Cornell's
For fine Italian cuisine, Cornell's in Schenectady's Little Italy is the perfect place. Open since 1943, Cornell's is a favorite with locals as it serves an eclectic mix of traditional Italian food: antipasto, chicken piccata, veal parmigiana and fettuccine alfredo. The restaurant also offers typical American cuisine such as shrimp cocktail, broiled haddock, chicken in the oven, and New York strip steak, so there's something for every taste. The portions at Cornell's are large. Cornell's is open only for dinner but is open every night except Mondays.
39 N. Jay St.
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 370-3825
cornellsrestaurant.com
Blue Ribbon Restaurant
A family-owned restaurant, Blue Ribbon serves American cuisine in a family-friendly environment. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with such extensive menus you'll be hard-pressed to choose. Breakfast includes typical American favorites like waffles, pancakes and omelettes. Hamburgers, sandwiches, pot roast and fried chicken are some of the many items on the lunch menu. Dinner is sure to please with sirloin steak, pasta and pork chops. Portions are large and everything is cooked to order. Blue Ribbon is a wonderful place for a meal or snack after a hard bike ride or a gentle walk in the woods. It is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days and until midnight on Saturdays and Sundays.
1801 State St.
Schenectady, NY 12304
(518) 393-2600
blueribbonrestaurant.com
The Van Dyck Restaurant and Lounge
The Van Dyck Restaurant and Lounge is a Schenectady landmark as it offers not only trendy, eclectic food but world-class live music, too. Starting in 1947, Van Dyck first concentrated on live jazz music but in recent years has also added pop, folk and rock artists to its weekly lineup. Its menu is a pure delight as it offers everything from buffalo wings and lobster quesadillas to grilled chicken sandwiches and goat cheese pizza. The crab cakes are superb, and don't miss trying the beef short ribs--utterly delicious. If you don't feel like a sit-down meal, you can also get some pretty amazing snacks at the bar. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner only on Saturday and closed on Sundays.
237 Union St.
Schenectady NY 12305
(518) 348-7999
vandycklounge.com
Article Written By Rachel Reeves
Rachel Reeves is a full-time freelance writer and editor, currently based in Bangkok, Thailand. She has been writing since 1984 and has been published in the "Dallas Morning News," "Santa Monica Mirror," "Bangkok Post," and Associated Content.com and Zappos.com. Reeves has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Miami University.
