Blue 82

Had a great time the other night. Great food and drinks. Awesome service and friendly staff. Looking forward to returning when they have live music.

Love this place. It was my local while I was traveling to Albany. The staff and clientele were fantastic. I would definitely recommend it to anyone staying in downtown Albany.

Just popped in for a drink and they had poker going at a couple of tables. Not what I was expecting and definitely not my scene. Meh.

Blue82 is definitely NOT the place to go if you do not like expensive martinis, crowds and loud music and people on the weekends. It’s packed with the college and ‘senior’ college crowd of those who wish we never left. During the week it is more chill and you can actually have a conversation and not have your eardrums blasted with bass.
The décor is pretty cool and when its not packed you can enjoy yourself and friends. Drinks are a bit pricey but they are really good and not just your average screwdrivers and appletini’s. They make some other unique flavor infusions too; just ask for something different, or let them make you a surprise drink catered around your ‘likes.‘
Small but trendy, and not just a sports bar. Def date worthy place, although parking is street or paid lot around the corner. Watch your step on the cobblestones outside when in heels

I like blue 82.
Pros–
It’s comfy, they make decent drinks, and it’s well put together. Likely the reason it seems many bars have turned over around it but it stays the same. The walls changing colors is a cool mood setter.
As noted by others it’s an older crowd, I am «older» so that works for me.
Cons–
The bar can get very overwhelmed, and the table service can be anywhere from great to turribad.
Drinks aren’t cheap outside of specials.
Skip the «food»
See also Ryan M. and Stephanie’s reviews as well.

I removed my last review. The things I didn’t like about it during that period of time have since changed.
The wait staff is more ample and helpful. The drinks have gotten much better. It’s a nice place to go and spend some time, cocktails are quite good and seating is usually available.
They also seem to have a variety of things for everyone depending on what day of the week it is. I think Monday’s they have the football game (s) on and video game tourny’s. I went tonight (Thurs) and they had live music. I’m not big on acoustic guitar sing song shows, but the guy was friendly and everyone who was there seemed to be having a good time.
The place has been open for at least a few years now and in such a heavy turnover of a business that must mean something good.

overpriced martinis, wait wayyyyy too long for a drink on a weekend night
The décor is nice, as is the lighted bar and wine taps. Nice touches and props for staying in business this long.
They have a martini list but there isn’t anything spectacular or groundbreaking on it. I’ve seen them all before elsewhere, and probably at a lower price.
On a weeknight, its a little more low key-​live music or DJ, and a place to sit or at least stand without a super drunk girl in a mini skirt bumping into you repeatedly.

I stopped here recently visiting some friends for the weekend from NYC.
So can someone explain why Albany, New York seems to think it can get away with charging NYC prices for mediocre drinks? And let’s not forget about the pretentious crowds and SUNY students (aka Union and Cornell rejects) who can’t dress or act the scene.
I think I’ll stay home…

I stopped in here for a drink while waiting for my mother to meet me at Capital Rep. I liked the low-​key martini lounge feel that was surprisingly unpretentious given the décor and location.
My dirty vodka martini ($ 9) was perfect and had extra olives, which is always a plus for me. It was a slow night considering it was Sunday, but still, having one person on to man the bar and the floor didn’t seem like enough. We were all stuck waiting quite awhile for drinks and getting an orders taken. I don’t blame the bartender/​waitress, and assume it’s a matter of economics, but still, it was remarkably slow.
Nice, pleasant atmosphere that I’d definitely seek out again on a quiet night. I imagine this place would be uncomfortably congested on a Friday or Saturday night though.

blue 82 is 9 times out of 10 a really great place to go. they must have hired a feng shui master or something is what i think. no matter where you sit or stand here you are at ease. the layout is very open and inviting. the seats are all very comfortable — from the bar stools, the high booth/​tables along one wall, the stools in front of the side window, the highbacked booth with comfy foot stools or the lounge chairs in the front window. the lighting is low but not dark, very Mood lightingesqe. they have a zillion different types of vodkas and a list of pretty good ‘tini’ drinks (including actual Real martinis as well). there are a number of good wines and beer selections too.
on tuesday nights there is a flavored vodka sampling that is great — you can get 5 different types to sip for a really reasonable price. and the service is always friendly and knowledgeable.
oh, and the apps are also all quite tasty.
of course you do have to keep in mind the locale… on n. pearl st. this means that you Will encounter that young college crowd that tends to grate on my nerves as well as the ‘yuppie, look at me and all of the money that i am willing to spend on my clothes and car and drinks’ attitude. if you are looking for a less On Display place to relax then i would suggest looking towards lark st or other out of the way places.