Rensselaer offers hidden gems along the Hudson

Despite having the 9th busiest Amtrak station in the country, the city of Rensselaer remains something of a hideaway.

Named for the historic Van Rensselaer family, this 3.3 square mile urban patch on the east side of the Hudson contains just 9,210 residents (as of the 2020 Census). But it packs a punch above its weight—and its profile is about to get even bigger.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that construction has begun on a $634.8 million project to replace the Livingston Avenue Rail Bridge, a Civil War-era passenger rail bridge that connects Albany and Rensselaer. By 2028, a modern seven-span, lift-type bridge will allow for heavier freight train loads, as well as two passenger trains at the same time.

The project will also create a separate, much-needed path for pedestrians and cyclists across the river, with easy connections to the Albany Skyway, the Empire State Trail, and the future Rensselaer Riverwalk.

There are other exciting projects in the works. Among them is a $14 million proposal to build a 100-room hotel next to the Amtrak station, which would include a restaurant formed from two retrofitted Pullman dining rail cars.

We asked our Reddit friends to tell us what’s so great about Rensselaer right now. A bunch of you mentioned the ability to live adjacent to Albany—but not in it—while enjoying the views of the city skyline and a more residential community. Like us, you feel like the city is a bit “stuck in the past” but “can be something amazing” and “has so much untapped potential.”

“The Rensselaer side of the river is the hidden gem of the Capital District,” wrote Redditor Taracer89. “The main attraction for me has been living right next to Albany, and close to Troy, but having a totally relaxed feeling at home.”

“Rensselaer is rising!!” said Redditor CmonJeffGetEm. “First of all, it’s [a] relatively affordable waterfront compared to Albany and Troy and full of unique old architecture.”

Many of you pointed out the interesting food scene, the playgrounds, and Fort Crailo, a historic site with a museum that’s also a pleasant place for a picnic on the waterfront. Among the notable mentions from the Reddit thread:

• Shwe Burmese Restaurant, a homey family-run restaurant with affordable food. The tea leaf salad gets raves!

• Son of Egg, a fast-casual Korean spot that’s great for grabbing a quick bite before catching your train. Don’t miss the crispy chicken sandwich.

• Hot Dog Charlies, part of a local chain known for its mini hot dogs

• Skyline Diner, your classic diner with friendly staff and breakfast all day

• Illusive, a neighborhood restaurant & bar known for delicious burgers, crab cakes and wings

• Thai Orchid, a hidden gem of a restaurant with good prices and friendly people

• Mega Kone, a new addition to the Rens scene serving up premium soft serve and New York-made hard ice cream from Perry’s

• Stage One Dispensary, which gets raves for its knowledgeable staff and affordable prices

• Red Mill Falls, a relatively unknown waterfall that offers a view at the top of the Albany skyline across the river

Rensselaer’s restaurant scene has the potential to rival Albany’s warehouse district. And if urban planners maximized the waterfront more than what’s being done today, the city could be the Capital Region’s next not-so-hidden hotspot.