Boyfriend and I were in Albany NY for one night - he wanted to go to Cheesecake Factory, but the…read morewait is apparently typically long on a weekend night (I have no idea - never been there!) so we decided not to chance it, and uber'ed from our hotel to this restaurant, hoping it would be good. I'll be honest - my heart sank as we got there, I almost cried. The neighborhood is *sketch*. The outside of the restaurant didn't look like much - but I felt better once we got in. Beautifully decorated with great lighting, lounge-style atmosphere. Great Latin music. We sat on the bar side as it was less busy. Beautiful bar with lots of options! Bartender made us **amazing** margaritas... omg were they strong! Loved it! Since we had never been there before, we played it safe. First we went with a fried calamari appetizer - not the best, but not bad - but then it's not typically something you'd order at a Mexican food restaurant. Boyfriend had the street steak tacos as main - hold the cheese as he forgot his lactaid, lol - and I had the steak quesadilla. Delicious! We loved it. The steak was especially well seasoned, not overcooked and sides were yummy. We ended the evening with churros - definitely homemade and on par with the ones we love at El Mirador in NH. Boyfriend even took his life in his hands and had some of the ice cream, couldn't resist - it was that good! Overall, as Boyfriend put it - this is absolutely a hidden gem type of spot - service was spectacular, food was delicious and we would totally return! (**Seated next to us were two young women on an obvious first date - girl #1 showed up, then girl #2 showed up a few minutes later with a big bouquet of flowers... what a nice touch! We just wanted to put it out in the universe - we hope you guys make it, you were super cute :)**)

I wanted to give L'Roca five stars because it has so much going for it including a charming staff…read morebut on our particular visit, service was extremely slow. There's also an irony here, because this is the only Capital Region restaurant I've encountered that adds a service charge to the bill of between 15- 20 percent. I'm assuming this is a new practice because service charges-- which are common in cities like Miami-- are not mentioned in any of the previous Yelp reviews for L'Roca. This Latin-American restaurant has been open for about a year. When I looked online, the general explanation for service charges is that restaurants collect these fees to offset operational costs and management has the option to put a portion of the fees towards tips for staff but they don't have to. I asked the servers if that was true and they said yes. So for a meal that basically cost about $60, there was an addition service charge of over $12 and since it appears that only part of it will go towards tips, I paid an additional $10 in hopes that the staff could get a decent tip and with tax my whole meal cost over $90. That was a bit of a surprise. On the bright side, loved the light up menus and the food is great. My friend loved his steak and side dishes. I thought the fried green plantains were especially delicious. I liked the pigeon peas and stew,too. It was a Friday night and I'm glad they were busy but the wait for everything and anything was long. We were shown a table in the back because the seating in the front of the restaurant was almost full. I wasn't upset when it took a while for a server come back to take our orders. But there was also a wait of more than a half hour--perhaps as much as 40 minutes--before the food was served which was unfortunate because my friend was very hungry. The great sound system helped us pass the time. There's even a jukebox. With the dim lighting and the pretty decor, the back room had the feel of a nightclub. We ordered dessert to go but even getting the slice of very good tres leches cake took an additional fifteen minute wait. The kitchen may have been overwhelmed. The two or three servers were at times distracted. They got into conversations together and the bartender had to remind them that customers were waiting to be seated. I saw no apparent manager on duty. I would like to return because I hope the problems are an aberration. Other reviews indicate some service issues but nothing as we experienced. With talented chefs and a friendly staff, I wish them success. I also wish they'd lose the service charges and improve time management.

I highly recommend the food and service! Now open all year. The atmosphere is incredible, with the…read moreperfect mix of indoor and outdoor dining. The new owner has absolutely nailed the drink specials. I highly recommend the Cucumber Cooler..... it has become my personal go-to! While dogs are not allowed inside (as with every Ulster County spot), the outdoor area is very large and dog friendly. Children can play, there are games for everyone to enjoy, and the entire space feels welcoming. It is definitely a Saugerties must!!

My husband and myself had gone there bc our son was playing baseball close by…read more We ordered and my husband had put a credit card to keep the tab open. When we were ready to leave my husband told the bar tender "do not charge my card here is the cash for bill" Well they did charge his card and when we tried to call and clear it up no one ever got back to him. I had done a Google review of them and they sent a message back saying "we have contacted your card company and you should be seeing a refund in a few days" IT NEVER HAPPENED. So instead of just paying $82 we actually paid $164. I am glad we do not live close because we would never go back.

They make the best hookah and their staff is super friendly. Loved going here, definitely will go…read moreagain soon.

Service coulda should woulda been better. Type sketchhh. Susssss activity may go on who knows…read morelights were cool.

it's a locals place…read more Monday night open mic was loud. beer choices are on the hoppy side served in plastic cups. Vaping is allowed

I had so much fun seeing Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac cover band, on Saturday. I walked into Pearl St…read more Pub and a sign directed me upstairs to the Upper Room. On this particular night, they had the dance floor covered in chairs and tables, set up like a comedy club or a dinner show. I see on their website that they sometimes clear those tables to provide a generous dance floor space. The table set up is good for comedy or jazz, but many FM songs are made for dancing! Luckily there was plenty of room to dance on the right side of the room, but obviously along the wall there isn't the best sight or sound. I think it would have been better to put the tables in a U shape and provide more room for dancing, which would have really elevated the energy in the room. There are booths along the left, too, so TONS of seating and not much good dance space, but luckily this could be changed in the future. I never had to wait long for a drink and the bartenders didn't mind when I asked for refills of water. I think this space has a lot of potential and I hope to see more music or comedy there soon!

I've been waiting for a club like this in Albany for a long time. Where else in Albany can you see…read morenational and regional rock and blues acts. The room is great. I would guess it holds around 300 people. Table and table service and a bar in the back. Drink prices and admission prices are very reasonable. We have seen Papa Chubby and Savoy Brown and had a great time both times.

Great drinks and a wonderful atmosphere while visiting nationally touring expos and events like…read morelocal minor league basketball.

The Armory definitely gets a thumbs up for ambiance, as it's a pretty unique location -- a set of…read morerooms upstairs in the old Armory. There's a variety of seating (including some cool very tall-backed chairs), which is a nice change of pace. There's a small menu, drinks, and coffee/sweets. The service is super cheery and prompt. The food is a bit middle of the road and humdrum, and our "hot" beverages were tepid at best. I recommend getting a drink over getting coffee, all things being equal. We'll see if it survives the closing of the Van Gogh Experience, but it's easy to see how with the right management, and maybe a slightly gussied up menu, this could become a destination and not just a stop-off.

Five stars just doesn't do The Argus Hotel (TAH) justice! So many more could be awarded but for…read morenow I am relinquished to conform and will try to do TAH justice in my review. TAH is a former mansion turned attorney's office turned B&B, currently owned by Terra and Matt. A dynamic duo with a powerful history of business savvy, hospitality, craftsmanship, culinary experience and so much more. TAH was an amazing place but it was these two that welcomed my family into their home and embraced us with all of our nuances and imperfections as if they were part of the family too. Attentive and observant of what we needed, what worked or didn't in the house and were quick to adjust as needed. TAH is still a pretty new hotel and they are doing an amazing job ironing out all of the kinks that come with anything new. I was speechless when I first entered the house and spent hours absorbing the beauty of the house and their labor. As for the actual hotel...Built in the late 1890's, the hotel has the modernized features of central AC, WiFi, Satelitte TV, etc. but still holds the historic charm. The walls are adorned with hardwood paneling, wood floors and classically decorated with beautiful, modern furniture mixed with some classic pieces for added flare. There are a multitude of rooms for sitting and enjoying conversations and cocktails at the rustic bar in the main entrance as well as ample seating in the main area where the tremendous fireplace can be enjoyed. The bar serves a full menu of drinks which can be enjoyed whether you choose to stay at the hotel or not. Sleeping rooms are plentiful too and nicely decorated. There are a full compliment of sizes and configurations, even a separate carriage house turned into a perfect spot for families needing a bit of isolation from the main house. The carriage house/ cottage also has a small kitchenette, bathrooms, living rooms, etc. My wife, son and I stayed in the suite with the sun room off the back. A large room enough room perfect for a family with smaller kids and the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon in the sunroom. All of the rooms were well stocked with the basic necessities and each had their own keypad for access as did the main entrances to the Hotel. This was my first visit to Albany so I was not familiar with the area. Having some down time between family events I did make my way out to some local restaurants and the neighboring park. I enjoyed the area and the scenery of the neighborhood and would definitely encourage anyone to do the same. The area has so much local flare and personality to enjoy it should be considered criminal to miss out. I am counting down the days until I can return for another phenomenal stay!

This is a review of only the cocktail lounge. Friends from out of town were staying in the…read morecarriage house behind the hotel and we agreed to gather in the lounge for a drink or two. The building itself is impressive, although maybe not quite as impressive as the castle-looking building next door. Our party of seven settled in at the bar as there otherwise did not seem to be a large enough table for all of us to gather around in either the main lounge area or a small room off to the side. The dark wood paneled walls, large fireplace, assortment of easy chairs, couches, and high desktop table gave off a feeling of warmth and welcoming. The friendly bartender introduced herself (sorry I've forgotten her name) and informed us that spirit-wise, the bar was capable of preparing the standard, traditional drinks like Manhattans, martinis, etc. All beers were poured from cans, and at my request, she recited the names of about six that were available. I don't believe anyone in our party inquired about the wines that were available. The building simply calls out for an explanation of its history. Upon our request, the bartender offered to provide either the "brief" or "full" option. We requested the full history. She was obviously well up to the task. You would be amazed at the variety of things you could learn here. Just to touch on a few key topics that were mentioned, consider Alexander Hamilton's wife, puffed rice, Bab-o cleanser (cue up the jingle), Bishop Gibbons, and an orthopedic surgeon. I don't know what the normal food arrangements are in the Lounge. I'm guessing that our out-of-town hosts requested some snacks for us as a few bowls appeared with mixed nuts, crackers and cheese, fresh grapes, humus, and warm pretzel/croissant rolls, and a plate of prosciutto wrapped cream cheese. Overall, the atmosphere here is simply friendly and inviting. I think it will become an occasional gathering place for our local friends when looking for a place that is quiet and relaxing.

i can honestly say this tavern served the best cocktails i have ever had. and the food was also…read moreexcellent. highly recommend the brown butter and pumpkin palette. i never had a rattle scull before and it was also great. unique food and drinks delivered perfectly with attention to detail and quality. i never leave reviews usually. m.. that's how good this place is.

Miller's Toll has a speakeasy ambiance with an extensive Prohibition cocktail menu, each cocktail…read moreof which is followed by modern twist versions. I have never spent so much time reviewing a cocktail menu. I was seated right away on a Thursday evening. The service model is a bit different. The owner is your host and waiter. The women behind the bar deliver the drinks and another gentleman in the kitchen delivers the food. It was fine except I only got a small bottle of water. Unsure why bottled versus tap but i would have been fine with either. I had to flag the owner down to get another tiny bottle of water. I was already on a second cocktail and had the flatbread, so it felt like I shouldn't have had to ask. The Flatbread is sweet with the caramelized apples and crispy with bacon, absolutely delicious. I would for sure return.

Delicious! Love this place because of its lovely ambiance. Beautiful restaurant that's also nice…read moreand cozy. Very friendly staff as well. Their special lamb pasta with homemade noodles was delicious. Also loved their blood orange creme brûlée.

What amazing culinary experience in the mountain. The food is absolutely top-notch - every single…read moredetail details is handled to perfection. This is like Manhattan top restaurant standard. Such a great find in the middle of the mountains! The restaurant itself has a vibe of modern farm house, kind of a mixture of old and new. The food itself is truly impressive. We had citrus salad, broccoli salad, mushroom soup, and pan roasted half duck breast for main dish. Everything is cooked to perfection! Broccoli salad has many beautiful layers of flavors and textures, duck breast is one of the best I have had in recent years.

An awesome spot on a back street in Lee. A great rotating roster of craft beers. No food but you…read morecan bring your own, including from other establishments. A great spot to meet friends. Friendly staff.

Thursday night bar tender is shady, they don't give change.. Talk about entitled.. They would make…read moremore $$ as I tip higher for non-dishonest, entitled trash. selection is nice. prices are high and no domestics...