Featured Restaurant

Albany Pump Station
( Click here to view menu )

I am proud to announce that November’s featured restaurant is Scarboroughs located at 1400 Altamont Avenue in Rotterdam, New York. Originally named Cardinal Puffs Pub, the restaurant was first opened in 1982. However in 1987 the named was changed to Scarborough’s in order to keep up with current times. Entering the restaurant I took notice of the rustic appearance presented. The restaurant gives me the feeling of being in an old fashioned pub due to the exposed wooden walls and hard wood tables. Adding to the pub like atmosphere was the full bar located in the back of the restaurant. One interesting feature I took notice of was half the restaurant was carpeted while the other half (on the bar side) was not. Sitting down I began to scan the walls finding many photos, newspaper articles and various memorabilia representing both the history of New York and important national events; such as the moon landing and the beginning of World War II.

As I viewed the menu I noticed that it is very organized and easy to read. Everything on the menu was reasonably priced. I decided to start my meal with an appetizer. There is a large variety of appetizers to choose from. Some options include Mozzarella Sticks, Cheesy Roasted Peppers, Chicken Fingers, Nachos, Stuffed Mushrooms, and Absolut Mastaciolli. I decided to try the Cheesy Roasted Peppers. The dish consists of sliced roasted bell peppers and garlic drizzled with olive oil. The peppers are then topped with Mozzarella cheese and a dusting of bread crumbs. Though it was a tad oily, the combination of cheese topping and roasted peppers made for a tasty start to the meal. I strongly recommend this delicious appetizer.

The first entrée I selected was the Bleu Buffalo Burger. The burger is topped with crumbled bleu cheese, lettuce & tomato, hot pepper mayonnaise (served on the side) on a warm bun served with a side of fries and pickle. Scarboroughs is proud of their burgers and I now understand why. The burger was extremely tender, juicy and flavorful. The juice from the burger literally ran down my chin on the first bite. The spicy mayo and bleu cheese compliments the char-broiled flavor of the burger very well. The spicy mayo was not tremendously hot. Well-done Scarboroughs!

For the second entrée I chose the Philly Steak (Chicken is also offered). The delicious sandwich is topped with cheddar cheese, sautéed peppers, onions and tomato sauce on a soft baked roll, served with a side of fries. This classic sandwich will satisfy a Philly Cheese Steak lover. The fries aren’t overly greasy or covered with salt. The oversized fries are crunchy to the bite and cooked to perfection.

The last entrée tasted was the French Onion Steak Sandwich with broth enhanced shredded beef with caramelized onions, provolone cheese & a garlic aioli. The shredded meat was tender and blended well with the caramelized onions. The au jus from the beef drippings made an excellent dipping sauce. This sandwich was also served with their amazing fries.

Upon leaving I noticed a private room towards the back perfect for casual luncheons, meeting and other special occasions. To reserve this area for ones desired purpose be sure to call Scarboroughs at (518)-355-9924. For nearly 24 years Scarboroughs has been an important fixture to many locals in the Rotterdam area. While the name and people may change, the quality and excellent service will not. The dining experience at Scarboroughs left me satisfied and fulfilled.

Review by Michael Weissman (Chief Culinary Consultant)

Photography by Christopher Case

Q. What are your hours of operation?

A. Monday - Thursday 11:30am – 10pm*
Friday & Saturday 11:30am - 11pm*
Sunday 12am – 8pm*
*Kitchen hours; bar is open one hour later everyday.

Q. Why should people dine here?

A. In-house brewed beer, great tasting food and a unique dinning space.

Q. What kind of influences do you contribute to your food?

A. We try to feature local ingredients in our dishes. Examples include grass fed meat and cheeses from the Hudson valley area. We also marinate some of food with our award winning beer.

Q. What makes your restaurant unique?

A. The space makes the restaurant unique. All the beer that is sold at the Pump Station is brewed here.

Q. Why did you get into the restaurant business?

A. I enjoy the restaurant lifestyle and the fact that everyday is a different experience.

Q. How long have you been in business?

A. We have been open for over 10 years, since May of 1999.

Q. What is your best selling dish?

A. Pump Station Burger is the most popular dish.

Q. What are your most popular beers?

A. The Pump Station Ale and our award winning Kick-Ass Brown are the most popular brews.

Q. If you had 1 word to describe your food, what word would it be?

A. Delicious

Q. Do you cater to special events?

A. Yes, the banquet facility upstairs can accommodate up to 70 guests for a sit down meal; over 100 guests for cocktail parties.

Q. How do you want people to feel after leaving your establishment?

A. Satisfied and pleasantly surprised by their dinning experience.