Waterworks Pub

Waterworks is seriously my safe space, I know some reviews can be iffy about the environment but everyone I’ve met here have been the kindest people. The bouncers are so sweet too, same as the bartenders. I like how there’s a separate spot for smoking and chilling and the music is always so fire. Waterworks has become one of my favorite places in Albany!! Thank you waterworks!!!

I like the bartenders, drinks are good. Staff besides the bouncers are nice. I like the atmosphere, and as a gay & trans person the space is, of course, very welcoming. Karaoke is fun. This is basically the only club in Albany and I want it to be good SO bad. I've had a lot of fun here but it's so hard to legitimately recommend it to anyone. The bouncers can be pretty rude and are generally unhelpful. They were very short with my friend who was giving them no trouble and 0 disrespect, and then did nothing to help or dissuade people who were harassing us just outside the door while we waited for an Uber after they kicked us out (my friend was very drunk, I fully understood them kicking us out, but we were fully cooperating and they were jerks). My friend almost got punched by this lady outside who was freaking out. Didn't feel legitimately unsafe, but c'mon. That being said, I could put up with it all if the music was good. End of the day, that's all I, and most people, care about. People want to go out to dance. The music matters. Mixes are often terrible, and the song choices are only bearable when absolutely wasted. Every time I've been they're playing stuff from the early 2010s that only hits for nostalgic reasons, except when they played "Not Like Us" literally 6 times. It's a good song, but come ON. Please get better DJs. Whiskey Pickle in Troy usually has great DJs. Maybe reach out to them and see if you can book the same people. Don't make me try to shake ass to the Hannah Montana theme song again. I swear i hear it every time I go. It's psychologically damaging.

Love this place but the dj sucked badly. Playing the same beat for every song , also wouldn't take any song requests. The service was amazing tho ateast the bar tenders.

There are two levels. Cover charge was $5. If you want diversity come to this place. Second level reeked of smoke. They don't serve daiquiris.

bouncers are awful. Slow, often chatting instead of doing their job, leaving huge lines out in the cold. my friend got kicked out because he got exhausted and was taking a break, they said he was sleeping and probably high on drugs. Anyone with a brain could've seen he was fine, but no, the bouncers have to swing their huge egos around and kick people out seemingly for fun. Music and food are also nothing special. About the only noteworthy things about the bar are that they sometimes have events and they have a decent nightclub upstairs. But again, getting in is a pain, and you'll have to walk on eggshells not to upset the meathead bouncers who often walk around the club looking for paying customers to bully.

I went in, paid a cover fee, got one drink, and then a rude guy escorted me out cause I have a beard? Not sure, much less friendly atmosphere than Rocks.

Waterworks is a great place to meet and greet with like-minded people. It's always a fun time.

Security was extremely rude and accused my friend who is under 21 of being plastered and initially refused to breathalyze her. She was completely sober, we all blew zero on the breathalyzer, and he still gave us a hard time, and then proceeded to hit on another one of our friends. This might have been just a one off experience but it definitely ruined the mood for my friend’s birthday.

This is such a wonderful place to go to for a refreshing cocktail and socialize with others. Everything about it was exceptional...charming bartender, relaxing ambiance and friendly patrons. My drinks were delicious and reasonably priced. It was so much fun to be there. I can't wait to go back!

The bartenders are almost totally consumed by themselves. They spent almost of their time talking to each other. Friday night at 9:30 and there were six patrons. The three bartenders might have taken time to talk with patrons, just to see if they would like another beverage before the patron had to wait until the bartender you were assigned to could drag himself away from his colleages conversations and recognize someone had a request. Sort of a dismal scene. Don't know as I will be back.

So lemme start by acknowledging the other comments and completely agreeing and understand the problems the security of the bar have .I've been a regular for 2 years and not every single one , but I noticed that the same 2 individuals they still have for years made many females I knew uncomfortable and have been unprofessional . The other night before near 10pm, I came in and the only "Jamaican" security, was mad rude. Me not fully aware of the door policy. I walked in like normal and instead of any verbal direction . He was socializing with the workers and He ends up walking up to me , literally less than 3 feet from me and starts covering my way. Me feeling confused I start to tell him "f*** is your problem ??, you need to learn some language". He starts to mock what i told him and make me feel unheard as far as his uneased approach. I continued to tell him "you could of told me for me to please stand back over there instead of covering my way and being at my face". He continues to mock me because i said "being at my face" He ends up yelling, getting defensive, SIMPLY because i said "you could of just use you mouth , instead of your body to direct me ". I kid you not , before all this, he was in the way and trying to push me to the door , as if i had a weapon . He was yelling that "he do what he wants and will not use his mouth (unable to be verbal pretty much). After he tells me to stand on the white doorsill , I go right to the door sill . But right after me trying to be patient and obedient with his direction. He starts having attitude and rudely tell me to "back up, back up, back up". And then i responded saying "omfg". He tells me "because I can be a problem for everyone else here , that I got to go. " So I recorded because I walked 30 minutes at least to the bar, wasn't just going to "walk away" AND just to make sure others are aware that this man is unsafe to be checking you unsupervised. And clearly disrespects people without acknowledgment of situation. Keep in mind , his security friend that works with him "Michael" is the same way , as far as making females unsafe and hitting on them despite their job profession . I tried to get over it but clearly could get over it. They mad my sister uncomfortable and cried 2ish years ago at the bar . They got NO BOUNDARIES. I called the bar already about 2 days ago and nothing has been reassured or anything since. Will they take anything from this??? Probably not, but I'm moving on and just wanted to give others an idea of how you might be treated before entering the door of this "LQBQIA+ Community". The food is alright and majority of the bar staff aren't bad, just security. Never felt it was problematic until one thought THEY can just treat others the way THEY WANT.

$10 cover and nothing going on. Expensive drinks and slow service. Went across the street at around 12:30 and had a blast at the small bar that had no cover.

Irresponsible place . DO NOT TRUST ANY PERSONAL ITEMS WITH THESE STAFFS. Literally can steal or misplace item despite telling you ." You'll get it back " . Happened to me this weekend . And it's just devastating. But yeah . They definitely should put a table to place these "hazard items" away . Rather than tell you that "you'll get it back" and make you expect you got it back with your stuff. P.S THEY NEVER PLAY ANYTHING DIFFERENT and KEEP ON PLAYING REMIXES WITH NO RHYTHM . The food is okay but as far as the security and staff and the ppl .... It's a buzz kill. Security that harassed my sister still has been there..... atleast 3 security has been inappropriate with the females coming there but still work there.

I went in here by mistake the other night, but I figured it out pretty quick. There were six guys for every guy. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I finished my rusty nail and moved on.

It's pretty much your only choice so you'll go. But you won't like. Only gets two stars cause bartenders are good

Oh my dear God has this place gotten ghetto AF!! wow 13 dollars to get in on a night that 5 people are here! This place has seriously gone to hell!!!! Edit: ---- USE CASH!! If you use CC you'll be seriously overcharged!! Service is slow and extremely expensive drinks!! Drop your prices and your business may increase.

Five stars for a place you can go, be yourself, and have a great time. I am actually shocked I haven't reviewed here. I started coming here when I was 21 and have been coming since. I know most of the staff and everyone is friendly. Some bouncers can be off putting - but that is their job. Oh well. Thursdays and Fridays are the nights to be here! Thursdays there are always a ton of people here for "Therapy Thursday" which is always a huge event, and Fridays are normally just busy after the work week. Saturdays there is a $5 cover so sometimes its less busy. The upstairs dance floor, bar and patio is the place to be to party and dance the night away. There is often contests, Drag Shows, etc to keep the party going. Upstairs is typical dance music. The downstairs pub is a much more casual affair where you can sit and chat or karaoke. There is also pool tables and a snack bar. Drinks are strong, its always a party here. Oh, and I never mentioned, It is a gay bar, but open to anyone! Go have Fun!!!

best spot in Albany for drinks and the ambiance is good. the people are friendly and there is always a good crowd

I did karaoke. It was fun! Haven't been upstairs yet. I got hate crimed bc someone assumed I'm straight but it's ok

Super cool bartender; made us a drink with hot sauce in it. We met someone with a live snake around their neck. Would recommend.

I visited Waterworks the night of Friday, January 27th, 2023. My friend mistakenly handed her light jacket to the middle-aged staff member at the coat check, but quickly realized that she could be chilly in the bar. Before the man hung up the coat, she politely asked for the jacket back. He said "it's too late." He would not elaborate any further as to why he would not return her personal property. If you like courtesy and having control over your personal property, don't visit this bar!

Waterworks offers a fair bit for the LGBTQIA+ Community. From meeting new people to a host of events, including drag shows with both local girls and national names, there is a real sense of community here. Sure, some things could be improved, but Waterworks is trying to provide a space that is welcoming and inclusive.

I'm a fan because it's one of the very few places in Albany you can find a good dance floor. The upstairs club is my go-to when I'm in the mood for a couple drinks and to dance. Is the mandatory coat check annoying? Absolutely. Light jackets, especially in the winter and early spring are parts of outfits so to have to pay extra to check them is pretty crappy. Should you plan to spend more on drinks if you're straight? Absolutely. The bill escalates wildly depending on whether I'm there with my gay friends or just my straight ones. That being said the drinks are strong and still pretty fairly priced for the area. All-in-all a solid place for a night out in Albany especially if you're looking for a lively dance floor that goes all night!

They lost my friends jacket!! They take your coats but at the end of the night they gave my friends coat away to the wrong person and we never got it back. It was an expensive coat!!

I got scammed by the bartender and two women who have clearly done crack at least once in their life. Of course I was drunk and there were two women at the bar and the bartenders were busy so I just asked "do y'all know how much shots are?" And one replied fireball shots akre 2 for $5. So I go to the other end of the bar and ask the bartender "are the fireball shots 2 for $5?" And he says yes. Then when I give him my card he goes and high fives the crack head looking women and gives them 2 shots them comes back over with my 2 shots and a $10 bill and when I questioned him he said "no each shot of fireball is $5" which is clearly is not what was stated before and by the high fiving and handing them shots. I know they tried to trick me cause they thought I was way too drunk to understand. This place was good a few years ago but the bars gotten worse. No one shows up. And now they're scamming people? At the end of the night those women tried to fight me and our friends literally we're not disrespectful people so there was no reason to get violent they were also fighting each other at the bar for a while. Maybe I should have known but I'm still not going back.

This bar has a piece of shit bouncer. Verbally assaulted me (as the 3rd round of bouncers) for attempting to wear a jean jacket inside after none of the previous bouncers gave me any warning. I'm also gay and felt super prejudiced against. Also Shit music, great bartenders though, super nice. Just don't go there

I didn't think this place could get worse, but it most certainly has. Line up outside the smelly dumpsters. The smell is no better inside when you are "greeted" by the very unwelcoming door staff, holding up the line with a mandatory coat check. Dirty bathrooms. Terrible music. God forbid there is ever an emergency, you'd never get out. Highly recommend Rocks Bar across the street.

They NEED to get a new DJ omg. They play the same tired electronic remixes of random irrelevant songs every night. It's such a great space with so much potential, but the music truly ruins it. You can only dance for so long to these very strange remixes and you can see it on peoples faces that they are tired of it.

I would rate this establishment as a negative number of stars, if only it were possible. After exiting this place on a Saturday night, a friend realized they'd left their wallet on the bar. Upon recognizing they'd made this grave error, my friend immediately attempted to go back in to get it. The Security Guards (Bouncers) denied my friend enterance because the Pub was too packed... Not only would they not allow my friend back inside to retrieve their wallet, they refused to have an employee inside look for the wallet. It was basically "oh well, FU". The end resullt was the theft of the wallet and use of my friend's credit cards to purchase electronics. It was only later on that I learned from others that theft in this establishment is commonplace, as is abhorrent behavior on the part of their Security Guards, who clearly do not feel in control of their own lives, given their need to abuse what little authority they have working the door. Wouldn't be surprised it they lifted the wallet themselves at this point. Never ever again... BEWARE.

good vibes except the dj, he's rude and mean and dismissive in an otherwise incredible environment

The pub asked for 5$ cover in an evening that didn't have people inside it at all. Also the man at the entrance requested me to leave the coat I had for 3$ fee. When I said i'm fine with having the coat on me inside, he said that coats aren't allowed inside. I think it would be fair to let people decide how to get inside a pub and not deciding them for them just for making some money on their back.

I took a drink outside without knowing that that wasn't allowed. I got it snatched out of my hands within three seconds, then told I couldn't return back to the bar. I tried to say I would finish the drink inside, but no. They dumped it out immediately and told me I wasn't to return back inside. They refused me entry for the rest of the night, for something I had no knowledge of. If I were you, I'd give another bar my business.

Um i'm from Vermont visiting friends, god forbid i'm not from NY they take my real id telling me it's fake? Why cause i don't have big enough boobs to look 22? Disgusting and violated..

I tried to come into this bar and take off my exterior jacket and keep on my lightweight cosmetic "leather" jacket, it's the middle of January, and was refused entry. I offered to let a male bouncer give me a pat down, whatever needed, to allow me entry (I'm female) and he refused. Ridiculous. Why would I have to strip down to a tank top in January!?? Unreal.

Well, it was 18 and up. They decided to change that rule and NOT update their website. So my friends and i spent a ridiculous amount of money on ubers which could have EASILY been avoided if they just updated their website.

i would have loved to seen the place, i came in from ontario canada as a 19 year old and they charged me 20$ and they pulled out a breathilizer likeeee no. i just left, the vibe was not it. security gard was nice though.. im disappointed for realllllll

I'd say the only bad thing about this place would be the staff that can be sketchy at best. They seem to have been burned in the past because they're extremely skeptical of everyone who walks through the door, which isn't the best feeling to get as a customer who just wants to have a good time. The bartenders seem, at times, intoxicated themselves. I wouldn't judge anyone for doing what they like to do but one guy could not communicate with me nor understand my desire to open up a tab because he seemed too impaired. I had the card and he couldn't take it because he insisted I was trying to open a tab with a male's card. I can assure you it was my card with my name. Otherwise it is a neat spot with two floors. The second floor is really nice and has great energy. The drinks were good and super cheap. I would go here again if I ever found myself in Albany.

I was having a great night. It was my first time there. After a wonderful night of meeting new friends, a girl threw a drink on me for bumping into her and I got kicked out for it for being upset. They treated me like less than what I expect from any person. The disrespect was awful. I have heard things about here and never thought I would be this angry about it but this was extraordinary. The selfishness was fuckikg amazing.

The service and everything was great but they completely false advertise. The web says that Saturday is the drag show but tonight it's apparently not happening

I'm from the Albany area originally and moved to the buffalo area for college, so while I've been a frequenter of bars and gay bars in buffalo I'm pretty unfamiliar with bars in this area. I lead with this because I don't know if my issue is a regional thing or specific to waterworks. Over all I thought it was a pretty pleasant experience, it wasn't too crowded or too loud, we were able to get space at the bar and the bartenders were generally attentive and friendly but not overly chatty. The problem was when we got the bill. My whiskey sour cost us nine dollars. The average for the same sort of drink in buffalo is between 4 to 6 bucks so needless to say I was pretty appalled. It was a birthday celebration so I didn't stress over the cost too much, but it certainly seems ridiculously expensive. ($26 before tax and tip for a couple beers and a whiskey sour)

First off, I'm not really that into dance clubs. But Water Works was still a fun time, even though I had to pay a $7 cover. And if I'm going to go to a dance club, then I'm definitely much happier here at a gay bar than anywhere else. There were drag performances last night, which I totally loved. I wish I'd gotten there earlier so I could have seen even more of them. (As a woman, it's also nice to be able to avoid dealing with come-ons from creepy guys.) This is probably one of the most diverse crowds you'll find in Albany, which is kind of awesome. There are two different floors -- one with thumping club music and another one that's a little more laid back. There are also at least two special areas for the smokers amongst us, so they won't feel so marginalized. My drink was a little pricey at $8 for a cranberry-vodka with a twist of lime. However, there were drink specials announced throughout the night including $5 well drinks and $2 shots. Oh, and it's 18 and up. I've heard that karaoke with Mama on Thursdays is always a great time. Check out the events calendar at http://www.waterworkspub.com/.

Waterworks is a mandatory stop while in the Albany area. The two story establishment has something for everyone, the talker meeting up with old friends too even the night-owl, dancing till closing. One of the best perks before entering is the fact they have a parking lot, yes it's small but avoiding parallel parking is possible, hard to come by in Albany. The first floor, which the bar area recently got remodeled, is very welcoming and has a cozy vibe to it. This is most likely the wood and brick design but would like to give credit to the friendly and caring bar staff offering a positive environment. The second floor also offers a bar to grab drinks but also where the dance floor is located. Always!!! I mean always...have events from drag shows to Therapy Thursday's( theme events that are most of the time located at waterworks) through out the week. The only reason this review is getting 4 stars are the bathrooms. Let's just say the bathrooms can be a hit or miss, during busy and slow nights, get scrubbing... Overall, living in the Capital area to just visiting, waterworks is filled with great conversations to dancing away. Make sure to stop by!!!!

I have been coming to waterworks for like five years now, occasionally at first and then pretty regularly. It used to be a place I'd rate five stars and look forward to coming to on the weekend. Recently though, it's been so crazy busy in most part by people that I am assuming are straight. I say this without hatred, as waterworks is am accepting place. But my last experience there, it was way too packed and it was a bunch of straight passing couples who were taking up a lot of space. I was watching a drag show amid the super crowded dance floor and I heard multiple young guys talking about how much the drag queens were "too much" for them to handle. This is a Queer space. This is meant for our comfort and our safety and our enjoyment. Like why are you here if you're just going to be homophobic? It just doesn't make any sense and I know there's not a way to "fix it" but I am disgusted that I can no longer go here for fear of being caught in a conflict with a homophobic douchebag and feeling unsafe in what's supposed to be a safe space. Keep Queer spaces Queer.

Where is a girl to find a gay BFF? That is the (rhetorical) question. I came here last night with a new friend from school, and I left with so many new ones! So I guess the question isn't where, but how many you're gonna leave with. There was a "bearoke" event going on, but nevermind that almost half of the peeps at the bar weren't bears or men. If you're a chick, you won't really stick out too much, and if you happen to be a straight dude with your gay brother and friends, well, there're plenty of straight women to chat with (ie, me). They have a dance floor upstairs that plays house-ish music and a nice little patio to bum a few drags from a new friend should you need them before belting out some soulful tunes back downstairs. I hope to be back for some more sass soon.

One of the limited nightclubs in The Capital Region, NY that plays non-stop EDM. Friendly crowd and bartenders

I always have fun, bartenders tend to be sweeties, (handsome) and friendly plus extra good at what they do. All the staff makes me feel welcome. I tend meet fun, beautiful, interesting people here, at least on Saturday nights. dance experience, oh-so fun! great music. I love you, Waterworks!

Absolutely atrocious service. Both Bartenders on duty wouldn't give us the time of day, showing clear favoritism to a regulars. By the time one them decided to give a second he messed up our simple 3 shot order; claimed we were wasting his time, then proceeded to try to kick us out. Drinks are overpriced and to top it all off, they charge for a small plastic cup of tap water. I might understand if it's filtered, considering Albany water is nasty to begin with, but seriously ? Charging for tap water? Management would be smart if they got rid of that trash behind the bar immediately. Would not recommend to even my worst enemy. Support other bars and clubs in Albany before you ever consider wasting your time and money here.

So much fun! Came here with two friends and we had a blast. The drinks weren't overpriced and the music was fun. I love how there's multiple floors because we would dance for an hour and then need some air so we could either go over to the bar area of the club, go outside on the patio, or go downstairs where they were doing karaoke. A really fun spot to go with friends if you want to dance.

Sorry, but 'Meh. I've experienced better' is right. Fun upstairs with decent music and low-key downstairs, Negatives: -beware the 'regulars' who will grill you for more info about you to see if you 'fit in.' You know the kind- the ones who have been going there since they could legally get in and think they're some sort of 'elite' VIP'er or something -the door lets anyone in- I mean anyone including the 17 year old boys and girls who can't hold their drinks and so end up vomitting all over the bathroom, which brings me to my next point... -bathrooms smell like a weird mix of piss meets vomit. I've never actually seen anyone with a mop in there, despite the constant wet and sticky floors. -exit the bathroom and there's a cafeteria-type food section with nachos, cheese, and hotdogs that smell past their expiration. It's pretty bad and you notice it as far as the front of the bar. I see the 'draw' of offering this service, but spare the stench please and get rid of it. -cover charge- like Rocks, you aren't worthy of it any night of the week. -drinks are a little on the steep side (however, see below), but I guess when you're gay and feel unwelcome anywhere else, the owner pretty much has you to the barrel of a gun, same with for charging a cover But I'm sure everyone will ignore the laundry list of negatives and care only about the few positives this place has to offer... Positives: -in their defense, the bartenders are actually very nice. -drinks are pricy BUT made pretty well, and by well, I mean lots of alcohol; if not, just ask them to fix it and they'll do it with no problem -pool table- score! -occasaional performer, like drag or artist or something. That can be fun and I see how a cover can be charged for that, but for nothing else

This place saw better days. About the only thing that can save it now is probably a wrecking ball unfortunately. Not sure the need for this place to wreak of stale spicy food, but it hits you on your way in. Oh wait- it's because someone got the tragic idea to put carnival food out for sale with no ventilation so you end up getting hit with a whiff of hours' old gross food. And it sticks to you all night, baby. There is also no door check- anyone gets in regardless of how much effort they put into their attire and class. It also means little Johnny got drunk in his dorm beforehand and now wants to finish his night here in a drunken stupor. The door lady or guy? 'No problem so long as you pay your cover, youngin'! We don't discriminate based on age!' Save your money on pricy drinks here and hit up your local campus party or throw your own. This place has had way too many chances to be given anything above two stars.

Drove to Albany for a gay bear weekend event, Waterworks being one of the bars suggested to go to... big mistake, not that I made it to the bar. Just to get into the door, you need to check your coat .. there were 10 people in the bar, 10 .. older bar manager guy who told us of this rule, and we were a party of 4, couldn't have been any nastier or rude, and we left .. spend my money here? Nope. Go to Rocks across the street. Very nice, friendly staff and attentive friendly bartenders

Horrible place that does not consider people from out of town. Did not like to be called a child because I was cold and wanted to wear my jacket in the bar. Over priced entrance + coat check. Do not recommend at all!!!!!

This bar gets a Solid 5. Billy the bartender was absolutely excellent and the people working at the bar were awesome. This is listed as a gay bar, but they were more heterosexuals than anything else here. The karaoke was absolutely a blast. I will be visiting this place many times in the future.

Here, you can... DANCE! That's right! The first floor has a great dance floor that you can tease those too shy to go upstairs to hit the real dance floor where the crowd is at the mercy of the amazing DJ. With an upstairs bar, there's never a need to go downstairs. Unless, of course, you're leaving... Can't wait to come back for some more wobbling!

Going out on new years in Albany. Looked on yelp of course and found waterworks. OMFG I LOVE LOVE this club!!!! Seriously the best club I've ever been to!!! Yes it was SUPER dirty, just the floors. Spilled drinks and stuff. But the music was awesome! They play a variety of top hits to 80's! If I lived here I would be here ALL the time!!!

stopped in last Summer while visiting the Capital area. My Dad and hs then partner started the business way back in the 80's. It was Waterworks Pub downstairs for the guys and something like "One Flight Up" on the second floor for the ladies. I was happy to see it was still there, but sad to see how run down it was. Still the bartender and patrons late afternoon were friendly. My Dad and his then partner have passed, but I hope the establishment will continue and flourish for years to come.

Not a big dance club fan but waterworks was amazing! Loved it and recommend it to everyone!