Downtown Businesses Win 20 Awards in The Alt's 2017 Readers' Poll
People, places and businesses in downtown Albany are thriving, which was proven in this year's The Alt Readers' Poll. Check out the categories Downtown took home for 2017:
Best Local Celebrity
TESS COLLINS | Tess has told us our future, read our energy, analyzed our state of mind, set us straight, propped us up, consoled us, and given all of us direction. She’s right every time.
Best Barber Shop
PATSY’S BARBER SHOP | Old school service, straight razor shaves, hot towel presses and the smell of bay rum does it for our readers.
Best Caterer
MAZZONE | Taking over the whole game. Balling international.
Best Small Theater
CAPITAL REPERTORY THEATER | This familiar home for local theater handily won the category. This year’s production of An Iliad is a shining example of what makes The Rep so special.
Best Art Gallery
ALBANY CENTER GALLERY | A compelling new location has helped invigorate this already vital gallery.
Best Bar
MCGEARY’S | Tess Collins has weaved her magic on establishments all over Albany and now she has successfully cast her spell on another generation of loyal patrons at McGeary’s.
Best Bar for Food
MCGEARY’S
Best Bar for Music
THE HOLLOW BAR + KITCHEN
Best Bar Cocktails
SPEAKEASY 518
Best Bartender
HALSEY REED OF MCGEARY’S | Fans of Halsey were outspoken. And then some.
Best Cafe (to get work done)
STACKS | Open up your laptop, pull up a seat and know you’re only an arm’s reach away from a steady supply of carefully crafted caffeinated refreshments.
Best Espresso
STACKS | Need a ZAP of energy? Look no further than Stacks!
Best Americano
STACKS | Stacks reigns supreme in the espresso department.
Best Venue
THE PALACE THEATER | The picturesque theater is host to the greatest musicians, comedians and dancers to pass through the Capital Region.
Best Hip Hop Venue
THE HOLLOW BAR + KITCHEN | For rising and established talent, The Hollow marks an arrival – its intimate space, kickin’ sound system (and award-winning kitchen to boot!) makes the staple Albany venue a clear winner!
Best Rock Venue
THE HOLLOW BAR + KITCHEN | For rising and established talent, The Hollow marks an arrival – its intimate space, kickin’ sound system (and award-winning kitchen to boot!) makes the staple Albany venue a clear winner!
Best Jazz Venue
SPEAKEASY 518 | Speakeasy’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere makes it the best joint to enjoy jazz tunes.
Open Mic
MCGEARY’S IRISH PUB | Tess’s open mics have been a home for aspiring and established musicians since she managed Justin’s and then owned Lark Tavern – this staple is always sure to surprise!
Best Steakhouse
ANGELO’S 677 PRIME | Great apps. Amazing steak. And a stool for your purse. Who could want anyting more?
Best Italian
CAFE CAPRICCIO | Chef Jim Rua explores his native Italy and brings fresh interpretations of classic Italian dishes, prepared with the thoughtfulness of someone who lives what they do.
