Susie's

I've been to Susie's a few times now.  Usually, it's a relatively quiet bar, but I've also been there when the bar is quite a bit busier as well.  Susie's is a basement bar within shouting distance of the Lark Street scene, and the atmosphere is dark, yet relaxed.  The beer selection is decent, plus they have a full bar as well.

Went here when I was younger and underage. They won't card-great bar. This was several years ago now, but try them out if you aren't 21 and want to go out for a drink with friends! Very laid back and low key.

If you want to take over a bar with a mere 1/2 dozen of your friends, this is the place to go. There are usually not many people in there, which is good. The place is not large. One little sitting area, then bar space and seats against the wall. That's basically it. There is a deck out back, but it totally lacks a Susie's feel to it. You know, because sunlight exists outside. I guess I didn't yet mention that the place is in a basement.

When it gets even slightly crowded, a bartender will collect empty glasses rather frequently. (I assume that's because they have a limited supply of glasses. How cool is that? A bar with a glassware supply sufficient to handle only an intimate crowd. If it gets too popular, people don't get drinks. Ok, that's purely a fantasy I created in my head. Could be true though.)

The prices aren't bad and Cafe 217 is in one direction while Dino's Pizza is in the other. What about food at Susie's? Well, um. I really, uh, don't even know if they serve any. I've only gone there to drink. With the other two places so close on either side of Susie's, I didn't even think to eat there. Well, I wouldn't really want to eat there either.

But back to the drinks. The bartenders tend to be cool and you can get the person's attention because there are usually so few people in the place. Yes, I really am saying that a nearly empty bar is my preferred bar in Albany. It lacks college student bozos and attracts a more punk crowd. Punk might be too intense of a word. People who might chill in black attire and adorn themselves with body art. That's better.

If you're sitting right under a speaker, I hope your friends with similar musical taste are the ones messing with the jukebox. If not, you might have to endure an extremely loud set of songs you're not into.

Parking can be an issue. I don't really have a good solution for that. Also, if you're drinking, you might wish not to drive.

See you at Susie's!