Albany-Need suggestions near Wolf Rd./Central Avenue shopping area

[hopegoode]

I would love to try a recommended ethnic restaurant or a good fish place; I am an experimental eater. Any places with early dinner specials? Thanks, in advance, for your help.

[markabauman]

Unfortunately, Wolf Road is the home of the large chain restaurant: Macaroni Grill, Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory, etc. "Ethnic" would be P.F. Chang's. However, there is a well-regarded seafood restaurant at 195 Wolf (north end) called The Real Seafood Co. Might be a good choice.

[LJNew]

There is a decent Chinese restaurant on Wolf Rd near Central Ave called the Emperors. It is one of the few good ones in Albany and I believe it is Hong Kong Style cooking (if I am mistaken someone will be sure to correct me).

There is also a newer place called something like the Buffalo Wagon up a little further right off Wolf Rd across from Macaroni Grill. I have not tried it yet but I believe it is supposed to be mixed asian cuisines.

[financialdistrictresident]

If you are willing to venture a little further you will find much better food options (Stuyvesant Plaza, Delaware Avenue and downtown Albany). Agree with markabauman Wolf Road is a chain mecca. There is a good sushi place not far from Roma Foods. The name escapes me at the moment.

More on Chinese food:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/601116?tag=main_body;topic-601116

This thread might also be helpful:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/3496...

[financialdistrictresident]

Just remembered Ali Baba in Troy (if you are willing to venture beyond Wolf Road/Central Avenue). I have not been yet but it gets good reports on this Board. You might want to do a search.

[mcf]

http://www.bfsrestaurant.com/

I don't know how close you are, but I've been at affairs catered by them, and eaten in the restaurant. The food is really top notch.

[financialdistrictresident]

mcf, I'm near Malta so Albany, Troy (anything besides Ali Baba or Tosca worth trying?) , Saratoga Springs work. Schenectady has more limited dining options and tougher location-wise. We've been to Glen Sanders, Aperitivo, Cella Bistro, Pinhead Susan's.

Looking forward to trying Ali Baba. Unfortunately they are closed on Sundays when I would like to go.

[PSZaas]

For Malta, have you tried Lake Ridge, in Round Lake? Or 51 Front Bistro In Ballston Spa? Cliff's for steaks?

-----
Cliffs Country Inn
2345 Route 9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

51 Front Bistro and Wine Bar
51 Front St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Lake Ridge Restaurant
35 Burlington Ave, Round Lake, NY 12151

[jaylhorner]

I second the rec for 51 Front.

[financialdistrictresident]

We went to 51 Front Street this week. Nice selection of reasonably priced wines. Had the goat cheese salad with roasted fennel, duck entree. SO had the grouper entree. I liked it better then the duck. By the way they don't serve espresso.

[AmyH]

I second the recommendation of Emperor's. Great Chinese food. An Indian restaurant recently opened right next to them, where Bangkok Thai used to be, but I don't know the name and haven't eaten there. I've also heard good things about the new Buffalo Wagon restaurant. The entrance is lovely. Also in that area, but on Central, is Arirang. It's mostly Korean with sushi and maybe Thai mixed in. I have heard good things about it. It's west of Wolf Road where several sushi places have been before. It's owned by the owners of Kim's Market. Also on Central, but to the east of Wolf, is Pancho's for Mexican. It's reasonably good. Oh, and I also second the recommendation of Reel Seafood. Excellent, fresh fish and seafood, nicely prepared.

[hopegoode]

Thank you all for your suggestions. Just returned from dinner at Buffalo Wagon- based on LJNew's recommendation. I was quite impressed with the authenticity of the sashimi dinner there. The miso soup and the jasmine tea are of the highest quality. My fish selections were pristine and the presentation was lovely. It certainly was equal to the Japanese food in Manhattan. No liquor license yet but the tea was satisfying.

I eyed the various Pan-Asian dishes coming out and all looked delicious. The chef must be very talented to attempt such a varied menu.

I will keep all your other suggestions for my next shopping day in Albany- thanks again!

[financialdistrictresident]

hopegoode, thanks for the report. Especially appreciate the details.

[LJNew]

Thanks for the feedback - sounds great. It is on my list.