The low-key hustle of workers during the day in the downtown areas of Albany and Saratoga turns into an excited buzz once the sun goes down, as many hit their favorite bars and clubs. There are many places around the region to unwind and meet new people, but the hot spots are North Pearl Street and Lark Street in Albany and Caroline Street in Saratoga.<\/p>\n
After a long workweek enjoy a few spirits at The Pearl Restaurant & Lounge, Blue 82, a martini bar just a few doors down, or the latest\u2014Noche\u2019s\u2014in downtown Albany. All three places offer great happy hour drink specials and an upscale lounge-type atmosphere that will make you feel as though you were toasting with the best of them in Manhattan.
\nHow does a romantic dinner accompanied by live music or a night of laughs at a comedy club sound? One Caroline Street Bistro in Saratoga and 677 Prime in Albany offer the best in fine dining and live jazz music, and The Comedy Works, also in Albany, will have your stomach aching\u2014not from the full-course dinner, but from laughing so hard you\u2019ll fall out of your chair!
\nIf you\u2019re looking for a late night of dancing or a low-key sports bar where you won\u2019t be rubbing elbows with college freshmen, The City Tavern and The Parting Glass in Saratoga are two great choices, as well as Savannah\u2019s and The Skyline (formerly the Big House Brewing Company) in Albany. If something sweet is what you have in mind, check out Caff\u00e9 Lena in Saratoga, where you can enjoy a decadent dessert and sip hot chocolate while watching a live acoustic performance.
\nSo, don\u2019t let the cold weather keep you holed up at home! The Capital Region offers a ton of great venues all with various types of entertainment. Get out and warm up among the crowds!<\/p>\n
Compiled by Arcangela Mele<\/p>\n
DOWNTOWN ALBANY<\/p>\n
Blue 82
\n82 N. Pearl Street, Albany
\n445.8082
\nRelax on the sofa of this small, yet cozy lounge\u2014a great place to meet friends after work to enjoy a martini or a glass of wine from their extensive wine list. Keeping with its name, the wall behind the bar is lit with blue lighting, as is a side wall. Between 4pm-7pm, Blue 82 attracts a mature, quite crowd. Monday night is Pitcher Night, featuring $6 Michelob Light, and $8 for Blue Moon, Stella Artois, and Magic Hat #9. Get half off any pizza when ordering a pitcher. Wine Tasting Tuesdays feature Flight and Cheese specials. Wednesday is Trivia Night sponsored by New Castle, featuring $2.50 New Castles (registration begins at 6:30pm). Thursdays are Ladies Night from 10pm-close – $4 martini\u2019s, champagne flutes and wines. Friday is the Classic Happy Hour Special from 4pm-8pm, featuring $2.50 Bud and Bud Light bottles, $6 classic Skyy Martini\u2019s, $4 for the house wine.<\/p>\n
The Skyline
\n4 Sheridan Avenue, Albany
\nHighlights of the Skyline (formerly the Big House Brewing Company) include live music, a bar and cozy lounge on the first floor, games and a brick oven that serves pizza on the second floor and a third floor dance club, overlooking downtown Albany. Lunch Buffet every weekday from 11am-3pm. Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3pm-8pm featuring $2 imported drafts and $1 domestic drafts. Hours are Monday-Friday 11am-close; Saturday 5pm-close; closed on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Noche
\n895 Broadway, Albany
\nLocated in downtown Albany, this new, upscale lounge brings a touch of sizzle to the warehouse district. A red carpet leads you inside where you can kick back and socialize in the big black leather seats and munch on Spanish Tapas. Noche is open daily from 4pm-4am, and Happy Hour starts each night with 2 for 1 drinks. Learn how to salsa dance on Wednesday nights\u2014classes are taught beginning at 7:30pm followed by open salsa dancing. You may also want to enjoy bottomless glasses of wine during Unwined on Friday nights.<\/p>\n
The Bayou Caf\u00e9
\n79 N Pearl Street, Albany
\nWith a great Cajun and Southwestern menu and possibly the best live music downtown, you can expect a crowd at the Bayou almost every night. Wednesday\u2019s are open mic with Joey \u201cPots and Pans\u201d Pucci and the Butt Cheek Band. Various rock, country, and blues artists take the stage beginning most Thursdays and also Friday and Saturday nights. Happy Hour specials vary weekly, and the dance floor is open and kicking on busy nights. Restaurant opens 11:30am Monday-Friday and Saturday at 4:30pm.<\/p>\n
Angelo\u2019s 677 Prime The Pearl Restaurant and Lounge Mad River The Albany Pump Station McGeary\u2019s Savannah\u2019s The Red Square Junior\u2019s Jillian\u2019s LARK STREET<\/p>\n Tess\u2019 Lark Tavern Justin\u2019s Bomber\u2019s Burrito Bar SARATOGA<\/p>\n One Caroline Street Jazz & Blues Bistro Gaffney\u2019s Saratoga City Tavern Circus Cafe Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill Caffe Lena The Parting Glass The Wine Bar DOWNTOWN TROY<\/p>\n
\n677 Broadway, Albany
\n42-PRIME; www.677prime.com<\/a>
\nAn exquisite upscale steakhouse, 677 Prime, located near Capital Repertory Theatre and The Palace Theatre, offers two floors of exceptional fine dining. The first floor is a modern, stylish dining room and bar area, and the second a private event gathering room. A great place to enjoy Happy Hour before seeing a show. Jazz on Thursday nights at 7pm and occasional Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-12pm, enjoy Frank Sinatra cover singer Eddie C. Lunch hours are Mon-Sat 11:30-2, and dinner is served from 5-10.<\/p>\n
\n1 Steuben Pl., Albany
\nBlond wood and stylish, elegant chandeliers and abstract artworks dominate this martini bar, a popular hangout for busy professionals. There are two dining rooms, offering American cuisine such as veal, duck, chicken, seafood and pasta. With two bars and an outdoor patio, dinner can extend into late night fun. Often featured are half-price drink specials from 5pm-7pm, and 2 for 1 Martini\u2019s on Fridays.<\/p>\n
\n86 N Pearl Street, Albany
\nLocated in the heart of Albany\u2019s downtown nightclub and restaurant scene, Mad River offers three floors of former warehouse space designed especially for spacious socializing, dancing, dining and live entertainment, which is reserved for the summer months. Thought the late-night scene tends to be a young, hip crowd, the bar is said to be a hot spot during the week for local professionals looking for a comfortable place to relax after work. The atmosphere is casual, and the menu is traditional American pub fare\u2014 burgers, steaks, sandwiches and finger foods. Right now, for those who may be looking to host their own party, currently featured is a Friday night Happy Hour special from 8pm-11pm, in which guests are offered mixed drinks for only $2 and domestic drafts for only $1.<\/p>\n
\n19 Quackenbush Square, Albany
\n447.9000; www.evansale.com<\/a>
\nThe C.H. Evans Brewing Company at the Albany Pump Station, known to most as simply \u201cThe Pump Station\u201d, is in an historic large brick building located downtown across from Broadway and the Palace Theatre. The award winning restaurant and brewery serves over seven varieties of its authentic Evan\u2019s Ale, including the \u201c Kick Ass Brown\u201d, which was twice awarded The Great American Beer Gold Medal for the best Brown Ale in the country. Beer is not all there is to enjoy here\u2014the restaurant offers quick seating with an extensive lunch and dinner menu, and the warmth of a fireplace. Happy Hour specials on Thursdays and Fridays are $2 off appetizers and $1 off pints and wines. Full-menu hours are Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm; Friday and Saturday 11:30am-11pm; Sunday noon-8pm.<\/p>\n
\n4 Clinton Square, Albany
\n463.1455; www.mcgearys.com<\/a>
\nCelebrating over 21 years in downtown Albany, McGeary\u2019s is a downtown favorite. From the Celtic themed dining room to humorous and historical memorabilia that line the walls, McGeary\u2019s mixes Irish tradition with contemporary specialties. Featuring live bands throughout February\u2014Hair of the Dog, Bobby Vandetta, The Heaters, and the Burner\u2019s UK are regulars. Happy Hour runs from 4pm-7pm and features $3 23 oz. beers.<\/p>\n
\n1 S. Pearl Street, Albany
\nIf you\u2019re looking to hang out among a mature crowd while enjoying delicious food and great music, then don\u2019t pass up a night at Savannah\u2019s. Every night is lively beginning at 8:30pm when this low-key, intimate jazz club welcomes great talent to its stage. Every Monday night sing along with piano man Nate Buccieri, or get in on the open jam on Tuesday nights featuring Tommy Love and the Buckidellics. Every second and fourth Wednesday The Shanghai Cowboys and Me perform and every third Wednesday it\u2019s The Swing Docs turn to take the stage. Three different bands featured every Thursday. Friday and Saturdays are a mixture of blues and funk, and Happy Hour is from 5pm-8pm with free appetizers, various specials and occasional live music. Food is served from 11:30am-10pm on weekdays, and beginning at 7pm on Saturdays. Bar hours are 1pm-4am.<\/p>\n
\n388 Broadway, Albany
\nMusic lovers interested in exploring the local hip and upcoming music scene, should head to The Red Square (formally Doc McCutchen\u2019s). This new, live music venue and bar is looking to improve Albany\u2019s art and music scene by introducing an eclectic mix of music such as indie rock, acid jazz, funk and soul. Every Tuesday is Eclectic Night beginning at 7pm, an invitational open mic featuring all original music from all genres; on Wednesday\u2019s The Brother\u2019s Wheeler throw down a mix of organic and electronic music beginning at 9pm, and Friday\u2019s feature Rise: A night of eclectic music and culture. This late night party extravaganza of live bands and a DJ also features an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet starting at 3:30am.<\/p>\n
\n1094 Madison Avenue, Albany
\nWith multiple big screen TV\u2019s, a bar and electronic table games, Junior\u2019s is a place to kick back, relax and have a little fun. Watch your favorite sports or just chat with friends in the booths and take advantage of the drink and food specials. Happy hour runs from 3:30pm-6:30pm. $2 drink specials on domestic and imported beer offered after 9pm. Cheeseburgers are $2 after 9pm on Mondays after 9pm; $.20 cent wings on Tuesday\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\n59 N. Pearl Street, Albany
\nKnown for its three floors of fun, Jillian\u2019s is a popular favorite offering a little something for everyone. Late night weekends the restaurant turns into a \u201cclubbing scene\u201d, but Jillian\u2019s is also a favorite for lunch or some after work fun. The Video Caf\u00e9 on the main floor features giant TV screens for optimal sports viewing, and there is a new menu with an eclectic blend of appetizers, entr\u00e9e\u2019s and desserts. There is also a nine-ball lounge with tournament quality billiards and The Amazing Games Room filled with the latest electronic and simulation games. Live music every Friday and Saturday night. Events for February are: Chippendale\u2019s: \u201cThe Ultimate Girls Night Out\u201d (February 11, 8pm-10pm) and Fat Tuesday: An All Day Event (February 28). Jillian\u2019s is open Sun-Wed 11am-2am, and Thurs-Sat 11am-3am.<\/p>\n
\n453 Madison Avenue, Albany
\nA traditional Irish pub-style bar and restaurant \u201cWhere Good Friends Meet\u201d. Centrally located between Madison and Lark, The Lark Tavern attracts an eclectic mix of business professionals and students alike. The atmosphere is friendly and casual; the food is classic, all-American\u2014fried and grilled. Happy Hour is five days a week from 3pm-7:30pm, with $2 drafts, $2.50 well drinks, and $3 Stoli\u2019s. Wednesday\u2019s are open mic, Thursdays are Nouveau Chill, a lounge and dance. Friday is hip hop night, and every last Monday of the month is Poet\u2019s Speak Live, a poetry open mic that starts at 7pm. Cabaret and comedy shows also happen every so often.<\/p>\n
\n301 Lark Street, Albany
\nA quiet and romantic restaurant with dim lights, lush plants, modern art and live entertainment. They serve a traditional American cuisine with duck, lamb, chicken, beef, pork and seafood entrees. Live jazz music Wednesday-Sunday, including occasional special guests on Friday and Saturday. Food is served from 11:30am-1pm. Hours are Monday-Friday 11:30am-1am; Saturday & Sunday 11am-1am.<\/p>\n
\n258 Lark Street, Albany
\n463.9636; www.bombersburritobar.com
\nNotorious for their gigantic burritos and delicious wings, Bomber\u2019s highly casual atmosphere and unconventional style is a staple of Lark Street. Silverware is hard to come by, and napkins are substituted for a swinging paper towel roll above the front counter, yet for many, this is the beauty of Bombers. So if you\u2019re looking for cheap food that\u2019s double the size of most places, and carefree self-service, then Bomber\u2019s is the place to be. The basement is quick and more casual, yet the upstairs bar and restaurant serves Mexican American favorites until 11:30pm. $.25 cent wings on Mondays, karaoke on Wednesdays. Hours are Monday-Saturday 11:30am-11:30pm, Sunday 11:30am-10pm.<\/p>\n
\nOne Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs
\nIf you\u2019re in search of a relaxing evening of fine dining and jazz music, this quaint, intimate bistro located in downtown Saratoga is a great choice. The menu is French and Italian inspired, featuring both traditional and original dishes, and there are 22 varieties of world-renowned wines to choose from. If you start your night with an early dinner around 6pm, you will be graced with light classical piano music, and at 7pm or 8pm you\u2019ll be front row to some of the best jazz and blues acts the Capital Region has to offer. Performers featured are Masters of Nostalgia, Chuck D\u2019Aloia, The Brian Patenaude Trio and many others. Performances are most days of the week, and a day-by-day performance schedule is available on the website. Reservations suggested. Hours are Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm; Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm.<\/p>\n
\n16 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs
\nCasual gourmet dining and live music are the highlights of this popular bar\/restaurant. The first floor of this four-story building has a large bar and plenty of seating, including an additional indoor heated patio. The large outdoor area known as \u201cThe Garden\u201d is open during the summer. Live entertainment, including solo artists and local bands, take place on the second floor Wednesday-Saturday, free of cover charge and Tuesday nights are open mic. Happy Hour special on Mondays is from 4pm-7pm, featuring $1 off draft beer. Hours: Lunch 11:30 am-3pm; dinner 5:30pm-11pm; Sunday brunch 10:30am-4pm.<\/p>\n
\n19 and 21 Caroline Street,
\nSaratoga Springs
\n583.3661; www.saratogacitytavern.com<\/a>
\nWith four floors and a rooftop terrace, The City Tavern has something for everyone, including a bar, restaurant, dance floor, and its very own private party room. The first floor, known as \u201c The Tavern\u201d captures the \u201cold Saratoga\u201d feel with its mahogany bar and relaxed atmosphere, and gives a full view of the action taking place on both Caroline and Maple Streets. The second floor is more intimate and pub-like, featuring a small stage for live music and a bar. Menus are available on the first and second floors. The third floor is a unique apartment-style lounge with couches, armchairs, pool table, bar and fireplace, and is available for private parties. The fourth floor features a three windowed open-space dance floor that looks down over the city, and becomes a full out dance party with a live D. J. on Friday and Saturday nights. Happy Hour is every Wed-Fri from 6-10 pm, various drink specials. Friday and Saturday night live music by various artists, including Jeff Walton, Tim Wechgalaer, Rick Bolton, and Mikki Bakken.<\/p>\n
\n392 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
\nThe theme at this place is characteristic of its name\u2014an \u201cover the top\u201d vision of an old-fashioned circus that creates an exciting dining and drinking experience. Rest assured there are no goofy clowns running around here! The d\u00e9cor is colorful, but sophisticated with murals and lights that transform the walls from pale yellow to deep red, Venetian chandeliers and red and gold velvet curtains that hang above the tables to create an air of privacy. The American menu features \u201ccomfort food\u201d entr\u00e9es and there is also a colorful drink menu. Every Wednesday throughout February \u201cThe All Star Jazz Series\u201d plays from 7:30pm-10:30pm, and every first and third Saturday karaoke begins at 10pm. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 4pm-7pm featuring Guinness, Bass, and Magic Hat #9 for $3.50, and house wines, well drinks, Margaritas, Mojitos and Cosmos for $4.<\/p>\n
\nCorner of Nelson Avenue And Gridley Street, Saratoga Springs
\n587.4909; www.thehorseshoeinn.com<\/a>
\nLocated directly across from Gate 10 of the Saratoga Racetrack, The Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill features fine Italian and American entrees and smokehouse favorites, the best breakfast trackside, and the best blues music in town. Enjoy an evening of live music with Jeff Walton every Thursday night, or join the Super Bowl Party on February 5th featuring great food and drink specials, contests and giveaways all day long. Open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 4pm for dinner, and Saturday and Sunday at 9am for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.<\/p>\n
\n47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs
\n583.0022; www.caffelena.org<\/a>
\nA nationally recognized acoustic music venue since 1960, Caffe Lena has lent its stage to classic greats such as Bob Dylan, Don McLean, and Arlo Guthrie. It still continues its tradition in a relaxed, intimate, alcohol and smoke-free setting, serving coffee, tea and fine desserts. Performances by national musicians weekly. Reservations are often necessary. Open mic night every Thursday\u2014admission $3.<\/p>\n
\n40-42 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs
\n583.1916; www.partingglasspub.com<\/a>
\nKnown as Saratoga\u2019s original Irish pub, The Parting Glass offers traditional pub style grub for lunch and dinner, and a wide selection of domestic and imported beer. The music room presents regular live traditional Irish and American folk music, and The Game Room features a large English dart hall, which is home to the Parting Glass Dart League. There is a new full service bar, Backgammon, tournament sized shuffle board, and televised sporting events. Live music takes place on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring bands such as Hair of the Dog, The McKrells, Sirsy and Jeff Strange. Hours are Mon-Thurs 11am-1am and Friday and Saturday 11am-3am.<\/p>\n
\n417 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
\n584.8777; www.thewinebarofsaratoga.com<\/a>
\nThe Wine Bar is a comfortable environment where people can share a casual evening with friends and choose from a list of 50 wines by the glass. It offers a full 40-seat bar, separate smoking lounge, entrees and a selection of gourmet cheeses and fine desserts. Live piano music is played every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm-10pm. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 4pm until last call, and dinner is served until 10pm.<\/p>\n