Albany Ale and Oyster
Albany Ale and Oyster things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay
Posts
This week I had the opportunity to have dinner with a friend at Albany Ale & Oyster. My first time there - and I was so impressed! It can be challenging these days to find a spot with terrific customer service and delicious food. This spot has both. We started at a small counter by the front window while waiting for a table to open up. I had the berry hard cider and we put in an order of the Cheddar and Chive Pretzels for an appetizer. I love a good pretzel and this one was exactly what I hoped for; soft but chewy. And the cheese dipping sauce was a wonderful accompaniment. We were moved to a nearby table when the pretzel arrived. I loved that the food came out at a decent pace, with plenty of opportunity for conversation in between the appetizer and the meals we ordered. And the meals - sooo good! I had to order the Reuben I had heard so much about. I absolutely cannot believe how much food came with my meal for the money I paid. A sandwich heaped with corned beef and sauerkraut, each half could have been the whole thing and I wouldn't have been mad. Served with a bag of homemade crisps and a generous side salad with dressing. I could only finish the salad, some of the chips, and one of the 2 halves (my husband was very happy to help with the leftovers I brought home). I cannot wait to go back and also for warmer weather to sit outside at one of the patio tables.
Jackie AdlerJackie Adler
00
I’m not usually an oyster person, but The Albany Ale & Oyster may have just changed that! We tried their oysters with cocktail sauce, champagne mignonette, and caviar. I especially loved the cocktail sauce—it was so flavorful and complemented the oysters perfectly. I didn’t care much for the stuffed oysters but the ceviche was a standout—fresh and full of flavor. For drinks, my partner had the ODB and absolutely loved it, especially the blue cheese stuffed olives. They also had a nice selection of draft beers. I can’t recall the name of the one I had, but it was exactly what I was craving. For mains, we went with the lobster roll and the Reuben. Both were just okay for me. The lobster roll felt a bit dry, and the Reuben didn’t particularly stand out. I did love the tiny paper bag the chips came in—such a cute touch. The oysters and ceviche were definitely the highlights for me. We finished with the chocolate torte, and it was surprisingly good, especially for someone who doesn’t typically go for torte hehe. Overall, I really enjoyed the vibe at The Albany Ale & Oyster. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the interior had a stylish, ambient feel that reminded me of my favorite brunch spot in NYC. So coming back for those oysters! 🦪
Shubhi GautamShubhi Gautam
00
We love this place. They've got consistently great food and an awesome selection of beers. We've had nothing but good service. It's a comfortable restaurant and has street parking out front. Their rueben is delicious. Love the salad they offer with their sandwiches. The chips are crisp and salty. We had the daily special the other day which was a sliced bbq beef with cheddar. We mentioned that we were going to split the sandwich so they did it for us...splitting the salad and chips as well. They're awesome! Get a beer flight and sample some of their drafts. Find one you like? Have them can it for you right then and there and take it home. My sister-in-law had the lobster roll a few weeks back...honestly, we've had better but everything else has been great. (It was a bit tough and lacked flavor.) PICTURES: Bench seating (they also have seating at the bar, high tops, and tables outside), the to-go wall, French Dip, Lobster Roll, Daily Special, beer flights (#24 Solaire is odd and funky - only if you dare), canning beers to go, ice cold & freshly canned drafts.
GarrickGarrick
00
I have to admit, after I placed my order, I was thinking about the negative review I would write on the $22 salad I was about to pay for. Which, by the way, cost less than the $20 lobster roll the hubby got for happy hour (but more on that later). To my surprise, the salad was so worth $22! It had to be one the BEST salads I've ever eaten. The salad was tossed with a delicious homemade dressing and they did NOT skimp on the toppings of gorgonzola, prosciutto, egg, avocado, chicken, cucumbers, etc. I would order this again in a heart beat, even at the $22 price point. Now, about the happy hour. You can read the details on their menu but we had $2 oysters (all types). And like I said, the hubby got a $20 lobster roll (which comes as either cold lobster salad mayo style or warm butter style) along with homemade chips or a side salad. Tons of beers and ciders on tap. I can't wait to get back there!
IvetsIvets
00
I can't wait to go back. The oysters were delicious, the shucker did a good job bc there weren't any bits of shell. I didn't care that much for the shrimp cocktail, it was fine enough (wish they gave you regular horseradish and not an aioli) but there are better things on the menu. I think their grilled shrimp were better than the shrimp cocktail, and had them added to the Caesar salad. I'm not normally a huge Caesar salad fan but my husband ordered it and I'm so glad he did! It was absolutely delicious (and you should add an order of grilled shrimp to it lol). Our lobster roll was good. I liked the fries. Our server could have been a little more attentive but overall everything was great. I liked their homemade hot sauce (glad that didn't charge for it either, bc they charge for their other sauces). We're looking forward to going back, I want to try the crab dip - it looked great!
EmilyEmily
00
Came here on a Monday in early afternoon with a group of five and we were able to sit right away. This was my first time visiting in the new space and it was absolutely beautiful! We were sat in the back room all by ourselves which was actually perfect because we had a baby with us who was eating in a restaurant for the first time :). The staff was incredibly kind, gracious, and patient. I rarely have lobster rolls in the “off” season and on main land, but I decided to take a chance and it was delicious!! It tasted fresh and had the perfect amount of mayo and seasoning. I also tried a bit of the fish filet and wow this just melted in my mouth. Fried to absolute perfection - so flaky and delicious. We finished off with the honey butter cake and this was sooooo decadent and good. If you feel like treating yourself, don’t think twice about this!
April IngenitoApril Ingenito
00
Nearby Attractions Of Albany Ale and Oyster
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albany, NY
PrecisionFix
Opalka Gallery
Maple Leaf Market

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albany, NY
4.8
(121)Click for details

PrecisionFix
4.9
(81)Click for details

Opalka Gallery
4.5
(40)Click for details

Maple Leaf Market
4.7
(42)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Albany Ale and Oyster
Madison's Pizza
The Fountain Restaurant
Moliendo Cafe
Ragonese Italian Imports
Viva Cinco De Mayo
Express Chicken & Gyro
Graney's Bar & Grill
Recovery Sports Grill
Sake Cafe
Tipsy Moose Albany

Madison's Pizza
4.5
(719)Click for details

The Fountain Restaurant
4.2
(393)Click for details

Moliendo Cafe
4.5
(344)Click for details

Ragonese Italian Imports
4.8
(296)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
289 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208
Map
Phone
(518) 487-4152
Call
Website
albanyaleandoyster.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(481 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
This smart haunt offers craft brews & a menu of select bar bites in industrial-chic digs.
attractions: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Albany, NY, PrecisionFix, Opalka Gallery, Maple Leaf Market, restaurants: Madison's Pizza, The Fountain Restaurant, Moliendo Cafe, Ragonese Italian Imports, Viva Cinco De Mayo, Express Chicken & Gyro, Graney's Bar & Grill, Recovery Sports Grill, Sake Cafe, Tipsy Moose Albany
