Subculture — Restaurant in City of Albany

Well, I complained, and Subculture listened. My earlier review follows this update/re-review. The food has become something wonderful. Sandwiches are fresh and put together with care. Once-oily fried ingredients are now crispy and light. The atmosphere is cheery and bright, the staff friendly and helpful. All of the foregoing has been true for every visit I've made in the last 4 months, and there is no hint of the former disaster rising from its overdue grave.

The food at Subculture is vegan food that illustrates nothing need be given up (except the torture of animals, the contamination diseases meat spreads across the nation and world every year, the excess calories, contributions to global warming, pollution, and the list goes on) to be vegan. Fairly priced, and offering a wide assortment for all tastes and moods, I have only one real complaint remaining.

The hours are, well, let's say "tight." I understand a restaurant business isn't a guarantor of food at all hours and on every day. And I understand the specialized nature of a cuisine can mean its core business comes at certain hours, leaving a money desert of time when "Open" means not realizing income at all. So, I understand the vicissitudes of Subcultures particular business means limited hours.

I would suggest, perhaps, a desire for one-open/one-close days is a notion best left to the non-specialized food purveyor. A little creativity on when to be open to foot traffic might actually mean more hours on more days and more money coming in the door. That would be a win for customer and owner alike. Just something to grow on. I mean, we don't take taxis any more, so maybe "open lunch thru dinner" needs to go. A

Anyway, enjoy, Subculture is back!!!

Previous Review: I'm afraid I can't rate SubCulture better than two stars. As a vegan I am glad to have a restaurant committed to my food values. As a consumer, however, I must demand better. Contrary to its previous incarnation, SubCulture fails in nearly every respect. The food is tolerable but only just. The atmosphere is sullen and uninviting. The staff are uninterested in high-quality service. The hours are insufficient and often not honored.

I have now been several times and have found the conditions the same in material respect each time. I wanted to give this place a chance to get on its feet before posting something, but that time has long since come and gone, and nothing seems to be improving. I will likely buy a sandwich here again, as it is the only vegan restaurant within a reasonable distance. I will, however, do so only because I have no other options and because I have no time to prepare something at home. That is a very rare set of conditions for me.

I applaud the owners intent. I know this must be a tough time to be at their best. Finally, I hope things improve, and, if they do, I will update my review to note that. In the meantime, however, I must say this is not somewhere I would go simply for the joy of enjoying the food and experience. I wish the team at SubCulture luck in turning...

THIS DELI HAS EVERYTHING!!! and its completely vegan?! All my friends and family who don't usually eat vegan loved it! Plus they're super accommodating to other restrictions like gluten free and nut free. Their sandwiches are absolutely massive and packed with savory and tender vegan meats of all sorts that are even tastier than you could possibly imagine the real thing is! I've tried almost all the menu and the reuben, packed with smoky and chewy seitan, is easily my favorite sandwich not only here but that I've ever ordered anywhere (although all their dishes are in my top favorites). They also have a deli case and freezer where you can buy unique vegan products like spray cheese and vegan candy, local "meats" made of seitan that you can cook at home just like you would for a real deli, I've had their Thanksgiving turkey and it was amazing, prepared fridge foods like jackfruit salad and potato salad, and desserts of which the cream croissant is incredible! It's run by such kindhearted people who provide excellent service, and truly care about veganism to provide delicious food while helping the animals and supporting other local businesses by sourcing local seitan meats. They also have rotating specials which can't be missed! It's always exciting and innovative, thank...

OMG!! since we became vegans about 32 years ago-we have pretty much given up on ever being able to enjoy the classic tastes of "comfort sandwiches" until now! This place really knows its way around hearty, great tasting food and creates super fun and generous sandwiches which are so hard to find in the vegan culinary world! We have so far tried the Reuben which is fantastic (It reminds me of when we used to go to Canters Deli in the 80s in Los Angeles late night after clubs) the Italian Sub which is a master re-creation and reminded my hubby of his Philadelphia Italian Hoagie roots! We also get the totally delicious jackfruit tuna sandwich which is super fresh tasting and you don't have to have the gross fish taste of real tuna!! YAY! All these sandwiches and their creatively blended flavors are so much better than their meaty counter parts! We also really love the fries!!! This place is a total gem and I'm so happy to get to eat here every couple weeks when we come into town! thank you,...