Vacated Space in Downtown Albany Becomes Arena’s New Restaurant

If you had gone to the MVP Arena (formerly the Times Union Center) for a show or a game, chances are you had to eat somewhere else because options were limited. There had been restaurants in the space inside the TU in the past but it has been empty for quite some time. Now a new restaurant has opened and is ready to serve the downtown clientele along with those heading to a game or a concert.

What Restaurant Is Taking That Space?

With the new name of MVP Arena also comes a new restaurant to visit if you are heading down to Albany to catch a game or a show. Albany Stadium Restaurant & Bar will occupy the two-floor space that seemed to have a rotating door of restaurants before them.

It was most recently Johnny Rockets Handcrafted Draft House and Sports Bar. Before that, it was Backstage Bar & Grill which was a spin-off of Wolf's 1-11 that was on Wolf Road in Colonie.

What Kind of Food and Drinks Do They Serve?

Albany Stadium Restaurant & Bar is family-friendly serving lunch and dinner. They have a section of their menu dedicated to grilled cheese. They also serve wings, salads, burgers, macaroni and cheeses, steaks, and other entrees. According to their Facebook page, they will also be offering up to sixteen craft beers.

Their head chef is Jennifer Hewes who is known for her time at The Point in Albany. She was also head chef at Cafe Capriccio and Cafe Madison in Albany according to the Times Union.

When Are They Open?

Albany Stadium Restaurant & Bar is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am until 10 pm. They are closed on Sunday unless there is an event at MVP Arena.