The ever-popular fried chicken at Hattie’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs.
John Carl D’Annibale/Times UnionCrispy, crackling fried chicken. Flaky buttermilk biscuits. Rich, creamy macaroni and cheese. Fried okra, collard greens, fried green tomatoes … For me, it tastes like home: The love is baked right in.
Since 2016, we’ve asked you to nominate and vote for the best Southern restaurants in our annual Best of the Capital Region reader poll. Love is baked in there too: This category is one of our top vote-getters.
Here’s a rundown of the best Southern restaurant winners, starting with the 2022 finalists.
More: See all of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region winners. | Sign up for the Best of the Capital Region newsletter.
BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Hattie’s Restaurant
2022: Winner
Jambalaya at Hattie’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs.
John Carl D’Annibale/Times Union
Best Southern restaurant: First place in 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016; second place in 2020
Address: 45 Phila St., Saratoga Springs
Phone: 518-584-4790
Website: hattiesrestaurant.com
BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
The Nest
2022: Third place
Pork-belly appetizer at The Nest in Schenectady.
Steve Barnes/Times Union
Best Southern restaurant: Third place in 2022; runner-up in 2021
Best new restaurant: Runner-up in 2021
Address: 512 State St., Schenectady
Phone: 518-672-3018
Website: thenest518.com
BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen
2022: Runner-up
Fried chicken drumsticks with macaroni and cheese at Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen in Albany.
Lori Van Buren/Times Union
Best Southern restaurant: Runner-up in 2022, 2021 and 2020
Address: 353 Clinton Ave., Albany
Phone: 518-729-3472
Website: alliebscozykitchen.com
BEST OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Ya Ya’s House Southern Cuisine
2022: Runner-up
A plate of collard greens, fried chicken, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and a corn muffin at Ya-Ya’s House in Schenectady.
Paul Buckowski/Times Union
Best Southern restaurant: Runner-up in 2022, 2021, 2018 and 2017
Address: 135 Broadway, Schenectady
Phone: 518-382-9292
Website: facebook.com/yayasoutherncuisine
