The Hollow Bar + Kitchen

Address:	79 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207, USA
Phone:	+1 518-426-8550
Site:	thehollowalbany.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	5PM–12AM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–4AM 5PM–4AM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

iMacOfDeath

The Hollow was once a Bar, now turned into something more to attract a larger crowd. However while the bar has now become a restaurant, its atmosphere still remains the same; loud. The tables are rather small and more for gatherings of four or less, and the seating outside of the booths was all hard wood. The service and food were excellent however, our waiter Curtis was very helpful and friendly. We visited this restaurant on Restaurant Week in Albany, so our choices in food were limited as we participated in this event. I ordered the Creamy Roasted Carrot Bisque, which while I dont like carrot was surprisingly good. Next was the Chicken Milanese, which was perfectly pan seared and very juicy. Its sauce had great flavor, and went great with with wild rice and asparagus. And finally I had the Strawberry Shortcake for desert, and this one is for fans of the original shortcake. Soda Biscuits, not that buttery pillsbury in a can stuff. A homemade cream that was rich and creamy, and freshly diced strawberries. Delicious. I had also ordered a Caprifruta, which was ok but didnt quite have the kick I was looking for.

Leah Wood

We ate here for dinner tonight while visiting Albany. The food was amazing. What I reallt wanted was the beef brisket sandwich, but for some reason they only serve it for lunch. I settled for the burger with the fried egg on top and pretty much ate like fat kid status. The meat had so much flavor anx it came with this spicy ketchup that was yummy. If you love sweet potato fries, thiers are slam yo momma good! We also enjoyed the atmosphere as well. They have cool exposed brick, mason jar lighting among other things. We were pleased that they took reservations because we brought our two kids, even though werent a lot of kids there it seemed fine for families. There is street parking which was difficult, but on block past rhe restaurant there is a public parking lot that is $5 cash if you dont want the hassle of circling around. My only complaint about the restaurant is our server really wasnt that attentantive. Oh ansmd they serve Pepsi products which is obviously a personal preference (and didnt affect the rating).

Cait Dole

This place always has great food and drinks. Its best to make a reservation as it does get busy, but the food is always fresh, and I havent had a bad meal in the 7-8 times I have been. The hostess, bartenders, and wait staff are always very nice, and the service is quick. Theres lots of drink choices, especially specialty drafts and bottles. They have tons of menu choices, some more expensive entrees and appetizers, like calamari and steak/seafood, etc, but they also have cheaper pub fare if youre just looking for a fairly inexpensive meal (burgers, sandwiches, nachos, etc). The atmosphere is great, its a nice spot on pearl that also offers live music. Would definitely recommend to anyone trying to go to a business dinner or just for a good meal with friends/significant others.

Clyanna Lightbourn

The Hollow bar is one of my favourite spots in Albany. Their new head chef, Benji has come in with some culinary insights that are unparalleled. In his short time there, he has already made his mark on the dishes coming out of the kitchen. Im excited to see his progress there. The food is excellent, the wait staff is great, and the bartenders in the back are just the best. Whether its 5 pm or 2 am, they are friendly and really helpful when trying to find a good drink or friendly conversation. I love going there for live shows. Its apparent they love good music as much as the resat of us. Always a great time, always a great crowd. From indie to hip hop, its really just amazing.

Greg Hudson

Was in town for work and went here for happy hour that led to dinner. Great beer selection and offer flights for all of their beers. On top of that, their bartending staff were super friendly and offered free samples and worked through numerous beers to help my friend find a beer she liked. Our waitress was super friendly, never felt rushed, even though we ended up being there over 3 hours. Finally, once we had ordered our food (all which was delicious), the chef came out to greet us and see how everything was -- another amazingly nice man. Overall, a super friendly atmosphere with great food and beer -- this is what a gastropub should be.

Jared Bennett

Called Yesterday to confirm that they had a beer on tap because they had not updated the site in 3 days. A friend and I were walk up to the door last night in the rain just before 9pm a guy walked up and locked the door as we were 5 feet away. Then walked away from the door. He could have popped his head out and said they were closing or told me earlier they would be closing early. I called and he said they had a big party around 300 people in the morning and the staff had to be back at 10am. when I mentioned he locked the door in front of us he didnt apologize not very professional.

TodayILearned SomethingNew

I would rate this better but you have to get better bouncers. It was in the middle of the Twiddle show and this guy had a vape (nicotine only) that I hit and one of the bouncers came over and kicked me out. As I was walked out I asked if I could finish my beer, he told me no, took my beer and shoved me out of the door. As I got outside there were 2 different people smoking weed and I tell him about it. What does he do? Nothing. Completely absurd. Again, I like the venue, but you really need to hire new bouncers.

Manny Mcdude

So we, a family of four passing through Albany, went into this restaurant on our way back home. The service was spectacular, especially the waitress, who was the best waitress Ive ever had. The food was good (we ordered a quesadilla, a house salad plate, and two 4-cheese mac and cheese specials), even though the main chef was apparently at a concert when we ate there. All 4 of us enjoyed ourselves, and I would recommend the restaurant section of this place to anyone in or near Albany.

Sami Schalk

Bar, restaurant and live music spot. I recommend checking their website because when there is a live show or event, its not ideal for doing dinner because it gets very busy and very loud. They have a smaller menu than some places in the area, but good wings and burgers. Limited vegetarian options. They have a big beer menu and some really good mason jar cocktails. Good date spot with rustic and hipster decor

Jim Dzembo

Caught Lord Electros CD release party/show here. It was awesome. Best thing about The Hollow is the different areas. The stage area is loud and great for people who want to dance or be around loud music, the middle area has a pool table so you can still listen and have more conversation, and then the other bar is almost completely separate and has a more pub type feel to it.

Lorre S

I have been a few times and really enjoyed the food - GREAT gaspacho, very good signature salad, excellent gnocci with pesto and a slammin burger. The service was a little uneven. Oh, and the beer list is fun, with a flight service of four for $10 so you can taste your way through and find some favorites. For basically a music hall with a bar the food is really good.