Rensselaer

river city · 12144

Rensselaer is the across-the-river address that costs less than Albany without pretending it is somewhere else. The Amtrak station is the real selling point: it is technically the Albany-Rensselaer stop, the ninth-busiest in the country, which means a date arriving from NYC walks off the platform onto your block. Downtown itself is thin, so the play is dinners back in Albany over the bridge and drinks at home with the skyline view you are actually paying for. Honest tradeoff: cheap rent and a great commute, in exchange for a nightlife scene that lives on the other side of the Hudson.

$49,366

median income

$1,366

median rent

The data

Rensselaer by the numbers

Median individual income in Rensselaer is about $49.4k.
● Verified · Census ACS 5-yr, 2019–2023
The median renter in Rensselaer pays about $1,370 a month.
● Verified · Census ACS 5-yr, 2019–2023

On the ground

Local date spots

23 spots · tap a point, label, or class to filter

Class

Budget

Vibe

23 spots across Rensselaer

Rensselaer
Activity
Palace Theatre
Performing arts theater★ 4.7 · 2,446
Wheelchair access
Rensselaer
Activity
USS SLATER
Museum★ 4.9 · 1,200
Wheelchair access
Find it
141 Broadway, Albany, NY 12202
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.9★ from 1,200 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at USS SLATER.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon12 to 4 PM
Tue12 to 4 PM
Wed10 AM to 4 PM
Thu10 AM to 4 PM
Fri10 AM to 4 PM
Sat10 AM to 4 PM
Sun10 AM to 4 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Crowd
Family-friendly
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
677 Prime
Steak house$$$$★ 4.5 · 1,166
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Find it
677 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.5★ from 1,166 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$$$ · top-end is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at 677 Prime.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$80
Their share$80
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon4:30 to 10 PM
Tue4:30 to 10 PM
Wed4:30 to 10 PM
Thu4:30 to 10 PM
Fri5 to 10 PM
Sat5 to 10 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Paid parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Curbside pickup · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Drinks
Illusive Restaurant & Bar
Bar$$$$★ 4.7 · 1,131
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Find it
3 Ferry St, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 1,131 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Illusive Restaurant & Bar.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11 AM to 8 PM
Tue11 AM to 8 PM
Wed11 AM to 8 PM
Thu11 AM to 9 PM
Fri11 AM to 9 PM
Sat12 to 9 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Curbside pickup · Delivery · Onsite services · Takeout
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
Recovery Sports Grill
Family restaurant$$$$★ 4.1 · 1,062
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Find it
279 Troy Rd, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.1★ from 1,062 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Recovery Sports Grill.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11:30 AM to 10 PM
Tue11:30 AM to 10 PM
Wed11:30 AM to 10 PM
Thu11:30 AM to 10 PM
Fri11:30 AM to 11 PM
Sat11:30 AM to 11 PM
Sun12 to 10 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Delivery · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
College students · Family-friendly · Groups
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
Café Capriccio
Italian restaurant$$$$★ 4.5 · 850
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood for groups
Find it
49 Grand St, Albany, NY 12207
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.5★ from 850 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$$ · a splurge is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Café Capriccio.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$45
Their share$45
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon5 to 9 PM
Tue5 to 9 PM
Wed5 to 9 PM
Thu5 to 9 PM
Fri5 to 9 PM
Sat5 to 9 PM
Sun5 to 9 PM
Parking
Free street parking
Dining
Delivery · Takeout · Dine-in
Crowd
Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
Off Shore Pier
Seafood restaurant$$$$★ 4.5 · 685
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
637 3rd Avenue, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.5★ from 685 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Off Shore Pier.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue11:30 AM to 7 PM
Wed11:30 AM to 7 PM
Thu11:30 AM to 7 PM
Fri11:30 AM to 8 PM
Sat11:30 AM to 7 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
Groups
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
The Skinny Pancake Albany
Restaurant$$$$★ 4.2 · 630
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
1 Steuben St, Albany, NY 12207
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.2★ from 630 Google reviews
Split the bill
$ · budget-friendly is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at The Skinny Pancake Albany.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$13
Their share$13
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon8 AM to 3 PM
Tue8 AM to 3 PM
Wed8 AM to 3 PM
Thu8 AM to 8 PM
Fri8 AM to 8 PM
Sat8 AM to 4 PM
Sun8 AM to 8 PM
Parking
Free street parking
Dining
Outdoor seating · Delivery · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible restroom · Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
College students · Groups · Tourists
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
Chez Mike
American restaurant$$$$★ 4.7 · 490
Good for groupsWheelchair access
Find it
596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, NY 12061
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 490 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Chez Mike.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue5 to 9 PM
Wed5 to 9 PM
Thu5 to 9 PM
Fri5 to 9 PM
Sat5 to 9 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Curbside pickup · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Activity
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Historical place museum★ 4.6 · 399
Wheelchair access
Find it
32 Catherine St, Albany, NY 12202
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 399 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed10:30 AM to 5 PM
Thu10:30 AM to 5 PM
Fri10:30 AM to 5 PM
Sat10:30 AM to 5 PM
Sun10:30 AM to 5 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
Yono's
Fine dining restaurant$$$$★ 4.4 · 357
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood for groups
Find it
25 Chapel St, Albany, NY 12210
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.4★ from 357 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$$$ · top-end is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Yono's.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$80
Their share$80
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon5 to 10 PM
Tue5 to 10 PM
Wed5 to 10 PM
Thu5 to 10 PM
Fri5 to 10 PM
Sat5 to 10 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free street parking
Dining
Curbside pickup · Delivery · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Family-friendly · Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Drinks
The Yard: Sports Bar & Hatchet House
Bar$$$$★ 4.8 · 346
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Find it
16 Sheridan Ave Entrance on, Chapel St, Albany, NY 12210
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.8★ from 346 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at The Yard: Sports Bar & Hatchet House.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
Tue4 to 10 PM
Wed4 to 10 PM
Thu4 to 10 PM
Fri4 to 11 PM
Sat12 to 11 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free street parking
Dining
Outdoor seating · No-contact delivery · Delivery · Onsite services · Takeout
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible restroom · Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly · Transgender safespace
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Drinks
The Bunker North Greenbush
Sports bar$$$$★ 4.7 · 329
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
490 N Greenbush Rd, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 329 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at The Bunker North Greenbush.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon4 to 11 PM
Tue4 to 11 PM
Wed4 to 11 PM
Thu4 to 11 PM
Fri9 AM to 11 PM
Sat9 AM to 11 PM
Sun9 AM to 8 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Delivery · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Drinks
Loch & Quay
Pub$$$$★ 4.5 · 248
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
414 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.5★ from 248 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Loch & Quay.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon11:30 AM to 7 PM
Tue11:30 AM to 9 PM
Wed11:30 AM to 9 PM
Thu11:30 AM to 9 PM
Fri11:30 AM to 9 PM
Sat11 AM to 5 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Paid street parking
Dining
Outdoor seating · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible restroom · Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
Groups · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
New York Wine & Liquor Warehouse
Liquor store★ 4.6 · 231
Wheelchair access
Find it
102 Van Rensselaer Square, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 231 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at New York Wine & Liquor Warehouse.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon9 AM to 9 PM
Tue9 AM to 9 PM
Wed9 AM to 9 PM
Thu9 AM to 9 PM
Fri9 AM to 9 PM
Sat9 AM to 9 PM
Sun10 AM to 9 PM
Dining
Curbside pickup · In-store pickup · In-store shopping · Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
Vineyards Wine & Spirits
Liquor store★ 4.6 · 124
Wheelchair access
Find it
501 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 124 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Vineyards Wine & Spirits.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon9 AM to 9 PM
Tue9 AM to 9 PM
Wed9 AM to 9 PM
Thu9 AM to 9 PM
Fri9 AM to 9 PM
Sat9 AM to 9 PM
Sun12 to 7 PM
Parking
Paid parking lot
Dining
Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Contact
Call Maps
Rensselaer
Drinks
Whiskey Pickle
Bar$$$$★ 4.7 · 116
Outdoor seatingLGBTQ+ friendly
Find it
409 Fulton St, Troy, NY 12180
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 116 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Whiskey Pickle.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
WedClosed
Thu5 PM to 1 AM
Fri5 PM to 2 AM
Sat7 PM to 2 AM
Sun4 PM to 12:30 AM
Parking
Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Dining
Outdoor seating · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · LGBTQ+ friendly · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
Grapes & Grains Wine and Spirits
Liquor store★ 4.5 · 110
Wheelchair access
Find it
279 Troy Rd, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.5★ from 110 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Grapes & Grains Wine and Spirits.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon9 AM to 9 PM
Tue9 AM to 9 PM
Wed9 AM to 9 PM
Thu9 AM to 9 PM
Fri9 AM to 9 PM
Sat9 AM to 9 PM
Sun10 AM to 10 PM
Dining
In-store pickup · In-store shopping · Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Activity
Crailo State Historic Site
Historical place museum★ 4.6 · 96
Wheelchair access
Find it
9 1/2 Riverside Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 96 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Crailo State Historic Site.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
WedClosed
ThuClosed
FriClosed
Sat11 AM to 5 PM
Sun11 AM to 5 PM
Parking
Free street parking
Dining
Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
Tighe's Bistro Americain
French restaurant$$$$★ 4.7 · 93
Outdoor seatingGood for groups
Find it
2703 NY-43, Averill Park, NY 12018
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.7★ from 93 Google reviews
Split the bill
$$ · mid-range is our editorial bracket, not a real bill. Plug in what you expect to actually spend at Tighe's Bistro Americain.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5 to 9 PM
Thu5 to 9 PM
Fri5 to 9 PM
Sat5 to 9 PM
SunClosed
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Outdoor seating · Takeout · Dine-in
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
Groups · Tourists
Contact
Call Site Maps
Rensselaer
Drinks
Liquor Shed
Bar★ 4.8 · 76
Wheelchair access
Find it
48 Columbia St, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.8★ from 76 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Liquor Shed.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon9:30 AM to 9 PM
Tue9:30 AM to 9 PM
Wed9:30 AM to 9 PM
Thu9:30 AM to 9 PM
Fri9:30 AM to 9 PM
Sat9:30 AM to 9 PM
Sun10 AM to 7 PM
Parking
Free parking lot
Dining
Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Contact
Call Maps
Rensselaer
Dining
Partition Wine and Liquors
Liquor store★ 4.8 · 75
Wheelchair access
Find it
800 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.8★ from 75 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Partition Wine and Liquors.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
Mon10 AM to 9 PM
Tue10 AM to 9 PM
Wed10 AM to 9 PM
Thu10 AM to 9 PM
Fri10 AM to 9 PM
Sat10 AM to 9 PM
Sun12 to 6 PM
Dining
Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Contact
Call Maps
Rensselaer
Activity
Irish American Heritage Museum
Heritage museum★ 4.6 · 69
Wheelchair access
Find it
21 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207
Get there
Transit Drive Walk
Crowd read
4.6★ from 69 Google reviews
Split the bill
Price tier unlisted — plug in what you expect to spend at Irish American Heritage Museum.
Estimate — adjust$
Your share$25
Their share$25
Even split — modern and uncomplicated.
Hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed11 AM to 4 PM
Thu11 AM to 4 PM
Fri11 AM to 4 PM
Sat11 AM to 4 PM
Sun11 AM to 4 PM
Dining
Onsite services
Access
Wheelchair accessible entrance · Wheelchair accessible parking lot · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Contact
Call Site Maps

Rensselaer

Rensselaer by the numbers

Local date spots

Palace Theatre

USS SLATER

677 Prime

Illusive Restaurant & Bar

Recovery Sports Grill

Café Capriccio

Off Shore Pier

The Skinny Pancake Albany

Chez Mike

Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site

Yono's

The Yard: Sports Bar & Hatchet House

The Bunker North Greenbush

Loch & Quay

New York Wine & Liquor Warehouse

Vineyards Wine & Spirits

Whiskey Pickle

Grapes & Grains Wine and Spirits

Crailo State Historic Site

Tighe's Bistro Americain

Liquor Shed

Partition Wine and Liquors

Irish American Heritage Museum

Reach Rensselaer singles right where they plan dates.