The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
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My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of eating dinner here tonight as we were in the area for a show at The Palace. I looked at the menu online beforehand and had my eyes on the Ribeye. “Roasted Red Pepper confit, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetable-of-the-day” my mouth was watering. We had reservations for 5PM, but ran late unfortunately due to issues trying to find parking. Right as we parked we received a call from the restaurant confirming if we’re coming. We apologized and said “We’re a block away” they said okay. Mentioning this because I think it shows they’re on top of their ****. They didn’t make us feel like ****, or drop us for being a little late, as we aren’t from the area. Thank You for this. When we walked in we were taken right away to a table. We both ordered the Ribeye and let me tell you!!! It was everything I had imagined. I usually always pick about something. That ribeye was SO juicy, and SO well seasoned. The Red Pepper Confit all nice and melted over the top wowww. I had one of those moments when you’re chewing and you just close your eyes and go “ohhh man…” My girlfriend is asking if I’m okay, I’m over here having an experience! Our server came by to ask how everything was and I said “my compliments to the chef” which I’ve never gone THAT far. The mashed potatoes were AMAZING! Exactly the way someone would think they’d be - creamy, a few bits here and there, garlicky and buttery. The vegetables were also perfectly seasoned. Literally zero complaints. Service very attentive. At the end of every meal, we like playing “Guess the Check” whoever’s closer wins. I won! My girlfriend was surprised at the cost of her mixed drinks. I noticed a Google Review complaint about a credit card convenience fee , meanwhile we thought the drinks would cost 40% more than what they were priced. I’ll say what can’t be said. What a world we live in! Some cards have up to 5% cashback on restaurants , with a 3.5% convenience fee, you’re still ahead! Sheesh! Great food! Will return again!
D W
00
When you first enter, it seems like another upscale restaurant/pub. You might not expect much but bar that serves some food on the side. That is not what the Hollow is. After you enter the bar and see the main restaurant area, you can follow the place further back into more restaurant seating and then a live band/ extra bar area. The place is nicely decorated, perfectly lit and you don't need to use your phones flashlight just to view the menu. When we entered, we informed the hostess that we had reservations for about an hour ahead and we'd just grab a drink first. The bartender was nice, friendly, and efficient. They had an extensive drink and beer menu with a good amount of local and others on tap. There was a show at the TU center so the place was a bit full. We didn't expect to be seated for a while but they sat us probably a half hour before our reservation which was really nice, especially for a show night. The tables were close but you didn't feel like you were on each other's laps. The noise level was fine for a full house. We ordered apps including muscles, soup, beer & cheddar dip, and a cheese board. It was all delicious. Our waiter gave good suggestions & he was very personable and attentive. They had a great menu, including several Veg & Vegan options which you don't find most places. After the apps, our meals didn't take long at all. They spaced it out like we requested which was nice because it can be a bit annoying when you aren't even finished with the first few bites of your app and they bring out the entree. We ordered burgers, sandwiches and mac and cheese but I will definitely be back for the other selections like the ahi tuna, salmon, other cheese boards and scallops. If you like sweet potato fries, you must order them. I wish I hadn't waited so long to go here.
Melanie K
00
Ordered dinner for two via curbside pickup, the Hollow signature burgers, sweet potato fries and a salad. We made our way to the hotel only to realize that along with our lovely drinks instead of the Hollow signature burgers we got burger flavored salt! The ‘salt burger’ was totally unpalatable for my partner but it was late and I was very hungry, I ate the whole thing anyways. My partner ate the greasy sweet potatoes fries instead. Had we known what we were going to be in for, for the rest of the night we would have thrown the food away. My partner experienced diarrhea the entire night and I had one of the worst headaches I’ve ever had!!! By morning we were tired and totally dehydrated. —————————————————- Ordered dinner for two via curbside pickup, the Hollow signature burgers, sweet potato fries and a salad. We made our way to the hotel only to realize that along with our lovely drinks instead of the Hollow signature burgers we got burger flavored salt! The ‘salt burger’ was totally unpalatable for my partner but it was late and I was very hungry, I ate the whole thing anyways. My partner ate the greasy sweet potatoes fries instead. Had we known what we were going to be in for, for the rest of the night we would have thrown the food away. My partner experienced diarrhea the entire night and I had one of the worst headaches I’ve ever had!!! By morning we were tired and totally dehydrated. —————————————————— To the restaurant’s response to the review: 1. Common courtesy to your patrons is to make sure your food is palatable before you serve it to your customers. 2. There was no way to contact you about the food as it was close to your closing time AND we were staying in Saratoga Springs. 3. I agree with you that many industries including yours were devastated because of the pandemic, but that doesn’t excuse the quality of food we received and as a business owner you have to own that the food you served was not up to par and made one of your customers violently ill. Kudos to you on your rewards in your specialty, but the fact this event happened still says to me there is room for improvement. You should look at the review as an opportunity to improve, rather than an attack. I really wished that time and circumstance allowed us to return the food. But it did not, we did not embellish on anything in the review. The meat was extremely salty, the fries were greasy and we both felt ill. More than ever in this time uncertainty we all should strive to make the effort to provide quality in all service areas in which we both work.
Amir Brotzki
00
This is my type of place. The food is amazing, but let me start with the laid back, comfortable atmosphere. The wait staff is super knowledgeable and friendly, and our waitress’ beer recommendations were spot on. After that, we listened to everything else she recommended. The beer selection is pretty substantial with hit after hit. There’s def something for everyone. I had the Hollow burger, which is fresh, locally sourced, juicy and delicious beef with habanero ketchup, cheese, and an egg on top. I ordered mine medium and it was cooked perfectly. The gnocchi my girlfriend ordered melts in the mouth, and was to die for. Best pasta we’ve had in a long time, we both agreed. When we asked about dessert, our waitress recommended the bread pudding, which didn’t disappoint. I’m a bread pudding fan, and if you’re like me, it’ll def hit the spot. It’s simple, and classic, and we were both happy we had made room for dessert. I’m pleasantly surprised by how good the food is here in Albany, and this is a must try for anyone visiting. Anyone who’s a fan of good food, beer, and a comfortable local pub setting with no pretense or gimmicks. 5 stars all day.
christian bouillon
00
2018- Service was good, fast, friendly. Food was wonderful. Loved the atmosphere, elegant grunge. Only one complaint, turn off the overhead dinning room music while the band plays please. 2019- The owner (who does the event booking) should instruct staff that ticket are non-refundable. I called for three days (after a family emergency) to find out if I should sell my tickets OR if they could be refunded due to circumstance. Mind you, I had several people on FB interested in buying my tickets. All the staff took my information AND told me not to sell. While I was there, the staff told me my seats had been used, just email Dora, the event planner, with the ticket info and they were sure it would "be no problem". After the event passed and I had time to send the ticket info to the "event planner"(also the claims to be the owner) told me I was SOL. I use to love this place. Then l I had to deal with Dora Philip. Heartless money-grubbing isn't what I expected from a place that puts on so many wonderful charity events. Lesson learned. Too bad, I loved the food - the flavor was worth the small portions.
Janene Bouck (Silent Jane)
00
Food was really good. Nice staff. The gold ceiling was pretty cool as well.
Adam Ackerman
00
Nearby Attractions Of The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
MVP Arena
New York State Museum
New York State Museum
Palace Theatre
Hilton Albany
The Egg
Empire State Plaza
New York State Capitol
Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown
Renaissance Albany Hotel

MVP Arena
4.3
(1.9K)
Click for details

New York State Museum
4.7
(1.8K)
Click for details

New York State Museum
4.7
(1.4K)
Click for details

Palace Theatre
4.7
(1.1K)
Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
The City Beer Hall
McGeary's
The Olde English Pub and Pantry
677 Prime
Ama Cocina
Café Capriccio
El Mariachi Restaurant
Jack's Oyster House
The Spinning Gyro
Hill Street Cafe

The City Beer Hall
4.3
(814)
Click for details

McGeary's
4.5
(669)
Click for details

The Olde English Pub and Pantry
4.3
(670)
Click for details

677 Prime
4.6
(581)
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
79 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
Map
Phone
(518) 426-8550
Call
Website
thehollowalbany.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(713 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Hip spot in a historic building offering updated American eats, rotating craft beers & live music.
attractions: MVP Arena, New York State Museum, New York State Museum, Palace Theatre, Hilton Albany, The Egg, Empire State Plaza, New York State Capitol, Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown, Renaissance Albany Hotel, restaurants: The City Beer Hall, McGeary's, The Olde English Pub and Pantry, 677 Prime, Ama Cocina, Café Capriccio, El Mariachi Restaurant, Jack's Oyster House, The Spinning Gyro, Hill Street Cafe

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