Will be back to try some of the food. Wasn't really hungry when got there and when I saw some of the dishes of pasta I couldn't do it. Portions are huge and they looked and smelled fantastic. Had one of their burgers which was great but very big. It was cooked to perfection and the flavor was awesome. Will be back and will try some of the Italian options. Great place but very small. Maybe seats 30-40 people. read more

Lanie's Cafe - Italian Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

Outstanding food. The nachos were so good and huge platter. We arrived before our family and had a beer and cocktail at the bar and had quick friendly service on a busy night. We dined in the lounge area which had live music. Our no name server was totally not interested in our table of 5 , or what we wanted or needed. Everyone's sandwiches/salads were excellent. We are from out of state , so our family was embarrassed as they love this place & said they had never had bad service here before. read more

Food was its usual solid, but I don't care if it's COVID or not. I don't expect to be fed a $25 veal parm out of a takeout box with plastic utensils. That's ridiculous! read more

Dirty old bathrooms. The Burger bun was refrigerator cold. The fries had an old oil terrible taste. Won't be back.

In the area on business and had dinner with some colleagues. The outside patio was packed and looked very inviting but unfortunately nothing available. Restaurant interior was rather dark but not a put-off Large menu with a ton of offerings but the table stuck to seafood. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the portions were VERY generous. Swordfish piccata was a winner in my book. The shrimp florentine over linguini was beautiful and the shrimp were HUGE and perfectly cooked. Definitely a local place that is worth experiencing. Only reason it doesn't have 5 stars is I'm not a fan of a salad bar. Feels a bit dated although all of the ingredients were fresh. read more

Do not order the chipotle margarita unless you love to drink Tabasco! I loved it but it may not be as refreshing as you think! We ordered the nachos which was delicious, quantity was huge for the 4 of us. I ordered the special pulled bbq burger with Memphis sauce which was alright! My wife and my friends wife ordered raspberry mojito which was super awesome!! read more

Lanie's Cafe - Pulled bbq pork sandwich! - Italian Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

Called 12 times, every time I got "user busy". This has happened multiple times. Not sure if it's the phone number or the phone itself, but you can never call ahead or call in general. Sad, this place is good. Just bad customer service. read more

This is a great Italian place for an intimate dinner with a loved one just to have a family dinner. The items are pricey but you get a significant portion of food to take home leftovers. I had shrimp scampi and split a calamari with my gf. The shrimp were huge and the calamari had a nice crispy taste. I would visit again for a special occassion. read more

Good was delicious and huge portions! Excellent service. Very big menu definitely something for everybody. Also we saw some pasta dishes come out and thought they must be family style but our waiter said no that's for one ! read more

Lanie's Cafe - Italian Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

This has become my favorite place to eat! I love the atmosphere and friendliness of the staff. The restaurant is always decorated nicely for each season - which I love too. My husband and I always get the same thing every time we go, the prime rib dip, it is the best French dip in town! read more

After patronizing this establishment since it opened it's abundantly clear this establishment has gone way downhill. First impression was with the snippy "hostess" who behaved curtly to incoming patrons. When my 91 year old Dad and I were served our 10oz filet mignon, super salty on both sides and tough, my dad had severe hiccups, which upset his stomach, so I needed water right away. I kept looking for the server and she was nowhere to be found. So I told the "hostess" I needed water for my Dad immediately. So she goes searching for the server and disappears too. My Dad was in a lot of distress and still no water. Seriously. Just needed water! The server comes with water finally and gives the water to the table next to us. She looks at me and I said where's our water? She said "oh that was for you? The "hostess" gave me the wrong table number. She doesn't know". Meanwhile my dad was becoming more ill and we needed to get out of there. So the server comes back and leaves the check and walks away. I cannot wait for her cause my dad was getting sicker so I go to the desk and give them my credit card and she cannot run it because the server has to. So now we have to wait longer?! I take my dad and get him outside and in the car and come back. I wanted to talk to the manager briefly but then he was MIA, and I had to get my dad home. We only had a couple bites of the steak. Never going back there again. Now I know why it wasn't as busy as it used to be. That was a most colossal waste of 92.00 ever. Lesson learned. read more

Honestly, never disappointed at Lanie's. Food is consistently good, large servings, and I especially enjoy the patio in the warmer weather.

Quick service, delicious food, friendly waitstaff. The menu is a little pricey, but the quality of the food totally makes up for it. We will definitely return in the future. read more

Wouldn't seat me and my boyfriend because we were black. Watched them take countless people ahead as we sat under the circle seating area near and finally asked if we could be put on a list. No lists they stated. And then I came here to yelp. Yes there is list and yes they were abhorrently racist. read more

Great Place - Eat there. I was with a party of 12- No problem with a 2 hour heads up. All gave high praise for apps, entrees, and drinks. Food was fantastic. Waiter was on it. He was obviously busy but took the time to accomodate the food divas in out group. I am fortunate Lanie's is not near my home - I would eat there all the time. read more

My only experience with Lanies is take out due to the pandemic. Even though it's a 20-25 minute drive, the food is still fresh and phenomenal! The staff is friendly and they go above and beyond to provide great food and service! I am super excited for them to open up for dine in so I can bring my family. Btw, I'm a big eater and the chicken parm lasted me 2 meals, and my girlfriend 3! They don't skimp on portions! read more

The food is excellent, the waitstaff are very nice and efficient and the atmosphere is cozy. I have been here multiple times and everytime was amazing. My food was brought to me nice and hot. I never had to wait very long for a table, unless it was a very busy time, which is completely understandable. Whatever waiter I got was always very good at their job. All in all, the food alone in enough for me to recommend this place and I recommend the Veal Parmigiana (it's amazing lol) read more

Visited this weekend with a friend and my mom, who has Alzheimer's. The place has a lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. We all ordered sandwiches which were very good quality. An all-around very good meal. Until the check came. When ordering, my friend and I were both torn between two sandwiches: the Prime Rib Dip and the Deluxe Prime Rib. The only difference between the two is that one comes with au jus for dipping and the other comes with sautéed onions, mushrooms and peppers. Our waitress advised us to order the Dip and add onions, mushrooms and peppers. We happily agreed and assumed there would be a reasonable upcharge even though the waitress did not indicate one. Receiving our check, the upcharge turned out to be $2 for onions + $2 for mushrooms + $2 for peppers = $6 to EACH SANDWICH for what was really just a sprinkling of vegetables. That turned a $14 sandwich into a $20 one --- an increase of 42% to add a sprinkling of vegetables. It is a high enough upcharge that the waitress really should have alerted us prior to placing the order. Ordinarily, I would have spoken with a manager immediately, but my mother's presence made that impossible. With her Alzheimer's, any discord is upsetting to her. So I paid and we left. If we return we will take more care in making special requests. read more

I have NOT received a FREEBE nor am I related to anyone in this establishment. My remarks/reviews are my own. Being new to the area both family members and residents shared/directed/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED one of THE BEST RESTAURANTS that I have been to in years. Manager Erik REALLY KNOWS HOW TO MANAGE this establishment. I have contacted him before via phone and in person whenever I/family/friends in/out state have visited this safe, secure, staff friendly establishment. I wish I would have had the honor of meeting the owner's husband, who I understand is well loved. The food is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS, MANY CHOICES, EXTREMELY POSITIVE EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE GREAT COMMUNICATION SKILLS. I WILL BE BACK MANY, MANY TIMES. Bill Newell read more

If you're HUNGRY for a great 'ol Italian meal this is one of the places that should top your list in the Capital District. The place is always packed so don't be surprised when you sit down elbow-to-elbow with both your neighbor and the live music (which was a nice surprise on a Thursday evening covering folk tunes, classic rock and a slew of other genres). My 16oz butterflied perfectly cooked stuffed steak with shrimp, spinach, roasted reds, and mozzarella in a Madeira mushroom tomato Demi glaze (yes a mouthful both in description and for dinner) was ah-mae-zing but let me tell you what else; the salad bar that comes w all entrees contains all homemade dressing, fresh bread (the biggest slices I've ever seen), a ton of salad extras and a chunk of cheese you can help yourself to. Often times overlooked in my experience with Italian cuisine is the pasta side. I tried the penne with marinara which I'm usually disappointed with but not this time! Think perfect al dente pasta with a very robust and chunky marinara sauce packed with tons of flavor. Good luck leaving without having to roll yourself out the front door. This was my first visit here and will not be my last. Would definitely recommend! read more

Usually one of my favorite places to eat but last night was very disappointing. My order of crispy Cajun wings were awful. No flavor at all. Just tasted like hot cooking oil...literally had to force myself to eat four. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. I brought my husband and daughter to Lanie's because I heard it was a good restaurant. Much to my disappointment, it was one of the worst meals I ever had. Although the portion of veal sorrento was grossly overly generous, you could not taste the veal or the eggplant as they were so thin. The mozzarella cheese they topped it with was about the same thickness. The marinara sauce was not enjoyable. Jar sauces that I have used were much more palatable and more homemade tasting. My mother's scallops were very salty and her roasted potatoes were like yesterday's leftovers. My husband seemed okay with his fried haddock and his clam chowder and my daughter's pasta was overcooked. I would not recommend Lanie's to anyone,especially if you are anticipating good marinara. Chef Boy R-D might be better. I feel like I wasted my money and was embarrassed that I brought my family to Lanie's. Carolyn was our waitress and she was very nice and did an excellent job! She gets 5 stars. read more

I pick this cafe for my birth dinner because it was my Aunts favorite place to eat. The food and service was awesome and the portions were huge. read more

Always phenomenal food, service and a good time here! The nachos are enough alone to feed the table but they make great leftovers so save room for dinner. Our table of four split two entrées, all of which came with the salad bar, and there were still leftovers from everyone. The service is fantastic and thoughtful, they genuinely want you to enjoy your time rather than rush you out. We've never had a bad experience here and have been coming for years! read more

Fantastic little place. Delicious food. Great atmosphere. Would definitely dine again when back in the area.

I'm slightly partial to little Italian places that have a homey feel and this place definately does. Although i had been there a few times, I took decided to take my bestfriend there for her birthday and she loved it! The cocktails were well made and not overpriced. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive! Lanie's is my favorite Italian restaurant in Albany and perhaps the Capital District. It's a homey spot, in a great location that serves casual Italian American food that rivals anything you could fine in more upscale settings. All in all great little Italian joint! We will definately be going back. read more

The biggest and best chicken perm I've seen and the salad bar is good too. The atmosphere is great for both family and a date night.

Service was slow. Steak wasn't hot when i got it. Server kept apologizing. Didn't want to be the guy to make a big deal of it. Will not be going there again.(reply) to management response ... management should not allow for this to happen ... as management that is your job... i worked 12 years in the industry and once again i would not go there again ... you lost my business and goodday read more

Come hungry the portions are huge. It's very good Italian with some American dishes available. The seafood, scallops, was prepared well and the pasta side was nearly perfect. The wine selection was above average. Save room if possible. Desserts are outstanding. I tried the lemon cake and it was a great capper for a very filling meal. read more

I've gone multiple times for their Bacon Cheddar Chipotle Burger, they always cook it to perfection. I ordered for fries instead of the regular side which is an extra ~$2, which brings the cost of the burger to ~$16, with a tip it comes out to around $20 for a burger which is expensive, but there's nothing else like it in the capital region, I'd recommend it but wish the cost of the burger was less :) read more

Lanie's Cafe - Italian Near Me - Albany, New York

I will give Laneys their due and say that they have a large menu and the quality of the food is good. What makes me give me 2 stars is how they nickel and dime you. I have been there several times but the 2 most recent visits have made me decide not to return. The first time I asked for a PIECE of bread and they charged me 2+dollars. The second time I looked at their menu online and ordered their lunch salad bar and soup which is listed online for 7.99 for pick up. When I arrived they had charged me over $16+ (closer to $17) dollars for this soup and salad because it was pick up. How does that make sense?? I have at least 2 more examples of them nickel and diming. It's just not right. They have obviously made me upset read more

Always love eating and hanging out with friends at Lanies. My favorite thing on their menu is their Patty Melt. TO DIE for. Unfortunately I found out I am gluten intolerant so that delectable sandwich will only be a wonderful memory for me. Check out the ladies bathroom which is very clean, decorated really cute and she's got it nicely stocked including a good quality hand lotion. Beware though this place is NOT cheap. read more

I've eaten here at the suggestions of friends in our party 3 or 4 times and I'm not impressed. The food is bland and not really better then the chains, as is the atmosphere...GARISH to say the least. I mean they have decorations on everything. I get the feeling if you stand there long enough there will be decorations on YOU! Also, the PRICES are SKY HIGH! $19 for chicken parm?!?! It's maybe $12 at Ralphs and Ralph's is better. Even D'Raymonds is cheaper then here. Thats just off the wall. However, the patio here is probably the best in the capital district to see and be seen. I say patio and cocktails 'YES' food='no thanks' read more

I have only ever been to Lanie's once, and let me say that I ate the best burger I've ever had at Lanie's. The Chipotle Bacon burger (I think that it was called that) was so good that I wanted another. It was also a 1/2 lb burger so it is not small. It was incredibly juicy and delicious. They also have a decent beer selection and the atmosphere is fantastic. I can't wait to go back to Lanie's Cafe. read more

Lanies is a place that you can always count on for consistency and large portions! You never have to wonder if you are going to leave hungry after eating here. Its one of the only places left in the capital district that still has a classic salad bar. Most of the time when eating here I tend to get the unlimited salad bar which never fails. They have an extensive menu with lots of Italian meals, fish, sandwiches, pizzas etc. I have had their eggplant parmigiana, cheese pizza, buffalo wrap and have never been dissatisfied. Definitely check them out for dine in or take out after the corona madness is over. read more

Lanie's never fails. They always have wonderful food, and fantastic daily specials. An incredible patio as well!

I love this place....I have had entrees in the dining room and sandwiches at the bar. Seems like there is always live acoustic music. The grilled wraps are awesome. Entrees a little expensive. My tip.....order a grilled wrap and the salad bar. Take half of the wrap home for the toaster oven...the wait staff and bar tenders are friendly and very professional. This is a big politician and off duty policeman hang out. Sit back and relax.......great place! read more

If you plan on coming here, make sure you don't eat anything beforehand. With portions big enough to feed a small African village, you'll need multiple take-home boxes. Really well made food and something on the menu for everyone. We really enjoyed our night here. read more

We have eaten here many times, both lunch and dinner. We have never had a bad meal at a reasonable price. Today I called in a lunch order to pick up. It was literally ready in 10 minutes with all the condiments, silverware and napkins included, hot and well prepared. The staff there has always been absolutely lovely! read more

This place is fabulous! Found it by accident and boy was it delicious! Service was great, food was awesome, clean restaurant, too! A must go to! Delicious!!!! read more