Maggie's Sports Bar & Café
Albany, NY

Luck Be A Lady...

    1994 was a lucky year; George Foreman regained his Heavyweight Champ title by knocking out Michael Moorer. The Ranger won the Stanley Cup after 54 years. While Maggie Smith and Joe Natale won on a Pick 6 Ticket at Saratoga Race track, Lets just say between Maggie, Joe and their third partner, the IRS, they all went home up for the day. But it takes more than luck and money to make it in the restaurant business and Maggie Smith certainly has the reputation to prove it.

    As owner of Maggie’s Sports Bar & Café located 1186 Western Avenue in Albany, New York, Smith has started a new chapter in her restaurateur career by giving her establishment a new look and a new name. In true “Maggie’s” fashion, Smith continues to cater to her customers needs and upgraded the location to feature high-definition LCD televisions, a beautifully crafted mahogany-topped bar, chic color schemes and comfortably inviting seating. Basically, this is the perfect spot to stop in to catch the game, bring your clients to lunch and even throw your next office party at.

    Smith started in the business at 17 while working as a waitress at the Bleeker. An old Albany favorite, the Bleeker attracted many locals, politicians, lawyers and businessmen. “A friend of mine worked there at the time and got me a job,” says Smith. “I Loved it. It’s nice having money in your pocket every day.” The Bleeker treated Smith well and it was here that she honed her skills that have made her well-loved in the industry. But for a short time she left the industry that defined her to become a stay at home mom. The business was in her blood and when her children went to school, Maggie jumped back in the game. Louie Alteri was able to land the free agent and Alteri’s in Delmar became home for the next ten year. Her next stop was a seven year tour at Mona Lisa’s on Central Avenue in Albany. (Currently Appletini’s) But when Mona Lisa’s closed, it was Kevin Klein and Ralph Grazino from Garlic John’s that made her a management offer. Over the next four years Maggie implemented her people skills and her ever growing knowledge to build Garlic John’s to a community staple. Then, as luck would have it, she took a day off and went to Saratoga with some friends.

    Luck certainly was a lady for Maggie in summer of 1994 when she hit the jackpot with a winning Pick 6 ticket at the track that gave her the opportunity to move from the floor to the front office as she bought Garlic John’s. The restaurant received rave reviews from locals and proudly boasted a popular Italian-inspired menu. In 1999, Rite Aid purchased the building from Smith and she moved the business to its present location on Western Avenue. The former Son’s Tavern served as a great central spot for area college students, businesses and State workers to gather and enjoy fine food and drink in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

    Business kept progressing and the customers kept coming. But as fate would have it, a fire in the basement in early November of 2006 looked like it might bring Smith’s run of great luck to an end. Over the next few months her insurance company moved quickly, but her bank at the time fought her tooth and nail. After a couple phone calls and securing a new bank, Maggie had her sights set on her next business venture. “If it wasn’t for Glen and Tara at SEFCU, none of this would ever have happened. I mean they were great!” Now the easy part of renovating the building, revamping the atmosphere, changing her menu and taking advantage of her location and the surging sports programs of the local colleges. When asked how she feels the changes turned out, Smith said, “It’s nice to be back at work. 10 months being closed was tough. The regulars seem to really like the changes and we really accomplished what we set out to do.”

    Maggie’s has a full schedule of specialty nights featuring all the college and the NFL Sunday Ticket. If you like your music Live and Loud, check out the karaoke on Friday nights and live music on Saturdays will begin soon. Of course, you can't forget trivia which will be starting in October on Wednesdays. All the walls in the bar area and rec-room sport/brand new flat screen LCD TVs, perfectly placed to watch all the games in high definition. 

    The menu features an array of classic pub food from a unique version of fried calamari and stuffed mushrooms to signature specialty sandwiches such as roast turkey or grilled eggplant to outstanding entrees like balsamic glazed chicken or my personal favorite her cioppino dish, wow! The bar staff also boasts well known bartenders from the Capital District as Corine and Jenniffer meet your needs at night, Jody brings an established following during the day. And don’t forget about Katie and Amanda as they serve up the culinary sensations and cocktails while you enjoy the game.

    This is not your typical gin mill or even your average sports bar. With a world class menu, a staff that is really knowledgeable and an owner willing to go the extra mile for her customers, Maggie’s Café has distinguished itself from the pack as a clear favorite. “We’re known for our great food and fun drinks,” says Smith. “I keep it simple by catering to everyone’s needs as much as possible. I love this business and really enjoy what I do.” 1994 might have been a lucky year for Maggie Smith but it looks like 2007 is shaping up to be just as lucky. Stop in for a drink, grab something off the delicious menu and don’t forget to raise your glass to good luck. It might just rub off on you.