Downtown Albany Businesses Shine on “Best of the Capital Region 2026” List

 

The Times Union has released its “Best of the Capital Region 2026” list, and downtown Albany bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, and services are proudly represented across multiple categories.

 

Whether they took home the top spot or earned a runner-up mention, these businesses help make downtown Albany vibrant year-round. We encourage you to stop by, congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition, and remember to shop small and local, especially in your downtowns.

 

Who Made the List

Best Happy Hour

Winner: McGeary’s Irish Pub I 4 Clinton Square

 

Best Italian Restaurant (Single Location)

3rd Place: Cafe Capriccio I 49 Grand St

 

Best Steakhouse

3rd Runner-Up: 677 Prime I 677 Broadway

 

Best Upscale Dining (Single Location)

Winner: 677 Prime I 677 Broadway

 

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant (Single Location)

Runner-Up: Wizard Burger I 74 N. Pearl St.

 

Best Art Gallery

3rd Runner-Up: Albany Center Gallery I 48 N Pearl

 

Best Concert Venue

2nd Place: Palace Theatre I 19 Clinton Ave.
Runner-Up: Empire Live I 93 North Pearl St.

 

Best Bank

Winner: Trustco Bank
2nd Place: Pioneer
3rd Place: KeyBank
Runner-Up: Citizens Bank

 

Best Barbershop (Single Location)

2nd Place: Patsy’s Barber Shop I , 3 Howard St.

 

Best Credit Union

Winner: Broadview Federal Credit Union

 

Best Law Firm

Runner-Up: Hacker Murphy LLP I 41 State Street

 

Best Tattoo Parlor

2nd Place: Modern Body Art I 54 N. Pearl St.

 

For the full Time's Union "Best Of The Capital Region 2026" list, click here.