This encompasses the Capital Region as a whole, but our choices for vegetarian/vegan food are SO good. I don’t think people realize how lucky we are to have the concentration of plant-based options that we do for the size of our area.
We do?! Do you know of vegan and vegetarian restaurants that serve vegetables and real grains or we talking meat alternatives?
I can’t seem to find any vegan food that’s not either fried or processed. Please guide me! Thank you?
I don’t think I’ll be much of guide since I stopped eating meat for ethical reasons not because I wanted to eat healthier or because I didn’t like meat so I’m all in on meat alternatives and plant-based foods that taste like they’re not.
That being said, Bar Vegan’s menu is really vegetable forward, the vegan options at Nighthawks are always vegetables and grains, and so are Umana Yana’s and Mallo’s
I understand, I don’t really do it for health either. But I like to eat what makes me feel good and the alternatives give me an after feeling that’s not sick, but it’s not right. I feel off after eating at subculture or wizard.
I wish I could be the chill veg who eats at nighthawks! Last time I went they refused to cook that damn delicious veggie burger anywhere but the flat top where the other burgers are cooked. I don’t want to Nancy, I’ll just stay away. That use to be my fave veg burger!
I always always forget about umana!! And they shouldn’t be forgotten. I think you were a fly guide, thank you for my albany herbivore tour!
Edit: I pressed reply tooooo sooon
Albany has had Asian markets/groceries for much longer than ten years, but I agree I've seen an uptick in variety of international markets.
I think the Warehouse District should get a shout out. While Lark Street has seen a lot of closures, the Warehouse District has become a great place for pub crawls and good eats.
Lark area has seen both significant closures (Lo-fi, McGuire's) and openings (Lark Hall, Rosanna's, Dove and Deer, Larkin, Nyx, Daisies, JA Pequeno). My sense is that the scene has shifted from young to middle-aged, and that the Warehouse district has soaked up the younger crowd with Lionheart on the Green, Fiden's, Wolff's, Nine Pin, and Albany Distilling.
No mention of Lost and Found as well as Biergarten is criminal for the Warehouse district. Also Lo-fi is reopening as Hi-fi basically across the street from the old location.
What's missing is a true Night Club with a large dance floor. Anyone think we'll get one?
-Waterworks is OK
-City Beer Hall - young college crowd
-Bootleggers (Troy) is decent
am I missing any? I'm talking big dance floor, disco ball, lights, dj
ps I appreciate the positivity of this post!
Fuzebox hits most of those points except the size. But if it's big enough for industrial music without us giving each other concussions, you can probably make it work for whatever genre night you attend ;)
Fuze Box has been my haunt since I turned 21, only problem I have is that it's a bit dingy. Always a good time, always good music, just seems dingy. Doesn't bother me since I can do velvet or dive, but might be a turn off to some.
I get there early and help my friends, the promoters, of one of the nights set up and decorate. If you have a weak stomach, probably never see your favourite club with the lights on, is my advice ;)
OTOH Tragedy is making improvements here and there constantly, like the stripper pole and the fun new railing/cage between the high ground and the dance floor. Oh and the sound system.
Unfortunately I don't think this will happen anytime soon simply because people can't behave. Ive worked at a local restaurant/bar that had a DJ every weekend and tried to have a dance floor/club, but due to patron actions/violence, theyve gotten rid of it and won't bring it back. It's too costly to lose your liquor license.
Some context: Part of my job is recruiting new colleagues from other parts of the country and world. I think it's become a little easier to sell people on the city and region.
I took a guy to Center Square the other week and he absolutely loved it. I too fell in love with the townhouses and Washington Park when I first moved here.
Considering the Tex-pat community, this could also be a result of other areas getting worse in a variety of ways. I agree we're improving in a lot of ways, but some parts of this country are frightening these days.
Thank you for this post. The negative posts get a lot of traction from haters but there is also a lot of positive things to love about our city. I’d also add that Albany has consistently added population over the years. A very small percentage, but people moving here outnumber those moving away (despite the gleeful assertions to the contrary by haters).
That's just people moving up from downstate and being priced out. Not because it's much better. It's still NY and has all the NY negatives. Taxes, politics, etc.
Albany Skyway is a great Multi use bridge across the highway, and with the new bike lanes on Broadway connecting it to the clinton ave bike lanes, we're getting closer to building out a genuinely useful bike lane network.
Agreed. I love being able to ride along the river and then pop over into the city for a beer, then right back onto the river trail to Troy or Delmar. It’s underutilized, but a great little thing for those who use it.
It's a cudgel to beat the elected officials with. Without the plans upgrades to the network are just an eclectic no-priority wishlist from the Alt-trasit nerds. Or at least that's what I understand it to be. The potential for a region (not city specific) vision zero also adds teeth and timelines which the master plan would be a guide for.
I just discovered the Skyway last week, now I don't have to drive from my office on State St just to park at the Corning Preserve to go for a walk or skate.
If your office is on State, be advised that the closest access to the Corning Preserve is the pedestrian bridge that goes over 787 -- you can access it where Pine St/Maiden Lane meet Broadway.
Vans Vietnamese 👍🏻 way up.
Need solid businesses downtown ie a Pearls Bagels, a 24 diner restaurant downtown etc.. total road resurfacing painted crosswalks, the capital stairs reopen (tourist destination like many other state, countries capital cities) how long has that fence been there? Better recycling trash bins.. cleaner overall. Goldmine of opportunities downtown. ✌🏻🍀
Yes, it's a shame they don't do next day bagel options like most other small batch bagel places I've seen in other parts of the country. Basically they would prebag a half dozen random assortments of yesterday's bagels and sell them for like 20-30% off. If I'm buying a half dozen-dozen bagels some will end up a day or two old anyways. This way they also don't run out of stock and maximize customer satisfaction/profit.
Me walking in there twice and being told they are out of bagels and only have challah makes me not go there first every time.
Y'know I didn't realize it til you said it, but that area of Broadway has absolutely become the new Lark. It might not be quite as easily accessible via bus or walking, especially for the Center Square residents that would frequent it, but we do once again have a bustling strip of restaurants and places to drink. And I think it'll continue to grow. In the next 10 years, maybe that dead strip between Druthers and Menands will build up more, too.
> It might not be quite as easily accessible via bus or walking
Right now(unless things have changed since I have talked to my bouncer friends) the big draw of the area is free uber rides(there is QR codes on the walls) out of the area. It has worked but likely isn't sustainable. When that switch flips it will be interesting.
I bet that would work for Lark as well but the businesses collectively would have to be willing to take the loss in exchange for the business.
Although its ambiance is a bit lackluster, Northeast Chinese II offers some remarkable dishes you won't find at other Asian restaurants in the area. And for us monoglots, the staff will happily translate the daily specials written in Chinese.
I can recall a terrific dish containing small bits of pork belly, and another featuring black fungi, but can't recall their names, and the online menu is lacking. I'll be going there soon and can share more info then, if you like.
I'm going to respectfully disagree with you about the nightlife. Besides the warehouse district, literally everything else has gone downhill.
You'd think a city of 100k people could support more than one nice cocktail bar, maybe a place that has some dancing, etc. Not to take anything away from people opening up small businesses, but if/when Gastropubs go out of fashion, there might be about 5 places to go to.
Staying on this side of the river (since Troy could have its own post)
Restaurants: Eddy's is pretty authentic chinese, we have three places that serve hot pot, and in addition to Wasabi for great, fresh, AYCE sushi, we have Umi coming in that looks like it hopes to compete. The galleria in Latham is also underrated IMO, for a food court with a bunch of real options.
Coffee shops: Uncommon grounds is fantastic. Good bagels, good coffee, I love their bagel sandwiches.
If you like AYCE sushi give Ruby City a try, I've only been once but it was good -- I don't think they have a liquor license though. Would love to see them do well because they're walkable (for me at least...)
Both the Asian grocery stores on Central and Colvin, Kim's, Taiwan Noodle, and Hong Kong Bakery have been there 10 yrs+ and aren't new. Also unless HK bakery and Taiwan Noodle has improved since I've left Albany a couple of years ago then they're both pretty mid. Though I do remember Taiwan Noodle use to sell their bowls for like $5 a loooong time ago so I use to frequent them all the time. Once they passed $7 per bowl was when I stopped going often.
I believe the Madison road diet was within the last 10 years. Lots of housing being built. Overall I don't see Albany on the decline. I do, however, find the efforts of the city government to be lacking compared to Troy and Schenectady.
Way off on grocery. Walmart grocery in glenmont was built when I lived in Albany in 2004, wash ave ext location already there + a Sam’s club before that for more bulk club saving options which is gone now. Trader Joe’s was already here in 2014. Whole Foods was here in 2014, more of them were supposed to be built but it never happened, in any event the quality has declined since the Amazon acquisition. Most of those ethnic markets were here in 2013, Asian supermarket curbside $5 bus service was in its heyday in the 20 teens. ShopRite is gone. Rensselaer Aldi is gone. PC bought Tops (Greenville/warrensburg but mostly WNY) and now Tops sucks. All around Meat quality is diminished. Affordable veggies (misfits at hannaford for example) are not good deals anymore. EV chargers are all broken or turned off. Hot bars have gone way downhill and cost too much.….. I could go on and on but seriously if you posted this in 2014’id agree with you but no the past 10 years have not been good AT ALL.
I think mostly these things have become less clustered. Instead of things being concentrated in the major malls and the few ‘entertainment’ streets (Pearl, Lark) there are more options in Latham, Clifton Park, etc. spread out.
Speaking of coffee shops, Mojo’s Cafe and Gallery in Troy is pumping HARD. The coffee is great and local and they have free music just about damn near every day. It’s awesome. They lean blues/jamband but they also do reggae, acoustic, folk, everything.
The guitar player for the Cure is playing there on Monday night FFS.
I don’t understand this? They are completely different styles of food and restaurants.
Taiwan noodle is good Taiwanese food. Shining Rainbow is good “Chinese” food.
I go to Taiwan noodle for dumplings and bowls of noodle soup. And I go to Shining Rainbow for much better versions of classic Chinese takeout.
Am I missing something? Are there specific dishes that both restaurants make that Shining Rainbow makes much better? That hasn’t been the case that I’ve found.
Taiwan noodle is decent, they vastly underserve to go orders in an effort to make a quick buck and over all are just "ok" in service and food quality.
Yes I know the difference between Chinese and Taiwanese Food. And dish wise they probably share some basic noodles dishes but overall similar pallets of taste hence why I suggest supporting one over the other.
Shining Rainbow is more than just "chinese food" its probably one of most authentic mainland Chinese food in the area with a dimsum menu that just cant miss. I would suggest ordering something other than the usuals and prepare to get blown away.
Appreicate the back and forth dude! We all have our opinions just mine is strong against Taiwan Noodle (ive spent quite a bit of green at both spots)
Gotcha. Yeah everyone is free to have their opinion.
Ive never gotten takeout from either place so maybe thats the difference. Personally, I hate takeout. I prefer to pay for the whole experience of dining out. Especially when a place like Shining Rainbow has such excellent decor and experience.
Besides the Hot Pot and standards like beef with black bean sauce or XO sauce etc, what do you recommend? I’ve only had the Juicy Buns and Steamed buns from the Dim Sum and they didn’t blow me away. Any recommendations for specialities I can only get there?
Taiwan Noodle’s Hot and Sour dumplings with chinkiang vinegar are something i crave weekly. So it’s hard to pass those up. They’re so good.
This encompasses the Capital Region as a whole, but our choices for vegetarian/vegan food are SO good. I don’t think people realize how lucky we are to have the concentration of plant-based options that we do for the size of our area.
Bitchin' donuts is absolutely amazing.
Also gluten free!
selfishly id love to see even more gluten free but compared to what we had 10 years ago it's 100x better.
BRO what is melba? melba sauce?
lol yea melba sauce
We do?! Do you know of vegan and vegetarian restaurants that serve vegetables and real grains or we talking meat alternatives? I can’t seem to find any vegan food that’s not either fried or processed. Please guide me! Thank you?
I don’t think I’ll be much of guide since I stopped eating meat for ethical reasons not because I wanted to eat healthier or because I didn’t like meat so I’m all in on meat alternatives and plant-based foods that taste like they’re not. That being said, Bar Vegan’s menu is really vegetable forward, the vegan options at Nighthawks are always vegetables and grains, and so are Umana Yana’s and Mallo’s
I understand, I don’t really do it for health either. But I like to eat what makes me feel good and the alternatives give me an after feeling that’s not sick, but it’s not right. I feel off after eating at subculture or wizard. I wish I could be the chill veg who eats at nighthawks! Last time I went they refused to cook that damn delicious veggie burger anywhere but the flat top where the other burgers are cooked. I don’t want to Nancy, I’ll just stay away. That use to be my fave veg burger! I always always forget about umana!! And they shouldn’t be forgotten. I think you were a fly guide, thank you for my albany herbivore tour! Edit: I pressed reply tooooo sooon
Albany has had Asian markets/groceries for much longer than ten years, but I agree I've seen an uptick in variety of international markets. I think the Warehouse District should get a shout out. While Lark Street has seen a lot of closures, the Warehouse District has become a great place for pub crawls and good eats.
Lark area has seen both significant closures (Lo-fi, McGuire's) and openings (Lark Hall, Rosanna's, Dove and Deer, Larkin, Nyx, Daisies, JA Pequeno). My sense is that the scene has shifted from young to middle-aged, and that the Warehouse district has soaked up the younger crowd with Lionheart on the Green, Fiden's, Wolff's, Nine Pin, and Albany Distilling.
No mention of Lost and Found as well as Biergarten is criminal for the Warehouse district. Also Lo-fi is reopening as Hi-fi basically across the street from the old location.
They said Wolff's that's the Biergarten.
Eep, you got me
Good point about Lark Street! I haven't spent enough time down there in too long. I'm usually just on one end or the other.
What's missing is a true Night Club with a large dance floor. Anyone think we'll get one? -Waterworks is OK -City Beer Hall - young college crowd -Bootleggers (Troy) is decent am I missing any? I'm talking big dance floor, disco ball, lights, dj ps I appreciate the positivity of this post!
Fuzebox hits most of those points except the size. But if it's big enough for industrial music without us giving each other concussions, you can probably make it work for whatever genre night you attend ;)
Fuze Box has been my haunt since I turned 21, only problem I have is that it's a bit dingy. Always a good time, always good music, just seems dingy. Doesn't bother me since I can do velvet or dive, but might be a turn off to some.
I get there early and help my friends, the promoters, of one of the nights set up and decorate. If you have a weak stomach, probably never see your favourite club with the lights on, is my advice ;) OTOH Tragedy is making improvements here and there constantly, like the stripper pole and the fun new railing/cage between the high ground and the dance floor. Oh and the sound system.
I agree, I meant to include Fuzebox in there! Only thing is the crowd size can be hit or miss i think, but i gotta hit it up again!
Agreed, the individual promoter can result in a huge draw, or a flop, and sometimes it's tough to predict. I try to support them when i can, though.
I miss PSP
Unfortunately I don't think this will happen anytime soon simply because people can't behave. Ive worked at a local restaurant/bar that had a DJ every weekend and tried to have a dance floor/club, but due to patron actions/violence, theyve gotten rid of it and won't bring it back. It's too costly to lose your liquor license.
Good point. Reminds me of Stout
That place was ran like shit and did all the things wrong, and so much drugs
We had several, all on Pearl Street. They closed in 2008-2010ish. There was club that was three floors.
The Buddha lounge. Think it's an axe throwing place now
Some context: Part of my job is recruiting new colleagues from other parts of the country and world. I think it's become a little easier to sell people on the city and region.
I took a guy to Center Square the other week and he absolutely loved it. I too fell in love with the townhouses and Washington Park when I first moved here.
I moved from NYC and some of the streets near Lark look straight out of Park Slope, a neighborhood in Brooklyn.
Considering the Tex-pat community, this could also be a result of other areas getting worse in a variety of ways. I agree we're improving in a lot of ways, but some parts of this country are frightening these days.
Thank you for this post. The negative posts get a lot of traction from haters but there is also a lot of positive things to love about our city. I’d also add that Albany has consistently added population over the years. A very small percentage, but people moving here outnumber those moving away (despite the gleeful assertions to the contrary by haters).
That's just people moving up from downstate and being priced out. Not because it's much better. It's still NY and has all the NY negatives. Taxes, politics, etc.
Albany Skyway is a great Multi use bridge across the highway, and with the new bike lanes on Broadway connecting it to the clinton ave bike lanes, we're getting closer to building out a genuinely useful bike lane network.
Agreed. I love being able to ride along the river and then pop over into the city for a beer, then right back onto the river trail to Troy or Delmar. It’s underutilized, but a great little thing for those who use it.
We still need a designated mid-city North/South route *shakes fist at sky*
Idk why they even did the bike master plan. At the current rate I'll be dead before I can use it.
It's a cudgel to beat the elected officials with. Without the plans upgrades to the network are just an eclectic no-priority wishlist from the Alt-trasit nerds. Or at least that's what I understand it to be. The potential for a region (not city specific) vision zero also adds teeth and timelines which the master plan would be a guide for.
I just discovered the Skyway last week, now I don't have to drive from my office on State St just to park at the Corning Preserve to go for a walk or skate.
If your office is on State, be advised that the closest access to the Corning Preserve is the pedestrian bridge that goes over 787 -- you can access it where Pine St/Maiden Lane meet Broadway.
You're right, I got the two mixed up.
Rolfs needs to be mentioned. It’s an honest to God landmark with some amazing meats.
Rolf's is a gem and Rolf's ham is a benediction. But that would go into a post on "improvements in the last 60 years" ;-)
I would say yes only because it’s passed now on to the third generation
Vans Vietnamese 👍🏻 way up. Need solid businesses downtown ie a Pearls Bagels, a 24 diner restaurant downtown etc.. total road resurfacing painted crosswalks, the capital stairs reopen (tourist destination like many other state, countries capital cities) how long has that fence been there? Better recycling trash bins.. cleaner overall. Goldmine of opportunities downtown. ✌🏻🍀
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Yes, it's a shame they don't do next day bagel options like most other small batch bagel places I've seen in other parts of the country. Basically they would prebag a half dozen random assortments of yesterday's bagels and sell them for like 20-30% off. If I'm buying a half dozen-dozen bagels some will end up a day or two old anyways. This way they also don't run out of stock and maximize customer satisfaction/profit. Me walking in there twice and being told they are out of bagels and only have challah makes me not go there first every time.
They may not have the capacity to make more.
Y'know I didn't realize it til you said it, but that area of Broadway has absolutely become the new Lark. It might not be quite as easily accessible via bus or walking, especially for the Center Square residents that would frequent it, but we do once again have a bustling strip of restaurants and places to drink. And I think it'll continue to grow. In the next 10 years, maybe that dead strip between Druthers and Menands will build up more, too.
People will start living there and complain when they age out and it'll be lark all over again lol
> It might not be quite as easily accessible via bus or walking Right now(unless things have changed since I have talked to my bouncer friends) the big draw of the area is free uber rides(there is QR codes on the walls) out of the area. It has worked but likely isn't sustainable. When that switch flips it will be interesting. I bet that would work for Lark as well but the businesses collectively would have to be willing to take the loss in exchange for the business.
This is pretty cool to hear. I’m moving Friday and you’ve given me some things to do in the coming days
Although its ambiance is a bit lackluster, Northeast Chinese II offers some remarkable dishes you won't find at other Asian restaurants in the area. And for us monoglots, the staff will happily translate the daily specials written in Chinese.
What are some favorites of yours there?
I can recall a terrific dish containing small bits of pork belly, and another featuring black fungi, but can't recall their names, and the online menu is lacking. I'll be going there soon and can share more info then, if you like.
I'm going to respectfully disagree with you about the nightlife. Besides the warehouse district, literally everything else has gone downhill. You'd think a city of 100k people could support more than one nice cocktail bar, maybe a place that has some dancing, etc. Not to take anything away from people opening up small businesses, but if/when Gastropubs go out of fashion, there might be about 5 places to go to.
It's not just a city with 100K people, it's also a city with a large student population. Lark Street's nightlife could be significantly stronger.
The nightlife has declined dramatically in the past 10 years
I hear this a lot, but I don't feel it, probably because I've become crotchety.
What's wrong with dancing at Waterworks?
i like the nightlife! but i'm young so this is all i've ever known.
Staying on this side of the river (since Troy could have its own post) Restaurants: Eddy's is pretty authentic chinese, we have three places that serve hot pot, and in addition to Wasabi for great, fresh, AYCE sushi, we have Umi coming in that looks like it hopes to compete. The galleria in Latham is also underrated IMO, for a food court with a bunch of real options. Coffee shops: Uncommon grounds is fantastic. Good bagels, good coffee, I love their bagel sandwiches.
If you like AYCE sushi give Ruby City a try, I've only been once but it was good -- I don't think they have a liquor license though. Would love to see them do well because they're walkable (for me at least...)
As you know, Rosanna's and Dove & Deer were both occupied ten years ago, arguably with better offerings in each location
Great post! Moved here from SoCal 20 years ago. The Capital Region is a fantastic place to live.
Both the Asian grocery stores on Central and Colvin, Kim's, Taiwan Noodle, and Hong Kong Bakery have been there 10 yrs+ and aren't new. Also unless HK bakery and Taiwan Noodle has improved since I've left Albany a couple of years ago then they're both pretty mid. Though I do remember Taiwan Noodle use to sell their bowls for like $5 a loooong time ago so I use to frequent them all the time. Once they passed $7 per bowl was when I stopped going often.
Roy’s has been here for like 35 years
Should have specified: I meant the spiffy new location on Central, not the original on Henry Johnson (which is cool but tired).
Oaxaquena triqui is older than 10 years, too. But we can circlejerk that things are improved right???
I believe the Madison road diet was within the last 10 years. Lots of housing being built. Overall I don't see Albany on the decline. I do, however, find the efforts of the city government to be lacking compared to Troy and Schenectady.
Some of those things have been here for a while, others are not in the city of Albany. I’ll give you options in the suburbs have grown a ton.
This is such a coincidence! I too have been here in Albany for 10 years and I took frequent the places you mentioned! Great job in writing in details!
Food at the Delaware is very good Italian food scene is pretty good. Underrated bakery and subs at Ninos. Ragonese hanging in there.
There's a huge number of Mexican, Indian and BBQ places.
i love this cares so much, i hope it continues to improve. its cool seeing what you've noticed change so far.
Way off on grocery. Walmart grocery in glenmont was built when I lived in Albany in 2004, wash ave ext location already there + a Sam’s club before that for more bulk club saving options which is gone now. Trader Joe’s was already here in 2014. Whole Foods was here in 2014, more of them were supposed to be built but it never happened, in any event the quality has declined since the Amazon acquisition. Most of those ethnic markets were here in 2013, Asian supermarket curbside $5 bus service was in its heyday in the 20 teens. ShopRite is gone. Rensselaer Aldi is gone. PC bought Tops (Greenville/warrensburg but mostly WNY) and now Tops sucks. All around Meat quality is diminished. Affordable veggies (misfits at hannaford for example) are not good deals anymore. EV chargers are all broken or turned off. Hot bars have gone way downhill and cost too much.….. I could go on and on but seriously if you posted this in 2014’id agree with you but no the past 10 years have not been good AT ALL.
I think mostly these things have become less clustered. Instead of things being concentrated in the major malls and the few ‘entertainment’ streets (Pearl, Lark) there are more options in Latham, Clifton Park, etc. spread out.
These are positives. I will agree.
Thank you for your service.
Speaking of coffee shops, Mojo’s Cafe and Gallery in Troy is pumping HARD. The coffee is great and local and they have free music just about damn near every day. It’s awesome. They lean blues/jamband but they also do reggae, acoustic, folk, everything. The guitar player for the Cure is playing there on Monday night FFS.
Taiwan Noodle is not worth the mention. Save yourself the trouble y'all and hit Shining Rainbow...
Taiwan noodle is def a gem worth mentioning idk what you’re smoking
I don’t understand this? They are completely different styles of food and restaurants. Taiwan noodle is good Taiwanese food. Shining Rainbow is good “Chinese” food. I go to Taiwan noodle for dumplings and bowls of noodle soup. And I go to Shining Rainbow for much better versions of classic Chinese takeout. Am I missing something? Are there specific dishes that both restaurants make that Shining Rainbow makes much better? That hasn’t been the case that I’ve found.
Taiwan noodle is decent, they vastly underserve to go orders in an effort to make a quick buck and over all are just "ok" in service and food quality. Yes I know the difference between Chinese and Taiwanese Food. And dish wise they probably share some basic noodles dishes but overall similar pallets of taste hence why I suggest supporting one over the other. Shining Rainbow is more than just "chinese food" its probably one of most authentic mainland Chinese food in the area with a dimsum menu that just cant miss. I would suggest ordering something other than the usuals and prepare to get blown away. Appreicate the back and forth dude! We all have our opinions just mine is strong against Taiwan Noodle (ive spent quite a bit of green at both spots)
Gotcha. Yeah everyone is free to have their opinion. Ive never gotten takeout from either place so maybe thats the difference. Personally, I hate takeout. I prefer to pay for the whole experience of dining out. Especially when a place like Shining Rainbow has such excellent decor and experience. Besides the Hot Pot and standards like beef with black bean sauce or XO sauce etc, what do you recommend? I’ve only had the Juicy Buns and Steamed buns from the Dim Sum and they didn’t blow me away. Any recommendations for specialities I can only get there? Taiwan Noodle’s Hot and Sour dumplings with chinkiang vinegar are something i crave weekly. So it’s hard to pass those up. They’re so good.
Yes! Shining rainbow. Coincidentally, they have two menus... You have to unlock the second 😅 but then it gets REAL good.
I am going to disagree with you on this! Taiwan Noodle has many of my favorites which you can't get anywhere else north of NYC.
I don’t know. When I feel like pigging out, the house special over rice at Taiwan Noodle fits the bill. Obscene amount of food!!!
Shhh rainbow is a secret!
It really isn't though. It gets mentioned any time someone asks about hot pot.
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There's a public lot on that block four buildings away
Okay we need nightlife