H&s Ale Haus - City of Albany

My boss and I were in Albany for a training conference. We were walking to a different restaurant and found that it was closed for an event. We saw some of our colleagues from the training walking and they said they were headed to the Albany Pump Station. Figured we might as well be joiners and ended up glad that we did. The place is pulling off the cool brewery vibe. Our waitress told us that she was working her third day there. She ended up handling our need for 6 separate checks like a pro, I told her it felt like she was a three year veteran. The menu has some creative choices. I really enjoyed the Korean BBQ wings, the poutine, and the pastrami kimchi Reuben. All hit with a nice amount of flavor. All seven of us at the table were happy with the food. Definitely a good option if you're in town for a conference.

We had never visited this restaurant before, but we chose it to celebrate my wife's son's graduation—this was a place he frequented during college. The service was outstanding, and there were fantastic sandwich options. My only complaint is that the portions were extremely generous—definitely enough for leftovers the next day! We would love to return regularly, but it’s a bit far for us to drive. I also really enjoyed the diverse selection of beers they offered. If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by! Our waitress, a petite redhead, was absolutely delightful and provided excellent service.

The prices are steep, especially considering there’s no waitstaff to serve you at your table. You have to go up to place your order and then bring your own table number, silverware, and drinks. We weren't checked on at all while we were seated. The tables are packed too closely together, which makes it easy for everyone to bump into one another.

For our appetizer, I ordered the Thai chili wings, and I chose the fried chicken sandwich for my main course. The wings arrived quickly and were flavorful, served with blue cheese. My chicken sandwich was piping hot, juicy, and topped with what I believe was a chipotle mayo. The fries were crispy and quite tasty as well. I've visited the Pump Station numerous times; it boasts a great atmosphere with friendly staff, an appealing architectural vibe, and a very convenient location. Their beer selection is fantastic, and they complement it with a solid menu. The service was excellent, with food arriving at a good pace, and prices are reasonable for a downtown venue. Plus, the restaurant is kid-friendly, and there is ample metered parking available.

I absolutely love this place! The entire building and atmosphere are incredibly unique and cozy. My husband and I were initially informed that there might be a 30-45 minute wait, so we decided to grab two seats at the bar to enjoy some of their delicious beers. To our surprise, we were seated in less than five minutes! Every staff member we interacted with was friendly and welcoming. I really enjoyed the poutine; you can't beat their battered fries. My husband always orders the gobbler and has never had a complaint about it. I opted for the seafood mac and cheese, and I was thrilled with the amount of seafood it contained—plenty of shrimp and plump scallops. Unlike many macaroni and cheese dishes, this one reheated beautifully. I highly recommend this restaurant!