Need lunch rec near Colonie or Crossgates/Albany

[mjoyous]

I know a lot of little, interesting places in Albany, but am not aware of anything but the chains around Colonie Center (and/or Crossgates.) We'll be limited in time, so need to eat in or around the mall. Can anyone recommend a decent lunch place (any type of food) or a chain that's tolerable?
Was going to try P.F. Chang until I read the posts on the board, now that's a no. Have eaten at Cheesecake Factory once; that was enough (though I do like the cheesecake.)
Any thoughts?

[King Vulture]

Ralph's Tavern on Central Ave., not far from Fuller Road, is a great lunch place. The menu is mostly Italian but they have lots of sandwiches and the prices are extremely reasonable. Awesome chicken wings too!

[mjoyous]

Thanks all for the recommendations! Am going to look into the non-chain ones, especially BFS. Have done Sty Plaza often, found Mangia OK (liked when they had white whole wheat pizzas, back quite a while), and have had mix results at Provence.
Thanks again!

[jspear]

Try Beff's on Everet Rd for pub food, quick lunch and good pizza. I like almost nothing in the crossgates area.

[financialdistrictresident]

Hope this post isn't too late to be helpful. Try Stuyvesant Plaza (Fuller Road & Western Avenue), a little shopping center close to Crossgates Mall. I've had lunch at Provence (French) and Mangia (a chain?).

[PSZaas]

Mangia is closed, pending a reopening in another format. Provence is very nice.

[financialdistrictresident]

PSZaas, thanks for letting me know. I'm heading Upstate this weekend.

[Diane]

If you like Italian how about D'Raymonds in Loudonville on the Albany Shaker Rd. which has delicious lunches and reasonable (call ahead for a reservation and they are open on Mondays); Inferno Pizza also Albany Shaker Road has a nice dining room; TJ's Cafe or Ralph's Tavern on Central Avenue near Colonie Center; Real Seafood Co, on Wolf Road down from the Colonie Center for fresh seafood. Hope this has helped you out.

[PSZaas]

BFS is a cozy Lebanese place, with terrific lunches (and dinners) just down from Crossgates Mall. Beats the crap out of any of the chains.

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BFS Delicatessen & Cafe
1736 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203

[jaylhorner]

Cheesecake Factory usually has a wait if you have limited time.
Across the street is a decent Chinese restaurant...Emperor's Palace.