Food Review: Albany’s Gastropub

Gastropub is located on New Scotland Ave, between St. Peter’s Hospital and Albany Med. It’s a relatively well to do neighborhood and the crowd within echoes as much.

Upon entering, my eyes were greeted by a bustling crowd and a full house. The beautiful bar that seats about 14 opens to a cozy dining area that holds a moderately cramped 42 occupants.

Opposite the bar is an open kitchen. Expect the occasional leap of a flame to involuntarily catch your eye, while also adding a thin veil of smoke to the atmosphere that may even cause your eyes to burn and water.

The initial impression probably wouldn’t have been enough to persuade me to endure the predicted 35 minute wait, had I not been writing a review of the establishment. However, the fact that their business could be described as “booming” is a good sign.

Despite all the previously listed drawbacks, the feast served makes the wait well worth it.

The staples of pub food, such as pizzas, burgers, and fries, are all created with a delicious flare that I can only describe as unique to Gastropub.

In addition, the menu has fare ranging from the exotic pickled farm eggs, to the Canadian favorite: poutine.

The burger I chose was an eight oz. of supreme cut, served with grilled onions, roasted garlic aioli, and a massive portobello mushroom. Its flavor caused me to gasp with delight as my eyes rolled towards the ceiling. All this for a meager $13…quite the steal indeed.

The homemade fries that accompanied the exquisite burger surpassed expectations with their saltiness and savory character.

Moreover, the hand crafted pizza my fiancé ordered left nothing to be desired. The small size, priced at $10, was enough to satiate his hunger, and the melted cheese mixed with the ground pork made my taste buds hum.

Aside from the meals, the numerous beers available were all priced competitively and several of them I hadn’t ever heard of. I take that for a good sign. As well, each beer’s hometown and state is listed on the beer list. The wine list echoes this format.

Throughout my dining experience, it seemed the staff would do anything within their powers to please.

There were roughly eight of them, and what made me grin was the fun loving attitude that each of them seemed to exude. Their laughing and smiling added as much to the mood as the smoke took away.

Albany’s Gastropub is deserving of a favorable nod.