Featured Restaurant

Albany Pump Station
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December's featured restaurant is awarded to the C. H. Evans Brewing Company at the Albany Pump Station. A majority of people from New York's Capital District and beyond have come to know the restaurant simply as “The Pump Station.” Built in 1874 The Pump Station once pumped hundreds of gallons of water from the Hudson River through the streets of Albany. The Pump Station ceased operation in 1932. Today the building is a very successful restaurant and brewing company perfect for family outings and social gatherings.

Entering the historic structure I immediately noticed how spacious the building is. The original brick walls are completely exposed along with tall, large industrial windows surrounding the building. Hanging from above one will notice two large steel cranes. Built in 1906 and 1909 these cranes (each able to lift 20 tons) were used for engine repairs and are still operational today. The building is split into two dining areas; one seemed more for family while the other is more of a bar & grill setting. On the family side towards the back is a fairly large lounge area with a fireplace. It is perfect for conversing with friends and family after a meal. There is also a large lounge area on the second floor. This spacious section is more private and ideal for luncheons and casual meetings with friends. The area comes complete with a mini bar, furniture, television and a aerial view of the restaurant below. In between the two dining areas is a full bar with a television, making this a great place to meet up with friends to watch sporting events.

Once seated I immediately got to work on ordering my meals. One thing I noticed was how organized the menu was. Each course was separated neatly from Soups, Salads, and Pasta dishes to the Specials. For the appetizer I decided on the Coconut Shrimp (Large beer battered shrimp, dipped in flaked coconut, served with spiced mango chutney). Spinach leaves were laid on the base of the dish which introduced some pleasant color and livened up the overall appearance. The mango chutney was a great twist and complimented the coconut very well. The large butterflied shrimp were crispy and delicious. Two thumbs up for this appetizer!The first entrée I chose was the Blackened Chicken and Shrimp (Tossed in a roasted red pepper alfredo, served over farallee pasta and topped with scallions and black olives). The generous portion of blackened chicken was flavorful and it had a little kick to it. The shrimp added a pleasant crunch to the pasta dish. The alfredo sauce was enjoyable and no too rich. For those who enjoy some spice in their meal (as I do) I highly recommend this particular dish.

For the second entrée I chose the Pump Station Burger (Ground beef blended with scallion, cheddar jack cheese, barbeque sauce and their award-winning Kick Ass Brown Ale, grilled to order and topped with bacon and pepper jack. Served with ancho-chipolte sour cream). This was by far one of the biggest burgers I have encountered in a while. The burger had all the essential toppings from lettuce and tomatoes to onions and bacon . It was cooked exactly the way I had requested, with little redness. The cheddar jack cheese went extremely well with the tender meat and bacon. After completing these amazing meals it seemed only fitting I should wash it down with some ice cold beer. Evans Ale is well know for brewing a delicious array of beers! If you are feeling adventurous I highly recommend you ask for the beer sampler. You will receive eight samples of the pump stations featured beers served in 3 oz. glasses. Now be sure you order this special when you can because the beers frequently change with the seasons.
Next time you’re in Albany looking for a good meal or just looking for a good place to meet up with people be sure to stop at the Albany Pump Station. Giving you a glimpse into Albany’s historic past you will be sure to leave full and satisfied.

Review by Michael Weissman (Chief Culinary Consultant)

Photography by Christopher Case

Q. What are your hours of operation?

A. Monday - Thursday 11:30am – 10pm*
Friday & Saturday 11:30am - 11pm*
Sunday 12am – 8pm*
*Kitchen hours; bar is open one hour later everyday.

Q. Why should people dine here?

A. In-house brewed beer, great tasting food and a unique dinning space.

Q. What kind of influences do you contribute to your food?

A. We try to feature local ingredients in our dishes. Examples include grass fed meat and cheeses from the Hudson valley area. We also marinate some of food with our award winning beer.

Q. What makes your restaurant unique?

A. The space makes the restaurant unique. All the beer that is sold at the Pump Station is brewed here.

Q. Why did you get into the restaurant business?

A. I enjoy the restaurant lifestyle and the fact that everyday is a different experience.

Q. How long have you been in business?

A. We have been open for over 10 years, since May of 1999.

Q. What is your best selling dish?

A. Pump Station Burger is the most popular dish.

Q. What are your most popular beers?

A. The Pump Station Ale and our award winning Kick-Ass Brown are the most popular brews.

Q. If you had 1 word to describe your food, what word would it be?

A. Delicious

Q. Do you cater to special events?

A. Yes, the banquet facility upstairs can accommodate up to 70 guests for a sit down meal; over 100 guests for cocktail parties.

Q. How do you want people to feel after leaving your establishment?

A. Satisfied and pleasantly surprised by their dinning experience.