I had a fantastic experience. I visited while I was in town for the Albany soccer tournament. I went for happy hour, and yet the happy hour didn't disappoint. The music and ambiance with a local dive bar vibe were great. The service was outstanding, and thanks to the super-friendly bartender. I can't wait to visit again. read more

Cute place great patio awesome bartenders close to other great establishments that makes for even a better time while visiting

Love this place, love their drinks, their gender neutral bathrooms, free condoms, and great service. The bartenders, Michael and Rizzo, are on their game. Quick with a drink, a joke, or to light up your smoke.... NOPE, just kidding about the smoking part... take your butts outside to the patio, it's lovely and super inviting on a warm sunny day. Why is it called OH? Because it is OH so good? it is OH so fun? It's OHVER the top? Not sure, but OH MY GOD... go. It's fun, gay, and inviting to everyone who walks in their doors, straight or gay. Whenever in the Tri State area.... we will be back. Thanks for the great memories! read more

Oh Bar - two women sitting at a table with drinks - Gay Bars Near Me - Albany, New York

I've been coming here for years. From the friendly staff, reasonable prices, to the amazing patio it is a great place to go. While it is considered by definition a gay bar, I am straight and I love coming here and I have never felt out of place. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and is a great place to have drinks, play some pool and hang out on the patio. There are plenty of tables and they also have best karaoke night in Albany. Some of the quirky things that you will notice that are a part of the charm are the music videos that play on the tv screens that aren't the same as the music that is playing. Which was weird to me at first, but has become a part of the experience to me and I hope they never change it. Also the location is great if you want to bar hop since it is close to everything else! read more

Oh Bar - Couches by the window. - Gay Bars Near Me - Albany, New York

Came to play pool on a Friday night! Not a full sized table, but the people playing were kind and respectful of switching games and letting others play! Free popcorn machine in the same area as the table, which was a nice touch. Beers were relatively normal in price with some special pricing on fireball. There was also a back courtyard, nice for slightly bigger groups and those who want to enjoy a nice cool evening! read more

Oh Bar - a glass of beer on a bar counter - Gay Bars Near Me - Albany, New York

"you must be seated at a table with your party" "there is no standing or mingling allowed" "please notify staff if you use restroom" "separate parties cannot sit together," "no pool or darts" "we will not give warnings" -karen read more

I just went there for my birthday, the bartender was amazing she helped us take photos outside. Every time I come in this bar it's always a good experience definitely recommend going, their patio is so cute. read more

Well, that was thoroughly embarrassing. My thought process as I walked by this bar: "Oh Bar - that's a funny name. But it looks like a nice place. New maybe? Oh, they have a cute chalkboard sign out. Oh, boy! [that's what the sign said, too] Happy hour 2-8! 2-8!!" Happy hour is, as you may know, one of my favorite things. So I went right in. First, I noticed that the guy exiting the bar was one of the more attractive men I'd seen in Albany; kind of a James Dean type. Thinking nothing of it, I walked in and ordered my usual, and noticed right away that the bartender was also very cute. And friendly. And wearing a tiara. But somehow that didn't raise any flags for me, maybe because behind the bar a sign proclaims a drink and a tiara on your birthday. So obviously, it was his birthday. The bar interior was much nicer than other area I'd been to; new flat-screen TVs, polished bar area, clean tables, snappy back patio, and goblet-style glasses. Classy, I thought. Behind my stool was a sign proclaiming their Sunday/Monday football specials with an irreverent, "it's all about big brown balls and tight ends!" Anyway, it was a pleasant place for a cocktail, I had a lovely conversation with both a patron and the bartender, and thought nothing of it. Until my aunt remarked, "Oh, the gay bar? That's new." Ooooohhhhh. I didn't even notice. Notice: raising children in San Francisco removes all sense of societal norms. read more

Charming neighborhood bar with friendly smiling bartenders who know how to pour a drink. I loved the vibe of Oh Bar this past Friday evening. We met some locals and they gave us the 411 about the other bars and even gave us a restaurant recommendation. The back patio was hopping and there were free appetizers too. The bathroom was cute and the door had a lock on it, bonus. read more

Okay I was a just arrived tourist to Albany, and thought another gay bar was on Lark, but it wasn't, so when I saw a big rainbow flag in a window, I figured it was some sort of gay-ish bar, and I was really wanting some drinks in early evening. On entering, I saw a small crowd, obviously regulars, and took a seat further down the bar. The friendly bartendress asked what I wanted and after looking at the excellent selection of drafts in front of me, ordered a pint of cider. Okay, seemed a bit overpriced, but I was on vacation. Next, I asked what was more affordable, and was delighted with the inexpensive selection of beers in 16 oz cans. That was so cool. I explored the bar, there were a number of separate hanging out areas inside; also an amazing outdoor space in back. Walls, trees, options for solo or social. If you're social, it'll be cool; if just wanna hang, that's good too. Can't wait to return next time for a later night experience. As a tourist, I was reluctant to cruise over to Western Ave. so this is a great spot at the western end of Lark off Delaware. read more

Oh Bar is one of the places I really enjoy but for some inexplicable reason I don't go here often enough. The joint boasts a friendly staff and clientele, with a great back patio that I think stays open later than any of the other area patios. Good drink specials - especially for happy hour - and cutesily-named cocktails. There's also a good pool table, and a nice chilled-out vibe most of the time. Bonus points for the funny dance music videos and minus one point for the proliferation of mirrors on the walls because they make me feel self-conscious. Vanity aside, I really enjoy Oh Bar. Why don't I go here all the time? I'm not sure. read more

Oh bar is technically a gay bar and you will find a colorful assortment of people here. But what I really love about it is that it feels more like a neighborhood bar than anything. It's got a super friendly, locals and regulars vibe. They have music videos playing in the tv screens but don't play the volume so they're just in the whatever music is playing on the jukebox. It's weird and quirky and part of the charm of this spot on Lark street. They don't have food but they have a popcorn machine and I believe you can order food from cafe 217 down the street. They have a pool table, darts and a lovely patio in the back. Plus some of the sweetest bartenders and regulars you'll ever meet. And of course, some dank karaoke. read more

Oh Bar is a nice casual alternative to Albany's other gay bars (e.g. Waterworks, which is generally louder and dancier.) It's a great place to head after work or early on a Saturday night. It's especially accomodating for small groups of friends, with plenty of seating at the barstools, on the big couches, or on the back patio. The crowd seems to be mostly gay men, but there are frequently straight/gay women there too. Even the occasional straight guy. Definitely a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Sometimes they have karaoke in the front section of the bar. Apologies to all who heard me then. read more

Today (Wednesday, September 26, 2007), my partner and I went to Oh Bar. When we got there, it was about 9pm. I didn't expect too much, since it was the middle of the week and pretty early. We sat down at the bar and ordered some beers. We started talking with Steven (the one who was wearing the Tiara in the previous review). Steven was very nice. It's nice to go to a bar and find the staff very friendly and easy to talk with. I just wish that this place wasn't so hard to find on the Web. It's so easy to make a little web site to help out-of-towners find you. Minus one star for that. :( read more

Karaoke on Thursday nights? YES PLEASE. Although this is the main "gay bar" on Lark, this is the best place for the most diverse crowd you've ever seen. They have really cool shots (ask for the spicy watermelon one) and their bartenders are so worth the time spent there. It can get a little too busy in the summertime, especially with the smoke billowing in from the back patio smokers, but it never gets so crowded that you can't get a drink. This is one of my favorite places to drink in Albany. read more

I came here with a group of about 40 people early on a Saturday evening for a pub crawl, so I didn't actually see this place in its usual environment. Because it was earlier in the evening, it was not yet too busy. The crowd was a fun mix and very friendly, as were the bartenders. The drinks we ordered were very reasonably priced and pretty large, but it's also possible the person who organized our pub crawl got us a deal on well drinks. As I checked in, I noticed they have a Yelp deal here, something like a $2 draft... not a bad deal. The weather was nice enough for us to enjoy our drinks outside, with patio tables accommodating anywhere from 2 to 6 people each. Pool and darts were available inside. It made a good first impression, and it feels like this is a place the locals enjoy a lot. read more

DO NOT HAVE DRINKS HERE! I just paid $40 to have 3 standard beers and a cocktail... the bartender was completely inattentive, had a serious attitude and was hanging out and talking to his friends at the end of the bar. I love to go out and am a regular at many bars in Albany and have never had a problem anywhere but here. I brought two friends out to Oh bar for a first experience at this place and was TOTALLY overcharged for mediocre service. When I asked the bartender why my tab was so high the lovely Women next to me said they were also leaving and heading out to fuzebox bc they were overcharged for simple, standard drinks. When I asked why the tab was so high The bartender told me angrily that he wasn't the owner and didn't make the prices so it's the owners fault. Even If that's the case the service was terrible and the drinks were overpriced so it seems they should rethink their model bc this experience wasn't pleasant in the slightest or sustainable for patrons who don't want to pay for a high end experience in a low end atmosphere... read more

Rizzo is a great bartender. Go day drink with her and youll have an interesting early afternoon.(then a cab ride HOME.) The drinks are strong and reasonably priced. Of course it's happy hour when I'm there. The juke box is good and it's fun to watch the patrons over ride each others choices on the touch tunes. read more

Solid spot that I guess is no longer a gay bar? Regardless, still a very chill place to meet up for drinks with friends. There's an outdoor area and a pool table as well. read more

Not anywhere near as fun or crowded as it used to be. Hit or miss really, and crowds rarely stay past 12:30, and even that was on a holiday weekend. After then it was about 5 people, music blaring, and the place looked tired like it was just begging for someone to come in and have a drink. The bouncer can be kind of a jerk to people but probably nothing will be done about 'em since he's been there forever and does another gay bar or two. Kind of antagonistic if you ask me. read more

I'm giving it 5 stars only because I had such a good time there this past Friday night. We had started out at other popular bars, but they were just so crowded and filled with very young drunk people. Not my favorite scene, so we went to Oh Bar, really just for a break from the madness of everywhere else. It quickly became the best part of the night. We sat down, and immediately were served by a very charming bartender. Instantly made friends with others around us and had a GREAT time talking. We stayed there 'til closing singing Mariah Carey and it was just a blast! I highly recommend this place if you're just looking for an easy night out. This isn't the place to get your dance moves going...but i'm sure dancing occurs occasionally. The bathroom was VERY small...but clean. I''d go back easily. I'm not gay or from Albany and I would recommend it to anyone. read more

Came for happy hour on a Monday. Place was nice and quiet, music (videos) were eclectic. When I tried to use the Yelp check-in deal for a $2 beer, the bartender said, "I have no idea that is. We don't have anything to do with Yelp." Ultimately she gave me the deal, which only added to my confusion. Draft selection was middling, but the price was good, deal or no deal, and my Sierra Nevada tasted fresh. Anyway, I guess this review is completely useless, since this business has "nothing to do with Yelp." OH WELL. read more

Regular starting point for an evening out. Bar seating, tables and large patio. Cheap happy hour, clean bathrooms and no attitude.

So I checked in for $2 draft and the guy told me he had never heard of it. So YELP, please remove the $2 draft check in. When I showed the barman the app badge showing the $2 draft he looked at me the way a dog looks at a card trick. read more

Good drinks that are priced reasonably, I have yet to be disappointed. The bartenders here are my favorites in Albany. Kick ass karaoke nights, so many people there can sing (yeah, yeah, stereotype). One of my favorite places to go to early, they have a nice patio with a decent amount of seating. Inside it's a little harder to find a place to sit once it starts getting crowded, but doesn't have that problem? read more

Of the gay bars in albany, oh bar is very relaxed. They have a good happy hour and are a nice place to go and actually be able to hear the person next to you. read more

Oh bar, how I miss you.... I used to come here when I was living in Albany as a graduate student. We usually went as a mixed group and always had a great time! It was especially wonderful in the summer and we would hang out on the back patio. When I used to go, they had karaoke, and it was quite an event. Great place to come with friends and to make new friends. read more

Drinks were weak and overpriced. Bar was basically empty. Crowd seemed to be older so I am hoping this was just an off night.

Love this bar. Everyone who works here is the best. Great selection of things to drink, awesome patio. I highly recommend this bar if ever in Albany. read more

Fun spot. Came here for the first time just after New Year's. The music was fun and I enjoyed the option of darts or pool. I do wish they had a bit more of a selection for beer. read more

If you are going to charge us $10 for a vodka drink, at least do us the courtesy of pouring it in a real glass - not a plastic cup. (Comparing you to competitors) Also - if marriage equality passes in the USA - staff your bar with more than one bartender. Move it forward... :-) (sincerely, somewhat happy gay customer) read more

Sarah is a great bartender. Always friendly. Window entertainment is always interesting.

Tried to get a drink on a slow Wednesday evening. The bartender was busy sitting down and she couldn't bother to get up and check her bar. Unimpressed. As a bartender in albany I would recommend that jimmy and al replace this girl read more

Manager was beyond rude !!!! Bouncer said my ID was fake and began bending my ID instead of using the proper tools to look up my ID to see that it is INDEED REAL!!!! I let the manager know and he kicks me out because his bouncer cant do his actual job! I travel all over the US and other countries due to my job and never received this type of customer service!!! If you're so concerned about fake ID's then invest in ID scanners for your establishment instead of hiring ignorant bouncers who have never been outside of Albany ! read more

Usually a later evening stop for me, I do enjoy the bar. With the exception of the rude, arrogant, shot drinking female bartender. I kinda like the place. Reasonably priced drinks, hot male bartenders (Dan, Keith, Kyle), and a down to earth, friendly crowd. New to the area, I'll be stopping in again. read more

My girlfriend and I found this place on yelp while we were in town and it was karaoke nite! The crowd was way into it and it was a lot of fun! People were very friendly and some more friendly then we wanted! Two guys came in and got a little too close for me and my girlfriends comfort they didn't stay long ( Thank God ) after they left I noticed my jacket was gone off the back of my chair. It wasn't much of a coat but still non the less it was gone. I mentioned it to the bartender and he didn't seem to care and looked at me like I was crazy and I must have lost it! But I didn't let that put a damper on my nite out I even got up and sang a couple songs! So all in all a great nite out had I met a bunch of really nice people and would go back again but leave my coat at home! read more