New & Noteworthy

We are the champions

Arena football is back in Downtown as the Albany Empire took to the Times Union Center’s field – this time under the National Arena League umbrella. With games attracting thousands of people to Downtown, the team’s winning season led to a 2021 NAL championship title. Head Coach Tom Menas is returning in 2022, so more great things are expected. 51 S Pearl Street | albanyempirenal.com

Lacrosse our hearts

Football isn’t the only big sports news to come out of the Times Union Center – December 2021 also brings the new National Lacrosse League team to Downtown. The Albany FireWolves, named following a call for community suggestions, mark the return of box lacrosse to the Capital Region for the first time since 2002. The team will have nine home games during the regular season, followed by playoffs and league championship series. 51 S Pearl Street | albanyfirewolves.com

Shrimply the best

There’s a new place to enjoy seafood in Downtown. Ballistic Shrimp, located outside the Times Union Center, is serving up favorites like fried fish sandwiches, fried scallops, lobster tails, and steamed clams, plus wings and burgers. Stop over to dine in or order through their pick-up window and enjoy on the go. 51 S Pearl Street | ballisticshrimp.com

Banh Mi (oh my)

The availability of authentic world cuisine in Downtown is growing thanks to the opening of Banh Mi 47. The eatery specializes in Vietnamese menu items with sandwiches featuring meats cooked in-house. Family-owned by couple Mike and Stacy Nguyen, the name pays homage to the Saigon street address where Mike’s grandfather runs a market and pho shop. 74 N Pearl Street | banhmi47.com

Moo-ve over, ordinary ice cream

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Boozy Moo! ice cream. Why? Because this alcohol-infused treat is delicious, that’s why. Made with premium alcohol at The Yard Hatchet House & Bar, flavors of this small batch, craft ice cream include Cawfee Tahwk, Mint Chip Julep, and Peanut Butter Love. 16 Sheridan Avenue | boozymoo.com

Dining on cloud nine

App-based eatery The Cloud Food Hall brings an entirely new experience to downtown Albany. The food hall provides pickup, dine-in, and patio dining experiences from multiple cuisines – including Korean BBQ, waffles, and Mexican food – at the touch of a finger. To order, download their app (available for iOS and Android), place your order, and use your text confirmation to pick up your food and beverages when they’re ready. 55 Columbia Street | thecloudfoodhall.com

Shake up the routine

Strawberry Shortcake, but it’s good for you. At Downtown Nutrition Albany, you can enjoy plant-based protein shakes in mouthwatering flavors that are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals – and low in sugar and calories. Enjoy as a snack or meal replacement, and with over 100 flavors of shakes and teas, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the destination. 27 N Pearl Street | getdtnutritionalbany.com

Live from Downtown

The former Capital Repertory Theatre space is now home to two floors of concert space that can host 1,400 people. Empire Live is home to a 1,000-capacity general admission space on the street level, and Empire Underground, a 400-capacity space in the basement that has its own entrance. The venue comes as result of Upstate Concert Hall moving and rebranding. 93 N Pearl Street | empirelivealbany.com

These gifts are enchanted

Same location; more space and options. You’ve loved sending floral arrangements and now you’ll have something to accompany them, too, because The Enchanted Florist of Albany is now The Enchanted Florist and Gifts of Albany. Having expanded the existing space, the shop is now also home to an incredible gift collection that includes Albany themed glasses, tea towels and pillows, an assortment of lavender items, and much more. 54 Columbia Street | enchantedfloristalbany.net

Where art, fashion, music flow

Dedicated to highlighting local artists across mediums, Etrice Gallery opened this summer. Inspired by a childhood spent in part touring the world with his musician mother, owner Davion Etrice Brink began making clothes at a young age and has carried with him a lifelong passion for creating. The goal of the gallery is to grow the region’s artistic scene while creating a platform for everything from spoken word to sculptures. 70 N Pearl Street | etriceny.com

Inspired by common internet search

A vibrant new bodega that got its name from a common internet search, Food Near Me has great things in store. Owner Kevin Skeen opened the location to help fill a gap in Downtown on the busy corridor, and here you’ll find hand-painted murals by local artists, food options based off recipes developed by Skeen’s mother and grandmother, fresh produce, household items, bulk candy, and more. 87 N Pearl Street | 518.599.5143

Warm cookies, delivered

Warm, fresh from the oven cookies delivered late at night? That’s Nocturnal Cookies for you. Offering delicious treats that also include brownies and ice cream delivered to your door late at night, they’re perfect whether you’re feeding your craving or a whole party. 5 Clinton Square | nocturnalcookies.com

Great store, naturally

Calling all green thumbs (and those who want them). River Garden Studio is here to help you find your newest plants, and guide you through the process of what works best in your home. Inspired by nature, the store celebrates nature through houseplants, pottery, and home accessories chosen for their quality, purpose, and artisan missions. 39 Columbia Street | rivergardenstudio.com

Scoot there it is

CDTA has launched fully electric scooters and placed them in docking stations around the region for the community to enjoy. With the launch of SCOOT CDTA, the company enhanced transportation options for commuting to work, visiting friends, running errands, or just having fun. The scooters will be out through November.

N Pearl Street & Clinton Avenue | scootcdta.com

Motion to get some food

Paying homage to the plethora of law firms in the area and a common legal term, new restaurant SideBar is located across from the Times Union Center. With a menu reflective of the owner’s time working at restaurants and wineries from Florida to Sicily, dining inside or on the expansive patio are available. 30 S Pearl Street

What’s the skinny?

Vermont-based creperie The Skinny Pancake’s first New York location is right here in Downtown. Part of the restaurant’s mission is to be helpful, useful, and valuable to the local community, including donating 1% of revenue toward non-profit organizations that directly benefit the local foodshed. 1 Steuben Place | skinnypancake.com

You spin me right round

If you’re seeking authentic Mediterranean cuisine, look no further than The Spinning Gyro. The family-owned restaurant is serving homemade and fresh dishes that include beef, chicken, and vegan gyro platters and sandwiches, stuffed grape leaves, baklava, and more. 38 S Pearl Street | spinninggyro.com

A dream come true

The dream of sisters Christina and Crystal Mallett came true when STUDIO23 opened. Named for the pair’s birth order and a beloved Bible scripture, all of which came together to serve as a reminder to themselves and their clients to pursue the things you love. Services include manicures, pedicures, custom presson sets, haircuts and styling, wig making and installation. 46 State Street | studio23albany.square.site