Crossgates or Colonie Center? Here's How They Compare
When it comes to shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one convenient location in the Albany area, two major malls dominate the scene: Crossgates and Colonie Center. Located under 10 minutes from each other, these two retail hubs have been serving the Capital Region for decades.
While both offer an exceptional directory of stores, restaurants, and seasonal fun, each mall brings its own distinct personality to the table. Whether you're planning a full day of family fun or are running out to buy a particular clothing item, we've broken down the key differences between Crossgates and Colonie Center.
At a Glance
Crossgates:
- Located in Guilderland
- Opened in 1984
- Largest mall in the Capital Region
- More entertainment options
- Trendy fashion
Colonie Center:
- Located in Colonie
- Opened in 1966
- Slightly smaller, easy to navigate
- More relaxed atmosphere
- Upscale shopping and dining
Quick History Lesson: Regional Hub VS Community Cornerstone
Crossgates
Prior to the 1980s, the Capital Region lacked a massive retail destination that drew visitors from beyond the immediate area. This changed when Crossgates opened its doors in 1984.
Located just off I-87, Crossgates was a convenient shopping destination that could bring in visitors from across the region.
Today, Crossgates exists as the largest indoor shopping, dining, and entertainment center in the Capital Region.
Colonie Center
Colonie Center came along before Crossgates, in 1966, boasting the region's first enclosed shopping mall. What started out as a standard destination for retail stores, has evolved into a sleek, highly accessible destination tailored to the local community.
The compact, two-story structure makes it exceptionally easy to navigate, making it perfect for quick errand runs as well as entertainment and dining.
A Word on the Growth of Malls in General
As many malls have pivoted to more of an outdoor setup, as we see with Clifton Park Center and Stuyvesant Plaza, enclosed malls have had to pivot in recent years.
No longer can shopping malls get away with just being about shopping - there must be plenty of options for restaurants and entertainment, including but not limited to movie theaters and arcades.
These big-ticket items draw the visitors in, who end up shopping at/supporting the smaller stores via foot traffic. This is important in this type of setup, because you can't see the storefronts from the outside, and they need some love as well!
Both Crossgates and Colonie Center have shifted beautifully to encompass all that visitors expect to see in a mall today. Whether you're planning to spend an entire day, or you're running errands and plan to get in and get out, either fits the bill.
Stores Selections & Shopping Vibes
Crossgates: Trendy Fashion & Exclusive Retailers
Crossgates is tough to beat when it comes to high-energy shopping and exclusive brand names. It holds the Capital Region's only Zara and Apple Store, along with youth and adult staples like H&M, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Express, American Eagle, Banana Republic, and Michael Kors.
Anchor stores include Macy's, JCPenny, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Primark. Additionally, the mall features Build-a-Bear, the Lego Store, Best Buy, Hot Topic, and Spencer's.
Plus, exciting news for reading enthusiasts: a Barnes & Noble is set to open in the fall of 2026, making it the first bookstore the mall has seen since Borders closed in 2011!
Colonie Center: Upmarket Staples & Practical Favorites
Colonie Center offers a curated, relaxed shopping experience catered toward young professionals, families, and adult shoppers looking to avoid large crowds. Major highlights include L.L. Bean, Boscov's, and Whole Foods Market.
For wardrobe updates and and work apparel, shoppers love Macy's (frequently praised for its calm, organized layout and selection), J.Crew, Express, and H&M. It's also hosted a Barnes & Noble since 2007.
Entertainment: Action Packed Attractions VS Low-Key Leisure
Crossgates: The Ultimate Entertainment Destination
Crossgates is now a full-scale entertainment wonderworld, so if you're bringing kids, teens, or a group of friends, you can take your pick from the following:
- Arcades and gaming at Dave & Busters and Apex Entertainment
- Immersive, team-building fun at 5 Wits and All in Adventures Escape Rooms
- Fun for kids with Billy Beez and Get Air Trampoline Park
- Nightlife and comedy with the Funny Bone Comedy Club
- Movies at Regal Cinema, featuring large-format IMAX screens and excellent sound
Colonie Center: Comfort-First Movie Nights
Colonie Center's centerpiece attraction for entertainment is the Regal Colonie Center & RPX movie theater. Local moviegoers consistently rate Colonie Center as the absolute favorite in the area for movies, praising its plush, reclining seats, ample legroom, and manageable crowd sizes.
They do also have Go Playland, an indoor space designed for babies, toddlers, and younger kids.
Dining: Large Food Courts & Prime Restaurants
Crossgates: Sprawling Food Court & A Variety of Restaurants
Food Court: Crossgates has a large food court featuring chain staples like Taco Bell, Wendy's, and Sbarro.
Restaurants: Full-service dining options include Texas de Brazil, 110 Grill, Emperor Garden, and Aloha Krab.
Colonie Center: Cozy Food Court & Crowd-Pleasing Restaurants
Food Court: A smaller, brighter, cozy food court with comfortable seating options and dining faves like Arby's, Charley's Philly Steaks, and G&T Cafe.
Restaurants: Visitors especially love The Cheesecake Factory, as evidenced in reviews, but the mall also features P.F. Chang's and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse.
The Verdict: Both Deliver a Great Day Out
Crossgates and Colonie Center each offer a wide range of shopping and dining options. While Crossgates offers more in the way of arcades and entertainment, Colonie Center is frequently praised as having the best movie theater in the area.
Both are clean, spacious, and have ample parking. Come fall of 2026, they'll both have a Barnes & Noble. Both offer trick-or-treating at the mall come Halloween, and visits with Santa and the Easter Bunny.
Crossgates is the place to go if you're shopping with teenagers, taking young kids out for an active afternoon, or you're heading out with a friend group for a lively time. Colonie Center is the prime choice if you prefer a calm day out shopping, walking around an easy-to-navigate mall, with super comfortable seating in both the food court and the movie theater.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crossgates & Colonie Center
What are the main differences between Crossgates and Colonie Center?
Crossgates is larger and offers more shopping, entertainment, and attractions, while Colonie Center provides a smaller (but still ample), quieter shopping experience with popular restaurants and an easy layout.
Which mall has a bookstore?
Colonie Center has a Barnes & Noble - Crossgates is getting one in fall of 2026!
Which mall has the better movie theater?
Both malls feature Regal Cinemas with large screens. Crossgates is known for its premium large-format experiences, while some moviegoers prefer Colonie Center for the ultra comfortable seating and less-crowded environment.
Which mall has better dining options?
Crossgates has a larger food court and more entertainment-focused dining, while Colonie Center is home to destination restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang's, and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse.
Which mall is better for buying clothes?
Crossgates is the prime choice for trendy fashion and younger shoppers, at stores like Zara, Primark, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21. Colonie Center appeals to shoppers looking for timeless styles, professional clothing, and outdoor apparel from stores like L.L. Bean.
Which mall has more entertainment?
Crossgates take the cake here, with Dave & Buster's, Apex Entertainment, the Funny Bone Comedy Club, and more.
Can I bring my dog to the mall?
Crossgates only allows service animals. Colonie Center does allow dogs, but only in compliance with the rules listed out on their website, like they must be leashed or in a carrier at all times, they're not permitted in the food court, etc.
Are there youth escort or curfew policies for teenagers?
Crossgates - which tends to get more teens in general - enforces a Parental Escort Policy that dictates visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or 21+ adult during designated hours, namely 2pm to close. At Colonie Center, unaccompanied minor groups must be limited to four or fewer people during regular hours, and school-aged youth must be accompanied by a parent or 21+ adult during school hours.
How do I get to Crossgates and Colonie Center on the CDTA bus?
Crossgates is a major CDTA bus transit hub, with a pickup/drop-off location near 110 Grill. Colonie Center is accessible via Central Avenue and Wolf Road CDTA bus lines, including the BusPlus Red Line (Route 905).
Do Crossgates and Colonie Center have EV charging stations?
Yes, they both do. Crossgates has Tesla Superchargers and EVgo/ChargePoint stations near the main entrances. Colonie Center offers charging spots near Whole Foods and the main Wolf Road entrances.
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