One of Albany’s Oldest Taverns Gets Overhaul & Looking For Resurgence

Pauly's Hotel is one of Albany's oldest taverns. It has been in existence since 1862 and has been completely overhauled and refurbished. It has always had live bands and shows but has gone downhill over the past fifteen to twenty years. Now with a new owner, that is all changing for the better.

Who is the New Owner?

Kip Finck, who has a history of owning clubs and live music venues in the Capital Region bought Pauly's Hotel in 2019. Finck was the owner of Northern Lights which was a concert venue in Clifton Park. He did a complete overhaul to restore Pauly's Hotel to its original components along with upgrading the sound quality inside according to the Times Union.

What Renovations Were Made to Pauly's Tavern?

Finck and his crew ripped everything out and installed soundboards, speakers, new lights, and monitors to enhance the atmosphere for the bands and acts that will play. They did try to keep the establishment to what it once was. It took five months to renovate. They remodeled the basement to make it easier for bands and staff to unload and load up equipment. They hired a woodworking guy to rebuild the back bar to its original form.

Pauly's Hotel's opening was halted because of COVID-19 and they are hoping to get things going again in full force. They have bands performing now. But it won't just bands playing at Pauly's Hotel. Finck has had drag shows and hopes to book comedians and more rap concerts. He wants to host all genres. He also says with the other venues in the area like Fuse Box and the new Empire Live, he hopes to reinvigorate the Albany bar scene.