One Hour Albany Cleaners

Both cleaning and alteration services (I had the hem taken up on some suit pants) were very good here. It's usually easy to find a parking spot in the front or on the side of the building, which is nice. Reliable and in a funky building, to boot.

Cafe Raj

I wouldn't say it's the BEST Indian food I've ever had, but it's pretty darned good. Chicken dishes (what we have most of the time) are lovely white meat, which, unfortunately, can get a bit dry. Sauces are really nice and fresh tasting. We usually get take-out rather than eating in, but when we have eaten it it was a good experience.

Fanny's Cafe

This is a breakfast/brunch place owned by Alice Water of Chez Panisse fame (and a Berkeley legend). I believe it's all organic locally grown fare. It's pretty simple stuff (and not huge portions) but it's done very well. I have typically had buckwheat crepes when I've gone there, and been very pleased. They are also supposed to be famous for beignets, which always seem to run out before I arrive. The cafe au lait is also lovely -- served in very large cups. It's also located right next to a bakery so it's easy to also pick up a fresh loaf of bread if you're so inclined.

PROS: good simple food
CONS: pricey, parking is difficult

Bua Luang Thai Cuisine

We've only done deliveries at this Thai restaurant but have generally enjoyed what we've had. We've tended toward curries and stir-fries rather than noodle dishes. My husband thinks the curry sauces are a little watery, but they are flavorful.

PROS: free delivery
CONS:

Sophia Cafe

Sophia offers excellent Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food in a casual, friendly atmosphere. I've had the falafel a few times and it's delicious. My husband raves about the Moussaka and I've also enjoyed the pastries. They're open Sundays but not Saturdays.

Red Oak Realty

Merritt helped us find a home in Albany and shepherded us through not only the protracted purchase process, but also through getting repairs done on the place. (We are new to the area and appreciated her recommendations of contractors.) She was a pleasure to deal with and always available when we needed her. She lives in Albany so knows the area well.

PROS: friendly, knows the area
CONS:

6 Degrees on Solano

We've only been here for the brunch but really enjoyed it. It was really reasonably priced and the food was plentiful and delicious. Also, the pricing for a mimosa was really reasonable, too (I think $2). The food was really well prepared and presented in a very artful way. I recall particularly enjoying the "home fries".

PROS: good prices, good food
CONS:

Jodie's Restaurant

As another reviewer noted, Jodie does get to know everyone who comes into the place. It only seats around 7 people, so things get pretty cozy. Many eating there are regulars, and they often take on the task of helping out (explaining the menu, handing condiments and plates out to folks sitting at an outside table). The fried chicken is awesome, I must say. The fried chicken breakfast (Saturdays and Sundays) consists of chicken and another item. I've had it with french toast a couple of times. Very filling but delicious.

PROS: fried chicken, friendly atmosphere
CONS: a little crowded, not cheap for a "hole in the wall" type place

Zachary's Chicago Pizza

Super-fresh ingredients top the delicious, gooey pizza that they do at Zachary's. We usually have the Good Health pizza, which is chicken, spinach and mozarella on a whole wheat crust. It's amazing, especially the crust. The vibe is decidedly laid back and though there's often a wait (and the pizza takes a long time) it's worth it. The salads are also excellent and they have a reasonable beer and wine selection.

PROS: laid back, delicious
CONS: a tad expensive

Cheese Board

The Cheese Board folks make one type of pizza (vegetarian only) every day with the freshest of ingredients. The crust is thin and delightfully crunchy. Don't let the long line scare you. It goes fast because they just make the one pizza flavor. Sometimes they have live music for you while you wait.

PROS: tasty, fresh, crunchy crust
CONS: