Mel's Favorite Things: Schmidt's Pub (Albany)

Schmidt's Pub
1492 Solano Ave Albany

When a friend asked if me if I wanted to catch up with a beer at a pub in Albany with a toasty wood fire  - I immediately said "What's a good day?".  Schmidt's Pub is an old world find - they offer tobacco, beer,(including the hard to find Speckled Hen on tap), pipes, and espresso. It's got kitsch and charm!  

This reminds me of my tender study abroad days in Northern London when all I knew how to drink were pints of shandy (hint: lager + lemonade ). Apparently, you can smoke there -- though I am not a smoker myself - I do enjoy the occasional endangered smokey bar in the modern world.  Just so you know, it isn't too smokey.

It was my first time at Schmidt's Pub - I enjoyed conversing about vacation by the warm fire, business, and the nuances of perfecting carbonara.  Atmospheric and old world - Schmidt's is a great space for a conversation or to be with one's deep thoughts.