Explore Downtown Schenectady: What’s New & Hot in the Electric City

Updated: July 2025

Schenectady is experiencing a vibrant economic renaissance with a wave of hot new businesses setting the city abuzz. From innovative eateries to cutting-edge boutiques, these establishments are reshaping the local landscape and contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship and creativity.

The newest bar and live music venue in the Electric City! Amazing cocktails, fun atmosphere, vibey live music almost every night…it’s the type of place you’re in the mood for at any time. Also, they have the best espresso martini in Schenectady, in my humble opinion.

The Bunker has a few locations across CapNY, but this one is my favorite. It’s a luxury sports bar with various lounges, virtual golf, good food & drinks. It’s one of my favorite places to bring out of town guests.

Best. Lattes. I’ve. Ever. Had. Don’t worry, you can try them all with their one of a kind latte flights. Located right on Jay Street (pedestrian only), it’s the perfect place to stop for your daily coffee or take a meeting.

Schenectady’s first 100% plant-based arcade, bar and restaurant! There’s truly no place like it. You gotta experience it yourself.

  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

Exploring New York’s Capital Region with Your Furry Friend: Dog-Friendly Parks, Trails & Restaurants

Updated: July 2025

If you’re a dog owner looking to explore this beautiful region with your four-legged companion, you’re in for a treat. From scenic parks and hiking trails to charming restaurants and cafes, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly activities and eateries in this area. In this article, we’ll guide you through a few the best places to visit with your dog in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy!

(P.S. This list is not comprehensive, there are many more dog-friendly spots to explore!)

  • Albany Dog-Friendly Parks and Trails
  1. Washington Park: Albany’s iconic Washington Park is a picturesque oasis that welcomes dogs on leashes. Take a leisurely stroll through the park’s scenic pathways, visit the beautiful tulip gardens in the spring, and let your pup enjoy the fresh air.
  2. Albany Pine Bush Preserve: For a more adventurous outing, head to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Leashed dogs are welcome on the numerous hiking trails that wind through this unique ecosystem of sand dunes and pine barrens. It’s a great place to explore nature with your canine companion.
  3. Tivoli Lake Preserve: Tivoli Lake Preserve is a hidden gem within the city limits. This serene park offers a peaceful lake, walking trails, and a designated off-leash dog park area. Let your dog run and play freely while you enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
  • Albany Dog-Friendly Dining
  1. McGeary’s Irish Pub: You and your dog’s “home away from home.” At McGeary’s, Irish culinary traditions meet contemporary flavors to create a menu that delights the palate. The pub offers a diverse selection of dishes, including Irish classics like bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef and cabbage. But it doesn’t stop there; the menu also features a range of American pub fare, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
  2. Iron Gate Cafe: Neestled in the historic Center Square neighborhood, lies a hidden gem that has been delighting locals and visitors for years – Iron Gate Café. This charming cafe is known for its warm ambiance, creative cuisine, and a commitment to serving fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Bring your pup and enjoy the patio.
  3. The Olde English Pub: This cozy English-style pub at 683 Broadway welcomes dogs on its outdoor patio. Savor traditional British fare, including fish and chips and bangers and mash, while your furry friend enjoys the company.
Photo: The Olde English Pub
  • Schenectady Dog-Friendly Parks and Trails
Photo: Indian Kill Nature Preserve
  1. Central Park: Schenectady’s Central Park is a picturesque urban oasis, perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog. The park offers paved paths, lush green spaces, and a beautiful rose garden. Dogs are welcome on leashes (they do have an enclosed dog play area too!) and there are ample trash receptacles for easy clean-up.
  2. Indian Kill Nature Preserve: Just a short drive from downtown Schenectady, the Indian Kill Nature Preserve offers scenic trails where you and your dog can explore woodlands, wetlands, and serene ponds. It’s a peaceful retreat for nature-loving dog owners.
  3. Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail: This 40-mile trail along the Mohawk River welcomes leashed dogs. You can enjoy a long walk or bike ride with your pup, taking in the beautiful river views along the way.
  • Schenectady Dog-Friendly Dining
  1. More Perreca’s Bakery: Enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience at More Perreca’s Bakery. They have a dog-friendly patio where you can savor fresh-baked bread, pastries, and Italian dishes while your dog relaxes at your feet.
  2. Wolf Hollow Brewing Company: If you’re a fan of craft beer, Wolf Hollow Brewing Company is a must-visit. Dogs are welcome on their outdoor patio, making it a great spot to enjoy a cold beer and live music while your dog enjoys the atmosphere.
  3. Wagon Train BBQ: Their menu boasts a wide array of barbecue classics that are sure to satisfy any palate. From tender and juicy brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs, their smoked meats are the stars of the show. Give your dog an invite, they’ll love it.
Photo: Wagon Train BBQ
  • Troy Dog-Friendly Parks and Trails
  1. Peebles Island State Park: Just a short drive from downtown Troy, Peebles Island State Park is a serene escape for nature-loving dog owners. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the park’s hiking trails, which wind through lush forests and offer scenic views of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers.
  2. The Uncle Sam Bikeway: If you and your dog enjoy long walks or bike rides, the Uncle Sam Bikeway is a perfect choice. This scenic trail runs along the Hudson River, providing picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere for you and your furry friend.
  3. Tomhannock Reservoir Trail: Located northeast of Troy, the Tomhannock Reservoir Trail offers a peaceful hike around the reservoir. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the trail, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • Troy Dog-Friendly Dining
Photo: Nighthawks
  1. The Ruck: Known for its craft beer selection and delectable pub fare, The Ruck is a popular spot among dog owners in Troy. They offer a dog-friendly patio where your pup can relax while you enjoy a burger and a cold brew.
  2. Nighthawks: Nighthawks is a hip cafe located in downtown Troy, known for its specialty coffee and delicious brunch options. They have an outdoor seating area where dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a leisurely breakfast or lunch with your pet.
  3. Tipsy Moose: It combines the warmth and conviviality of a neighborhood pub with an inventive menu that showcases both classic comfort food and gourmet creations. The result is a place that appeals to everyone, from craft beer aficionados to food enthusiasts…and dogs too!
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  • Written by: Gabby Fisher

CapNY Eats: 5 Droolworthy Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants

Updated: July 2025

The plant-based food industry has boomed in recent years with myco-protein chik’n and beet burgers that bleed, branded with names like Beyond and Impossible suggesting we’re scaling new heights.
  • Hello, Meatless Mondays

The pandemic only sharpened growth with renewed interest in health conscious eating, efforts to reduce animal consumption (hello, meatless Mondays), and awareness of strained farm-to-table supply chains coupled with new direct-to-consumer options. Suddenly, plant-based options surged on mainstream restaurants’ simplified, post-pandemic menus and customers continue to feed the demand for meatless options when dining out.

Downstate, we’ve seen a Michelin star and James Beard award nominations for a vegan restaurant, chef and veg-driven hospitality group. Upstate, CapNY is enjoying its own share of the action with more growth in the vegan/vegetarian dining scene in two years than the last ten. And they aren’t they aren’t doing it lightly. From the growing vegan list, we’ve picked five eateries putting flavor, fermentation and local farms at the forefront of their plant-based creations.

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY. Visit them on Instagram at @upstatecreative!

  • BAR VEGAN | Center Square | Albany
Bar Vegan

From Lark St. Poke to the Loft 205, sibling owners Will and Mary Phan have opened downtown spots that earn a loyal crowd. But after closing their popular college bar, LAX, during the pandemic, Will was inspired by vegan restaurant Avant Garden in Manhattan and reinvented the LAX space as a vegan restaurant, including an entirely vegan bar. Partnering with a local florist, the place has been beautifully transformed with shiny white subway tiles, leafy planters and trailing vines, and the menu offers shareable plates that won’t break the bank. From a kitchen carefully separated to avoid cross contamination with the Loft restaurant upstairs, try the sweet potato tempura sushi roll, edamame potstickers filled with a luxurious edamame puree (choose steamed or fried), stuffed avocado and bang bang cauliflower florets. All wines and spirits are vegan or organic.

Bar Vegan | 205 Lark Street | Albany | IG

  • TAKE TWO CAFE | Schenectady
Take Two Cafe, Photos: Susie Davidson Powell

Take Two picks up where much missed Shades of Green on Lark Street left off years ago. Owner Chelsea Heilman has created a gorgeous garden-inspired oasis on Schenectady’s State Street where foot traffic is high and it’s hard to miss her hand-painted sidewalk tables. An avid traveler, Heilman serves a chickpea curry, inspired by one from Iceland, along with a replica avocado-pesto-feta-walnut toast and a tofu scramble breakfast burrito with chorizo, chile, and homefries both inspired by cafes in Melbourne, Australia, and Colorado.

Among the most labor intensive ingredients is Heilman’s faux lox salmon. Carrots are given a 32-hour bath in a seaweed, soy and caper brine for umami bite – perfect to pile on a bagel with vegan cream cheese. Stop by and join an all-day crowd pouring in for sandwiches and vegan pastries. Fix your coffee as you like: A counter refrigerator is jammed with all the plant milks from oat to almond.

Take Two Cafe | 433 State Street | Schenectady | IG

  • MEADOWLARK @ TAKK HOUSE | Troy

Meadowlark Catering – from the team behind Wizard Burger and Burrito Burrito (Albany) and Takk House (Troy) – is now hosting their tasteful plant-based cuisine at pop-up events at the Takk House.

These Dining at Takk experiences give the owners an opportunity to craft new menus based on the most current harvest, and gives guests a taste of what they’re all about! Head to the Meadowlark website to check out details for their next experience.

Meadowlark Catering | Troy

  • WIZARD BURGER | Downtown Albany
Wizard Burger, Photos: Susie Davidson Powell

It’s hard to overstate the craftiness behind the Wizard’s vegan creations. If you visit the Wiz on social media, you’ll find burger abominations flying off on intergalactic, space odysseys. Go in person and this purple-hued counter service spot has added a line up of boozy and non-alcoholic cocktails and an additional room in which to enjoy them surrounded with curios from plant terrariums to crystal balls.

Whether you go for lunch or happy hour, the team behind Wizard Burger has all their nighttime cravings on the menu. Get the Mumbo Jumbo – an Impossible burger topped with house chili, battered onion rings, tater tots and jalapeno-garlic crema – or a crispy chik’n Raptor, but don’t forget battered pickles on the side. Those with a sweet tooth might choose the Impossible Strawberry Snail with an Impossible patty and raspberry jelly on a glazed donut by tiny Strawberry Snail vegan bakery. 

Wizard Burger | 74 N. Pearl Street | Albany l IG

  • THE JUICE BRANCH | Catskill & Hudson | Black-Owned Business
The Juice Branch, Photos: Susie Davidson Powell

Painted all the colors of a tropical island, it’s no surprise George Salter’s juice bar is an uplifting place to hang out whether you visit his Warren Street, Hudson location for an antioxidant packed smoothie or hop the Hudson river to Catskill. In Catskill, you’ll find Salter whipping up his lunch du jour, teased a day ahead on social media. It might be crisply fried oyster mushroom sandwich or plant-based Smack-n’Cheez. Sink into a barrel chair in the window, dip into a book on juicing or the benefits of tea, and Salter will hand deliver plates. Pick from more than twenty-four smoothie combos, add boosts from ginger, elderberry or MCT shots. Munch on nutella and banana or avocado toast topped with hard-boiled egg, hemp and chia or fuel up with an acai or peanut butter banana bowl. (Note: Cash or Venmo only in Catskill)

The Juice Branch | 65 W Bridge Street | Catskill | Phone: 518.947.0920
The Juice Branch | 719 Columbia Street | Hudson | Phone: 518.291.2612

Written by: Susie Davidson Powell

5 Great Places to Visit in Schenectady: A Local Renaissance

Schenectady is undergoing a renaissance! There’s something new to explore every time you pop by. Come explore the craft breweries and distilleries, dynamic restaurants with authentic flavors, and everything in between.

Schenectady has become a center for unique boutiques and retail incubators that house local talent. Come see for yourself!

  • Our Top 5 Great Places to Visit in Schenectady

Clinton Street Mercantile, AKA the “Merc” is the first of our great places to visit in Schenectady. It’s the downtown go-to spot to shop for local goods made by artisans all over the Capital Region. The cozy storefront is host to furniture makers, jewelers, photographer, fashion designers, and much more. Everything is creatively curated by the owners, Brandon and Michelle Whittall, who opened the store in order to give artists a chance to build their brands. By learning business skills such as interacting with customers, artists begin to realize their dreams of owning a business. The Merc also offers workshops and classes that are led by the vendors themselves. Additionally, the Merc has expanded to a second location on Lark St. in Albany.

When you walk into Bluebird Home Decor, you be treated to a peaceful, comforting, home-like space. You’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful work from over 20 artists and businesses from around the U.S., as well as six fair-trade companies. They sell many vintage pieces that are one-of-a-kind. In our opinions, these really speak to the soul. The array of beauty and self-care products ensure this shop is truly an experience for the senses. 

Eating well and taking care is always in season. That’s where The Schenectady Trading Company comes in. Schenectady-native Caroline Bardwell was inspired by the creativity of the people around her. She opened her business to showcase local goods and connect the modern consumer to the modern producer. We think she’s nailed it. With products covering almost every genre from food to apparel (plus workshops!), you’ll walk away with a load of goodies and an appreciation for the amazing breadth of talent living and creating in Schenectady. 

Ain’t no sweet tooth like a CapGirl sweet tooth! We couldn’t be happier that Villa Italia exists in this world. Step inside and let your senses be treated to a heavenly array of baked goods from cannoli to rugelach to cupcakes and beyond. Seriously, give yourself a moment to take it all in. Inhale. Exhale. Ahhh… For over 50 years, Villa Italia has been treating locals to delicious sweets. And, if you’re feeling something savory, they have you covered too with soup, salads, and sandwiches. 

We love, love, love this store and its impact on its local community. b. Inspired was originally located just outside downtown Schenectady in Scotia, and now it has a second location on Upper Union Street. b. Inspired hopes this lifestyle concept store acts as a catalyst to spark further development of the walkable downtown area.  The goal of the shop is to inspire and motivate. Create your lifestyle that tells your unique story in new and interesting ways. Choose from among their handpicked items with an emphasis on a boho-chic vibe. Oh, don’t forget to stop at the terrarium bar and create your own terrarium to bring home! 

There’s a flavor for everybody’s taste in Schenectady. These great places to visit in Schenectady are worth a road trip or weekend adventure. Explore these gems and get lost discovering Schenectady on your own! Be sure to tag us in your adventures, so we can share the love: @CapGirlsNY.

  • Written by: The CapGirls

Two women living in CapNY, who say if you’re not having fun here, you’re doing it wrong. Follow them on IG!

5 Millennials On Buying Investment Properties

Many Millennials and Gen Zs are looking for varied revenue and income streams that can help them ride out downturns.

The five people in this article believe that investment properties in CapNY are the right financial right move for them.

Read on for their insight and advice! We got some advice from 5 CapNY millennials on buying investment properties. They shared their experiences on acquiring properties, living and working as landlords, along with many pros and a few cons.

  • Take Advantage of First-Time Buyer Rates

Steve Luttman, 34, is a real estate broker and owner of SJ Lincoln Realty – and, he’s an owner of his own investment properties. “Clients often aren’t aware that many loan products allow first time home buyers to purchase of multifamily buildings,” Steve explained. Meaning, you can receive the benefits of a low down payment mortgage with the added benefit of rental income. In a nutshell: you make money off your property investment. Additionally, “income from the rented units can help you get approval for a mortgage,” Steve said. “In my opinion, being a landlord is the best side hustle out there,” he said.

  • Partner With Family or Friends

Over a beer one day, cousins Abel Burgos, a 33-year-old cyber security network engineer, and Dâvid Burgos, a 28-year-old physical therapist, began talking about early retirement plans. This soon led them to purchase two investment properties, both of which they’re already seeing a return on. The first one — a beautiful, three apartment brick building — is in downtown Albany, off of Lark Street. “Currently I live in the house. When we close on the next property, I’m going to live in that one,” Abel said. The new building has four levels, and each apartment has two floors. They’ve managed to find good tenants using a credit check, background check, and application process.  

  • Do Your Research, Know What You Want!

Gabby Fisher is a 28-year-old entrepreneur who is also the senior producer on the CapNY Initiative. Her investment property consists of three apartments, one of which she lives in herself. “In October, I purchased my multi-family property in downtown Schenectady.” The process “felt like a part-time job, especially as a first-time buyer,” explained Gabby. “I was counting on my realtor to guide me throughout the process. But, I also did a lot of research on my own.”

Gabby knew what was important to her: a thriving, walkable downtown, and an older home with a lot of character. “Schenectady stood out to me because you can get so much bang for your buck,” she explained. “I bought a beautiful three-unit home, with a backyard, a huge shed, multiple porches/deck, a driveway!” she exclaimed. “CapNY has so much potential. I believe property values here are going to be going up and up due to this renaissance,” Gabby said. Recently, Realtor.com ranked Schenectady 4th on its list of best cities for first time home buyers! Gabby couldn’t agree more. Gabby admits it’s a ton of responsibility. “If something goes wrong – a pipe or water heater blows, etc., it’s on me. I take on a lot of risk as a homeowner, but it’s worth it.” She plans to invest in additional homes in the near future.

  • Have Buffer of Funds for Unexpected Items

32-year-old accountant Alexander Bodensieck purchased a rental property in Ballston Spa. He used to live in one of the apartments, until he and his wife moved to Glens Falls. They are now managing the apartments. Compared to apartment living, he said, “Owning is a little cheaper,” but admits it’s much more time consuming and stressful. “There are certainly pros and cons of homeownership,” he continued.

“I talked with mortgage brokers that didn’t know the rules on Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which was something I wanted to avoid.” (Note: Click here to learn more about PMI / Private Mortgage Insurance here.) Alex said he saved a lot of money for closing costs, but needed more for updates and repairs after purchasing the property. He would advise making sure you have a decent financial buffer for millennials buying investment properties (or the ability to obtain credit) after purchasing a house, to prepare yourself for unexpected costs.

jess kelly
  • Written by: Jessica Kelly

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.