Vice & Virtue Restaurant and Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in City of Schenectady

Embarking on a second visit to Vice and Virtue during its first week of operations was an enchanting experience.

As you cross the threshold, it becomes immediately evident that this is a realm shaped by the hands of an experienced visionary. The meticulously designed decor, complete with an impressive bar backdrop, welcoming bar stools that promise comfort and conversation, and strategically placed tables, sets the stage for a great experience.

Upon entry, the friendly hosts guide you seamlessly into the heart of Vice and Virtue. Our dining experience began at the bar. The evening's libations included velvety chocolate martinis, a commendable house Cabernet Sauvignon, and a vibrant vodka and club soda with a twist of orange. The chocolate martinis stood out, vodka, chocolate liquor, Irish cream, shaved chocolate and a swirl of chocolate decorating the martini glass - a decadent find from the after-dinner cocktail selection. Although the specifics of the Cabernet eluded me, its character did not; it was a pleasure to savor, with a bouquet that was invitingly fragrant, a body that was satisfyingly robust, and a delicate balance of cherry and oak notes.

Our culinary journey commenced with the half charcuterie board, an artful assembly of smoked salmon, the refined Grana Parmigiana, succulent capicola ham, whipped pub cheese, alongside classic focaccia bread and crackers. Complemented by salami and Swiss cheese, a good start to our meal.

The Thai butternut squash scallop bisque, an exotic blend that married the sweetness of butternut squash with the warmth of ginger, creating a dish that was as inventive as it was comforting.

The main event was shared between my wife and myself: the Royal Flush strip steak and an imaginative butternut squash risotto. The steak, served in succulent slices that had been allowed to rest to perfection, was a masterclass in seasoning and juiciness, elevated by a Vidalia onion compote. The risotto is rich with a balance of flavor from roasted shiitake mushrooms, Grana Parmigiana, candied pecans, and fried leeks.

The evening was a symphony of good food, service, and great company, setting a high bar for future visits.

Vice and Virtue not only lives up to its name but also its brand promise, offering a sanctuary where the culinary arts meet heartfelt hospitality and at a reasonable price. Under the stewardship of Mr. Tim Rankins and his team, one is not just a guest but a member of the Vice and Virtue family....

The Mother's day Day brunch was disgusting. I was embarrassed I took my mom there. The food was literally unidentifiable. It was not as advertised - the website boasted a carving station, French toast bar with toppings, quiches, chicken and waffles were all on the advertised menu but none of them were actually there (the meat was just laying in aluminum tins, no carver, there were no toppings for the French toast and I had to ask for even just syrup multiple times, there was chicken and biscuits but no waffles to be found, and the "quiche" was a frittata with unidentifiable veggies in it.) Despite not serving what they advertised, they still charged $40 a plate and an additional 20% gratuity for us to serve ourselves, which was difficult to do because they kept running out of plates. The food was awful, it was sitting out and all congealed and stuck together. The aluminum trays were often empty. Everything was either overcooked or undercooked. The pastries were halfheartedly thrown on a platter. People were re-using the tongs for multiple things because there weren't enough out, which was an issue for me because I have food allergies and there was cross contamination happening. I had to notify staff there were obvious visible food spills on the floor after almost stepping and tripping on a sausage (at least that's what I think it was supposed to be) and a biscuit right in the buffet line. Then to top it all off when I went to the bathroom there was a dirty diaper sitting on top of the garbage in the stall, making the garbage unusable and the bathroom gross. I spoke to the manager about my concerns and they told me what foods to stay away from for my allergies since nothing was labeled, but were not apologetic about the state of their mother's Day brunch. I kept trying to find something I could eat and giving the options a chance, but ultimately had to stop for food on...

If I could give zero stars I would. Yesterday was Mother's Day. My daughter and family took me to brunch at Vice & Virtue. Their menu was advertised with mini quiches, french toast with assorted toppings. CARVING STATION, delicious fruit platters and such all for $40.00 per person. We walked in were told immediately that there would be 20% added to our bill. We were a bit confused as we were helping ourselves but ok.... We went up to the "buffet" which consisted of food in aluminum pans laying on a table. Nothing was labeled and we could not identify the food. Was it a mini burger or a sausage? Was that stuffing or a carcass? We had no idea what was in front of us. There were no chicken and waffles, There were chicken and bisquits which the person placing them in the aluminum pan was touching each one as he placed them. No glove, tongs etc.. just his hands. There was NO carving station. There were two trays of turkey and roast beef. We were told the "carver was sick." I guess no one in the resturant knew how to cut turkey and roast beef. The french toast had ZERO toppings and all pieces were stuck together from sitting out so long. The watress who served was a "ray of sunshine" (hear my sarcasm). The manager walked out crying then came back and started eating behind the bar. There was food all over the floor and people were taking fruit and dessert with their hands since no serving untensils were provided despite asking THREE times for them. To top it all off we needed to use the ladies room where my daughter found a dirty diaper on top of the garbage. Obviously the restuarant ( I use that term loosely) does not check the restrooms. All and all it was the most disqusting meal I have ever had, which was topped off by horrible service which we had no choice but pay the 20%. I would not reccomend this place to anyone. It was...