BYOB restaurants in the Capital Region?

wine bottle top against tableThe Fuj asks via Twitter:

What's the best BYOB restaurant in the Capital Region?

We retweeted last night, and netted a few suggestions. They're after the jump. If you a good place in mind, please share!

(And if you have info about corkage fees, even better.)

@AllThingsEllie: Jake Moon Cafe

Comments

Bros. Tacos in Albany is BYOB.

According to the SLA, BYOB is illegal.
http://www.sla.ny.gov/bring-your-own-bottle-byob

"According to the SLA, BYOB is illegal.
http://www.sla.ny.gov/bring-your-own-bottle-byob"

That said, TGI Friday's, Denny's, Olive Garden, McDogmeats, and Lowes Theaters.

Then I guess I shouldn't have brought that bottle of Jack to the Palais Royale on Friday night.

BYOB is not, in and of itself, illegal. You have to have a license or permit to sell/serve beer, wine or liquor to the public already and then you can allow patrons to bring their own. If you don't have a license to sell/serve, and allow patrons to bring their own, then it is illegal.

Defazio's in Troy is BYOB and it's AWESOME! Hellooo, box of wine and 3 friends??? Yes, please!

For sushi fans, Yoshi's in Latham is BYOB, and coincidentally, the best sushi around.

If you like Indian food check out Jewel of India on Lark Street in Albany. Delicious and BYOB!

There is an SLA exception to needing a license for restaurants under a certain number of seats. I think it's 20, but not positive. Defazio's for sure; nothing like a good bottle and a Defazio's pie or Linguine Bolognese. Sometimes they charge corkage, but buy a couple of soda's and you're good. But that's the proper etiquette anyway.

@allison--when someone asks about byob i generally assume it is because the establishment does not have a license. a business that has a license to serve is not going to allow patrons to byob (why would they?) BYOB at an unlicensed establishment is a violation of the ABC laws, regardless of whether the staff at DeFazio's, or elsewhere, ignores it.

"BYOB, or “Bring Your Own Bottle,” where owners of establishments allow their customers to bring alcoholic beverages to their premises to be consumed on site, is NOT PERMITTED in unlicensed businesses in New York State. You MUST have a license or permit to sell/serve beer, wine or liquor to the public. Venues without a license or permit may not allow patrons to “bring their own” alcoholic beverages for consumption. In addition, owners of businesses may not give away alcoholic beverages to their patrons. Those that do are in violation of the NYS Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
Applicants should be aware that allowing BYOB without a license may jeopardize their chances for approval of their license."

Jake Moon in Clarksville. By far the best restaurant around and it's BYOB!

I believe there is a loophole where if the establishment has less than a certain number of seats (I think it is 10, but not sure), then you can BYOB. Hence, DeFazio's. :)

La Mexicana in Schenectady! Although they did expand their seating area and may now have over 20 seats... Not sure.

The Curry House on Madison Avenue between Allen and West Lawrence.

Aashiana and Taiwan Noodle on Central Ave

If there's an exemption for small restaurants, why would the SLA not state it on their page specifically setup to address BYOB?

Unless someone can share a source, I think this "secret" exemption is non-existent and the comments on this post are going to result in some SLA visits to some small restaurants in the area.

@colleen the reason most people inquire about byob at a restaurant is because the selection is not up to par and they have better beer/wine they want to bring and drink.

Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.

The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine