News
November 19, 2015It’s Back: The Excelsior Pub Opens in Downtown Albany
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) held a grand opening for The Excelsior Pub’s new location at 54 Philip Street on November 17. Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan, Downtown Albany BID executive director Georgette Steffens, and owner Jason Bowers spoke at the event. Previously located on Delaware Avenue, the pub features beer, wine, and liquor made in New York and fare from through the state’s regions.
“By reinvesting in Excelsior Pub’s success, owner Jason Bowers is also reinvesting in Downtown Albany’s success,” said Mayor Sheehan. “He’s committed his establishment to serving the best of New York’s beer, wine and liquor to his customers, which is a win for our Capital City and our Empire State, and we wish him all the best in his new venture.”
Pulling its name from New York’s motto Excelsior (“Ever Upward”), the pub opened at its new location in mid-August. Carrying over an existing clientele, Bowers decided on a Downtown location to tap into the growing residential and employee populations. With 16 taps – 14 beer and 2 cider lines – the menu currently features Sabrett’s and Coney Hot Dogs, Buffalo Wings, and Beef on Weck; a New York Cheese Plate, which will be designed in partnership with The Cheese Traveler, Garbage Plates, and Spiedies are coming soon.
While there has been a marked expansion of bars and restaurants in the area offering beverages from the Empire State, The Excelsior Pub is set apart as a business that serves almost exclusively New York food and drink; Bowers keeps a few liquors made outside the state on hand for those who are accustomed to a certain drink.
“Located just steps away from venues like The Egg and Times Union Center, and within walking distance of our residential properties, The Excelsior Pub is well positioned to take advantage of the growth happening all around the City,” said Steffens. “With 110 residential units, and over 100 more in the pipeline, it is exciting to welcome another entrepreneur who recognizes the potential to attract customers who live, work, and play in Downtown.”
A single-stop food tourism location, the pub allows people to try a new drink or food from one of New York’s regions while also offering the ability to get a taste from something back home. Pulling from large- and small-scale breweries, cideries, and distilleries often locate in small towns, Bowers writes on a large map where each on-tap beverage comes from to give customers a feel for what the state offers.
“People have such pride in their home town, and it’s great to help them reconnect with memories through a certain food or drink,” said Bowers. “On the flip side, one of the great things about The Excelsior Pub is we’re working to give people more pride in what this state produces. We offer something different in this area and it’s exciting to see people embrace that.”
Beginning on Wednesday, November 18, Bowers will be selling new memberships into The Excelsior Pub Club. The club, which already has over 170 members, is designed for people interested in exploring New York’s craft beer, wine, and spirits. Ongoing events are also planned, including a caricature class, Drink n Draw, each Wednesday beginning at 7 p.m.
The Excelsior Pub is located at 54 Philip Street. Hours are 3p.m. to Midnight Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to Midnight on Sunday. For more information, visit theexcelsiorpub.com or call 518.462.0690.
