Capital Region Restaurant Rundown: September 25-29

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The restaurant industry is ever-changing with restaurants opening, closing, relocating, or just doing their thing. Here’s a recap of the latest Capital Region restaurant news, September 25 through 29.

Watervliet’s The Purple Pub officially ends to-go orders

In December 2022, owners Greg and Butch Rentz closed the dining room of The Purple Pub in Watervliet, but kept the to-go orders going. Now, the restaurant has permanently closed with the end of to-go orders.

Crumbl Cookies in Clifton Park sets opening date

Crumbl Cookies is soon opening up its second Capital Region store. The Clifton Park location at 22 Clifton Country Road will have its grand opening on October 5, according to the Crumbl website.

Sake brewery celebrates grand opening in Dutchess County

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the grand opening of the Dassai Blue Sake Brewery in Hyde Park. The $80 million state-of-the-art facility is the first-ever Japan-led sake brewery to open on the East Coast.

Cooking school has grand opening in Colonie

Capital Cooks, a new cooking school in Colonie, had its grand opening and ribbon cutting on September 25. Capital Cooks offers cooking classes, as well as a co-op space for experienced chefs to guest instruct and a food production space for small food businesses to rent.

Participating restaurants for Downtown Troy Chowderfest

Downtown Troy Chowderfest is returning for 2023 on Sunday, October 8 from noon to 5 p.m. Participating restaurants and bars will show off their soup skills with chowder recipes of their choosing.

Saratoga Springs’ PDT Market changes name, new focus on affordability

PDT Market, a specialty marketplace in Saratoga Springs, is going through some changes, including a name change. The market, bar, and cafe is now known as Franklin Square Market.

Fresh fruits, vegetables coming to Albany’s Clinton Avenue

Kizzy Williams started Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen about 10 years ago in 2014. Now, she’s expanding with bringing fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a mac and cheese spot, to the Albany community.

Former Bombers Burrito Bar buildings up for rent/sale

The last two Bombers Burrito Bar restaurants closed earlier this year: the Schenectady location closed in January, and the location on Lark Street in Albany closed in July. Now, both of the buildings are up for rent or sale.

Saratoga International Flavorfeast announced

Get ready to get your feast on. The eighth annual Saratoga International Flavorfeast will take place on Saturday, October 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Son of Egg in Albany closes until further notice

Son of Egg, a Korean-American restaurant, has closed its Albany location until further notice. An employee at Son of Egg’s Rensselaer location confirmed the closure.

JJ Rafferty’s in Latham to close, building for sale

JJ Rafferty’s Bar & Grill, located at 847 Loudon Road in Latham, is closing. A bartender at the restaurant confirmed the closure to NEWS10.

Albany’s El Loco Mexican Cafe celebrating 40 years with specials all October

El Loco Mexican Cafe, located at 465 Madison Avenue in Albany, is celebrating 40 years in business, all October long. The restaurant’s anniversary is officially October 1 but they will be holding a community celebration on October 4 at 11 a.m., which is also National Taco Day.