The atrocious Abbott Tavern

 Nightlife is one of the cornerstones of living in Albany, especially for the University at Albany student. Seemingly propping up an otherwise dull and pallid town, the bars and clubs infuse life into side streets and major roads. Whether the means used to achieve this goal are legitimate or not, however, is a different issue entirely.

   Located on Ontario Street, right off of Washington Avenue, is the Abbott Tavern, a small place with the attitude of a big nightclub. While the Abbot makes an A+ for ambition, it barely earns a D for execution.

   One never knows what to expect during a night out at The Abbott. Even before entering, there was much excitement to be had. As we approached the entrance, a police car made an abrupt stop at the corner outside the bar. The police officer proceeded to exit the vehicle and verbally accost several nearby patrons.

   Entering The Abbot Tavern, one can’t help but to be reminded of Michael’s, an infamous skeleton in the city of Albany’s closet. The exterior of the bar is not notable for any reason. The interior of the tavern is very cramped and crowded, poorly lit and overheated. One large plasma television faces the front door, with the bar to the left of the room. On the right side are several tall wooden tables, and the entire room is packed with people, best described as “Jersey Shore” rejects. A dartboard holds court in a back corner, and served as a surface for a young man to press a young woman against and manhandle.

   Manhandling seems to be a major theme at the Abbott Tavern. While Chubby’s may be known for overindulgent couples, the Abbott exponentially one-ups Chubby’s in this aspect. The dance floor, a separate room to the left of the main room, is akin to a sweaty orgy. Lined by black couches, this room is similar in size and crowdedness to the main room of the Abbott. A DJ booth in the back controls the music, a steady and thumping hip-hop soundtrack. Flashing lights overhead help to contribute to the ambiance. To the right, three unisex bathrooms lie at the end of a hallway. The bathrooms are expectedly very filthy. There is always a long line to wait, and reportedly the bathrooms are a popular location for couples to sneak into and have some privacy.
 The Abbott Tavern is not a friendly place to journalists. While sitting on a couch near the dance floor, taking notes, I was taken outside by a bouncer and told I was forbidden to write anything down inside the bar. This lack of regard for the first amendment only contributed to the already cold and unfriendly atmosphere that I had already felt inside the tavern.
   Drinks were surprisingly expensive at the Abbott Tavern. Two Bud Light bottles were six dollars, which is strange considering that earlier in the night I purchased two Yuengling bottles for 3.50 at the Washington Tavern. In essence, I paid more for worse beer in a far inferior environment. To add insult to injury, five dollars cover is charged at the door.

   Patrons in the bar were very vocal about their issues with the tavern. To list several, patrons wished that pitchers would be served, that there would be birthday specials, and that less St. Rose students would attend.

   There are very few reasons one should ever consider attending the Abbott Tavern. Perhaps if one really desires to get out of their house and have a drink, but happens to be banned from every single other bar in the city, and has no friends that are currently throwing a party, it may be an acceptable choice. Another reason one could consider going could be for amusement. Making a stop at the Abbott Tavern on the way to another bar or party could be a humorous look into the life of desperate and trashy people.
   You know what? Disregard that. Don’t go to the Abbott.