The name Loch & Quay (pronounced lock and key 🔐 ) is an homage to a bar in Ireland that Frank used to frequent when he lived in Galway, named The Quays, as well as nearby Quay street where I-787 now stands. Previous iterations of 414 Broadway were Franklin’s Tower (2004-2014), Plaza Grill prior to that, and Union Lunch in the prohibition era. The building itself was constructed in 1819 across from the D&H Building (Delaware & Hudson Railway), now occupied by SUNY. After the repeal of Prohibition there was a high demand for bars to be built; who better than cabinet makers to take up the task? George Spalt & Sons at 904 Broadway (now the location of The Copper Crow) took up the task with our Streamline Moderne Art Deco bar in 1937.
The wainscoting along the walls were built using wood reclaimed from the old booths that once flanked the back room. Our tabletops at each banquette are the same tables from those booths, but have been sanded & re-stained. The floors, tin ceilings & lights are all original to the building. The side entry door, and Dutch-style kitchen doors were procured from Historic Albany Foundation on Lexington Avenue. The window in the vestibule used to live where the “new” side door now resides. Much of the shelving was created using mahogany salvaged from the Albany-produced Boardman & Gray piano that used to be on the 2nd floor. Our old Hedrick’s beer neon greets you from above as you enter – a tip of the hat to Albany’s beer-brewing past.
We’re situated in downtown Albany on the corner of Broadway & Beaver (a hop skip and a jump from the MVP Arena). The 24′ mahogany bar comfortably seats 18 patrons, with 12 tables available inside, and 8 more out on the patio April-October. Fourteen draught beers (no crap on tap), plenty of bottles and cans (domestic & craft), as well as wine (discounted on Wednesdays), liquor, and cocktails. Our galley kitchen can accommodate those who’d like to grab a quick bite, Monday through Saturday.
Check out our space here!
