black & blue Steak and Crab, Albany, NY

Excellent service provided by Ryan. He was on top of everything including spectacular wine recommendations. Food was exquisite. Steak cooked to perfection. All sides served hot with great flavor. The cauliflower was on point. Martinis were made just right. One of the best we’ve had. The espresso was a little lean on the bean but we made due. Highly recommend

Excellent service provided by Ryan. He was on top of everything including spectacular wine recommendations. Food was exquisite. Steak cooked to perfection. All sides served hot with great flavor. The cauliflower was on point. Martinis were made just right. One of the best we’ve had. The espresso was a little lean on the bean but we made due. Highly recommend

Had a wonderful experience here two nights in a row. Sat at the bar both nights. Ralph is a wonderful bar tender, for sure. The first night I had the calamari for appetizer and then the filet and fries shrimp for dinner which I absolutely looooved. The filet was cooked perfectly to temp and very tender. We finished things off with the dessert that's kinda like a cheesecake in a cup (can't remember the name). Everything was wonderful. The second night I had the lobster fondue for appetizer and I was pretty disappointed in this dish. It was soupy (think more cream and barely any cheese) and I didn't see much crab or lobster meat. It was also cold in the center and only became luke warm after stirring it up. However, Ralph comp'd our next round which I thought was really nice. The ribeye with the truffle butter and gorgonzola sauce was ridiculously good and completely made up for the less-than-appetizing appetizer. We were too full for dessert but that's okay too. Would definitely go back if I were ever in Albany again. The only thing I will say is, it takes a ridiculous amount of time to get your food. Both nights I waited almost an hour for my food. After traveling for work and going to lots of great places, maybe I've come to expect a lot. But I did tell my coworker that second night "be prepared, we're going to be waiting awhile". Sure enough it got to the point where she was getting upset and antsy. Would be a much better experience if they had faster kitchen service 🥂

Had a wonderful experience here two nights in a row. Sat at the bar both nights. Ralph is a wonderful bar tender, for sure. The first night I had the calamari for appetizer and then the filet and fries shrimp for dinner which I absolutely looooved. The filet was cooked perfectly to temp and very tender. We finished things off with the dessert that's kinda like a cheesecake in a cup (can't remember the name). Everything was wonderful. The second night I had the lobster fondue for appetizer and I was pretty disappointed in this dish. It was soupy (think more cream and barely any cheese) and I didn't see much crab or lobster meat. It was also cold in the center and only became luke warm after stirring it up. However, Ralph comp'd our next round which I thought was really nice. The ribeye with the truffle butter and gorgonzola sauce was ridiculously good and completely made up for the less-than-appetizing appetizer. We were too full for dessert but that's okay too. Would definitely go back if I were ever in Albany again. The only thing I will say is, it takes a ridiculous amount of time to get your food. Both nights I waited almost an hour for my food. After traveling for work and going to lots of great places, maybe I've come to expect a lot. But I did tell my coworker that second night "be prepared, we're going to be waiting awhile". Sure enough it got to the point where she was getting upset and antsy. Would be a much better experience if they had faster kitchen service 🥂

Went here for my wife's birthday, I ordered the Red Snapper, and she ordered the Ribeye, we also ordered the 8 piece oyster appetizer, two bowls of she-crab soup, and for sides we ordered the grilled asparagus, and French fries. First thing I'll say is that the Oysters were really good, even my wife enjoyed two of them, and she doesn't normally eat oysters. The she-crab soup, was absolutely fantastic, definitely worth it, and I recommend saving a piece of of the pretzel bread they give you in the complementary bread basket, to dip it in the soup. When it comes to the entrees, my red snapper was really good, the edges of the fish were crispy and the middle was soft and buttery, and the sweet potato puree under the fish was better than I expected. My wife's steak was cooked well, but she mentioned that it seemed overly greasy, and the rosemary kind of overwhelmed the flavor of the steak. She got the garlic butter, and horseradish sauce with the steak, but she didn't really need the butter, and the horseradish sauce somehow robbed the steak of its natural saltiness. We both agreed that the herb aioli that came with the French fries, was the best sauce we had, and actually asked for two more to-go cups of that sauce for our fries, which we ended up taking home with us.

Went here for my wife's birthday, I ordered the Red Snapper, and she ordered the Ribeye, we also ordered the 8 piece oyster appetizer, two bowls of she-crab soup, and for sides we ordered the grilled asparagus, and French fries. First thing I'll say is that the Oysters were really good, even my wife enjoyed two of them, and she doesn't normally eat oysters. The she-crab soup, was absolutely fantastic, definitely worth it, and I recommend saving a piece of of the pretzel bread they give you in the complementary bread basket, to dip it in the soup. When it comes to the entrees, my red snapper was really good, the edges of the fish were crispy and the middle was soft and buttery, and the sweet potato puree under the fish was better than I expected. My wife's steak was cooked well, but she mentioned that it seemed overly greasy, and the rosemary kind of overwhelmed the flavor of the steak. She got the garlic butter, and horseradish sauce with the steak, but she didn't really need the butter, and the horseradish sauce somehow robbed the steak of its natural saltiness. We both agreed that the herb aioli that came with the French fries, was the best sauce we had, and actually asked for two more to-go cups of that sauce for our fries, which we ended up taking home with us.

I sat at the bar for the first time here. The bartender, Brendan was very attentive and on point about the food and drinks. I’m a bit of a foodie and he answered my questions with grace. It was a pleasant experience. The food was delicious and I definitely recommend the asparagus. I ordered the the ribeye and the seasoning matched it perfectly. I normally don’t have dessert after a heavy meal but the banana cream truffle was so light and creamy (with a bit of crunch on top) I didn’t feel as if I overate. I’ll certainly return here and recommend this location to anyone.

I sat at the bar for the first time here. The bartender, Brendan was very attentive and on point about the food and drinks. I’m a bit of a foodie and he answered my questions with grace. It was a pleasant experience. The food was delicious and I definitely recommend the asparagus. I ordered the the ribeye and the seasoning matched it perfectly. I normally don’t have dessert after a heavy meal but the banana cream truffle was so light and creamy (with a bit of crunch on top) I didn’t feel as if I overate. I’ll certainly return here and recommend this location to anyone.

I think black & blue is the best steakhouse in the capital region. The steaks are perfectly cooked, they have options for cuts and sauces, and the seafood, appetizers, and sides are comparably good as well. The service is excellent! We had the calamari and lobster/crab fondue. Both were well seasoned, the calamari in particular is a must-order item. We tried the New York strip, kansas city bone-in strip, filet mignon, and lamb. All of these were flavorful and perfectly cooked. They use a high temperature oven, which works well for a properly medium rare steak. I highly recommend the truffle butter and red wine sauce, and the gorgonzola of course for those who like that. For sides the mac n cheese, different vegetables, and potatoes were fairly standard— they are nice to share. Our server was very kind, took a picture for us, and gave us great recommendations. The other staff kept our waters refilled, promptly replaced silverware after appetizers were finished, and were careful handling knives. The interior of the restaurant is nice, standard classy steakhouse vibe with a two story wine display in the center.

I think black & blue is the best steakhouse in the capital region. The steaks are perfectly cooked, they have options for cuts and sauces, and the seafood, appetizers, and sides are comparably good as well. The service is excellent! We had the calamari and lobster/crab fondue. Both were well seasoned, the calamari in particular is a must-order item. We tried the New York strip, kansas city bone-in strip, filet mignon, and lamb. All of these were flavorful and perfectly cooked. They use a high temperature oven, which works well for a properly medium rare steak. I highly recommend the truffle butter and red wine sauce, and the gorgonzola of course for those who like that. For sides the mac n cheese, different vegetables, and potatoes were fairly standard— they are nice to share. Our server was very kind, took a picture for us, and gave us great recommendations. The other staff kept our waters refilled, promptly replaced silverware after appetizers were finished, and were careful handling knives. The interior of the restaurant is nice, standard classy steakhouse vibe with a two story wine display in the center.

Went here for dinner and the place itself is beautiful inside. Many different lights fixtures, the ambiance was great. The temperature was a bit chilly which was odd since it’s not winter out yet, which made it much less cozy than it could have been. The servers seem to work in “teams” which is nice but also doesn’t really mean you get extra or more attention. Unsure of how that works there. Anyway, “both” servers were very nice and friendly, making small talk and also providing recommendations and descriptions of dishes perfectly. They offered to split a shared salad for us at no extra cost and that was AMAZING! Next second course, steak and sides. Everything came out looking and smelling delicious. The ribeye itself was “warm” not quite hot which would have been preferred but regardless it was cooked to temp and was tasty… it even had a bit of char which is my absolute favorite ! The sides (cauliflower au gratin, Mac and cheese and Mexican corn) were large and definitely perfect side for sharing for 2-4 people, depending on appetite. All of them were tasty, my personal fave was the Mexican street corn it was PHENOM! Would 100% recommend that as a side. Last dessert, creme brûlée and peanut butter budino. Both were so satisfying and the perfect ending to a delightful meal. We ended up taking quite a bit of food home, including the budino because we were just so stuffed ! The servers made everything smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend this restaurant and will for sure back to try more options!

Went here for dinner and the place itself is beautiful inside. Many different lights fixtures, the ambiance was great. The temperature was a bit chilly which was odd since it’s not winter out yet, which made it much less cozy than it could have been. The servers seem to work in “teams” which is nice but also doesn’t really mean you get extra or more attention. Unsure of how that works there. Anyway, “both” servers were very nice and friendly, making small talk and also providing recommendations and descriptions of dishes perfectly. They offered to split a shared salad for us at no extra cost and that was AMAZING! Next second course, steak and sides. Everything came out looking and smelling delicious. The ribeye itself was “warm” not quite hot which would have been preferred but regardless it was cooked to temp and was tasty… it even had a bit of char which is my absolute favorite ! The sides (cauliflower au gratin, Mac and cheese and Mexican corn) were large and definitely perfect side for sharing for 2-4 people, depending on appetite. All of them were tasty, my personal fave was the Mexican street corn it was PHENOM! Would 100% recommend that as a side. Last dessert, creme brûlée and peanut butter budino. Both were so satisfying and the perfect ending to a delightful meal. We ended up taking quite a bit of food home, including the budino because we were just so stuffed ! The servers made everything smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend this restaurant and will for sure back to try more options!