Schmidt’s Tobacco & Trading Co. — Restaurant in Albany

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...

Don’t go here. This is my place. Unassuming, charming, wonderful staff and nice quiet atmosphere. Don’t try one of their many interesting and delicious beers. Don’t spend too much time catching up with an old friend or sipping something soothing while writing in a journal or reading by their small tables and warm lamps. Don’t ponder your life, don’t take your time or invite a friend to join you. Take a look around, drop a tip in the jar and go on your merry way to some other crowded and noisy spot for your evening. This place is not for you, but if you are sticking around anyway and not hogging up the place and agree to enjoy yourself then fine. You can have that fifth star in this review: ⭐️. Just don’t tell anyone else about this place, or if you do at least downplay...

Schmidt's is a rare anomaly. A cross between an English country pub, a bed and breakfast and the living room of cultured intellectual. Where else in the East Bay can you enter a 1920s house, choose from a selection of ales, lagers and stouts on draft and in bottles and cans, with an assortment of fine tobacco, cigars and smoking accessories, sit down in a chair with a wooden table and read something, including the books on the shelves? Truly a wonder. And if you do purchase a cigar, you can smoke it outside. I wouldn't be surprised if people discuss Proust...