The Historic Downtown Albany Food Tour You Didn't Know You Needed

Who knew history could taste so good?

By popular demand, Amy Koren-Roth is bringing her historic food tours back to Albany this summer. What started in Troy with hotspots like Brown’s Brewing Company and The Dutch Udder Ice Cream crossed the river to Albany in 2017, and continues to expand with even more tours this season.

Part of a collaboration with Discover Albany, Koren-Roth’s tour highlights pieces of Albany history that might otherwise remain hidden in plain sight. For instance, an early stop on the tour is the First Church of Albany, the second oldest church in New York State and home to gorgeous Tiffany glass, which, unlike its contemporaries, is dyed while the glass is still molten. Even lifelong residents of the Capital Region will learn interesting tidbits about their home on the tour, such as the local origins of the word “OK.”

Of course, what keeps the tour moving is the brain food supplied throughout the route. Culinary pit stops include longtime beer maker C.H. Evans Brewing Company, modern Mexican outpost Ama Cocina, vegetarian-friendly The Hollow Bar and Kitchen, sleek coffee spot Stacks Espresso Bar, and neighborhood favorite The Olde English Pub.

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Amy Koren-Roth leads a tour group. / Photo courtesy Discover Albany

 

“I believe the tour will get people involved with the downtown urban sprawl that is starting to happen and also get them involved in the businesses as well as the residential boost that is taking place,” says Jessica Evans, owner of Ama Cocina. “There’s beautiful history right in the heart of Albany city, but there’s also a great futuristic plan and approach of what’s to come as well. “

For Koren-Roth, who started Taste of Troy food tours back in 2016, the experience has been enriching both professionally and personally. “It has been great to learn how both sides of the Hudson River played key roles in New York’s rich history,” she says.

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Clocking in at about 1.5 miles, this tour won’t leave you ragged or ravenous; rather, you’ll be riveted.

The Historic Downtown Albany Food Tour launches May 4 and is offered every Friday from May to October.

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