Union College
At Union, everybody in the admission office (many of them alums!) gets in on the restaurant review act on their “Meet the Staff” pages of the school’s website. Here are their recommendations:
From Matthew Malatesta, Vice President for Admissions, Financial Aid, and Enrollment, Class of 1991:
Café Nola
617 Union Street
Schenectady, New York
A great lunch stop for New Orleans cuisine.
Gershon’s
1600 Union Street
Schenectady, New York
It’s really first-rate. The best deli north of New York City.
Peter Pause
535 Nott Street
Schenectady, New York
A great family-owned place to get breakfast or lunch just on the edge of campus. Terrific breakfast specials and wonderful soups.
Perrecca’s Bakery
33 North Jay Street
Schenectady, New York
Perrecca’s makes great bread! This story explains more, including how Jack Nicholson gets it delivered (still?). They also do a good breakfast and lunch business.
From Geoff Bowman, Associate Dean, Class of 2004:
Pizza King
124 Jay Street
Schnectady, New York
The best pizza!
Katie O’Byrne’s
121 Wall Street
Schenectady, New York
I recommend their haddock sandwich nestled in a warm potato bun, and you can’t go wrong with the wings, particularly after a hockey game.
From Ann Fleming Brown, Director of Admissions:
Ambition Café
154 Jay Street
Schenectady, New York
I love it for their delicious sandwiches and local coffee shop flavor.
From Vernon Castillo, Senior Associate Dean:
Cornell’s
39 North Jay Street
Schenectady, New York
Good, traditional Italian food, it’s perfect for a special occasion or any time.
From Susan Hanks, Associate Dean:
Aperitivo Bistro
426 State Street
Schenectady, New York
Interesting sandwiches and salads for lunch! And the ambience is modern, urban, airy, and relaxing.
From Abbey Massoud-Tastor, Assistant Dean, Class of 2007
The Van Dyck Lounge
237 Union Street
Schenectady, New York
A large menu, fresh food, and good service. Plus, it’s located in the Stockade district, a great location for a walk.
From Delon McAllister, Assistant Dean, Class of 2008:
Bomber’s Burrito Bar
447 State Street
Schenectady, New York
The burritos are stellar. It’s a very welcoming place, and the owner is a Union alum who’s giving back to the city of Schenectady.
From Aaron Ray, Assistant Dean, Class of 2010:
I’m doubling down on Perrecca’s Bakery, Pizza King, and Bomber’s Burrito Bar – all mentioned above. The service is fast, friendly, and they all help to support the local economy.
From Jessica Wenger, Assistant Dean, Class of 2010:
Scotti’s Restaurant and Pizzeria
1730 Union Street #4
Schenectady, New York
Delicious pizza and the friendliest service. I’d always go with my parents on family weekends.