Alto Grill
Nextdoor to Proctors Theatre, in the Parker Inn Hotel, you'll find the Alto Grill.
The menu features a wide range of dishes, from basic meatloaf to chicken saltimbocca (chicken with a mushroom glace sauce). Sandwiches, soups, salads and appetizers are also available, along with huge half-pound burgers. Because this restaurant is busiest right before and after productions at Proctors, reservations are suggested.
Alto Grill
Parker Inn Hotel
434 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 688-1001
parkerinn.com/food_specials.htm
The Stockade Inn
If you're looking for food that's more upscale, consider the Stockade Inn. Part of the historic Stockade District, the Inn offers traditional American favorites, such as filet mignon and plank salmon, on the lunch menu, while dinner features local favorites such as lobster bisque, Parmesan-crusted sea bass and pasta pescatore, which is an array of seafood in a pesto sauce.
The Stockade Inn
1 North Church Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 346-3400
stockadeinn.com
Pinhead Susan's
Pinhead Susan's is downtown pub that features everything from soups to burgers to dinner entrees. The menu is dotted with distinct items, such as "Irish nachos" that are made with Irish crisps instead of tortilla chips and the "black and bleu steak salad," which features strips of steak topped with blue cheese. Portions are large, and the prices are reasonable. Ask about the Proctors-friendly menu items designed to get you to the show on time.
Pinhead Susan's
38-40 North Broadway
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 346-6431
pinheadsusans.com
Villa Italia
Villa Italia is a wonderful place to visit after the theater for Italian pastries, gelato and flavored coffees. Primarily a bakery, Villa Italia also serves lunch and has a sandwich menu, with Italian delicacies served on ciabatta bread. The establishment has an outdoor courtyard if you'd like to enjoy your treats outside.
Villa Italia
226 Broadway
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 355-1144
villaitaliabakery.com
The Van Dyck Restaurant and Lounge
If you'd like something to eat and more entertainment on top of that at Proctors, the Van Dyck would be a good choice. The menu features pizza with toppings that include lobster, sandwiches, salads and entrees such as pork tenderloin and veal scallopini. The lounge often has entertainment and has featured jazz greats such as Dave Brubeck and Chick Corea.
Van Dyck Restaurant and Lounge
237 Union Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 348-7999
vandycklounge.com
About The Author
Nicholas Salvatore is a twenty-five year veteran of the television broadcast industry who has extensive experience as a reporter, anchor and network field producer. He's also done play-by-play for college basketball and minor league baseball. He has received awards for reporting from Associated Press and United Press International.
