Are you looking for the trendiest new dining spots in the Capital Region? If so, then we have you covered! Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor just passing through, here’s your one-stop resource for all the intel about exciting businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon.
Find Out Which Places Have Recently Opened
Scarlet Knife
195 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
Opened late 2022
The Scarlet Knife is a delicious farm-to-table eatery that serves brunch, dinner, and dessert. Their menu includes small and large plates, like lobster mussels, Rabbit Ragout, Prime New York Strip, and more. They prioritize locally sourced products in their dishes, and their menus evolve with the seasons. They also have an expansive wine and cocktail menu to pair with their plates. This spot also has live music every Thursday through Saturday from 6 to 9 pm.
The Painted Lemon
54 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park
Opened January 11, 2023
The Painted Lemon is a family-owned, fine-dining Italian restaurant. Their menu offers classic Italian family favorites, like Traditional Chicken Parmigiana and Linguini A Vongole. In addition, they have unique creations to try, like their Salmon Dello Chef. They serve delicious cocktails and have a large wine list that pairs perfectly with the mouthwatering dishes.
Bitchin’ Donuts
193 Lark Street, Albany
Opened March 23, 2023
Formerly known as Birch Bark Eatery, the amazing vegan donut spot has rebranded itself as Bitchin’ Donuts and is open now in Albany. The restaurant changes its donut menu weekly, so there’s always something new to try. Classic donuts are available, but there are also unique and fun flavors, like Lemon Drop, French Toast Roll, and Cosmic Cotton Candy! They also offer a food menu, which includes items like avocado fries, a burrito, and cauliflower bites.
PDT Market
55 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs
Opened March 27, 2023
This unique grocery store in Saratoga Springs offers specialty grocery items, a full-service bar, private events, cooking classes, gifts & home goods. The store’s market sells ready-made food and takeaway meals, perfect for grabbing on the go. The bar serves a changing menu of small plates, like ramen, dim sum, shrimp cocktail, and more.
Crumbl Cookies
664 New Loudon Road, Latham
Opened March 31, 2023
Known for their recognizable pink boxes, a Crumbl Cookies location opened in Latham in late March 2023. This cookie spot rotates weekly flavors, ranging from a classic chocolate chip cookie to unique flavors like Peanut Butter Munch and Caramel Shortbread. There are plans to open another location in Clifton Park this summer in the Clifton Park Center Mall.
Herbie’s Burgers
415 Fulton St, Troy
Opened April 2023
If you’re looking for an old-school, classic burger, Herbie’s Burgers is the place! Herbie’s has four locations open throughout the Capital Region, with their Troy location being the newest addition. Herbie’s meals are made with local, organic ingredients and there are vegan options for everything on their menu. Choose from different burgers, milkshakes, and specialty fries for mouthwatering food.
Aroma Joe’s
660 Hoosick Road, Brunswick
Opened May 8, 2023
Aroma Joe’s is a coffee shop chain that offers coffee beverages, tea, espresso, energy drinks, and bakery items. This shop provides a unique experience as there isn’t an option to go inside to order—it’s a drive-thru concept. However, if guests don’t want to wait in the drive-thru, there is an option to walk up to a window. The first Capital Region location has opened in Brunswick.
See What’s Opening in the Coming Months
Fidens Brewing Taproom
897 Broadway, Albany
Tentative late spring 2023
Fidens Brewing Company plans to open a taproom in late Spring of 2023. The spot will include a restaurant and taproom with retail sales. The food menu has yet to be finalized, but dishes will complement the beer and vice versa. This restaurant will have a comfortable community vibe with big tables that can seat a party of 10, but also smaller tables for an intimate dining experience.
The Pretty Paw Lounge
370 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam
Opens May 2023 (tentative; grand opening date TBA)
Calling all cat lovers, this spot will be a must-visit! The Pretty Paw Lounge is a cat cafe where you can enjoy coffee and hang out with adoptable cats and kittens at the same time. The lounge has partnered with Kitten Angels to have about 15 adoptable cats in the cafe. Guests can book 30-minute to 1-hour time slots to spend time with cats. A glass window will separate the cafe and the area where guests can visit with the cats to meet compliance requirements.
Smith’s Public House
171 Remsen St., Cohoes
Opens summer 2023
Smith’s Public House is the revival of Smith’s Restaurant, a historic pub in Cohoes. They are planning to open Summer of 2023 and will introduce a new food and drink menu. The new owner plans to keep the tradition of quality food and a welcoming atmosphere and hopes it can continue to be a local hotspot.
Tipsy Taco Cantina
704 Loudon Road, Latham
Opens summer 2023
Tipsy Taco Cantina is expected to open this summer! This Mexican-inspired restaurant’s menu will include vegetarian options, appetizers, salsa and queso, guacamole, and an extensive tequila selection. The restaurant will also have a patio for outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a cold margarita on a warm day!
