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Kingman's Ivy Room
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Local Flavor Lounges, Local Flavor [Edit]
860 San Pablo Ave(between Washington Ave & Solano Ave)
Albany, CA 94706
(510) 526-5888
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
111 reviews for Kingman's Ivy Room
Review Highlights
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"The bartenders aren't super friendly or accommodating." In 22 reviews -
"I liked the ambiance and simple retro decor." In 4 reviews -
"...a DJ who plays really good music, and a nice interior to..." In 5 reviews
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111 reviews in English
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Review from Brandon H.
Bay Area
12/10/2011
This has always been a place that struck my curiousity everytime I passed by. I had this notion that something hidden drew a mysterious attraction.
And yes it was an enjoyable time for me. I went sometime early on in the week when it was less busy and had a few drinks, which were kind've pricier than the norm. I guess you pay for the environment sometimes.
From the whole experience I like the dim lit setting. It has a loungy but classy Eastbay urban feel if that makes sense. Otherwise I'll just say it's elegantly décored w/ an antique-esk and "eclectic array of clocks and paintings adorning the walls" look like Chang said. Not only is there a full bar but comfy couches and seats to relax on the other side of the room.
Every Tuesday now they got live and open performances too which gives you just another reason to go out.
Overall it's a nice neighborhood spot, some place to go to until 2am if you want. Very chill and great place to conversate too. -
Review from Lori B.
Albany, CA
3/28/2012
Hi my name is Lori B and on 3/24/12 I had my "50th" Birthday at Kingman's Ivy Room, it was AWESOME! I GIVE THIS PLACE 5 STARS! The staff there is great, the music, the drinks etc, great also! This was my first time there and alot of my quest also and we will DEFINITELY be back!
Another thing I appreciated was my parents atteneded my party and at one point sat at the bar the bartenders were very nice and attentative to them!
I would highly recommend this place for parties or just to sit back and have some drinks!
Thank you again Kingman, Augustus, Brittany and the rest of the staff from Saturday night 3/24/12! -
Review from Brenden R.
Vallejo, CA
5/4/2012
This place is the worst! I always wondered what it was like inside, but never thought to check it out until last Wednesday night! Boy was I in for a treat! Or a haunt. Either way I walk away from this experience feeling that I at least have gained a story to tell the grand kids. First off the decor looks like it may have been from a scene on AMC's show Mad Men, but then the scene was cut in post because they realized that they were trying too hard and that it looked like garbage. Setting aside, the bartender was too busy playing on his mac book to notice that we had walked in. After me and my friend stood at the bar for at least 5 minutes he finally got up to help us. You think he would have been happy to see a customer, since we were the only ones there! Anyway, this guy was a real creep! I liked the guy at first for having a mac since Im a mac guy as well, but what happened next will make me hate his guts forever. I tried to order a whiskey, but when I told him want I wanted he told me to shut my mouth, and let him decide what I was drinking. I would have thought he was joking, but he he looked very scary and irritated. He then turned around and grabbed a bottle of dry vermouth poured it into a glass and told me to slam it. I told him that I didnt want it, so then he called me the "N" word. Which is really weird because he was a black guy and I'm a Jew. I tried to leave, and he told me that I owed him $20 for the drink. I told him that there was no way I was paying for glass of vermouth and that theres no way it would even cost that much. I just left since this man was obviously insane! The whole time I was walking out the door he was yelling obscenities at me, at one point he told me that he was going to bash my brains in with a lead pipe and piss on my dead corpse. Needless to say I will never go here again!
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Review from Richard K.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
8/22/2011
This place has a special place in my heart.
My cousins and I came on a night when it was not popping.
Cool with us, the place is still rocking with its badass retro decor.
We order drinks and the bartenders make them good AKA very stiff.
The bartenders were extremely friendly and fun to chat up.
As the night continued on, my cousin asked them to let him play his mix.
And the bartenders popped it in no questions asked.
They treated us like kings, while we listened to Caravan Palace.
On another note, Caravan Palace totally fits their vibe.
I digress, but this place is a great bar with awesome bartenders.
Come to Ivy Room for a good, laid-back time.Listed in: Rocking it in the Bay Area
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Review from Phan H.
Berkeley, CA
1/12/2012
I was pleasantly surprised how good this place was. The service was fast, and there is plenty of room to sit, even for my group of 10. The place is a bit loud, so don't expect to have a full intellectual conversation here, but it might been due to us sitting next to the DJ. Pretty dark in there also, and on a saturday night, wasn't too busy. If you're looking for crowded, this isn't the place, nor is it quiet and empty
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Review from Bill H.
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I stopped by the Ivy Room for the first time early last night (around 7ish). Drinks were still in happy-hour mode, and I was happy to get a $5 Manhattan with St. George whiskey. Nice. The bartender was friendly, as were other patrons at the bar. The place was understandably quiet, but I'd definitely come back during busier hours.
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Review from Elle M.
Alameda, CA
3/19/2011
I'm sad. I miss the old Ivy Room that looked like a Moose Lodge from 1945. Sometimes you need an old school dive bar to make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Kingman, leave our cool dive bars alone!
And stop with the chandeliers allready! -
Review from Elaine V.
Berkeley, CA
7/3/2011
I went to the Ivy Room for the first time recently and the first thing I noticed is how beautiful it is. The next thing that caught my attention was the awesome bartender Obie who makes the most delicious (yet highly dangerous) white gummy bear shots! Check it out!
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Review from Chang L.
8/20/2009
Sometimes I wish I were a guy.
My male companion was lucky enough to get patted down by the SEXY SEXY SEXY bouncer at Ivy Room, and when I asked why I couldn't be touched as well, I was told that it's only the standard procedure for male attendees.
Note to self: wear pants and a hat next time. Maybe I'll pass off as a boy.
The décor is antique-inspired, with an eclectic array of clocks and paintings adorning the walls. The perimeter of the bar is lined with comfy couches, that I practically fell into, and couldn't get up from because they were so plush and soft.
What a perfect opportunity to pin your love interest.
I saw someone at the bar drinking a pretty blue beverage, and I pointed and said, "I want that!" The bartender asked if I was sure, and my companion answered in approval for me.
Minutes later, the woman behind the counter sloppily handed me my drink, right before sloshing it all over my arm.
I sipped my mysterious beverage, while bopping my head to the DJ mixing records in the corner. Half way through my drink, I asked the male what I was drinking. "Finish it, and I'll tell you", he said with a smirk.
I never finished.
I guess that's why they call it an AMF! -
Review from Rachel H.
El Cerrito, CA
1/16/2009
I went to the Ivy room last night with Jon R., Debbie L., and Nikki, a non-Yelp friend of Jon's. I had never been before, so this review is based on one Thursday night from 8-10 visit!
I like all the posh couches. I liked my rasberry fizz (vodka, chambord, with a champagne float), as did Nikki, who got it too. It was very pink and sparkly and girl and absolutely delicious. Jon had the casablanca, which he liked and got two of, and Debbie got the Pink Panties, which is vanilla vodka and ginger ale and something that makes it pink.
For my second drink, I wanted something that looked like a drink but with no alcohol. The bartender made me a beautiful pink concoction, up, in a martini glass. It was just what I wanted. It had mango puree, cranberry, and soda. She was very sweet, and so was the drink, but not too sweet. Either of them. I liked it.
Besides some people sitting at the bar, we were the only group in there, and we could barely hear each other talk because the music was so loud. I don't see the point of having really loud music you can't hear anything over if there isn't dancing, and I didn't see a dance floor. Jon asked them to turn it down a little, and they did, but I think they might have turned it up again later.
3 stars for the bar, 5 for the company.Listed in: El Cerrito and Surrounding…
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Review from Luis M.
Oakland, CA
1/21/2008
I stopped by here for a quick minute after the power went out at Albatross not long after the Sunday trivia started. A group of us weren't ready to go home so we came here at the suggestion of one of our triviamates.
It has a bit of a swank decor and there was a jazz band playing. Throw in a few cocktails and rest up on the plush seating options and you have a nice place to take a nap. I'd be interested in coming back to catch some jazz though, I'll just make sure to sit on a stool at the bar. -
Review from Jon J.
Berkeley, CA
5/19/2009
The Ivy Room used to be this great funky local bar with cheap drinks and free wi-fi near one of my favorite places, The Albany Hot Tubs.
Not too many years ago I saw Jonathan Richman (of the Modern Lovers) there in a show that rocked the house.
Now of course it's "Kingman's" Ivy Room, a clone of the other Kingman's I suppose. Dark trying-too-hard-to-be-loungy decor, but really, they keep the music too loud to be a lounge.
And the drinks are expensive.
Six dollars for a so-so gin and tonic? Please.
The worst of it is the staff. Inattentive and downright rude.
I saw Eric the bartender yell at a woman and flip her off last night.
Why go to a bar to get abused by the bartender? -
Review from Chris O.
12/16/2009
Wow, this place is truly craptastic. It's in peaceful little Albany and yet we got frisked on the way in! Not a good sign at all.
The atmosphere and the crowd were terrible all around, I didn't feel conformable in the least. I don't think anyone local actually goes there either. Please take this shitty bar and move it somewhere far, far away. -
Review from Anna S.
El Cerrito, CA
3/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
My roommates were bored by this place, but I really liked it. I liked the ambiance and simple retro decor. I didn't have to fight for a place to stand, and my drink was good.
There weren't many people there for a Friday night. Probably over at the Mallard where's there pool tables.
Anyway, seems like a chill spot to start the night, or stay if you want to actually hear the person you're with. :) -
Review from Alotta F.
El Cerrito, CA
11/24/2007
I'm really bitter about this "Kingman" taking away my old Ivy room which was a real honest to goodness neighborhood dive where you got to know the regulars and the bartenders. This place sucks. Hipster lounge? More like Hip Hop-ster lounge and not very hip at all. The pseudo-hip interior is forced, trying way too hard to be urban. The drinks are weak and the DJ music is WAY too loud, eliminating the option of talking with friends while having a few drinks. The two times I came here, no one seemed to be enjoying themselves. They sat bored, staring into space as if waiting for something to happen. Or maybe they were planted human decorations to complete the pseudo hip decor?
I miss the old Ivy room that had the best juke box which played obscure music for free. I liked the old kitschy decor and the personable people. Kingman's Ivy is the exact opposite; cliche, unoriginal, not neighborhood oriented (it's a chain) and forced. I won't be back and I curse Kingman each time I drive by. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
4/4/2009
At 9pm on a Friday the bartenders and staff outnumbered the patrons. For this kind of place with a sleek but still eclectic (Part Z Gallery, part funky-but-clean antique-inspired furniture) decor, a drink with a friend and no major distractions was just fine. People started coming in at 10, and that was also when I thought the music started to get good (old school hip hop transitioned to some newer more underground beats).
Friendly talent at the long, classy-looking bar served up tasty drinks. Average $9 if there's no special.
It IS the kind of place where you can get stopped on your way to the bathroom with a "Dayum you fine girl." To which I can only reply, "Um, thanks, I have to pee." As my company at the bar explained , I was one of only 3 women in the place. Yes, again, thanks. No hopes of meeting Mr. Right here, but the Ivy Room is warm and friendly, so at least you'll probably have a good time.Listed in: But I don't HAVE a regular…, So you want to "date" me
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Review from Sophia C.
Berkeley, CA
12/19/2006
I wonder why the new owner decided to keep the name, but I suppose it's to honor the location.
In order to appreciate the new Ivy Room, you can't compare it to the old--the two are like night and day. The only recognizable remnant of the old Ivy Room is the sign outside. Old clientele will be disappointed by the change and will probably never set foot in the new version, except maybe to use the (clean) restroom. Gone are the days of live band music, pool tables, dark decor, cheap draft beers, and drinking in the bar underage. The new Ivy Room is more like a lounge than a bar, with a feel that's more like Mr. Smith's and the Redwood Room than a dive.
But I love it. Why wouldn't I? It's catering to my demographic! I love the opulent looking bar with a huge mirror and cute bartenders, the classy couches and candlelights, the hip music and the fancy sound system. I love the martinis and cocktails.. :)
Although I miss the friendly, divey nature of the old Ivy Room (RIP), the new rendition brings sophisticated-San Francisco a little bit closer to home, with no toll, and I can walk home buzzed and well-dressed. Nice... -
Review from Remy C.
Richmond, CA
5/12/2009
I've never been to the ivy before it was remodeled but im sure it probaby was better.
This place really is wack.
my cranberry and vodka was just cranberry juice!
I probably won't be back -
Review from Kat W.
Berkeley, CA
12/18/2010
I went to the Ivy Room recently for a night of music and comedy. It was a fun event showing a pretty wide range of acts including a rather embarassing attempt at What a Wonderful World on glass harp, a really cool surf rock band playing Christmas carols, and some good stand-up comedy. I hope they do more events like this, I would definitely come back for that.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere and I had a really delicious albeit expensive mixed drink. A lot of the cocktails on the menu looked interesting and I want to try more of them. The bartender was really nice and the scene in general was friendly and warm. I really like the layout/seating. This is a good bar for a date, perhaps after grabbing dinner on Solano.
My only complaint would be that it bothered me that the front door was opened and people were smoking directly outside of it so it got pretty smoky inside. I hate to be an uptight yuppie or something, but I am asthmatic and I think people should be asked to smoke away from the door, or the door should be closed. -
Review from Rocco B.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2008
Gigantic sign proclaimed "August on the Rocks, specials ALL NIGHT LONG". I asked the bartender about it and she says "Yeah, that doesn't start till 9".
LOL.
Bad first impression, but it didn't look like a terrible place. Perhaps I'll do an update some day. -
Review from Tempe M.
Richmond, CA
3/9/2007
The old place was a tired old hag. Kingman (of Kingman's lucky lounge in Oakland) has turned this place around like you wouldn't believe. They kept the actual old bar, but the west elm furniture, DJ, new decor and great mixed drinks make this a great place to spend some time (and money)!
We went there for a friend's birthday (we used to work with one of the bartenders) and Kingman bought us all a shot. There were about 30 people. What a nice guy!
If you still want the old divey Ivy room, maybe hit up the hotsy totsy. -
Review from Erik O.
Berkeley, CA
9/6/2009
Just had perhaps my worst bar experience ever. Started with bouncers doing a full body pat down and telling me I can't wear my fedora hat. I thought he was joking at first, but he had some lame excuse about some old guy in the bar getting offended?? What?
Went in anyways with a group of nice people, left 15 minutes later. Vibe was so sad, nobody was having fun in there.
Don't go here unless you want to ruin your night. The old Ivy Room was a much better place.
Would recommend the Mallard just down the street or the new Hotsy Totsy, much better vibes to be had at those spots. -
Review from Lorraine d.
Hercules, CA
8/20/2007
This ain't your Grandpa's Ivy Room, that's for sure. This used to be an old watering hole for old folks until Kingman (God bless him) came and got his hands on it, leaving in its place, a lounge, more than a neighborhood bar. This was a welcome discovery just because - when my friend suggested coming here, I groaned and rolled my eyes. I'd been here last year - when they were charging money to see a tired band when all me and my friend wanted then was a drink. So to come here and see it totally revamped was a nice surprise (also nice was the fact that it was free).
I happen to like Lucky Lounge in Oakland, now I have a closer spot to chill out that is just as cool. Like Lucky's, there's a DJ who plays really good music, and a nice interior to the place. The sofas are so big and comfortable I almost wanted to take a nap after my cocktail. Unlike Lucky's red interior, this place has cool browns, which makes it appear even darker and more relaxed. The crowd here was just relaxed and having a good time. And it wasn't too crowded, which made all the more enjoyable... -
Review from John r.
Concord, CA
1/15/2009
This is my second time coming to the Ivy Room. I have no idea what the old one was all about, but this new fagalicious one has its strong points and its not so strong points.
The best thing about it is the smart cocktails. My friends, Nikki and Rachel H, had their signature Raspberry drink. I have had it before, and as Rachel said, "It's girly." Yes, it is, but it's also tasty. Tonight I tried the Casablanca, and I liked it well enough to have two of em. It was very tropical. I tasted coconut in there, some citrus, and I dunno what else. It was light. Debbie L had Pink Panties. It also looked girly, but you'll have to ask her about it yourself.
The decor is retro, hip, unpretentious, Z-Galleryesque with plush sofas and a good set up for sipping girly drinks with friends. I was the only guy, so the conversation was girly as well, which may or may not have been the result of what we were drinking. We discussed gynecological exams, vaginal diseases and disorders, pregnancy, absence of pregnancy, and then pornos (that was the Casablanca talking.)
Negatives tonight were that although the mix was good, the music was a little too loud, and we had a hard time hearing each other. However, when I asked the bartender to turn down the tunes, they gladly obliged.
Maybe it was the good company, but I like this local bar, and I would come again for a scatological conversation while sipping drinks named after women's underwear any night of the week. -
Review from meshell c.
Oakland, CA
10/6/2010
This use to be a to-go spot of mine, but after my favorite bartender left, it just wasn't the same. However, I must say, I do like this neighborhood joint, something unexpected in lil 'ol Albany.
The decor is nice and it gives off a lounge-vibe and not a divey-kinda bar. Plenty of seat at the bar and in the lounge area. On Fridays and Saturday, there is a DJ usually spinning. There's not much a dance floor, but you just sorta make it your own, there is enough room.
The crowd, especially during the weekends is usually more college/younger crowd. I've gone during happy hours and it's usually pretty quiet.
The drinks are decent depending on who pours it. The prices seem higher than other places, given the location, I wouldn't expect as much.
Down right: This is a nice neighborhood joint. Nice decor and you can actually hear the person talking next to you. -
Review from Lee H.
2/26/2008
I pass by this place almost every other day and I've been wondering about it for a while now.
With friends in town itching to try a local place, we decided to finally check it out. I was expecting a true dive bar, but instead we were greeted by a young-ish crowd, complete with a DJ and dancing. I was shocked because the facade of this bar screams dive.
We ordered some drinks and hung out for a bit. It's a comfortable place if you can grab a couch or a seat and the people watching is good.
The bartenders aren't super friendly or accommodating. My husband ordered me one of their specialty drinks and it was HORRIBLE. I decided to take it back to see if they could adjust it so I could actually stomach the drink and the bartender gave me attitude. She ended up giving me a new drink, but not before she gave me the stink eye and asked me what was wrong with the drink. -
Review from D A.
Berkeley, CA
2/4/2007
My PYT and I went to the Ivy room last weekend to see how it has changed from the divey (but fun) place it used to be. It is, like others have said, a surprisingly swanky place, decorated nicely with a good vibe but a bit cold feeling when there's not a lot of folks there. The drinks I had were excellent though, and oddly enough, that's why I'm docking it a star. Our evening ended with me leaving a full martini on the bar, because I couldn't maintain any longer. Since then, my PYT has put me on a strict two-drink limit. All I can remember after our truly nice experience at the Ivy room is crying in the taco bell drive through.
Ohhhh, the shame. -
Review from TL C.
Philadelphia, PA
11/5/2007
I want to know who this 'kingman' is and why he is taking over all of the cool old divey bars in the BA and turning them into hipster joints.
The weird thing is that I didn't even know this was a tread but suddenly (and this could have happened over a long time and I just wasn't paying attention) there are kingman's everywhere and they are all oddly generic as if there is some pre-packaged formula for hipster hangouts.
As far as the Ivy Room goes I do remember it when it was an old man's bar and very much preferred it back then of course back then I probably did have a fake id -- now? Now I'd go if someone else was driving but I'd probably complain the whole time we stayed here (but hey that's just how I'm built)Listed in: No really STFU!
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Review from Katie B.
Berkeley, CA
5/7/2007 2 photos
Kingman, you rock! Cinco de Mayo at the Ivy Room was a blast. All of the bartenders are awesome, the atmosphere is awesome, they couches are perfectly cozy - what more could you want?
This is the new Albany hot spot. It's San Francisco quality - without all the pretentious snobs. The bartenders are all awesome - especially Eric, James, Jason, Tara and sometimes Gerard.
This is a really nice place to go on any day of the week, with or without a date. It's always a good time.Listed in: Albany, The Places I Go Out
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Review from Jennifer A.
Richmond, CA
7/17/2007
If you love shuffleboard, pool and beer on tap...don't go here anymore!
If you're into lounge-y vibes, couch sitting and expensive cocktails...go here.
It's really pretty in here but hard to sit there and not think about what it used to look and smell like. I only go on Sunday or Monday nights cause it's happy hour ALL NIGHT LONG for "industry workers." I work at a restaurant therefore I get cheaper booze. I believe places have "industry nights" because they know "industry people" tip, as lily says, uncomfortably well.Listed in: A fun night that's hard to…
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Review from Paulette M.
Albany, CA
8/16/2011
I live in the area and when I want to get sloshed and walk home, I go the Ivy Room and I hope that Obie is working. Great bar and great bartender. My boyfriend and I love this place and the chill atmosphere. Look forward to going back.
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Review from Jay H.
11/4/2007
I like to play "Who do I know from high school" when I go out in the East Bay.
That didn't happen here...probably because it's new and revamped and completely different than the old uber-dive Ivy Room.
Or maybe it's perhaps because the crowd was too young to even remember watching the Smurfs and Thundercats cartoons.
Or maybe because I was too drunk to focus on anyone's face to recognize them. -
Review from Lauren S.
6/4/2007
I LOVE the Ivy room- even if I'm not drinking, I have a great time at this spot. I hadn't ever seen it, pre-new ownership, but everything about it rocks. The location, the snazzy decor, the sick DJ's, and the swanky furnishings. They know how to make Mojitos and Martini's... they have an entire Martini menu...
This place is THE place to go for drinks on the weekends in the North Berkeley/Albany area.
We have family parties there, but also get down in the late night stylie... its perfect for any occasion, with any crowd, really- it is not too boughie to scare away dive-bar loving folks, but clean, and classy enough to feel like a VIP lounge. I love the brick and the way the red neon "IVY ROOM" sign blazes thru the glass above the door. The front door has a great speakeasy window in it that really turns me on.
The bartenders are on point, the owner is a smiley, friendly, and appreciative man, and even the bouncers have great senses of humor (at least, with me)...Listed in: When the sun goes down...
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Review from Ruth M.
Oakland, CA
10/1/2008
The best thing this place has going for it is its sincerity. Like, on ads, they always clearly spell out what constitutes a well drink, or when the special is offered, etc. Also, Gerard, the cute head bartender with the soul patch, will occassionally rant about how he's 35 year old bartender serving 23 year olds with more impressive jobs, or he'll tell you about how another bartender (I can't say who for fear of retribution) farted on him to escape a wrestling hold.
My friend and I scored a bunch of buy-one-get-one-free drink coupons at the Solano Stroll, so we've been going to the Ivy Room with some regularity for their $3.50 martinis and the occassional girlie drink. If we run out of ideas, the staff is super helpful and will make up whatever we ask for.
Also, the Mexican place next door will bring over a menu and food if asked, so you don't even need to stand up to get some of the best fish tacos of your life. OF YOUR LIFE.
It's always dead on weeknights, which is kind of great, because it adds to that air of well articulated frankness. Also, the music is always fabulous. Totally worth it if you want a quick drink in a place by yourself, where everyone treats you right. Or if you want to watch the cougars in action, which is always highly entertaining. -
Review from Scott A.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2007
A first rate bar for this tiny city. This is the Jeckel of Jeckal & Hyde, compared to the old Ivy Room. A very tastefuly decorated bar with cozy furniture top-notch drinks and the most charming bartender that I have ever met. There is also plenty of parking adjacent to the building. The only complaint that I can offer is that for a bar, where one drinks, there is a rediculously small bathroom for one.
This is now perhaps the nicest bar in Albany. A very inviting establishement for sure! -
Review from Lan H.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2009
I'm writing this review from a biased perspective but I'm ok with it... and I hope you are too.
A good friend, Leo, works at this bar so it was a frequent hot spot for our East Bay friends. For a short period of time, it was our Cheers equivalent, where everybody doesn't really know your name, but they're always glad you came.
I never visited Ivy Room before the remodeling but I do have a sweet spot in my heart for the wallpaper decor and the unpretentious vibes. Even the neon fluorescent sign outside starts to grow on you! -
Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
1/21/2008
Finally came in here for a drink last night (Sunday) after Albatross Pub had to close down early because they didn't pay their electricity bill. Ivy room was vacant in comparison to Albatross which remained packed despite the lack of lighting. Ivy was swanky, with it's fancy drinks, live Jazz band and older crowd. Only one bartender seemed to be working that night as they probably weren't expecting much of a crowd - he was fast and efficient though.
Lots of plush couches and ottomans - though the one I was lounging around on looked a lot more comfortable then it felt. The drink selection was decent, although more expensive then expected. Willing to give this place another go on a different night. -
Review from Sam Z.
Albany, CA
8/21/2011
This place deserve much more credit than it usually receives. It offers cool ambience, stiff drinks and different mixture of people. I am looking forward to going back there.
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Review from Bevy M.
Castro Valley, CA
9/11/2007
I'm sorry, but I loved the original Ivy. This one bites.
Why no live music?
The only reason they didn't get just one star is because the bathrooms definitely are better.Listed in: These Bite.
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Review from David Y.
El Cerrito, CA
8/28/2010 2 Check-ins Here
You can say this is the Bay Area's version of North Park neighborhood in San Diego. To describe the crowd it would be a mixture of patrons of every North Park bar. To describe the gay element, they are closet and I have been hit on by a few of them. I am not going to give the descriptions of the closet guys, because I wouldn't want to scare the homophobes away from Ivy Room. Friendly bartenders, has the feel of an upscale, your friendly neighborhood bar.
Disappointing, the place is a sausage fest, seems like a rampant problem in East Bay establishments.
