Something is Cooking on Madison Avenue in Downtown
Downtown Albany's Madison Avenue neighborhood is experiencing a quiet kind of revival, one rooted in community, tradition, and good food. Newcomers are finding their place alongside longtime institutions, and together they’re creating a neighborhood with real staying power.
One of the newest additions is Hattie’s Restaurant, which celebrated one year in Albany this March. Located at 121 Madison Avenue in the historic former home of Lombardo’s, Hattie’s brings its award-winning Southern fare to its South End neighborhood with dishes like gumbo, hushpuppies, and a burger po’ boy exclusive to the Albany menu. But it’s not just about the food; Hattie’s is powered by Business for Good, a foundation that reinvests restaurant profits into the community. Here, that means supporting local causes, providing staff with living wages and full benefits, and building pathways to careers in hospitality. The restaurant is also launching a new workforce training initiative, Hattie’s Culinary Lab, in partnership with the SEAT Center.
Not far from Hattie’s, Café Capriccio has been a fixture of Albany’s dining scene since 1982. In April 2025, the restaurant was honored with the New York State Senate Empire Award. Presented by Senator Patricia Fahy, the award recognizes the restaurant's exceptional contributions to the local economy and community. Founded by Chef Jim Rua, Café Capriccio is celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere. The award recognized Café Capriccio’s decades-long contribution to the local economy and culinary community.
They expressed their gratitude in a post on Facebook that said:
“After 43 years, we continue to provide our guests with the same great cuisine and service here in Albany’s old Little Italy on Grand Street. With Franco & Carli taking the torch from Jim, they hope to one day pass it on to the next generation to continue tradition for another half a century. We wouldn’t be here without our incredible staff, some like Lane & Jen who have been with us for 30–40 years. And a special thank you to all our loyal customers that have trusted us from a simple dinner, to weddings & trips to Italy. Grazie a tutti,”
Meanwhile, The Excelsior Pub on the corner of Madison Avenue and Philip Street was recently named Retailer of the Year by the New York State Brewers Association. As Albany’s only New York-themed pub, Excelsior is known for its regional favorites: Buffalo wings, Spiedies, and Beef on Weck, paired with a rotating lineup of craft beers, wines, and spirits all sourced from across New York State.
“People have such pride in their hometown, and it's great to help them reconnect with memories through a certain food or drink. On the flip side, one of the great things about The Excelsior Pub is we're working to give people more pride in what this state produces," said owner Jason Bowers.
Also deserving of mention is Hill Street Café, a long-standing staple serving up classic comfort food in a welcoming tavern setting. Known for their wings, pizzas, and neighborhood feel, it’s been a dependable presence on Madison Avenue for years. And Suga Foots Soul Kitchen, which opened in 2023, is adding to the neighborhood’s culinary diversity with authentic soul food dishes. From fried catfish to oxtail, Suga Foots is elevating the dining experience while staying loyal to the flavor everyone has come to know and love.
As a whole, this Madison Avenue neighborhood is creating spaces for connection, honoring the past, and helping shape what’s next.
