860 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, CA
Website
In Albany, the Ivy Room is enjoying a rebirth after having undergone many transformations over its six decades of existence. The venue, with a makeover and new owners, re-opened its doors three months ago. A sign of what may come can be seen in the retention of the sign itself, a classic one that’s earned its place on the sidewalk.
It also signifies the sort of place this Ivy Room aims to be: neighborhood dive bar in terms of pricing and drink selection but a step above for décor, welcome, and live music. The inviting leather couch at the back of the bar already has that lived-in look. No doubt the brand-new booths, ideal for chilling with a group of friends, will soon enough. And you can bet that pool table is itching to pick up a few scuffs.
A healthy handful of patrons had gathered at Ivy Room after work on a Friday for Happy Hour, which lasts from 3 to 7. The $20 we paid for a later round of four drinks makes me think Happy Hour prices extend later at the discretion of the bartender—make friends with your bartenders, y’all.
Music starts at 9 pm, but come earlier, and you may get a preview of the show through sound checks.
So how are the drinks?
The gimlet was heavier on the lime than the gin, and a rum and ginger--
--left me wishing I’d gone ahead and splurged on spiced rum like I usually do. In other words, standard well drinks! You may yearn for more character, but if you aren’t paying for it, don’t expect it. Ivy Room does have an impressive line-up of the usual local craft distillery suspects, so it’s easy to kick your drink up a notch in terms of quality. And the beer drinkers in our group were quite happy with their drafts.
I look forward to coming back to Ivy Room for live music sometime soon—how could I not find this place endearing when it offers as wall art a portrait of David Bowie, a landscape oil painting that came straight from everyone’s grandmother’s living room, and a canoe? Their grand opening party is this Saturday, 4/2/2016.
Reviewed 18 March 2016.
Most of my posts on nightlife feature a specific cocktail that I’ve enjoyed rather than focusing on the atmosphere of the bar, club, or wine bar that I’m patronizing. Largely, that’s because I care more about what’s in my glass than I do what’s playing on the speakers. However, I am far more likely to enjoy neighborhood dive bars and wine bars than I am a club or anywhere with loud music. I’ll still give the latter a try, and if the beverages are inventive and fun, I’ll be back no matter the soundtrack!