This spot is most definitely a hidden gem in Albany. All the way up Salano- you can pass it if you aren't paying close attention! Very cozy atmosphere with an eclectic feel - plenty of couches and tables to sit down, drink, play board games and make new friends. I thought they had a nice but small selection of beer (I'm not a big beer drinker but I was happy!) The bartender was nothing but welcoming. They have a variety of board games to play as well which was nice. Something that I haven't seen before was they they had the option to roll your own cigarettes and cigars! A very cool experience here and I am excited to make this a regular spot for a weekend evening. read more

A great hangout! Inside or outside on the patio on a nice sunny day.

This place is open late and is a life saver when you need it. hillarious staff, good beers, tobacco outdoor seating so you can take in the full effect of the freezing foggy nights read more

I'm grateful this place still exists. Happily analog everything. Cash only. A written log book of beer sales. Cigarette Smokers welcome on the front & rear patios. Rolling and pipe tobacco sales in bulk. I just wish you could still roll one cigarette for $1 but Covid killed that. Now you get a little measured baggy which is fine. Bring your own food is allowed. If you wanna eavesdrop on lefty conspiracy theories while enjoying a casual beer and a smoke, this is the place to come. Staff has turned over a bit but still happily eclectic. read more

I'm a regular here. Normally love the place. Quick qualifier: I'm visually impaired. Can't read signs. I had a really negative encounter with one of the bartenders, which really surprised me. Apparently, there's a sign, no idea how big it is because I can't actually see it, that says no cell phone use in line or something. I took a call from my mother who lives out of state and is an invalid. I was trying to wrap it up when the bartender waited on the person behind me while saying "it's ok she's on her phone and won't be served until she gets off it." I was like, "What?" And he said "can't you read signs?" And I'm like no not actually. All he had to do was say to me, "hey we have a no cell phones in line policy" and I would have said "oh sorry, cool." Instead he turned it into an argument. He asked me if I thought it was polite to use a cell phone if I'm in line in other places. The answer is yes. It depends on the etiquette of the location. Not having ever seen the sign, I had no idea that was an important point of etiquette, and I use my phone constantly as a visual aid. Rather than be polite, he said "I take your point but it's still rude and it's a good thing you think you're right, but you're not." He actually said that. Not even exaggerating. Other patrons then came up and said to me "that guys is a prick." Apparently earlier in the night he tellers at someone for throwing a glass bottle in the garbage can when there's no recycle bin around and said "come back! We recycle here" like...how is that helpful? I don't know who he is, didn't catch a name, but that is super rude, equally as rude, if not more so, as me accidentally breaching etiquette by not being able to read a tiny sign. All he has to do is say "hey did you know?" In a tone that's not overbearing or condescending. Instead, he was abrasive, argumentative, and way too forceful for the situation. Whoever owns this place should give that kid a serious talking to about how to have a service-based job. I have one. It's not difficult to be polite while asking politeness from others. Wish I could be positive, but ableism and rudeness really tick me off. I get dealing with drunk people, but not everyone is one of those, and talking over, being condescending to someone with a disability, and generally being toxic in a public space? That ain't it son. read more

Wonderful vibe, lean and mean beer selection. Only downside is it's a tough place to be if you're an ex-smoker.

Love Schmidt's Pub and have been going for years on and off, however, I'm going to have to echo what a lot of others have said recently. I stopped by Feb (pre-covid) and a bar tender I'd never seen before was a really big asshole! He turned someone away and it seemed related to their ID but the bartender then proceeded to make everyone who was already sitting down with drinks show their IDs too. All of it was in a really aggressive manner, nearly shouting at us. If I wanted to get chewed out I'd go to Zeitgeist in SF. I come to pub for the good conversations and chill atmosphere, so it really turned me off and made me wary of returning to the counter to interact with him. Not exactly ideal since that's where we buy stuff! Anyway, I still love Pub, but someone needs to get rid of this guy since it sounds like this isn't a one off for him. read more

This place must be grandfathered in or something. Who allows smoking anymore? No ONE, but it's great. I always feel like I'm back in eastern Europe when I'm here. Only the cool people sit on the back patio! There are wonderful brut IPA's and tart cherry beer. Forgot your coffin nails, no worries you can buy individual cigarettes for a dollar each. Cash only. Dogs are welcome. read more

Some of the best vibes with fantastic staff! They have a fireplace with comfortable chairs so it feels like home! It's also a perfect place to study and relax with a nice glass of wine or beer. I've been going there for about 2 years and have never had a bad experience and I'm sure I'll being going there for many more! It's also awesome to walk around and see all the pictures with different pieces of history. Also, if you smoke, you can enjoy a cigarette in their back room with a good book and a plush chair. Plus all the regulars are filled with stories. Hands down one of the best spots in Berkeley/Albany! read more

Favorite spot! Super chill guy who works here and they're open till 12:00 Am everyday!

The weight of smoke in my lungs, the slight taste of tobacco on my lips, tendrils dancing in the air, the reflection that comes with a quiet session, all things I treasure. For aficionados, Pub is a vast and delightful danger zone. Their smoking accoutrements range from antique to corn pipes, wide-mouthed jars of deliciously moist shag, designer cigarettes and fancy lighters. Patrons must step onto one of the patios to light up; the first facing Solano, good for people watching, the second partially enclosed behind the building. The ambiance is simple and cozy, reminiscent of a jolly grandpa's home, many nooks and rooms to be discovered. In the main den, a radiant fireplace casts a warm glow on the surrounding armchairs. It is here you'll find me snuggled and sipping merrily. Their brews run the gamut (mead, anyone?), and they also have a small but thoughtful wine list. I think I was a mite too excited upon my first visit, as the slightly older, academic-type regulars regarded me wearily. But we pulled out the backgammon and gained some insta-respect. Their game shelf is solid. This is not your pick-up chicks, watch the game type of place; conversations happen purely for interests' sake only, there's not a tv in the house. It's so refreshing to interact being able to really see all the expression on a person's face, chat without yelling. A visit here feels like putting on sheepskin slippers. read more

If you can say "yes" to any of the following, Pub is the place for you. 1) you fancy a creaky, parlor room setting to devour Neruda or Nietzsche 2) you're meeting a friend and desire outdoor seating to chat about your transgressions, triumphs, or otherwise 3) you've fallen into contemplative, existential crisis mode and seek a beatnik refuge to quell your troubles with esoteric beer and tobacco 4) you long for a chat with captivating strangers and a congenial tobacco purveyor This, my friends, is Pub. A might fine establishment. read more

I want to love the pub so badly that it hurts. It's basically the only bar on Solano Avenue, it has great ambiance, and they have a super sweet smoking room and patio with pipe tobacco for sale. I had visited the pub previously and had a mediocre time, feeling like an outcast in a hipper than thou hippster's house. However, I just bought a couple of pipes and wanted to try them out in a social environment, so I gave it another chance. I went with two friends. I'm 28 with a California ID, one friend is 32 with CA ID, and the other is 24 with a New York State ID. Not exactly a group of young punks. We've never had a problem at any other bar. When my friend from NY presented his ID to the bartender at The Pub, however, she looked at like she had never seen an out of state ID before. She left to get the manager, then he arrived and proceeded to quiz my friend about his life. The beginning question was, "So how long have you lived in New Jersey?" Does he really think we're that stupid? What a degrading experience while other people in line watched! Eventually, after a full interview about my friend's parents' professions and other ridiculous and irrelevant questions, he deemed that we were worthy to enter without even giving us an apology for this spectacle. Even after that experience, we all felt like outcasts walking around The Pub, where the smugness in the air is so thick you can cut it with a knife. Oh Pub, I want to love you, but we're just too different and we have to part ways. Finally, a word for the manager. A business (especially a bar) is about customers and relationships, so don't go out of your way to piss them off! read more

I looove coming here on sunny days to drink pints of boddington's, play chess, roll tobacco from their glass vats, and pretend I'm a philosophy grad student. read more

Pub is one of my all time favorite places to sip a beer. And i've sipped some beers in quite a few places. Some of the perks: 1. Beer & Wine only - this means you get a slightly narrower demographic of pub-goers, and if you're a beer and wine drinker, it's probably the demographic you like. I know I do. 2. MMM tobacco - even if you don't smoke it, it smells delicious and contributes enormously to the homey old world vibe of the place. That said, I smoke it and their selection is lovely. There's all kinds of different rolling machines to play with as well. Very entertaining. 3. Staff - yes yes yes. Chris is profoundly bomb. Nicest most charming guy ever, can permanently recall your name after the first 45 second meeting, and chances are he'll even remember your drink preference the next time around as well. He's always there when I show up (usually on Wed nights), though there's another guy (crap! cant remember his name) who turns up periodically and is also an excellent brand of serene delightfulness. Both of them were more than happy to show me how to properly wield the aforementioned rolling devices. Thanks guys! 4. Beer - great selection, and pitchers of it are very affordable ($11.50 i believe), making Pub a choice destination for hanging with a few friends for a bit. 5. Food - nope they dont sell it, but they are 100% cool about you bringing in eats of your own. And, another testament to Chris - I'm always like "crap i forgot a fork" and this barman of the NON-food serving establishment always manages to dig one up for me. I've popped in with everything from tamales to tikka masala to safeway veggies and dip, and it's always all good. 5. Vibe - unbeatably awesome. Sometimes it's extra mellow, other times it gets pretty raucous (best it ever was, we had an all out hootenany on the front deck passing around acoustic guitars and making up songs (this was me, a friend, and like 7 strangers by the way. How rad is that.) But there's several spots to hang - raucous front deck, heady and more subdued front room, highly philosophical back room, and completely private back patio - so you're pretty much bound to find the energy level you want whenever you want it. Love you Pub. Love love. read more

This is the place to come if you want to hang out with a few of your friends, have a drink (or two) and actually have a conversation that does not involve copious amounts of yelling and a sore throat the next day as a result. All the bartenders are super cool and friendly and beverages are decently priced. Bonuses: Fireplace and board games--good for when your other friends are playing Magic (ahem) but you and your buddies are like "Ah hell nah! We're playing Candyland suckas!" Yeah, like that. P.S. Also a nice place to study with lots of tables inside and outlets for your laptop. I spent several nights studying for finals here and it made for a good, quiet studying environment. P.P.S. I actually trust the bathroom, and being a huge germophobe, that says a lot about the cleanliness of their bathrooms--a big plus! read more

This place is so cozy, you could show up alone, cold and frightened, and suddenly feel right at home. It's wonderfully comfortable. In addition to the great selection of beer, there are other fun things to choose from as well, such as port or even hot chocolate. I saw a couple people studying at the tables in the front, and the copious amount of books and board games all lend to give this place the vibe of your favorite coffeehouse, except this one will also give you a pint of Boddington's. Really good music too. I appreciate being able to have a listen but not have to shout when I want to say something to my company. Overall, a great place to - have a couple beers with old friends - go on a first date - curl up under a blanket and read your favorite book (which isn't to say there's a pile of blankets in the corner, but you can bring one) - meet some strangers and play a drunken game of Risk. In spite of wanting this place to be my secret, you need to go and experience it for yourself. You will absolutely not regret it. read more

This is one of the things I miss most about the Bay Area. It's one of the best places to be on a wintry (by California standards) evening. There's a patio out front and a couple of enclosed spaces out back for those who enjoy fresh air with their smokes and drinks. Pub is also a tobacconist and purveyor of warm non-alcoholic beverages. It's easy to imagine it as someone's extended living room/parlor/sitting area. Cozy, mellow, and terrific. The pub of pubs. read more

Really, truthfully, there is only one review to give...and this is it, but of coarse I will give others. There is no end to this places awesomeness. Cool enough for the hipsters, relaxed enough for the grandpaps, and smart enough for the intellectuals, no other establishment comes close. A decent variety of pipe and rolling tobaccos (certainly more than you'll find anywhere around the neighborhood) as well as people who'll teach you how to pack a pipe if you ask real nice. A good variety of beer on tap, from IPA to English to Stout, and all of it top quality. Free to bring food in, and good thing because Solano has some good food. My only qualm with this place is that one day I sat down on their wood bench outside and got about eight splinters in my ass, literally, the ass. That only makes me dock them a quarter star though, so I rounded up anyway! p.s. they've got games too! Checkers, chess, trivial pursuit... read more

I've been to 8 countries on 4 continents and this is the best bar I've ever found. That's mostly because I prefer drinking in my living room. What could be better than drinking in my living room but if my living room were actually everyone's living room where anyone could come drink, read, or chill with their dogs on a Friday night? Nothing. Love getting a glass of hot mead and rolling then smoking my one cigarette a month here. read more

The Pub is a fine place and it can also be a colossal drag because of the people. In all the 'fine' qualities outweigh the 'drag,' hence four stars. The drag is that inanity of the much of the conversation; less from "retired Berkeley professors," because few come here, and more from "tragically hip," and wealthy Albany residents who babble incessantly about subjects they are at best, half versed in. Also, what is with the "New Standing?" Folks crowd around the smallish bar and block access in the new selfish norm of recent times, twisting their bodies so that whilst they slow the line while 'sampling' various microbrews, yours truly can't buy a cigarette! The good: The staff is GREAT at line management; they overcome the New Standing by insisting that those holding up the line let others order, swiftly. The place is utter bliss during most afternoons especially in the front where you can smoke, drink and watch the world go by. Tobacco kills but so does life. How - in ALBANY OF ALL PLACES, they obtained such a liberal tobacco license is anyone's guess. Long may they waive the flag! read more

Talk about a place with character. One of my friends who was both a chain smoker and alcoholic used to frequent this place, and before I could drink I'd hang here with him. It's like hanging at some British guys living room! read more

Pub is like a college coffee shop, but with beer and tobacco. The interior's set in an old house. I was actually a bit unclear about what parts of the house were accessible to me. You could easily go an entire stay without realizing that there's a back door which leads to an outdoor patio area. It's definitely quirky, but it seemed like most of the patrons were repeat customers and knew how to get around. The beer selection is decent. They have a rotating beer list, which is always welcome. The woman at the counter was super-helpful in walking through a couple beers that I was unfamiliar with. I didn't know what to make of the tobacco stand, but a lot of folks were buying their own tobacco to roll. Fun! The vibe at this place is definitely chill. I wouldn't come here looking for a rollicking good time, or if I were looking to chat other folks up. I'd come for a date or to study / do work. In any event, I'd definitely come back if I was in the right mood. read more

"The Pub does not want Yelpers to come here. Let me emphasize that: they do NOT want your patronage." couldn't agree more. any place that calls themselves THE PUB, leaving out any kind of indefinite article to maybe even suggest there exists another, be wary. the place is grad student study sesh meets middle aged banter. enjoyable, but more of a spectator sport for me than anything else. if you'd rather not look up the definition of "pontificate" in good ol merriam-webster, you can find it in action nearly every night in the back room. okay, having said all the negatives, and seriously that really is all the negatives, the place is really great. they have some of the best choice of beer around and some novel cigarettes if you are bored by your own pack (although a bit pricey). the place gets a four because of its fine selection and lax attitude. and after all, it's my neighborhood pub so i've come to enjoy the irony of participating in back room conversations. read more

As you step into Pub, you feel like you're completely at home, coming to hang out in your friend's living room. (Of course, the place actually WAS a home, so that helps heh). You can grab a drink at the front (cash only -- it's your friend's place, duh), a board game, and sit in front of the fireplace as you chat and enjoy yourself. Really chill, really awesome, and has really old antiques for sale too if you're into that kinda stuff. Check it out! read more

The Pub is for nights when you're not drinking. Don't make it about the booze. The Pub is like a cafe back in the days when smoking was welcome at a cafe. That means you can come here alone, with a book, with some board game playing friends, with gossip to quietly dish, with a desire to socialize with retired professors and other berkeley eccentrics. The front, the inside, and the smokey back are, like, different climates. Check them all out and see what you like. Chris the bartender has a great mustache. read more

Cute pub and smoke shop made from an old house. You can sit inside where the tables are, and the couches in front of the fire, or sit outside on the porch. There's also a smoking room in the back. It was adorable. Plus the bathroom was CLEAN! read more

One of my regular haunts! It's a craftsman home that wasn't altered much to become a pub, so you still feel like you've walked into someone's home w/ quirky thrift store decor. Cheap beer & wine only, with a big tobacco selection (smoking outside on the front or back patio only). Kudos for making Fullers ESB one of the (4?) on tap! The main room is a mix-match of oak tables (frequently shared), plus 'grandma's' upholstered swivel chairs surround the fireplace. Best seats in the house, esp. for making conversation or eavesdropping. On quiet nights, I love reading & writing here. Speaking of... eavesdropping here is the best in the Bay. I call it an "intellectuals" pub b/c you'll often find local professors discussing research; UCB students debating course content; young start-ups honing their biz strategy; or just random folks talking about travel, philosophy, etc. And feel free to join in! Down-to-earth crowd. Weekends bring bigger, younger crowds & more levity. Their board game selection gets heavy use (FUN!) & people bring in burritos & such from all the nearby restaurants. Hard to get a seat unless it's early. Tip your bartender well; they're all awesomely nice people. read more

I've been using this pub as my extended huge living room and deck. There are games and you're allowed to bring outside food as long as you clean up after yourself. They open late and serve both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. The general coziness of the place makes it a great place to meet or be by yourself. read more

Schmidt's Pub - The ice cream is from Solano Yogurt & Ice Cream across the street - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Albany, California

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Well no one would look it up under Schmidt's Pub,, it is THE PUB.. you can go and roll a cigarette and smoke out side with glass of guinness or a cup of tea or a ginger beer and as my Vietnamese GF would say,, let's go to the PUB and shoot the air or you could sit inside by the Fire,, gas,, and play chess or some other board game? read more

Love this place! Comfy chairs, fireplace, drinks, BYOD(og), BYOF(ood), and board games galore! It feels more like someone's living room than it does a pub. No bar stools or classic bar seating. Just a chill place to get some work done, play games with friends, or read the newspaper with Fido by your side. Cash only! read more

You can read all the descriptions of this place from the other reviews. This place is legit! You can drink, you can buy your own food and bring it in and play games, talk, read, or just sit by the fireplace. They have an outside patio which is really cute. Good assortment of beers and wines and tabacco items, although I'm not really an expert...at ALL on these things. REMEMBER, CASH ONLY! I do wish they had like an option for card since I never have cash on me, but this place is legit. Here, you'll find an assortment of people of different ages. Also, no wifi which is....AWESOME. Also, had a few beers here which were all good, and their wines- when I got my malbec was pretty decent! read more

I don't know the owners name but I was so happy with this experience. And he made it so. First I should mention, CASH ONLY. I went in to get a cigar and a beer. The cigar is a tradition I have for my brother. He liked them and I drink Scotch and I smoke one on the anniversary I lost him. So in a couple weeks I have the cigar. I went in for the first time. It's like going over to visit a friend in their house. And everyone looked comfortable and at peace like they were at home. Outdoor seating was 3/4 full and indoor (dog friendly - love it) was like some ones living room. It was very eclectic inside. A bit of home, and bit of away for décor. I was greeted. Ordered a beer and a cigar. CASH ONLY. I didn't read the sign. The owner, a nice man said what do you have for cash. Fortunately I had a small stash. But a little short. Her thanked me and that my friends will be what I remember the most. He built a return customer through being a great host. So ... beer selection is a little limited but tasty. The ESB was awesome. Took me right back to Jolly Old. I didn't look at the wine list. He has a small selection of fine cigars and oddly, I found what I was looking for. Go figure. If you want to have a lovely break in the day or night, I suggest you look here for meeting nice people, making new friends, and having a quality pub experience. I did. My chat mate outside shared a passion for cooking that I have. Brilliant. At night it could be romantic. with the outdoor seating. read more

Great little place! They have a short draft list (probably 6-8 taps) and a tobacco shop inside. There are a bunch of tables and board games, and on the gloomy day we stopped in, a roaring fire in the fireplace. There's no food here, but they allow you to bring in outside food as long as you clean up after yourself. I wish we had something like this where I live because I'd be in here all of the time! read more

Schmidt's Pub - The fireplace seating area - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Albany, California

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My first visit to Pub was in the daytime about a year after I first came to the East Bay area. I had some coffee, sat and talked with my friend, and suffice to say, I didn't get to experience Pub for all it was. Now, here I am, recently moved away from the Bay Area, possibly forever, and I can't believe I didn't go here much, much more than I did. My last few weeks in the Bay Area were Pub-filled, though, and I'm glad for that. This is basically the best bar for hanging out in that I have ever been to. Lots of comfortable, cozy seating, and ample place for smoking (front porch, back porch and room off back porch that is sufficiently outside to constitute a legal smoking area, but sufficiently inside to make it seem like you're hanging out in someone's study). You could come read a book, come play games (Dominos, my old-timey favorite, are in ample supply) or, strike up a conversation with one of the regulars (believe me - if I were going to be there longer, I would definitely keep coming until I was one myself). So long Pub, I don't know when I'll get to see you again! read more

Great Homestyle Pub-- Literally a converted bungalow type house with outdoor patio in front and back for smoking (yay). It's kind of surprising when you go up the steps and walk into a living room-type setting (with the fireplace going strong in the winter). Great laid back atmosphere. They've done well positioning little tables for people to have their own converstations, or if you're in a group you can take the big seating in front of the fireplace, the group seating outside or the "back room". The beer selections were surprisingly great, both ontap and in bottle. They also have coffee, tea, wine, hot cocoa, some specialty drinks and a very, very large selection of tobacco. The girl at that counter in back was awesome and super nice/helpful. Prices were as expected--though cheaper than a place like, say Jupiters. We had our own smokes, so I have yet to sample any of their specialty tobacco (they also have regular cigarettes too). The people there were laid back--many professor-types, couples and low-key meetings. Though, the back-room was livelier. We saw they had board games and heard the distinct Yatzee dice going which is a bonus. The only complaint I have is the lack of heat lamps outside in the winter---but otherwise---what a great little pub this is. read more

Easily the strangest Bar I have ever been to. When I walked in I felt like I was in somebodies living room, not a highly touted yelp pub. There is a couple of couches, a blazing fire. Kinda like a strange mellow house party. Anyways, good selection of tasty Irish Ales, very homey feel How about this, they have a bunch of games on a shelf you can bust out and play. Risk stratego connect 4, you name it. Ou risk.... ou risk The best wasted 5 hours of my life that inevitably ends in a fight/ shouting match ou risk read more

What a cool place! A cozy little house turned bar, with usable board games and the fantastic aroma of tobacco. You can bring your dog, and hang out on the patio or inside, and they are totally cool about you bringing in outside food, and the awesome mustached bartender is incredibly friendly and patient! Have been back 3x within a month - I would say its a hit. read more

This place is a little slice of heaven. And I don't even smoke!!! The inside is so cute and relaxing/homey. We sat by the (faux) fire and talked over beers (great beers, great beer prices considering how rad this place is). We then asked the people sitting next to us if they wanted to play this ridiculous card game (Cards Against Humanity) and ended up having a blast with them! A lot of attractive/well dressed people in their 30's come here. I like that. But trust me, this is a place you come with your friends, not a place to come meet people (unless maybe you're smoking outside?). Because you can buy fancy tobacco and roll ciggs here, if that's your thing (it shouldn't be, yuckyy) read more

I think under different circumstances (such as: a sunny, warm afternoon w/ a group of friends, sitting at one of the outdoor tables), I'd give this place 5 stars. But... -it's cash-only -the chair I sat in was smelly. Can't give 5 stars for a smelly chair. Otherwise, very cool little joint. Lots of tabacco paraphenalia to look at. Nice people. Cozy places to sit. Good selection of beers. Why oh why was my chair smelly? Me don't want to know. read more