Where to reserve brunch THIS weekend if you live in Upstate NY

I am here to advise anyone and everyone who lives in Upstate NY (specifically the Capital Region, unless you're willing to drive a bit) to reserve your table at The Nest as soon as you can! From the delicious food, to the amazing customer service, to the beautiful attention to detail in the decor, this place will be sure to please.

Recently, my friend Tiara invited me to her birthday brunch at a new restauarant called The Nest in Schenectady, NY. Since then, I've been back 3 times. 🤣 Despite COVID-19 restrictions, The Nest opened it's doors in October 2020. They seem to be doing very well too- everytime I have called to reserve, spots were limited if not booked! I highly recommend calling ahead if you plan on going on the weekend.

When you walk through, you're immediately greeted by stunning florals and the friendly hostess. The restaurant has two floors, both decorated gorgeously. Downstairs is the beautiful bar area, a mix of tables with comfortable chairs and bench seats, and a seperate hallway with cute bathrooms (and so warm might I add, lol I mean who likes a cold bathroom?). On the back wall you'll find a trendy neon sign that reads "stop and smell the bisuits"- perfect for a photo opp!

The upstairs dining room has navy blue walls covered with stunning gold mirrors. They also have a private room you can book up here called "the library" that holds up to 16 people.

Once you're seated, you'll of course get your choice of water but the best part are the incredible choices of alcoholic beverages. The owners thoughtfully crafted a variety of choices. A few delicious options include a cinnamon maple old fashioned (pike creek maple barrel whisky, wild turkey bourbon, cinnamon simple, black walnut bitters), the copper lantern (prosecco, honey, lime, orange liquor), or you can get mimosas for the table! Mimosas for the table is my friend group's favorite choice and what we've gotten everytime we've been there, lol. You don't just get orange juice- you get 2-3 choices of grapefruit, passionfruit, pomegranate, mango, or pineapple!

Then, of course, there's the mouth watering menu!!! Inspired by southern cuisine, every menu item description will literally make you drool. 🤤 Choose to fufill your sweet tooth with a section on the menu just for you! My friend Rachel recently got the "Ho Cakes" (lemon ricotta, blueberry jam, salted peanut, blackberry buttermilk ice cream) and OMG it looked delicious. Ice cream for breakfast? I'm a fan!!! I am a eggs benedict lover, so my favorite menu item is the "Fried Chicky" (fried chicken, avocado, Bentons ham, hollandaise, poached eggs, home fries, buttermilk biscuit.) My first time there, I asked our server if the biscuits were good, just based on seeing the sign on the first floor, and of course that was a no brainer. Not to mention they have house made cinnamon buns with rotating flavors!!! They are HUGE and literally melt in your mouth. Every time I've gone to brunch it's been with the girls, but Lucas' favorite thing in the world is cinnamon buns, so I'll definitely have to bring him here as soon as possible. 😋

(pictured: fried chicky, mimosas for the table, a bloody mary, and the ho cakes)

One of my husband and I's favorite hobbies is to try new restaurants and eateries, especially locally owned ones! Please let me know in the comments or on my Instagram post (@jaylenerheta) if you'd like more recommendations or posts on where to eat, I'd love to share!

Click here to see The Nest's website

Click here to see where my outfit is from :)

Happy Brunching y'all!