Exploring Schenectady County’s Restaurant Week: A Culinary Adventure
If there’s one thing I love, it’s discovering great food, and Schenectady County’s Restaurant Week (running February 24 – March 2) was the perfect excuse to hit the road and explore some incredible local eats. From classic Italian to Dominican flavors, craft beer pairings, and next-level sandwiches, I packed in as much as I could during my trip. Here’s a look at my four-stop food tour through Schenectady County.
Stop 1: Meat & Co. – The Art of the Sandwich 🥪
First up was Meat & Co., a place that takes sandwiches seriously. Located in the heart of Schenectady, this spot is all about big flavors, quality ingredients, and creative combinations.
I tried several items on the menu, including the Turkey sandwich, the Reuben, and their smoked wings, which get charred and coated in house-made sauces. For the wings, I went with their Buffalo sauce and Garlic Parm—both were delicious. The Buffalo sauce was rich, buttery, and packed with a strong hit of vinegar and heat, but the Garlic Parm was my favorite—loaded with real garlic, oil, and TONS of grated Parmesan. The wings themselves were smoky, tender, juicy, and perfectly charred on the outside.
But the star of the show? The Porchetta Sandwich. They serve house-made porchetta five days a week, and this might just be one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. The porchetta was juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tender, with crispy, flavorful bits throughout. I absolutely loved this sandwich.
Stop 2: Mohawk Taproom – Craft Beer & Comfort Food 🍺
Next, I made my way to Mohawk Taproom, a spot known for its laid-back atmosphere, killer beer selection, and creative pub fare.
With a lineup of local craft beers on tap, I paired my meal with a pint that complemented the Restaurant Week menu. The food? Comforting, satisfying, and exactly what you want alongside a great beer.
The Hot Honey Mac & Cheese was rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, while the cutlet sandwich—stacked with vodka sauce, pesto, and burrata—was heavenly. This is the kind of place that keeps you coming back for more.
If you’re a beer lover who appreciates well-executed pub food, Mohawk Taproom should be on your list.
Stop 3: Caribe – A Taste of the Caribbean in Schenectady 🌴🔥
For something completely different, I headed to Caribe, a Spanish restaurant & sports bar serving up bold Dominican and Puerto Rican flavors.
I started with their Pincho, a flavor-packed kabob stacked with sweet plantains, salami, fried cheese, chicharrón, tostones, and fried boneless chicken strips. It was a perfect mix of sweet, salty, crispy, and juicy.
Then came the Roast Pork Mofongo and Jerk Chicken. The mofongo stole the show—the pork was juicy, tender, and seasoned just right, making each bite packed with flavor.
If you love bold, comforting Caribbean dishes, Caribe delivers.
Stop 4: Ferrari’s – Classic Italian Done Right 🍝
No trip to Schenectady is complete without old-school Italian, and that’s exactly what I found at Ferrari’s. This family-run restaurant has been serving Italian-American cuisine for decades, and it’s clear why locals keep coming back.
I went for a classic pasta dish, and it was everything I wanted—hearty, comforting, and full of rich, homemade flavors. From the perfectly cooked pasta to the bold red sauce, Ferrari’s is the kind of place that reminds you why Italian food is a universal favorite.
The highlights for me? The Italian Home Fries—a crispy, savory delight—and the Tiramisu, which was light, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
Final Thoughts
Schenectady County delivered big time for Restaurant Week. Each spot I visited brought something unique to the table, whether it was inventive sandwiches, great beer pairings, bold Caribbean flavors, or comforting Italian classics.
If you’re looking for an excuse to explore Schenectady’s food scene, Restaurant Week is the perfect time to do it. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these restaurants are well worth a visit.
