Good spot for a long business meeting?
Jim emails:
Looking to find a buisness meeting-friendly restaurant in Albany. A place where we can linger for 2 hours in semi-privacy in the afternoon. Type of food is not really a concern. I know Panera is popular, but was thinking some place maybe a step up. Any ideas?
This is a bit of a challenge. Places such as Panera are made for meetings and lingering (the CEO says as much). But a non-cafe probably won't be too hot on having someone monopolize a table for a few hours. Time of day is also important -- lingering is more acceptable after the lunch rush.
Any suggestions for Jim? Please share!
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Comments
Similar to Panera, but better in my mind, is Professor Java's. They're all about this kind of thing and you can even reserve the private room.
... said jess on Nov 16, 2010 at 10:41 AM | link
I've had 2 and 3 hour business lunches at the Pump Station. They have wifi too.
... said Erik on Nov 16, 2010 at 10:46 AM | link
I cannot emphasize enough how perfect LaSerre would be for what you need. The place is cozy and quiet in the afternoon, and the food is excellent.
... said Summer on Nov 16, 2010 at 10:50 AM | link
Two words: Pancake Bites!!!
... said Corey McQ on Nov 16, 2010 at 11:38 AM | link
I do most of my business lunches at Bistro/Bar at 74 State Street. It's busy at lunchtime but quieter after.
In East Greenbush, Everybody's Cafe on Route 9/20 is an excellent place to while away the afternoon and have long conversations. May be more funky then what you're looking for, more along the lines of Professor Java's, but good food and they're not concerned about you monopolizing tables.
... said CJ on Nov 16, 2010 at 11:40 AM | link
try the Dinosaur BBQ in Troy
... said patrick on Nov 16, 2010 at 3:56 PM | link
Daisy Bakers/Troy...
you could spend 4 hours there and they probably wouldn't even notice!
... said senna on Nov 16, 2010 at 3:57 PM | link
This weekend I went to MochaBlend Cafe in Troy. They have a private room that can be rented for a block of time for a nominal fee (I think it was $15 for two hours) and a door you can shut for quiet, though people can still see in. There is also wifi. The latte and pumpkin chocolate chip coffee cake were yummy too...and they have panini sandwiches!
... said Bridget on Nov 16, 2010 at 4:54 PM | link
I've had a few meetings at Bellini's. We used the private room the last time which was definitely something we'll do again. I suggest The Napolitan it was pretty awesome.
... said Dean on Nov 16, 2010 at 8:05 PM | link
The Midtown Tap and Tearoom Coffeehouse on New Scotland would be perfect!
... said Missy on Nov 16, 2010 at 10:52 PM | link
Seconding Professor Java's. I've had a number of long meetings there for my professional organization. They have a back room for privacy that you can reserve in advance (it's usually not hard to get), and they'll also do catering for a reasonable price. Service is great!
... said irisira on Nov 17, 2010 at 7:30 AM | link
D'Raymonds. I know exactly what you are looking for, I lived in NYC for 13 years and we lunched a lot. Good Italian, private tables, cozy but does a busy lunch.
... said Kim on Nov 17, 2010 at 12:45 PM | link
Professor Java's hands down!
... said Sarah on Dec 12, 2010 at 6:17 PM | link