Sybaris Bistro (442 First Ave. W., Albany; 541-928-8157) is a spacious, upscale dining establishment in what was once a historic downtown industrial building. Guests can expect an elevated dining experience without the stuffiness that often comes along with it.
Chef Matt Bennett creates a new menu each month using the freshest goods from growers, farmers and wineries in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The Northwest cuisine is an innovative and eclectic interpretation of classic meat, seafood and poultry dishes. Seasonally adapted choices may include green bean almondine, duck breast stroganoff with wild mushrooms or slow-cooked smoked pork osso buco and burnt apples. Housemade is the rule, not the exception, right down to the ketchup and daily bread. Needless to stay, the same goes for the decadent and delicious desserts.
The restaurant’s decor is always fresh, too; partner and wife Janel Bennett arranges displays of local artists’ works. Bistro hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, extended to 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.
For another farm-to-table bistro and bar option, consider Frankie’s Restaurant (641 Hickory St. N.W., #160, Albany; 541-248-3671), conveniently located in the North Albany Village shopping center. Owner/chef Cody Utzman prides himself on always serving scratch-made foods, using only the finest and freshest ingredients.
Lunch consists of a variety of soups, sandwiches, local grass-fed beef burger variations (as well as a veggie burger option), light and hearty salads and entrees like fish tacos (blackened king salmon and halibut), a plant bowl and classic steak frites. Dinner offerings extend to include classics like fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs as well as other meat, seafood and poultry dishes.
Although there’s no bad time to go, happy hour is full of excitement; it’s available 3 to 6 p.m. daily and 9 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Along with happy hour cocktails, ciders and beer, indulge in discounted pub favorites like nachos and queso dip, chicken strips, Frankie’s signature burger and fries as well as elevated options like fried calamari, manila steamer clams and more.
Brunch is no mystery, highlighting scrambles and omelets, delicious Belgian waffles, New York steak and eggs and traditional eggs benedict; it’s available 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Lunch hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and dinner is served 5 to 9 p.m. daily.
The all-new fourth edition of “Gerry Frank’s Oregon” guidebook is available through oregonguidebook.com; 503-585-8411; gerry@teleport.com; amazon.com; Macy’s; and P.O. Box 2225, Salem, OR 97308.