Speakeasy 518

Speakeasy is a very cool small club. An un-​assuming entrance as expected with the name Speakeasy, you need to ring the bell to get entry. Enter and you immediately see a very cool ambiance, greeters and hostesses dressed in interesting attire, the bartenders well dressed, low lighting and then theirs the music.
They have a strict «NO CELLPHONE» policy as I learned when I used my phone flashlight to read the menu and was promptly advised as such. However, I do respect the policy as it forces people to interact, enjoy the music and not sit and stare at their phones.
The music was a trio of a vocalist, bassist and guitarist. They all did a nice job and as a musician myself, I really enjoyed it.
The bar, the room and even the bathrooms were nice and kept the theme throughout.
My cocktail was a Bourbon Sidecar which was made and presented very well, and my snack was an order of Oysters Rockefeller. Both were great and the prices were reasonable.
Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed my date night with my husband. Started off the night upstairs at City Beer Hall, and then had reservations at 518.
Great low key «hidden» gem. Next time I’m gonna dress the part. Enjoyed unusual cocktails. Great live Jazz. A real enjoyable entertaining night, full of ambience.

I’m a huge fan of the speakasy! It’s not a place I’d go to every week, as I think it would lose a little of its shine for me, but I go every few months and I always leave happy with the experience. Great cocktails. I love that the staff know so much about the ingredients in the drinks and that such care is taken in providing you with a perfect cocktail. The menu also changes pretty often, so I am always finding great new drinks to try. I love the live music. I love the quaint space. I even love the Lemonheads in the bathroom. This is high on my list to take friends from out of town and I feel like I am always recommending the speakeasy to people looking for something a little different in a night out.

Coolest place in the Capital Region. Great theme, great décor, awesome quiet jazz music — just a great vibe. The people who come here are an interesting group and that makes it a fun place to be. The cocktails I have had here have ranged from really good to Unbelievably good, especially when they create something for me based on what I like. Everytime I come I wonder why I am not there more often. Next time I am sitting at the bar to talk more with the other people there and see how the bartenders are making my custom cocktail.

I’m in love with this place. Delicious cocktails, groovy jazz and ever present service. Not to mention the flawless ambiance. Just don’t use your phone and all will be good with the world.

Went to speak easy last night with a couple of other friends. The ambience was great… the drinks albeit expensive ($ 12) were impressive & pretty strong concoctions for the most part. What I was disappointed about was the ‘idea of exclusivity’ it tends to promote & stands on, which I didn’t think existed there. Most of the crowd was in their early 20s… some dressed in jeans… torn up at that… one in tshirt, shorts & sneakers.& whether you had reservations or not. didn’t matter because they were filling the place up. The music was nice but the sound of the chatter took over & it at best seemed to be mellow background music. I will go there again-​in my jeans & tshirt.

Been here a few times — maybe 3 exactly. Lets get into it!
Firstly I’ve only ordered drinks while here and I can tell you… big fan. I am a fan of whiskeys, bourbons, and other dark liquors so it is no surprise I love the cocktails served here. They are genuine and classic drinks — many times too strong for friends who aren’t fans of stronger alcohol flavors over fruitier concoctions. These are thought out and crafted drinks. Yes they are at times more bold — but that is what I appreciate most about them and this place.
Only reason for not 5 stars is because it isn’t an all the time occasion, for me anyways. It is more of a treat because the prices are noticeably higher and the atmosphere particular. It is a great place to lounge and enjoy company in a more controlled and tempered experience — but I’m not dying to go back every weekend — I have to be… in the mooooood if you will.
The servers are professional and truly genuine. They enjoy answering questions about the drinks and establishment — very rewarding experience.
Throw on some sharp outfits and get a reservation — you’ll be delightfully dazzled by the experience.

Legitimately the best bar I’ve ever been to. They really stick to their theme of a prohibition era cocktail bar, from the atmosphere to the bartenders’ outfits and the delicious, creative cocktails. Phones aren’t allowed, and old music creates a comforting environment that makes you feel like you’re living in 1920s. I was not expecting this out of Albany at all and was very pleasantly surprised! The cocktails are amazing and it was fun chatting with the bartender. I’ll be back every time I visit the area!

Five stars for the ambience and low key live jazz. Two stars removed for the unexpectedly terrible mixology, one star removed for our waitress who became quite short with us when we dared to ask for fixing two of the drinks we had.
We were two couples. Quite experienced into the world of cocktails. Two of us with bartender experience form various cocktail bars. One of us internationally.
We each had a cocktail. Two were unbelievable sour (they completely forgot the Galliano in the «Yellow Boxer» resulting in a drink tasting like a bad Margarita with more lime than tequila. Apparently we thoroughly annoyed our waitress when we had the audacity to ask for a small shot of Galliano to fix it. The other drink (which name escapes me) was just downright acidic — way too much lemon. We left it on the table and ordered instead a Goose and Tonic (how can you ruin that?). Well, it turned out they could. We are guessing they did 4 – 5 parts of tonic to 1 part vodka. Wow! We gave up and left.
Would recommend to go for a beer here as they have their proportions quite wrong in the bar.
Such a shame — we really liked the ambience and setting.

live jazz.
no cell phones
or pictures allowed.
prohibition and modern drinks
unmarked door.
hope for open bar seats
better if you made reservations.
unexpected for albany.
cash only!

What’s not to love about the Speakeasy? It’s a classy mix of new school meets old school, it’s intimate, and the drinks are incredible!
We came here on a Friday night with a reservation and were greeted and seated as soon as we rang the doorbell. Our couch was tucked into a back corner and had a perfect view of the live jazz band. All of the waitresses and staff were dressed in prohibition era costume which only contributed to the vibe and experience. Over the course of the night we had four drinks, all of which were delicious! Others have mentioned that at $ 12 a piece (cash only) they think the drinks are over priced, but you have to consider that you’re getting top notch drinks and excellent live entertainment.
I’m deducting a star because I don’t think they’re stringent enough with their dress code policy. When you’re expecting an elegant night out it’s a bit of a turn off when the people next to you are wearing cargo shorts and flip flops, but other than that we had a really great time!

My favorite bar in Albany. Drinks are creative, quality, and potent. Each drink is $ 12 cash only. No cell phones allowed.
The door is a few steps to the left down the hill from the City Beer Hall corner entrance. If it’s open, a red light will be on. Ring the bell once. If they’re close to capacity, you don’t have a reservation, and you don’t look like you’re classy enough to spend a few bucks inside, you might not get in. You’ll appreciate the experience even more if you’re in nicer clothes and they’ll appreciate your effort too.
Reservations are suggested, especially on Friday and Saturday. Tables are available for reservation but you really should sit at the bar. If seats are available, try the middle of the bar where drinks are being mixed. It’s much more interesting to watch the action up close than to sit off to the side at a table. Of course, if you’re there with a dozen friends, reserve a couch area and save the barstool experience for next time.
Food is available and it’s quality, but you probably want to dine elsewhere. The atmosphere is much more a speakeasy bar than a restaurant and the very limited food menu is evidence of that fact. Most people just go for the drinks.
Since it opens at 8pm, parking is usually available on State or Howard. Friends have used the City Beer Hall lot, but I’m not sure if it’s officially shared.

I am not a fan.
Yes, the interior is cozy aka tight.
Yes, the drinks are tasty.
But… I’m not a fan of their entrance policy.
You can’t see them but they can see you.
They claim no seating and deny entrance if you don’t fit their criteria.
Yes, the profile in every way, shape and form.
And yes, it’s obvious once you get in.
Once inside, if you make their cut, it’s cash only.
Cocktails start at $ 12 and go up from there.
I’m sorry but this is not NYC.
This place needs to get over itself.
It’s not the chic urban club you imagined.

A bunch of pretentious nerds making bad drinks. One tasted like the bottom of a fire pit, a vodka drink with sweet potato vodka (horrible), and a margarita that missed everything good about a margarita. The «if we like you we will invite you to be a member» mentality empowers hipsters well beyond their means.
One star only because Unilocal requires it

Easily my favorite bar in Albany, and an experience everyone should try. It’s a nice oasis in a sea of Albany college bars, with a staff that is always warm and welcome and an atmosphere you can’t get anywhere else. From the live jazz, to the no cell phone rule (amazing), down to the overall knowledge and antics of the Staff this place is unmatched. I haven’t even gotten to the drinks yet with everyone from the classics to an extensive micro-​distillery collection to their own takes on the classics this place has something for everyone.
The drinks are strong so word of caution around that, but I suggest asking the bartenders for a suggestion to get the full effect and let them help you discover a new favorite!

After dinner at a local fine dining establishment, the owner stopped over and asked our plans for the evening. We replied we had none, so he suggested Speakeasy 518, located under the City Beer Hall. Neither one of us had ever been there, but were familiar with the name.
We arrived at the door, where we rang the bell and a woman answered the door, dressed in prohibition era couture, and took our names letting us know there was a short wait. She called me when 2 spots at the bar opened up, and as soon as we stepped into the bar, it was like we had stepped back in time. The bartenders were dressed in button-​down shirts, vests and bow ties, with their hair styles matching the prohibition era theme. The bartender, George, greeted us with a smile and explained to us the «Rules» as we were first-​timers. The drinks are categorized by era (prohibition era and current day), and go from light to dark. They are almost all $ 12 each, but they are incredibly well-​made and very strong — there is nothing stingy about these drinks! Make sure you order the Four Flusher — it’s made with local rum and it’s delicious!
The 2-​piece live jazz band consisted of 1 man on a saxophone, and another on a type of guitar — the mood was perfect, it wasn’t crowded and the vibe was relaxed. It’s definitely a more mature crowd and is truly a speakeasy. The attraction is that there’s not a lot of publicity around it, and it’s not for everyone — also, I love the no cell phone rule — the last thing I want is someone trying to take a «selfie» over my shoulder, interrupting my quiet conversation. The décor is perfect — you will feel completely at ease, similar to that of the completion of meditation — relaxed and peaceful.
This is a cash bar only — so make sure you come prepared, otherwise you’ll have to hit up the ATM which is located in the space upstairs, the City Beer Hall.
I loved the exclusivity concept as well, as there is never a crowd and the most you will ever see in this establishment is 60 people. I will most definitely be back, without a doubt! Thank you for a perfect speakeasy experience.

I want to give them a 5 because I feel they’ve definitely pulled off something unique for the Capital Region, but I feel I can’t quite rave till the cows come home about this place so I’ve settled on a 4.
I’ve been here on quite a few occasions both with small and large groups and each time they’ve accommodated us nicely (despite the «you might not get in» front), so for that– thanks!
The drinks are well crafted, their menu was good but nothing earth shattering. I guess I’ll give them a pass on the cash only thing and no cell phone thing since it’s part of their throwback prohibition «theme» but if we’re being technical, did video surveillance (for the front door) exist back then? I think back in the day they just had the handy dandy peep hole. But anyways, the drinks are good… $ 12 good? When you add up the theme, the ambience and the staff– maybe. I’ve tried a handful of their drinks and my favorite has been one that is no longer on the menu and I don’t remember the name, but a close second is the Rocky Mountain Zephyr (also no longer on the menu but my husband was smart enough to memorize that one). But I’ve also had my share of eh drinks here. However, like any speakeasy-​style joint, the true experience is having one of the cocktail experts craft you something unique.
They do have live music on some nights which highlights the mood. Back in the day when they first opened the reservations were more for show (we’d call, they’d say there was a waitlist, they’d call us back 10 min later saying «something just opened up»… Oh the thrill of the chase). Nowadays, I think it’s more legit since the word is out so you might want to make a rezzy especially if coming with a larger group.

On further review…
…it’s not 5*: I keep coming back to peer-​comparisons, and the level of polish/​detail doesn’t rise to 5*. The period character: schtick is good (although hiding the video screens would help) but then allowing an electronic keyboard instead of the upright? Not great. Cocktails are generally solid but not inspired; booths turn out, after the first blush of fun, to be a little too small.
So: fun, one-​of-​a-​kind around here, but not — alas — a 5* joint.

A lot of places advertise as speakeasies, but few rarely deliver, which is why I was almost pleasantly surprised when I rang the door, and a man gave me a difficult time before entering. Not secret password difficult mind you, but enough questions to make me feel as though I was almost doing something wrong.
And I liked that.
Once allowed inside the place was dimly lit, the servers were well dressed, and a live band was playing jazz. Having come from a day spent in the Adirondacks I was still in shorts. Having had enough fortitude to bring along topsiders and a nice shirt, I still felt significantly under dressed from those around me. Not that there was anything wrong with that. There were even flappers enjoying cocktails at a table nearby.
Ambiance is good and all, but meaningless if the drinks don’t measure up. Thankfully that wasn’t an issue. I had two, both made with one kind of whiskey or another. Sadly I can’t find there menu anywhere online, and I didn’t have the foresight to photograph it, but the first was something similar to a Manhattan. While typically served with a large ice cube, I asked for it neat, and couldn’t have been happier. Why dilute something so good?
The second cocktail was a bit more adventurous for myself. I believe the ingredients were rye or bourbon, lemon, simple syrup and egg whites. If the idea of raw egg whites in a drink sounds off-​putting, get over it and give it a shot. There is no «egg» flavor, but in return there is a smooth frothiness that is hard to match otherwise.
My wife, acting as designated driver asked the server for something gingery and nonalcoholic. While I have no idea what was put in that drink, I’d say it was one of the best mocktails I’ve ever had.
If you’re in the mood for beer, and noise, City Beer Hall is an excellent choice, but if you’re looking for a night out that allows for good conversation and some serious mixology, Speakeasy 518 is an excellent choice.

Love. Nothing but love.
The first modern speakeasy I went to was Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco. And when I heard the owners of The CIty Beer Hall were going to turn their basement into a speakeasy, I had my doubts that they could actually pull it off.
Well, they did it. Not only did they nail the look, but they got the one man in town who could run the beverage program. The Capital Region is lucky to have Robert Mack tending bar. He’s got the passion and dedication to craft required for the job.
Everything I’ve had has been incredible. I love all the different glasses. I love all the different shapes of ice. I love the use of local spirits. I love the homemade bitters. I love the bathrooms. I love the no cell phone policy. I love that it’s quiet and that everyone is guaranteed to have a seat.
Want a low-​alcohol cocktail? They’ll make you one. I had a delicious inverted Manhattan — some would call it a shim — but it’s mostly vermouth, with a splash of rye. They used great bottles, and it was fantastic.
Want a no-​alcohol libation? They’ll craft something awesome for you too.
I went with a group one time and we got the Tom & Jerry. It’s a warming winter drink that’s made by whisking eggs into a brandy and rum mixture. It took a long time to make, but it was absolutely amazing. This is one of those cocktails that makes sense to order out, because it’s a ton of work to build the drink. But I can’t even imagine another bar in the area that might be able to execute a decent version of this classic.
My only wish is that we had a better public transit system or that cabs were more reliable in this town, so I could go and enjoy more than one or two drinks at a time. In the meanwhile, this is a great place for a special treat.