Wolff's Biergarten — Restaurant in City of Albany

There are not enough stars in the universe to rate the experience I had here. To understand, we must first take a trip across the border to Mexico. Some years ago, I was in a small shop south of Tijuana. While browsing the ponchos, the elderly shop owner approached me with an offer. “Do you whant some too-quila?”, he mutter in a thick accent. I obliged, taking a sip from the large decanter. This was not simply tequila. Rather, he had mixed some concoction of amaretto, mezcal, and other ingredients to create what is hands-down the best drink I have ever had in my life. For years after this experience I have tried to recreate this drink, pleading with various bartenders, but never getting anything more than a mediocre drink and some genuine heart burn. Enter Mel, the bartender. Mel is, objectively, a professional. In fact, she is a certified cicerone (it’s like a sommelier of beer for us plebs). I started the evening with a request for a cocktail centered around an Italian liqueur. As fancy as this sounds, I just thought the bottle was cool. She whipped up a fantastic drink. I decided to take my chances and describe to her this illusive Mexican beverage I so desperately sought. What ensued was nothing short of impressive. While simultaneously pouring beers for other patrons, I watch Mel effortlessly, yet thoughtfully, gather and pour various ingredients. What she created was, and I do not say this lightly, perfection. The perfect balance of smoke, sweetness, and bold flavors culminated into a glass before me. I was finally able to enjoy the mysterious Mexican drink of my dreams. Mel, thank you. Thank you for the incredible drinks and for sharing your stories. Also, honorable mention for Ashton, who I’m told makes a...

the beer selection was pretty good, and the prices were too. however then entire staff was horrible. i went there at 5:30 on a monday afternoon (august 26th, for those privy to their employee schedule) and had alarmingly bad interactions with everyone on staff. the first male completely ignored us to first play with his phone and then to interrupt the new bartender coming on to show her something (seemingly) hilarious on his phone. he left and the new bartender spent the entire time with her back to the customers, smiling and chuckling to herself over the hilarity on her phone. the woman delivering food to tables repeatedly stopped (while carrying hot food for customers) to talk to and one arm hug the barback, who was never behind the bar. i saw something interesting in a bowl go out to a customer, and while she was walking back to her counter i inquired if it was brussels sprouts. she first acted annoyed that a customer would deign to ask her about the food, and then was able to only halfway finish saying "yes" before she was grabbed by the barback who tickled her and hugged her, pushing waiting patrons at the bar out of the way (he was wearing a shirt that said "go big or go home". he certainly wasn't "going big" at his job, i hope that the non-visible manager eventually sent him home). the subject of the brussels sprouts wasn't picked up again and despite going out of our way to show interest, we were not given any further information on them, nor encouraged to buy them. despite looking forward to spending an evening out, having a couple beers and possibly grab some food, we quickly finished our beers and left. it's a great idea, but very poorly staffed, and seemingly...

Cash only, with an ATM in the back. This place will get very crowded depending on the soccer matches but they will almost always accommodate a less popular game on one of the TVs by request. By far the best environment to watch these games in the area.

Order drinks at the bar - a good selection of German beers on tap with some rotational American craft options, along with a selection of bottles. They also serve wine and have a shot-ski. The bartenders are usually busy but pleasant and helpful. Prices are a little high but nothing ridiculous.

Food is ordered from the kitchen counter, they will give you a post with a number and bring it out when ready (usually a little bit of a wait, depending on the order and the crowd). The Wursts are the highlight, but pretty much everything on the menu is good. While it is not especially tailored for vegan/vegetarians, there are a couple options. Brunch on Saturdays/Sundays is less German but equally delicious.

They also have tabletop shuffleboard, darts, and table tennis. For supplies to play, ask the bartender and be prepared to trade in your drivers license (or something valuable). The table tennis will turn into a normal table when crowded.

Lastly - if it is your birthday, you get a free 2L boot of beer. This will require a deposit in case you break the glassware, but otherwise it's...