City Line Bar and Grill
A lot of new buildings in this area are nice enough, but they don't really stand out.
So we've been keeping an eye on the new City Line Bar & Grill building as it took shape on Western Ave, constructed new from the ground up on the site of the former Sutter's Mill -- because it doesn't really look like anything else around it.
City Line officially opens Saturday. But it was operating Friday afternoon for a soft opening and we had a chance to get a look at the new restaurant and chat with one of its managers for a few minutes.
Here are a few bits and a handful of photos...
The photos are above in large format -- click or scroll all the way up.
As the name suggests, City Line is located near the Albany/Guilderland line, right across from UAlbany's Western Ave entrance.
Kim Buduson, one of the restaurant's managers, told us Friday afternoon the design of the building is the product of the restaurant's owners -- Ryan Jankow and Robert Malkus -- and their differing design preferences. One wanted something modern, the other something industrial. So the two styles were blended together. And the result is sleek and modern on the outside, warmer with industrial/loft-like touches on the inside. (Along the way some of the wood from the old Sutter's building was reclaimed and incorporated into the interior decorations.)
Describing City Line as "an upscale bar and grill," Buduson said they're focused on making food that's a step up from the typical fare at such a place. Toward that goal she said they're focusing on making items from scratch (even stuff like mozzarella sticks); using grassfed beef for the burgers; including vegetarian and gluten-free items on the menu; and using local ingredients when possible. In some cases that might mean somewhat higher prices -- for example, the grassfed burgers are $12-$15 -- but Buduson said the quality is worth it.
City Line opens at 4 pm Saturday, September 13. After that, its regular schedule will be 11 am-midnight Sunday-Thursday, and 11 am-1 am Fridays and Saturdays. Budson says they'll be serving food all the way up until 1 am on those nights.
Find It
City Line Bar and Grill
1200 Western Ave
Albany, NY 12203
Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.
Comments
But what about the wings?? I want Sutters back...
... said ace on Sep 12, 2014 at 4:19 PM | link
You kind of can't tell the front from the back...
... said J on Sep 12, 2014 at 4:30 PM | link
@J: It does have a bit of a "Which way is up?" issue. And the front not really being the front is a little odd, but that probably works better because most people will be coming from the parking lot.
... said Greg on Sep 12, 2014 at 5:49 PM | link
Give the wings a try -- they are excellent!
... said Jo on Sep 12, 2014 at 9:46 PM | link
Looks nice I heard they copy catted the Juniors 20 year moonshine wings, I hope theyre as good cosidering!! Will def try the place out!
... said Mike Marcucci on Sep 13, 2014 at 4:20 PM | link
Good looking menu and excellent beer selection. The service was great but the food was a bit underwhelming. A few execution issues and low quality (wilted lettuce and stale bread on day 3?) but the choices look good enough to come back for.
... said Nancy on Sep 14, 2014 at 3:09 PM | link
This in my neck of the woods.... I'm excited to try it out finally. The deck looks beyond incredible.....
... said Lillywhite on Sep 15, 2014 at 2:02 PM | link
I hate when they build these odd places and then they close in less than a year.
... said Ron on Sep 15, 2014 at 4:05 PM | link
I don't understand TV screens in bars and restaurants. Isn't the point of going out to socialize with other people? Anyhoot, good luck.
... said Bullwinkle on Sep 16, 2014 at 10:56 AM | link
Does anyone have a copy of or link for the menu? I can't find online anywhere, not even on their website. Thanks.
... said Joe on Sep 18, 2014 at 9:55 PM | link
They tore down a place with history and personality and put up another cookie cutter box that looks like any other over priced franchise place trying to appeal to the masses with sameness. They offer nothing I cannot find at dozens of other places around town. The only difference is they have less parking.
... said Me Too on Nov 26, 2014 at 10:32 PM | link