ALBANY — The margaritas are once again flowing at Ama Cocina, a trendy Mexican restaurant that thrived on its downtown block until the pandemic hit.
Ama reopens with a fresh look, including some repainted areas and a new Instagram-worthy corner. The menu has also been revamped under the guidance of the returning kitchen leader. The restaurant began its soft opening on August 23, with plans for a strong promotional push, including happy hour after Labor Day, according to Tisean Daniels, the new managing partner of Ama.
Located at 4-6 Sheridan Ave., Albany, Ama Cocina’s hours are from 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday to Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Prices range from $6 to $15 for starters, $4 to $6.50 for tacos, and all burritos, bowls, and quesadillas are priced at $10. Beer, wine, and cocktails range from $5 to $14. For more information, you can contact them at 518-776-4550 or visit their website amacocina.com.
Daniels, 39 years old with two decades of restaurant experience, expressed his excitement about returning to work at Ama. He has previously worked at various restaurants in the hospitality industry, gaining experience in different cuisines and positions, including general manager at a highly regarded Middle Eastern restaurant in New York City.
After the pandemic burnt out many in the hospitality industry in New York City, Daniels decided to look upstate for new opportunities. He settled in the Albany area in August 2020 and worked at different restaurants before being hired by BMT Hospitality as the general manager of The Point Italian Kitchen and Cocktails in January 2022. BMT Hospitality, which owns several restaurants in Albany, including Ama, paid the rent on the Ama location for 32 months without generating any income from it.
According to Brian Viglucci, co-owner of BMT, they were impressed by Daniels’ performance at The Point and believed he was the right person to revive Ama. BMT values partnerships with operators who have their own vision, such as the success of Albany Ale & Oyster. Ama originally opened in 2015 with the vision of Jessica Evans, the founding general manager, and unique features like a window from a 1960s bus incorporated into the interior design.
With the reopening of Ama, the menu has been streamlined to focus on tacos, burritos, bowls, and quesadillas, while still offering an extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals. Some old favorites, like the queso fundido dip and Mexican street corn, also make a comeback. Daniels and Viglucci plan to reintroduce adventurous dishes and full entrees once they have re-established a customer base.
Since its reopening, Ama has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers. One minor complaint was about a margarita being too spicy, even though there was no spice in it. Daniels acknowledges that it’s impossible to please everyone, but they are always willing to accommodate and make a different drink for their customers.
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