
9mapleave.com

677 Prime (tie)
677 Broadway, Albany
(518) 427-7463
677prime.com

Innovo Kitchen (tie)
1210 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
(518) 608-1466
innovokitchen.com

 MEATBALLS 

Verdile’s Restaurant (tie)
572 2nd Street, Troy
(518) 235-8879
verdile.com

Cardona’s Market (tie)
Multiple Locations
cardonasmarket.com

Testo’s
853 4th Avenue, Troy
(518) 235-0444
769 Pawling Avenue, Troy
(518) 326-1177
testosrestaurant.com

DeFazio’s
264 & 266 4th Street, Troy
(518) 271-1111
75 Livingston Avenue, Albany
(518) 977-4041
defaziospizza.com

While we gave Bella Napoli a shoutout in our desserts cover story for its Bestie win in the best bakery category, we neglected to mention it also won big in another very important realm: muffins. (Are they a dessert or a breakfast food? Hard to say.) But the Capital Region was divided in this instance—the same number of muffin-lovers voted for Hannaford as did for Bella Napoli. In the case of a tie, there’s only one thing you, CRL reader, can do: Try both and decide for yourself.

 MUFFINS 

Bella Napoli (tie)
672 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 783-0196
21 River Street, Troy
(518) 274-8277
bellanapolibakery.com

Hannaford (tie)
Multiple Locations
hannaford.com

The Cookie Factory
520 Congress Street, Troy
(518) 268-1060
1705 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 280-7644
cookiefactoryllc.com

Schuyler Bakery (tie)
637 3rd Avenue, Watervliet
(518) 273-0142
schuylerbakery.com

Bake For You (tie)
5001 Dunhill Court, Slingerlands
(518) 207-5430
bakeforyou.com

 NEW RESTAURANT(PAST 12 MONTHS) 

Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill
10 Starbuck Drive, Green Island
(518) 326-4164
seasmokegrill.com

Tighe’s Bistro Américain
Route 43, Averill Park
(518) 712-5166
tighesbistroamericain.com

Finnigan’s on the Lake (tie)
175 Lake Road, Ballston Lake
(518) 952-7185
finnigansonthelake.com

Rooted + Rind (tie)
14 Booth Road, Delmar
(518) 599-5055
rootedandrind.com

 OMELETTES 

Duncan’s Dairy Bar
890 Hoosick Road, Troy
(518) 279-9985
duncansdairybar.com

Alexis Diner
294 North Greenbush Road, Troy
(518) 763-5738
alexisdiner.us

Cafe Madison (tie)
1108 Madison Avenue, Albany
(518) 935-1094
359 Northern Boulevard, Albany
(518) 898-9630
cafemadisonalbany.com

Iron Gate Cafe (tie)
182A Washington Avenue, Albany
(518) 445-3555
irongatecafe.com

 OUTDOOR DINING 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Carson’s Woodside Tavern (tie)
57 Route 9P, Malta
(518) 584-9791
carsonswoodside.com

Lanie’s Cafe (tie)
471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville
(518) 438-5005
laniescafe.com

Daley’s on Yates (tie)
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

 PASTA 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Verdile’s Restaurant
572 2nd Street, Troy
(518) 235-8879
verdile.com

DeFazio’s
264 & 266 4th Street, Troy
(518) 271-1111
75 Livingston Avenue, Albany
(518) 977-4041
defaziospizza.com

 PASTA SAUCE 

DeFazio’s
264 & 266 4th Street, Troy
(518) 271-1111
defaziospizza.com

Testo’s
853 4th Avenue, Troy
(518) 235-0444
769 Pawling Avenue, Troy
(518) 326-1177
testosrestaurant.com

Cardona’s Market
Multiple Locations
cardonasmarket.com

 PIES 

Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop
4561 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa
(518) 882-6598
smithspieshop.com

Lakeside Farms
336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake
(518) 399-8359
lakesidefarmcidermill.com

Bella Napoli (tie)
672 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 783-0196
21 River Street, Troy
(518) 274-8277
bellanapolibakery.com

Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery (tie)
376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 439-6537
perfectblendcafe.com

 PIZZA 

DeFazio’s
264 & 266 4th Street, Troy
(518) 271-1111
75 Livingston Avenue, Albany
(518) 977-4041
defaziospizza.com

Kay’s Pizza
10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park
(518) 674-5413
kayspizza.com

Clifton Park Pizza
1716 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 371-5780
cliftonparkpizza.com

 PUB 

O’Slattery’s Irish Restaurant and Pub
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 438-5634
oslatterys.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
95 Everett Road, Albany
(518) 472-0522
367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 475-1111
swiftyspub.com

Purple Pub
2 Cohoes Road, Watervliet
(518) 273-9646
purple-pub.com

 RIBS 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

J&J Smokehouse BBQ (tie)
550 Main Street, Catskill
(518) 943-5053
jjsmokehousebbq.com

Otis & Oliver’s (tie)
30 Mill Road, Latham
(518) 785-9291
otisandolivers.com

Another big winner in this year’s Besties survey was the Old Daley family of services. Encompassing the wedding venue, fine dining and catering realms with Daley’s on Crooked lake, Daley’s on Yates and Old Daley Catering, respectively, the longtime Capital Region family business won best gluten-free selection, best martini, best romantic dining and best restaurant for both the Schenectady and West Sand Lake/Averill Park categories, plus a pair of categories in last issue’s People & Places section: best wedding venue and caterer.

 ROMANTIC DINING 

Daley’s on Crooked Lake
2339 Route 43, Averill Park
(518) 674-3132
olddaley.com

677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
(518) 427-7463
677prime.com

The Greens at Copake Country Club
44 Golf Course Road, Craryville
(518) 325-0019
thegreensatcopake.com

 SALADS 

Little Pecks
211 Broadway, Troy
(518) 326-3450
littlepecks.com

Bountiful Bread
1475 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 281-0964
108 State Street, Schenectady
(518) 387-9997
bountifulbread.com

Lanie’s Cafe
471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville
(518) 438-5005
laniescafe.com

 SANDWICHES / SUBS 

McCarroll’s The Village
Butcher & Deli
406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
(518) 439-3936
delmarmarketplace.com

Bountiful Bread
1475 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 281-0964
108 State Street, Schenectady
(518) 387-9997
bountifulbread.com

Pellegrino’s Importing
1197 Central Avenue, Albany
(518) 459-4472
pellegrinoimporting.com

 SEAFOOD 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill (tie)
10 Starbuck Drive, Green Island
(518) 326-4164
seasmokegrill.com

Daley’s on Yates (tie)
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

Jack’s Oyster House
42 State Street, Albany
(518) 465-8854
jacksoysterhouse.com

 SLIDERS 

Slidin’ Dirty
9 First Street, Troy
(518) 326-8492
slidindirty.com

Jack’s Drive-In
24 Main Avenue, Wynantskill
(518) 283-5110
Jack’s Drive In on Facebook

 SPORTS BAR 

Recovery Room Sports Grill
Multiple Locations
recoverysportsgrill.com

Junior’s Bar & Grill
1094 Madison Avenue, Albany
(518) 935-2025
48 North Greenbush Road, Troy
(518) 244-3535
juniorsbarandgrill.com

Forty One Sports Bar & Grille
41 112th Street, Troy
(518) 235-4141
fortyonesportsbar.com

 STEAKHOUSE 

677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
(518) 427-7463
677prime.com

Barnsider
480 Sand Creek Road, Albany
(518) 869-2448
barnsiderrestaurant.com

Black & Blue Steak and Crab
1470 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 313-7388
blackandbluesteakandcrab.com

 SUSHI 

Sushi King
200 Broadway, Troy
(518) 274-0015
troysushiking.com

Mr. Fuji
1475 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 269-3999
19 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park
(518) 383-5538
mrfujisushi.com

Shogun
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 729-5727
shogunofdelmar.com

 TAKEOUT 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Whitman Brewing Company
20 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs
(518) 682-3602
waltandwhitmanbrewing.com

Kay’s Pizza
10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park
(518) 674-5413
kayspizza.com

 TAPAS / SMALL PLATES 

Boca Bistro
384 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
(518) 682-2800
bocabistro.com

Twisted Vine Wine & Tap
384 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
(518) 439-3241
twistedvinedelmar.com

The Shaker and Vine
221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady
(518) 630-6318
theshakerandvine.com

 TEA 

The Whistling Kettle
Multiple Locations
thewhistlingkettle.com

Saratoga Tea and Honey (tie)
348 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
(518) 871-1419
saratogateaandhoney.com

Short & Stout Tea Lounge (tie)
1736 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 456-8327
shortandstouttea.com

 VEGETARIAN SELECTION 

The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
79 North Pearl Street, Albany
(518) 426-8550
thehollowalbany.com

Meaty Max Vegan Meats (tie)
@MeatyMaxVeganMeats on Facebook

Take Two Cafe (tie)
433 State Street, Schenectady
(518) 280-9670
taketwo518.com

 VEGAN SELECTION 

Meaty Max Vegan Meats (tie)
@MeatyMaxVeganMeats on Facebook

Take Two Cafe (tie)
433 State Street, Schenectady
(518) 280-9670
taketwo518.com

Subculture Vegan Deli and Provisions
227 Lark Street, Albany
(518) 599-5306
subculturevegandeli.com

 WAITSTAFF 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Daley’s on Crooked Lake
2339 Route 43, Averill Park
(518) 674-3132
olddaley.com

Chez Mike
596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
(518) 479-4730
chezmikerestaurant.com

 WINE LIST 

677 Prime (tie)
677 Broadway, Albany
(518) 427-7463
677prime.com

Jack’s Oyster House (tie)
42 State Street, Albany
(518) 465-8854
jacksoysterhouse.com

Daley’s on Yates
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

The Shaker and Vine
221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady
(518) 630-6318
theshakerandvine.com

 WINE / WINERY 

Galway Rock Vineyard and Winery
998 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake
(518) 280-6554
galwayrockwines.com

Hudson Chatham Winery (tie)
1900 State Route 66, Ghent
(518) 392-9463
hudsonchathamwinery.com

Saratoga Winery (tie)
462 Route 29, Saratoga Springs
(518) 584-9463
thesaratogawinery.com

CUISINE

 AMERICAN 

Yanni’s Too
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
(518) 756-7033
yannisrestaurants.com

Daley’s on Yates
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

Chez Mike (tie)
596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
(518) 479-4730
chezmikerestaurant.com

Lanie’s Cafe (tie)
471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville
(518) 438-5005
laniescafe.com

In most Besties categories, Capital Region voters can’t make up their minds—hence the many ties you’ve seen thus far. In the cases of Cajun, Caribbean and Polish restaurants, though, it really was no contest, as is evidenced by the single winner in each category. Nanola, Roy’s Caribbean Restaurant and Muza may be one of a few (or the only) place in the area to get a certain type of food, but we commend them for bringing rich diversity to the Capital Region’s food scene.

 CAJUN 

Nanola
2639 Route 9, Malta
(518) 587-1300
nanolarestaurant.com

 CARIBBEAN 

Roy’s Caribbean Restaurant
769 State Street, Schenectady
(518) 433-1343
@royscaribbeanrestaurant on Facebook

 CHINESE 

The Plum Blossom Restaurant
685 Hoosick Road, Troy
(518) 272-0036
The Plum Blossom Restaurant on Facebook

Ala Shanghai (tie)
468 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
(518) 783-8188
alashanghai.net

Gold Coin (tie)
1360 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands
(518) 439-6428
goldcoinrestaurant.com

 GREEK 

Athos Restaurant
1814 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 608-6400
athosrestaurant.com

Greek House
27 3rd Street, Troy
(518) 272-6058
thegreekhouse.net

Grecian Gardens
1612 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 373-9950
greciangardensny.com

 INDIAN 

Karavalli, Regional Cuisine of India
9 Johnson Road, Latham
(518) 785-7600
karavalli.com

Shalimar
Multiple Locations
shalimarny.com

Taj Fine Indian Cuisine
365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont
(518) 977-3050
tajfineindian.com

 ITALIAN 

D’Raymond’s
269 Osborne Road, Loudonville
(518) 459-6364
draymonds.com

Verdile’s Restaurant
572 2nd Street, Troy
(518) 235-8879
verdile.com

Donna’s Italian Restaurant (tie)
217 Broadway, Troy
(518) 326-3450
donnasitalian.com

Canali’s Italian and American Restaurant (tie)
126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady
(518) 355-5323
canalisrestaurant.com

 JAPANESE 

Akanomi Japanese Restaurant (tie)
2568 Western Avenue, Altamont
(418) 357-0888
akanomisushi.com

Shogun (tie)
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 729-5727
shogunofdelmar.com

Kinjo Japanese Steakhouse (tie, second place)
68 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs
(518) 587-8888
kinjosaratoga.com

Sake (tie, second place)
611 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
(518) 785-7215
sakelatham.com

Hana Japanese Steak House Restaurant (tie, third place)
1620 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 456-1505
hanaalbany.com

Hanzo Japanese Steakhouse (tie, third place)
102 Van Rensselaer Avenue, Rensselaer
(518) 650-7212
hanzony.com

 MEDITERRANEAN 

Ali Baba
2243 15th Street, Troy
(518) 273-1170
alibabatroy.com

Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant (tie)
206 Washington Avenue, Albany
(518) 434-3901
mamounsalbany.com

Barcelona Restaurant (tie)
1192 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 438-1144
barcelona-albany.com

 MEXICAN 

Pancho’s
1536 Crescent Road, Clifton Park
(518) 383-2930
panchoscliftonpark.com

El Loco Mexican Cafe (tie, second place)
465 Madison Avenue, Albany
(518) 436-1855
ellocomexicancafe.com

El Mariachi (tie, second place)
289 Hamilton Street, Albany
(518) 432-7580
elmariachirestaurant.com

La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant (tie, third place)
15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park
(518) 280-2657
lafiestamexican.com

TORO Cantina (tie, third place)
111 Wolf Road, Albany
(518) 949-2211
torocantina.com

 POLISH 

Muza
1300 15th Street, Troy
(518) 271-6892
muzaeuropeanfood.com

 THAI 

Sri Siam Thai Restaurant (tie)
337 Columbia Thai Restaurant, East Greenbush
(518) 915-1654
srisiamthaifood.com

Sushi Thai @ the Park (tie)
1707 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 348-0100
sushithaiatthepark.com

Celadon Thai Restaurant
860 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 250-5551
2015 Rosa Road, Schenectady
(518) 952-4140
celadonthaimenu.com

Sadudee Thai Food
51 Main Avenue, Wynantskill
(518) 326-0976
sadudeethaifood.com

 VIETNAMESE 

Banh Mi 47
74 North Pearl Street, Albany
(518) 512-9762
banhmi47.com

Saigon Spring
1683 Route 9, Clifton Park
(518) 982-0425
saigonspring.com

Van’s Vietnamese Restaurant
307 Central Avenue, Albany
(518) 436-1868
vansrestaurantny.com

BY CITY/TOWN

ALBANY

Cafe Capriccio
49 Grand Street, Albany
(518) 465-0439
cafecapriccio.com

677 Prime
677 Broadway, Albany
(518) 427-7463
677prime.com

Jack’s Oyster House (tie)
42 State Street, Albany
(518) 465-8854
jacksoysterhouse.com

Caffe Italia Ristorante (tie)
662 Central Avenue, Albany
(518) 459-8029
caffeitaliaalbany.com

BALLSTON SPA

Next Door Kitchen & Bar
51 Front Street, Ballston Spa
(518) 309-3249
nextdoorkitchenandbar.com

Augie’s
17 Low Street, Ballston Spa
(518) 884-8600
augiesrestaurant.com

The Whistling Kettle
24 Front Street, Ballston Spa
(518) 884-2664
thewhistlingkettle.com

BETHLEHEM

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
(518) 475-1111
swiftyspub.com

Twisted Vine and Tap
384 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
(518) 439-3241
twistedvinedelmar.com

Romo’s Pizza
365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont
(518) 449-5871
romospizzany.com

CATSKILL

Barnwood Restaurant
14 Deer Lane, Catskill
(518) 943-2200
barnwooddining.com

Crossroads Brewing Company Catskill Taproom
201 Water Street, Catskill
(518) 444-8277
crossroadsbrewingco.com

J&J Smokehouse
550 Main Street, Catskill
(518) 943-5053
jjsmokehousebbq.com

CHATHAM/OLD CHATHAM

Jackson’s Old Chatham House
646 Albany Turnpike, Old Chatham
(518) 794-7373
jacksonsoldchathamhouse.com

Chatham Brewing (tie)
59 Main Street, Chatham
(518) 697-0059
chathambrewing.com

Yianni’s Restaurant at The Chatham House (tie)
29 Hudson Avenue, Chatham
(518) 392-7700
yiannisatchathamhouse.com

CLIFTON PARK

Pasta Pane (tie)
18 Park Avenue, Clifton Park
(518) 371-5762
pastapane.com

Ravenswood (tie)
1021 Route 146, Clifton Park
(518) 371-8771
ravenswoodpub.com

Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar
54 Crossing Boulevard, Clifton Park
(518) 383-4444
wheatfields.com

Venezia Pizza and Pasta
629 Plank Road, Clifton Park
(518) 371-3943
veneziapizzaandpasta.com

COLONIE

D’Raymond’s
269 Osborne Road, Loudonville
(518) 459-6364
draymonds.com

Barnsider (tie)
480 Sand Creek Road, Albany
(518) 869-2448
barnsiderrestaurant.com

TORO Cantina (tie)
111 Wolf Road, Albany
(518) 949-2211
torocantina.com

Lanie’s Cafe
471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville
(518) 438-5005
laniescafe.com

EAST / NORTH GREENBUSH

Chez Mike
596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
(518) 479-4730
chezmikerestaurant.com

Alexis Diner
294 North Greenbush Road, Troy
(518) 286-2603
alexisdiner.us

Salsa Latina
315 Central Avenue, Albany
(518) 426-7050
misalsalatina.com

GUILDERLAND

Akanomi Japanese Restaurant
2568 Western Avenue, Altamont
(518) 357-0888
akanomisushi.com

Athos Restaurant (tie)
1814 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 608-6400
athosrestaurant.com

Mezza Notte Ristorante (tie)
2026 Western Avenue, Albany
(518) 689-4433
mezzanottealbany.com

HUDSON

Ca’Mea Restaurant
214 Warren Street, Hudson
(518) 822-0005
camearestaurant.com

Hudson Food Studio
746 Warren Street, Hudson
(518) 828-3459
hudsonfoodstudio.com

The Maker
302 Warren Street, Hudson
(518) 509-2620
themaker.com

KINDERHOOK / VALATIE

Chris’ Cafe
1048 Route 9, Valatie
(518) 758-7701
@ChrisCafe518 on Facebook

Main Street Diner
3032 Main Street, Valatie
(518) 758-1233
valatiediner.com

La Bella’s
2967 Route 9, Valatie
(518) 758-6611
labellavalatie.com

LAKE GEORGE

The Log Jam
1484 US 9, Lake George
(518) 798-1155
logjamrestaurant.com

The Chateau on the Lake (tie)
15 Allen’s Alley, Bolton Landing
(518) 644-7094
thechateauonthelake.com

The Inn at Erlowest (tie)
3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George
(518) 668-5928
theinnaterlowest.com

LATHAM

The Century House
997 Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 785-0834
thecenturyhouse.com

Tipsy Moose Tap and Tavern
Multiple Locations
tipsymoosetavern.com

Latham ‘76 Diner
722 New Loudon Road, Latham
(518) 785-3793
latham76diner.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Whitman Brewing Company
20 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs
(518) 682-3602
waltandwhitmanbrewing.com

Panza’s
129 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs
(518) 584-6882
panzasrestaurant.com

15 Church
15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs
(518) 587-1515
15churchrestaurant.com

SCHENECTADY

Daley’s on Yates
10 Yates Street, Schenectady
(518) 901-0174
daleysonyates.com

Cornells in Little Italy
39 North Jay Street, Schenectady
(518) 630-5002
cornellsitalian.com

The Nest
512 State Street, Schenectady
(518) 672-3018
thenest518.com

SCOTIA / GLENVILLE

Turf Tavern
40 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia
(518) 393-3671
turftavern.com

Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive In
5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia
(518) 535-4747
jumpinjacksdriveininc.com

TROY / RENSSELAER

Verdile’s Restaurant
572 2nd Street, Troy
(518) 235-8879
verdile.com

Lo Porto
85 Fourth Street, Troy
(518) 273-8546
loportostroy.com

Nighthawks Restaurant & Bar
461 Broadway, Troy
(518) 272-1000
nighthawkstroy.com

WEST SAND LAKE / AVERILL PARK

Daley’s on Crooked Lake
2339 Route 43, Averill Park
(518) 674-3132
olddaley.com

La Perla Restaurant at The Gregory House
3016 Route 43, Averill Park
(518) 674-3774
gregoryhouse.com

The Towne Tavern
2850 NY 43, Averill Park
(518) 674-3040
thetownetavern.com

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