I was going to New York City for a work conference, and I was ready for a new, interesting experience. It’s tough to find something different in New York City because (See above) a lot of places lie to get tourists in the door. Add to it that the location I went to was the Times Square location, alarms were already going off in my head as a scam. But, thankfully, I went for it anyway.

My theory in New York City, when you choose to dine at a restaurant with food from another country, is if people in the restaurant or in line are speaking the native language of the food in that restaurant, it’s a good tip that the food is decent.

Apparently, I was the new kid in line, because everyone seemed to know the plan, except for me. You arrive to the counter where you order your food on a screen. It’s ramen, yes, but you can decide the spiciness and other things to potentially include. Then, you walk to your space facing a window.

You hand the receipt you got from the counter to a person behind the window. You can’t see them; you just see hands. Everyone is speaking in Japanese, but there are translations around you so if you’re not fluent, you’re not totally confused.

If you order a dessert (I did), they give you a little dish. When you’re done with your meal, you put that little dish on a designated space, and somehow, that tells the kitchen you’re ready.

Everything I ate was amazing. The ramen? Best I’ve ever had. The dessert? Incredible. The experience? I won’t stop talking about it. It’s quite calming to be in a space where you don’t feel like you have to talk to anyone, or don’t feel odd for eating alone. Your back is to a room of people, but the experience is with you and the unknown people handing you food through a window.

A lot of times these gimmicks are just that, but the experience, paired with how delicious the food is, makes this a place I can’t wait to visit again!

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I recently went to Emry’s Garden for a friend’s bachelorette party. In 2023, Troy Beer Garden changed its name and overall vibe to Emry’s Garden.

When you walk in, it feels like you’re going to have a dinner in your bestie’s backyard surrounded by the beautiful garden they’ve worked so hard on. Even though the restaurant is a pretty open concept, the plants in the space does give it a more intimate vibe.

There are many options for different eating preferences whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or need your food gluten-free. I would describe the food as fresh. I know what you’re thinking “Well, great Jess, I hope so!” But, if you take a look at their dinner menu, you’ll understand. The food doesn’t really fit under a particular nationality, it’s really just fresh. There’s cauliflower wings, ahi tuna, shrimp, charcuterie, salads – see? Fresh. If you’re looking for a burger or steak, don’t let my examples scare you away – they have those too!

I ordered the sunshine tuna, which was diced ahi tuna tossed in a sweet soy pineapple glaze, atop house made guacamole with chipotle crema & sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds served with wonton chips ($19). It was delicious. It’s actually an appetizer, but there was enough wontons and ahi tuna that it worked for me as an entree.

Then, after, go back in time (upstairs) to The Berlin. Ignore the obvious sign on the front of the door and it really feels like you’re walking back in time to the 1930s. It may be the time of prohibition, but this speakeasy’s bar is full!

With more upscale cocktails (which is saying a lot because the cocktail list downstairs is nothing to spit at), and a more intimate space, you’ll really feel like you’re in an exclusive secret nook, hidden away.

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Sometimes I want to hang out with friends, but I want to do something. I don’t necessarily want to eat something every time, and going back-and-forth to each other’s houses gets kind of old. A great place to try if you’re in that rut, too, is The Yard.

You can rent the yard for lawn games (half to share or the whole thing) or a booth for axe throwing. If you’ve never been axe throwing, it’s such a great time. Have a stressful day? Axe throwing. Mad at someone in your life? Axe throwing. Looking for a new way to meet new people? Axe throwing. Want to prepare for a potential apocalypse? Corn hole……no, you know I mean axe throwing.

The staff of The Yard are incredibly knowledgeable and can help you with your technique, whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to improve. For those who are competitive, there are games to play to put your skills to the test. For those who just want to throw an axe at a target, there’s room for you, too.

There’s a full bar, a kitchen with delicious snacks, and Boozy Moo ice cream. Boozy Moo ice cream is hard cream infused with alcohol. You can get a flight, shake, or a dish- no matter what, it’s delicious. If you don’t want to be active (or your rental time is up), The Yard is still a great place to just hang out. When the weather is warmer, you can sit out on the patio and enjoy drinks and ice cream with friends.

The post The Yard, Albany appeared first on 518 Bites & Sights.

UPDATED 2/22/2025
Note: double-check with the restaurant directly to make sure these specials are still happening and be sure to have your ID.

• ALBANY, Wolff’s Biergarten: You may redeem your 2-litre birthday bier boot the day before, day of, or day after your birthday with proof of ID! [DETAILS]
• ALBANY, Ship’s Pub: The choice of your age in clams or a growler of Pirate’s Brew. [DETAILS]
• ALBANY, Far Shot Axe Throwing: you’re free on your birthday for groups 6+ [DETAILS]
• ALBANY, Hill Street Cafe: free jumbo mug of beer on your birthday. [DETAILS]
• CLIFTON PARK, The Rusty Nail: We will treat you to the number of chicken wings = your age. For example, if you turn 31 you’re welcome to 31 of our renowned chicken wings relative to the size of the party. You can also purchase your choice of a draft beer, soda, or our signature festive celebration cocktail that is served in a special birthday cup that is yours to keep. [DETAILS]
• COLONIE, Wasabi: All-you-can-eat sushi meal on your birthday. [DETAILS]
• GUILDERLAND, Orchard Tavern West: Join us on your actual birthday and we’ll treat you to a wing for each year of your age! [DETAILS]
• LATHAM, The Century House: free entree on your birthday [DETAILS]
• MALTA, Bentley’s: We will treat you to the number of chicken wings = your age. For example, if you turn 31 you’re welcome to 31 of our renowned chicken wings relative to the size of the party. You can purchase any of our draft beers, a blue Hawaiian birthday cocktail, or a fountain soda in a thirty-two-ounce stadium cup, with ONE free refill, and the cup is yours to keep! [DETAILS]
• SARATOGA, DZ Restaurants (Boca Bistro/Forno/Chianti II): Join their preferred guest program and get a $20 gift certificate that can be used on your birthday at any one of their restaurants. [DETAILS]
• SCHENECTADY, Wolff’s Biergarten: You may redeem your 2-litre birthday bier boot the day before, day of, or day after your birthday with proof of ID! [DETAILS]

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I was invited by The Coat Room to check out the burgers on their menu. You think coatroom and you probably think of a small space to put your coat before you go to the party or event. Take a minute and imagine that you step through that coatroom and that’s where the party begins.

It’s set up like an old-fashioned lounge with a mix of small, semi-enclosed booths and open tables, that you’d expect to see at any restaurant. The decor is dark and gothic with black and white photos, some of Saratoga and some of generic people (who may have to do with Saratoga, I didn’t ask). There’s more seating upstairs and plenty of seating around the bar.

If you’re looking for a delicious deal in Saratoga Springs, don’t miss their $25 burger and beer/wine on Wednesdays. Instead of deciding on the cook of the burger, they just “pink or not pink.” I ordered “pink,” and the burger was delicious. You could tell that the meat was a good quality with a ton of juices and flavor and the shoestring fries were addicting.

In addition to the burgers, they also offer cheese and charcuterie, pate, artisan pizzas, small plates, large plates, and signature beef entrees.

The post The Coat Room, Saratoga Springs appeared first on 518 Bites & Sights.

• Kitchen 216 (161 Washington Ave Ext.): Casual restaurant whipping up soul food such as fried fish, turkey wings, and mac ’n’ cheese.
• Umana Yana Restaurant and Wine Bar (240 Washington Ave): the only spot in the Capital Region that serves up Ethiopian fare every night. The restaurant embodies the spirit of diversity and celebrates global flavors with dishes such as Ethiopian Injera Plate and Coconut Curry Fish.
• Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen (353 Clinton Ave): Albany’s go-to spot for soul food and southern-style cuisine.
• Hot Spot Jamaican American Cuisine (244 Washington Ave): Casual locale serving up Jamaican standards, including jerk chicken, curry goat, and ackee and saltfish.
• Great Exbaketations by Chey: a bakery specializing in scratch-baked, made-to-order booze-infused cakes
• Johnny’s on Broadway (1278 Broadway): Low-key bar and grill featuring soul food, happy hour, dancing, and live music.
• Deelish Meal Prep: a family-owned small business that has been providing deelish meals around the Capital Region since 2021.
• Fresh & Fly Clothing (13 S Pearl St, Albany): Described as the “Official Swag Headquarters,” the locally-owned retailer doesn’t create style and fashion – they enhance it.
• Capo’s Breakfast Spot (267 Central Ave, Albany): Relaxed eatery serving hearty breakfasts such as grits and hash browns in a welcoming environment.
• Blooms by Marie: a neighborhood florist specializing in luxury floral designs for all occasions.
• Youth FX (25 Warren St., Albany): a non-profit organization designed to immerse young people of color in the creative and technical aspects of digital filmmaking and media production.
• Nelly’s Treats Bakery (95 Remsen St., Cohoes): Specializing in cakes, cupcakes, charcuterie boards and more, Nelly’s treats has grown from owner, Renel teaching herself how to bake in her kitchen to the lovely boutique bakery it is today.
• Keobi Restaurant (189 Lark St., Albany): The menu features Nigerian dishes such as Asaro (yam porridge), Jollof rice, Moi Moi (bean cake) and Ewa G (mashed black-eyed beans).
• TieBerrySweets: the sweet shop offers gourmet chocolate covered pretzels, hot chocolate bombs, chocolate dipped cheesecake apples and much more.
• A.J.W. Restaurant (18 Wolf Road, Colonie): Cozy restaurant serving traditional Haitian dishes, including black mushroom rice.

SCHENECTADY

• Ya Ya’s House Southern Cuisine (135 Broadway): Informal eatery specializing in soul food, including haddock, collard greens, and mac salad.
• Vibez Bar & Lounge (1490 State St): Trendy restaurant with a bar specializing in Guyanese-Caribbean cuisine and offering live music.
• Grounded Goddess (127 Jay St, Schenectady): Metaphysical shop offering a selection of crystals, herbs, and smudges, plus yoga and meditation classes.
• Cussin’s Cannabis & Nail Salon (2075 Central Ave., Schenectady): Boutique Canna Shopping & Luxury Nail Services

TROY

• TasteeTias

NORTH OF ALBANY

• Root3d (6 Chelsea Pl Suite 103, Clifton Park): a wellness center designed to recharge the mind, body and spirit, with a focus on BIPOC communities.

SOUTH OF ALBANY

• Alima’s West African Cuisine (Chatham): a small woman-owned business in Chatham NY. Alima’s serves authentic West African cuisine at several local farmers’ markets.
• Collins Kitchen (Hudson): founded by longtime Hudson locals originally from Guyana, is bringing the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.
• The Juice Branch (65 West Bridge St., Catskill): A boutique fitness studio offering small, personalized classes utilizing a unique blend of strength, boxing, and HIIT training.

EAST OF ALBANY

WEST OF ALBANY

SOME ADDITIONAL BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS RESOURCES:

• Discover Albany
• Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Region
• r/albany – Happy Black History Month
• Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy
• Albany Black Chamber of Commerce

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