Yea, really sad, after Arnold left that was really it...., children who are given businesses always run them into the ground...
Lydia Cole
Jack’s is the most upscale restaurant in the capital region. Their food compares to no one! I’m shocked to hear it’s closing. Really heartbreaking. We’ve had many birthdays and celebrations here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters Rockefeller
Arch Angel
Was a favorite of my Grandparents and parents when I was young. It still looks the same and I felt very much like they are living more off their name than what they could be. The food was good but nothing impressive or one dish in particular I can think of that would get me to go back or to recommend others to go for. We had a reservation for 5 pm on a Saturday and when we arrived (5 minutes late) the doors were locked and I had to wave to a server to get in. Everyone seemed frantic yet two or three people were at the bar drinking already. Our server was very nice and knew her trade. This place could be something special. I feel like it was and the story is over.
Basem Maddah
My Story with Jack's Oyster House goes back to 1970 when I was a teen ager working my way to pay for my college tuition. Arnold (Jack's son) offered me a job to work in the kitchen. That's where I met Jack, I believe he was in his mid 80s at the time. Jack was the kindest person that walked on this planet. I will forever be thankful to this man for he was instrumental in shaping what I am today. He once saw me almost in tears and asked me the reason for my sadness, I told him I had no money to pay my tuition for that semester and burst in tears. He opened his check book, signed a check and left the amount open. I finished my under graduate degree and continued my studies to acquire a graduate degree in computer science. My thanks go to Jack, his sons Arnold and Marvin. I believe Brad the current owner is Marvin's son. God bless. Rest in peace Jack, you'll always be in my prayers.Benny.
ArchAngel 518
Was a favorite of my Grandparents and parents when I was young. It still looks the same and I felt very much like they are living more off their name than what they could be. The food was good but nothing impressive or one dish in particular I can think of that would get me to go back or to recommend others to go for. We had a reservation for 5 pm on a Saturday and when we arrived (5 minutes late) the doors were locked and I had to wave to a server to get in. Everyone seemed frantic yet two or three people were at the bar drinking already. Our server was very nice and knew her trade. This place could be something special. I feel like it was and the story is over.
Chris L.
It's a 3 star rating, but barely. 2 1/2 would have been my selection if that had been a choice. Parking was free and plentiful on-street, but it was early on a rainy Thursday evening, this might very well be different then your experience on a Saturday night. We were seated promptly for our 5pm reservation.... mostly empty restaurant, so no surprise there. Our server came over shortly, introduced himself, brought menus and asked for drink orders. No issues here. Drinks arrived, yummy. Dinner order taken. Asked for bread, told some would come soon. Soups and one appetizer (Oysters Rockefeller) delivered. Other appetizer (shrimp cocktail) nowhere in sight. Eventually bread comes. No butter, have to ask for it. Now the main courses arrive. No problem, except we are still missing one appetizer.... and it's the one that doesn't need any cooking ! I question the server, suggest they maybe he'd bring the entrees back to the kitchen and bring us the appetizer and later the entrees... deer in headlights stare. Ok so we accept the entrees because some are now very hungry. I asked for a round of drinks on the house because of the screw-up. Again, blank stare. Man pay attention to the customer !! One entree is a big problem. One couple ordered the "cowboy steak" to share...... $66.... priced like a cowboy steak. However what showed up at the table was anything but. It was less than an inch thick (should be 2 1/2 - 3 inches thick) AND it was quite small in length and width. It was also sliced already.... we are guessing they did that to make it appear like more meat. This steak was probably half or less of the total weight a true cowboy steak should be. MAJOR PROBLEM. Eventually the shrimp cocktail comes, and they are GIGANTIC. Colossal shrimp no question about it. Very pleased. Ask for more bread. Again it takes a while (he explains it's made fresh, no issue) but AGAIN no butter. This dude just isn't catching on. Manager comes to check how things are.... so we fill him in. He explains they have 3 in the kitchen and ONE server, says there's 8 tables going.... we only see 4. Anyway, he says he understands and will do some magic on the check. Long story short (I know, too late) the manager helps out a bit with the check and we left feeling satisfied but a bit underwhelmed by the whole experience considering this place has been there for over 100 years.
mark pollio
Unbelievably overpriced food. $66 steak looked and tasted like it had been microwaved. Not kidding, it was super chewy and tough. Chowder was okay but lacking flavor. Tableware not cleaned thoroughly food still on silverware. Service was not very friendly. Wouldn't recommend
Jim R.
It was a boys weekend in upstate New York to attend the Baseball Hall of Fame induction for David Ortiz. Our weekend starts Saturday with a trip from our home state of Connecticut to Saratoga to lose our money on the horses. Saturday night we stay in the Albany area and try to find a good restaurant in downtown Albany. We chose Jack's because I'd known it as a classic from my youth growing up in Albany. Five of us arrived at our reservation time of 7:45 pm and were promptly seated. We were in a small room with about 3 tables outside the main dining room which felt like a waiting area. Considering we spent close to $1,000 that evening, I was hoping for a little more ambience rather than the coat room. Nonetheless, we ordered drinks and oysters. We were provided with a selection of oysters from New England, PEI, and the west coast. We ordered two dozen of the New England and PEI oysters. The oysters were fresh and excellent. For our main meals, we all ordered one or another of the beef entries. The main meals were all cooked to our liking. As mentioned in a number of the reviews, the pricing of the meals is not aligned with the portion. More like the City prices instead of downtown Albany. Where the meal stumbled was in the desert area. Saturday night and we were informed that they were out of the chocolate selection (as mentioned in other reviews, I am a chocolate fan and very disappointed if there isn't one on the menu or "sold out"). So I talked my buddy into trying the Baked Alaska (had a version of it recently in a restaurant in Hartford that was wonderful). We ended up sending the Baked Alaska back as big swing and miss. The meringue was supposed to be toasted but was burnt and neither of us could get the taste out of our mouth even after a strong IPA at a bar around the corner. All in all, it was just a meh experience.
Nicholas D.
Wednesday night not busy, waiter was not very engaging, rushed us to order entrees when we just got appetizers. Friends ordered Salmon, and risotto, I ordered Delmonico steak & wife ordered Sea Bass. 3 entrees came out to the table, Risotto was cold, my steak was cold, only meal hot was salmon. Wife's entrees took 8 minutes to come out of the kitchen. Waiter unconcerned with the fact that things came out haphazardly never apologized for any mishap that occurred. Sent steak back & shared meal with wife. If Jack's is classified as 'Fine Dining' then you have to redefine what Fine Dining is. Jack's does not qualify. Prices were high considering the lack of caring towards guests. Stay away from here at all costs.
Bill Clark
What happened ? We haven’t been there in s couple years but…… our dinner for 4 on 7/13/22 was definitely NOT what we expected. The oysters Rockefeller were terrible, I wasn’t aware you could harvest oysters so small. The oyster itself was discernible from the topping…… I’ve ordered this same dish in past visits and this time it wasn’t even close to what anyone would have expected, My entree was 4 scallops with a couple tablespoons of a tasty corn relish….. averaged out to $13 s scallop. My wife ordered the tenderloin which was a very small portion for the price and was cooked perfectly, the plate was to come with mashed potato something, which ended up being a teaspoon or so of potato purée placed on the plate then smeared across….we had to ask the waiter if they had forgotten the potato. Overall very disappointed ? especially for the cost $420 before tip…….
It's well past it's prime. The meat was cooked correctly but came out cold. The menu listed a number of items that did not come with the meal. everything was average and for the price, it should have been much better. Down the road is 677 and it's much better at presentation, food rates, and delivery to the table. I shouldn't have to ask for salt and pepper or bread and butter.the oysters, bland and tasteless. The caviar was not up to standard. The restaurant itself was empty and devoid of life and dead. I think this place used to be something "back in the day" but that day has long since passed.
onerandomguy
We were straving after skiing, and stopped on the way home at what seems to be an amazing spot based on the reviews. The place looks amazing even though the design is dated (maybe on purpose). I expected a "vanilla" American Steak House without any frills. So....took forever for the oysters to come out, and there was only ONE kind you could have (Oyster House?). They were good, but from there it was downhill. Salads that seen better days, Crab cakes that had a freezer after taste, Tomato soup that had so much cream in it that it turned bright orange. Seafood soup was ok if it was at Red Lobster (which is ok as I said). Stuffed Lobster looked like it came from TGIF, and was sitting under lamps so long it dried up. Steak was ordered medium, and was correct temprature, but with an awful reduction on top. After scraping it off, we had to chainsaw the thing to get it cut. Service was slow but great, I'll give them that. 2 hours later Mickey-D saved the day. Not exaggerating...we were really hungry. Guys at "Jacks", you remember us becasue the plates came back almst full. We were in a hurry to leave and did not want to make a big deal out of this, but for the price point..you need to overhaul something there.
Cassandra Baldwin
My fiance and I went to Jack's for my birthday. We were seated and had to wait 8 minutes , before our server came over to take our drink order. Our server lacked personality, but the food was very tasty. Dont think I will rush back anytime soon.
Lisa S
I stopped by this restaurant for dinner one night while I was staying in Albany. I could clearly see why this place has been around for over 100 years. The food and drinks were absolutely devine. The soup and Delmonico steak I ordered was bursting with flavor and they can surely whip up a fantastic cocktail. My server Scout was so sweet, friendly and attentive. The overall appearance of the restaurant is very elegant. I highly recommend checking this place out. I will definitely stop by again the next time I am in the area.
Gary Burns
So I almost hate to do this ..I have literally eaten at almost every restaurant in Albany proper from the Clinton avenue exit to lark and up Madison and back…After several weeks of travel here I saved Jacks for a weekend with my wife ..This actually replaced a well known Mexican restaurant for the worst experience..it overtook last placeLet me just say Albany has a great restaurant scene ..I reside in Chicago and have literally traveled the worldFrom the pubs up here near Clinton to the stadium to lark street and down ..the restaurants here are simply incredible ..Italian Mexican eclectic seafood vegan ..I’m not vegan but the vegan scene is amazing ..put simply this city has some of the best restaurants around bar none ..Jacks sadly is not one ..the menu was extremely limited literally 5 entrees to choose from 2 or 3 were steaks ..we had sea bass and mussels and salads ..and a bottle of wine ..The place was empty ..the service was rushed ..the portions were puny which I don’t care if the food is excellent .it was mediocre ..the salads were uninspiring ..they tried to overcharge us for the wine, we brought it to their attention and they corrected but it was embarrassing but my wife insisted ..It was very expensive which I knew but ..at any price ..I’m sorry but don’t embarrass yourself by taking anyone here ..it’s disappointing ..we even tried for desert but wanted to have it at the bar which was “closed”Skip this at all costs ..don’t buy into it’s the oldest restaurant ..i only regret that I wasted a night with my wife on this ..so many better choices and we enjoyed 2 great nights and 2 great brunches before this utter disappointmentLive and learn I guess
Yea, really sad, after Arnold left that was really it...., children who are given businesses always run them into the ground...
Jack’s is the most upscale restaurant in the capital region. Their food compares to no one! I’m shocked to hear it’s closing. Really heartbreaking. We’ve had many birthdays and celebrations here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters Rockefeller
Was a favorite of my Grandparents and parents when I was young. It still looks the same and I felt very much like they are living more off their name than what they could be. The food was good but nothing impressive or one dish in particular I can think of that would get me to go back or to recommend others to go for. We had a reservation for 5 pm on a Saturday and when we arrived (5 minutes late) the doors were locked and I had to wave to a server to get in. Everyone seemed frantic yet two or three people were at the bar drinking already. Our server was very nice and knew her trade. This place could be something special. I feel like it was and the story is over.
My Story with Jack's Oyster House goes back to 1970 when I was a teen ager working my way to pay for my college tuition. Arnold (Jack's son) offered me a job to work in the kitchen. That's where I met Jack, I believe he was in his mid 80s at the time. Jack was the kindest person that walked on this planet. I will forever be thankful to this man for he was instrumental in shaping what I am today. He once saw me almost in tears and asked me the reason for my sadness, I told him I had no money to pay my tuition for that semester and burst in tears. He opened his check book, signed a check and left the amount open. I finished my under graduate degree and continued my studies to acquire a graduate degree in computer science. My thanks go to Jack, his sons Arnold and Marvin. I believe Brad the current owner is Marvin's son. God bless. Rest in peace Jack, you'll always be in my prayers.Benny.
Was a favorite of my Grandparents and parents when I was young. It still looks the same and I felt very much like they are living more off their name than what they could be. The food was good but nothing impressive or one dish in particular I can think of that would get me to go back or to recommend others to go for. We had a reservation for 5 pm on a Saturday and when we arrived (5 minutes late) the doors were locked and I had to wave to a server to get in. Everyone seemed frantic yet two or three people were at the bar drinking already. Our server was very nice and knew her trade. This place could be something special. I feel like it was and the story is over.
It's a 3 star rating, but barely. 2 1/2 would have been my selection if that had been a choice. Parking was free and plentiful on-street, but it was early on a rainy Thursday evening, this might very well be different then your experience on a Saturday night. We were seated promptly for our 5pm reservation.... mostly empty restaurant, so no surprise there. Our server came over shortly, introduced himself, brought menus and asked for drink orders. No issues here. Drinks arrived, yummy. Dinner order taken. Asked for bread, told some would come soon. Soups and one appetizer (Oysters Rockefeller) delivered. Other appetizer (shrimp cocktail) nowhere in sight. Eventually bread comes. No butter, have to ask for it. Now the main courses arrive. No problem, except we are still missing one appetizer.... and it's the one that doesn't need any cooking ! I question the server, suggest they maybe he'd bring the entrees back to the kitchen and bring us the appetizer and later the entrees... deer in headlights stare. Ok so we accept the entrees because some are now very hungry. I asked for a round of drinks on the house because of the screw-up. Again, blank stare. Man pay attention to the customer !! One entree is a big problem. One couple ordered the "cowboy steak" to share...... $66.... priced like a cowboy steak. However what showed up at the table was anything but. It was less than an inch thick (should be 2 1/2 - 3 inches thick) AND it was quite small in length and width. It was also sliced already.... we are guessing they did that to make it appear like more meat. This steak was probably half or less of the total weight a true cowboy steak should be. MAJOR PROBLEM. Eventually the shrimp cocktail comes, and they are GIGANTIC. Colossal shrimp no question about it. Very pleased. Ask for more bread. Again it takes a while (he explains it's made fresh, no issue) but AGAIN no butter. This dude just isn't catching on. Manager comes to check how things are.... so we fill him in. He explains they have 3 in the kitchen and ONE server, says there's 8 tables going.... we only see 4. Anyway, he says he understands and will do some magic on the check. Long story short (I know, too late) the manager helps out a bit with the check and we left feeling satisfied but a bit underwhelmed by the whole experience considering this place has been there for over 100 years.
Unbelievably overpriced food. $66 steak looked and tasted like it had been microwaved. Not kidding, it was super chewy and tough. Chowder was okay but lacking flavor. Tableware not cleaned thoroughly food still on silverware. Service was not very friendly. Wouldn't recommend
It was a boys weekend in upstate New York to attend the Baseball Hall of Fame induction for David Ortiz. Our weekend starts Saturday with a trip from our home state of Connecticut to Saratoga to lose our money on the horses. Saturday night we stay in the Albany area and try to find a good restaurant in downtown Albany. We chose Jack's because I'd known it as a classic from my youth growing up in Albany. Five of us arrived at our reservation time of 7:45 pm and were promptly seated. We were in a small room with about 3 tables outside the main dining room which felt like a waiting area. Considering we spent close to $1,000 that evening, I was hoping for a little more ambience rather than the coat room. Nonetheless, we ordered drinks and oysters. We were provided with a selection of oysters from New England, PEI, and the west coast. We ordered two dozen of the New England and PEI oysters. The oysters were fresh and excellent. For our main meals, we all ordered one or another of the beef entries. The main meals were all cooked to our liking. As mentioned in a number of the reviews, the pricing of the meals is not aligned with the portion. More like the City prices instead of downtown Albany. Where the meal stumbled was in the desert area. Saturday night and we were informed that they were out of the chocolate selection (as mentioned in other reviews, I am a chocolate fan and very disappointed if there isn't one on the menu or "sold out"). So I talked my buddy into trying the Baked Alaska (had a version of it recently in a restaurant in Hartford that was wonderful). We ended up sending the Baked Alaska back as big swing and miss. The meringue was supposed to be toasted but was burnt and neither of us could get the taste out of our mouth even after a strong IPA at a bar around the corner. All in all, it was just a meh experience.
Wednesday night not busy, waiter was not very engaging, rushed us to order entrees when we just got appetizers. Friends ordered Salmon, and risotto, I ordered Delmonico steak & wife ordered Sea Bass. 3 entrees came out to the table, Risotto was cold, my steak was cold, only meal hot was salmon. Wife's entrees took 8 minutes to come out of the kitchen. Waiter unconcerned with the fact that things came out haphazardly never apologized for any mishap that occurred. Sent steak back & shared meal with wife. If Jack's is classified as 'Fine Dining' then you have to redefine what Fine Dining is. Jack's does not qualify. Prices were high considering the lack of caring towards guests. Stay away from here at all costs.
What happened ? We haven’t been there in s couple years but…… our dinner for 4 on 7/13/22 was definitely NOT what we expected. The oysters Rockefeller were terrible, I wasn’t aware you could harvest oysters so small. The oyster itself was discernible from the topping…… I’ve ordered this same dish in past visits and this time it wasn’t even close to what anyone would have expected, My entree was 4 scallops with a couple tablespoons of a tasty corn relish….. averaged out to $13 s scallop. My wife ordered the tenderloin which was a very small portion for the price and was cooked perfectly, the plate was to come with mashed potato something, which ended up being a teaspoon or so of potato purée placed on the plate then smeared across….we had to ask the waiter if they had forgotten the potato. Overall very disappointed ? especially for the cost $420 before tip…….
Restaurantji Recommends
It's well past it's prime. The meat was cooked correctly but came out cold. The menu listed a number of items that did not come with the meal. everything was average and for the price, it should have been much better. Down the road is 677 and it's much better at presentation, food rates, and delivery to the table. I shouldn't have to ask for salt and pepper or bread and butter.the oysters, bland and tasteless. The caviar was not up to standard. The restaurant itself was empty and devoid of life and dead. I think this place used to be something "back in the day" but that day has long since passed.
We were straving after skiing, and stopped on the way home at what seems to be an amazing spot based on the reviews. The place looks amazing even though the design is dated (maybe on purpose). I expected a "vanilla" American Steak House without any frills. So....took forever for the oysters to come out, and there was only ONE kind you could have (Oyster House?). They were good, but from there it was downhill. Salads that seen better days, Crab cakes that had a freezer after taste, Tomato soup that had so much cream in it that it turned bright orange. Seafood soup was ok if it was at Red Lobster (which is ok as I said). Stuffed Lobster looked like it came from TGIF, and was sitting under lamps so long it dried up. Steak was ordered medium, and was correct temprature, but with an awful reduction on top. After scraping it off, we had to chainsaw the thing to get it cut. Service was slow but great, I'll give them that. 2 hours later Mickey-D saved the day. Not exaggerating...we were really hungry. Guys at "Jacks", you remember us becasue the plates came back almst full. We were in a hurry to leave and did not want to make a big deal out of this, but for the price point..you need to overhaul something there.
My fiance and I went to Jack's for my birthday. We were seated and had to wait 8 minutes , before our server came over to take our drink order. Our server lacked personality, but the food was very tasty. Dont think I will rush back anytime soon.
I stopped by this restaurant for dinner one night while I was staying in Albany. I could clearly see why this place has been around for over 100 years. The food and drinks were absolutely devine. The soup and Delmonico steak I ordered was bursting with flavor and they can surely whip up a fantastic cocktail. My server Scout was so sweet, friendly and attentive. The overall appearance of the restaurant is very elegant. I highly recommend checking this place out. I will definitely stop by again the next time I am in the area.
So I almost hate to do this ..I have literally eaten at almost every restaurant in Albany proper from the Clinton avenue exit to lark and up Madison and back…After several weeks of travel here I saved Jacks for a weekend with my wife ..This actually replaced a well known Mexican restaurant for the worst experience..it overtook last placeLet me just say Albany has a great restaurant scene ..I reside in Chicago and have literally traveled the worldFrom the pubs up here near Clinton to the stadium to lark street and down ..the restaurants here are simply incredible ..Italian Mexican eclectic seafood vegan ..I’m not vegan but the vegan scene is amazing ..put simply this city has some of the best restaurants around bar none ..Jacks sadly is not one ..the menu was extremely limited literally 5 entrees to choose from 2 or 3 were steaks ..we had sea bass and mussels and salads ..and a bottle of wine ..The place was empty ..the service was rushed ..the portions were puny which I don’t care if the food is excellent .it was mediocre ..the salads were uninspiring ..they tried to overcharge us for the wine, we brought it to their attention and they corrected but it was embarrassing but my wife insisted ..It was very expensive which I knew but ..at any price ..I’m sorry but don’t embarrass yourself by taking anyone here ..it’s disappointing ..we even tried for desert but wanted to have it at the bar which was “closed”Skip this at all costs ..don’t buy into it’s the oldest restaurant ..i only regret that I wasted a night with my wife on this ..so many better choices and we enjoyed 2 great nights and 2 great brunches before this utter disappointmentLive and learn I guess