Revived Washington Tavern sets opening in Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Washington Tavern, located at 250 Western Avenue in Albany, is getting ready to reopen. Owner Justin Schmiemann is expecting to open the tavern on Friday, November 15.

The Washington Tavern property was bought by Schmiemann and John Corallo of J&J Investment Properties around March 2023. They worked to renovate the entire building and are keeping the Washington Tavern name.

The Washington Tavern was sold in 2018 by previous owner Michael Byron after 47 years. Schmiemann said the succeeding owners at that time reopened the tavern until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, after which they stopped food service and reduced its hours until it fully closed.

Ben Levack with Marriott Hotels is also partnering with Schmiemann and Corallo on the project. Levack will be primarily focusing on operating the restaurant and creating the menu, said Schmiemann, which will have American bar food.

“It’s going to be a place you can come with your friends or family and sit down and have a good meal and also watch different sporting events on TV and have a fun time,” said Schmiemann.

It’ll be a more upscale restaurant and bar that it was before, said Schmiemann. The tavern is going to be open for lunch, dinner and late-night.