Hot Spots > Lark Street - A Hip Albany Neighborhood

Find Shops, Restaurants, Galleries & Night Clubs on Lark!

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Lark Street in Albany is full of life in every season! With countless restaurants, cafes, art galleries, special events and more, this funky arts and entertainment district is a major Albany hotspot.

Located just a short walk from downtown Albany's business district, Lark Street has long been a mix of commercial and residential that is reminiscent of the great and colorful neighborhoods of Manhattan. 19th century brownstones line the streets, many filled with commercial residents who have been there for years, and give the street a decidedly vintage feel. Also lending to that "Greenwich" feel are the cobblestone intersections that remain from the turn-of-the century neighborhood this once was. During the day, residents and nearby workers lunch at cafes, enjoy cocktails, and shop among the eclectic selection of boutiques and stores.

A diverse range of shopping is available, and many storefronts are tucked into basement level shops further lending to their appeal. You can find contemporary art, antiques, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, vintage clothing, flowers, books, and wine - as well as drop in for a tattoo or a piercing.

Restaurants and nightlife on Lark Street are always alive with excitement. If you are hungry, Lark Street offers a wide range of food representing many tastes and nationalities. Congregated here are Tex-Mex, Greek, Thai, Indian, Hunan, Italian and Japanese restaurants as well as many others. As daytime gives way to night, shops close for the day and an eclectic blend of bars and nightclubs take center stage, making this one of Albany's "hot spots". The diversity of clubs reflects the diversity of the neighborhood, appealing to a wide range of ages and lifestyles.

This wonderful and appealing area was losing its sparkle several years ago, when the Lark Street Neighborhood District Management Association formed, commonly known as the Lark Street BID. Their mission is "To build, sustain and enhance a healthy, dynamic and unique living and business community in the heart of Albany."

The Lark Street BID is the driving force behind the annual LarkFest in the Fall -- a much anticipated event. This huge street fair offers a wide array of musical entertainment, food and craft vendors and is the largest one-day open air festival in upstate New York, attracting more than 60,000 participants. Other special events include Art on Lark in June, the BID's annual Champagne on the Park, and various family oriented events.

For a complete schedule of events and activities, visit the Lark Street BID's events calendar.