Fan Favorite Soul Food Restaurant To Open In Troy

New York's Capital Region knows food. There's restaurants and cafes from all different walks of life, creating a rich, culinary tapestry that makes the region one of a kind.

You wouldn't expect to get excellent soul food this far north, but we've even got that covered. One of the region's favorites just found a new home...

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Kitchen 216

Opened in 2018 by chef Emrys Young, Kitchen 216 specializes in southern soul food, and they're dang good at it. Young's claim to fame was her cooking, which went viral in Capital region spaces, and inspired her to open her own restaurant.

Read More: Albany Soul Food Restaurant "Kitchen 216" is Closing

It's all based on Young's grandmother, who taught her to cook while in Florida. Those lessons and recipes have become the backbone of the establishment, and have made it one of the most popular spots in town. The restaurant used to be located in Crossgates Commons, but in April 2026, they announced they'd be closing their doors...

Just not for long.

The New Kitchen

When the Albany location closed, Young promised that they'd be back and better than ever with a sit down style restaurant. That promise came true, just not where you'd think.

Kitchen 216 relocated to Troy, at 100 Congress Street. They have been hosting a soft opening since July 13th, with a grand opening scheduled on August 1st.

You can go check out the restaurant from July16th through the 19th, 1 to 9 p.m. for their soft opening to get a taste of what's to come. This is one of my favorite places to eat in the Capital region, and I couldn't be happier that it's making its return.