These eateries are tasty, unique, and don't require an hour wait.
1. Karavalli- Latham, NY
This place is AMAAAAZZZIIINNNG. It's hands down the best Indian food in the area. I highly recommend the lunch buffet. It's not your typical Indian lunch buffet-they have everything. Karavalli specializes in food from six different regions in India. The buffet features about a dozen warm dishes, a cold food bar, six different chutneys, and usually two or three desserts. They also bring fresh warm naan to your table and have killer mango lassi. Seriously, next time you have a hankering for Indian food, make the drive to Latham and go to Karavalli. You will not regret it. If you go for the weekend buffet, get there right when they open at noon to avoid the weekend rush.
Must Try
Buffet, Mango Lassi, Naan
Best Time to Go
Weekends right when they open
Why Is it so Great?
Variety of cuisines, table-side naan, the freshest buffet
2. 3Fish Coffee- Albany, NY
This cute, airy coffee shop feels like an indie cafe from Seattle or Portland was picked up and gently nestled between two brownstones on Madison Ave. Owned and operated by the owners of the Downtube bike shop, this cafe serves the best coffee in the region. Rich, dense lattes, Taza stone-ground hot chocolate, and uniquely topped toasts are the food highlights (their ricotta, honey, pistachio peasant toast changed my life). While local art, a landscaped patio, and chic industrial decor sets the mood. This cafe is always filled with local students and artists and is a beautiful community hub.
Must Try
Latte, ricotta, honey & pistachio toast, goat cheese & mango chutney toast, vegan chocolate spelt cake
Best Time to Go
7:30-10:00 am when the sun fills the shop and students haven't crowded in yet
Why Is it so Great?
Community involvement, historic building, artist-industrial decor, excellent coffee, unique flavors
3. Hong Kong Bakery & Bistro- Colonie, NY
Dim sum. Egg Tarts. Bubble Tea. Need I say more? This place has it all: made to order dim sum of every kind you can imagine, Chinese bakery, and teas galore. When I lived in Albany, I frequently drove 20 minutes to get a taro bubble tea and moon cake from Hong Kong Bakery. The dim sum is traditional, delicious, and comes out piping hot. Bubble tea smoothies are creamy and thick, and the pearls are perfectly cooked with a dense chew and slight sweetness. The bakery is always stocked with lotus seed, mung bean, and red bean pastries, jiggly Japanese cheesecake, walnut cookies, and during the Autumn Festival, moon cakes.
Must Try
Lotus seed & egg yolk pastry, bubble tea (my fav is taro), pineapple bun, beef rice noodle
Best Time to Go
Afternoons. Dim sum & bakery are still open but it's less crowded
Why Is it so Great?
Fresh baked goods, the best bubble tea, made-to-order dim sum, plus they have a couple of very funny waiters
4. Tipsy Moose- Latham, NY
THE MOST interesting tap list in the Cap District. Combine that with poutine and a cabin-esque atmosphere and you've got one hell of a bar and grill with a fantastic name. This bar evokes images of rustic getaways in the Adirondacks. The bar is open to both the restaurant and the patio, via walk-up ordering window. The food is hearty and includes comfort staples such as mac & cheese and burgers, and twists on classics such as maple-bacon sweet potato fries and beer-battered grilled cheese. I once went here and ordered two beers, a plate of poutine, and the most extravagant burger on the menu all for myself. I have no regrets.
Must Try
Poutine, any of the beers, Moose Rack burger
Best Time to Go
Late afternoon/early evening if you prefer quiet, 6pm or later if you like an energetic crowd!
Why Is it so Great?
Rustic feel, comfort food with a twist, GREAT tap list
5. Short & Stout Tea- Albany, NY
Short & Stout is a tea lover's dream. They have over 100 teas that you can buy loose leaf or have brewed for you in-house to enjoy in their lounge. They also carry tea-infused baked goods such as chai shortbread or chamomile-lemon scones, and they carry a selection of delectable French macarons. Short & Stout also has great bubble tea, tea smoothies, and tea lattes. They take their tea VERY seriously, helping customers select teas to match their preferences and crafting an unforgettable tea drinking experience by perfecting their water temperature and steeping times. I recommend this place on a cold weekend day; bring your book and favorite sweater.
Must Try
Tea-infused shortbread, macarons, any house-brewed tea of your choice
Best Time to Go
Short & Stout doesn't get too crowded unless they are hosting an event, but I prefer weekend mornings for a slow, relaxing experience
Why Is it so Great?
They know their tea inside & out, passion for excellence, beautifully hand-crafted treats, relaxing lounge atmosphere
Are there any other gems that I didn't include? Any places you recommend I try? Message me and let me know! I may just include it on my next Albany post.
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