Cabrina McGinn

The Authentic 518 Guide to Speakeasy Bars in the Capital Region

January 31, 2022 By Cabrina McGinn

Cocktail at The Maker — The Lounge at The Maker

Ever find yourself in the mood for some swanky, jazzy vibes to transport you back a hundred years or so? Luckily for us, the Capital Region is home to some actual bootlegging legends (check out @bootleggerbungalow on Instagram, you won’t be disappointed). We’re also home to entrepreneurs who know just how to leverage our rich history into some seriously cool speakeasy-style bars and restaurants. We’ve cherry picked 4 bars that we think exude the turn of the century aura. They’ve got sexy, tactile interior decor, and they reside within 200-year-old buildings. Romance and legend and cocktails. It’s a can’t-miss night on the town.

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

9 Maple, Saratoga Springs

The bar at 9 Maple — The glittering bar at 9 Maple in Saratoga Springs

This speakeasy sure doesn’t make itself hard to find — the address and the name of the bar are one and the same. This self-proclaimed ‘Jazz Lounge’ is in a narrow brick building dating back to the 1880’s. This spot can get pretty crowded on the weekends when Saratogians pack into the space to listen to raucous live jazz bands.

While they’re known especially for their espresso martini, they also offer an impressive menu of 250 martinis. In addition, they allegedly have the largest selection of single malt scotch from Manhattan to Montreal. (We can’t wait to begin fact-checking this). The mahogany bar and iron-cast light fixtures are in keeping with the 1880s aura, while bartenders are dressed in formal attire as they shake two martinis at a time. Stop in early for a quiet drink or head in late-night for a bustling good time.

9 Maple, 9 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs, 518-583-CLUB, IG @9mapleave

The Berlin, Troy

This sultry spot in Troy sits on the second floor above the Troy Beer Garden, with an inconspicuous side-door entrance on the left side of the building. Complete with Chesterfield sofas, floor-to-ceiling red curtains, and gilded frames from wall-to-wall, The Berlin doesn’t leave even the smallest details unattended to. Intricate wallpaper, exposed brick, and tall ferns provide solarium vibes during daylight hours, and transition perfectly to mysterious night club after dark. Ten original ‘Haus Cocktails’ and nine wines offer a selection for anyone’s palate. This is the perfect spot for after dinner drinks and optimal mood lighting.

The Berlin Lounge, 2 King Street, Troy, 518-730-0330, IG @theberlinlounge

The Maker, Hudson

As the prolific city of Hudson continues to put itself on the international ‘map’, this spot certainly hasn’t wanted for media coverage — it’s an exemplary example of historic renovation. Because of the building alone, we’d be remiss not to include The Lounge at The Maker. Built inside of a restored carriage barn, a marble and mahogany horseshoe bar acts as the grand focal point. Tassel-lamps descend from the ceiling. Intricately tiled floors, dark panel walls and heavy velvet curtains erase the last hundred years. It’s a complete the time-travel experience. With their unique and inventive cocktail list and small bites, The Maker lounge is a great stop for a date night or late-night get together.

The Maker, 302 Warren Street, Hudson, IG @themakerhotel

Elixir 16, Troy

Elixir in Troy — The historic building that’s home to Elixir 16

The history of the building at 45 2nd St is the most interesting and unique of any on this list. Originally built as a single-family home in 1822, it was renovated and the bottom floor used as a doctors office for nearly 100 years until now-owner Megan Reavey bought it in 2016. She pays homage to this in a couple of ways. The first is slightly macabre: in the front room sits an old, 1940’s medical bench, complete with stirrups and parchment paper rolled over the surface. She tells us that when she bought the building, this medical bench was still in use! The second homage is in the name. “The definition of Elixir is something the doctor prescribes, or a magical potion,” says Reavey.

The floors, fireplaces and chandeliers are original to the building. The ceiling tile is also of the 1800’s but salvaged from other buildings. Up until just a couple of years ago, there was no signage on the bar whatsoever. Instead, there was just a sandwich board out front that said ‘Curious? Come see for yourself’. They offer a wide selection of craft brews, as well as dumplings and board games. This one is an absolute must for the history buff or the craft beer enthusiast.

Elixir 16, 45 2nd St, Troy, IG @elixir1

This article is part of our “The Authentic 518” Series done in collaboration with Cabrina McGinn and Straight Upstate.

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

The Authentic 518: Old School Italian Restaurants

January 5, 2022 By Cabrina McGinn

The Italian American community in New York City is as established and historic as the city itself. Luckily for us, many Italian Immigrants also ventured upstate to the Capital Region during the waves of European migration of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These communities quite literally built and shaped the cities we see today.

These once-bustling Italian neighborhoods still exist in pockets all over the 518. We set out to find authentic Italian restaurants that have been owned and operated by the same families for multiple generations, and have become beloved Capital Region institutions.

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

Perreca’s

We’d be remiss not to start our journey in Schenectady’s Little Italy. This North Jay Street neighborhood was built by the Italian community that you can find here to this day.

Founded by immigrants Salvatore & Carmella Perreca in 1914, Perreca’s is one of the oldest continually operating restaurants in the Capital Region. The original brick oven, built more than a century ago, is still used today.

Currently owned and operated by the third generation, siblings Maria & Anthony Papa still make their famous bread using the Old World technique brought from Naples by their grandparents. Legend has it that, in more than 100 years, this oven has never gone out. Anthony explains that the bricks expand when hot. If they were to cool down and contract, the oven could collapse. He comes into the bakery every single day, 365 days a year to put coals on the fire. “I don’t think I’ve taken a vacation since I went on my honeymoon,” he says with a laugh.

Perreca's Eggs in Purgatory — Perreca’s signature dish, Eggs in Purgatory

“Okay, I’m gonna give one secret away,” says Anthony Papa. “[The oven] actually has been out, once.” He explains that at one point he had to let it cool and actually crawl inside to attempt a daring cleaning expedition.

“The history, and the lure of this area is old school Italian food, done right. My thought when I’m cooking is to always honor the neighborhood,” says Head Chef Neil. He should know! A Schenectady native, Neil was born and raised right here in this “Little Italy”.

MORE Perreca’s Italian Kitchen, 31 N Jay Street Schenectady, New York 12305, telephone 518-377-9800.

Caffe Italia

Caffe Italia’s Capellini Dugan: Shrimp, Lobster & Spinach with white wine garlic sauce

Every Albany native knows about Caffe Italia, an institution on Central Ave. In 1974, founder Joseph Romeo opened a small coffee shop on this spot. The local Italian community congregated, drank cappuccino, and picked up an Italian newspaper and other novelties from the Old Country.

Chef Paul Romeo Caffe Italia — Chef Paul “Big Pauly” Romeo in the kitchen at Caffe Italia

Albany’s original “Little Italy” on Madison Avenue was demolished to make way for the Empire State Plaza. As a result, many of those businesses and people were scattered. The Romeos coffee shop stayed where it was, and now and again, Joseph’s wife Jana (Joanne) would make any one of a variety of homemade dishes that were such a hit with customers. Just 6 years later, they bought the Arlington Luncheonette next door and opened Caffe Italia in 1980.

For more than 20 years and with no formal culinary training, Joseph and Jana welcomed the larger Albany community and built an institution that their children have carried on today, with Suzanne as accountant, Pauly as executive chef, and Michael & Maria running the front of house. With room for just 40 guests in the restaurants, Maria tells us of how her family has always prioritized their community above all else.

The Romeo Legacy

“The one thing my [late] father really wanted in this business was for people to relax and have it be an experience, similar to what you would find in your own home or in an Italian home. You don’t just sit and quickly eat. You sit around the table, you have a conversation, you get to know people. Over the years, we’ve built relationships with the people who frequent our restaurant. Now we have generations of families who’ve not only watched me grow but watched my kids grow as well.”

Luckily for our community some of the third generation of Romeo’s, most of whom are teenagers and young adults at the moment, are already learning the trade! And, even better, they’re now bottling their sauce, so you can experience a bit of Caffe Italia at home.

Caffe Italia, 662 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206-1645, telephone: (518) 459-8029

Lo Porto Ristorante Caffe

Executive Chef Carmelo Lo Porto in the kitchen

Crowd at Lo Porto — Lo Porto is bustling, even on weeknights

Across the river in Troy, the Lo Porto family are award-winning 5th generation restaurateurs hailing from Sicily. Brothers Salvatore and Michael Lo Porto opened their restaurant in downtown Troy in the 80’s after having immigrated from Italy in the 60’s. Michael is well-known throughout the community as the face of the business. Until a few years ago, you could almost always find him visiting tables to get to know new guests or catch up with the stampede of regulars that have been coming back for 30-something years. His nephew Carmelo, currently the Executive Chef, tells us that he was in the kitchen when he was just 10 years old.

Private Room at Lo Porto — The private room at Lo Porto

Between Michael and Carmelo, the two Chefs hold around two-dozen credentials and awards. Unfortunately, Carmelo tells me that his uncle Michael has been sick for the past few years. As a result, he has not been as involved as usual. But even during Michael’s absence and throughout the pandemic, Carmelo says that their priority remains the same. “Our number one joy is putting people in the seats, talking to people and talk about our family. We actually see a lot of new faces now. Lots of people have moved up from the city. We see new faces, then start to see them again and again.”

Lo Porto Ristorante Caffe, 85 Fourth Street, Troy, New York, 12180, telephone (518) 273-8546.

This article is part of our “The Authentic 518” Series done in collaboration with Cabrina McGinn and Straight Upstate.

Born and raised in the Capital Region, Cabrina McGinn started her blog in 2019 to highlight the exceptional bars and restaurants that the 518 has to offer. Prior to that, she had spent many years in the restaurant industry, bartending all over New York State. While the blog was started with the intention of focusing solely on cocktails and craft beverages, Cabrina has expanded the blog to feature food, events, hotels, and other unique and exceptional things that you can only find in Upstate New York. Cabrina lives in Saratoga Springs and enjoys exploring the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks on the weekends. Visit the blog on instagram @straightupstate or online at https://straightupstate.com

Stay tuned for more of our monthly The Authentic 518 articles – from hidden gems to Capital Region classics, we’re exploring all the spots that embody the authentic 518.

The Authentic 518: Charming Small Towns on the Outskirts

November 17, 2021 By Cabrina McGinn

Brown’s Brewing Taproom in Hoosick Falls

Centuries before automobiles emerged as the singular mode of transport, the Industrial Revolution exploded upward from its epicenter of Manhattan, through the waterways that carve the landscape of Upstate New York. As a result of this rapid expansion, mill towns popped up along the creeks and streams that branch from the Hudson River.

Unlike many of the city centers in the Capital Region, the charming small towns in htis story haven’t been bulldozed for strip malls and high rises. Instead, they maintain the architecture and ambiance of the time in which they were founded. Lucky for us, they’re all just a short automobile ride away! So if you’ve ever had the urge to play out your Schitt’s Creek fantasy, or if you’re someone for whom ‘antique’ is a verb, plan your next day trip to one of these charming small towns!

Greenwich

Tour the amazing architecture all around the town square

Surprisingly, the town I hadn’t heard of before was the one with the most going on! Greenwich has some of the most beautiful historic homes in the Capital Region. Plus, there’s a bustling main street with restaurants, cafes, antique shops and craft stores.

Get your Christmas on at The Country Peddler

Formerly known as Whipple City, the town grew up around a cotton mill and continued to flourish until the mid 19th century. Be sure to take a stroll through the surrounding neighborhoods to see some of the best examples of 18th and 19th century architecture that Upstate New York has to offer.

There’s homemade white bread at Lynn’s Country Cafe

There’s great food and drink in Greenwich, too. Argyle Brewing offers tasting flights and food trucks. Nearby, Elsassers 111 offers Flammkuchen (German-style flatbread pizza). Stop into Greenwich Hardware to explore a selection of antique furniture and farming equipment, or to Wicked Wicks for handmade crafts, cappuccinos, and sip-n-paint classes. The Christmas Attic and the Country Peddler offer Christmas tchotchkes and fresh fudge year-round. And don’t miss Wallie’s, a Greenwich institution since 1929, serving patrons for almost a century in the heart of this beautiful village.

Your Greenwich Itinerary:

Kinderhook

Certainly the swankiest of the bunch, Kinderhook has drawn Michelin-star chefs, restaurateurs, and other impressive proprietors from New York City and Hudson in recent months. And, this small town was home to the nation’s eighth president, Martin Van Buren; you can still visit his estate house, Lindenwald, which is now a museum in his honor.

The food and architecture is awesome in Kinderhook. First, pop into the Saisonnier (French for farmhand) to enjoy some fresh beer and a delicious charcuterie board. Then, cross the town square to take a look at the Knitting Mill, a new project that will house several businesses in a renovated 1860’s knitting factory. The building is currently home to Morningbird and OK Pantry, with a restaurant, cocktail lounge, gallery, and apothecary line opening in the coming months. Down the street, Meghan Calcagno brings her family’s 150-year old bagel recipe from Brooklyn to Kinderhook with Broad St. Bagel Co. They’ve recently expanded to the spot next door with Focaccia Bakery, where they offer Old World Italian bread and pizza.

Your Kinderhook Itinerary:

Saisonnier
Broad St. Bagel Co. | Focaccia Bakery
DYAD Wine Bar
Cosmic Donuts
Morningbird | OK Pantry
Martin Van Buren Lindenwald

Hoosick Falls

The little village sits almost on the border of Vermont, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Bennington. The gazebo at the center of town is the spitting image of the one in Stars Hollow (the fictitious Connecticut town that serves as the backdrop for Gilmore Girls). Thankfully for us, the rest of the architecture in town follows suit.

View of the Walloomsac from Brown’s Brewing

Artists Norman Rockwell and Grandma Moses both lived in the area; their paintings are exhibited in museums around the world as examples of American Folk Art from Upstate New York and Vermont.

In more recent times, Brown’s Brewing brought fame to the area once more when they renovated a mill on the Walloomsac River. The beautiful spot now houses a brewery and full restaurant, drawing tourists from all over New York State. The Potter Hill Barn, a ‘primitive gift store’, is another classic Capital Region staple, operating for more than 25 years.

Meanwhile, young business Iron Coffee Co., has seen a booming clientele since launching their roastery in 2016. And, new favorite Hoosick Provisions is an absolute must-stop for anyone looking for their Rose Apothecary moment. You’ll find local cheeses, homemade pastries and regional produce, set against the backdrop of 19th century exposed brick.

Your Hoosick Falls Itinerary:

Schuylerville

Schuylerville is sometimes called America’s most historic village, because the Battle of Saratoga — known as the “Turning Point of the American Revolution” — was fought here. Later, in the 19th century, captains-of-industry arrived, harnessing the Fish Creek and Hudson River that made Shuylerville into a bustling township. Today, this quaint village remains a cultural hub of Upstate New York.

If you want good hikes and views of the waterways, Schuylerville is for you! Stop into Bound by Fate Brewing or The Basin Grill to enjoy a brew or bite on their beautiful patios overlooking the water. Then, get your steps in at Hudson Crossing Park and check out the beautiful Dix Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Hudson River into Washington County.

Your Shuylerville Itinerary:

Schoharie

This charming village might be the Barn-Quilt capital of Upstate New York. On the main drag alone there are four businesses exhibiting large quilt-like signage on the outsides of their historic buildings.

As a result of its rural location, Schoharie is home to a number of regionally famous farms & farm stores. As a result, local produce, plants, prepared foods and artisan products abound. One of my favorites is The Carrot Barn, a Capital Region institution offering local produce and products from all over Upstate New York. (Surprise, surprise, the carrot cake is to die for). My family has been going to Wellingtons for years – run by retired couple Carolyn and Frederick. Their 45-acre farm offers landscaped gardens, artisan gifts and collectibles. And, there’s a tea room where Carolyn serves her signature gooey butter cake and island tea.

Generations, A Vintage Consignment Store

Stop by consignment shop Generations, which offers — dare I say it — the best selection of antiques that I’ve ever come across outside of the city centers. While you’re there, say hi to Ann, a lifelong Upstate New Yorker with years of stories and Schoharie history!

Your Schoharie Itinerary:

The Carrot Barn
Schoharie Valley Farms
The Apple Barrel Store & Cafe
Generations, A Vintage Consignment Shop
The Farmers Beef & Brew
Wellington’s Herbs & Spices

This article is presented in collaboration with Straight Upstate. Visit the blog on instagram @straightupstate or online at https://straightupstate.com

Born and raised in the Capital Region, Cabrina McGinn started her blog in 2019 to highlight the exceptional bars and restaurants that the 518 has to offer. Prior to that, she had spent many years in the restaurant industry, bartending all over New York State. While the blog was started with the intention of focusing solely on cocktails and craft beverages, Cabrina has expanded the blog to feature food, events, hotels, and other unique and exceptional things that you can only find in Upstate New York. Cabrina lives in Saratoga Springs and enjoys exploring the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks on the weekends.

The Authentic 518: Can’t-Miss Farms to Visit This Fall

October 18, 2021 By Cabrina McGinn

Any Capital Region native knows that apple trees are as deeply rooted in our area’s history as they are in our soil. New York’s first known apple orchards were planted by Peter Stuyvestant in 1647 — long before New York was even a colony, let alone a state.

Today, Upstate New York is a reigning apple capital of the world, boasting orchards and farms that have operated by the same families for hundreds of years. And, our farms draw thousands of agritourists from all over the world.

We explored some of the region’s best farms to visit this Fall. Some offer family fun, others, farm brews and hard ciders. ALL are family owned and committed to keeping our autumn traditions in Upstate New York alive and well.

Indian Ladder Farms

Indian Ladder Farms has been owned and operated by the Ten Eyck Family for more than 100 years. Originally founded as a Dairy Farm in 1916, the land has seen many uses and iterations over the last century. Laurie Ten Eyck runs the farm today, along with her husband Dietrich, and her brother Peter Gansevoort Ten Eyck III.

The farm has always been known locally for their orchards, petting zoo, and farm store/cafe. In recent years, however, the opening of their Brewery & Cidery business has seen a tremendous uptick in visitors from far and wide. Dietrich, who manages the Cidery-Brewery business, tells us that their beer and cider have become so popular that they can’t make it fast enough to satisfy both the walk-in customers and their wholesale distributors. They’re rapidly expanding their brewery to be able to produce 600 gallons at a turn. And, they’re adding an additional event space that will be used for weddings and retreats.

With their animals, orchards, and biergarten, Indian Ladder Farms is great for families or an outing just for adults. They have fire pits for evening gatherings and their Brewery/Cidery now has indoor seating & a full menu, open year-round.

Offerings:

Pick your own apples
Farm Brewery & Cidery
Full Food Menu
Cider & Doughnuts
Pumpkin Patch
Farm Animals
Farm Store

Ellms Family Farms

The Ellms family have owned and operated this farm since the 1980’s, originally growing Christmas Trees. They’ve now expanded to pumpkins, corn, and more than 40 ‘agratainment’ activities for kids and adults alike. Garth Ellms, who runs the farm with his two elder sisters after having taken it over from their parents in 2005, tells us that the farm spans 240 acres of land, and draws anywhere from 1000-2000 people per day during the Fall Season.

Running the farm is a family affair for the Ellms. Currently there are eight grandchildren, many of whom have buildings named after them at the farm. Some even run ticket sales for the train rides all by themselves. They make around 1600 Cider Doughnuts per day. While I must say there was some razor-thin competition, they were my favorite of all of the cider doughnuts I tried while researching this article.

Ellms is perfectly geared towards children and families. They even do children’s birthday parties and offer an evening drive-through light show with cider doughnuts and kettle corn!

Offerings:

40 Children’s Activities
Cider & Doughnuts
Full Food Menu w/ alcoholic beverages
Pumpkin Patch
Farm Animals
Farm Store

Saratoga Apple

The Darrow family has been growing apples in Schuylerville for 5 generations, and their Farm Store might just be the busiest in all of Saratoga County – open 7 days a week. They stock all kinds of local products and produce, and make cider doughnuts year-round! In recent years they’ve also launched a hard cider business and tasting room, offering two of their own hard ciders among other local brews, meads, and spirits.

Perhaps their most unique and authentic product, however, is their old-school traditional cider called ‘Scrumpy,’ made using the natural yeast on the apples. There are no added sulfites, and no added sweeteners, resulting in a very dry hard cider (and my personal favorite).

Saratoga Apple offers some of the most beautiful views in the Capital Region, as well as some of the best selection of local products. Their tasting room has lots of options, making this a great destination for adults.

Offerings:

Hard Cider & Tasting Room
Pick your own apples
Cider & Doughnuts
Pumpkin Patch
Farm Store

Windy Hill Orchard East

Run by the Goold Family since 1910, Windy Hill Orchard East was purchased and expanded in 2019 by Scott and Todd Seeberger. Like the Goolds, this family aren’t new to the apple business. Since then, the Seeberger family have remodeled the Farm Store, added fire pits and Adirondack chairs throughout the orchard, and started doing wagon rides, corn mazes, and other children’s attractions.

Their orchards span 116 acres and offer around 12 different varietals of apples, while their farm store offers homemade fudge, cheese, and cider doughnuts among other local goods. On Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, Windy Hill East is hosting ‘Fall Family Days,’ with live music, food trucks, and a craft-vendor market. They’ve also recently added a Cidery & Winery business, and are renovating the 120-year-old barn on the property to house their tasting room someday.

Windy Hill East is great for both families or adults – their Fall Family Days offer free admission and are a perfect way to spend a fall afternoon with live music, food trucks, and local vendors!

Offerings:

Wine & Cider
Pick your own apples
Cider & Doughnuts
Pumpkin Patch
Farm Store

Golden Harvest

The orchards on route 9 in Valatie have existed since at least the 1870’s, long before Daniel and Madeline Zinke would purchase them and open the first Farm Stand on this spot in 1957, naming it ‘Golden Harvest’.

Today, their grandson Alan Grout and his sons own and operate the farm. Golden Harvest has now expanded to include a bakery, a distillery, and a smokehouse grill. The farmstand is one of the largest and most impressive in the area; with everything from eggs, to baked goods and local jams & honey, you could almost do a full grocery shop here! Their bakery offers fresh cider doughnuts, unique pastries and 9 types of pies. They also specialize in custom, large scale bakery orders – in fact they supplied the Presidential Inauguration in 2013. Their Distillery offers tastings and a full cocktail menu as well as full bottles for purchase.

We got a chance to speak with Derek Grout, who was the first to receive a NYS Farm Distillery license when he founded Harvest Spirits in 2007. They boast nine spirits, “never made with grain, never sweetened with sugar, never artificially flavored or colored, never charcoal filtered, and never blended with products distilled elsewhere.” Outdoors, they offer ample seating, a fire pit, and corn-hole. While Golden Harvest is not offering pick-your-own this year due to extensive re-planting and remodeling of their orchards, they are still offering over 20 varietals of apples for purchase.

This farm is a must-stop for their Distillery, Bakery, and Smokehouse! A great spot to spend the day shopping an extensive offering of local produce/products, or spend an evening with a BBQ dinner, sipping craft spirits and cocktails in their garden.

Offerings:

Farm Distillery & Tasting room
Harvest Smokehouse – Full Menu
Cider & Doughnuts
Pumpkin Patch
Farm Store

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

This article is the first of our The Authentic 518 Series done in collaboration with Cabrina McGinn and Straight Upstate.

Stay tuned for more of our monthly The Authentic 518 articles – from hidden gems to Capital Region classics, we’re exploring all the spots that embody the authentic 518.