The Olde English Pub and Pantry — Restaurant in City of Albany

My husband and I had wanted to have an app and a drink outside but it was literally sweltering. Disappointed at first because their outdoor area is so cute but that was quickly over when we got seated upstairs. This place has so much character and feels old fashioned inside.

We were seated right away but that’s unfortunately where the quick service ended. We were there around noon so it was not busy at all. We waited about 15 minutes to put our drink and food order in, waited an additional 10 minutes for our drinks and then another 10 minutes for our appetizer. We meant to be there for a quick stop in but our whole trip was well over an hour. We have the waiter our credit card and waited another 15 minutes for him to bring it up so finally we walked to the bar downstairs and got it from him. We still left 20% tip because I can’t imagine the uncertainty of being a server these days but the service left something to be desired.

We both had the “Is It summer yet?” cocktail. It was fizzy and light and just what I was looking for on a hot day. A downside was the mint in our drinks looked kind of brown and not so fresh. We then shared the meat and cheese board and were very pleased with it. The smoked Gouda, yummmm. I’m still thinking about it.

So overall I wanted to love it because the furniture and atmosphere made me feel so comfy but fancy at the same time. But I was left a little disappointed with the slow service and funky looking mint in our drinks. I’ll try it again on a more mild day where I can enjoy their...

Absolutely disgusted with our service from start to finish. Let me paint a picture:

We walked in, waited for several minutes, made eye contact with 3 different staff members, and waited several more minutes before anyone acknowledged us. The table next to us had to walk up to the waiter to get his attention because they hadn't been served. When we walked in, the smell of dirty laundry hit us like a brick - it was a combination of wet locker room and bleach? Two waiters were passive aggressively arguing with each other as we were seated. The silverware was dirty. There were black specks in my drink. Obviously I didn't end up drinking it. The waiter spilled a drink all over my jacket. He brought us napkins but just put them on the table and walked away, so I had to clean my jacket myself. Didn't offer to comp anything. We asked for the check immediately because we were not pleased with the service. It took another 15 minutes before we received it. My fiance's drink was 90% ice cubes, so he literally finished his drink in 3 sips. The walls were dirty, the floors were sticky, and there was a broken light fixture not too far from where we were sitting.

So yeah, I just paid $36 for 2 drinks - one of which was contaminated and the other of which was 3 sips, and walked home in my alcohol-soiled coat.

As an aside, they're charging $17 for a BLT with egg. Dive bar service with penthouse prices. Save your coin...

Service is always excellent. I usually grab more than half their apps to go because I can't make my mind up. Beef Wellington bites, Colcannon bites, yeah DAMN good. Couldn't be better. Mark Graydon has another winner...the Shakshuka is the best dish ever for brunch. Everybody does it, but the OE takes it to another level with a barley in curry sauce added. Addicted to it. Update: They did a menu refresh after a chef change. I was worried when they changed my beloved Shakshuka. Now has potatoes and Cauliflower in it. Did I mention I don't eat cauliflower? But I absolutely loved it. The heat from the curry like sauce was just perfect. It's a well balanced dish. Breakfast in Bread is another favorite, I don't usually eat my eggs fried, but the stewed tomatoes and cheese mixed together with the eggs in a bread bowl is a home run.And as usual, excellent service. Our group liked the new cocktails too. Google, how do I give more than 5 stars?

Update #2 They continue to refresh the menu seasonally, and are doing specials centered around the holidays or other events and occasions. Typically you can get tired of a place when they don't change the menu. Never an issue here. They may keep a few of the same dishes, but even update them with slightly new flavor profiles or seasonal ingredients. Still haven't had a bad experience here and the service is always spot on. Banoffee pie for dessert...