Located in the political epicenter of the State of New York, The War Room Tavern will embrace the culture, cuisine, and political history of New York in a chic and upscale restaurant. Built into a 1890s-era brownstone located in the shadow of the historic Capitol building, the War Room has been dubbed the “Planet Hollywood of State Politics.”

Using memorabilia, icons, symbols, and artifacts from political campaigns of the past, The War Room Tavern displays a shoulder mount of a 2,000 lb. Bull Moose – a nod to the iconic Governor and President of the United States, Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. The “Bull Moose” famously served as the symbol of the Roosevelt-founded political party, used during his pursuit of the White House at the 1912 Republican Convention.

Guests will enjoy an upscale atmosphere located just 500 feet from the New York State Capitol, where legislative matters are being considered and voted upon by the State’s 213 elected Senators and Assembly Members. The War Room is located within feet of the Albany Capital Center – the City of Albany’s convention center – which hosts many professional events. Also nearby is Albany’s prestigious Renaissance Hotel, “The Egg,” Legislative Office Buildings, the New York State Court of Appeals, the MVP Arena, and various other buildings that are home to the State’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

The War Room Tavern will feature menu options including steak, sushi, and comfort foods, while also many of the favored dishes of the State’s past and present political leadership. Personal recipes of notable officials like Govs. Kathy Hochul, George Pataki, Mario Cuomo, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams will be prominently displayed on the menu and served to tourists, visitors, as well as New York State employees. The menu will also feature family recipes of New York State Governors and Presidents of the United States, from the Empire Stae.
Menu creation is being assisted by former chefs from The Governor’s Mansion, during various prior gubernatorial administrations.

The War Room employs expert Japanese chefs for table nights, offering an Omakase-style sushi menu, one of the only fine-dining sushi restaurants in the Capital Region.

The ambiance in The War Room will be modeled off similar establishments located throughout the nation’s various political hubs, including those in Washington, D.C. Founded for patrons of all political persuasions, the imagery and artwork will display works of political organizations including Democrat, Republican, Conservative, Progressive, and Liberal. An authentic voting machine, circa 1939, is prominently located in the dining room alongside artwork by Hy Rosen, the award-winning political cartoonist.

The event space will play host to various gatherings and special events, including but not limited to, book signings, political fundraisers, and legislative breakfasts.

Formerly known as “The Public House 42,” the establishment was considered a mainstay for New York State government employees. The four-floor structure will be home to a speakeasy-type bar, dining room, and private event space.

The War Room will proudly accept donations of political signage, campaign buttons, and photos from local leaders, future patrons, and other campaign staff. The restaurants and lounge intend to preserve these iconic symbols of political history for the ages.

The City of Albany and the New York State Capital region was recently named by U.S. News and World Report as the best place to live in New York and the 21st best place to live in the United States, citing an analysis of many factors, including its proximity to desirable tourist destinations, employment opportunities, the city’s architecture, and various quality of life data.

Hours of Operation:
The Albany War Room will be open for lunch and dinner on weekdays, as well as Saturdays and Sundays. The restaurant can seat approximately 55 guests, with high-top tables, and barstools dining tables in the basement level restaurant.

For reservations, guests are encouraged to email reservations@sasoatalbanywarroom.com.