FYI, this spot is cash only. Schmidt's Pub is so unique. Solano Ave. in Albany/Berkeley doesn't have too many watering holes, and this pub is the perfect mix of quirky and community. There's an exterior in the front to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful late summer evening, and also an exterior in the back of the building to do the same. Or enjoy purchasing a tobacco pipe/tobacco/papers. No food here, but Solano is lined with eateries for pre/post pub action. They have a fireplace for the cold nights, and board games. A fun mix of locals working or hardly working :) This is a beer/wine spot also. Great mix of local sips, and some fun snacks too. Love the art and wall artifacts. A great addition to the area and meeting place for new and old friends alike. Easy on the wallet, metered-parking on Solano. read more

Schmidt's Pub - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Albany, California

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Haven't been in awhile. Liked the idea of this place and vibe was cool- too much cigarette smoke on the outside deck for me.

A must-visit place for anyone living in the area (4/5 Green Stars) Bring cash! That's the first rule of Schmidt's Pub. Maybe it's the only rule! I've been coming here a bit more regularly, lately - more visits in the last year compared to the previous decade, in fact. Now I wonder what I was waiting for. According to the East Bay Express, Schmidt's Pub is "basically your living room, but better" - that does sum it up, except that very few of us have living rooms anything like this, with a cozy fireplace surrounded by comfy armchairs and rustic tables beside sunny windows. Not many of us have living rooms with Old Speckled Hen on tap, or populated with an entertaining parade of quirky folk and friendly dogs. If the people and dogs are not entertaining enough then pick up a copy of Calvin and Hobbes or A History of Clay Pipes (okay, I made that one up) and have a little retreat with a pint. 4/5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact, based on these factors: * Beer on tap (transported in reusable kegs) has a much lower footprint compared to bottles or cans. * Allows you to bring your own food, which is good for folk like vegans who are often more comfortable with BYO. * The snacks available at the counter could be a bit more Berkeley (or Albany)! They were mostly from big corps - Lays chips (PepsiCo) and chocolate bars from Mars. Would be nice to see a more imaginative/ethical selection. * A great community space with an inclusive atmosphere. Schmidt's is home to many groups (e.g., knitting) and provides a second family for many, some who send postcards from their trips! * Finally, we shouldn't underestimate the importance of having a place to slow down, reflect and connect with each other a little. In that respect, Schmidt's Pub is worth its weight in gold. read more

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Kicking myself for not coming here sooner! 5 hearts and stars! Neighborhood favorite. read more

This place is a hidden in plane sight gem. If you like cigars and beer, this is your jam. I always have great conversations with fellow patrons in the front or the back. read more

Met here for a date, and it is so cozy! It was a wonderful spot to grab a drink when everything else is shut for the evening. Parking was easy. The indoor seating by the fire was perfect for a cold evening, and the outdoor seating is great for those hot nights. read more

Schmidt's is my little Albany gem. $1 roll-your-own cigarettes? Yes please. The drinks are solid, priced right, and hit exactly how you want them to. There's live music now and then that gives the place a fun, cozy buzz without being overwhelming. It's the kind of bar you can post up at to study during the day (I've definitely done it) or swing by at night to hang with friends. The staff is always super friendly, no weird bar attitude--just chill, genuine people. The vibes? Immaculate. Laid-back, a little divey in the best way, and full of character. Whether I'm looking for a low-key solo afternoon or a casual night out, Schmidt's always hits. If I could give them more stars I would. Just don't forget to bring cash! They are cash only! read more

Schmidt's Pub - The front of pub - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Albany, California

I'm always looking for a place to have a good cigar. Well, I didn't have to look far I was able to locate Schmidt's Pub. I've been twice. I've enjoyed each experience. Highly recommend you stop by for a cigar or a nice cold beverage. Great prices and excellent ambience. read more

This place is smashing I say. Simply smashing! Friendly and warm environment. Simply smashing. This place is smashing.

Places like Schmidt's are few and far between and should be appreciated because I would assume the economics of running such a low-key business must be challenging. With that said, there's only one reason I don't come here more often. Smoking. That isn't a knock against this familiar-feeling pub, but I tend to react badly around smoke even if it comes from a rarefied brand of tobacco. That's one of the major draws here for many patrons as there is a wide variety of tobacco in a series of jars. Inevitably there's a clutch of regulars partaking on the small patio. That's leaves the comfortable, cottage-style interior where there's a fireplace, armchairs and tables set up for intimate socializing. Wine and specialty beers are served, and I'm grateful they have Guinness on tap as that's my only draft preference. Alternatively you can do what I did on a random Thursday afternoon and get a cup of coffee (photo: https://bit.ly/35oWISQ). It's a cool place mostly hidden from the views of passersby, especially if you have a penchant for pipes. BEVERAGES - 4 stars...Guinness and good coffee, that's enough for me AMBIANCE - 4.5 stars...cozy and hidden away SERVICE - 4 stars...familiar, cash only TOTAL - 4 stars...like going to a parlor in someone's hunting lodge...if that lights your pipe RELATED - Strolling on Solano? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HvcTQH read more

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First, let's all pour out a little liquor for the fallen soldier that is credit payments. Cash only. Second, let us grab some tobacco or a pre-rolled product. Then put it back. We'd just purchased some food from across the street but they only had indoor seating. Looked around for a park but settled here instead. They had outdoor tables and benches for smoking with ample people watching seats. So instead of getting something to smoke, I purchased a beverage or two and sat down. The smokes from the other patrons did not even come close to us as we sat on a lower tier than most. Dogs welcomed, as it's mostly outdoors. Regulars looked regular, settling in to their chairs. Sit back, relax and roll a few. Or don't. It's pleasant either way. Bring cash. read more

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This is the coziest spot I know, my home away from home! They have nice comfy chairs by the fire, and although it's also a tobacco shop, the fireplace room is free of smoke ( which I can't tolerate) and they have books, if you forget your own. People work there... internet hookups, but I usually meet a friend there for a beer and a chat. Or meet a new friend...people are super friendly And, maybe best of all, you can bring your dogSo, even though I'm dogless right now, I can always get my 'dog fix' there read more

The best, that's why I am always here. Great spot, cheap beer and nice tobacco bar set up. read more

Schmidt's Pub - My friends and I sitting in the back room! - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Albany, California

Love! read more

Schmidt's Pub - Beer! - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Albany, California

Love this place!! So cozy with a great warm ambiance. It's an inviting place to go alone to read or study but it is also a great place to meet with friends. There are board games available as well. Nice outdoor patio where smoking is allowed. Be aware it is cash only but there are ATMs close by on Solano. read more

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? If I had a Dallah for every time I've passed this spot I'd be retired now! Cold beers on tap... lattes, cappuccino hot teas, sodas etc even sake! Wow and a selection of good cigars, Padron being my favorite! No humidor... but they don't mind if you bring your own!!! Which on this occasion I did while enjoying a Trumer Pilsner on tap. I keep my travel humidor in the whip just for such occasions.... You know, running errands, doing house work.. heck it's to beautiful out to wash pots n pans! There are smoking sections out front facing Solano Ave and another in the back patio. I don't smoke cigarettes, but apparently it's a thing. Lots of patrons grabbing brewskis, and rolling their own from ample supplies of paper and accessories. Apparently even pipe smokers are welcome too! The kicker they are so chilled, accommodating and friendly, you can even bring food from the ample selections of restaurants all around here. I'm tempted to have door dash deliver one of these days! But frankly, I'm really here to chill, chat, smoke a cigar or two and drink tap beer or my favorite east brothers red lager which they also have in cans. One more thing... bring cash!!! No cards accepted read more

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I beg to differ with the last review. Schmidt's welcomed me both as a tourist and a local. I specifically sought out Schmidt's for pipe smoking supplies and fine leaf. In that regard John & his son did not disappoint. Tasteful mercantile of the basics to the connoisseur level of tobacco enjoyment. Great display of new and refurbished estate pipes from carvers around the world Oh and did I mention beer, board games, books, and banter? Beer at Schmidt's is most definitely not stale, they stick to what they move and they pour a perfect pint of Guinness... thanks Schmidt's for keeping it real all these years. read more

Schmidt's Pub - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Albany, California

staff member was incompetent and rude, didn't catch his name nor do I care short Latino guy there are plenty of good bars in this area this is not one of them read more

Schmidt's Pub is an icon, a relic and/or an anarchronism. it's definitely one of a kind found only nearby a university campus- a combination beer pub and tobacco outlet in a laid back building that was formerly a domicile. offerings: beers, cigars/tobacco, coffee, wine -imperial pour (20 oz.) einstok toasted porter (iceland) (8) medium bodied, not as bold/flavorful as typical porters. on draught: -nice neighborhood bar, not a destination, parking issues. -limited menu of wines, beers, ok if one isn't looking for something new/unique. -good for smokers, discovered this place after i stopped smoking..... read more

Incredibly unique experience in the East Bay! There ain't your normal pub. I thought the sign out front that said "tobacco shop" was just a fun branding thing, but it really is a genuine tobacco shop inside! They have a bunch for sale right in the back next to where they serve up their beer. Speaking of beer, I love that they offer just a few options keeping it simple and breezy. I was pretty full after dinner nearby so I really appreciated that they offer half sizes at cheaper prizes for beer. I got myself a half size of Guinness and my husband ordered the Speckled Hen beer. It was very busy on the Friday evening (around 7pm) we stopped by, but we were able to find a couple seats out front to watch the sun go down. Their patio is completely dog friendly and we were surrounded by the cutest of friendly pups just waiting for pets and affection. The patio was also the backdrop to a dozen cigar smokers and beer drinkers casually chatting it up and playing card games. The whole scene was just incredibly relaxing and the perfect spot to cap off a long work week. There are two bathroom stalls inside and street parking available. read more

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I tried Schmidt's again and had a lovely time. The bar person was super cool this time and I heard from someone that whoever was giving bad vibes was no longer working there. Looks like all is good now! We had a couple drinks and chatted and really enjoyed the ambiance and being around the other patrons. read more

I love this place so much! They have all sorts of different fancy cigarettes and beer. Always a chill place to hang out inside or outside. I enjoy to come hang out w people or by myself to work. They even have donation based pretzels sometimes that get dropped off by a pretzel making school. Great place. read more

I went to have drinks with my friend. They wouldn't sell me a beer bc I didn't have ID. I'm 32 I understand police send under age kids in to try to trap a company but damn how unnecessary read more

The Pub is a comfy little spot, really... the place looks like an remodeled Victorian home with little tables, couches and spots all over the place. Perfect little meeting spot or to grab a drink. We ordered a couple beers and sat near the tobacco bar. Although I don't smoke cigarettes, I was asked to roll one. (I got skills) I opted for the papers instead of the pre-filtered cigs. I smelled each type of tobacco before picking the London blend. Each cigarette is .50 and completely up to you. Mix and match types, filter or no filter and which kind of papers do you like. You choose, but you can't smoke inside. We took our beers out to the patio, while he enjoyed his smoke and we chatted with the friendly customers there. It was a fun little spot, even for a non-smoker. :) read more

If I could genuinely put into words how I feel about this place it would be "INTROVERTS UNITE!" I'm so glad I stumbled upon this place because there's no other place like this that I've been to. It's nothing like a traditional dive bar, in fact I would actually say it has a conservative type of atmosphere. The place is clean, sofas and tables are available to relax in, a nice fireplace, and a great selection of tobacco. Think of that bar on campus where you could drink a beer, study, but be able to walk outside and have a smoke. Yes. There we go. There were a ton of people here studying, reading, or just relaxing. No one was getting too crazy, there's no room for bar flies (in fact, there was no bar to be seen), and the setting was made for people to just hang out. The selection of beers were limited but tasteful. They have about nine beers on draft and I believe a few bottled. I found myself with a pint of Sierra Nevada and a pack of cigarettes and MY those cigarettes were EXPENSIVE (County taxes could possibly make me quit all together) BUT! MATCHES FOR EVERYONE! They have a small selection of cigars but a good selection. My husband purchased a cigar and my oh my did it smell so good. If you're looking to roll your own, they also have a little cigar bar with different flavors that you can pack on your own (fantastic idea). I don't know how this place gets around city ordinance with people being able to smoke outside and so close to the streets but I loved it. There were benches and plenty of chairs to sit at and enjoy the day. Just to have a pint, a smoke, and a great conversation while people watching without ridicule was awesome. The other patrons here were friendly, I was able to strike a conversation up with a few fellas and talked about how this place came to be. Great story! One thing that I did notice which gave this place great character along with the English Pub Vibe was their canes that they sell. I thought it was ingenious and loved that idea. The service was great but make sure to bring cash as this place is cash only! read more

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I love the atmosphere here. It is one of the only places around that I can go to have a cigar outside and really enjoy being outside late at night with friends. The interior design, hand-rolled cigarettes, fireplace, and overall ambiance make this a very special find. That being said, whoever the guy is that works behind the counter (~35, shaggy) inside is the biggest A-HOLE I have ever encountered. He's rude, condescending, impatient, and arrogant. Both times I've been here I thought how perfect of a place this would be with better service. To the owners/managers of Schmidt's: please reconsider the people you hire because the cashier has turned me off to the point that if he is working there, I'll probably go somewhere else. read more

This spot is awesome - friendly staff and patrons and a cozy environment. Definitely worth checking out.

The place is awesome, filled with atmosphere, oddness and interesting people. Last Sunday, however, Robin, one of the staff, treated a friend of mine with a deep hostility and nastiness that reeked of racism. We left to sit with our friend who was deeply hurt by the nasty experience. Since then, despite three polite calls and messages to the pub, he has received no reply. Any place of business that doesn't return a customer's calls is a serious problem. If the calls are about discriminatory conduct of its staff, their silence is unacceptable. A few of us talking about this issue are ultimately angered by our favorite pub being hijacked by a racist. I know...Racists at Le Pub? Robin needs therapy and education, and probably for now a short and sweet firing. But, beyond this, John, he owner, really should hire more mindfully. Shoving idiots and creeps into the customers' faces is not a great idea. Good places can be ruined by ignoring serious issues like staff conduct and discrimination. A community place this beloved in the East Bay is no place for racist creeps. And the City of Albany will probably agree. read more

Ian- perhaps you need to serve food. Your beer is fine and I've enjoyed sitting outside without smelly cigarettes several times. Once your clientele ignores common decency and blows their toxic fumes my way, your appeal as a pub goes away. Every pub in Ireland, the UK are smoke free and are doing great business. Your smoke friendly atmosphere will ultimately fail. read more

Cozy vibes, niceish people, and lots of cool art. Went here with my partner and some friends who live in the area. I am not a beer drinker so I got the warm sake which was delicious. However, I spilled some of it on the way to our chairs because it was scalding hot. We sat in the back area that has a door to the deck. Other people were sitting out there and they were nice and even lent us a pen for the community sketchbook. The bartender made conversation but seemed a lil grumpy. Overall, I enjoyed the energy and aesthetic. Surprisingly not a lot of people were smoking which was cool! read more

Best pub in California! Used to frequent this place quite often, miss it dearly. (cash only)

This place is so fun! If you want to get away from the college bars and just have a lowkey evening, this is the place to be. They have beer, hard cider, and other non-alcoholic drinks, so if you want a fancy cocktail I would maybe think twice. But the interior is very cozy and filled with really cool decor. The person at the counter was very nice and welcoming. I just said hi, was asked to show my ID because this is a bar and I'm 25 (normal) , and I tried my FIRST glass of honey wine! So good. Highly recommend :) read more

Um. I love this place. I want to hang out here all the time. Every weekend and after work every day. Which begs the question... why don't I??? They have a great beer selection - try the stout that tastes like a "deconstructed s'more." Like the kind you used to enjoy around the campfire when you'd go camping with Dad every summer. It actually tastes like graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. Don't like beer? Drink wine! You can get cozy inside on the couches or spread out on the porch outside. We kinda desperately wanted a heater, but you can't have it all. Le sigh. There's a separate smoking room for people who want to light up after buying tobacco at the counter, and you have the option of purchasing a cane (with or without a lion handle) if you so desire. That's right, a cane. The one I wanted was $100 so I had to leave her behind. Sob. Just be careful and don't tell the bartender that you want to "try" a beer - apparently they don't do tastes here, because "trying" a beer means you're purchasing a pint. "Try" three and, like me, you can beg the cute, sober, blonde guy for a ride home. read more

I wasn't born in the US and spent the greater part of my early years of development with aunts, uncles, nannys, grandparents and friends. When I did finally move to the states, my dad made me play Mastermind and jerry rigged games of pong as designed by engineering students. I also hung out at a university lab with my dad where I helped test soil samples. I explain all this to highlight that several decades later, a few days ago, during a late night visit to The Pub, is where I played my first Sorry and Candyland. Trivia pursuit seemed too much 3 beers and a large shot of rum later, so 3 adults waxed nostalgic while I learned to send little red, blue and green pawns back to Start. As for the Pub itself ... pretty cool place. Bright on the inside, but good place to read, catch up with friends, play board games, study even ... or outside on the patio in the dark to enjoy the many bottled beers they carry. read more

Me: Two hot teas please. Dude at the Counter: That's $4. And I'll need to see your ID. Me: *Flattered yet confused* Are you serious? Dude at the Counter: Yea, and since you're buying two drinks, I'll need to see the ID of the person you're buying that for. Me: But these are non-alcoholic drinks. Dude at the Counter: Since we serve alcohol here, we have to make sure everyone we serve is 21 or over. So there you go, folks. They apparently card you for ordering non-alcoholic beverages such as chamomile tea. And they charge $2 for that Twinings teabag and a hot mug of water too. Besides this flaw, though, it is a pretty cozy place to study. I don't think I have ever been as productive as I was that night I studied here. Maybe the lack of Wi-Fi helped a bit, as it was one less source of procrastination. Comfy enough to feel like home, but definitely not filled with time-sucker traps as your real home. You can stay here for hours too, as there are big tables (though few in number) to spread out your papers and outlets to plug in your laptops. (Almost) Love it! read more

Greatest place ever. That's all I can say. Beer, cigars, dogs welcome, great people. Paradise.

The Pub is a cute little house converted into a cozy little public house. There are some tables outside where people smoke, and some tables/chairs and comfortable arm chairs inside. The "bar" is not very big and it's just for serving - not a place you sit at and hang out (which I love - wish more bars had this setup!). There is beer, wine and non alcoholic beverages -- no food (bring your takeout). There's also a tobacco counter with cigars and pipe tobacco. Even though I'm a non smoker and can't stand walking through smoke... I have to say: I'm a big fan of this place. Just sit away from the porch when indoors and you won't smell the smoke. It's very laid back, people are friendly without being intrusive, it's casual and relaxed. Dog friendly as well. Prices are pretty reasonable and it's pretty peaceful (you won't be blasted out with someone's bad taste in music). read more

...and I still like Pub. Come for the beer, stay for the discussion of pork chops, Black Sabbath, UFOs, and batteries. read more

A cool place to hang out. I ordered a pint of a light beer here as I had time to kill before my dinner plans. Service was efficient and nice. I like that you can just sit around and lounge. It's a very relaxing environment in the inside from looking out side. I think I need to bring my cousin here on a weekend to just catch and catch up. Beer and wine, what else do you need for a lazy weekend.? read more

What a cool place. It's basically an old house that got converted in to a bar/tobacco shop where you get get beer and pick one of two patios to drink it on (or you can stay inside). You can also roll your own cigarettes there or if you are a pipe smoking man, they've got that as an option too. I've never seen a bar like this before and I can't wait to go back. They also let you bring dogs in! read more