$20 for $40 worth of Fine Dining, Cocktails and Drinks @ Franklin's Tower

Exquisite food, wonderful cocktails and wines, tasteful decor and a building steeped in history – Franklin’s Tower is one of the finest restaurants in Albany. Conveniently located in the heart of town and now in its 6th year, it has won much critical acclaim thanks to excellent lunch, brunch and dinner menus.

The 1820’s Broadway building has a warm atmosphere – mahogany booths, master dining room, and cozy upstairs bar affording a nice view of University Plaza – featuring art deco styling.

The lunch and brunch menus both feature a wide selection of dishes, including quiches, salads, soups and sandwiches, all of which are lovingly made in-house daily and most of which are priced at $10 or less.

Dinner is a gastronaut's dream – from the eclectic appetizers to the magnificent entrees. Roasted Red Pepper Swordfish Au Poivre (peppercorn encrusted swordfish steak seared and topped with roasted red pepper au poivre sauce) and Grilled New York Strip Steak (10oz NY strip with shallot confit, melted gorgonzola, portabella mushroom demi glace) are both excellent.

The wine list is as good as the food, which is to say it’s excellent, and the upstairs bar offers fabulous martinis and cocktails. There’s also live music most Thursdays through Saturdays.