New York State’s capital city is still a place of deals made in smoky back rooms and in corner booths of dimly lighted restaurants. It’s a company town where during the week people eat, sleep and breath politics. On weekends they leave it all behind, as the Hudson River Valley is one of the most gorgeous parts of the state.

 

The gay community here is compact, with a handful of establishments around Central Avenue. Things can get raucous late at night, as the bars here don’t close until 4 am. Capital Pride has dozens of events spread over the first two weeks of June.

 

Getting here

Albany International Airport is a small airport with mostly domestic flights. Amtrak trains head here from New York City via a spectacular route along the mighty Hudson River.

 

Getting around

A car will make it easier to get around the city but for public transportation information see CDTA

 

Media & Resources

The Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Center has info on the local scene.

Diversity Rules Magazine is the gay publication for Upstate NY - read online wherever you are.

Gay Albany Online has a guide and events listings. Metroland is the local alternative weekly with general listings, events and reviews.

For map locations and website links to the businesses below, and more, see our gay Albany listings pages.

 

Bars

Cafe Hollywood (275 Lark St), neighborhood scene, diverse crowd, patio and sidewalk seating, basic food.

Oh Bar (304 Lark St), durable 7-day neighborhood gay hangout; videos, karaoke, pool and dart games, big garden patio at the back.

Rocks (77 Central Ave), happening gay club, with 18+ nights, theme parties, bear and leather/fetish events, karaoke, underwear parties, male strippers, cabaret and drag shows, and Latin nights.

Waterworks (76 Central Ave), seven-nights neighborhood pub with games, videos, jukebox, karaoke, drag shows, and food; and upstairs 18+ weekend dance club with big floor and smoking patio.

Bear Albany sponsors parties every few months, including the September Toga UNDERBEAR weekends, and their Anniversary Party in November, held at Waterworks; plus brunch and picnic in the park dates.

 

Sauna

River Street Club (540 River St), the nearest tubs - just off I-787 in Troy NY; dry sauna, steam, hot tub, lounge, internet area, fully equipped gym, Black Out nights.

 

Accommodations

Morgan State House (393 State St; 888 427-6063) 19th-century elegance restored for unique Capital District accommodations. Luxury and business accommodations, centrally located on quiet, tree-lined residential street overlooking Washington Park.

 

Restaurants

See our map & listings page for some Albany restaurant suggestions.