New Year's Eve: Food & Fun in Albany

If New Year's Eve has lost it's luster, then you haven't experienced it in Albany! The best restaurants are offering menus you won't be able to resist. Here's a summary of what's going on for this New Year's Eve: 

Specials & Live Music at The Ginger Man
Special dinner menu followed by a late night menu with live music from Sensemaya! Ring in the New Year with a complimentary class of champagne. More info>

New Year's Groovin' Eve at the Albany Marriott
Recreate the glory days of the 60s and 70s at the Albany Marriott! Enjoy dinner, dancing, live music, a champagne toast and a cash bar. You can even stay the night. More info>

New Year's Eve at 677 Prime
Angelo's 677 Prime will be open on New Year's Eve from 11:30 on. Make your reservations now to ring in the New Year in fashion! More info>

New Year's Eve at Cafe Capriccio
Celebrate New Years Eve at Cafe Capriccio. They will be serving a special set five course menu full of your favorite Italian specialties at $85.00 per person. More info>

New Year's Eve Masquerade
Dress to impress for this after masquerade dinner party at The Pearl Street Pub. For only $55 enjoy an open bar from 10pm-1am. More info>

New Year's Eve Prix Fixe Dinner Menu at The Hollow
Enjoy a delicious mean prepared by 'Rising Star Chef' competition Winner for the 2016 Albany Chef's Food & Wine Festival for only $66 per person! Reserve your spot now for one of the two meal times. More info>

New Years Eve 2016 at City Beer Hall
Enjoy New Years Dinner at City Beer Hall, and stay for the late night dance party! Enjoy dinner from 5-9pm and stay for the countdown, balloon drop, champagne toast and of course a huge dance party from 10 until very late. More info>

New Year's Eve Party at Blue 82
The legendary party of the year on NYE includes open bar for 4 hours, a champagne toast at midnight, DJ, party favors & hors d'ourves! More info>

Ring in 2016 at The Desmond
Dress for the occasion and party like a Rockstar the last night of 2015 at the hottest party in Albany! More info>

The Barrel Saloon Presents: A Beef & Flannel New Years
Smoked brisket, good beer, and a comfortable flannel? For only $50 you'll enjoy as much smoked brisket, Texas sides and Shinerbock beer as you can during the two hours of the party. More info>

The Capital American Eatery New Years Eve Dinner
Head into downtown Albany for a four course meal with a wine pairing for each course for only $65. Make your reservation now! More info>

Dave & Buster's 18+ New Year's Eve Ball Drop Party!
Choose from a few incredible packages this New Year's for delicious food and tons of game play! More info>

Dave & Buster's Family Fun New Year's Eve!
Ring in the New Year with your family at Dace & Buster's! Excitement is in store with their New Year’s Eve package which combines all the food & fun. More info>

Check out the full calendar of events for more things happening this New Year's.

Holiday Dessert Guide: Albany's best bakeries, shops, & more

Ah, the Holiday Season. A party or get-together every other day, endless treats in the office gathering place, and never enough time to get all of the shopping done AND create the perfect dessert to bring to your family's gathering. 

Don't worry! We can help you find the dessert you can order, pick up, or purchase that won't disappoint because even if you didn't make it, it is homemade with love... by someone. 

Pie - In my family, it's just not the holidays without pie. Pecan, pumpkin, apple, blueberry, peach, wheat (yes, wheat), you name it, it's probably on the table or somewhere near it. And don't forget the homemade whipped cream! If you don't have the time to bake the perfect pie for your next gathering, no worries! Try these local businesses:

• Goold Orchards: 

• Choose from their wide selection of pies! Call ahead to order 518-732-7317.
• Hours this week:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 AM-5 PM, Thursday 9 AM-3 PM, Closed Friday, Re-Open Saturday, December 26, 11 AM-4 PM.

• Grandma's Pies:
• Taking pie orders in person or over the phone 518-459-4585.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 AM-10:30 PM, Thursday, December 24 pie pick up 6 AM-3 PM, Closed Friday. 

Chocolate - For those who may not like pie, chocolate is usually a pretty good alternative. It also makes an incredible last minute gift for that selective person on your gift list. Luckily, the Capital Region is full of incredible chocolatiers.

• Krause's Candy:
• Chocolate covered nuts, fudge, petit fours, gift boxes, and so much more! Call for more info & to place an order ahead of time 518-869-3950.
• Hours this week: Monday-Wednesday open 10 AM-6 PM, Thursday 10 AM-4 PM, closed Friday & Saturday. 

• Uncle Sam's Candy:
• Uncle Sam's offer butter crunch favorites, roasted nuts, and your favorite chocolates, too! Call ahead at 518-608-4949.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8 AM-8 PM, Thursday 8 AM-6 PM, Closed Friday. 

ANYTIME Favorites - Whether it's doughnuts, cheesecake, cannoli, cookies, or whatever your family prefers to have as a sweet treat during the holidays you'll find it at these local places:

• Cider Belly Doughnuts: 
• Be the hero of the holidays by showing up with a box or two of your favorite doughnuts! Call ahead at 518-253-4640.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6:30 AM-3 PM, Thursday 6 AM-Noon, Closed Friday. 

• Bella Napoli: 

• Cookies, cheesecake, and all of the Italian goodies you can dream up. Call ahead at 518-783-0196.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6:30 AM-10 PM, Thursday 6:30 AM-10 PM, Closed Friday. 

• Schuyler Bakery: 
• If small-town bakery is what you desire, then Schuyler Bakery is your go-to place for bread, cookies, bars, cupcakes, and anything else you can think of. Call ahead if you wish 518-273-0142.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 5:30 AM-5:30 PM, Thursday from 5:30 AM-3 PM. 

New Year's Eve at The Ginger Man

The Ginger Man is serving up a fun filled evening this New Year's! Special event menus feature mouth watering options from oysters on the half shell to pan seared filet mignon and everything in between. Catch this delicious menu from 4:30 to 9pm. 

After that, a late night menu with favorite finger foods such as The Ginger Man Burger and a Cheese and Charcuterie platter, and Ginger Man classics like the delicious Lobster Mac & Cheese. At 9pm, you can also expect live music from Latin Jazz Trio Sensemaya until midnight. 

At the turn of the year, guests will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast to celebrate the past and bring in the future! See the full menu here.