Andrew Patterson, mixologist + bar director at Milas in Schenectady talks travel, dive bars, his favorite 90-year pub + finding culinary inspiration in the kitchen.

Brent Hunter, bartender + owner of 353 in Troy, talks hospitality, ice as an ingredient + custom building his bar from scratch.

If Monday is the new Friday, you’ll need this list of 9 downtown Albany restaurants and bars open for dinner or late night menus.

Stylish, friendly, unrushed and exceptionally fresh. We rate Saratoga’s Omakase Sushi & Grill as worth a trip.

Rachael Petach, founder of C. Cassis blackcurrant liqueur and the C. Cassis Tasting Room in Rhinebeck, talks hospitality, dreaming up her logo, preserving blackcurrants + crafting green tomato cocktails.

With a little Euro flair to its historic downtown, Glens Falls is leaning in to a flourishing restaurant scene. We checked out the latest openings for 5 restaurants + a bar you need to know.

Cleome, in the Empire Theatre building, is serving up sleek contemporary style and Southern comfort food

Albany Ale & Oyster serves up all-day dining with retro flair, friendly service, craft beer + comfort food that sticks. (And $1 oysters on Sundays!)

We’ve got you covered from Troy to Beacon. Where to go + what to sip.

Keshonn Hatcher, bar director at {pretty to think so} in Rhinebeck talks about living in Tokyo, farm-to-table cocktails, tattoos, the Marines + prioritizing his mental health.

Bartender, beekeeper and balloon business owner Nina Young talks hospitality, Cali-sober living, and the art of balancing 4 jobs.

Zach Wolfgramm, bar manager of Kindred in Saratoga, talks mountains, tattoos, graffiti art + running a (nearly) waste-free bar.

Tisean Daniels, GM + Managing Partner of Ama Cocina in downtown Albany, talks tacos, tattoos + the tea on cold-brewed tequila.

Christy Counts, the founder of Neverstill Wines, talks about the Finger Lakes, wine cocktails, opening in Hudson + her passion for animal welfare.

Hotel Lilien — a cool 1890’s boutique hotel, perfect for lounging if you’re upstate for a weekend; perfect for cocktails and light dinner in the living room of the hotel bar. Play pool, put some music on the juke box or show up for DJ Sir Shorty on a Saturday night.

From the award-winning chefs behind Contra + WildAir in NYC, an upscale, upstate dining retreat complete with chef’s gardens, boulder wrapped fire-pit, their signature creative small plates + impeccable cocktails. (Don’t miss their eclectic flavored ice cream.)

Suwun Thai Home Cooking is the new home of Brooklyn Thai restaurant Ghang Thai Kitchen in the former Cuckoo’s Nest in Albany’s Pine Hills. Upscale but warmly welcome, the menu reads as a best hits of Thai classics with Thai-inspired cocktails in flavors from tamarind to coconut-ginger.

3 spots you need to know when you’re hungry at the Albany-Rensselaer train station: Son of Egg, Shwe Burmese + Illusive Restaurant & Bar.

Casita at Mass MoCA is a love letter to the tiny villages of Mexico with regional dishes, house-made tortillas and moles, and excellent cocktails and mezcals sourced during visits to producers.

INTEL: 3 spots you need to know this summer for outdoor dining. Banh mi for your picnic. Burgers for the park playhouse. Taco truck, bbq and live music on an apple farm.