The City Beer Hall
Albany
(666)
Albany
(666)
666 customer reviews
Steve N.
I'm a big fan of Chef Dimitrios and a fan of what CBH is doing overall. I'm going to give The City Beer Hall five stars, with the caveat that CBH does have some issues, it's not perfect. The menu is a collection of hits with an occasional miss. When Dimitrios is on his game, his food is truly something special. He's a talented chef. The misses are puzzling because the hits can be so freaking amazing. My most recent visit is a good example.I ordered the octopus escabeche that's currently on the winter menu. It's a swoon-worthy dish that contains a depth of flavors and textures. It's a dish that is light and bright and is a joy to eat. I followed up the octopus with the duck poutine, and the contrast between the two was astonishing.While the octopus was special, the poutine was anything but. It contained duck confit that I and others swore tasted like turkey. To be clear, I'm not suggesting it was turkey, only that the duck tasted like turkey. The fries quickly wilted under the gravy, it was very one-note with no depth of flavor, and an overwhelming saltiness; the kind of saltiness that causes palate fatigue and makes the food more of a chore to eat than a joy. My buddy ordered the pork adobo of which I had a couple of bites and it, like the octopus, was delicious and is both comforting and filling. It's a winner.Unfortunately, if you order wrong and get a dud, there's not much you can do but chalk it up to a learning experience. But there are far more hits than misses on the menu, and when you strike gold and eat one of Dimitrios's better creations, it's a memorable, five-star experience. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Smitha Shetty
Great selection of beer! Awesome ambience!
Reviewed on Facebook
Rose S.
Very nice bartenders! Delightful staff and glad to be there for all they did for us. It was busy but they still helped us pick our drafts the best they could (two brunette men. One with a beard one without working 12/27) great employees!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Chris K.
We stopped in here for dinner on Sunday night (~7:30) and had a nice trip in! I will say that the menu we got does not match the menu posted on the website. It looks like we were provided the "Late Night" menu, which suggests it is to be used from 10pm-on. Not sure why... it's a bit light on choices. When we left at 9:15 we definitely seemed to be shutting them down, with cleaning going on in earnest and no one else there (despite a posted 10pm close). Very nice service though, and they promptly got us set up with drinks and provided us our pizza tickets (for each drink over $5, they provide a personal cheese pizza). You get a ticket that you can walk back to the kitchen and they'll tell you to come back in a few minutes for a thin sort of pita crust. Nothing special by any means, but reasonably tasty for a free and unexpected offering. We then shared some of the bacon-wrapped blue cheese-stuffed dates (oddly marked vegetarian on the menu we had), some of the house potato chips (didn't really seem home-made), and the broccoli mac n cheese - which was good. A bit of a strange experience, but super nice staff, a solid beer and cider list, and from the limited food we tasted, it was good. Would try again! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
John Humphrey
Great atmosphere, friendly service, great food, and BEER! what's not to like!?
Reviewed on Facebook
Oren W.
GreatSpot!! Me and big bro Stopped in on a road trip and was not disappointed.. Jake the bartender was knowledgeable about all the types of. beers... and the highlight was a complimentary personal pan pizza !!!!#2brospodcast#foddontherun More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Q L.
The best thing here is the grilled broccoli. Weird I know. Nothing in the menu is special but the location Is close to my hotel. .The service can be good...just not consistent More...
Reviewed on Yelp
PatriciaS
The in side of the resturant was very very pretty and very comfortable. The food was amazing , we hated to leave .
Reviewed on Opentable
Danielle Marie
Great food but bummed that a free drink is no longer included with brunch.
Reviewed on Facebook
Christen McLean
First time there. Yummy beer and food I will go back
Reviewed on Facebook
AnnH
Great place..but the noise level is excessive. Difficult to talk. They could lower the music or something
Reviewed on Opentable
Costas S.
Interesting place. My first time here. The hotel recommended it, so I decided to stop in for a beer and to get some work done. Arrived around 9pm and it was quiet, which was nice. The beer selection was diverse with several IPA's and Lagers to choose from. The bartender was incredibly helpful and recommended a Lager that was light but with a bit of hop to it. The WiFi was good and there was a plug, so perfect for those of us that like a good beer while getting work done on the road. By the time I left, which was around 10:30, the bar was full with a large group celebrating. They we loud, but entertaining. Overall a great experience. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Donny S.
This place was pretty good. They didn't have Pumpkin in stock, but with every beer you get a bar pie. So a few bar pies later, I ordered a hamburger. It was really good. Of course I couldn't finish it all, so I took it with me and ate it later. I will definitely go back when I'm in the area. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Jo-Ann Sine-Calise
toasty fire, delicious food, and excellent beer!
Reviewed on Facebook
LindsayG
Brunch food was delicious and main dish comes with an adult beverage can’t beat it!
Reviewed on Opentable
Judy Thomas Banks
Getting a couple of free pizzas to bring back to the hotel!!!! What a great place.. and Colleen was an awesome bartender!!
Reviewed on Facebook
John C.
Great spot, what a great food menu, the creamed kimchi is to die for, it's also really cheap, beers are mainly local and really good, will be back here for sure.
Reviewed on Yelp
Tim K.
Great place. Friendly staff. Good beer selection and we received a ticket for a free pizza with every beer purchase. You can't beat that. While sitting at the tables it's picnic style benches which leaves your back yearning for more beer due to pain. Food was good. Beer was good. Atmosphere was good. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
SheilaA
This is a really different, fun place to have a couple delicious drafts and great food. We were so happy to get a robust menu with interesting choices instead of traditional fried bar food. We tried the broth-less noddles with mushroom and the falafel dish and both were great. The fireplace had a nice fire in it and it was a great choice for our group. A reservation on a Saturday night is a must. More...
Reviewed on Opentable
Stephanie G.
Great food and excellent service!! Very kid (baby) friendly. The fish fry was excellent, not too heavy in the beer battered. Pulled pork sandwich is also delicious. Love the beer selection! Highly recommend if you're not looking for a heavy dinner. Mostly sandwiches and bar food. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Jason P.
Excellent service at the bar. Tremendous selection of beers from local and distant breweries. Locals were friendly and engaging in conversation. Must see for me if I get back to town. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Maggie M.
Great Beer selection !! Given a coupon for free pizza with drink purchase which you then take coupon to kitchen to order/pick up pizza. Food was delicious, multiple vegetarian options. Outdoor seating area available- was full with live music. Would go back !! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
John J Zacher Jr
Today’s choice the Korean pulled pork sandwich for lunch. Pork was nicely cooked, and was a little sweet. There was appropriate amount of sauce, not so much that the sandwich became a mess that needed finishing with knife and fork. The kimchi cucumbers gave a nice texture difference. The fries were average, but were enhanced greatly by the malt vinegar available at the table. Solid overall offering. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
KimZ
Walked through the door for the first time for dinner before a show at the Palace and was a little taken back but was quickly seated at a long table, greeted by a very cheerful and helpful young lady named Madison and a great evening began. Very quickly warmed to the beer hall ambiance. Great cocktails and food including a fabulous free ‘pizzette’ direct from the kitchen. Nice touch. No desserts yet but filled the void with another cocktail. What the heck. Will be coming back. Definitely closer to the Times Union Center than the Palace but still very walkable. More...
Reviewed on Opentable
Wolfgang S.
Great food and great beer list. The pizza deal with your beer is fun and keeps everyone tame. Their daytime drinks + dinner events are pretty solid. Love casual yet upscale feeling ambience of the wood work. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Alexandria T.
brunch and venue were great. all entrees come with 1 free drink like a mimosa or bloody mary. servers are really nice
Reviewed on Yelp
Kristin V.
Nice Place. Bought a beer got a free personal pizza. Not the best pizza I've ever had, but I'm not here to complain about free pizza. The staff was friendly and the food was good. I got the Soba Noodle salad, which was a bit more soupy than expected, but it had great flavor. Would recommend. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
SharonF
Food and service were great! Highly recommend. Will certainly return and share with friends
Reviewed on Opentable
Peter Mortensen
Food was good. Good service
Reviewed on Facebook
Lisa Leister-Hughes
The beer selection and free pizza with each beer is a nice touch! Only down side was a little longer wait for service than I’d like to see. Wasn’t very busy at 3:15 pm when we arrived but still waited at least 15 min for our server. Was quite busy when we left so could understand the wait for the bill but all in all a nice place. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kendra Reaves McHenry
Very cool place. Food was delicious and waiter was very funny.. Hence he stood 6' away from our table... lol. But very good.
Reviewed on Facebook
Kelly O.
if only it was in queens or manhattan...but it feels the same--just don't look out the door.
Reviewed on Yelp
Danielle Ericsen
This place is disgusting!! It will be my mission to shut down such a disgusting display! The bouncer let many underage drinkers in that start fights with patrons that are allowed to be there.
Reviewed on Facebook
Shin R.
Man the DJ yesterday was popping. I've been hoping that they replace the usual DJ that they have there. I don't understand why they keep that guy on the payroll, I really don't. The difference on the dance floor when the usual DJ was playing vs. the guest DJ was vastly different. Please listen to this review. Your current DJ needs to improve dramatically, or just be replaced, or at least take suggestions! He seems to never listen to song suggestions and just does his own whacky thing. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Rebecca Marla
The Old Main❤️awesome band !
Reviewed on Facebook
Rob Reddish
Great place, pizza ticket with a beer is a bonus!!!
Reviewed on Facebook
David S.
Awesome experience!When I first found out I had to spend a night in downtown Albany, my first thoughts were "oh no." Had very low expectations as I never hear anyone bragging about how great Albany is. After finding this gem, I will gladly come back to Albany.Excellent selection of beers and a wide range. And you receive a free personal pizza (can't get enough of them they are that good) with every beer purchase! How awesome is that?! Staff was super friendly and funny. A definite must go during your stay in Albany for a good time. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Jordan H.
Came here on a Monday night, unknowingly at the same time that Times Union Center was hosting a Jonas Brother's concert not even a block away, so it was pretty busy at first. The host, Devin, was very kind, and I liked how the restaurant has a messaging system to let you know when a table is ready for you. Myself and my boyfriend both ordered the Beer Hall burgers cooked medium (and they were half off bc they do half off burgers every Monday). Our food came quickly. The burgers were mouthwatering honestly. I'm not typically impressed by a burger-- many are just too greasy, heavy, and bland. The City Beer Hall does their burgers RIGHT. So flavorful, not too greasy, and cooked perfectly. Our waitress, Olivia, was very attentive and kind as well. We will absolutely be coming back to City Beer Hall when we're craving a burger, as well as when We want to explore their other menu options. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Foodie713
We told the waitress we were on a time crunch and they were incredibly accommodating! Super friendly, yummy food, great time! Thank you!
Reviewed on Opentable
Bobby
We love the City Beer Hall, and despite its name, we actually go for the food! On our most recent visit, Nicole was our friendly and efficient server. Entrées are always a challenge to select, as the menu changes regularly and is really top notch. This past Sunday evening we went with the Greek Island Beef and Reef (grilled hanger steak and octopus) and the Wild Salmon Escalivada (over eggplant). The free personal pizza with the beer purchase is a perfect appetizer. The open layout with essentially sturdy picnic (or German beer hall) tables is casual and fun. Bar seating gets you closer to the games on television if you are so inclined. Reservations are recommend, as they get busy when you'd least expect. Highly recommended any day of the week ... weekend brunch is great, too. More...
Reviewed on Opentable
OpenTable Diner
Dined with two of our young children. Restaurant / bar is very child friendly. Loud, but not too loud. A small pizza with each beer? You can’t go wrong. Our meals, salmon, lamb and octopus, and fried steak were all excellent. Will definitely visit again. More...
Reviewed on Opentable
Tom B.
Incredible beer selection and some of the only good food in albany. I miss the bull but the new speak easy is awesome with some super special drinks.
Reviewed on Yelp
Dina R.
This place is fun, relaxing, and has *excellent* service. Staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the extensive and ever-evolving menu of beers and special dishes (you can get a burger or try one of several original - and delicious - fusion dishes). Excellent music and ambience; it's low-key and roomy enough that you can socialize if you'd like, or choose a reading nook and appreciate attentive service outside (when it's warm) without unwelcome interruption. You also get a free, super fresh and homemade pizza with every drink order. This is my favorite local place to unwind. Live music is always excellent when they have it (many Thursday and Fri eves in summer), and even then CBH is suitable for all ages. Make a reservation if you're bringing family for dinner. If solo or among adults: don't miss Trivia Tuesdays!The Downtown Albany location on the trolley line is another plus. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
OpenTable Diner
Great selection of draft and bottled brews. Exceptional food - not your standard pub fare.
Reviewed on Opentable
Amy W.
I have gone there for brunch two times so far. Just a great place with good food and friendly staff.
Reviewed on Yelp
Rick Rasmussen
Great beer selection and a fun and creative menu with outstanding cooking to back it up!
Reviewed on Facebook
Kristi G.
I don't know why it has taken me so long to try this place! We stopped in on a Sunday for an early dinner. It was a beautiful day so we chose to sit outside. The patio area is very nice, with a great view of the downtown skyline. We started with the pickles, wings, and grilled octopus. All delicious! The octopus is to die for! Perfectly tender and complimented nicely by a citrus chimichurri. For entrees we decided on the GREEK ISLAND BEEF + REEF and the Ancient Grain Bowl. Both were prepared perfectly and I was impressed with the unique balance of flavors. I can't wait to come back and try some of the other menu items! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Summer W.
My favorite brunch spot in the city. All brunches come with a bloody mary, mimosa, or beer, so consider that when you look at the price. Also, with every alcoholic drink you purchase, you get a ticket for a free mini pizza. Sure, it's just a tortilla with sauce and cheese cooked until crispy, but they're GOOD and they're FREE. They also have one of the best burgers in town, hands down. It gets packed if there's an event at the nearby arena or convention center, so plan accordingly. They do take reservations. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
John B.
Very cool building (1903) and an interior to match: old wood paneling plus well-worn picnic tables, plus a nice bar. The room gets loud, so for conversation, try the small alcove by the fireplace. Good beer list focused mostly on beers from New York state. Order a beer and get a free, paper-plate-sized flatbread pizza! Creative menu. I enjoyed perfectly-cooked salmon over a delicious bed of spinach, roasted raisins, artichoke hearts, and pine nuts, plus stewed eggplant and peppers. Shared an excellent appetizer: grilled octopus with fried corn ribs. My son was happy with a Saranac root beer (made in NY!) and one of the free flatbread pizzas. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Cameron Jaskolowski
food was great. great staff and atmosphere
Reviewed on Facebook
