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Discover Lark Street - A Hip Albany Neighborhood

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.

Lark Street

A Rich History & Greenwich Village Ambiance

Lark Street is often referred to as the "Greenwich Village" of Albany's Capital Region, and if you plan a visit to Albany without visiting Lark Street, then you have indeed missed its friendly and funky urban center.

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.

brownstone buildings

Nineteenth-century brownstones line the streets, many filled with commercial tenants who have been there for years, and give the street a decidedly vintage feel.

Also lending to that Greenwich ambiance 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.

Incredible Shopping & Dining Opportunities

exterior of cafe lark

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, wine, and tattoo parlors.

Discover affordable, local art at Elissa Halloran Designs; pick up a delicious cold brew at Stacks Espresso Bar; and if you're into body art, there's no better place to put your trust in than the reputable Lark Street Tattoo. And we haven't even covered the restaurants yet!

four poke bowls

The Lark Street neighborhood is renowned for the range of global cuisine offered here. Find everything from Tex-Mex to Greek to Thai, Indian, Hunan, and more.

Seeking vegan? Try Subculture Vegan Deli & Provisions. Hawaiian-style poke bowls? Lark Street Poke Bar.  Craving classic pub fare with a retro twist? Head to The Lark Street Tavern, a local institution since 1933, offering house-smoked wings, signature cocktails, and live events nearly every night of the week. With everything from jazz nights and comedy open mics to funky jams and karaoke, it’s more than just a meal, it’s an experience. 

Looking for something to sip? New Scotland Spirits is a must-visit. This veteran-owned tasting room and Prohibition-style speakeasy serves small-batch spirits distilled from 100% New York grains, think rye, wheat, and bourbon whiskies, vodka, gin, and more. Grab a flight, enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail, or pick up a bottle of their renowned Helderberg Whiskey series.

We could go on!

Browse more Lark Street restaurants and businesses »

Always Expanding & Improving

Lark Street window and sign saying welcome

This wonderful and appealing area was losing its sparkle many 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 unique and prosperous living and business community for the residents, visitors, and merchants of the Lark Street Neighborhood of Albany, NY."

Lark Street BID works tirelessly to ensure the entire neighborhood is always growing and is an ideal place to work, live, and play.

Art on Lark

In a typical year Lark Street is home to several of Albany's annual events, most notably Art on Lark that usually takes place in summer and highlights talented local painters, photographers, jewelers, and more.

art vendor at art on lark

See more Lark Street events >>

Support the Lark Street BID and all the exceptional businesses and lively events that call this section of Albany home by checking out everything this eclectic neighborhood has to offer!

Get directions to Lark Street >>

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About the Author: Emma Ryan Emma is from Nanuet, NY, and loves thrifting, crocheting with upcycled materials, and exploring farmers' markets. She enjoys visiting Upstate towns like Hudson and Saratoga, and sharing sustainable spots, local events, and creative hidden gems across the region.
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