An unpopular place for Valentine's Day?
Looking for something different this Valentine's Day, Katie asks via Twitter:
Any suggestions of nice places to go (other than the obvious Jacks, 677, Brown Derby, Yonos) in Albany for Valentines Day?
AOA: Are you looking for someplace out of the way -- or just sort of off the radar?
Off the radar I guess... don't want to fight for parking & don't want to pay $30 an entree. That possible? :)
A burger and a milkshake can be fun and/or romantic if you're with the right person.
So, suggestions for Katie? Please share!
Earlier on AOA: Local Valentine's Day gifts?
photo: Flickr user _FXR
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Comments
This doesn't answer the question at all, however, it really makes me miss Wine 'n' Diner. It would have been perfect.
... said Chris on Feb 9, 2012 at 2:27 PM | link
I have no idea how "off the radar" they'll really be, but I highly recommend Cafe Capriccio. I don't know if they have any entrees over $30, and when I was there recently the service was impeccable and food excellent. Parking is on the street, but I don't know how much fighting you'll have to do for it. Good luck!
... said Stef on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:03 PM | link
Maybe not as nice as what you're looking for, but the small ethnic restaurants are typically not as crowded as the chains and fancier local places.
... said Amy on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:15 PM | link
Valentine's Day is a made up holiday anyway, so go out on the 13th or the 15th and avoid the prix fixe sh*tfood and the elbows to assholes crowds.
How is this even a question?
... said ike on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:19 PM | link
The Illium Cafe on Broadway in Troy is running a special Valentine's day menu this weekend (they're not open for dinner on Tuesdays.) 3 courses for $22, tax and tip exclusive. They also have a coupon you can access on their Facebook page for a complimentary glass of wine.
I just saw in your question that you mentioned Albany specifically, but Troy's not too far off the beaten path, and the dinner's an unbeatable value.
... said s on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:23 PM | link
Check out the Table Hopping blog. Steve has been posting specific restaurant menus and prices for their Valentine's Day specials.
I know some of the Albany ones that caught my eye - Cafe Madison, The Desmond (no parking concern there...), The Point, Athos (also no parking concern), MezzaNotte, 74 State, New World Bar and Bistro.
... said Jessica R on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:28 PM | link
Sorry for the shameless plug, but at the Lark Tavern we are offering a three course meal for $50 a couple from Friday, February 10th through tuesday, February 14th. And we have a parking lot!
... said mary silverstein hancox on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:35 PM | link
My place? Ow... I think I just hurt my own feelings.
... said Tim on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:36 PM | link
I recently passed by a restaurant which didn't seem too crowded but seems very fancy, judging solely by the name. I believe it was called "The Palais Royale."
... said Bill Mahoney on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:50 PM | link
I bet there won't be many people at the Miss Albany Diner.
... said Ron on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:53 PM | link
I'd recommend Mingle. Love it there. Also love The Point & they're doing a prix fixe menu on Tuesday. I just read a blog post about Mezzanote in Guilderland and it has me wishing we made our v-day reservations there!
... said Cori on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:54 PM | link
I don't even want to tell you about it, because I don't want you all to flock to our place, but we love Sam's Italian America Restaurant. It's very much a family run, little place with amazing food, huge portions, and the best clam's I've had in a long time. It's like, sort of on a residential road off Delaware, so it's very much a hidden gem. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sams-Italian-American-Restaurant/366578768812
... said Jenna on Feb 9, 2012 at 4:10 PM | link
To the comment about made-up holidays, they're all made up! haha And yes I know what you mean. Xmas? NYE? T-giving? yeah, alllll made up. Anyway, how about Muddy's? hahaha
... said Joe on Feb 9, 2012 at 4:29 PM | link
Thanks for the tips.
... said Katie on Feb 9, 2012 at 7:11 PM | link
I second The Palais Royale. It's very classy and off the beaten path.
... said Tim on Feb 10, 2012 at 9:37 AM | link
My Linh does a Valentine's menu every year and when we've gone in the past it's never been crowded and we've never had trouble with a 7-8 ish reservation. Bonus: go see a movie at the Spectrum before or after.
... said Kizzi on Feb 10, 2012 at 10:20 AM | link
The Minissale's Restaurant and Wine Cellar in Troy (#1 14th Street, off Congress Street). They've been getting a lot of attention lately but I still doubt they'd have a huge crowd. Sicilian Italian food, great pizza and most entrees around $12-$15.
I love the place and most of the food there. My only suggestion is to skip the meatballs.
... said Danielle Sanzone on Feb 10, 2012 at 3:05 PM | link