The Excelsior Pub in Albany
Site: http://excelsior.pub/
- Monday:3PM–12AM
- Tuesday:3PM–12AM
- Wednesday:3PM–12AM
- Thursday:3PM–12AM
- Friday:3PM–2AM
- Saturday:3PM–2AM
- Sunday:11AM–12AM
Amazing local spot! Great beer and spirits selection. Food is top notch. Everything is either from NY or inspired by NY. So clearly it’s the only choice when you’re in the area.Haven’t been? You simply must give it a try!!
This is my neigborhood bar and I love it. The ceiling is low and the lighting is terrible and there are other bars in Albany that are much more beautiful. But Jay, the proprietor, makes this little corner bar stand out. Its a testimony to Jay that he can create such a sweet and authentic and homey place just downhill from the Empire Plaza. He loves beer and brings us the finest in NY brews, changing every week. All the other bar tenders are also great. Ive made real friends here! What more could you ask for from a bar?
Might look like a hole in the wall, but its filled with character. Solid draft list, decent liquor selection. Its a hidden gem to me.
A great concept for a restaurant - all delicacies and dishes from around New York State, with NY beers and wines for an authentic flavor to the bar and menu. Excelsior is a perfect spot if you are going out for happy hour, just a bite, or hitting a show at The Egg later that night. The wings are great, as are the garbage plates, and you cant go wrong with the NY Cheesecake.
First time back in a long while, just wanted to say whoever was in the kitchen tonight was really passionate about the reuben sandwich they made me. Thank you.Service in general is fab.
I was in Albany on business a couple of weeks ago. I travel a bunch, and always seek out places where the locals go to get an authentic experience. I got away from the downtown area where people seemed cold and impersonal, and wandered into the Excelsior. Gotta say Jay made this Texan feel right at home, and the patrons were all welcoming as well. You can tell everyone likes being there to enjoy the atmosphere. I tried some of the local beers, and had a Garbage Plate for dinner. Recommended! Threw some darts with the locals, had a few beers, relaxed and really enjoyed myself. Jay has created a warm, comfortable, friendly oasis in the heart of Albany. Ill consider it my home away from home if my travels take me back to the area!
We love going to this bar, the owners are very nice and hard working. Its a good place to go to support food and drink from NYS. The trivia is fun, and the people are always decent. And the parking garage right down the street is very convenient.
We loved how the entire menu and drinks are from New York state. There are two pinball machines, board games, and a jukebox with a diverse range of songs. The Saratoga Chips are a must! The waitress was also a doll and had a lot of knowledge for us out-of-towners. Well probably be going back again.
Thumbs up for the beef on weck sandwich! This bar featuring exclusively New York native food and drinks is a must as you pass through Albany or if youre a local. Great atmosphere, great libations, and excellent barstaff and service. Tuesday, September 24ths soundtrack of all alternative 90s music spoke to my sole. Seriously, this is a cool place to hang out.
Very nice concept but fair to poor execution. Perhaps I went in with different expectations. Beer selection was decent being all from NYS. Nice menu representation from all over the state, but youd be doing yourself a disservice by not experiencing each of the offerings in their native areas..for example the spiedie and hot dogs (yay for Hoffmans) here are both using the same typical store bought bun. Also I dont mind dive bars, and for some reason I wasnt expecting this to be one, but it is. Its grungy, and I dont believe the NYS themed concept pairs well with it. Other notes; there is no table service-you have to order the food at the bar, staff smells of cigarettes, kettle chips are good but there were a decent amount that were undercooked/soft, odd music at times, and food prep is questionable as it appears the limited staff wear all hats. Prices are very reasonable though. Again overall great concept but if I were executing it Id lose the dive bar atmosphere, arcade games, music station, and take things up a few notches.
Theres a reason every time I drive up from Long Island to visit my son at suny Albany the two of us go hereBesides an extensive craft beer menu and very friendly staff they have four late model pinball machines when its not covid they have a pinball tournament going onAnd of course theyre impossible Burger its amazing!
I enjoyed the friendly neighborhood atmosphere, the terrific mix of rock music, the giant garbage plate, and the great selection of local NY state drafts, ciders, and loquors. Prices were reasonable, and everything was delicious, especially the lavender cider
Five stars because Jay (owner) is the freaking man. He also has a boatload of great New York beers on draft as well as a fantastic selection of New York spirits. This is the neighborhood bar youve been looking for.
Best place in town. All are always warmly welcomed, regulars and first timers. Can’t beat the beer selection and the food is on point! I dare ya to find better wings and house made blue cheese! Whoever wrote the last review with the one star, ugh comment must be confused on what a great place really is. Thier 5 stars on not one but 3 Mc Donald’s and Walmart only prove it 🤦🏻♀️ Cheers to Excelsior and giving Albany a hell of a spot for good times and great people! 🍻
Everything you want in a pub. Great employees, atmosphere was awesome! (They even had a vegan option 😍) Thrilled & will return!
Live downtown. Work downtown. Drink downtown. I moved here a year ago, and live near North Pearl Streets bar scene, but now gladly walk over to Excelsior. Jay and the staff are amazing; I come for the delicious NY food and drinks, but stay because they each make it a welcoming place to chat (with them and other friendly regulars).
Banter, healthy atmosphere, enjoyed my visit in here. About as authentic NYS cuisine as youll get without traveling 3+ hours. Beers constantly cycle with NYS made brews.
Great Service, Great Staff, and love all the local NYS foods and spirits. Highly Recommended!
Really great local bar with freindly staff and regulars.
One of the best bars, if not the best, in Albany. Great beer selection. Always something to do and the Staff is amazing!!!
Typical Upstate NY bar. No frills, but almost everything originates from the area. Honestly the level of fun depends on who is bartending and their mood, which I find unprofessional yet again typical of Upstate NY. Not the most technical bartenders either.
One of the coolest bars in the city. Great taps, laid-back friendly beertenders, friendly local regular crowd. Just a great neighborhood bar.
The best spot for trying NY made Beer & Liquor. Owner even makes special trips across the state to pick up beers that dont get distributed to Albany.
Great place with a friendly atmosphere. Excelsior makes some of the best wings in Albany and they always have a good variety of NYS beers on tap.
Great house made potato chips. Very welcoming environment despite the neighborhood (at night). Lots of drinks on tap. 2 pinball games and an analog dart board.
Im not sure why this place gets high ratings on other review sites. While the bartender and waitress were super friendly, the place was tiny, a bit on the dirty side, and food was...meh. Theres no table service, so you have to order and pickup food at the bar and bring it back to your table.
No! Total zero! Have many invitations to meet at The Excelsior Pub. Welcome to the Mansion neighborhood... All those invitation will be changed to other Pubs. Today was parking in a street curbside handicapped spot. A spot not reserved exclusively for a specific person. Bartender comes out and makes an issue staring and making nasty faces. Blocking view and causing distractions as I park.. When I finish parking, I put up the handicapped placard. The legal way! So I parked and went inside a different neighborhood bar that was welcoming and friendly. I should have simplyy called the police. Yes called the police. Filed. Let the bar go to court for harrassing someone disable terminally ill legally using a handicapped placard in a legally designated handicapped zone. State of New York has stiff fines for that behavior. Albany is a welcoming friendly city. The Excelsior Pub is not! Aad business. With either a bad owner or employee.Next time this happen the police will be called. I will fully request they be prosecuted to the fullest. Discrimination. Harrassenent. Nearly causing an accidental. Making an issue Id someone handicapped in public. Illegal! No support for this business what so ever!
It has a great environment, fantastic staff, and an owner who will go out of his way for you. Super friendly guy and a great selection of New York sourced beer, liquor, and food
Great neighborhood bar with an amazing staff. Regulars are friendly. Pub fare from around NY. Long list of only NY breweries on tap.
Great old fashioned pub with a cool theme. Outstanding food, good conversation and a killer NYS themed beer list. Get There!!
All NY theme. Great drive bar. Must try Brown Cow wings, best sweat and pure enjoyment outside of Buffalo.
Loved this place. The owner was great. Good liquor and good beer. People were friendly. We would definitely go back.
Great selection of local beer, liquor, and food. Friendly and welcoming staff and patrons. My new favorite!
The beer is off the hook! The food is reasonable and it is a neighbor type bar... service exceptional... atmosphere friendly and welcoming.
A slightly threadbare bar with a big heart and a commitment to New York booze. Every time Im here I seem to get into a cool conversation with someone I just met.
Great beer selection, nice staff, cool events going on, and they encourage you to pregame there with money off beers when you have tickets to local events.
This is a little gem in an unassuming location serving NY made alcohol only. Has a nice little sidewalk patio space to hang out on a nice night.
Great beer bar with nice spirits selection and a wide variety of New York culinary contributions
Place is amazing! Jay is the best bartender in NY, and the pub food is worth it.
Awesome selection of NY beer and upstate food. Best wings in Albany!
Perfect place to get a cold beverage. I would actually consider Excelsior as a tourist attraction when visiting the State Capital.
Great bar, always fun events and its food and drinks are NY sourced.
Awesome selection of NY beers, wines and spirits. Great food and better people!
My favorite bar in the capitol region. Its the only place in the area with Glaziers hotdogs!
Best neighborhood bar in Albany
Good happy hour prices for beer, food I thought was ok but not amazing, really nice staff
Great atmosphere, amazing staff and good food. Also enjoyed the pinball machines
Exactly what I look for in a corner bar..jukebox,darts open kitchen , fantastic bartender and people who mind their own business.
Went for trivia stayed for the vodka doubles. Owner is great, place is clean, good crowd
Karaoke here was really fun! Drinks are reasonably priced. Would come for karaoke again!
Staff is friendly and helpful. The vegi burgers and chips are excellent. The chips are made on premises.
Great little place, quiet, friendly, all N.Y. STATE beer and food, Id highly recommend this place to everyone who asked!!!
Really friendly regulars, fun conversations, the crew and patrons made me feel at home right away. This place has a soul!
Home town bar feel... Simple and only NYS drafts on tap...
2 pinball tables, NY craft beer, cool staff. Hidden gem for sure.
Really cool little bar in downtown, serving only food and beverages native to New York State
Awesome spot, everything is sourced from New York. Jay is an entertaining albeit extremely sarcastic bartender.
Couldnt even get a drink cause the bartenders never seen a Massachusetts licence and didnt believe it was real. Thanks Excelsior Pub!
Good food, great beer, super nice people!
Great New York beer and steel tip darts. Try the brown chicken brown cow wings!
Great food, great beer, awesome bartenders, and fantastic patrons.
Quality new York establishment, good happy hour prices. Good service
Awesome bartenders and good local beer and liquor selection
Fun atmosphere and very engaging bartender on the Saturday that I was there.
Great Place, Great Beer Selection. Food really good too.
Great friendly pub with 4 top tier pinball machines
It was a great place to grab some drinks and quick food without breaking your wallet
Nice home town bar. Good Beer, nice people...
Best wings in town! The owner is always around and a great guy to deal with.
What a great little place for a drink. Nothing but New York!
Laid back bar with good beer and food.
Excellent little pub with good food and beer selections.
Love this place. The chips were delicious and I had fun singing 😂
Great wings and awesome brews! Jay is best.
Great NY local brews and weekly events
Great little spot. Plenty of libation options
Good place to visit for local Albany pinball.
Small place with a good vibe. A lot of ponball machines in the past
Excellent local beer, great conversation. Good vibe.
A New York State themed bar that serves exclusively New York State made beverages.
Great selection of New York only alcohol
Good bar with classic upstate food and drink
My favorite pub in Albany, makes me proud to be from here.
Had a great time played cards against humanity!
Friendly, trivia, fund raisers and good food & drink.
Awesome spot, came with my buddies for a pint
One of the top 3 bars in Albany!
Top-hole
Has garbage plates. If you are from Rochester NY, you know what that is.
Good drinks and great people.
This place is amazing . All New York All Day.
Jay is great, so are the food and drinks!
Love Name That Tune event each week
Too small. Drinks too high priced. For this South end area
Not a bad spot for drinks and entertainment...
Great beer, awesome staff
Love love the location used to live there for a year
Wonderful place. Friendly and fun!
Best bar in Albany.
The best bar in Albany.
NY themed food and drink. Pinball machines.
Great NY food and beer
Best beer & atmosphere in town
Chardeemakdennis was going on. That is all I need to say.
Great people and bomb wings
4 pinball machine and a bar!
The bartenders were AWESOME
The outdoor seating is neat
Local beer, wines, and liquor
Pinball!
Very cool place.
Pinball!
Cozy
Ugh
Fire biddies evereywrr
Great place to be a local
Beer and pinball!
An Albany treasure!
Total reviews rating 4.6
128 Reviews for The Excelsior Pub 2023:
Review №1
2022-07-02Great pub right below Empire State Plaza. Great selection of NYS craft beers, some of the best chicken wings I’ve had, and yes, they steam a good ham. (It’s a regional dialect.)
Review №2
2020-09-23I love this place. They have pinball machines! The owner, Jay, was there when I went and he was a very nice person. The chicken wings were 🔥. I never had a garbage plate before and I am so glad I had it here. Trying the different beers was fun and I am looking forward to trivia night on Thursday. Come check them out! Real chill place. 💓💓
Review №3
2022-04-24Great bartender. Great vibe. Great crowd. Great beer selection. Several pinball machines. Top notch. I miss it already.
Review №4
2022-03-16Waitress was great and food was standard. NY only offerings on the liquor was a great touch. Great stop after the coheed concert!
Review №5
2021-10-22Our evening was complete finding this bar at the end of our night visiting Albany. A welcoming staff and customer clientele became fast friends. Great selection of beer and liquor! We felt right at home with great conversations and good laughs.
Review №6
2021-06-15This is the best bar Ive ever been to. The bartenders are great to talk to, and the regulars are good people. Made quick friends in the area when I started going here. Jays a fantastic owner.
Review №7
2021-09-24Solid rotating beer selection, good food, good vibes, great people. Additionally, Excelsior has a pinball machine selection that is second to none in the area.
Review №8
2019-03-24Went here on a Saturday night, and had a great time. The bar has a local feel accentuated by the all NY menu. It has a cozy feel in the front and the opens up in the back for a more private time. The garbage plate was great, the patties were a little weak, but every other element made up for it. The brown cow wings were phenomenal, the sauce was deep and rich with some spice to it, and the wings underneath were cooked better than youd expect. While the food options are a little paltry the beer menu makes up for it in size and quality.
Review №9
2018-11-01Great atmosphere, good selection of NY craft beers, owner was super friendly and helpful. This was our first time in Albany and we hit a bunch of spots, but this is definitely the one wed come back to. Very chill, homey feel.
Review №10
2017-12-28A great bar in an excellent location. Lots of great New York beers on tap. A good helping of New York good specialities on the liked but quality menu. Cozy. Great staff, the owner is usually there and all staff are fantastic. Check out before and after event pricing for the TU Center.