518 Plates and Places

09/24/2026

Have you visited HOTWORX yet? Take a free class today!

https://hotworx.net/customerportal/NY0024/contact_information.php?em_ref=NjExMDUyNg==

09/09/2026

Have you been out to see the Autumn Glow Festival yet?
This is a fun event to add to your evening plans. It is held at Mabee Farms Thursdays-Sundays, 6.30 p.m - 10 p.m.
Take a ride over and see the lights.

08/20/2026

Have you been to the Olde English Pub yet?

08/15/2026

Have you been to Smith’s Public House yet? It’s a great spot for pre-theater dinner before a show at Cohoes Music Hall!

08/04/2026

This week I enjoyed lunch at Tai Chi on Western Ave. I was invited to eat there as part of the Yelp Elite program. This allowed me to have an entree at drink thanks to Yelp.
Believe it or not this was my first time trying bubble tea! ! chose passion fruit tea and mango boba. I also had a poke bowl - there were so many choices to create a poke bowl!
Visit Tai Chi Albany soon!

07/14/2026

Have you tried Mega Kone yet? Might be a great taco Tuesday option in this heat!

06/16/2026

Have you been to Vice & Virtue yet?
Located at 40 N Broadway in Schenectady this is one of my favorite places to grab dinner before a show at Proctors.
My friends and I enjoyed cocktails, conversation and comfort cuisine before heading out to see Moulin Rouge.
What we ordered:
🍽️Coconut Tuna Poke
🍽️Caesar Salad with shrimp
🍽️Jerk Shrimp Tacos
🍽️Vermont Burger
🍽️Vice Steak Sammy (I loved this - I had to take half home!)
What have you tried?

06/08/2026

I don't like to try new restaurants right away but everyone had been talking about Izakaya Kinko at 60 State Streeer so we had to go!
The space was definitely unique being below ground in a former bank vault. The seating is also interesting as they have normal tables as well as chabudai seating. (Ladies - avoid the short skirts just incase you end up at one of those!)
We tried an assortment of dishes as izakaya restaurants are more about lingering over drinks and dishes than sitting for a full meal. To be clear this is NOT a sushi restaurant. This is where you are going to find dishes that have been steamed, fried, simmered, and grilled. My favorite was the pork and leek goyza. The pork was very flavorful. The Chilean sea bass was good but the presentation was lackluster considering the price point. I'd love to see this over black rice or served with some colored vegetables to make this dish really pop. The Yakatori party had a lot of flavor.
Have you been yet?

05/29/2026

Are you planning a girls’ night this weekend? Check out Bloom in Albany.
My friends invited me to join them for a well needed girls night. We drank, we ate, we laughed, and we celebrated life together surrounded by flowers adorning the walls and ceilings of the restaurant.
The Maple Bacon Manhattan is not to be missed.
Definitely try the Beets & Fried Goat Cheese appetizer.
Don’t be worried about the Shrimp Tacos being messy, they are worth it.
The Grilled Chicken Panini is honestly more of a sandwich than a true panini
The Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich was tasty and I thought it was mild on the spice level for those who might worry.
Our lovely server, Amelia, recommended the Churro Banana Split which was a win and definitely something you could share.

Bloom Boutique Bar & Eatery
563 New Scotland Ave
Albany, NY 12208

Tuesday - Thursday 11:30AM - 9PM
Friday - 11:30 AM - 10PM
Saturday Brunch - 10AM - 2PM
Saturday Dinner 3PM - 10PM
Sunday Brunch - 10AM - 2PM
Closed Monday

05/28/2026