khmtravel

I might have a few hours to kill at night (~8-11pm+) while waiting for friends to pick me up from the Albany bus station. From what I've read, the bus terminal might not be the best place / area to hang out. Does anyone have thoughts on an easy, safe destination nearby that I can take a taxi to from the bus stop? A busy shopping area? A nice hotel lobby? A starbucks in an area with decent foot traffic? Even a movie theater? I'm not at all familiar with Albany. Thanks in advance for you advice!

Daniel_Williams

I'd probably go to Lark Street, which touts itself as the "Greenwich Village of the North"; it's the most active area late in Albany that I saw. I found the immediate vicinity rather charming with lovely brownstones. While I noticed the cafe I went to called the Daily Grind is closed at those hours, there may be somewhere else you could sit that's similar. At very least, you could get a drink at Justin's on Lark or perhaps Elda's on Lark which I noticed have late hours.

I've been at the bus station late many times; it's kind of a place that time forgot and while I've never felt per se unsafe, you're right, probably not the best hang-out & wait spot .

getowt

While it is not unsafe to wait at the bus station, it is not a very pleasant place to be, with a bland interior and uncomfortable seats. Lark Street is a good suggestion. Also, here is a link which lists downtown restaurants etc. that are closer to the bus station. Some of them you could walk to at 8:00 then have your friends pick you up there later. (I wouldn't walk around near the bus station late at night, and 11:00 is late for Albany.)

http://www.downtownalbany.org/dining

If you go to Lark Street, I would recommend a cab since it is uphill to get there, and I assume you will have luggage of some sort.

J62

A lot of the buses to Albany from points North make a few stops enroute, such as the airport.

If you can get off at the airport then there's a Barnes & Noble about 10min away by taxi at the Colonie Center mall. They are open until 10 on weekdays, 11 on weekends.

Lark St. is a college age dinner/bar hangout. You'd be ok to nurse a drink or 2 at somewhere like Justin's or Elda's.

The rest of downtown Albany is pretty quiet after hours.

Another option would be to hang out somewhere like the Hampton Inn Albany - read a book in the lobby perhaps.

khmtravel

Thanks to all for the quick and helpful responses! I like the ideas of the Barnes & Noble (if I decide to park in front of my laptop instead of in front of a drink), but I'm coming from MA so will not be going past the airport. Is there a B&N or the like closer to the bus terminal? Otherwise, a late dinner on Lark sounds like a good option. Thanks again!