Discover City of Albany Neighborhoods: South End
The South End of Albany is one of the largest neighborhoods in the city. It’s home to residential areas, beloved local businesses, and an array of communities.
A neighborhood brimming with history, attractions include 18th-century historic homes, and it’s remained a significant location for Black history and culture in the city. Scroll on to discover some of the South End’s attractions, variety of dining options, and yearly events that take place in this historic area of Albany.
Attractions
Alice Moore Black Arts and Cultural Center
This non-profit community organization works to create a space for exhibits, events, and community conversations that showcase and celebrate Black history, art, and culture in Albany. The organization is led by community leaders and residents.
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Built around 1763, The Schuyler Mansion is the oldest standing building in the South End. It was once home to Revolutionary War General, Philip Schuyler, and his family. Today, a tour of the mansion explores society and social affairs in 18th century Albany, the American Revolution, and the lives of the individuals enslaved at the estate.
Historic Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill was built in 1787 for the Dutch Van Rensselaer family. The house museum contains a collection of over 70,000 items. The documents, photographs, diaries and other objects in the collection tell the story of an evolving Albany through the eyes of the family who called Cherry Hill home for 176 years.
Krank Park
While in the South End, bring the kids to Krank Park to enjoy the playground or to cool off at the park’s splash pad. The park also features a baseball field and tennis courts.
Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail
The start to this 9.8 mile Rail Trail extending all the way to Vorheesville can be found in Albany’s South End. Enter the Rail Trail from the access point at 722 S. Pearl Street and explore Albany County by pedal or foot.
Dining
Bull and Bee Meadery
Bull & Bee is buzzing with a menu of hand-crafted beverages made with honey fermented mead. The outdoor patio offers a welcoming space that is sweet as honey to enjoy your drinks.
Excelsior Pub
Take a food tour of New York State right in Albany’s South End by visiting the Excelsior Pub. The pub’s menu features New York State staple dishes from Buffalo to New York City, to beloved local food and beverages.
Suga Foots Soul Kitchen
Enjoy delicious Southern dishes in the cozy atmosphere of Suga Foots Soul Kitchen. Founded in 2022, Suga Foots may be a few years old, but it's already become a favorite restaurant in Albany. The menu offers everything from classic Southern dishes to tasty entrees with a modern twist.
Hattie's Restaurants
A newer addition to the South End, Hattie's Restaurants has history dating back to 1938 when Ms. Hattie Moseley Austin Gray opened Hattie's Chicken Shack in Saratoga. The restaurant offers a menu of delicious Southern dishes. Hattie's Restaurants continues Ms. Hattie's legacy of serving the community. All profits go towards Business for Good and are distributed to organizations working to fight food insecurity.
Allie B's Cozy Kitchen
Named for the mother of Chef-owner Kizzy Williams-Francisco, Allie B's Cozy Kitchen offers a menu of family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Find mouth-watering soul food and Southern dishes taken from Kizzy's mother's upbringing in South Carolina. Visitors to the restaurant can enjoy the truly cozy atmosphere and are always treated like family.
Cafe Capriccio
Known as "Albany's authentic Italian table," Cafe Capriccio has been a staple Italian restaurant in Albany since 1982. The menu is inspired by the owners' various trips to Italy. The menu features house-made pasta, wood oven fired pizza, cured meats and a varied wine selection.
Festivals & Annual Events
Juneteenth Festival
Hosted by the Alice Moore Black Arts & Cultural Center, Juneteenth is celebrated each year in the South End with an open-air festival. Festivities include musical entertainment, kids activities, educational tables, delicious food and more.
Independence Day at Schuyler Mansion
The Schuyler Mansion opens its doors each Fourth of July with an open house, 18th-century demonstrations such as a hands-on candle making activity and 1700’s children’s games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and more.
Murder at Cherry Hill
Every October, the popular Murder at Cherry Hill Tour welcomes visitors to the historic home to learn about the highly publicized 1827 murder at the estate. The trial resulted in Albany’s last public hanging and highlighted a variety of societal issues of the time.
