Albany Spotlight: Mr. D’s Restaurant & Lounge

Mr. D’s Restaurant & Lounge: A Blend of History and Modern American Dining in Albany

Mr. D’s Restaurant & Lounge, located within the Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel, is a modern American restaurant that offers a dining experience rooted in the hotel’s nearly 50-year history.

What Makes It Unique: History and Ambiance

Mr. D’s gets its name from John K. Desmond, Jr., the hotel’s original founder and owner for 40 years. Its uniqueness lies in its commitment to honoring the past while offering a contemporary menu, a concept known as Modern American cuisine overseen by Executive Chef Michael St. John C.E.C.

• Legacy Cuisine: The restaurant keeps the hotel’s heritage alive by continuing to serve “long-time guest favorites” from its former celebrated dining establishments (like Scrimshaw, 1976), blending them seamlessly with new entrées.
• The Lounge: The atmosphere is described as modern, yet cozy and elegant, featuring a full bar, comfortable high-top seating, and a seasonal fireplace.
• Happy Hour: It’s known locally for having “Albany’s best Happy Hour” daily from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with specials on house spirits, cocktails, draft beers, and a special bar bites menu.

Significant History and Events

The most significant event in the restaurant’s history is its creation as part of a major rebranding and renovation:

• Establishment (2021): The restaurant was opened and named in 2021 as a tribute to the founder, John K. Desmond, Jr., when the hotel completed a large two-year renovation project and became an official Crowne Plaza branded hotel.
• Hotel Heritage: Mr. D’s stands on the legacy of the hotel, which first opened in 1974 as the Americana Inn and celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2024. The property’s original interior was modeled after a village square, and while renovated, it stays true to Mr. Desmond’s original vision.

Highlighted Menu Items

Mr. D’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a full bar offering local New York State craft beers, fine wines, and upscale cocktails.

Guest Favorites and Recommended Dishes:

• The Desmond Bread Pudding: Described as a “guest favorite for almost 50 years,” this dessert is a legacy item from the hotel’s past, served warm with English custard.
• Drunken Goat Cheese Salad: A signature dish from the hotel’s past, featuring mixed greens, grilled chicken breast, pecans, strawberries, and Spanish-style red wine soaked goat cheese with a cranberry vinaigrette.
• From the Grill: New dinner entrées include Cedar Planked Salmon and Braised Short Rib. Reviewers specifically praise the quality of the steak, with one noting their Filet Mignon was “tender and cooked perfectly.”
• Weekend Brunch: Popular items include Avocado Eggs Benedict and Bananas Foster French Toast.
• The Skillet Breakfasts: Another original hotel favorite, still served on the breakfast menu.

Customer Feedback

With a 4.1-star rating, customer reviews highlight the quality of the food and service:

• Food & Atmosphere: Patrons find the food and atmosphere “wonderful,” with the setting being described as “elegant and pleasant.” One reviewer mentioned, “The food and atmosphere are wonderful. I had New York Strip Steak and it was done to perfection. We were with a very large group and our waitress, Jess, didn’t miss a beat.”
• Exceptional Service: The staff is consistently praised. Another review states, “Our server, Shannon, was wonderful, answering all of our questions and providing excellent service throughout the meal.”
• Upscale Experience: The restaurant provides an “upscale dining experience” with a moderately priced menu, featuring ample parking and a modern feel.

Contact Information and Links