Barnsider Restaurant

I have been eating at the Barnsider since it was in Colonie Center, and it served lunch. Each time our meals have been consistently good. Just one meal, I ordered the steak Teriyaki and it had been cut against the grain, and was tough. That is 1 time in 40 years. The steak is consistently delicious, the baked scallops are delicious, the prime rib is perfection. The salad is always crisp, the staff is constantly bringing out more salad and veggies and bread and everything you could possible want. I don't think there is a better restaurant in Albany. \r \r Their clams casino rival only Chez Rene, when they were in business in Glenmont, and their food was the best, but they didn't have steak like the Barnsider. I only wish the Barnsider was still open for lunch. Also, the staff is on top of getting your meals and appetizers, drinks and dessert, without being intrusive. I don't know what happened to the meals of the people who gave a bad review, but 1 time in 40 years to have an off night is OK with me. I hope people who didn't like it, would consider giving it another try. Yes, it's expensive, but it is consistently good. more

I was really exicited about going to the Barnsider for dinner for the first time. I had been to a retirement party there once (appentizers only) and liked the atmosphere and the appetizers. Whe we got there hubby ordered the prime rib w/Lobster casserole and I ordered the baked scallops. We started with the salad bar which was good, lots of crisp fresh veggies. And we also had the french onion soup, which we both liked. Then the main course came. My meal, a very hot pile of greasy tiny scallops that were covered in greasey breadcrumbs. I didn't eat much and didn't bother to take the leftovers home, it was that bad. Hubby said his prime rib was ok, though small, and that the lobster casserole was dry, tough and tasteless. Needless to say, we were dissapointed. I knew the place was pricey but I expected the food to be worth it - I was wrong. We tipped our waiter, who did a good job and said goodbye. We will not be going back. On another note, we visited Teagans Steak and Seafood in Rensselaer a week later. Their rime rib was awesome and the scallops were the big sea scallop kind (not those tiny scallops), and were cooked to perfection, for half the price of what the Barnsider charges. My husband said the prime rib at Teagans was much better than the prime rib at the Barnsider, as were my scallops. My next task is to give Teagans Stead and Seafood a great review!! That's my 2 cents!~ more

first timer.............misserable food...........buffet dinner for a large group.........roast beef tough, basic salad, cold rolls, only a few roasted potatoes.........no side veggies.........dessert that was from a box i think....paid $40 and had to buy my soda for $3.75...........if a restaurant is going to cater to a large group for the first time.they should put their best foot and food forward.............this was NOT worth $40;;;;; i was very very disappointed...........i would never recommend this restaurant........... more

My husband and I have eaten over 500 steaks at this place and it's excellent. You can smell the quality from the moment you pull into the parking lot. \r \r The Barnsider has a full menu with many choices, from chicken and pasta to supreme steaks and seafood. Yet, we get the same thing almost every time. I am a Filet Mignon with berenaise fan. My husband loves a spicy cajun style sirloin with baked scallops. I admit, I'm quite finicky about how my streak is grilled. I order it medium rare and it's consitently done correctly every time. It's never dry or overdone, nor is it cold and dark red. It's so perfect I don't need to that bernaise that comes on the side. If you like it a little more pink than red, go with medium. if you aren't sure, ask your server. The waitstaff is second to none and they will know just how to order it to suit your needs.\r \r For the first time this weekend, we ventured into appetizer land. We both like seafood and most of the appetizers are just that, except of course for tomato mozzarella and soups, which are also fantastic. We reccommend the clam chowder, and usually get that, but we were celebrating tonight, so we splurged a little and went with the Seafood Sampler for Two. It turned out to be an excellent choice. He likes shrimp and scallops. I really like clams casino and crab cakes. We both got what we wanted and for less than we would have spent each getting a full appetizer of our own!\r \r The salad bar was the next step. we've learned to watch for a break in the action, which the salad bar attendent is also doing, then we make a dash for it, so does he! In the end we get first dibs on fresh items, like lettuce, cucumbers,carrots, olives, garbanzo beans, bacon and more. This salad bar is a rarety, so if you are considering another steak house in the area, think again. This is a well stocked salad bar, frequently refreshed, having homemade dressing, fresh baked breads and a huge ""cut your own peice"" cheese wedge. You really have to pace yourself because it comes with the meal and the meal portions are also plentiful, so save room!\r \r The waistaff times your meal to come out shortly after clearing away your plates from the salad bar and replenishing your drinks. It's a well oiled machine the way this place works. We have never had to wait, wondering where's dinner. This is what we mean by excellence.\r \r Try as you may, but you might need a doggie bag, because dessert is also worth it! The Barnsider has dessert specials and frequently serves this Swiss Chocolate Bread Pudding. It's to die for and if you can't finish it, it goes great with breakfast. there are many other items on the dessert menu such as an ice cream sundae, chocolate mouse cake, pies and often a hot apple crisp. Sometime there is a homemade strawberry shortcake that has hommade strawberry flavored biscuits. It's also out of this world.\r \r As you can see, I can't say enough good things about the Barnsider. We've been going for 11 years. We are picky and they still amaze us. We just sit there after the meal and say ""I love this place"". We don't even live in Albany, but find it well worth the trip. Give it try, you won't be dissappointed.\r \r Melissa and Ed Durant\r Ballston Lake, NY more

My husband and I went here on Valentine's Day, and the service and food was phenomenal. The prime rib and beef wellington were fantastic. more

had Ginger scallion marinated swordfish it was cooked perfectly we also had the pork chops I could not believe how big they were . I will be back more

a great place to have a b-day or family gathering. the staff is always friendly and go beyond to please the customers. the bartender don, has been there for many many years, and even if two years go by he will remember you and your favorite drink. this truly is a 1st class place............. more

The place was frigid where we were seated. No offer was made to move us to another table, even though the place was empty save for a table of four. Tried to eat with our cumbersome winter coats, which proved to be impossible. Butter didnt even melt on our baked potatoes. Left with a hefty bill for uneaten food. Never again. Pros: there were none Cons: cold cold cold more

I had two bad experiences at the Barnsider. A couple of summers ago, I was served a completely un-chewable prime rib. I paid but came back the next day to talk to the manager. She said she thought she had comp'ed everybody who ordered rib. The cut of meat was so bad, she took the item off the menu by 8:00. more

I was in Albany to attend my family reunion, on July 18-21-2008, On Friday night we deceide to have a get together a night out before the reunion festivities began, and we chose the Barnsider Resturant, Actually, I talked every one into going to the Barnside, as it has been my favorite place to eat for many years. I was so disappointed I could have cried. After we were shown to our table, ( a couple of the family members were late) the hostess came over and asked is this all you have in your party? If so we are going to move you to a smaller table. I advised others were on the way. Before we ordered, separate checks were asked for the waiter(Ryan)acted as if he had never been so insulted in his life. After that it was all down hill. the shrimp was over cooked, the prime ribs not cooked enough, we were never asked if we wanted dessert or coffee, we had to ask for water, all in all not up to the Barnside standards I was used to. I don't think I will be visiting again, when ever I get back to Albany. Nor will I be recommending the Barnsider like I use to. This is the first time I have felt so disappointed about a resturant to leave a complaint. Pros: Ambience as usual, Cons: don't ask for separate checks or have part of your party be late more

I went to the Barnsider with my husband on a Friday night without reservations, and expected quite a wait. While we did wait around 20 minutes for a table, we did so in their comfy bar area, and had some free popcorn, cheese and crackers along with our drinks while we waited. Once seated, it took less than 20 seconds for them to be filling our water glasses, informing us about the specials, and offering to refresh our bar drinks. We were then left to look over the menu. We took some time making selections, but as soon as we closed the menus our waiter appeared to take our orders- twin lobstertails and steak for me, chicken florentine for him, with escargot to start. \r The salad bar was typical, but did have rather nice fresh baked bread selections and delicious flavored olive oil selections (as well as balsamic vinegar or tabletop butter, if that's what you wanted.) The escargot came just as we were finishing the salads. Delicious snails in butter, and surprisingly not in garlic as is typical, but topped with lots of cheese and baked into almost a puff like texture. Yummy!\r Dinner was perfectly cooked- my steak was the perfect temperature and the lobster wasn't overcooked and chewy, as typically occurs with broiled lobster tails. My hubby's chicken was THE BEST florentine he (and I) had had. LOTS of creamy sauce/cheese inside with the spinach. HUGE portions too. Desert was very tasty too- we had the peanut butter cup cheesecake to split.\r I cannot comment enough about the superior service we received (3 waiters for our table!) While we did not have to wait at all for one course to be cleared away and the next presented, we also did not feel rushed. It seemed as if they were waiting around the corner for us to finish and put down the silverware, then they could get it out of the way and bring the next round.\r 2 glasses of wine/beer, appetizer, 2 dinners, and dessert/coffee cost only $83 (and that's with lobster and steak!) CAN'T BEAT IT!!!! We'll be back regularly. Pros: SERVICE!!! Price, and taste of food. Cons: Somewhat limited (although free) salad bar more

The Barnsider restaurant is my favorite place to eat. The food is awsome and so is the service. The steak is the best. It melts right in your mouth and tastes great. I would highly recomend. more

I can say that I enjoyed my dinner at The Barnsider but was swept off my feet when I had a prime rib dinner at the Old 499 House in Troy! There is no comparison (Better than Ruths Chris). Old 499 ages their beef for 52 days, which is why it is CONSISTANTLY so tender and great tasting. Atmosphere is quiet and romatic (very interesting history), service is awesome & prices are similar to Barnsider. Neighborhood may defer some people. more

The last time I was at the Barnsider, my steak was cold and within minutes it was returned to me and I could tell it was microwaved to warm it. It took a long time to get the waiters attention and it was a complete disappointment to me. I think it is overpriced for what you get. The food tastes like it has been prepared ahead of time and is not always consistenly cooked. In the past three times I was there, my food was cooked differently each time. That's when I gave up ont he barnsider. Not good. Pros: salad bar, bread Cons: food tastes pkg'd, food microwaved, chos burned on edg more

I enjoy going to the Barnsider- it has great ambience , good value and service- but disagree that it is a great steakhouse. The steaks offered are only sirloins and filets and, while decent, are really ordinary and not as good as you can get elsewhere. No T-bone, porterhouse or ribeye on the menu and the sirloins are not particularly tasty or tender. While The Bears is very good, it's quite a drive. Albany needs, but does not have, a good steakhouse. Jack's has better steaks but is a seafood restaurant, not a steakhouse. Pros: ambience, good salad bar Cons: crowded, long waits more

The atmosphere was very cozy especially the fire place. The food was very good, especailly the aplle crisp for dessert. Only problem we had to wait a while for our food to come out because it was very busy. Pros: fire place, very big place Cons: crowded more

I used to travel to Albany on business and always went to The Barnsider for dinner. Although I no longer get to Albany like I used to, whenever I get within striking distance of this restaurant I always stop. The food is excellent and the service is even better. I live in Rochester and have actually driven the 4 hours to go the The Barnsider and made a weekend of it, I cannot say enough. Whoever owns and operates this restaurant believes strongly in training and good, long term employees and it shows. This owner should be very proud. Pros: service, food, atmosphere Cons: cannot, think, of one more

I'm an executive for a small NYC internet firm. I usually visit Albany 2-3 times/yr and have tried several steak houses in the area. I've eaten at the barnsider several times, each time hoping that the reviews I've read are correct. I have alway enjoyed the appetizers, but the entrees left me disappointed. My vote for top steak in Albany area goes to The Bears in Duanesburg! more