Chez Mike

Don’t let the outside appearance fool you—what looks like just another strip mall spot is actually a dining experience worth seeking out. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality. The staff at Chez Mike’s go above and beyond, making every guest feel like a regular. Krystal, the bartender, deserves special mention. She not only remembers your drink of choice but also whether your favorite team pulled off a win. Her attentiveness ensures your glass (and your mood) are always well taken care of. The food is nothing short of outstanding. The menu changes frequently, reflecting the freshest seasonal ingredients. Whether it’s the hearty, fall-off-the-bone short ribs or the elevated twist on seafood chowder, each dish is prepared with care and flavor that exceeds expectations. Chez Mike’s is the kind of hidden gem you almost want to keep to yourself. But the combination of incredible food, thoughtful service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it too good not to share.

This place is a hidden gem. Casual but cool ambiance, great for a Tuesday night dinner or date night. The menu is fantastic, seasonal and everything is so well executed. We enjoyed the winter menu on a bunch of visits and are looking forward to the spring menu next!

I stopped by randomly last night without having a reservation and was given a seat at the bar right away. Food and service were best! I love seafood chowder and got dessert-a house made chocolate ice cream to die for. I'll be back soon! My neighbor next to me got a filet minion looked so gorgeous! I'll be definitely back even sooner! I love this place from the first sight.

I stumbled across a writeup and then discovered this CIA-trained chef's well-established restaurant, which I had passed countless times. I wouldn't normally look for food of this caliber in a shopping plaza, but, once cloistered inside, the ambience is warm and welcoming, while also chic and clean. The appetizer special - green beans with a variety of creamy mushrooms, prosciutto and crisp fried onion - was delicious. The strip steak and potatoes were top notch and done to my liking. The service was near perfect. I would rate it among the top restaurants in the county, if not the actual best, and, if you know where to look, there is close competition.

5 stars all around for the bartender working Tuesday December 30th closing shift! As both party members are in the food industry we noticed that she independently managed front of house and made personalized menu recommendations to every table in her section. We applaud her ability to make every table experience remarkable! She made our first meal at the restaurant memorable and we will be returning! :)

Visited for the New Year's Eve dinner. Fantastic food, great service. Interesting menu ideas that you don't see in other restaurants. Never a bad bite.

Best meal we’ve had in Albany so far over the last 2 years! The ricotta appetizer and calamari were so good. Braised short ribs were so so so tender. Good portions for the price. Albeit a busy Friday night, our server was attentive. Can’t wait to come back!

We were pleasantly surprised by the ambiance. The food was very delicious and came out at perfect temperatures — everything seasoned well. Both dishes, the roasted chicken and chicken Milanese, were juicy and moist (not dry at all, we really appreciated that). My wife got a take home box and to her surprise and mine, there was a very cute note from the kitchen. We will be eating there again in the near future.

Thirteen years is a long time to have been away from Chez Mike. We've mentioned it multiple times over those years as a possible dinner location but somehow always ended up someplace else. Gathering with friends on this occasion seemed to be the trick. The restaurant was reasonably busy when we arrived at 5:15 on a Tuesday and all of the unoccupied booths already had reserved signs on them. When we left at 8 p.m. it was still almost full of customers. We sat at the bar with a Chatham Helles Lager ($7) and a refreshing Mocktail ($5) made with cucumber and mint while we waited for our dining companions. Upon seating our party of four into one of those reserved booths, my wife and I started with the Seared Halloumi Cheese ($13) as a shared appetizer. This dish was so attractive and appealing looking that our dining companions also ordered it after we were almost finished with our serving. Maybe our raving about the wonderful flavor of the cheese, the beautiful sear markings, the refreshing aspect of the watermelon pieces, the texture contrast of the pistachios, and the flavor of the honey-sherry vinaigrette also had something to do with their decision. For her entrée, my wife ordered one of the daily specials, Pan Roasted Cod ($35). Served with steamed rice, braised Swiss chard, sweet potato, and a slightly spicy "Holy Trinity" creole sauce, she was very pleased with the dish. My taste of it echoed her sentiment. As I've written previously, I don't get to enjoy lamb at home so I will frequently order it when it's available while dining out. Therefore, the Lamb Feta Burger ($23) had my attention. It was served on a toasted baguette (the same that is served as the delicious bread for the table with calamata olive butter), with caramelized onions, arugula, garlic aioli, and French fries. The lamb was fresh, moist, very mild in flavor, but with only a slight noticeability of the feta cheese. It was delicious! The French fries were served perfectly, hot and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Cups of coffee after dinner were rich and full flavored. Finally, the cubes of brown sugar that I was so pleased to see served thirteen years ago are still being served. Hurrah! Service was friendly and welcoming.

Amazing place with amazing food crafted by a chef that truly loves food. Don't miss this place.

Good food and attentive service, it was a nice date night out. I had the short ribs mainly due to all the positive reviews and they were delicious. Overall a great dining experience for special occasions.

Innovative dishes and professional service in a casual/elegant dining room. Don't let the shopping plaza fool you, it's an upscale meal.

We didn't have a reservation but were quickly sat at a high top. The staff was extremely welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. We ordered the broccoli rabe with burrata for an appetizer and it was delicious. Our dirty martinis were spot on. My husband said his entree was "amazing", a compliment not frequently given. Overall I gave my food an 8.5 and my husband gave his a 9/10. Above all, the service and food were fantastic, and the food and drinks were fairly priced, which I greatly appreciate!!! We are looking forward to going back and had a great time. Would recommend for any occasion!

The previous reviews on Yelp helped us decide to check out Chez Mike while traveling on I90 and staying overnight in Rensselaer. We were well rewarded not only with finely executed food preparation and presentation, but also prompt and patient service. So close to I90 exit for Rensselaer, Chez Mike was a wonderful find for travelers seeking a quality meal as a reward for driving instead of flying.

The menu is really eclectic and for someone who likes to "try" this is a definite place to try. They have calves liver, duck over biscuits and much more. I had a Seafood Chowder and it was brothy and delicious. With 6 clams , scallops shrimp and white fish. My wife went light with the dinner Caesar Salad. I tried the specialty Old Fashioned it was mulled and sweet. We finished with the Crème Broulee it was good. The service we great and our waitress was prompt without being interfering. The seating is comfortable with tables and booths.

Just go here. You'll love it. Their seasonal menu and eclectic style makes this place niche. My husband loves that he can order a half portion of his two favorite dinners. The service is always on point. Well trained staff.

Came here for an early birthday celebration and requested a candle with my dessert. The server asked if it was my "real birthday," and after I explained it was an early celebration, the dessert arrived without a candle--while other tables received them. The food was good, but the experience felt dismissive and embarrassing. A simple gesture would have made the evening special; instead, it left a negative impression.

Get the liver. I know. EVERYONE hates liver but Mikes is the best I've had since I left home 50 years ago. It's fork tender and juicy with yummy bacon and onions on top next to a bed of perfectly mashed potatoes. It is delicious! But their short ribs are pretty good as well. Mikes is just good food.

Chez Mike is one of the best kept secrets and the capital district. In a strip mall in East Greenbush, one would never guess that a restaurant of this quality could exist, and indeed thrive, there. Including during the pandemic. One of their specialties is short ribs, and I literally have traveled long distances to have them! Their beef and steaks are second to none! Service and ambience are also fine.

What an amazing find! Attracted by the good reviews and the menu we headed to Chez Mike while on a road trip to the Hudson Valley. You wouldn't expect a place with such quality food hidden in a mall. It's not big either (no problem with that). The food is creative and the menu is small, but with a variety that allows everybody to find something to their liking. You can tell that the menu was crafted with love by the chef, not your average bar food. Kudos, we'll be back for sure when we are in the area. Btw. as a plus, we were able to charge the EV on a fast charge in the parking lot while dining.

Haven't been there in years, so happy to return! The food was just as good some new items on the menu. My husband had the short ribs and was blown away. Thank you for a lovely evening. We will be back.

Great restaurant. The staff is knowledgeable and professional. Get the short ribs. They are absolutely amazing.

The food lived up to the hype! Delicious entrees and great apps -- cocktails were fantastic as well. Service was a bit slow at the start but with a packed house, understandable. Will definitely be back again soon!

This is the place to go if you want well-executed creative food without the pretentiousness. Attention to detail without being showy is here. Olive tapenade butter with warm bread, good balanced wine menu, well-thought specials, and tiny treats at the end are some of the little things that make this a enjoyable experience. The seasonal menu offers a great range of items. I am partial to the short ribs and seafood chowder. The specials are spot on and usually a great choice. The last time I went, they had seared sea scallops with an artichoke purée which was fantastic. I have been here about a dozen or more times since 2020 and I have yet to have a poor experience. I can recall only once did I have an "ok" (fish) dish, a little overcooked and small-ish portion, while everything else on the plate shined. I guess it stands out to me because I will take "ok" as an outlier low-point given the number of times I have dined here. I have been in the capital district for several decades and have frequently been to many (if not all) of the "fine restaurants" touted in annual rankings. All I will say is that the level of skill involved in both the creation of the menu and execution of the food at Chez Mike is unsurpassed in the region. This is an unassuming place next to a supermarket in a strip mall. That may be a deterrent to some. I think that gives it a little ironic charm. The interior, which was fully redone over a couple of years ago, is open and bright, giving it a light welcoming feel. The service matches the food - friendly and attentive. As I mentioned above, this is the place to go if you want well-executed creative food at a good price without the fussiness of other fine dining establishments.

This is by far my most favorite restaurant in the whole of Capital District of New York. The food is often a step above any other I can get in this area, and it is more in par with food served at a top restaurant in Paris or New York City, without all of the fanfare. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is friendly, but professional. Every season a new menu is created by the chef which makes visits interesting and fun. I recognize many of the patroons by face, clearly indicating that I am not alone in valuing this restaurant a top choice. Beside the specials of the day its menu is very varied and appealing. My most loved aspect of this restaurant is Service. Many of the servers have worked in this restaurant for several years yet their service remains very professional. This proves that chef Mike takes pride in his work and the operation of his restaurant.

Always interesting and pleasing menu. Seasonal changes show imagination. It is always surprising to find such a gem in such an offbeat location.

Wow! Excellent cuisine! I enjoyed the pulled pork over ratatouille! Delicious! The chicken was also great, sorry, no photos this time. The service was very good! The atmosphere was more like a cafeteria then a upscale restaurant. This was the only turn off. The strip mall location is not really an issue, but the inside need a upgrade. The dishes are with the trip. Enjoy!

We love this restaurant as it's consistently delicious. Our visit last night was a bit disappointing though. We couldn't help but notice that the portions on all our dishes (except the short ribs) were significantly smaller. We ordered the special salad for $10.00 and the bowl came out practically empty with only a handful of lettuce. Similar thoughts regarding the calamari, chicken and fish. Still one of our favorites but yikes - can we get some more please ?

It's a small restaurant in a shopping center. Don't let that fool you though. Once inside you will find a very nicely designed dining room. The servers are very good. The menu alternates so there are often new dishes available. The food won't disappoint. I look forward to going again when I'm in the area. You will be pleased I'm sure!

The food and service are always great. I wish Mike would do that old fashioned turkey dinner or sandsandwich on regular basis. I used to love the lunch one he served.

The food was absolutely stunning! But don't let how good I promise the food is convince you that it's some stuffy, pricey place you can't go if you're not some kind of aficionado! It's a nice quiet spot, without feeling like you have to come in a full suit and tie. You'd get a meal half as good for twice as much with half the portions and none of the great service if you were in NYC! I didn't know meat could be so tender! A must if you're in the area!

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to find such good food in Albany. The chicken here is something I think about from time to time, which is something I can't even say about some three Michelin star dishes I've had!

A culinary gem in a town with relatively few dining options, Chez Mike's does a great job of delivering excellent takes in the "American Comfort Food" genre. First rate bar, and excellent service.

Nothing was going to keep me from ordering my favorite burger at Chez Mike's. Walking through the door is entering not only a beloved restaurant, but a relaxing atmosphere of like minded people who love great food. There is nothing I wouldn't order, with little exception, and enjoying each bite. When I'm hungry and need a delicious protein source, the burger is my choice. Perfectly prepared with the freshest tomatoes, onion and lettuce atop, the cheddar cheese takes it to the next level with its aged taste. The strip of bacon was a perfect surprise adding another depth to the perfect hamburger. Ambiance is light and open with conversations and laughter bringing the room together as a happy group of diners under one roof. Beef tips, salads, everything Chez Mike's has to offer, is your perfect choice. There are no bad choices on the menu. I must say the success of this beloved restaurant comes from the top; Mike himself. He's a husband, father, local business owner and esteemed member of the community. The staff is happy, the diners are happy and it's Mike who sets the tone for his passion to deliver the finest food to the legions of grateful customers. For years, the bar Mike sets has been high yet he achieves every night. Don't take my word for this review. It really is something you must experience. You will have no regrets and I'll say "you're welcome" now in case I miss your terrific review!

Chez mike fucking slaps! What a great dinning experience, not only was the staff very nice but the food was on point. Would recommend this place to anyone in the area I was staying near the NYST and did not mind the 40 min drive to this place .

We are giving Chez Mike 5 stars starting with our service. Her name is Jen and there is no other way to describe it but excellence. Her delightful and personable manner as well as attentiveness to our needs is without a doubt deserving of 5 stars. Her knowledge of the menu was spot on! After ordering, our food choices arrived, mine the short ribs were the best that I have ever had. The seafood chowder was flavorful, extremely fresh and memorable. Portion size was generous, but not overly so. The lasagna with lamb bolognese sauce was delicious with the perfect balance of cheese to sauce to pasta. At Jen's suggestion we shared the chocolate flourless torte which completed a truly memorable dining experience. I would highly recommend. Try it and ask for Jen! She's the best!

Wow! This restaurant was recommended to us. We're on a road trip to New England, we didn't know what to expect. The fine details, preparation, presentation, flavors, imagination and service, all in one package. Highly recommend!

I think that the food was okay and the ambience was weird and loud. We were seated very close to another couple and I didn't really like sitting next to a stranger like that. It is worth trying once but make sure you bring lots of cash to cover the bill

Really liked this place. Bartender was great, short rib meal apparently a signature dish for them was delicious and I loved their olive infused butter an bread. Great price the experience.

Excellent service. Quality Food. The burger is always my order of choice! And the little cookies at the end are a nice touch!

This is a Fantastic lil spot. Don't be fooled by the modest outside outsideI was pleasantly surprised on the inside. Modern bar but cozy. nice decor and warm staff. Had the brick chicken and short ribs both very flavorful the chicken was better crispy but so tender on the inside couldn't have been cooked better mashed potatoes are creamy and warm. The short ribs were good could have been a little more complex in flavor easy fix is to tighten up sauce at the end if you aren't getting any depth.. olive butter nice unique touch will be stealing that one good job. great wine list Tabitha was delightful as we dined at the bar. The Best part was the small plate of lemon poppyseed cookies at the end of the meal that they just bring you... what?! Those tiny lil wafers of decadence pack a experience punch that takes this gem to a whole new level. Vey nice touch! Unexpected! This place will be a repeat for me. If I had to change anything I would dim the lights a tad in bar area. Try it and see what your regulars think? Change it up ..Lighting is so powerful, and an inexpensive way to freshen up the look.

Excellent food and service. They put a twist on their menu (recipes)and it always taste wonderful.

Went a few weeks ago with husband and kids, glad they had a kids menu. Staff was really friendly and food was good, oysters were delicious! I'd recommend and will return, I love the small business feel with plenty of parking and no pretentiousness.

Chez Mike doesn't disappoint. Often when my husband picks me up at the train station we have dinner there. The cocktails, food and service were as good or better than my meals in NYC and a great value for fine dining in the Capital District. Our server, Cameron, was friendly and attentive even when the place really filled up. Two delicious cocktails, a glass of wine, two appetizers, an entree and dessert were under $120. I actually like the strip mall vibe on the outside hiding the awesomeness inside. Chez Mike is a real find.

Love this place.... great food, service and atmosphere!!!! I will recommend to make a reservation before you go.

Incredible food and great service here! Love the changing menu. Great ambiance. Cocktails are delicious. Can't say enough about this place! It's just so good!

You wouldn't know it from being located in a strip mall and its cheeky namesake but Chez Mike is a surprisingly great, gourmet meal with wonderful service. I ordered the short ribs which were incredibly tender. I also had one of their specialty drinks, a "new old fashioned" with brandied cherries and brown sugar maple syrup. The appetizers left a bit to be desired and the list could use some redesigning but overall a very pleasant meal experience. Our waitress was excellent and answered all of our party's questions regarding the menu. I love short ribs and it was one of the better slow cooked short ribs I've had in my life.

The food and service is always outstanding. The dining room is cozy and staff is attentive and friendly.

Went here to celebrate my Mother-in-laws Birthday. It started out bad, the Service was very slow. Our waiter is a very pleasant person and efficient but it seemed as though he had to tend bar and wait on tables. I am not sure if they were under staffed or what. We placed our drink order and waited again - it was slow. We finally got to order and the appetizers came after a short wait. However our entrees were a long delay before coming. The food was very good. However my wife got the New England Seafood Stew and said it was too thin and milky rather than thicker like New England Chowder. We've been here before and think it is a great place - just hope staffing issues can be resolved. And we understand this is an issue at many places. There is plenty of parking and plenty of handicap parking. The entrance is wheelchair accessible as well as the restrooms.

The food was amazing and the service was fantastic. The menus creativity is appreciated. I'll definitely be back.

Decor- 3 stars. A friendly neighborhood restaurant that is not pretentious in its decoration. Staff - 5 stars. We always arrive with baby car seat in tow and are always welcomed and helped get settle down by both the hostess and the waitress. We had different waitresses the two times we dined here, and both of them were super helpful. The first waitress informed us that here was only one creme brûlée left and we should call dips. DIPS! I appreciated her thoughtfulness. She didn't know it at the time, but it was my b day so the last creme brûlée aptly helped me celebrate my b day! Food - 4 stars. The first time we came and had the grilled pork chop with horseradish sauce and mash potato, and shrimp bahn mi. The grilled pork chop was a substitute for the pork loin which they ran out. It was still done to perfection. I mean, the pork hip was a thick cut and it had a crispy crust on the outside but the inside was moist and not overdone. The dish would have revised 4 stars if it was presented better. There it was, pork chop, a heap of mash, and the horseradish sauce. A little purple cabbage strings or carrot string would have greatly enhanced the visual presentation. Shrimp bahn mi - 3 stars. We were not expecting a sandwich for dinner but it was well prepared. The shrimps were lightly battered then fried. The bread was fresh. It kinda reminded me of a shrimp po boy with a Vietnamese flare. Not bad. The second time we went there we had the pan fried wild caught strip bass and shepherds pie. Strip bass - 4 stars. It was cooked with the skin on and I enjoyed how crispy the skin was, and not at all fishy! The fish was cooked well and moist. This dish was beautifully garnished with grapefruit pieces. It also came with a side of collard greens and fingerling potatoes. I loved the hint of spiciness in the collard greens and the fingerlings were halved and seared to a nice crispy brown. Yum. Shepherd's pie - 5 stars. For a shepherd's pie, it was not humble at all! The mash potatoes on top of the dish had this beautiful char that ensured us the dish was piping hot from the oven. Instead of ground beef, they served braised lamb which was oh so soft and delicious. Here was definitely enough to take home.

Always a great meal with great service. Highly recommend. One of my favorites is the bread and olive butter.

Food is always above and beyond expectation and full of flavor. Service is excellent. This place is the real deal. Ambiance, care, and quality all around.

Brick Roasted Chicken Excellent préparation, moist cooked to perfection . French bread is nice and warm, Devine.

As a vegan, this would likely be my last choice if I had to pick a restaurant in the area. There are no vegan options on the very American meat- and seafood-based menu. But I was joining a group of eight colleagues, and the decision was made for us. As I approached the strip mall storefront, my expectations were low. I thought I could at least have a cocktail. Ultimately, I was completely impressed by the server's willingness to accommodate me, and by the high quality of the food. There was a gemelli pasta with roasted eggplant on the menu, and I asked if I could have it without the shrimp and the cream sauce, perhaps with just olive oil and garlic. He assured me I could, and asked if I would like any addition veggies in place of the shrimp. I replied that any veggies they had on hand would be great. The server brought me olive oil for my bread without me having to ask. (Butter with kalamata olives is the standard spread, and everyone loved it. Everything is made in-house, but the way.) My garden salad was fresh and crispy, and I was given a bottle of balsamic vinegar to accompany the olive oil. The pasta arrived with spicy marinara sauce, which the server confirmed was vegan. Mike, the owner and chef, added sautéed artichokes p, mushrooms and spinach along with the eggplant. It was perfect. So tasty. A really exceptional dish. Large portion, at a slightly steep $20, but maybe that's what things cost out this way. My colleagues all enjoyed their beef and scallops. Definitely a gem I would never have otherwise discovered.

The food was delicious from the freshly baked focaccia with house prepared olive butter to the homemade past and amazing short ribs. And there were the blood orange margaritas and to die for creme brûlée. Probably the nicest place too with a chef who takes pride in his culinary skill. Amazing! I just had to add that the calamari was the freshest, most delicious calamari I have ever had!!

Excellent meal! Everything was so tasty and well prepared: beef stew, burger, liver, duck hash , sweetbreads and oh those delicious doughnuts. What a surprise to find a meal this good in a strip mall near Albany.