Location: Schenectady
Top Restaurants in Schenectady
Top Things to do in Schenectady
Where to eat American food in Schenectady: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Best American restaurants nearby. Discover the best American food in Schenectady. View Menus, Photos and Reviews for American restaurants near you.. Schenectady /skəˈnɛktədi/ is a city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135. The name "Schenectady" is derived from a Mohawk word skahnéhtati meaning "beyond the pines". The city was founded on the south side of the Mohawk River by Dutch colonists in the 17th century, many from the Albany area. They were prohibited from the fur trade by the Albany monopoly, which kept its control after the English takeover in 1664. Residents of the new village developed farms on strip plots along the river. Connected to the west via the Mohawk River and Erie Canal, the city developed rapidly in the 19th century as part of the Mohawk Valley trade, manufacturing and transportation corridor. By 1824 more people worked in manufacturing than agriculture or trade, and the city had a cotton mill, processing cotton from the Deep South. Numerous mills in New York had such ties with the South. Through the 19th century, nationally influential companies and industries developed in Schenectady, including General Electric and American Locomotive Company (ALCO), which were powers into the mid-20th century. The city was part of emerging technologies, with GE collaborating in the production of nuclear-powered submarines and, in the 21st century, working on other forms of renewable energy.
Things to do in Schenectady
10. 20 North Broadway Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 571Chris
We had excellent wings here (triple threat , garlic parm, chipolte bbq, hot sauce). Brought some home to have room for our burger & roast beef cheddar, bacon melt. Everything was excellent. It's a very laid back place, loud and lively but not so much you can't carry on a conversation. Nice neighborhood atmosphere.
9. Van Dyck Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 131 reviews
In 2009 the Van Dyck reopened under new owners, the McDonald Family, giving this historic venue new life. In 2011, the McDonald's again revitalized the Van Dyck by getting the formerly used brewery on premise functioning once more, under the name, the Mad
Reviewed By MrNeverHome
If you didnât read this review or another recommendation for the Van Dyck Lounge, you would probably never find it; and you would be missing out. Located in a residential neighborhood, you might think you are at the wrong place. As soon as you walk in, youâll see a welcoming bar and a relaxed atmosphere. We continued through the bar to the back patio where there was live music and plenty of seating. Beer is made in cooperation with Mad Jack Brewing. Beer selection from Mad Jack was your typical microbrew selection and tasted great. I ordered the fish and chips and for $15 I got a great tasting order that would be hard for two people to finish! Appetizers were great. Service was fast and attentive. Food came very quick. For a good dinner and a great beer in a relaxed atmosphere at a very unique location, you canât go wrong.
8. Slick's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By ross5100
I ate lunch at this Schenectady institution today. It lived up to its reputation. This is the place to go if you want a sandwich as they have only sandwiches on the menu. I had the roastbeef. It was piled a mile high and was delicious. The potato salad was also very good. Service was friendly and efficient and prices were reasonable. A great place for a great sandwich.
7. Union Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
This cafe opened in 2012
Reviewed By mosaferNY
We went to Union Cafe for lunch. The service is excellent and the food is pretty fresh and well prepared. We had burgers, salad with spicy chicken and wraps. Everything was prepared perfectly, the waitress came by a few times to make sure everything was ok. We will definitely go back.
6. Katie O'Byrnes Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By Brian K
Went here for a pre show meal and the food was great, service was a bit slow and the place is noisy. Enjoyed the food. One time I went there for a beer while waiting for a delayed train as this location is right next to the train station. I enjoyed sitting at the bar and being less crowded at the time, the place was quieter.
5. The Glass Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 150 reviews
We specialize in the freshest seafood, steaks and poultry dishes. From chef to server, barkeep to busser, The Glass Tavern is welcoming and hospitable. Our quality ingredients, excellent preparation, inviting presentations and relaxed atmosphere will beck
Reviewed By Adirondacker1
Each time weâve eaten here has been a very good experience. We had the beet salad, farmerâs salad,Nashville chicken, filet mignon sliders, deviled eggs, fish&chips, shrimp&fennel rigatoni, &pan-seared salmon. The beet salad needed work:very few beets(canned) The salad leaves were wilted. In contrast, the farmerâs salad was split between two of us (and served to the wrong people who wouldnât exchange it for the rather sad beet salad they ordered! Family! ) and looked piled high with fruit pieces, cheese, fresh greens. The beet salad was approximately half the size of the two split salads that were supposed to be mine and companion and that was weird. Otherwise, deviled eggs (2 eggs, split into 4 pieces for our table of 6, no portion size on menu, we should have asked) were ok, not exceptional. The Nashville chicken was excellent, very tasty. Sides of mashed potatoes and greens were very good and ample. The pan seared salmon was also excellent on flavor. The filet mignon sliders were outstanding and I loved them. The fish and chips were happily polished off by another family member who had no complaints. The rigatoni was a bit too much sauce, not as much contents for the last member of our party. Basically said the flavor was wonderful but lacked enough rigatoni or shrimp. Canât please some people. All our mixed drinks were outstanding,I have to say. No desserts or coffee. We were able to get the early bird specials and man, thatâs a good deal! Excellent service& food overall.
4. Ambition Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 132 reviews
Ambition is a funky urban bistro. We offer great foods, drinks and desserts in a very unique atmosphere of nostalgia Americana. We at Ambition love food, music and Hollywood and that's who we invite in and we invite you too!
Reviewed By Andy05255
We were in Schenectady, NY to see a matinee at Proctors Theater, so we parked in a nearby lot and walked to Ambition Bistro to enjoy some Brunch! Our server was polite and friendly, and our food was perfectly prepared and delicious. When in Schenectady, NY be sure to stop into Ambition Bistro for a great Breakfast Lunch or Dinner!
3. Gershon's Deli
Overall Ratings
4 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Philroy2014
Finally made it here for lunch. A true deli with everything under the son. Including all kinds of salads & sides, choices of soups and beverages. The Rubens were fantastic.I don't mind paying a little more when the sandwiches are so large. Excellent service as well.
2. Johnny's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 639 reviews
Reviewed By jbogdan001
Its nice but don't what the hype is about, theres another close by Italian place that's a lot better.The portions were ok, no leftovers. Waiter was great but bus person annoyed us trying to clean up and we weren't done yet. Not in a rush to go back if ever.
1. Druthers Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Vespa717
Have been for lunch and dinner a few times now. The food has always been very good, and it's nice to be able to sit outside on the river. They're very popular, and busy especially on the weekends, but it's pleasant waiting at the bar for a table.
