In the before times, in the long long ago, there was a craft beer place in Albany, NY that was weird. It was very much a throwback. I had my first beer in there in '94 or '95. It was called Mahar's. The world and the craft beer world changed and Mahar's didn't. Mahar's is no longer there. RIP Mahar's.

Instead, there is The Madison Pour House which isn't the same but may be a lot better in the ways that matter. The staff is friendlier (Sorry, Bill), the food exists, the beer menu is just as extensive, and they have a patio.

Yes, it is across the street from a police station and across two streets from a library, if you are one of those people. Yes, it is a commercial strip in a residential neighborhood. This place should be your local if you live in that area. It was for us when L's apartment was mere blocks away.

Again, the beer list is extensive and there are often a good selection of NA options. The food is dressed up pub food, which is not damning with faint praise. I would, because of course I would, recommend the pretzels.

As for the relaxing after a run or cycle or something that left you feeling famished and thirsty while not wanting to spend too much time inside with other people? I have done it enough and I have never felt out of place, even when I was wearing shorts that left little to the imagination.

As you can see from the pictures, it is also a great patio to sit and have a beer and read on a lovely Saturday afternoon. (Just don't park there like a Starbucks in the before times. Eat and drink.)

There is street parking as well as a lot behind the location. I have seen well behaved dogs and less well behaved children enjoy the patio.

-EWA

The Madison Pour House