Chris Shaw’s Holiday Shopping Pitstops in Albany

Albany

The Olde English Pub
683 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
(518) 434-6533

They call this place, “The Little House with Beer In It,” but that’s hardly the whole story here! This is a real English pub that’s serving a truly English menu. I’ve enjoyed it here for some time; the food and beer selection is seasonal, and very well balanced with the beer list itself. In the summer it has an unrivaled outdoor space, but during the holidays they decorate to the max!

It’s worth going just to see Greta Graydon’s magical transformation of this place into a cozy British pub during the holidays. Between sitting by the fire under the portrait of Winston Churchill, and sipping a hot toddy while your Fish and Chips cool, this is a Holiday stop not to be missed! “God bless us, everyone!”

The City Beer Hall
42 Howard Street, Albany, NY 12207
(518) 449-2337

Chef Dimitrios Menagias is holding court in this charming downtown location. You may remember it as Ogden’s, but the food is very original, with twists and turns on favorites that make this place a great lunch/early supper choice.

As the title suggests, the beer menu is extensive, and well paired to items on the menu. Consider parking across the street in the evening, or on State during the day and walk the 1 block in. For heaven’s sake… try the “Devils on Horseback.”

Next stop, Schenectady…