Vault 244

It is hard to find a place that has nailed the four essentials of a great dining experience: food, drinks, atmosphere, and service. While I am not a big fan of everything on the menu it is more to do with my preferences than their execution. Their pasta is always cooked perfectly and their sauces are TO DIE FOR. Their drinks are amazing with great combinations that fit a diverse array of tastes. The service is excellent (though some servers are definitely better than others). The atmosphere is awesome. It's cozy, clean, and chic. I think the prices are spot on for the amount and quality of food. I was surprised to hear people complain about portions. I always leave stuffed. Their happy hour has great deals too! By far my favorite place to eat/drink.

Love love love! Great drinks, great service, and awesome food.

I love this place and mostly have good experiences.  The food is good, the wine list solid, the service professional.  

The last time my husband and I visited, however, we sat at the bar to have a glass of wine and the young bartender could barely trouble himself to wait on us (alas, for him, my husband and I are winery professionals - though we didn't mention it).  It wasn't busy, there was only one other person even sitting at the bar.

The experience was saved, however, by the (intentionally) bald bartender who seems always to be there (he also has noticeable tattoos on his forearms) - he picked up on the way the other fellow was behaving and he came over and was not only friendly, but let my husband and I try an unusual apertif.  Smart man.  Not only will we return to Vault 244, but we will buy a cocktail made with this stuff (can't for the life of me remember what it was - but it was great!)

Anyhow, two big thumbs up on Vault 244.  Imagine the grumpy bartender won't last long or will get his attitude adjusted.  Albany is fortunate to have such a wonderful restaurant and lounge.