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    Illusive Restaurant & Bar

    4.3 (156 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Illusive Restaurant & Bar Photos

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    ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

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    Wings
    Steph M.

    I came here on a Saturday evening for dinner and drinks. Upon arrival, the parking lot was packed - we had the option to sit outside on the patio or inside the restaurant and opted to sit indoors as it was hot. The seating is closely arranged to other tables so I asked the hostess if we could get a seat in the corner, she proceeded to tell me that it was reserved already which I understood but we stayed almost up to closing and the table was open the entire time. We ended up sitting in a two seater very close to another table. I ordered the speciality drink for the week - it was cucumber based but did not taste very good. For food, we got the wings [seemed to be a favorite amongst everyone's orders], can not remember the sauce we picked. Overall they were good, crispy, and tasty but would probably opt for another sauce next time. I ordered the Harlem chopped cheese with fries. My brother got a burger and tater tots. The tater tots seemed to be a better option as they were crispy and seasoned well in comparison to the fries but both of the sandwiches were tasty. I would be back to try the food again but had to take stars off for the drinks and service with seating.

    Harvest Moon Margarita
    Brittany H.

    What a great burger joint. It's a casual restaurant which is great. The server was fast and friendly. They have a good cocktail selection. My husband and I both got the Harvest Moon Margarita., which were delicious. We started with the Brussels sprouts, which were delicious! My husband had the bougie burger which he inhaled. I had the empire burger, it was such a great burger. I forgot to let the camera eat first!

    Rory M.

    We visited Illusive for a family birthday dinner. There is plenty of parking. The inside is smaller than I thought it would be. We had a very nice corner seat. The noise level inside was good to be able to have a conversation without having to yell. The poutine tots were delicious, the cheese was melted, so I'm not sure if it was actual cheese curd but the combination with melty cheese, smooth gravy and crispy tots was a table winner. Most of the table ordered chicken sandwich's which we all enjoyed. One guest ordered the whipped ricotta dish, it was very bland, it needed salt and/or some lemon zest, something to bring out the flavors. Unfortunately the soda was flat, the server was amazing and made sure we all got new beverages.

    Street corn dip / Corn-Jalapenos-Tomatoes-Red Onion Blend Warm Creamy Cotija Cheese/Naan Dippers Smoked Paprika/Micro Cilantro Garnish
    Samantha H.

    Prompt last minute after work drinks and apps we went to illusive restaurant and bar in Rennesalear. It was my first time there, we sat outside on the patio and had the best waitress Niyah as she was very attentive, friendly and didn't rush us out of there when the place started getting busy. Not sure what the other happy hour specials were but house wine was $1 off a glass. We order two apps to share first being street corn dip (was decent) and the other the whipped ricotta which was out of the world. 10/10 wasn't expecting anything like that. We both ordered burgers and wings to go. Special of the week was as smash burger placed in fondue very yummy. Hubby and nephew said their burgers were good even not fresh. I will definitely try the place again.

    Brandon N.

    One night in Albany a foodie search provided this highly rated local restaurant. I ordered to go multiple items to get a taste of everything. First was some wings, buffalo parm and garlic lemon pepper, two flavors I had never seen before. Two flavors I will not order again. The parm and the garlic was very strong. I don't think they were bad just not for me but if it was it would be great. The Mac and cheese was some of the best I have ever had. Yet it still didn't beat the best item, the burger! The burger was seasoned, juicy, thick, I can only imagine how much better it would have been fresh and not to go. I would have rated this a 4.5 but since no halves I went with the 4. If back again I wouldn't think twice about going back!

    Me expresso martini turning 67

    Threw together a last minute Birthday lunch for my 67th 6 of us only 2 had been but had been. Was on there list to go! All were really impressed. We drank and ate like Queens! Crafted cocktails are yummy! Bartender is awesome! Menu is very unique and delicious. If you are a baconater this is the place for you. Salads, burgers Sandwiches to delicious Salmon. Love this place! Thanks for a perfect last minute soirée

    Cobb salad
    Ashlee D.

    I hate to rain on everybody's parade but here I am. I feel like people PRAISE this place and I didn't get that. First kids menu didn't have chicken fingers; ok this is a me problem. So we ordered grilled cheese for my youngest. It was very thick, like Texas toast style, so my 4 year old did not like it. Also with kids and adults you have to buy sides, like fries, separate. That made my 4yo kids meal over $10. Not sure if this was an error but my kids drinks which came in kids cups were the same price as my drink. Maybe this was an error in billing but that's still a miss for me. I do not like that you buy things separate. What bar/restaurant and not fancy/family style place do you go to that charges for a burger and fries separately? Of course you want fries or chips when you order a burger. So that's weird to me. To the good things; the lemon pepper wings, Cobb salad and burger with fries were delicious! I would definitely eat this food again but based on the availability places nearby that don't list the above problems,I may not be back.

    Blue moon

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    26 days ago

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    6 days ago

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    Jack M.

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    6 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Great wings. I can see why they won an award! A little loud in the small place but it was a fun night out and good service.

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Great burger, Italian sub, and fries. Host Ty and waitress Cheyenne were both fantastic. highly recommended

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    Illusive Restaurant & Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Illusive Restaurant & Bar

    Is this place open? Every time I call nobody answers.

    They are open at 6a to 8p everyday but Sunday. This place is absolutely amazing every single time. We’ve become regulars

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    Dove + Deer - Dry rub wings

    Dove + Deer

    4.4(190 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    What an excellent lunch spot! It's a must stop!…read more We came here for a quick lunch spot after a tour of the state capitol. Well worth it! The Smash Burger and Chicken Wrap were great. Seasoned to perfection and very tasty! The house salad was ok nothing to report home about! Service and ambiance were great. I would return here for a dinner! Highly recommend.

    This review is strictly for brunch on a Sunday, and directed at ownership/management:…read more You guys, really? First, your Brunch menu and food are excellent, when we finally got our food - after roughly an hour of waiting - I was instantly reminded of why Dove and Deer is great - bold flavors, excellent preparation, gorgeous plates all in a city that desperately needs it. Second, I really felt bad for the 3 people responsible for running an entire restaurant on a Sunday (two waiters and one person in the kitchen). They did their absolute best, were so kind and apologetic, but obviously completely stressed out and frazzled. Tables got up and left after waiting for someone to get back to them - and we almost did too. It's unfair to restaurant staff to put the burden of running an entire place on them. I get if someone called off and you're short staffed 1 or 2 people, but did everyone call off? Besides 3 people? Come on. You have a real opportunity to be a go to brunch destination, my advice is to staff appropriately and give it a real go or risk customers not getting to experience the greatness that is your food - and taking their dollars to someplace far more mediocre. The only reason this isn't a 2 star or 1 star review is because of how hard your staff tried, and how good your food is (when it finally shows up).

    Photos
    Dove + Deer - Dining area

    Dining area

    Dove + Deer - Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

    Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

    Dove + Deer - Entrance

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    Entrance

    New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room

    New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room

    4.9(12 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    Veteran-owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    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!!!

    Greeted by lush greenery, and gently splashing fountain at the door- a few steps down into a wood…read moreand leather light filled cozy retreat. The greenery continues inside with plants adorning a large picture window. Every surface gleams and the place smells fresh and clean... The bathroom is impeccably spotless. Classy attention to detail is the order of the day at New Scotland spirits tasting room. Our bartender, Noah, was welcoming and knowledgeable and our drinks were delicious. We will definitely be back.

    Photos
    New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room
    New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room
    New Scotland Spirits Tasting Room

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    L'Roca

    L'Roca

    4.7(18 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Boyfriend and I were in Albany NY for one night - he wanted to go to Cheesecake Factory, but the…read morewait is apparently typically long on a weekend night (I have no idea - never been there!) so we decided not to chance it, and uber'ed from our hotel to this restaurant, hoping it would be good. I'll be honest - my heart sank as we got there, I almost cried. The neighborhood is *sketch*. The outside of the restaurant didn't look like much - but I felt better once we got in. Beautifully decorated with great lighting, lounge-style atmosphere. Great Latin music. We sat on the bar side as it was less busy. Beautiful bar with lots of options! Bartender made us **amazing** margaritas... omg were they strong! Loved it! Since we had never been there before, we played it safe. First we went with a fried calamari appetizer - not the best, but not bad - but then it's not typically something you'd order at a Mexican food restaurant. Boyfriend had the street steak tacos as main - hold the cheese as he forgot his lactaid, lol - and I had the steak quesadilla. Delicious! We loved it. The steak was especially well seasoned, not overcooked and sides were yummy. We ended the evening with churros - definitely homemade and on par with the ones we love at El Mirador in NH. Boyfriend even took his life in his hands and had some of the ice cream, couldn't resist - it was that good! Overall, as Boyfriend put it - this is absolutely a hidden gem type of spot - service was spectacular, food was delicious and we would totally return! (**Seated next to us were two young women on an obvious first date - girl #1 showed up, then girl #2 showed up a few minutes later with a big bouquet of flowers... what a nice touch! We just wanted to put it out in the universe - we hope you guys make it, you were super cute :)**)

    L' Roca was good. Food was tasty. Atmosphere is very nice. Service was a little slow at times. I…read morewasn't in a rush, but arrived hungry at lunchtime on a Saturday. I was warmly greeted, seated, and given a menu and then it took some time, well after I was ready, to be visited to place my order. No biggie, but I was ready and it wasn't busy, with guests at 1 other table. When I finished my meal, I waited again. Not a huge problem but a lot of side work was being done vs providing service. I let server know I was all set and he acknowledged then continued to make drinks for kitchen staff. I had ordered lemonade but after checking, it looked like they were out, so he offered the juice (without explaining). Food was very tasty. Lunch was $37 before tip, for 3 tacos meal, 3 empanadas app, and the fruit drink.

    Photos
    L'Roca
    L'Roca
    L'Roca - Pepper Steak

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    Pepper Steak

    The Argus Hotel - Well appointed cocktail lounge.

    The Argus Hotel

    4.1(8 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    This is a review of only the cocktail lounge. Friends from out of town were staying in the…read morecarriage house behind the hotel and we agreed to gather in the lounge for a drink or two. The building itself is impressive, although maybe not quite as impressive as the castle-looking building next door. Our party of seven settled in at the bar as there otherwise did not seem to be a large enough table for all of us to gather around in either the main lounge area or a small room off to the side. The dark wood paneled walls, large fireplace, assortment of easy chairs, couches, and high desktop table gave off a feeling of warmth and welcoming. The friendly bartender introduced herself (sorry I've forgotten her name) and informed us that spirit-wise, the bar was capable of preparing the standard, traditional drinks like Manhattans, martinis, etc. All beers were poured from cans, and at my request, she recited the names of about six that were available. I don't believe anyone in our party inquired about the wines that were available. The building simply calls out for an explanation of its history. Upon our request, the bartender offered to provide either the "brief" or "full" option. We requested the full history. She was obviously well up to the task. You would be amazed at the variety of things you could learn here. Just to touch on a few key topics that were mentioned, consider Alexander Hamilton's wife, puffed rice, Bab-o cleanser (cue up the jingle), Bishop Gibbons, and an orthopedic surgeon. I don't know what the normal food arrangements are in the Lounge. I'm guessing that our out-of-town hosts requested some snacks for us as a few bowls appeared with mixed nuts, crackers and cheese, fresh grapes, humus, and warm pretzel/croissant rolls, and a plate of prosciutto wrapped cream cheese. Overall, the atmosphere here is simply friendly and inviting. I think it will become an occasional gathering place for our local friends when looking for a place that is quiet and relaxing.

    A beautiful boutique hotel it just had its grand reopening last week! It's absolutely gorgeous…read more If not for attending an event here last evening I would have missed this slice of architectural heaven! The owners have renovated it with great care. The rooms are furnished with just the right amount of furniture allowing the room to feel light and airy. Each room is designed with the right amount of seating for flow and multiple conversation points without anyone feeling crowded or being interrupted by another conversation. Although the rooms have dark paneling the large windows and French doors allow for an abundance of light. The backyard is lovely and flows into Washington Park! Imagine having a whole park as your backyard!! I would love to come back for a stay!

    Photos
    The Argus Hotel - Warm & inviting cocktail lounge.

    Warm & inviting cocktail lounge.

    The Argus Hotel - Rusty old TP holder

    Rusty old TP holder

    The Argus Hotel - Expired fire extinguisher

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    Expired fire extinguisher

    Wellington's

    Wellington's

    3.5(143 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Great food, the chef was warm and personable, Natasha is an incredibly efficient and friendly…read morebreakfast server, and Steven behind the bar makes incredible cocktails! Ambience is modern luxury, Highly Recommend

    This is a very nice space, definitely a pleasant place to hang out. There's a large bar and open…read morespace seating, essentially within the bar. Menus are exclusively online. There was a "Notini" on the bar menu which I attempted to order and was told that despite it being on the menu, they don't have it. Likewise an Athletic NA beer I tried to order. They do have Heineken 0 which I consider worthless (doesn't taste anything like Heineken, or much of anything at all). I gave in and had a very nice Pinot Noir. My husband had an excellent Jack August bourbon (straight). We shared with our friends pork sticky buns and lobster mac and cheese. Actually, these were quite good The dinner entree menu is quite limited. Two of us had the salmon with quinoa. It was pretty good, though a bit dry and less tasty than described. Our other friend had a burger which he seemed to be satisfied with. My husband ordered steak, which was cooked perfectly but was frankly a lousy piece of meat. It was thin, dry, and chewy. Overall, we're unlikely to return for dinner, though it's a nice place for drinks and appetizers.

    Photos
    Wellington's - The dining room from my seat with the bar behind the counter partition.

    The dining room from my seat with the bar behind the counter partition.

    Wellington's - B.Y.O. Egg Sandwich is served with iced coffee.

    B.Y.O. Egg Sandwich is served with iced coffee.

    Wellington's - Extra dirty gin martini.

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    Illusive Restaurant & Bar - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

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