Top Five Restaurants in Albany, Oregon

Albany has come a long way since I was born here in the early 1970’s. The amount of food options available is growing each year. There is something to satisfy any palate from Mexican, to high end, to Pho or delicious brunch.

Since the options can be overwhelming, especially if you have not had much time to go out and explore all of the choices, I have narrowed it down to my five favorites. These are in no particular order.

Gamberetti’s

Located on 1st Street in Albany’s Historic Downtown, Gamberetti’s is a family-friendly Italian restaurant that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

I’ve eaten at this restaurant on several occasions from a quick lunch with a friend or business associate to a family birthday dinner or a work group luncheon.  The menu offers great choices for everyone including gluten free and vegetarian.

My description of the vibe of this restaurant is industrial chic.   It has the original old brick walls which give it a classic and historic feel that are perfect for it’s location.

With classic and craft cocktails, a good selection of beer and wines, and amazing Italian food options, you can’t go wrong choosing to dine at Gamberetti’s.  It’s often busy, so put your name in for a table prior to checking out the Antique Mall or grabbing a drink around the corner at one of Albany’s newest hangouts, Wine Crush.

My Recommendation

For dinner, I love the Chicken Marsala Gnocchi!  Italian potato dumplings with chicken, fresh mushrooms, tomato and garlic in a marsala cream sauce.  So good!

For lunch I usually add protein to the Beet and Avocado Salad.  But, if they have their version of mac & cheese on the menu ever again, get that!  I’m not a mac and cheese enthusiast, but I would become one for theirs!!

211 W 1st AV, Albany, OR  97321

Brick & Mortar

If you want brunch, this is the place to go while in Albany! Located in a charming downtown building, there are two levels of seating in a modern yet historic setting. They are open for breakfast and lunch throughout the week. If you are having brunch on the weekend, they have a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar with a variety of flavors.

You can sit down to eat, or grab some Sisters Coffee Co. coffee and a homemade pastry to take with you as you walk down to the carousel.

My Recommendation

Huevos Rancheros or Chicken and Waffles.  Both are A-MA-ZING.  If you want to at least feel like you’re eating healthy, the Power Bowl is really great as well.

222 First Avenue W, Albany, OR

Vault 244

Right in the heart of downtown Albany, in an old bank building, is Vault 244, often referred to as “The Vault”. With a rotating seasonal menu of tapas and traditional entrees, as well as delicious desserts and cocktails, there is sure to be something for everybody.

Their website describes the restaurant perfectly as somewhere that is “upscale and relaxed, without being stuffy or pretentious.”

My Recommendation

Fire & Ice Cocktail.  Warning – if you don’t like spicy, this is not the cocktail for you!

244 First Avenue W, Albany, OR

Sam City

If you’re looking for something with a little more spice, head to Sam City. The “Pho King” of Albany, Sam City serves a wide array of different Asian inspired dishes.

This is a great place to bring the family, as the atmosphere is more relaxed. The food is always fresh, and portions are on the larger side – perfect spot to split a plate for lunch!

My Recommendation

Pho.  I like the one with shrimp and veggies.

2180 Pacific Blvd SE, Albany, OR

Los Tequilas

Los Tequilas is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Albany. Located centrally, across from Fred Meyer, it is a great spot to grab dinner with the family, or margaritas after work with a group of friends. They have all of the fare that you would expect from a Mexican restaurant, and great chips and salsa.

My Recommendation

Chicken Enchiladas.  I get sour cream and/or guacamole on the side.  Yum!

2525 Santiam Highway SE, Albany, OR

 

Any of these restaurants are guaranteed to be a great place to grab a bite to eat. The selection of places to eat in Albany is growing every month. Some have been here since I was a little girl, and some I have yet to try. I love going downtown and trying a new restaurant before heading to the carousel, the PIX or seeing a play at the community theater.

Some restaurants that just barely didn’t make it into my top five, but have been here in Albany just about as long as I have are Novak’s, and Pop’s Branding Iron. Novak’s offers authentic Hungarian fare, while Pop’s will give you an old-fashioned diner experience.

Let me know if you have a favorite restaurant that you would add to this list, and I’ll be sure to check it out!