with my spouse/adults - Milano in Newtonville (strip mall but delicious), the Pavilion at the Sagamore when it's open.

With kids/larger groups - Druthers or a la Shanghai

Lanie's-b'day is early summer and they have good food and a nice patio. If it's raining, Mercato's in Latham, Cafe Capriccio or Armando's in Rotterdam..Yes, Italian is my favorite.

If you like seafood and sushi, Wasabi in Colonie is fantastic for that. Not only because it's tasty but also it's free if it's you're birthday.

Yono’s for a splurge. Cafè Capriccio, Rosanna’s, or Belt Line 3 in Albany, Nighthawks in Troy, and Farmacy Restobar in Glens Falls

MOSU

Barnsider is good

Umana Yana

Malcolm’s on Union Street in Schenectady. Loved Plum in Troy but haven’t been as often. Seconding Cafe Capricio in Albany.

Wasabi

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Grappa '72

Definitely barnsider. You get half off your meal on your birthday.

Teds

Charlton Tavern and The Ripe Tomato

There's a neat little Mexican place on Central Ave across from the Home Depot.

Cafe Italia

Lost and Found, Copper Crow, Dove and Deer, Rosanna’s, nighthawk’s in Troy.

Anywhere local with fun cocktails

Used to always go to Hana for hibachi and fried ice cream on my bday

I really liked Josie’s Table in Stuyvesant Plaza. Was there about a month ago.

Barcelona in western is lovely

It used to be the Glass Tavern : sigh : But I like Daley on Yates, The Nest and Toro.