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    Albany War Room Tavern

    3.6 (52 reviews)

    Albany War Room Tavern Photos

    Business Info

    ALBANY WAR ROOM TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Albany War Room Tavern

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    Sushi plate
    Jennifer B.

    After seeing this place in a Reddit thread "Romantic Places to Eat In The Capital Region". My husband and I decided to try it out. Oliver was our server, he was super attentive, very informative about the menu/drink items and he played a large role into why we will be coming back to The War Room. As for the food, the sushi was some of the freshest I've had in the capital region, it was a beautiful presentation. I had the lobster mac & cheese and my partner had the chicken parm for dinner. We both almost finished the plate it was so delicious. For dessert we got two espresso martinis and a sticky toffey cake. So GOOD. The only downside was how expensive the cocktails were ($19 for Tito's espresso martini & $18 for another specialty cocktail) The table of 8 next two us also had a similar experience about how good the food and ambiance was. Will be going back to try some more sushi and the grilled cheese sometime soon.

    Omakase finale
    Corie Y.

    Omakase: a Japanese phrase used when ordering in restaurants meaning, "I'll leave it up to you". - And when you come to Albany War Room, you should absolutely leave it up to Saso for your sushi. Reservations at 6pm on a Thursday, it wasn't too crowded. The space small and there's plenty to look at as far as decor. It's some how quirky but upscale and intimate. Service was consistent and very friendly. We were going to sit at the sushi bar but the seats were a little uncomfy so we opted for a table. Reviewing the menu, I wanted to try it all, so we splurged a little and went for the Omakase. This is a dining experience filled with small crafted plates and the quality of everything was otherworldly. Omakase menu on 3/2/2023: Edamame MISO Soup House Salad Striped Bass Tataki with Ponzu Grilled Black Cod with Miso Emiko roll-Yellowtail Tartar with Wasabi robiko 1 pc of each-Toro, Salmon, Mackerel, Masago with Quail Egg, Eel, Shrimp Plum Roll (4 pcs) Citrus Fruit Salad or Mochi Ice Cream To start, the Miso soup was the best I ever had. Such a simple soup with strong umami flavors, somehow elevated, a great start to the meal. Followed by edamame and a light house salad with an awesome house made ginger dressing that makes it stand out. Then came the good stuff. The Stripped Bass Tataki was so fresh, the ponzu, scallions and the sweet and tender fish was a flavor bomb. So balanced, nothing needed, a perfect plate. But, the plates kept getting better. The Black Cod with Miso was pretty much the star of the show. Borderline orgasmic flavors that you just had to shut your eyes and enjoy every bite. Buttery, melt in your mouth, delicious cod with an amazing miso glaze. This was the best thing I've eaten on a long time. This dish made the omakase experience a 10/10 for me, and we haven't even gotten to the sushi! The grand finale was a large array of sushi. Two rolls and 7 individual pieces. This was quite the tour of sushi and I loved every bit of it. The nigiri was traditionally prepared with a dot of wasabi between the fish and the rice - perfect. The fish quality was impeccable, just look at it! The star of the plate was that toro and I saved it for my last bite. We weren't really a huge fan of the sour plum roll, but it was nice to try something new. The War Room far exceeded my expectations. We finished the meal with the green tea mochi in a plum sauce, it was the perfect not-so-sweet treat for the end of this meal. After this amazing experience, many carafes of sakes and great service and ambiance, we left loving it! I would go back in a heartbeat and order this again. I really hope they run a rotating omakase that changes seasonally! So yeah, get your reservations in ASAP.

    The War Room
    Pauline L.

    Yasuo Saso has been a legend among foodies in Albany. He became famous for his sushi and noodle house, which he operated for many years. Unfortunately, I wasn't living in the area at the time. I moved here after he'd already closed up shop. So when the news broke that the sushi master was back and serving up his amazing dishes at the Albany War Room, I had to try some for myself. My husband and I sat at the sushi bar, where we were greeted by Saso. We got there at about 1:30pm on a weekday, which turned out to be just in time. We didn't realize that the tavern stops serving lunch at 2pm. We ordered sushi and sashimi. Saso's meals live up to the hype. The fish was so fresh. Saso was able to bring out the amazing flavors with simple ingredients. It was all great, but the Spanish mackerel sushi was a taste sensation that I'd never tried before. Our server was Jeff. He was efficient, friendly and very helpful. We wanted to share a lobster mac and cheese, which sounded positively decadent. It was great, too. Thanks to Saso, Jeff and the kitchen staff, we were served lunch, drinks and even a delicious cheesecake by 2pm. I like the themed decor. Since the tavern is just steps from the State Capitol, the photos and artwork on the walls celebrate American politics. It's impossible to miss the moosehead over the fireplace --a salute--to Theodore Roosevelt. Both Saso and Jeff took the time to speak with us. The atmosphere is laid back and we never felt rushed. Our meal was wonderful. We'll have to come back and do it again sometime. Next time, we'll arrive a little earlier out of consideration to the staff.

    Vegetarian Dinner
    Leah S.

    I've been to the War Room a few times. The place is intimate, clean, and well designed. I love all the photos. The sushi is fresh and expertly made. My fav is the Vegetarian Dinner. The restaurant was particularly packed today and I was alone, so I sat at the bar and enjoyed a great conversation with Saso. I will definitely be back!

    a table with wine glasses on it
    Simon B.

    Had a very pleasant experience this evening. Nice location and ambience with very good service. Menu has nice variety of traditional options and then lots of sushi. Both theor burger and the bison burger were great. Thanks

    2023 01 04.  Street view.
    Jeremy C.

    I should never visit a new restaurant in the first month after they have opened. And this is not really a sushi restaurant, either. It is a 3-floor political museum / cigar-and-cognac room / steakhouse / basement bar - with a cramped 4-seat sushi bar tucked in the corner of the 1st floor. But I have wanted good sushi here in Albany for a while. And I have enjoyed the personality and culinary skills Chef Yasuo Saso and his 40+ years with a sushi knife, ever since he ran his own sushi restaurant in Albany 15 years ago. So it goes without saying that the sushi is very good, and although there was a limited selection for my visit (menu is not fully complete yet), I was still very pleased. Unfortunately, some other fundamentals of this restaurant/bar seem to still need a bit of work. The server apologized for, "the machine adds a surcharge for using a credit card," which he could have mentioned before I asked for my check. Surprise hidden fees always annoy me, no matter how small. Also, there was no POS system working yet, so the check itself was hand-written. A bit of an oversight, if you are opening a business that you hope for a large percentage of political tax-write-off type of business. And perhaps they can add a few different selections of sake. I will return. And hope that the problems on the technical are cleared up. 2023 01 12.

    Ed S.

    Many may remember Saso's (Cathy in tow) on Central. After years working on another focus, Saso is back. The interior of the restaurant is high end casual and filled with historic politic centric photo and nostalgic items. Tablecloth and napkins and an led light I loved, instead of that stupid battery votive candle. The server were available to make the meal move along. Saso managed to show far and above all others in Albany what sushi can be. The ingredients all seemed super fresh. The rice isn't just an afterthought, adding delicious flavors to each item. I had melt in your mouth salmon sashimi. I save a piece to make sure to have it at the end. I'm not much of a drinker but I had a Saso's Revenge. It was fruity and packed a punch. Good things take time. This is well worth the wait for excellent sushi. My wife had a corned beef sandwich with fries. (Weirdly, it for into the meal). She could only eat half and loved the crispy salted fries. We all shared pork bao. We ate it so fast .... No picture. We peeked into the bar. It looked inviting for a drink before or after dinner. Maybe next time!!

    Julia M.

    Giving 4 stars because of the service! The service was great, I can't say who my server was because everyone helped to make sure that I had good service and an exemplary experience. My meal wasn't anything special flavor-wise.. the salad dressing stood out to me the most, and the kindness everyone showed.

    David B.

    Had a great experience here in the middle of November. The sushi was easily the best I have had in Albany over my 10 years in the area (ordered several more times after having my first order with the tartare), and my partner's filet was cooked perfectly. The staff was attentive and dining room warm and inviting. Will likely be making this a one monthly dining spot.

    William Y.

    Ok this place amazed me. All my favorites in one place. Cigars,steaks,and sushi. Sasoo is the sushi chef and if you know anything about Albany, you would know he is the best in the city. The steak was cooked perfect paired with a great wine. Well done to the owner and med rare for my steak. I'm sitting next door with a cigar, and the world is right. Thank you GOD.

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    9 months ago

    Best real sushi around. Saso is a master sushi chef. If you want the real deal, this is it.

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    1 year ago

    Food and service was great. Stopped in for lunch. We sat at the bar. Had the lobster roll. It came out fast and was delicious.

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    2 years ago

    Great food and atmosphere! The sushi chefs know their stuff. Can't wait to go back for Omokase!

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    2 years ago

    The good was excellent and the service was top notch and attentive. Lobster roll and brisket was excellent!

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    3 years ago

    Bad and over priced food. Many other places worth going to. Service was friendly but very slow. Yuck.

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    3 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Todd S.

    sorry for the wait, swordfish is my favorite

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    3 years ago

    Service and food was very good. Wine selection was also great. Easy to find location for a late Sunday dinner.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Albany War Room Tavern

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    The City Beer Hall

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    I was staying at the Renaissance down the street for a conference at the Albany Capital Center. I…read moreneeded a quick dinner before I went to do more work in my room. The City Beer Hall fits the bill. Located on Howard Street, the City Beer Hall has the local hangout vibe for professionals in town like me and locals wanting a beer and a pizza and fun times. The building at one point housed the city's old telephone company, and now is a cool pizza bar joint with a speakeasy that wasn't open when I went. The large room that houses the bar and long communal tables with high ceilings and large windows is like a Biergarten that is works great for happy hours and evening hangouts. Pizza wise, I was pleased with their Hot Honey Pizza that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors between its delicious crust, pepperoni, creamy ricotta, tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a lovely drizzle of hot honey. I enjoyed the pizza with a Ommegang Blueberry Falls that was a "Blueberry Kolsch" whose crisp and slightly sweet flavors balanced well against the spicy and savory I was noshing. The only downside was I found the service behind the bar to be a bit slow and distracting from conversations with other customers. I felt I was forgotten until I finally flagged for the check. But overall, the City Beer Hall was a solid experience highlighted by their hot honey pizza.

    Stopped her while visiting for a conference and it was super busy for trivia. Lots of large tables…read moreand a big bar. Trivia was fun. I didn't get any food but it looked like great bar food. Super neat inside!

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    Back here after long hiatus.  And the women's NCAA BASKETBALL finals is in town.
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    Just loved to look up at this sky while enjoying our drinks and dinner.

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    Just loved to look up at this sky while enjoying our drinks and dinner.
    New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room

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    My wife and I stopped by with our three friends about 8pm on Saturday night. I was pleasantly…read moresurprised by the nice ambiance and decor with what looked like a copper top ceiling, a main bar, a few raised tables and 2 cozy leather chairs that made me think of enjoying a nice after dinner bourbon in the study of an late 19th to early 20th century study of a business tycoon or politician from that time period.. The bar tender, Noah, was impressive and friendly in that he knew his liquor stock very well, and could explain the flavor intricacies of the various types of bourbon, vodka, and gins. They also offer some non,-alcoholic beverages for the "designated driver" of the group too. We watched Noah make everything from regular and "dirty martinis" with fresh ingredients, as well as one drink where he used a butane lighter and some tiny cedar chips in a straining tool above the drink to give it a fresh, authentic smoky look and flavor. Noah knows his stuff!!!!! The patrons were friendly, diverse, and easy to socialize with if you chose to do so. The establishment is pet friendly for "socialized pets" with a water bowl outside the establishment and some free Milkbone treats inside. Keep in mind that this establishment is a "tasting room" with the majority of products from the New Scotland Distillery, but there are other options. Just don't expect to get a Bud Light Draft or food here. The only downside is that parking in the Lark Steet and State Street location is difficult to obtain without some effort, but we managed to park our vehicles 2 blocks away. This is not a direct criticism of the establishment because the experience is well worth this minor potential inconvenience. We would definitely go back there again, especially for the specialty drinks or the flights and half flights of their bourbon and vodka products. Thank you once again, Noah, for a pleasant and educational evening!!!

    No better place on earth. I love it here. Always have. Always Wil. Their manager is a hero to all…read more You must come in here. You must hang out. It's fantastic.

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    I removed my last review. The things I didn't like about it during that period of time have since…read morechanged. The wait staff is more ample and helpful. The drinks have gotten much better. It's a nice place to go and spend some time, cocktails are quite good and seating is usually available. They also seem to have a variety of things for everyone depending on what day of the week it is. I think Monday's they have the football game(s) on and video game tourny's. I went tonight(Thurs) and they had live music. I'm not big on acoustic guitar sing song shows, but the guy was friendly and everyone who was there seemed to be having a good time. The place has been open for at least a few years now and in such a heavy turnover of a business that must mean something good.

    Blue82 is definitely NOT the place to go if you do not like expensive martinis, crowds and loud…read moremusic and people on the weekends. It's packed with the college and 'senior' college crowd of those who wish we never left. During the week it is more chill and you can actually have a conversation and not have your eardrums blasted with bass. The decor is pretty cool and when its not packed you can enjoy yourself and friends. Drinks are a bit pricey but they are really good and not just your average screwdrivers and appletini's. They make some other unique flavor infusions too; just ask for something different, or let them make you a surprise drink catered around your 'likes.' Small but trendy, and not just a sports bar. Def date worthy place, although parking is street or paid lot around the corner. Watch your step on the cobblestones outside when in heels

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    Tuscany pannini
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    Oh yes .... pizza
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    Albany War Room Tavern - bars - Updated June 2026

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