I miss waterworks! It was the only "club" i went to when I lived in Albany. It is such a fun environment, great drinks, great staff, and so much fun! There are events on a weekly basis, and it is the Ultimate place to be on Halloween. If you want a place to go where not only the staff is friendly, but so are the guests, this is the number one place!

Great place but the security really needs to step it down a notch. They gave me a problem at the door and I had id and cover fee ready to go but said I was being too slow.

The place is poppin! I had a wonderful time with my friends last night and people that I didn't even know. The entire club sang karaoke like we were friggin Beyonce! It was a breath of fresh air. Also I lost my keys and then found them in my friends car. Talk about having a mini-stroke after a wonderful night lol. I highly recommend this place if you want to blow off steam and forget about this depressing world. HAVE FUN ❤️

Always a great time here!!! Bartender went out of his way to ensure our party was made to feel special since it was a bachelor/bachelorette party and it was very much appreciated!!! Drinks were on point and delicious!! Everyone had a blast!! Thank you, Waterworks!!!

I always feel very welcome here! I've been going for quite a while, and I feel like I've become part of the Waterworks family. The bartenders and other regulars are always happy to see me! The seasonal menu is very creative and inviting. The staff are always coming up with new, delicious drinks so even if you don't go out often, you're sure to find something to peak your interest! There's always something to do here, from competing in singing competitions or casually singing your favorite songs at karaoke night to attending the weekly drag shows. There is never a dull moment! I am so happy to have found this wonderful place to escape the daily humdrum!

GREAT DRINKS FRIENDLY STAFF GOOD ATMOSPHERE.

Accepting, understanding and compassionate. When a questioning person comes from CNY and is feeling awkward, this is the place to go. Warm, welcoming and supportive. I recommend no where else to go if you’re looking for a GREAT TIME and comfortability. Hands down 5 star through and through

Went for my birthday to the Wacky Wednesday drag show! The check-in process is a bit longer than most places, but I appreciate how thorough it is and how nice they are about it. The bartender was amazing, accommodating, and fun to interact with! Plus the drinks were mixed so well. The space was wonderful, everyone was really nice, and I felt really comfortable. Not to mention the drag show was to die for!!! Wonderful place to end up on a Wednesday night - would do it again any day!

Went to the pride 2022 after party. It was bumping. Love the atmosphere, bartenders and peeps🌈💋.

I really enjoy this place. Have only been there post pandemic because I'm new to the area, and I am impressed how this place can keep everyone having a good time while following all the guidelines. Everyone here is very nice and welcoming. I'm an older bi guy, but this place is for anyone who is open minded and wants to enjoy themselves. Straight, gay, bi, trans..... Whoever you are, you will have a chill mellow experience. Love karaoke on Friday nights and the drag show after midnight. I try to get here once a week I highly recommend it.

I've always felt safe here. The one time there was a creepy man, I told the bouncer and he was removed. Downstairs is a local pub vibe and upstairs is a club vibe. Would especially recommend going on the first Saturday of the month for the drag show.

Brandon is one of the best bartenders out there. He made us feel so included and played the music we liked. Love him and the vibe

Saw Ada Vox here for Albany Black & Latino Pride. It was crowded, but it was nice to come out to celebrate the strength of this community

I was attending a professional conference that occurred over Albany gay pride; this club was 1.5 miles from our conference at the Hilton. Three of us came here to dance and we were not disappointed; two of us are gay, 1 male, 1 female, one straight female. I was thrilled that the club had a fantastically diverse crowd in terms of race, age, sexual orientation, etc. Two dance floors; upstairs was more crowded and wilder, but I moved downstairs later when the upper dance floor got so packed I could barely move. It was super sexy though. We danced for HOURS! One of my friends got lucky, hooked up and split. The drinks were generous and my other pal, a lightweight drinker, got too drunk so I sent her back to hotel in a cab (confirmed arrived safely!). Hot, sweaty dancing with fun, friendly, HOT people! It was Gay Pride so no idea if it's usually like this. It was a typical bar scene: single people looking for a date, a few drunk people dropped drinks on the dance floor, so we just kicked the glass out of the way. It was awesome and wild and just what I was looking for: a memorable evening! I wear earplugs; the music was deafening and I was so glad I had them or it would have been uncomfortably loud after several hours.

My name is Alex and I drive down from Rutland Vermont quite often to get together with my friend and always go to Waterworks Pub in Albany It’s always so much fun!!!… This past weekend, February 11, I drove down for the Super Bowl and was very disappointed because they were having a drag show at the exact same time as the Super Bowl and we could not even hear the game going on so before we even hit half time in the event on TV, we left !! There’s a time and place for a sports event and then there’s a time and place for a drag show… I like them both but not at the same time… That was not even logical! Too bad :((

Great place for karaoke, dancing, socializing, and having libations. Dress code is casual, although I dress to impress. Visible and impressive security staff. Club entrance and dance floor, are not accessible if you have difficulty walking. Both require you to climb stairs. Weekly drag shows and dance contests. Fun place, friendly staff.

Great place to dance and conversions with friends. All types of people go here. Friday night there's a dance upstairs and Saturday night there's also dancing upstairs at 11 p.m. karaoke takes place on Thursday and Friday nights from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. They do serve popcorn there and drinks but there is not much food served there. The help is very friendly and social with their customers. There is no dress code there you go as you please but not too showy of course

Drew is excellent to his customers. He does it all. We appreciate the way he takes care of young and older. Talented young man. Josh has taken over now that Drew has taken off for greener pastures. Josh is awesome So glad he is here.

I was recommended by multiple people to come to Waterworks, and a conference I was attending at the Capitol held a reception in the evening here. They gave us drink tix and I ordered a dark & stormy and let me tell you when I saw the bartender mixing in TWO DIFFERENT KINDS OF RUM I knew it was gonna be a good time. And the place is very nice, good lighting and the DJ was very in tune with the crowd. I am curious why they closed the front door but maybe that was just for our event. Will be back x

Kitty Troeger

Lots of fun, danced my worries away! Staff was wonderful!

The Anxietea

Hello, I leave too much information about places for people who want to know everything before they go. This is my experience and I apologize if yours varies. Getting Inside: The entrance is around the back of Waterworks through a large alleyway area and then up a set of stairs. If there is no security, wait at the top of the stairs for them to return. Security will check your ID and your bag if you have one. Then you’ll keep your ID out so it can be scanned at the desk at the bottom of the steps. You’ll pay a cover that varies based on the night but has never exceeded $20 in my experience. You can pay with cash or card. They do accept Apple Pay. You’ll get a random hand stamp and be on your way. Bathrooms: There are two bathrooms with stalls labeled only as with and without urinals on the first floor. If you walk straight down the hall from the check in desk, the bathrooms will be on your left before the billiards table. There are two more bathrooms upstairs that are single use and unisex in the back of the room towards the balcony exit. Bars: There is an upstairs bar and a downstairs bar. You can start a tab with either by leaving your card and then giving the name associated with your card when you purchase drinks later. You can open a tab on one bar and continue putting drinks on it on the other bar but you will have to close your tab with the bar you opened it with. Floors: The first floor has scattered chairs and tables, a bar with stools, and a small dance floor area that’s usually used for karaoke. Upstairs, there is a dance floor that opens at 11pm. There is a lot of space to dance upstairs with a bar up a small staircase. The staircase leading upstairs is to the left of the karaoke floor. Food: There is a food counter with a small selection of food down the hall from the entrance on the first floor. You can order food and then receive a buzzer that will alert you when food is ready. Attire: Casual. I’ve never seen someone kicked out for what they were wearing unless it covers their face as it makes them difficult to ID. Misc: There is a balcony upstairs to come and go from as you please. The stamps change nightly. There are occasional shows and events so check their Facebook page to see what’s going on since the website rarely works.

Sigma Media

Wonderful bar. Nice crowd. Guests are pleasant and easy to talk to. They give a free bottle of champagne on your birthday 🎂. Thank you Water Works.

Tori Wipp

We love Waterworks!! The vibe is always very inclusive and from our experience, no one seems to bother anyone. It’s been a really great place to go out with friends, and we always have the best time. The only gripe we have is that the music upstairs isn’t our favorite. From my experience, the music downstairs is better which is unfortunate considering upstairs is set up moreso for dancing. Overall, we recommend this establishment to everyone ❤️💛💚💙💜 Attached is a video of my bestie on the beloved karaoke night, along with a picture of someone in an ankle monitor. Impecable vibes

Richard Buck

The new Sunday afternoon bar tender J, is a very good bartender. He was attentive and he actually spoke to everyone in the bar. Refreshing to see someone who is young being a good worker and a great bartender. I stopped going to Water on the regular when I moved south. J gives me a reason to go up there on a Sunday afternoon.

Hanna Scar

Waterworks is hands down the most fun bar in Albany. On top of that, we had an unfortunate situation tonight and the woman with a hat that said HEAD OF SECURITY really handled the situation professionally and appropriately so we felt safe.

Kat Lippert

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!!!

Essie Thebestie

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WATER WORKS. 2 floors , 2 bars, 2 DJ's & a patio upstairs so you don't even have to leave for a smoke. The food is ALWAYS good. The wings are my favorite. Music's on point, great crowd, energetic atmosphere. This is my GO TO spot whether it's a weekday or a weekend.

It's amazing, and so lively, not really diverse, but still so fun. The music is divided between two, so you can get your choice of a song as it was made, or upstairs when they're remixed with a beat

It's the only gay bar left from when I was a student at RPI! On my return visit to campus, I had to stop by. It was a Therapy Thursday and the place was full of life after 1a. They rearranged things and updated, but true to form the music was still dated. Friendly bartenders were serving potent, inexpensive drinks. I'm glad Waterworks has survived and adapted. I'll have to check out the upper floor on my next visit on a Friday or Saturday night.

A decent place. Seems to be the only night club in Albany. The dance floor is small, but wasn't crowded when I visited. The downstairs bar is really chill and attracts a good (gay) crowd.

I went in there last weekend, bought drinks for $19 including a tip, and was dismayed to see a 119 dollar charge on my card the next day. On contacting the pub, the manager Josh, reached out asap, and reversed the entire charge. So while I was initially not happy at all, the customer service made up for it a little.

I went to @waterworkspub last night to celebrate my birthday. It was a lot of fun and I got to dance to #dubstep, which is one my favorite types of music genres. They stamped us at the door after we paid our cover and I never read what the stamp said until I woke this morning. Too funny 🤣🤣 it says douche bag #douchebag. Lmao. I got #powned by a #nightclub. I will definitely go back. Great music to dance to and funny sense of humor! The drinks were more expensive that I realized they would be. I am talking about I bought 6 vodka tonics for me and my spouse and dropped 65 bucks. Ouch. Definitely will pre game better next time 😆 overall, I recommend and it was a hella good time.

Friendly atmosphere everyone's pleasant no attitudes no negativity. Groups come here singles couples it's a nice place on Friday and Saturday night I know they have other days to go but I usually go on Friday they have an upstairs dancehall. They have all kinds of events in there throughout the year. Karaoke on Friday and I do believe Thursday's too. You must be 21 to enter with ID

Cute club! However their smoke machine was literally raining burning liquid on us from above.

George

Very different. Went looking for food and fun. Got non.

Hannah W

Gone here a few times on Friday nights and really enjoyed it. The only things I didn't love about it were sort of out of the bar's control. Like how at 2am every time on the dot, the dance floor just starts flooding with creeps and kills the vibe. Or how the bar gets so crowded that it's hard to close your tab at the end of the night. Those are just things to keep in mind if you go there, not really complaints. Also, the second floor needs better music. Remixes were pretty annoying and everyone would audibly groan when a good song would be remixed with something random that nobody's heard of and nobody could dance or sing along. We kept having to go back downstairs for a palette cleanser because it was either karaoke or one of the bartenders' playlists on Spotify which were a lot better. Other than that, it's a fun place to dance, do karaoke, or just hang out. Bartenders are very nice and professional. Very good about understanding what you're looking for if you tell them. Drag shows are also fun to catch.

Malo OwO

It's an alright spot - smoking area js nice - have had issues in the past about when that spot gets opened ( have been told at least 3 different times it opens at ) - even outside its a bit hard to talk to people

kaley kodesch

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.

Waterworks is a cool community bar with a lot of variance in their nightly events. The drink prices are quite high for the area, and they have a cover charge for nearly every weekend event (including Thursdays if you are under 21). Most the bartenders are amazingly kind, but you will frequently hear complaints about the attitude of the door guy and the staff, some of those are moderately well-founded. It's shifted slightly from being just a gay club, to being a place that gets overrun by a straight dancey crowd, due to the lack of dancing options in the Albany area. If you are looking for a GAY bar, try Oh Bar or Rocks, Rocks is across the street and also has a dance club.

Good vibe and we like the set up. The pool table wasn't working and they had no darts for the dart board. The bartender liked to chat more than making the drinks. Honestly sad because Waterworks was one of the reasons we came to Albany.

I had a blast dancing with friends upstairs. It's my second time there and tried the karaoke. The karaoke host was very rude to say the least. It wasn't much of karaoke he kept over playing music instead of having everyone sing. When I asked if he had a songbook as some KJs still do....he announced rudely no we do not have a book. There was a qr code for music which was cool but he didn't need to be so condescending about it. I recommend dancing there upstairs not karaoke.

Tristan Jette

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.

Jana

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.

2 stars because its clean and environment is chill. But music isnt "diverse" and the drinks are very weak. Bartender will literally put a shot of alcohol in a glass of juice right in your face. Then charge 10$

I went there with a group of about 25 people for my friends 30th birthday. I called the pub around 8:30 to make sure that I wouldn’t have trouble getting in, as I lost my license the night before. I spoke with Steven, and he told me that if I have a New York State issued photo ID (my NYS real estate license) and my birth certificate proving that I am in fact 23 that I would be able to get in with no problem. I get to the door around 11:30 PM, and told the gentlemen at the door that I spoke with Steven earlier, and let me know that I was able to get in with these two items. This man basically laughed in my face and told me “Steven has no authority.” Explained my frustration and asked if he could go get Steven so we could sort this miscommunication out as I wanted to have a good time that night, again told me that he makes the rules - and I was not getting in. This was obviously quite frustrating, not only because there were miscommunications with the employees, but the gentleman at the door was extremely rude to me. My goal was to avoid any hassle at the door- hence calling beforehand to MAKE SURE that I can get in. This is an 18+ club, and I had two legal documents clearly proving I was 23 years of age. This man was just trying to give a hard time, and I don’t appreciate that. Please make sure all of your employees are aware of the rules and regulations to avoid any further bad experiences.

If your into older caucasian men. Or if you like to to listen to music without words this is the place for you. I think they have one day out of the week where you'll get some R&B or maybe a little rap. But it fits the demographic its reaching for.

So usually I like this place. I’m not sure who the old middle age white man with white hair and the receding hairline is who is at the counter when you walk in to pay thirteen dollars to get in (used to be 10???).,, but he needs to GO. Extremely rude. He yelled at me. For literally no reason, other than his sh^tty character. Really disgusting attitude. Made me want to request the money I paid to get in there and walk right back out; that’s how off putting his attitude was . I wonder if he’s that disrespectful to men as well or if he just hates women but wow. Idk if I’ll be back.

Genuinely bad I’ve given this place at least 5 tries before writing this. It’s not worth your money the dj they have is terrible. The only way you can really dance to any of the terrible remixes are if your sloshed which everyone is so there’s drinks splashed on you every two seconds. It’s full of creepy old men, every time I’ve gone there has been pervy old guys trying stuff but they don’t get kicked out🙄. The only redeeming parts about this place is the smoking area and the bar tenders they’re super friendly and very fast at making drinks and getting to you even when it’s packed

Visiting...this place was full of 19-20 year old straight college kids. I went thinking it was a gay bar, still had fun. There's a drag queen with karaoke which is pretty gay and there ended up being a few gays when I looked closer, and had a decent time --but it could have easily been a disappointment since it was a very hetero dominated vibe upstairs.

Nicole V

Music is trash here for the club upstairs. We ended up just hanging at the bar after paying a fee to get in. The bouncers are extremely strict and rude, like chill out you don’t work for the damn president. Drinks weren’t good either, cocktails were okay… this place just wasn’t a fun time for me and my fiance. Bar tenders were very friendly though!

Claire Idema

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.

Security thought we were drunk just because we didn't speak English because we were Argentinian. Very "inclusive" but racist

After the black and Latino fest yesterday we when to waterworks and the OLD DUDES THAT CAME IN AFTER 8:30 T STamP PEOPLE HANDS !!! He was VERY RUDE, NASTY AND IGNORANT TO US.. AND ACTUALLY TOLD US THAT THIS WAS PART of the black and Latino festival.. He was very RUDE..! ALL THE MESS WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH BECAUSE OF OUR SEXUAL PREFERENCE.. TO BE TREATED LIKE THAT IS JUST WRONG..And im sure it was about the color of our skin..He need to be fired!!!

This place have bad security they ask me to leave out for no reasons and they fight with me and let me full and slip and now iam in injury from these stupid security and iam going to sue them about that problem and take them to the court

Terrible experience! I came with all of my friends on my 21st with 3 forms of identification and bartender would not accept. Totally ruined my birthday because I didn’t have my new license which NY state will not give me until after.

This one white bouncer was extremely rude and put his hands on my girlfriend to push us out. There was no need to get aggressive if we needed to go. Absolutely disgusting.

Went out on a Saturday the day before Halloween security made us wait in line for an hour then proceeded to tell me I couldn't get in with my passport they are racist and the owner Robert is a racist pig! Spent thousands of dollars there over the years don't spend you're money here if you are POC!

Your security kicked me Out for no reason I could recite everything my dob my ssn like everything to prove I was fine I literally went to get air and was kicked out then your security guard pushed me down my ankle is now broken due to security and I have hospital paper work to prove it

Defınıtely stupıd place ın thıs area . They have securıty FOR NOTHING . And they say theır polıcy , we have to gıve jackets ınsıde even securıty checked them all . I DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE MY JACKET AND ID TO ANYONE , who are these people ?! Noone even say something, everyone acceptıng BECAUSE ITS A RULE AS THEY SAY . NOWHERE IN NEW YORK HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THAT . THIS PLACE TOTALLY STUPID . Dont make them earn money , they are somethıng because you are enterıng there . THEY HAVE TO TREAT BETTER PEOPLE , I AM NOT YOUR DOG !

Bouncer took my friends ID claiming it was fake when it wasn’t. We tried to talk to him and asked if he even scanned it but, he said no, he just knows it’s fake. He yelled at us and said call the police if we wanted it back. Had to actually call the police to get it back. The front door team really needs training, so rude and completely ruined the night.

here currently, completely dead. when i came in the bouncer/coat check employee was extremely rude. he made us remove half our outfit. when we asked why he treated to throw us out. he proceeded to curse us out. he was absolutely rude for no reason. please do not go to this bar. extremely gross and dirty.

They need a bouncer at the door. I went over labor day weekend and some kid, and I mean visibly a minor, was allowed into the bar late a night. He proceeded to walk around with his hand in his hoodie pocket, purposefully pointing it around like he had a gun. He then went into the bathroom and came back out with a black bandana on covering his face. We left, he followed a bunch of people outside and pulled something out of his pocket and pointed it at them, it wasn’t a gun, but he thought it was funny to make them think so. For a first time visit to a gay bar, allowing a minor to come in and terrorize the patrons like they’re going to commit a hate crime is pretty bad. Nice bartender and atmosphere otherwise, but yikes. Definitely do not feel safe there.

If I could give it negative stars I would. My best friend went there last night and it was disgusting. So many gross men here, predators if you will. Don’t go here, don’t have your friends go here and DEFINITELY don’t allow your kids here. You’d think it’d be a cool accepting place but it’s the complete opposite.

WATERWORKS IS DANGEROUS!!!! Waterworks use to be a fun place to go, but lately it’s gone downhill. Last weekend, two of my friends were attacked in the bar by another visitor. Both my friends were left with visible bruising, and did absolutely nothing to provoke an attack. And did the bouncers help? No. It seemed like the bouncers knew the attacker, since instead of kicking out the attacker, my friends were asked to leave. How could you ask victims to leave after they had been physically assaulted? The attacker was able to escape with no issue thanks to Waterworks security. And when asked to be shown the video camera footage, Waterworks refused to help. Thanks to Waterworks, one friend has a concussion, the other has a busted lip, and both have visible bruising. So I guess visit Waterworks if you want to get attacked!

I truly want to support an LGBT establishment as LGBT individual myself but I am forced to give a poor review because after a mandatory coat check my friend was not given a ticket and was refused his very specific jacket upon trying to retrieve it. After expressing I was never given a ticket and offering to show pictures of my acquaintance wearing the jacket in question I was told I could keep arguing or be thrown out from the bar I said okay then throw me out and I was physically forced from the bar without them so much as taking a cursory glance at the jackets and finding the specifically mentioned garment.

Last night I will go there. 2 different people touched me inappropriately and a couple approached me about going home with them. Then when I was waiting for my ride a group of people from the club threatened me and I feel like I was going to get jumped. I’m happy to stay home and stay safe.

Last weekend my friends were visiting from out of town, and we were all super excited to go have a fun night out at Waterworks. However, we did no such thing. As we were getting our IDs checked, the bouncer, who told us his name was Emanuel, told my friend her REAL ID was fake, put it in his pocket, and told us to call the police if we wanted it back. We proceeded to call the police and waited an hour and a half in the cold outside for them to show up. The police went inside and checked all the IDs they had taken that night and came back out empty handed, saying they couldn’t find my friend’s ID. Even though we saw the bouncer take it and put it in his pocket. Then, my friend and I went back up to the bouncer and asked him to kindly empty his pockets because we knew he had the ID. He said he doesn’t normally do that, but then pulled it out of his left pocket, and we got it back. But that means he stole my friend’s property and lied to the police. Not to mention, the drinks there are weak and expensive. We will not be returning.

Horrid place for a night out. Recommend to never come here sober.

If I could give no stars at all I would. My daughter went to this establishment on February 18, 2023 she wore her Mackage coat retails at $1100 was told her coat would have to go in coat check which she did without issue and was given a ticket for the space her coat was hung. At the end of the night my daughter went to get her coat and it was gone. She was informed that night that they would look into the incident and they have her a number to someone named Josh. Josh responded one day that he had ran the cameras back and indeed saw a regular leave the club with my daughter coat. Since that day numerous calls, Facebook messages (instructed to use), text messages, voice mails and messages at club have been left with no response. Last night when calling after 10 as instructed I was told that Josh could not take a call cause he was bartending. This is not my daughter fault!! They have a policy in place for coat check so ultimately they are responsible for any mishaps. We want the $1100 coat replaced as this was a Christmas present that I worked hard for to be able to gift my daughter with. This is not ok

Pretty shocked, only a handful of people in the bar. Ordered a single tall vodka and soda. The bartender clearly did not care about my business. Charged me $8.50. no problem. I handed my credit card, the price was all of a sudden over $10. I don't know what scam or bs this establishment is running but I'll never go back

There is a very rude guy name Dan the guy who stamp you at entrances. Mean that was my birthday yesterday and I invited 20 co workers to go and he didn't let my friend in and we were asking him why he just keep saying my friend is banned and it was my friend first time in gay bar how the hell he got banned? He didn't explained anything he yelled at me Infront of my friends I feel like I being humiliated with this guy. I would never ever recommend this place I'm giving this place a business but for no reasons he flipped out on me. Yelling telling me that bring my friends to rocks not here in waterworks. So sad so I told to my 20 friends that lets just go to another bar i never feel humiliated with other people. I hope that the owner of this bar will read this. i work in the same business industry food and bar beverage but I never seen a person a white trashed like this. If his having a bad night don't turn it out to us. Very uneducated people. I will never ever recommend this bar anymore.

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.

2 str8!!! The bar may be gay, the bartenders may be gay, the disc jockey may be a flaming queen and they may parade the queens on the regular. But..... being gay at this place is like being a freak show attraction. The bar's patrons are mostly str8, and predominantly female. They ask weird questions and its just embarrassing to be there. You can't even hit on anyone, the few men that come in the door are str8 and might as well be a chihuahua in a purse. They just wander around after whatever str8 woman brought them and carry their drinks. The place is a joke as far as the gay scene is concerned. If you're a gay man, head across the street to Rocks, where it may be a bit more leather but at least its mostly men and mostly gay. You may get a few men that want to tie you up, but at least you wont be in the spotlight at the circus like you will be at Waterworks. Two very enthusiatic and rather disappointed thumbs down.

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.

I don't even want to give this place 1 star. Someone around me threw up all over the floor, I was accused of throwing up and doing it although they smelt NOTHING on my breath. I was completely dragged out aggressively by my arms for absolutely no reason. I had one drink and did NOTHING wrong, this was so upsetting and disrespectful to me I will NEVERRRR go back, completely unfair and I will tell everyone about this terrible experience I had. I never go out too, this one my one night I decided to go out with my bestfriend celebrate my birthday that just passed. I was sober and this was not right

Horribly rude staff.. worst place I’ve ever been for drinks. My gf was in tears just from the person serving food because she felt comfortable giving her an attitude because she asked when her food would be ready. Every time we’ve been there men have been super creepy and no one has stopped it. Needs new management or it truly fails the LGBTQIA population of Albany

As much as my friends and I have loved going here, tonight was our last night. The environment inside is great but those at the door give the rest of the place a 1 star. The bouncers at the front took my friends real ID and ripped the plastic film off of the front. We had to beg to get it back for her since she needs to fly home in a week. Her ID is now all messed up. We were really looking forward to a fun night but now, they will no longer receive business from us.

The bouncers defend homophobic people who openly make fun of others. Like most “gay” clubs, it doesn’t care who you are as long as you pay. They’ll kick out actual queer people for standing up for themselves before they ever speak against homophobia. This place is just like every other queer space that started to care more about profits than people.

Went here for karaoke and paid a $10 cover, bartender and security was great but the DJ was extremely rude to me and my friend and would refuse to play people’s songs and instead play their own which usually consisted of musical theater songs, a weird thing to play at a bar on a Friday night… they would also move the order of people's songs just to sing their own. I do not see myself coming back anytime soon.

I visited Waterworks the night of Friday, January 27th, 2023. My friend mistakenly handed her light jacket to the 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!

Crowd is primarily straight college kids. Straight woman and their boyfriends. No longer majority LGBT.. most of staff members have terrible attitudes. You can tell they dont wanna be there. The drinks are NOT consistent. U can order the same drink 4 time. Each time it will be completely different. Andddd now theres a door fee. That used to be for under 21 only. Miss me with all that.

I thought this was a gay place, but it seems Albany doesn't really have str8 clubs, so this place is a mix of ppl, which is ok, but to gettho and the smell of weed is to much. Plus, really karaoke???? I can tell you they water down their high-end drinks or what they think are high-end. I ordered a drink that was on the shelf, which had maybe a little left in it, and the bartender had to use the cheap vodka to fill up the rest of my cup. I was annoyed. Like, dude, I'm not drunk like you. I see what you are doing. I go to sit down and try to enjoy the bad tasting drink. And see the bottle again with almost the same amount as before. There is no way you went through a whole new bottle of my choice in 5 mins. If you like hangovers from liqour you don't know what's in it, weed, and karaoke, this place is for you.

The older person who is in the coat check need to be more friendly while he is working. He literally grab my hoodie and refuse to give me a ticket, while the other person was telling him that I was trying to pay. Maybe he was playing but it wasn’t fun, Is not even two months since The bouncer assaulted and I still struggle from the event.

Don’t go here on a Sunday unless you want to be served by the rudest bartender you’ve ever had. After kicking us out because she wouldn’t accept my sisters temporary ID (she just turned 21 recently and is waiting on her official one in the mail) she told me I couldn’t have water when I asked for it. I was extremely confused because I’ve never been denied water from anywhere. I asked her why I couldn’t have water and she insisted that she couldn’t give me any. I even offered to drink it in front of her at the bar and she then said i couldn’t have any because people loiter in the parking lot. I don’t know what those people have to do with me or why she thinks I would loiter with a cup of ice water outside a bar with 6 people inside of it on a random Sunday, but I found it super unprofessional and rude. I understood her not accepting the temporary ID and if she has to do her job, but overall she was really condescending and mean. I come to waterworks often and as someone who is part of the community it’s important for me to have safe spaces around me but she seems as though she made it her mission for us to feel unwelcome. Waterworks is my sisters favorite bar to go to in Albany when she visits me and I’m super disappointed that on this night they gave her such a hard time when she was trying to celebrate her 21st birthday. It was a last minute idea to do something together that turned into her talking to us like we were dumb. She likely has a sad life and being condescending makes her feel better about it. Sucks for her.

I was in the bathroom with my friend and 2 others. No one was in the stalls. A security guard walked in, drink in hand, smirk on face and said “hey ladies what’s the hold up? If you’re gonna make love do it on the dance floor😏😏.” I immediately walk out with my friend and shoot him a dirty look. That’s all. He walks to me, FURIOUS at the look I shot him and tells me if I have a problem to leave. I tell the lady who charges the fee at the desk, she was defensive at first but heard me out. Idk if anything has been done. I just want to make the public aware there are real creeps working there. Do not use the bathroom alone. Do not trust security.

The people that work here are absolutely garbage and rude. Avoid

Lava Cake

Never going again! Terrible atmosphere / felt unsafe the whole time. Please get better staff

eat hot chip and lie

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.

Lily Jourdanais

Had a very poor experience last night (9/19/24) getting into this pub. Was singled out in my group by the short small bald bouncer for “having a fake id” when my ID is VERY real. I was ready to prove it in any way possible. He told me “this isn’t real” to the point where I was ready to call the cops to prove it was real especially if he took it. Was beyond rude and also REGARDLESS to doing this let me in (is that not a crime??) And quote goes “I’ll ruin your night another night”. I now feel as if when I come back this bouncer is going to be petty and hostile and it is beyond an embarrassment to your establishment to have him. I expressed to him my ID was real and he was disgustingly rude and was saying I was lying. Beyond embarrassing for this pub and ruined my entire night. I would not recommend to friends now (I did before!)

Samantha Cai

Went here twice and it’s a great place to dance and eat if you’re under 21, just very iffy. I went with two girls my first time when I was 19 for a friends birthday, and they painted my arms with glow in the dark paint and wrote x’s on my hands-understandable since i was underage. I just look hilarious with glowing arms on the dance floor. No cover fee, my friends all got drinks and there was an outdoor smoking area if you needed to or just needed to sit and get some fresh air. My second time was a little disappointing. We were meant to meet with my other female friends who didn’t pay anything to get in, and when I arrived alone with a male friend they charged me $20 and breathalyzed me. I had drinks about two hours earlier so I didn’t think it would matter but it was fine we just left, what ticked me off was the security inside. The woman and man outside were kind, we’re talking about the white stubble bearded man inside standing by the counter like he has an ego problem. He asked for the coat check people to triple check my male friend’s ID, who is turning 26 soon so I guess it’s a compliment if security is suspicious. We just left, no big deal, the girls we were meant to meet up with left as well since we couldn’t get in. Not sure if bouncers or security in Albany is normally this rude but I’m sure they deal with a lot of college students on the weekends. I’m from NYC so I understand the hostility but not sure if this is a race issue since my male friend and I were Asian and the girls we were meant to meet up with were white. Anyways there are plenty of other places to dance and/or drink around the area especially around Lark! Much better environment and smells a lot better as well, party safe!