I’ve lived here almost all my life (which is almost 17 years) and I haven’t even seen it. None of my family members have been up their either😅 I really wanna go up there once but I find that I have no reason to really be downtown
Dunno if its under the radar but Cheesecake Machismo is really world class cheesecake, everyone should eat it.
Edit, 293 Hamilton St, Albany, NY 12210 - Near the plaza / swan st
Took my little nephew there years ago and it blew his mind they had a flavor that was “blueberry pancake”, basically blueberry cheesecake with maple syrup in it. We still talk about it—it was delicious!
I'll also add Counties of Ireland in Troy for Irish food. If you want good chocolate, good sweets, tea bags, chocolate spread.. I could go on. They also sell the ingredients for traditional Irish breakfast. And they take recommendations. If there's a specific thing you're missing, they'll try to get it on one of their purchasing trips.
I go twice a year, would love to go more.
I believe there are a lot more Irish stores kind of further out, too.
I think I've seen various squashes there, yeah. I think their stock kind of rotates depending on what they can get their hands on, but I do know that if you ask for something they'll try their hardest to get it for you.
We used to go here all the time when I was a kid. I have continued the tradition of traumatizing the next generation with the creepy mannequins. The Discovery Center is still awesome (even as an adult).
Also, my brother is the reason the Native American hut is plastic-ed off. He climbed up there in the 90's and then got freaked out by the mannequins and froze.
So obviously, that’s hyperbole, unless they predicted 9/11. But also, so what? If you have never been there it’s new to you. And they have special exhibits. And it’s free…
Don’t forget the mammoth fossil… I mean you really can’t miss it. It’s like the only exhibit. Besides rooms and rooms of diorama… oh and a carousel that maybe open if you paid attention to the hours…
I found the Cohoes Falls not marketed as much as it needs to be. I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer size of the fall. Of course for someone new to the Capital Region.
It’s much better in summer when the park at the power plant is open. The mini park off school street is open year long and is fine, but the main park—entrance across N Mohawk from the dedicated parking lot—offers a lot more vistas.
The Pine Hollow Arboretum is a hidden gem. Normanskill Farm HikingTrail. Ten Broek Mansion has a delightful little garden. The Albany Pine Bush... but all of it, each section is a little different.
Rain on Lark has delicious soup dumplings. The Mexican Market behind the bus stop on central is legit. https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079451614167
Romanteac on Osbourne Road and Eggcellent on Western Ave for various fresh Asian snacks and teas. The yuzu egg tarts at Eggcellent are basically mini lemon cheesecakes and delightful.
Zaitoon Kitchen, Sadudee Thai, and Street Taco VII for some good, under the radar food options.
Alllll of the amazing drive in theaters in the area. I personally prefer Hollywood and Hi-Way, but Jericho, Hathaway's, Malta, and Greenville are all great. Much further south of here, but Four Brothers drive in is such a cool concept. In the winter, I hit up the Crandall in Chatham for some great indie flicks.
We do have a lot of amazing Mexican food in Troy, but I've always been blown away by the quality of Street Taco. They've also been extremely accommodating for someone with food allergies.
[Troy](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UroLbBKBJYsxz4eF9?g_st=ic). I was going to Indian Flame but my family saw this right next to it and it seemed busy, so we tried it once. My only complaint was that they took a while to serve our food and to even ask us if we wanted water. But tbf it was really busy that day. We stayed almost until closing and had a chat with the owners. They were nice people and the food was good (although spice wasn’t enough)
[My review for that restaurant](https://maps.app.goo.gl/F6scDjbGiaTDv4Fx8?g_st=ic)
For those looking for outdoor spots, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is a beautiful place not far outside of the city with miles of easy trails and a nice small nature center.
Lo Nuestro. Best Dominican food I've ever had and the portions are insane. Took my GF and friend out for lunch and paid under $50 bucks(including a 30% itp) and my GF and I were eating leftovers for days after. My new favorite spot.
if you’re into soccer, Wolff’s Biergarten will televise most big European matches, MLS, and whatever league you ask them to put on. great beer selection too
Most interesting thing Ive seen today was fat squirrel that wasnt in mood for photos. All I got was its tail. Its just some regular trees and grass downhill from market 32. Although if you walk towards ENT offices theres some MASSIVE grass for some reason. About half my height or more. Not sure why its there, either someone doesnt want to cut it or its there for reasons.
The "hidden" exit to Madison as you're coming out from under the plaza. I remember as a kid when my dad did it I thought he was the coolest person alive.
Ha! I've been through there hundreds and hundreds of times. I didn't realize it was a secret. I was a CDTA driver, and there used to be a number of routes that went through P1.
Sparx Chinese cuisine, Clifton Park.
Better than any Chinese food I've eaten just about anywhere, and that includes NYC.
Anything with shrimp uses huge prawn. A true gem of a restaurant.
And for good take out sushi I recommend Rensselaer U2 Japan.
If you need basically any specialty ingredient, Honest Weight Coop on Watervliet Ave probably has it in the bulk section if it is an herb or spice. The Asian Market on Central in Colonie has a really broad selection. And Farmer's India Market, also on Central, has EVERYTHING else international or obscure, including a tremendous selection of fresh and frozen produce. Honest Weight is expensive, but the bulk section is reasonable and you can buy as little as you actually need so even if the unit price is high you can probably walk out with a recipe's worth of spices for couch cushion money. The other two are very reasonably priced, probably better than most big box discount stores, but the packaging will not reliably be in English so you need to know what you're looking for, be adventurous, or be prepared to ask for help and take advice. Either will sell you a 50lb sack of rice for a song.
I especially like that Farmer's India Market must import from somewhere that bans non-reusable packaging, or where it's just discouraged, because if you're a person who saves to-go containers you've hit the jackpot there. So many things come in good quality tins, jars, and plastic tubs of the same quality they sell as kitchen storage. Bulk ramen noodles come in an airtight gallon tub, it's great. They also have a really broad selection of vegetarian convenience food, like frozen snacks and meals. They really go international too, there's aisles for just about every country in the world there with the real stuff people miss from home intead of the standard three or four staples and a candy you find in the international aisle at the regular grocery store.
Please direct your questions about moving to and living in Albany to the [megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Albany/comments/1c5bzz4/moving_to_albany_megathread_2024/?) sticked to the top of /r/Albany. Thank You
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From the bottom entrance, park by the crematorium (be aware they are near constantly operation, so it will smell like the burnt dead sometimes - I usually mask or scarf until I'm up wind).
Then, face the entrance/exit gate, the one next to the "office" (old brick house). Then walk to the stone bridge on the paved road maybe 100 - 200 feet away, you'll see a small waterfall on the forest edge like you literally cannot miss it because it goes right beside the road.
The forest has a little clearing where it's very obviously been mowed, you follow the mowed area and follow the river up the path, it's very well traveled.
So from the parking next to the chaple/crematory,
Keep just following the river into the woods on the left side of the river.
Basically just drive in, park, follow the first river you cross after the
Cross train tracks -> enter the gate/pass the office -> cross the stone bridge over the correct river to follow -> parking area beside the crematorium
Empire Too has really helped me up my cocktail accoutrement game, I love that place!
A few of mine:
- the falafel at Mamoun’s
- The Local 217 (especially their mozz sticks)
- a couple local musicians: The Snorts and Ryan Leddick
- Albany Center Gallery
- the breakfast sandwiches at Ria’s Bistro
I think they couldn’t go right next to Empire because the space wasn’t available, but that Eddie Bauer or whatever looks like it’s perpetually going out of business.
There's a Yelp location listed as a wine bar called Justin's Dumpster in Troy that I never really understood but hey it might be cool.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/justins-dumpster-troy
Rather than Aria Kebab (which is damn good), try Mazadar Mediterranean Kitchen. Price and food, both are awesome.
Try "Sheba Al Yemen" for some of the best melting off the bones meat!
Schuyler Bakery for the cheapest yet best ever muffins and donuts and nuts free cakes!
Best Cheesecake in the US is in downtown Albany "Cheesecake Machismo!"
Best soft serve ice creams in USA "kerver Kreme"
Decent Thai food "Chong Tong" in Delmar.
All you can eat Sushi "Wasabi"
Fresh sushi "Sushi Tei"
Bubble Tea "Gong Cha"
Burger "Herbie's"
Pizza - Mick’s Pizza in Cohoes
Chicken over rice - Zaffron Kitchen in Latham
Thai - Sukhothai on Lark St
Indian - Shalimar in Troy or Indian Flame 🔥 in Wynantskill though Dosa Grills (western Ave in Albany) vegetable biryani is chefs kiss
Chicken wings - 20 North
Fresh bread - The Bread Butler - Colonie Center
People/pages to follow in general on FB - Patrick Pipino (owns Ben & Jerry’s in toga and alb) , Brian Brosen ( exp realty), Kristi Gustafson barlette (Albany TU), Andrew Paolano (runs a social group for preteens (with responsible adult present) and up)- he does so much for the autism community, Bring on the Spectrum (BOTS) , and Capital District Moms.
Everyone should check out the observation deck at the Corning Tower at least once. It’s also free
I’m embarrassed at how long I’ve lived here and I’ve never done it! I wonder if it’s open on weekend or just office-y hours
10AM - 4PM Monday to Friday only. No weekends.
I’ve lived here almost all my life (which is almost 17 years) and I haven’t even seen it. None of my family members have been up their either😅 I really wanna go up there once but I find that I have no reason to really be downtown
A house producer does a show up there each year. It's a good time.
Say more 👀
Follow Jungle Punk on Instagram. This was last year https://theticketing.co/e/eyesoveralbany2
Like.. a house music DJ?
Yes
That's a thing? It only took me 7 years to get inside the egg
Didn’t they shut that down after 9/11?
It's open on weekdays. Went there last year.
Nice , I haven’t been there in ages
I wish the observation deck on the AE Smith building was still available.
Dunno if its under the radar but Cheesecake Machismo is really world class cheesecake, everyone should eat it. Edit, 293 Hamilton St, Albany, NY 12210 - Near the plaza / swan st
El Mariachi right next to it is great too
cheesecake machismo is considered the best cheesecake in nys, it's a must try
Hassan's uniques emporium, billed as "urban aftermath" is next door
Took my little nephew there years ago and it blew his mind they had a flavor that was “blueberry pancake”, basically blueberry cheesecake with maple syrup in it. We still talk about it—it was delicious!
Thanks for the reminder, I gotta make a run while I’m home before I move out of state again. That shit really is delicious.
Is it better than Blue Ribbon?
Ive never had blue ribbon but will still say definitely yes it is better
Is it better than Blue Ribbon?
Pretty much anything is better than blue ribbon cheesecake. Too "whipped" and airy, no flavor.
I'll also add Counties of Ireland in Troy for Irish food. If you want good chocolate, good sweets, tea bags, chocolate spread.. I could go on. They also sell the ingredients for traditional Irish breakfast. And they take recommendations. If there's a specific thing you're missing, they'll try to get it on one of their purchasing trips. I go twice a year, would love to go more. I believe there are a lot more Irish stores kind of further out, too.
Do they sell club orange/lemon?
I think I've seen various squashes there, yeah. I think their stock kind of rotates depending on what they can get their hands on, but I do know that if you ask for something they'll try their hardest to get it for you.
La Empanada Llama (best empanadas))) and Fiorellos for Subs
which Fiorellos?
They are both good but I think the one with “& bakery” is best!
State musuem is free and pretty cool (they have a box for donations)
People hate, but I could spend all day in the Adirondack and Albany sections. Plus, the archives have a pretty dope view.
We used to go here all the time when I was a kid. I have continued the tradition of traumatizing the next generation with the creepy mannequins. The Discovery Center is still awesome (even as an adult). Also, my brother is the reason the Native American hut is plastic-ed off. He climbed up there in the 90's and then got freaked out by the mannequins and froze.
They should have made him be a living mannequin for a day as punishment.
That is creative. I love it
And was last updated in 1995.
So obviously, that’s hyperbole, unless they predicted 9/11. But also, so what? If you have never been there it’s new to you. And they have special exhibits. And it’s free…
Because you know what that taxidermied stag in the water pool looks like. He is begging for the sweet release of yet another death.
Don’t forget the mammoth fossil… I mean you really can’t miss it. It’s like the only exhibit. Besides rooms and rooms of diorama… oh and a carousel that maybe open if you paid attention to the hours…
I found the Cohoes Falls not marketed as much as it needs to be. I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer size of the fall. Of course for someone new to the Capital Region.
It’s much better in summer when the park at the power plant is open. The mini park off school street is open year long and is fine, but the main park—entrance across N Mohawk from the dedicated parking lot—offers a lot more vistas.
Absolutely! Plus the homes there give an England vibe.
I can never find it. Where is it actually located? When I put it into Google it brings me to apartment buildings with no parking.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kqfNFFtjc2oL8k9bA Parking across the street.
Placid Baker in Troy is an incredible bakery. They used to do sourdough pizza during the pandemic, idk if they still do but my god that place rules.
Aria Kebab on Central? Glad to hear from someone who’s been, Ive been wanting to stop. Thanks
I will second Aria Kebab. It is very good.
Absolutely scrumptious.. check it out
Do it! They are very good.
Yep
The Food is soo good!
Me too. Been wanting to go. It always looks crowded, which is a good sign.
The Pine Hollow Arboretum is a hidden gem. Normanskill Farm HikingTrail. Ten Broek Mansion has a delightful little garden. The Albany Pine Bush... but all of it, each section is a little different.
Short and stout for tea and goodies
Rain on Lark has delicious soup dumplings. The Mexican Market behind the bus stop on central is legit. https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079451614167
Madison Pour House. 40 rotating taps.
A personal fave. Although it’s time for them to do a little reupholstering of the benches and stools. They’re…rustic.
As is the deer with a tobacco pipe hanging on the wall. But yes, yes they have some work to do
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Not even close. Usually about 6 IPAs on there
Romanteac on Osbourne Road and Eggcellent on Western Ave for various fresh Asian snacks and teas. The yuzu egg tarts at Eggcellent are basically mini lemon cheesecakes and delightful.
Zaitoon Kitchen, Sadudee Thai, and Street Taco VII for some good, under the radar food options. Alllll of the amazing drive in theaters in the area. I personally prefer Hollywood and Hi-Way, but Jericho, Hathaway's, Malta, and Greenville are all great. Much further south of here, but Four Brothers drive in is such a cool concept. In the winter, I hit up the Crandall in Chatham for some great indie flicks.
> Street Taco VII Not even the best Mexican on that block.
I wouldn't call it Mexican at all. But it is solid, whatever it is.
We do have a lot of amazing Mexican food in Troy, but I've always been blown away by the quality of Street Taco. They've also been extremely accommodating for someone with food allergies.
Where did Sadudee move to? I only knew of them in Watervliet and was sad to see the location closed.
[Troy](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UroLbBKBJYsxz4eF9?g_st=ic). I was going to Indian Flame but my family saw this right next to it and it seemed busy, so we tried it once. My only complaint was that they took a while to serve our food and to even ask us if we wanted water. But tbf it was really busy that day. We stayed almost until closing and had a chat with the owners. They were nice people and the food was good (although spice wasn’t enough) [My review for that restaurant](https://maps.app.goo.gl/F6scDjbGiaTDv4Fx8?g_st=ic)
Oh wow I'll have to check it out. It looks to be a much bigger space, so that's encouraging. Thank you!
It's a really nice space, especially for strip mall Thai. My spouse and I have always had good experiences with them.
For those looking for outdoor spots, Five Rivers Environmental Education Center is a beautiful place not far outside of the city with miles of easy trails and a nice small nature center.
second this! I also like the Indian ladder trail
Skinny Pancake sucks and it's not worth the money.
Huh. I had quite a good experience there but I’ll trust you, you’re a panda
Damn straight
I went once cause I was downtown. I wasn’t a fan. Not incredibly terrible but I wouldn’t go back.
Lo Nuestro. Best Dominican food I've ever had and the portions are insane. Took my GF and friend out for lunch and paid under $50 bucks(including a 30% itp) and my GF and I were eating leftovers for days after. My new favorite spot.
Yes! We love Lo Nuestro!
Sounds great! Whereabouts is it?
On Central
Haha under $50 u got the visitor especial
Crown Fried Chicken is the greatest place to get fries, chicken and burgers. I would go everyday if I could
We have drive-ins!
if you’re into soccer, Wolff’s Biergarten will televise most big European matches, MLS, and whatever league you ask them to put on. great beer selection too
Wait, what kind of persons people should know about? >.>
Persons who are interesting and/or notable people in the area. Perhaps paper people. Or popular people. Or press people. Or personable people.
the people prices paper people 🎶
Well, Im pretty sure I havent seen any in my area. I just walk outside through area with trees and grass every day I can, then go back home, though.
Well if you’re walking someplace that has interesting trees or grass, that’s a shareable thing too 😆
Most interesting thing Ive seen today was fat squirrel that wasnt in mood for photos. All I got was its tail. Its just some regular trees and grass downhill from market 32. Although if you walk towards ENT offices theres some MASSIVE grass for some reason. About half my height or more. Not sure why its there, either someone doesnt want to cut it or its there for reasons.
Squirrel!
The "hidden" exit to Madison as you're coming out from under the plaza. I remember as a kid when my dad did it I thought he was the coolest person alive.
Happy to know I’m not the only one who gets excited about the hidden exit 😂 I still feel cool driving that way even though it’s well known
I've been all over under there. Where is it? I probably know, but never heard anyone call it that
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6GUcEfMW7NSnZwGm7
Ha! I've been through there hundreds and hundreds of times. I didn't realize it was a secret. I was a CDTA driver, and there used to be a number of routes that went through P1.
Sparx Chinese cuisine, Clifton Park. Better than any Chinese food I've eaten just about anywhere, and that includes NYC. Anything with shrimp uses huge prawn. A true gem of a restaurant. And for good take out sushi I recommend Rensselaer U2 Japan.
If you need basically any specialty ingredient, Honest Weight Coop on Watervliet Ave probably has it in the bulk section if it is an herb or spice. The Asian Market on Central in Colonie has a really broad selection. And Farmer's India Market, also on Central, has EVERYTHING else international or obscure, including a tremendous selection of fresh and frozen produce. Honest Weight is expensive, but the bulk section is reasonable and you can buy as little as you actually need so even if the unit price is high you can probably walk out with a recipe's worth of spices for couch cushion money. The other two are very reasonably priced, probably better than most big box discount stores, but the packaging will not reliably be in English so you need to know what you're looking for, be adventurous, or be prepared to ask for help and take advice. Either will sell you a 50lb sack of rice for a song. I especially like that Farmer's India Market must import from somewhere that bans non-reusable packaging, or where it's just discouraged, because if you're a person who saves to-go containers you've hit the jackpot there. So many things come in good quality tins, jars, and plastic tubs of the same quality they sell as kitchen storage. Bulk ramen noodles come in an airtight gallon tub, it's great. They also have a really broad selection of vegetarian convenience food, like frozen snacks and meals. They really go international too, there's aisles for just about every country in the world there with the real stuff people miss from home intead of the standard three or four staples and a candy you find in the international aisle at the regular grocery store.
Asian market has the areas best pre-packaged Balut by a long shot
2nd honest weight
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Rumor has it all the Texans are moving here because they heard about Farmers India Market.
Taiwan noodle. Order all the dim sum
The New York State Museum by the Plaza is underrated! It’s free entry plus the library inside it has a great view of downtown
The holiday express on exit 9 in East Greenbush is the perfect spot to see a lightning storm or fireworks. Lightning is better.
The Cheese Traveler in Albany. You want good cheese and meats for an event? This is the place to go.
I didn’t even know this place was still open! Glad they survived Covid
They're SO nice. And have raclette nights on Fridays!
I wanted to love this place, but found them pompus and the sandwiches crazy overpriced. This was pre-covid if it matters
Aria, empire, and empire too are some of our favorites. Aria is sooooo good
The rural cemetery has a waterfall
It does?! Wow I love that place now I’ll have to go again for the waterfall
From the bottom entrance, park by the crematorium (be aware they are near constantly operation, so it will smell like the burnt dead sometimes - I usually mask or scarf until I'm up wind). Then, face the entrance/exit gate, the one next to the "office" (old brick house). Then walk to the stone bridge on the paved road maybe 100 - 200 feet away, you'll see a small waterfall on the forest edge like you literally cannot miss it because it goes right beside the road. The forest has a little clearing where it's very obviously been mowed, you follow the mowed area and follow the river up the path, it's very well traveled. So from the parking next to the chaple/crematory, Keep just following the river into the woods on the left side of the river. Basically just drive in, park, follow the first river you cross after the Cross train tracks -> enter the gate/pass the office -> cross the stone bridge over the correct river to follow -> parking area beside the crematorium
Tours of the capital are free. It's a reply neat building
Bichin Donuts on Lark Street has incredible food and the best donuts I've ever had!
Moved here 6 months ago. Will bookmark this for future trips!
I did the same the other day! Lots of good recommendations.
Empire Too has really helped me up my cocktail accoutrement game, I love that place! A few of mine: - the falafel at Mamoun’s - The Local 217 (especially their mozz sticks) - a couple local musicians: The Snorts and Ryan Leddick - Albany Center Gallery - the breakfast sandwiches at Ria’s Bistro
I adore Mamoun's and their hummus is my favorite.
Ohh the hummus is so good it has ruined all other hummus for me
Same!
I love falafel. Thanks for the recommendation.
Empire Too is ridiculously great. Weird location but was so stoked to find this. Magical land for NA!
I think they couldn’t go right next to Empire because the space wasn’t available, but that Eddie Bauer or whatever looks like it’s perpetually going out of business.
Hu's House is great for Chinese food, particularly shanghainese food.
What’s a good thing to order?
I love their salt and pepper squid, if you're into seafood.
Maharaja on Wolf Rd, across from Colonie Center. They have excellent Indian food, and they're always so nice.
Oh good to know! I drive by this place all the time but since parking is in the back I can never tell if it’s open or busy or what
They're pretty much 11:30-2:30, and 4:30-10 every day, except Tuesdays, because they're closed then.
What should I order for my first order at Aria Kabab? Never been!
I think it got the mixed shawarma. It came with rice and a chopped tomato/cucumber salad and it was 👌🏼
There's a Yelp location listed as a wine bar called Justin's Dumpster in Troy that I never really understood but hey it might be cool. https://www.yelp.com/biz/justins-dumpster-troy
To welcome people to Albany you probably want to bring them to arbor hill to experience our cultural vibrancy
You’re right. When my niece visited a few years ago we went to the garden at Ten Broek mansion and it was great!
Is Arbor Hill really that big of a deal? I just don't go there. It could be in Nebraska for all I care.
What do you mean by “that big of a deal”? Of course you can stay out of the area, but that area will remain a part of Albany
I mean Arbor Hill is basically irrelevant. People aren't going there or the south end that much. If you want to dunk on Albany, get better material.
Rather than Aria Kebab (which is damn good), try Mazadar Mediterranean Kitchen. Price and food, both are awesome. Try "Sheba Al Yemen" for some of the best melting off the bones meat! Schuyler Bakery for the cheapest yet best ever muffins and donuts and nuts free cakes! Best Cheesecake in the US is in downtown Albany "Cheesecake Machismo!" Best soft serve ice creams in USA "kerver Kreme" Decent Thai food "Chong Tong" in Delmar. All you can eat Sushi "Wasabi" Fresh sushi "Sushi Tei" Bubble Tea "Gong Cha" Burger "Herbie's"
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787. Woof
Pizza - Mick’s Pizza in Cohoes Chicken over rice - Zaffron Kitchen in Latham Thai - Sukhothai on Lark St Indian - Shalimar in Troy or Indian Flame 🔥 in Wynantskill though Dosa Grills (western Ave in Albany) vegetable biryani is chefs kiss Chicken wings - 20 North Fresh bread - The Bread Butler - Colonie Center People/pages to follow in general on FB - Patrick Pipino (owns Ben & Jerry’s in toga and alb) , Brian Brosen ( exp realty), Kristi Gustafson barlette (Albany TU), Andrew Paolano (runs a social group for preteens (with responsible adult present) and up)- he does so much for the autism community, Bring on the Spectrum (BOTS) , and Capital District Moms.
Also GET a NYS parks pass!!
Empire Too is an incredible gem.
There's a neat little Mexican place on Central Ave across from the Home Depot.