Juanita & Maude

What a great time we had at your restaurant last night ! The food was simply perfect and delicious and don't get me started on the wine and cocktail selection. Also warm thanks to the staff who were all lovely and big kudos to Michael the som who really went out of his way to meet all of our needs that evening :)

Second time coming here. Great spot with delicious food, unique and tasty cocktails, and top notch service. They are popular, so I would recommend making a reservation. They have bar and indoor/outdoor seating. This time around I got the halibut, and my friend got the rib-eye steak. Both came out perfect. We also got cocktails. Can't remember the names, but one was a carrot/grapefruit tequila drink with a black salt rim and the other a drink with pisco and lemongrass tea. Both were really good. They also have some great dessert and dessert/port wines. Will definitely be back again.

A standout in a part of the country famous for its restaurants. There were unique cocktail creations and a great wine list but the stars were the main courses which had great takes on classic items prepared and seasoned masterfully. It is somewhat noisy, but that's because its filled with happy people enjoying themselves and their companions. Reservations advised.

Top-tier restaurant that I’ve encountered! The presentation was incredible. The service was top-notch. Olivia was outstanding. My husband called to make the reservation last minute and Nicholas was so accommodating. When we arrived, he knew exactly who we were and as we were waiting, he gave us a complementary champagne while our table was being prepared. We started out with tuna carpaccio melted in your mouth, pops a flavor. It was a party in your mouth. But olive oil stood out the course salt the cracked pepper. My husband had the halibut and fingerling potatoes with a nice chowder type gravy. I had the ribeye with a slice of onion type potato wedge with peas, and cauliflower and string beans. Dessert was a lemon meringue, Panna cotta with crumbled oats and coconut and grapefruit and jelly. Sounds like a mouthful, but it was so light after such a filling awesome meal She guided us through everything in the recommendations were spot on.

This has to be one of the BEST restaurants I've ever enjoyed in all three categories. The food presentation is a work of art as well as the fantastic flavors of each of the dishes. This should be one's bucket list.

I recently visited Juanita and Maude in Albany, and it’s safe to say this restaurant exemplifies the perfect blend of innovative cooking, genuine hospitality, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Each course showcased a harmonious balance of flavors and textures from start to finish—highlighted by some genuinely eye-opening techniques, like their Koji rice dry aging for steak. Ambiance You sense a relaxed yet refined energy when you walk through the doors. The space strikes a perfect balance between stylish and comfortable: think polished concrete or metal-topped tables, soft lighting, and a thoughtfully designed open layout that gives you a glimpse into the bustling kitchen. It’s upscale enough for a special occasion yet unpretentious enough for a casual evening out. Warm, genuine service rounds out the experience, making you feel cared for and at ease. Cocktail & Wine Program Before diving into the food, I tried their signature Puckett cocktail—a delightful concoction of black tea gin, nigiri sake, cardamom, yuzu, hibiscus, and a luxurious cherry egg foam on top. It was refreshingly bright yet intriguingly complex, with layers of subtle sweetness and aromatic spice. This was the only cocktail I had time for on this visit, but it made me eager to return and explore their unique drink list further. The staff demonstrated remarkable knowledge on the wine side, quickly guiding me toward varietals that complemented the dishes without overshadowing their distinctive flavors. Starters & Main Course The meal began with the Garam Masala-Spiced Tuna Crudo, which arrived as a visually stunning plate layered with tomato, cucumber, crispy rice, and shallots. The warming garam masala contrasted beautifully with the incredible fresh tuna. Drizzles of cardamom yogurt and bright chutneys completed the dish—tangy, creamy, and subtly sweet. I had the Seared Ribeye Steak & Baked Potato for the main event, and the Koji rice dry aging process was a game-changer. Not only did the ribeye boast a buttery tenderness, but it also had a deeper, more savory flavor that set it apart from your typical steak. Served alongside a loaded baked potato topped with creamy Brussels sprouts (infused with a subtle clam liquor), each bite was elevated further by the trio of accompaniments—steak sauce, horseradish, and grain mustard. Dessert Dessert was a showstopper: Spiced Chocolate Cake & Mousse. The dish balanced its indulgent richness with unexpected elements—sesame, pumpkin seeds, and a bright pineapple component that added a sweet-tart burst. The chili-spiked ice cream was just spicy enough to keep the chocolate from feeling heavy, making every spoonful a study in contrasts that still felt cohesive. Overall Impression In short, Juanita and Maude masterfully merge global inspiration, top-tier technique, and genuine warmth. Their cocktails (like the Puckett) are as inventive as their food, and the staff’s thoughtful wine recommendations underscore just how committed they are to crafting a well-rounded dining experience. Whether you’re drawn in by the Koji-aged steak, the perfectly balanced desserts, or the chance to explore more of their eclectic cocktail list, this gem in Albany is well worth many repeat visits. It’s a space that feels intimate and energizing—perfect for everything from a solo treat at the bar to a celebratory evening with friends.

My in-laws invited my wife and I out to dinner. They had a gift certificate for Juanita & Maude. I never heard of the place but was excited to try it after looking at reviews and the menu. It was so good! The server was awesome and was helpful when we had questions. I got the pollo saltado. Tender chicken with amazing flavors! It came with some thick potato wedges in this amazing sauce. To drink I had the Remus which was amazing. For appetizers we had the beets and fried fish balls. For desert, we had the chocolate cake and camomile flavored dish. We had so much fun. I look forward to recommending the place to my friends.

This New American restaurant exceeded all expectations! The service was exceptional from the moment we sat down. The food was a perfect balance of creative twists on familiar American dishes, with bold and vibrant flavors. The ambiance was trendy and chic, with soft lighting and modern decor. I’ll definitely be coming back!