I know the top question on every student’s mind at this point in the semester. You may be thinking it’s something silly like “will I pass my classes?” or “what happened to all the parties on campus?” It is not. The question at the forefront of consideration this time of year (which, coincidentally, this article will answer) is “Where can I go to watch high school sports in a bar while eating mashed potatoes?”
Lynn’s Uptown Tavern is the premier capital district location for lots of televisions showing lots of sports that only people who live around here care about. You will be relieved to know, however, that there are other aspects for which to recommend the establishment, even if you do not know, or care, who won the big LaSalle-Shenendehowa football contest this year. (It was LaSalle, humiliating Shen on their own field. You’re forgiven if you missed it.)
First of all, Lynn’s has very good food. They make their own mashed potatoes, from actual potatoes, usually right when you order them. There are a variety of sandwiches and bar appetizers. Notably, Lynn’s won the Metroland award for Best Wings in 2005. There is considerable debate in my circle of food reviewers as to the merits of the wings. I happen to love them. But I pointedly ask the dissenting reviewer, if you already have a favorite against which all other wings must be measured, how can any wing compare? Exactly. Without that data point, the wings at Lynn’s are at least exceptional. Meaty, crispy, but not burnt. Metroland apparently knows what it is talking about.
The service at the establishment is also exceptional. The place is tiny, and it is very easy to miss it driving by. Every time I have visited, all waitstaff duties were undertaken by exactly one bartender, who did a phenomenal job. It is rare to find a tavern these days where the bartender will leave the bar to serve you, but be back before anyone is left with an empty glass.
Speaking of beer, they have a wide variety in bottles and on tap at reasonable prices. You will be able to find something you like. With the service they deliver, you won’t wait for a refill, no matter how busy they are.
You have to visit once, if for no other reason than to behold the spectacle that is the region’s smallest sports bar. The irony is, no matter how full the place, it never feels cramped. It is ideal in the sense that you can watch great and/or obscure sporting events in the company of people who enjoy such things, without any awkwardness if you happen to actually talk to the person next to you.
If you’re not convinced yet, allow me to note that they have dart machines that actually work well, with a revised version of the automatic scoring software. There are some cool enhancements that allow you to more effectively brag about your dart abilities.
Lynn’s is located at 15 Colvin Ave. in Albany. Take I-787 south to I-90 west to Exit 5, Everett Road. Turn left onto Everett, then right where it ends at Central Ave. Just before the gigantic Armory Automotive Superstore, on the left, is Colvin Ave. Once you make the left onto Colvin, Lynn’s is about 2 miles ahead, on your left, wedged between a gift shop and a jeweler. You will miss it the first time you drive by. There is parking on the street and in a tiny lot next to the building. You may have to pretend you’re an expert in high school football, but it is worth it.
