Al's Wine & Whiskey Lounge

Not even kidding, this was one of my favorite places I've been to for a drink on a very long time. The atmosphere was perfect. Reminded me of a cross between a 90s coffee shop before Starbucks took everything over, a really cool library, and a speakeasy. Hit all the points on atmosphere for me. Add in the massive selection of spirits and it was easily one of the best bars I've been to. With the atmosphere and selection, I expected a pretentious vibe, but was super relaxed and a great way to unwind for a night. Even the prices of drinks were pretty realistic for the higher end drinks. The live music was a little loud, but maybe I'm just too old now 😂 Service was great even when busy. Good mix of people who were all pretty chill. The pool table, darts and pinball were also nice touches without being overwhelming. I'd absolutely recommend this place to anyone for a drink, and when I'm back in town I'll be finding a reason to stop by for sure.

Stopped on a Monday right as they opened. Sipped some Whiskey, drank a draft and had good conversation with the bartender and some regulars. Even played some pool in the back room. Some neat items if you really start looking around. Huge selection of liquors and wine and a varied selection of beers. A very good stop.

They’re “open til 2” and have a bar full of people yet when a group of us walked up at 12:40 they say “if you weren’t here by 12:30 we are locking our doors.” On Thursday July 17, 2025. I walked by again an hour later and there was still a bunch of people sitting at the bar and hanging out in front. We weren’t causing or even suggesting any problems at all. Don’t go here. Plenty of other good places right up the street.

This bar was recommended to us by a bartender at another local bar and it didn’t disappoint. Unreal selection of hard alcohol and a good beer selection. Very cool, friendly atmosphere.

They’re open for a bunch of people inside, telling anyone who shows up they can’t come in because there’s a 12:30 cut off on entry on a Wednesday, yet still open with a bar full of people drinking at the bar and hanging out in front an hour later 10 minutes prior to 2am. Wasted my time walking here twice.

This is my favorite downtown bar because even when it’s busy (most weekends) you don’t feel suffocated with crowds or wait long for drinks. Lots of games to choose from and it’s easy to have conversations with people.

Large selection of whiskey, Scotch, and many other spirits. There are a couple dart boards and a pool table. Lots of areas for lounging and enjoying cocktails.

This place has been around for quite some time. I've been to this place multiple times and it's always a pleasant experience. The inside has a very nice prohibition era speakeasy style ambiance. Oriental rugs, old leather couches and chairs, really give it this kind of cigar parlor type of feel. They have a very impressive wall of spirits. The bartenders are also very pleasant and knowledgeable. If you don't know what you want to drink, and you can pretty much tell them what you're interested in, types of flavors you like and they will surprise you. If you don't like to drink they make you, they won't be offended, they'll just make you another one. Great customer service and just great place in general. I highly recommend people who like classic cocktails to check this place out because they will definitely make you an excellent drink.

Great service and amazing vibes. They made me specific delicious drinks; tequila espresso martini (10/10) and a spicy Paloma (to die for). Will be back! Thanks Al.

Told the bartender which drinks I liked and asked him to choose something with a similar palate profile. He made me a black manhattan. Absolutely excellent!!!

Stopped in for a quick drink. Got 3 of their Green Tea shots (sour mix and peach schnapps), and ordered a Ramos Gin Fizz. Was aghast that they didn't have heavy cream, and instead they substituted Bailey's! Not only that, but they shook the cocktail for well over 3 minutes! What was served was average at best and undrinkable at worst. A shame.

Holy Whisky Batman! Wow. Talk about intimidating. Bartenders helpful and mercifully when making a selection. Thank you. Expect to shell out $30 for a Double neat but worth it. Whisky so yummy in the tummy.

Cool bar that attracks a slightly more mature crowd. Great selection of whisky. Bartenders have always been fast and professional.

This place is awesome. I was here around 5PM on a Saturday and it wasn't crowded at all. The bartender was amazing. He asked us what we liked and what we didn't like and made each of us our own individual cocktails. They were all great. Outstanding service. Outstanding selection of liquor - they have EVERYTHING - including Pappy. The ambiance was electric. Old school, leather couches, dimly lit, with a pool table around back. Just an awesome place to grab a drink or several. If you don't like crowds, I'd suggest going a little earlier in your night because I was told by the bartender and a couple that walked in that it can get very crowded later at night. What a great spot though - I'll def. be back.

Place was cool. Service was less than ideal. (Coming from someone in the industry 15yrs btw). Didn't think you could get worse than the often times terrible philadelphian hospitality (I'm from phila)...but I stand corrected. We still tipped them well, 20%+ because we were celebrating a good cause and we were on good vibes that day/weekend, so lucky staff, but it was just disappointing. Hope it's not like that all the time. Had decent hopes for our experience there for being such a whiskey enthusiast; do go for the whiskey options and expect to pay $$$ depending on your palate, I.e., $26/pour Scapa, $21 For Weller SR if I recall correctly, but unless you're a regular or know the "situation there, don't go and expect a whole lot of welcome. An idea for their venue is to update their info online bc what you see online (as an out of towner would likely go to get info) is not what you're getting when you arrive. *Ambiance was cool and looked like they attracted some chill people though

This is my go-to stop on a night downtown! The ambiance is so relaxing, with couches and pool tables in the back as well as pin ball machines! The service is always great with polite and timely staff. On weekends they have live music which is a great bonus.

Alex was amazing! He made us a twist on a Bourbon Sidecar and a New York Sour. Omg! Best drinks I've had in a while! He even gave me extra cherries. Excellent service and great atmosphere!!! I will definitely be back!

This is the best bar. I ordered a NY sour. The bar tended didn't like how it came out, so he remade it instead of serving it. It was delicious and frothly made with egg white. Simply marvelous.

So if you ever decide to come to this bar come during the weekdays, the people there during the week have such a great knowledge of everything behind the bar they're so friendly and welcoming I've been going here for years and weeknight especially when Alex is working has always been great he cares and actually want to talk but weekends is a different story Friday and Saturday night this bar is not a fun seen to walk into, you have to wait 20+ minutes for a drink and the bartenders are actually rude they pass over you if you aren't decent looking or just don't present yourself properly and I'm not saying this out of spite or anything I'm a service worker myself and I've been here so many weekends and it's always the same I get ok service while I watch other people get skipped over because they don't fit what the bartender wants to talk to or see and it's sad to see. I don't know I have very mixed feelings about this place and only hope the best if you ever read this and give this place a chance.

Fun place to go at night and the late afternoon. There's pool, darts, and pinball machines and the couches and board games around the bar are a nice touch. Drink selection is great and I would highly recommend this place to whiskey lovers.

Al's is a great spot to stop and hang out when you're in Syracuse. It's just a great old dusty whiskey bar. They have an absolutely massive selection of spirits from all over with their specialty being obviously whiskey. Their prices were all fairly reasonable on most of their pours with the obvious mark ups on some of the more allocated spirits they carry. Their food menu was also very welcomed in the presence of all these wonderful pours. I enjoyed what is probably the best grilled cheese I've had. Three different types of cheese, short rib, onions and mustard smashed into a panini press on delicious bread and served up with a cherry chipotle dipping sauce.... it was soooo tasty! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was that it had a very local/regulars type feel to it. As someone who was visiting from out of town I can see where some people might be put off or feel like they aren't welcomed in the establishment. This could also be attributed to the fact that it was early in he evening and slow when I was there, but if you have a true passion for whiskey... you'll fit in eventually with a little bit of conversation.

This is my go to late night going out spot. The bartenders know how to make almost any drink you can think of, and even if they don't they try their best to figure it out. The whole place is dark and cozy yet welcoming any night of the week with endless fun, drink and liquor options and the live music is always on point

Went here the other weekend. Have been here several times pre-covid. Place is very spacious and they have removed games from the bar to add more seating. Bar has plexiglass to space out parties. Very large selection of pretty much anything you want to try drink wise. They also can pretty much make any cocktail you could imagine, the bartenders are skilled at their trade. The drinks taste good and a made well. Prices also reasonable. They do have some snacks, but we didn't eat during our visit. The only thing about this place that always gets me is the carpet, I bet it has seem somethings in its time but it adds to the Ambience of the establishment.

My daughter moved to Syracuse a few years ago and loves to take visiting friends and family here for bourbon and darts. It's an eclectic clientele, and I am a huge fan. I should say we tend to go early evening and leave around 8pm when Syracuse sporting events let out and the younger crowd comes in. Don't hesitate to ask Jordan for suggestions if you're looking to try the unusual or expensive. This trip was my entire family and we were celebrating 4 birthdays. After some competitive dart playing we splurged and tried a shot of Pappy Van Winkle. An expensive treat, but when you're a bourbon lovin' family and have the chance to sample Pappy sometimes you just have to go for it. Definitely worth a stop in if you're in town.

Very cool place!!! They have a VERY extensive list of whiskeys and other spirits (very impressive tequila stock!) all at a reasonable price. Comfortable atmosphere I'll definitely return

Being an upperclassman at Syracuse, my friends and I have begun venturing into the city more and Al's is one of our favorite spots! Al's has a great ambiance, with lots of comfy, spread out seating, games and a huge supply a liquor. My friends and I like to come, sit in the back and play pool or just all hang on the couches and talk. Last time we went we had to order food under the NYS Regulation, and we had the nachos which were honestly delicious. Overall, a great, more upscale bar in downtown Syracuse that is great for groups or even to take parents to!

One of my most favorite places. Love Al's. I always come here when I'm in Syracuse. It's a great bar with a lot of options. The ambiance is amazing and so cozy. I love it here! The bartenders are friendly and fast. And they always have events going on here. I'll definitely be back here again soon!

Wow. What a place. I didn't expect such a cool atmosphere couches, plus chairs, and tables all over the front and back of the establishment. A long bar rides up against the left side decorated with hundreds of whiskies: Scotch whisky, Irish Whiskey, blends and oh so much more. They even have a light menu which could hit the spot for any Scotch or Wine enthusiast. I had a great conversation with the bartenders and settled in at the bar drinking an Old Pultney 12 year old Scotch which was the best way I could end a successful day. Even the black golden retriever, Noah, added a touch of home. Live entertainment on Wednesday's Al's is a great place to for anyone to relax and talk with friends over a dram, glass of wine, or a draft beer although i think a dram of scotch is the way to go. Enjoy your time and drink a glass of Highland Scotch and just appreciate the flavor and opportunity to reflect upon your day.

Nice atmosphere. Helpful, nice bartender. Awesome drink. Fair prices! Went in for pre dinner drinks with my boyfriend. Since it was still early, there were only a couple other patrons. At first, the bartender honestly seemed annoyed or preoccupied..but, once we ordered with him he was great. We didn't know what we wanted so he said he could make something based on our tastes...some kind of citrusy gin drink (pictured) was awesome!! He also allowed us a generous sample of a certain liquor we requested to try. Didnt try the food nor utilize the pool table/games. Would totally go back and try those out!

Always a great spot to hang out, play some pool and have some delicious whiskeys. It's a long time favorite.

my partner has a speech impediment and they refusesd to serve him meanwhile treating him like a drunk. they were disrespectful for no reason. The worst service while discrimimating against him meanwhile there were rude men making inappropriate comments the entire time we were in the establishment. Do not go here if you are a female trying to have a safe place to enjoy your night,

I love this place from about 7 PM to 9:45 PM. The selection of whiskeys is amazing. They must have at least 50 types of rye whiskey alone, which is obviously the best kind of whiskey ever made. Most local bars have none. The bartender and bar-back are male, but chill and funny. Nice pool table and mostly comfortable upholstered furniture. Good food so far. I'm working my way through the menu. They could use a better selection of board games, and with the money they pull in they can afford to keep extra plastic chess pieces around to replace the pieces that drunken morons steal as souvenirs. The problem that develops as 10 o'clock approaches is that the old people drift away and the place gradually fills with underage college students. It gets to the point that you need to squeeze your way out the door looking for anyone over the age of 25. I suppose it's good for the bar's bottom line, but we old farts need to unionize or something - claim a dark corner in the back, perhaps.

This is a cool lounge to stop and grab some drinks, food, and listen to some music! Although it's a "wine and whiskey" lounge they don't have a good selection of sweet/semi-sweet wines. The bartender- who was very nice might I add- poured me the sweetest wine they carried and it was grossssss and super dry. We ate here too, they have a decent menu. Apps, soup, salad, paninis,etc. There's live bands on the weekends. All around chill vibes, nice employees, good food, and cool atmosphere. It's worth checking out if you're ever venturing through the area. P.S. there's not many options for parking on the street outside but there's a parking lot up the road where ya gotta pay $10 to park.

great ambiance and good drinks, the pool table in the back is always fun and has many people waiting their turn to play

I'm not a local, but I took this recommendation from someone who is. I couldn't have been happier with my Al's experience. The atmosphere is perfect for a quick drink and conversation. Love the decor. The bottle wall is absolutely stunning. I don't normally love couches in bars, because that can get a bit gross, but they have a bunch and they're all super clean looking. There also seems to be a back room with pool tables. Maybe darts? I didn't get a chance to take a good look back there. Wanted to leave myself an excuse to return. Bar staff was friendly. I did not order whiskey or wine, but my gin and tonic was good. Price was very reasonable. I've heard they do live music on occasion. I'll be back to test out their wine list and check out the music situation. I loved this place. I only wish I lived closer.

Used to be much better. Great selection of liquor but door staff leaves much to be desired and recently seem to have a hard time dealing with a crowd. Maybe need new bartenders. Not what it was years ago. Definitely not as welcoming.

"Well, me and my lady had our first big fight So I drove around till I saw the neon light The corner bar, it just seemed right so I pulled up Not a soul around but the old bar keep Down at the end lookin' half asleep But he walked up and said, what'll it be? I said the good stuff He didn't reach around for the whiskey He didn't pour me a beer His blue eyes kinda went misty He said you can't find that here 'Cause its the first long kiss on a second date Momma's all worried when you get home late And droppin' the ring in the spaghetti plate 'Cause you're hands are shakin' so much And its the way that she looks with her eyes and her hair Eatin' burnt suppers the whole first year And askin' for seconds to keep her from tearin' up Yeah man, that's the good stuff." -from "The Good Stuff" by Kenny Chesney ******************************* Seems like the times when having a special drink is the most special is when you're with a good friend. At a wedding, that's also really special when you're taking the toast. Here, this place seems like a special setting to sit with a good friend to sit at the shiny wooden bar, on a leather couch, at the darts board, or at the chess table lost in thought and sharing laughs. It's pretty special how the bookshelves are lined with whisky bars and they sparkle. You picture it being in a old movie and an old man climbing the sliding the ladder to pull a bottle down especially for you. When you come into a place from out of town and as soon as you walk in you smile. Now that's when you know a place is beautiful. And that's just what this place is like. This place definitely has "The Good Stuff" even though they drink milk in the song (they would probably serve that for you here if you asked!) and I don't mean all the whiskeys they have here. I mean the special quality that makes for wonderful times with friends. It's something akin to hospitality at its' heart. This place shines!

Stopped in here around 9:30 on a Friday night and it was standing room only. The place was packed and I wasn't surprised considering it was Thanksgiving weekend and there seems to be only a handful of decent bars in downtown Syracuse. Getting a drink was a challenge, but the selection appears impressive. I'm stuck at 4 stars because, while the selection appears impressive, I left not knowing what they actually had to offer. The bar was too big, too packed, and too dark with ceilings too high to be able to see the options. I don't know how a wine and whiskey lounge could possibly not have a menu. After asking for one, the response was "we have everything." I see at least 3 problems with this answer: 1) That's not possible. 2) The no-menu approach is a fast way to waste a bartender's time and the customer's time when the customer inevitably asks for options. 3) How do I know what you're charging me if you don't have a menu? Aside from that, for a "lounge," there aren't many places to actually lounge, but on a positive note, the decor is very eclectic and the food looked good.

I showed up after hours to pick up a crew of women, as a sober driver. The initial door guy was nice and understood I was there to pick up guests. However, the lead security guy (short, in a suit with curly hair) said I COULD NOT COME IN. He said it was beyond hours to allow new guests in. I understood the rules, and stood outside in the snowy cold waiting for my crew to walk out. The women in the crew begged to let me stay, and even offered money to no avail. What's worse is I noticed at least several times there were choice persons this guy personally let in and locked the door behind. So there was a double standard. Bad employees ruin businesses.

This place is epic. Massive selection of whisky and plenty of beers on top. The bar has a very classy feel with nice leather couches, with a bit of classic fun with a dart machine, pinball, chess and janga. Happy hour is $1 off drinks which are reasonably priced to begin with. Definitely recommend checking this place out but warning that after 9pm it gets PACKED.

I live a few hours west of Syracuse, but when I visit my Syracuse friends we always go to Al's. They have the best whiskey selection that I've ever seen, and I spent most of my adult life in NYC. They also have an excellent tequila selection (I do appreciate a good tequila), and a very good beer selection. I haven't had much food there, but whatever I've had has been very good.

The drinks are good. Huge variety and if someone in your party can't find a drink they like then they're a major drink snob. The food was surprisingly good too. It's kinda dark in there - not a problem but not a bright spot.

Casual atmosphere tasty chacouterie you choose your meats and cheeses and the fresh bread and olive oil with balsamic is very good. Nice relaxing areas and great selection of alcohol.

I am not from Syracuse, but I'll be damned if I haven't found my favorite watering hole there! The most important thing to know about this place is that even if you are not a wine or whiskey drinker (which I'm neither), you will still find something delicious here. They have lists of almost any type of spirit you could want, and there is a pricepoint to suit anyone. Their bartenders are knowledgeable and super nice, though if you are a discerning drinker, I would come when it's not as busy, to get more personal service. It can get a little hectic on weekend nights. They do have live music, so if this is your thing, check their calendar and you might catch a cool band. We saw a band whose name I wish I could remember, but it escapes me. Nonetheless, it was nice, chill music that wasn't excessively loud, and I liked it. Plus, there's seating in the very back to get away from the noise if you're particularly sensitive. I have nothing bad to say about Al's; I will be back someday!

We love coming here!! This place has live music, great selection of wines, even their food is tasty! They also have a pool table, darts, large Jenga, & other games too!

My favorite bar in Syracuse... Music is always great. People are very friendly. Food is delicious..... And service is good. The bartenders are always willing to help/suggest new things. Always end up meeting someone new when I go.

Food was real good. Nachos were huge!! I had chicken quesadilla, and was really good. Had cheese, black beans, a salsa that was really good. Cut to 8 pieces and was a lot to eat. Good prices on bourbon. Very reasonable. Definitely a place to go to when in Syracuse.

AN unpretentious and well stocked bar. There was a wide variety ot patron types present: whisky lovers to beer bar flies. the selection is extensive. Some very nice bottles. Also of interest is the very reasonable pricing.

This place is terrible. The inside feels like it hasn't been cleaned in 20 years and the bartender was rude. The guy with a funky beard. Who has one bartender on staff making drinks? The bar was pretty crowded and he was struggling to keep up. The drinks were over priced. I asked for a unique drink and he gave complete attitude. Stay away and give your money to some place else that deserves it. Also everyone smokes at the tables right outside the bar (on the sidewalk) so it feels like you're walking through a cloud of cigarettes where you enter or leave.

Awesome spot! Great bar! Live music! Cushy furniture! Pool table! Nice staff! Who could ask for more?!!!

Huge selection of spirits (as evidenced by the wall of it) and generally attentive service. Came in for a quick drink with coworkers while we were in town. Got a Sazerac, made well and hit the spot. You might have a tough time finding a seat during the crowded weekend nights, but hey, plenty of standing room, so no complaints here. The ambiance is dark with a faint red glow, and it's a great place to just hang out with friends for good conversation. I can see why this place is so popular. Will be back next time in town.

This place was great! The wall of liquor behind the bar is impressive! The service was great and the crowd was fun. The prices were a lot more affordable than I expected. I highly recommend checking this place out if you are in Syracuse. This is one of the better places to go and I will be coming back for sure.

This place has a great whiskey menu. The library wall of bottles is both intimidating and impressive. Live music was great! However, were quick to swipe my money off the bar! Took $10 a few times :( Note to self: don't leave your $$ On the bar

Still love this place! Great drinks and live music. One of my favorite bars. If not in the mood for whiskey (for shame) the gin preserve is a great refreshing drink

Great atmosphere and place but terrible bartender. Waited over an hour for a drink when only 2 groups ahead of us for drinks. Would rather serve the women sitting at the bar multiple times instead of tending the long line of people who too were mad. Such a great place but such bad service unfortunately.

Love this comfy space- lots of couch seating multiple spaces to hang with a crowd or date space. Pool tables, darts and live music. Drink selection is excellent with extensive whiskey and wine menu.

denied REAL over 21 IDs and let in fake IDs to the bar? not sure what kind of business that is but definitely not the place to go because they can't recognize real vs fake. I was a huge fan of this bar but unfortunately had to change my opinion after this visit