Capital Region residents have a long memory, and while it’s inevitable longtime favorites will be closed and replaced by new ones, they won’t necessarily be forgotten so easily. The most recent loss? Jack's Oyster house is closed and up for sale.
A few that always are mentioned are Andy’s & Sons deli, Joe’s Deli, Woolworth’s Lunch Counter in Albany and Shakey’s Pizza in Latham. But there are many more reported by Steve Barnes in Table Hopping through the years.
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Andrea’s Pub, Halfmoon
The community watering hole, Andrea’s Pub, opened in 1984 and closed in April 2018.
Google MapsAndy & Sons Importing Co., Albany
After 65 years of business, Andy & Sons Importing Co., a beloved Italian deli and food shop, closed its doors at 256 Delaware Ave. after owners Vincent and Carmen Benincasa retired. Read more.
Melissa Manno/Times Union
Aubergine, Hillsdale (Columbia County)
Augbergine opened in the 1990s in a Dutch Colonial brick building that was constructed in 1783 and was formerly L’Hostellerie Bressane. It received a rare four-star rating from the Times Union.
APRIL L. DOWD/DGBavarian Chalet, Guilderland
Bavarian Chalet was a spot for German food and beer from 1963 to 2005.
TOM LAPOINT/DGBlue 82, Albany
Blue 82, a cocktail lounge that opened on Memorial Day weekend in 2005, closed in 2022 after nearly a year of legal wrangling between the business and its landlord. Read more.
Bushati, EraBob & Rons Fish Fry, Albany (and later, Latham)
The original Albany location of Bob & Rons Fish Fry closed in 2015 after 67 years. The Latham location closed in April 2016.
John Carl D'Annibale/Times UnionBombers Burrito Bar, Albany
Bombers Burrito Bar in Albany closed after a run of nearly 26 years, a victim of changing customer habits and an inability to recover from the pandemic, its owner said. A Schenectady location closed earlier in 2023. Learn more.
Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionButcher Block, Colonie
The Butcher Block was open on Central Ave. in Colonie from 1982 until it was replaced by Central Steak in 2010. The removal of the salad bar was a big loss to the community, and Central Steak also closed in 2012. The location is now the site of a Cumberland Farms.
APRIL L DOWD/DGCasey’s Restaurant, Rensselaer
Casey’s, open on Washington Avenue for almost 29 years, was closed and sold in 2022. Read more.
Paul Buckowski/Times UnionCella Bistro, Schenectady
A valued part of the Schenectady restaurant scene since 2006, Cella Bistro closed in November 2017 so the family could focus on chef Michael Cella’s ailing health.
Michael P. Farrell/Times UnionCircus Café, Saratoga Springs
Circus Café, known for a festive atmosphere complete with cotton candy, closed after 14 years in September 2017.
Michael P. Farrell/Times UnionClay’s Fish Fry, Colonie
Clay’s Fish Fry, located on Sand Creek near Wolf Rd., was demolished in 2010 to make way for Chipotle and other retail space.
Fred McKinneyThe Cranberry Bog, Colonie
The popular Cranberry Bog restaurant was torn down in 2002.
TOM LAPOINT/DGThe Cuckoo's Nest, Albany
The Cuckoo’s Nest, a contemporary Southern restaurant that six years ago took over the former longtime home of the popular Ginger Man, is for sale and will close once the property is sold. Learn more.
Lori Van Buren/Times UnionDebbie’s Kitchen, Albany
Debbie’s Kitchen, an Albany institution for sandwiches, soups and baked goods since 1985, closed for good in April 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Michael P. Farrell/Times UnionThe Electric Grinch, Schenectady
The Electric Grinch opened in 1979 down the street from GE in Schenectady.
Times UnionElena’s Italian Caffe, Albany
Elena’s Italian Caffe in Albany was a fixture at Central and Lexington Avenues for 28 years. It closed at the end of 2015.
Steve Barnes/Times UnionFannie’s Restaurant, Latham
The landmark Fannie’s Restaurant, famous for pizza and clams, was open for 50 years before closing in 2006.
APRIL L. DOWD/DGFerretti’s Pizza, Clifton Park
Ferretti’s, a mainstay for pizza and other casual Italian fare, closed in 2018 after 30 years.
Ferretti’s PizzaFish & Game, Hudson
Fish & Game, a remarkable restaurant that gained local and national acclaim under chef Zakary Pelaccio, closed permanently in October after seven years.
Cindy Schultz/Times UnionFive Points Market & Deli, Saratoga Springs
Five Points Market & Deli, which had been the site of a grocery for more than a century, closed in August. Owner Maura Pulver said she no longer wants to own a market but will still make her popular breakfast sandwiches under the name Simply Food by Maura. She will also continue her catering business, including her Take Five Dinners.
Will Waldron/Times UnionGarcia's, Colonie
Garcia's Mexican Restaurant, a mainstay of family-friendly fare in Colonie for 25 years, closed in 2008. Over the years, Garcia's served: 4 million customers, 2 million margaritas and 1.3 million mini chimis. Read more.
Courtesy of Paul CaianoGaspary’s Quackenbush House, Albany
Gaspary’s, a longtime tenant of the Quackenbush House, built circa 1730, changed its name to Quackenbush House in 1986, and was later the site of Nicole’s and now Olde English Pub & Pantry.
NONE/RAYMOND B. SUMMERSThe Ginger Man, Albany
The Ginger Man closed after 34 years in September 2017. It was replaced by a Southern-influenced American restaurant, The Cuckoo’s Nest.
Michael P. Farrell/Times UnionGrandma’s Pies & Restaurant, Colonie
’Grandma’s Pies, open since 1976, was an area institution that was famed for requiring police traffic control to handle the volume of vehicles picking up some 10,000 pies it sold every Thanksgiving week. It closed permanently in August 2020 due to the pandemic.
Wendy Liberatore/Times UnionThe Grog Shoppe, Schenectady
Home of the famous Grog Burger, The Grog Shoppe was located at the intersection of Erie Boulevard and State Street for about 40 years. It closed in September 2016.
Stacey Lauren/Times UnionThe Grist Mill, Warrensburg
A fire in November 2020 claimed most of the historic building that housed the popular Grist Mill in Warrensburg. The owner says he intends to rebuild.
Paul D. Kniskern Sr./Times UnionHamilton Street Cafe, Albany
Hamilton Street Cafe, a breakfast-and-lunch spot in the shadow of the Empire State Plaza, abruptly announced in 2022 that the restaurant would close after more than 24 years. The closure note says, “Huge cost increases and a changing labor market have made it very difficult for us to continue.” Read more.
Provided photoHoward Johnson’s Restaurant, Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany
Howard Johnson’s was one of the first tenants to open for business in Stuyvesant Plaza in 1959. It then became Mangia, and was later demolished to make room for Creo'. Creo' has since closed and it is now Jacob & Anthony’s Italian Kitchen.
Jack’s Oyster House, Albany
The Albany institution closed in 2022 for what was described as extensive renovations by the owner. About a year and a half later, two days before what would have been its 111th birthday, it was officially closed and put on the market. Owner Brad Rosenstein is open to selling the Jack’s Oyster House name, “But it would have to be the right person, the right fit. I’d love to see Jack’s be brought back and continue.” Read more.
Susie Davidson Powell/For the Times UnionJillian’s, Albany
Jillian’s, a mainstay of the North Pearl Street entertainment scene, closed in 2012.
Paul Buckowski/Times UnionJ.J. Rafferty's Bar & Grill, Latham
J.J. Rafferty’s Bar & Grill, a Latham spot known for attracting a 30s-and-older suburban crowd with bands, DJs and karaoke for more than 20 years, closed in September. Learn more.
Will Waldron/Times UnionJustin’s, Albany
Justin’s, a Lark St. mainstay for almost half a century, closed in 2015. Chef Ric Orlando, who moved on to become chef and owner at New World Bistro until leaving there in 2020, cooked there in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Philip Kamrass/Times UnionKatrinella’s Bistro, Albany
Katrinella’s Bistro on Madison Avenue closed in 2013 after only four years, but in that time it earned a reputation for offering good food at bargain prices.
Paul Buckowski/Times UnionL’Auberge, Albany
L’Auberge was a French restaurant that was once regarded as the height of gastronomic taste for the region. The last owner, Nicole Plisson, closed the restaurant in the 1990s to open Nicole’s Bistro at Quackenbush House. Plisson died after a battle with cancer in 2012.
Jack Madigan/DGL’Ecole Encore, Albany
L’Ecole Encore, once located on Fuller Road near Stuyvesant Plaza closed in 2001.
Steve Jacobs/Times UnionL’Epicure, East Greenbush
L’Epicure was a French restaurant located in a historic building that closed in 1991. A reader on the Table Hopping blog said Chef Gibellino aged his own beef, grew his own herbs and vegetables, and flew in truffles from Europe weekly.
Paul D. Kniskern Sr./Times UnionL-Ken’s, Colonie
L-Ken’s in Colonie closed in 2008 after 40 years on Central Ave. The building was demolished in July 2016.
Arnold LeFevre/DGLa Serre, Albany
La Serre, a haven for politicos and celebrities in Albany for 43 years, closed in spring 2020. Read the story.
ProvidedLark Tavern, Albany
The watering hole near the corner of Lark Street and Madison Avenue in Albany since 1933 has been closed since the pandemic began in March 2020, and the building was reported as being for sale in November.
Michael P. Farrell/Times UnionLeo’s Bakery, Albany
The landmark Leo’s Bakery was established by Leo Fliegelman in 1964 and sold in 1987.
Skip Dickstein/Times UnionLobster Pound, Latham
The popular restaurant and market, Lobster Pound, opened in 1955 and was closed by the late 1990s.
Jack Madigan/DGLombardo’s, Albany
After 100 years, Lombardo’s, an institution for Italian and Italian-American fare announced in 2018 it would close after service on New Year’s Eve.
Tom LaPoint/Times UnionLums, Albany
Lums was a popular franchise remembered by Table Hopping readers from the 1970s.
Table HoppingMahar’s Public Bar, Albany
The hearts of beer lovers all over the Capital Region broke when Mahar’s on Madison Avenue closed in 2013.
Paul Buckowski/Times UnionMangia, Slingerlands
Mangia closed after 25 years in 2015.
Jonathan Fickies/Times UnionMercato’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Delmar
After 22 years in business, Mercato’s Pizzeria & Restaurant in Delmar closed in May 2019, but the menu is still available in the Capital Region. Get details.
Luanne M. Ferris/Times UnionMild Wally’s, Albany
After 28 years, seven full cycles of college undergrads and more than 5 million chicken wings, Mild Wally’s in Albany closed in April 2019.
Michael P. Farrell/Times UnionMinissale’s, Troy
The family closed Minissale’s in 2016 after being in business for 38 years to focus efforts on their line of sauces and more offered at area supermarkets.
Cindy Schultz/Times UnionMiss Albany Diner, Albany
Miss Albany Diner, built in 1941, closed in 2012. It was replaced by Sciortino’s, which was later replaced by Tanpopo Ramen. Read the New York Times article about the restaurant’s last day of service.
Paul D. Kniskern Sr./Times UnionMontcalm Restaurant, Lake George
Montcalm Restaurant closed in 2013 after 57 years of being owned by the same family.
April L. Dowd/Special to the Times UnionMuza, Troy
Muza, an Eastern European restaurant in Troy near Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute that had been closed “until further notice” for the past several months is now closed “indefinitely.” Owner Alicja Siemiginowska died after being treated for cancer for a year in 2024. Learn more.
Photo courtesy MuzaNotty Pine, Troy
The Notty Pine, a neighborhood tavern and restaurant on 15th Street in Troy since the end of World War II, closed in 2021. Read more.
Cindy SchultzOliver’s Cafe, Glenville
After nearly 28 years, Oliver’s Cafe closed in August 2021 because the owners, Claudia and Warren Bush, wanted to retire.
Pete DeMola/Times UnionOne Caroline Bistro, Saratoga Springs
One Caroline Bistro was a cherished music venue and dining spot that opened in 1995 and closed in February 2018.
John Carl D'Annibale/Times UnionPauly's Hotel, Albany
Pauly’s Hotel, said to be the oldest bar in the city and a beloved music venue for decades, closed at the end of November, and the business is for sale. Learn more.
Shane BarrowsPlatt’s Place, Colonie
Platt’s Place, a restaurant, deli and catering business, closed in 1999 after 62 years. It was replaced by Buca di Beppo.
Tom LaPoint/Times UnionThe Purple Pub, Watervliet
The Purple Pub, which served more than 2 million pizzas in the first 45 years in business, closed in 2022 after its 50th year. Owners Greg and Bob (aka Butch) Rentz, who are brothers, cited common difficulties of the past few years, including rising prices and staff shortages, but the primary reason for closure is the desire to spend more time with family, they said. Read more.
Will Waldron/Times UnionQuintessence, Albany
The 1930s-era silver diner Quintessence was a landmark on New Scotland Ave. Albany Medical Center’s $110 million Park South project called for demolition of the entire block where it was located.
Luanne M. Ferris/Times UnionReel Seafood, Colonie
Reel Seafood on Wolf Rd. in Colonie, abruptly closed after 36 years in January 2020. Read more.
Times Union ArchiveRicciardi’s Deli and Italian Imports, Schenectady
Ricciardi’s, the home of the Sanducci, in photo, closed in 2009 after 17 years.
Steve Jacobs/Times UnionRiver Street Cafe, Troy
River Street Cafe, a fine-dining destination in Troy, closed in April 2018 after 32 years.
Archive photoSam’s Italian Restaurant, Albany
Sam’s Italian American Restaurant at 125 Southern Blvd. in Albany closed permanently in 2021 just three months after its 50th anniversary.
Luanne M. Ferris/Times UnionSalty’s Pub & Bistro, Halfmoon
Salty’s Pub & Bistro, a seafood-themed mainstay in Halfmoon since the mid-1970s, closed in September 2019.
Luanne M. Ferris/Times UnionSandwiches to Go, Albany
Having served lunch to downtown Albany’s workers since 1981, Sandwiches to Go closed in March 2019.
Google mapsSaratoga Restaurant and Diner, Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Restaurant and Diner closed in 2012 after decades of serving up late-night snacks and early breakfasts.
John Carl D'Annibale/Times UnionSaso's Japanese Noodle House, Albany
It was a sad day, according to Times Union food columnist Steve Barnes, when, Saso’s Japanese Noodle House on Central Ave., the best sushi spot within an hour’s drive, closed in 2009.
Philip Kamrass/Times UnionScholz-Zwicklbauer Hofbrau, East Berne
The restaurant in East Berne had a long history of serving German food, and was the Hofbrau when it closed for good in 2014.
Michael P. Farrell/Times UnionSmith’s Tavern, Voorheesville
The popular restaurant and watering hole, Smith’s Tavern, closed in 2017 to make way for a Stewart’s.
Luanne M. Ferris/Times UnionSouth End Tavern, Troy
South End Tavern in Troy closed in 2013, just one year short of its 80th anniversary.
Kenneth C. Crowe II/Times UnionSpiak’s Restaurant, Watervliet
Located at 2 Archibald St., Spiak’s had been a corner bar, lunch counter and restaurant for 90 years, according to past news articles. It was reported closed in 2014.
Luanne M. Ferris/Times UnionStone Ends Restaurant, Glenmont
Actor Michael Douglas dined at Stone Ends in the 1990s. Henry Junco owned Stone Ends until 1987 and then sold to master chef Dale Miller, who operated his restaurant until 1997. The location later was home to Duke’s and then Milestone Restaurant, which closed in 2015.
Taco Pronto, Albany
Located on Western Ave., near Stuyvesant Plaza, readers of the Table Hopping blog said Taco Pronto was a good place to get really good (and cheap) tacos. Mark Fiato, who owned and operated the restaurant for 25 years, died in a cycling accident in 2005.
Paul D. Kniskern Sr./Times UnionTeagan’s Steak & Seafood, Rensselaer
Teagan’s Steak & Seafood, which opened in East Greenbush but then moved to Rensselaer, closed after 23 years in business in January 2017.
Stacey Lauren/Times UnionTJ’s Cafe, Colonie
TJ’s Cafe, a mainstay of comfort food since late 1996, closed permanently in 2022, with the chef-owner citing pandemic-related financial strain and a reprioritizing of values after the death of his father, who helped him start the restaurant. Read more.
Lori Van Buren/Times UnionToll Gate Ice Cream, Slingerlands
Toll Gate Ice Cream, which had been open since 1949, closed after the owner, Rob Zautner, was hospitalized in January 2017.
ProvidedTruman’s, Colonie
Truman’s on Central Ave. closed after 39 years.
The Van Dyck, Schenectady
The Van Dyck, part of the city’s dining scene since being founded soon after World War II, and its 13-year-old sibling, Mad Jack Brewing Co., closed in 2022 and Stella Pasta Bar & Bistro took over the space. Read more.
PHILIP KAMRASS/Times UnionWarehouse Grill and BBQ
The restaurant, which was built on the location that once belonged to Wolf Road Diner, has closed after seven years. Learn more.
Jim Franco/Times Union
