I removed my last review. The things I didn't like about it during that period of time have since changed. The wait staff is more ample and helpful. The drinks have gotten much better. It's a nice place to go and spend some time, cocktails are quite good and seating is usually available. They also seem to have a variety of things for everyone depending on what day of the week it is. I think Monday's they have the football game(s) on and video game tourny's. I went tonight(Thurs) and they had live music. I'm not big on acoustic guitar sing song shows, but the guy was friendly and everyone who was there seemed to be having a good time. The place has been open for at least a few years now and in such a heavy turnover of a business that must mean something good. read more

Blue82 is definitely NOT the place to go if you do not like expensive martinis, crowds and loud music and people on the weekends. It's packed with the college and 'senior' college crowd of those who wish we never left. During the week it is more chill and you can actually have a conversation and not have your eardrums blasted with bass. The decor is pretty cool and when its not packed you can enjoy yourself and friends. Drinks are a bit pricey but they are really good and not just your average screwdrivers and appletini's. They make some other unique flavor infusions too; just ask for something different, or let them make you a surprise drink catered around your 'likes.' Small but trendy, and not just a sports bar. Def date worthy place, although parking is street or paid lot around the corner. Watch your step on the cobblestones outside when in heels read more

0-4. Ordered one light draft off chalkboard and it was out. Was told another light beer was replacement; that keg was empty. Asked what light beers she had in bottle; could only name one. Kicker: Wife asked about drink special on sandwich board on sidewalk and response? "I don't know ... I didn't write it." Wasn't busy at time but she wasn't going to bother looking at board. read more

This place is closed permanently. We walked all the way there and looked in and no chairs no lights and locked door.

Great lounge feel with good music. Food was great, Ed does a good job with the food, the Brazilian BBQ sauce was the bomb, definitely try their items that have this. read more

I went to Blue 82 specifically for an event I was attending there. I will start with the negatives. I drink bourbon. I know Blue 82 is known for mixed drinks but some of us like a good strong American drink. Blue 82's selection of bourbon is not great as they offer no higher end bourbon. And the 2 times I went to the bar, I was charged differently for my drinks. Now on to the positives, the atmosphere is pretty good. Small place but the seating by the windows is comfortable. Although the crowd was mostly younger, I didn't feel like I was at a college bar. I was able to chat with friends even over the music (which was so-so). This is probably a good place to start your night. read more

overpriced martinis, wait wayyyyy too long for a drink on a weekend night The decor is nice, as is the lighted bar and wine taps. Nice touches and props for staying in business this long. They have a martini list but there isn't anything spectacular or groundbreaking on it. I've seen them all before elsewhere, and probably at a lower price. On a weeknight, its a little more low key-live music or DJ, and a place to sit or at least stand without a super drunk girl in a mini skirt bumping into you repeatedly. read more

I like blue 82. Pros- It's comfy, they make decent drinks, and it's well put together. Likely the reason it seems many bars have turned over around it but it stays the same. The walls changing colors is a cool mood setter. As noted by others it's an older crowd, I am "older" so that works for me. Cons- The bar can get very overwhelmed, and the table service can be anywhere from great to turribad. Drinks aren't cheap outside of specials. Skip the "food" See also Ryan M. and Stephanie's reviews as well. read more

Great service, amazing food & drinks! Absolutely loved the Buffalo chicken pizza & cocktails.

This is one of my favorite bars in Albany. It's a more intimate setting than some of the other bigger bars. I love the lounge feel. They have great drinks and we always have a ton of fun dancing! I have been coming here for years and it's a staple in downtown Albany! read more

Went on a bar crawl and paid $4 for a green tea shot that was in a tiny tiny tiny little shot glass (not even a full shot, more like half a shot not even) that also had a cube of ice in it. Bartenders apparently don't know how to pour or what an actual shot is..... read more

I stopped in here for a drink while waiting for my mother to meet me at Capital Rep. I liked the low-key martini lounge feel that was surprisingly unpretentious given the decor and location. My dirty vodka martini ($9) was perfect and had extra olives, which is always a plus for me. It was a slow night considering it was Sunday, but still, having one person on to man the bar and the floor didn't seem like enough. We were all stuck waiting quite awhile for drinks and getting an orders taken. I don't blame the bartender/waitress, and assume it's a matter of economics, but still, it was remarkably slow. Nice, pleasant atmosphere that I'd definitely seek out again on a quiet night. I imagine this place would be uncomfortably congested on a Friday or Saturday night though. read more

Horrific experience! I'm still slightly confused how this place is in business. Decided to stop here for a drink before a show last evening. I ordered a "dirty martini" which is most likely the most common well known drink in the world. Anyhow the bartender asked me what it was, she never heard if it before. The dirty Martini was listed on the menu. So I proceeded to show her. She responds we have nothing on that menu not even sure why we have those. "Flabbergasted" she then wrote down vodka and olive juice. I knew this was gonna be bad. She brought me back a cup of olive juice with a splash of vodka. I had to order another shot of vodka. Still wasn't enough. The "martini" was Horrid. There was approximately 4 customers in the building. We ordered 3 personal pizzas which they then came back and said they have non of the ingredients for. So we were left with Pepperoni and sausage which is fine. However took 35 mins to get the pizzas. Would never suggest! read more

I stopped here recently visiting some friends for the weekend from NYC. So can someone explain why Albany, New York seems to think it can get away with charging NYC prices for mediocre drinks? And let's not forget about the pretentious crowds and SUNY students (aka Union and Cornell rejects) who can't dress or act the scene. I think I'll stay home... read more

This place robs people. Was told a Long Island was $6 and the bartender brings me a bill for $17 saying I didn't close my tab. I know I closed my tab because I had signed a receipt for $10 and even tipped her $2. Absolutely ridiculous, my friends and I will not be returning here ever again. I'd advise you to stay away from this place they steal from you!! read more

I walked into this bar and was repulsed by the lack of attention I received from the hot blonde chick. My god she was hot...anyway I ended up ordering a steak sandwich and bit into its juicy goodness. I quickly changed my tune towards because my god she nailed that steak sandwich. However, MY GOD... they wouldn't accept my Canadian dollars. So I had to walk into the establishment across the street, which MY GOD THANK GOD they had an ATM. I got my American guap(I'm canardian) & paid the young woman. End of transaction, right? WRONG! MY GOD- GOOD LORD, I walked in the bathroom and MY GOD was that not the nicest bathroom I have ever set foot in. Actually wait wrong bar nm. read more

blue 82 is 9 times out of 10 a really great place to go. they must have hired a feng shui master or something is what i think. no matter where you sit or stand here you are at ease. the layout is very open and inviting. the seats are all very comfortable - from the bar stools, the high booth/tables along one wall, the stools in front of the side window, the highbacked booth with comfy foot stools or the lounge chairs in the front window. the lighting is low but not dark, very Mood lightingesqe. they have a zillion different types of vodkas and a list of pretty good 'tini' drinks (including actual Real martinis as well). there are a number of good wines and beer selections too. on tuesday nights there is a flavored vodka sampling that is great - you can get 5 different types to sip for a really reasonable price. and the service is always friendly and knowledgeable. oh, and the apps are also all quite tasty. of course you do have to keep in mind the locale...on n. pearl st. this means that you Will encounter that young college crowd that tends to grate on my nerves as well as the 'yuppie, look at me and all of the money that i am willing to spend on my clothes and car and drinks' attitude. if you are looking for a less On Display place to relax then i would suggest looking towards lark st or other out of the way places. read more

This place was ok. On a night where the st Patrick's day crowd was coming through , I was surprised they only had one bartender , and a guy that looked like a manager or owner making drinks. So it was very frustrating because the bartender would acknowledge us and then forget and not come back so finally we had closed our tab and went somewhere else. We felt bad for her because she was doing a lot of work but cannot blame us for wanting to leave. The buttery nipples on the rocks we ordered were delicious though. Would definitely recommend this place for a night out. read more

Just popped in for a drink and they had poker going at a couple of tables. Not what I was expecting and definitely not my scene. Meh.

They do not own tonic water but will try and convince you your vodka seltzer is a vodka tonic. But really. It's a vodka seltzer. stop lying and cheating me read more

Had a great time the other night. Great food and drinks. Awesome service and friendly staff. Looking forward to returning when they have live music. read more

Love this place. It was my local while I was traveling to Albany. The staff and clientele were fantastic. I would definitely recommend it to anyone staying in downtown Albany. read more

This is your spot if you are looking to make a reservation and then have it double booked, and pay for a bottle of top shelf and be told that you can have well liquor instead. Even better when you have already found a area to sit in you are told to leave because of a reservation. This is the worst place I have ever seen, not perfessional at all. Cant wait to see the doors close on this over priced misleading "bar". read more