Your local guide
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THE PEOPLE’S LOCAL FAVORITES
Who makes the best tacos? Where do you take a friend for coffee? Give your favorite local places a little recognition.
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Explore a shortlist from our researched local directory. Each group explains how its places were selected. These suggestions are separate from the community votes above and do not represent a citywide award.
Each profile links to its sources. Ratings, where available, can change. Use the heart on a photo to save a place for later.
See your saved places →Independent kitchens, neighborhood cafes and places for your next meal.
Selected from sourced Google ratings of at least 4.3 with 20 or more reviews, ordered by rating then review count.
New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room is situated in the Center Square neighborhood at 209 Lark Street in Albany. The business has a presence in this neighborhood. Drinks served include cocktails made with spirits from New…
Villa di Como Ristorante is a farm distillery and authentic Italian restaurant located in Albany, New York. The restaurant is designed and decorated as an Italian villa, providing a homey yet professional atmosphere…
The Yard is a sports bar and hatchet house located in downtown Albany. It offers unique axe throwing, lawn games, and events. The business is under new ownership and management. The Yard has a variety of food and drink…
Iron Gate Cafe, a family-owned business, operates on the edge of historical Center Square in downtown Albany. The cafe serves homemade dishes, including soups, salads, and sandwiches, all made with quality ingredients.…
Sabor a Campo Restaurant is a family-owned eat-in buffet and carry-out style restaurant at 485 Delaware Avenue in Albany, NY, specializing in multicultural home recipes that blend authentic Hispanic, Soul, and American…
Browse locally rooted shops and find something beyond the usual chains.
An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.
24 Hour Albany News and Grocery is an independent shop on Central Avenue.
99¢ Plus Discount Store is an independent shop on Central Avenue.
Albany Hip Hop Sportswear is an independent shop on Clinton Avenue.
Army & Navy Store Unique is an independent shop on Central Avenue.
B. Lodge & Co. in Albany, NY, sells clothing and department store items, including school uniforms and medical scrubs, with high-quality products. The store allows try-ons before buying, and while uniforms cannot be…
BISMILLAH MEDITERRANEAN SUPERMARKET INC. is an independent shop on Central Avenue.
Museums, galleries and cultural stops from our city directory.
An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.
The Albany Art Room, situated at 350 New Scotland Ave. in Albany, NY, provides a space for adults of all levels of experience to make art and purchase pieces made by over 30 local artists. Art supplies and classes are…
Albany Barn is a gallery and cultural center on 2nd Street.
Albany Center Gallery presents art exhibitions at its North Pearl Street gallery. The organization also hosts workshops and supports artists in the Capital Region.
Opalka Gallery is a gallery and cultural center on New Scotland Avenue.
Want a different neighborhood or cuisine? Search all 147 places in our directory →. These selections are not paid placements.
